"Viral Nation" by Shaunta Grimes is a dystopian novel that explores themes of survival, identity, and societal control in a post-apocalyptic world.

When a worldwide virus hit when Clover was a baby, it killed a lot of people, including her mother. Clover is now a brilliant, autistic 16-year-old, and the country is ruled by the Company and inside the walled city Clover lives in, regular vaccinations are required for everyone. Clover hopes to get into the prestigious Waverly-Stead Academy, but they won’t allow her service dog, Mango. She finds herself in a covert program that involves time travel. She is also recruited into a group of rebellious young people looking for a change.

I liked the dystopian set up and the characters. The pacing is quick enough. I can’t tell if this is supposed to be a YA novel, but it’s certainly suitable enough

*Viral Nation* by Shaunta Grimes is a gripping dystopian YA novel set in a future where a deadly virus has ravaged the world, and society is under the control of a powerful government. The story follows the protagonist, Clover, a teenager living in a society divided by a strict social structure and constant surveillance. Clover is selected for a special program that sends her to work on a mission that could change the course of her world, but as she navigates this dangerous new reality, she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew.

Grimes’s writing is fast-paced and immersive, with a well-developed world that feels both futuristic and eerily familiar. The novel explores themes of control, freedom, and survival, and Clover is a strong, resourceful protagonist who’s easy to root for. The plot is filled with twists and turns, and the tension between the oppressive regime and the resistance adds layers of intrigue and suspense.

*Viral Nation* is a solid choice for fans of dystopian fiction who enjoy a mix of action, adventure, and social commentary. While some elements of the plot may feel familiar, Grimes's unique voice and well-crafted world-building make it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Viral Nation
By Shaunta Grimes
July 2, 2013

The world changed after a virus destroyed nearly the whole population. With Clover having a disability West, her brother and caregiver have his hands full.

I love post-apocalyptic type books and this one was no exception. I loved that Clover was autistic. We need more representation in books, even if it’s a fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not my cup of tea.

I didn't connect with the writing style, the protagonaist or the story. It did start off in a way that me intrigued, a dystopian setting and an autistic protagonist, but it failed to retain my interest.

I really liked this story. It was full of action and the plot was full of drama and action. I would recommend this book to everyone

Great premise, good execution. Story flowed easily, it never dragged and I read it in one sitting.

Just wow! I’m a lover of the dystopian genre and I really loved Viral Nation. What a fast paced, complicated and riveting read!


Let me start by telling you how hesitant I was to read this book, I wasn’t sure that I would understand the mindset of an autistic character, but I need to worry as Ms. Grimes is a master of characterization. Clover is brilliant, and has autism. She has dreamed all her life going to the Academy, but during her interview, something goes wrong and she is send to the ‘Company’. Clover’s character is fascinating to read about. The inner workings of her mind and her triggers and difficulties are understandable and part of her. Believe me when I tell you that her condition is in no way a disability. Mango is Clover’s dog and he’s been trained to help her.


West is so good. He has sacrificed a lot to keep Clover stable and safe, and although he might resent it a little bit, I think he resents more his dad for leaving them on their own. West is really smart, loyal, a natural leader, and very loving. I really admire him for what he did and still does for his neighbor, and almost mother Mrs. Finch, for his friend Isaiah, for Clover and even for Bridget.


Now, let me introduce you to the Freaks; that’s what they call themselves in the book, really! Jude is great and I hope he grows to be an asset to the revolution. Phire, Emmy, Christopher, Geena and Marta round up the rest of the Freaks, with the exception of Bridget, which accidently falls in with this bunch.

Ned Waverly is plain crazy, all I’m saying.


James, West and Clover father is haunted by a decision from his past that crippled him as a father. I really can understand his pain, BUT is just not right to leave his children to suffer because of it.


The plot is complicated, a tale of domination of the ‘Company’ after a host of natural disasters and disease. What they did to the surviving population and most of all, the children was despicable, and I’ll stop there because I don’t want to spoil it for you. I really can’t understand how the world turned out to be so messed up in such a short period of time! To add to the overall confusion of the characters, is the brilliant addition of time travel through a portal that looks two years into the future. The story is enveloped in a sense of mystery and suspense that had me reading non-stop until I reached the ending. This causes all sort of confusion of what was and what will be as time loops develop quite often. The story is told in the third person, from James, West and Clover’s points of view. This gives us a clear outlook of what all the characters are going through at different points of the story, especially when the characters are not together. The writing is really good, flows freely and it’s easy to read.


Overall, Viral Nation is a great addition of the YA dystopian genre, one full of twists and turns and a testament to Ms. Grimes imagination. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and see what’s in store for the Freaks!

I read the book and the second one 3 and 4 years ago almost. I really didn't enjoy the series so i decided not to give it a review. Thank you

Since receiving this book, my interests have changed therefore I will not be reading or reviewing this title. Thank you.