Michael Nayak’s *Symbiote* is a trainwreck of unoriginality and regressive stereotypes. The forgettable characters—especially women—are reduced to one-dimensional patriarchal caricatures, framed as vapid beings obsessed with sex. The plot shamelessly cribs from John Carpenter’s The Thing, lacking even a veneer of originality. Pseudoscientific babble about the organism’s evolution reads like lazy guesswork, undermining any credibility. Painfully predictable twists and sluggish pacing compound the agony. This book desperately needed rigorous beta *and* sensitivity readers to curb its plagiarism, sexism, and incoherence. A derivative, offensive slog that insults both sci-fi fans and basic storytelling principles.

In 2028, World War III is raging, but in Antarctica, a team of American scientists are largely unaffected. Then, a small group of Chinese scientists arrive, and suddenly, chaos ensues. People begin dying, and rapidly, along with generalized violence, they find they have to constantly discover new ways to survive and pivot quickly.

Symbiote is interesting in that it really didn't have a main character. The story revolves around the entire team as a whole, and as characters dwindle, there are less perspectives to swing between. I will say, though, that because there are so many viewpoints, the reader doesn't get to know any of the characters particularly well, and I really didn't find any of them to be all too likeable.

One thing that honestly bothered me was how sexually liberal the women of the team were. Now, we listen and we don't judge, right? But, in this situation, I'm not judging the characters, I'm judging the author, at least a little bit. There were only 3-4 women and all of them were so similar I had a hard time differentiating between them. None of them had just one partner, or were single, all of them were with two, or broke up with one for another, etc. It was like he had a canned version of what a woman is and gave that stereotype to all of his female characters. That definitely could have been better.

I listened to the audiobook for this Sci-fi thriller, and I'm glad that I did. It was fast-paced, and the storyline didn't slow. I've read several sci-fi books that take place in the artic, and although I am not a fan of snow myself, I keep going back for more. There's just something eerie enough about the landscape and setting that continue to hold my interest.

Overall I had fun, and this was a quick listen. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.

I did not finish this book. I made it to 12% before realizing there was absolutely no reason to keep going.

The audiobook narration was not great. With so many POVs, I expected some level of vocal distinction, but the narrator’s range was too flat and uninspired to make any character stand out. Worse, the vocal inflections used for the parasite’s personification were excruciating—grating, unpleasant, and actively painful to listen to. That alone would have made for a rough experience, but unfortunately, the story itself was even worse.

The premise had potential, but the execution was pure, unfiltered, 1980s dude-bro cringe. The women in this book exist only in relation to the male POV characters—defined entirely by their sexual availability. Meanwhile, the men spend a bizarre amount of time thinking about their genitalia, even while dealing with a violent, claustrophobic rage plague. It was honestly embarrassing to read. I could tell early on that this was one of those books, where the male gaze is so aggressively present that it sucks the life out of everything else. A quick glance at spoiler-free reviews only confirmed my suspicions.

At 12%, I had seen enough. Thanks, but no thanks.

I thought the plot was interesting enough, but I don't feel the narrator did any justice to this story. I found him difficult to pay attention to, which is a shame! I will try to physically read this book and see if it's a better read that way.

<b>3.5</b>

I did really enjoy the first 75% of this book. It was well written and capativating sci-fi thriller with interesting science. It did a decent job of developing characters despite having multiple PoVs.

I found the ending of this pretty dissapointing. It jumped around and alot of the characters ends did not feel earnt or satisfying.

A got a free copy in exchange for review.

Narrated by Paul Bellantoni
Presented by Dreamscape Media

Big Venom fan here, so you call your book Symbiote and I'm gonna pay attention!

There's a virus spreading through Antarctica, and it's infecting people with murderous rage and inhuman strength.

The setup here was perfect - remote location with just enough characters that you know a decent number of them are going to die horribly. The threat of the cold lurking behind all the chaos the virus causes, and character dynamics, add some interesting plot points.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The suspense was meted out well and the story moved at a decent pace. We get a few different viewpoints to keep things interesting, and there are a lot of Venom-esque interjections throughout to add an extra creep factor.

I'm very curious as to how this story looks on the page, because the narrator did a brilliant job of defining those crazy symbiote asides and I wonder if it would translate as well on the physical page or if all the parentheses would drive me mad. It feels very much like a Marvel Venom story, without the 'protect the innocents' bit to make the symbiote likeable. I love Venom, so I enjoyed it a lot, but it does also feel a little too close to ripping off the character.

Towards the second half of the book, it was starting to feel like things should have already wrapped up and so it began to drag. I found my thoughts drifting a bit and even though there were still some really cool moments, ultimately I was waiting for it to finish.

The narrator had his work cut out for him with all the different voices and possessions and things and did an absolutely brilliant job of it. Some of the characters sounded a bit the same, but the different tones he used to convey the interjections and things was perfect. I'd happily trust this narrator again.

On the whole, it was an enjoyable read that was a steady 4-star until the last third or so of the book.

I'd recommend this one for horror fans and Venom fans alike.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

I am new to the thriller category, so this review is from a novice. Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy.

A contagion thriller story set in South Pole as the world is at war. A team of researches are infected slowly and steadily. This is a great suspenseful read, as there are twists and turns every chapter as they fight to survive.

This will contain spoilers, as I’m not sure how to write an honest review without sharing some details.

The bio virus essentially turns people into horny demons. It’s twisted and dark and definitely not for everyone. It seems like sex is on every persons mind and bio virus amplifies that. Thankfully there’s no rape. The audio book narrator does a fantastic job distinguishing between character and virus and voice change though.

My main critique is that we don’t get to know the characters very well beyond a brief introduction. It’s more told from the perspective of the bio virus as a character and those trying to understand and survive.

I wanted to DNF this but didn’t…

I listened to the audiobook version and the voices were pretty bad. It really made every part of the book feel cheesier than it already was. I’ve read quite a few books with a similar premise and this was definitely the worst of them.

Think book did a very good job of creating a sense of claustrophobia and suspense, and the world-building was decent. However, I couldn’t get through it, which is a shame since I am a huge sci fi fan reader and fan of The Thing (however I think it’s more fair to characterize this book as horror, as there was not enough science to qualify as sci fi). Unfortunately, the sexual and resentful overtones towards women completely took me out of that world and dispelled the tension and intrigue necessary for a successful horror book. The gratuitous sex and utter lack of any developed female character were distracting. The unlikeable male characters were distracting. And I’m not opposed to unlikeable characters — in fact, I can like them a lot if they serve as social commentary or aid in the development of other characters. None of that tactfulness or intention was present here. It seems that maybe it was more fun to write these characters than read them.

Symbiote is a sci fi horror that comes alive through the audiobook. The narrator does not simply narrate, instead it’s a performance.
The plot provides plenty of high tension in a harsh landscape, which I enjoyed. There was a detachment from the characters who I felt lacked real distinction - but not sure if this was on purpose as the story is set in such a vast expanse and the people there are so small and insignificant within this. The characters overall are not particularly likeable, that didn’t affect my reading but others may dislike this is a book.
I would say the writing seems to be inspired by Stephen King, that slight unhinged edge and use of words and phrases just felt very King like.
I think if people have enjoyed the walking dead, true detective (Alaska season), the last of us then they would enjoy this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

2.5 that I'm rounding up because the narrator absolutely gives his all to this performance in a way that redeems it in places, but also ends up so reminiscent of Tom Hardy's Venom voice that one can't help but recall it and make assumptions about the nature of the symbiote and where it all is going.

As a horror plot, this has some really stellar moments. There are a few points where you truly aren't sure how anyone will pull through, and that tension remains throughout the book as everyone tries to figure out what is happening and how to stay safe. You also get a sense of how isolated and lonely and mentally draining it would be to winter over in Antarctica.

However, where it falls apart for me is the characters. It's most egregious with the female characters, who don't have a personality trait beyond their attractiveness, but the male characters also get one personality trait that is often tied to their appearance, and we never really move away from that. Even when the PoV shifts to different characters, there's not a good sense of how these characters are actually different, very much less what actually drew them to the pole or is driving them to make it to the summer. This means we don't get attached to any of the characters, so when people start dying, especially in numbers, it all feels a little flat. All of the tension comes from figuring out the microbes, and very little, until the end, is actually from any human interplay.

Also the amount of times I cringed at a description of a female character cannot be ignored - it's just lazy even beyond its disgusting trend. I also don't know how great of a shorthand it is for all of your male characters to get erections when they feel powerful.

This is a horror novel set at the southern end of our world, at the US and Chinese scientific research centers at the South Pole. Something is causing people to feel too warm inside and to venture out where it is 65 degrees below zero. This sci-fi mystery has a unique setting and interesting characters. The scientists must figure out what is causing some of them to “go off” and how to save their work, save the base, and keep themselves alive until the sun returns and they can be rescued.
If you liked the most recent season of True Detective (set in Alaska), and/or The Last of Us, you will enjoy this thriller. I don’t typically like horror at all, but I did like those shows and found the audiobook of Symbiote very gripping. The narration hit the right menacing notes, especially towards the end. I got lost a little in the US vs China stuff, and the mentions of Russia still recovering from their war with Ukraine, but this book is set in 2038 or something, so not sure what the author decided was happening outside of the South Pole….the story still worked without much explanation, given America’s and China’s histories.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Symbiote for review purposes. Publication date is 4 March 2025.

Symbiote by Michael Nayak is a fast-paced thriller/horror sci fi and while it was entertaining, I don't know if I can recommend this one to everyone.

The setting at the South Pole sets a creepy scene, and the premise of a parasite activated by extreme cold is an interesting one. This was fast-paced and a quick read, with its horror moments as the best part.

I will admit I wanted to put this book down early on. None of the characters are likable, so I did not particularly care about their personal struggles or survival. I'm also not normally one to notice or care about excessive cursing in books, but Symbiote had an almost ridiculous amount. And as other reviewers mentioned, there is a huge focus on sex to an uncomfortable level.

I think that readers will enjoy Symbiote if they like techno-thrillers but prefer more action and horror than science and can look past the stereotypes portrayed in the characters and their actions.

I did enjoy the audiobook, and the narrator's distinctive voice for the parasite added a level of immersion (think Marvel's Venom films).

2.75 stars, rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

While I consider myself a scaredy cat and squint while looking at the more gruesome scenes in movies like Prey or Alien with my husband, I've recently discovered a taste for slight horror books. This one in particular felt like it was light on the body horror di heavy on the action scenes as well as the political commentary on how a ww3 might start or develop.

Just the ticket for a gory fun time!
Thank you Dreamsscape Media and Netgalley for this ALC.

Okay, I really liked the concept of this story, but it is a very long-winded story, in my opinion. I feel like quite a bit could have been cut out during the editing phase.

However, I am glad I listened to the story. It is unique and different. I love the location it takes place in, as well. Overall, a good story that is overdone with wordiness.

#NetGalley #Symbiote

I have applied a couple of times to work in Antarctica. If something causes the staff to start killing each other I'm glad I didn't get accepted. Or if it is 50% as messy, I'm too tired for that in real life.

"Symbiote" takes places in WWIII, in an uncomfortably close future. Happy to not be in the crossfire the staff is surprised with scientists from the Chinese base make the nearly impossible trek to the US base. Something has killed their staff and made an art exhibit of the second truck with them. Unbeknownst to them they have brought in something. Something that thrives in the cold. Something that changes people. And it is evolving.

Reasons to read:
-Wild interpersonal drama taken to the extremes
-Workplace feuds blow up to insane levels
-Use of the Antarctic base as a setting done well
-Clashing evolution
-Geopolitical bs that isn't happening to us in reality

Cons:
-Yea... They would do that if they could

Symbiote by Michael Nayak was generally a great book. While parasitic contagions that turn humans into murderers is not a new concept in Science Fiction and Horror, having a sentient contagion with the capability to quickly evolve to it's environment is relatively new, and this is what drew me to this book. The body violence and gore in the writing is very effective and visceral, and thus well executed.

Unfortunately, this book has major two flaws that I believe will impact its popularity. First, the main character and almost all males characters are written in the voice of the stereotypical "man's man" voice. The women are described using language that emphasizes their looks and not their capabilities, And even the consensual sexual encounters in this book are described using violent and cringy manners that will turn away a lot of potential readers. The second flaw is that the narrator, Paul Bellantoni does not appear to have a wide enough range for engaging and varied female characters. For these two reasons, the book looses both stars.

Thank you Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape Lore, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the advanced review copy of his book. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3 Stars
Book Pub Date: Feb 11 2025
Audio Pub Date: Pub Date Mar 04 2025

#Symbiote #NetGalley
@DreamscapeAudio
@angryrobotbooks

Contagion meets The Walking Dead in this new sci-fi thriller where a biological threat ravages scientists and military personnel at the South Pole.
This was a mind-bending, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat, violent, crazy thriller.

2028. The U.S. and China wage war, but there is still a peace treaty at the end of the world at the ice-bound Amundsen-Scott Station in Antarctica where a U.S. research team is preparing for four months of complete darkness. Then a desperate Chinese convoy turns up with three scientists and one mutilated body, Antarctica’s first murder.
From there, things quickly dissolve into madness, violence, and a fast-mutating microbe that thrives in the cold and controls its hosts’ minds.

This book plays on that cold creeping feeling. On the isolation and loneliness and a parasite that thrives on suspicion, on turning people against each other. Easy enough in a confined facility with limited outside contact, hierarchies, high emotions, and sexual tension.

<b>The anxiety of realizing how isolated they are from help. The inescapable feeling that they are trapped, backs to a cliff, being edged implacably toward the edge; a chess game they didn’t know they were playing, but are losing. Ice-cold hands curling implacably around his throat.
</b>
I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy this as there were so many characters and facts thrown at you at the start, but this does become more character focused, centring on the only military personnel on the station, Rajan.

It does jump between other perspectives and even the microbe and past articles, outside communications. This keeps you on your toes as you see the situation from every perspective possible but keeping you grounded with Rajan as the protagonist.

<b>The male ego was the bedrock of the patriarchy, but a girl could throw a saddle on that stallion and ride it to her own benefit, given the right circumstances.
</b>
The ending demonstrates horror at both an invading species and humanity’s capacity for selfishness, survival, and choices.

WARNING: This is not a standalone! However, I do think you can feel satisfied reading this alone or continuing if? when? the next book does release!

If you enjoyed Ascension by Nicholas Binge, I would recommend this or vice versa!

Thank you to Angry Robit for sending me a physical arc in exchange for a review!

Why, why, WHY to male horror writers so often fall prey to the Stephen King effect? I have written entire reviews about my theory of the SKE, but it boils down to the fact that men who write horror want to emulate him because he is the "modern day god of horror," but his treatment of female characters is abysmal...and so new horror novels perpetuate that treatment, and we are stuck in a depressing circle of casual chauvinism. We need to do better.

Every time a woman is introduced in this book, it is through the male gaze and not in a good way. No descriptions of their intellect or personality - just their looks and how bangable they are. I am so sick of horror writers doing this. It's beyond frustrating. As a woman who enjoys reading horror books, I want to read books in which women are human beings, not just sex objects.