Review: Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Peeps *****

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Sci Fi/Horror

Audience: For those who love a book that will constantly keep you guessing. A fast paced thrill that may make your skin crawl. Lovers of dark, horror fantasy will enjoy this novel. And those who love science.

Content:

Ok let's clear some myths about vampires.

First of all, you won't see me using the V-word much. In the Night Watch, we prefer the term parasite positive, or peeps, for short.

The main thing to remember is there's no magic involved. No flying. Humans don't have hollow bones or wings - the disease doesn't change that. No transforming into bas or rats either. It's impossible to turn into something much smaller than yourself - where would the extra mass go?

Follow Cal on a scientific adventure through the underbelly of New York City. Cal, a freshman in college, learns very quickly after a one night stand in New York City that there is something quite special about him. Unfortunately for Cal, loosing his virginity changed his life. Cal is now a carrier of the parasite which changes people into vampire-like creatures or Peeps. Luckily for Cal, he is a carrier; All the super human abilities but none of the flesh eating madness. Cal's job is to find these crazed Peeps and bring them in to the special organization known as the Night Watch. But what does Cal do when a young journalism student stumbles onto his work? How can Cal find his progenitor, his source, to stop the parasite? And what is that horrible smell lurking in the basement of Lace's apartment building?

Opinion:

I don't normally review the young adult novels I read but this one was so good I needed to tell you all about it. Honestly, if you wave away young adult novels, saying they are too young for you, then you are missing out on a lot of amazing literature. Scott Westerfeld is better known for the Uglies series. I have so far read two books in that series, Uglies and Pretties, but found myself rather bored with Pretties. However, I love his writing. His characters are so real and his dialogue is so well crafted you think you are listening in on an actual conversation. So I wanted to give one of his other books a try. My friend, the young adult enthusiast, suggested Peeps.

And I am so glad she did.

Peeps is by far one of the best books I have read. Even if you don't like sci fi I would highly suggest this book. Honestly, its more science based then sci fi. The book centers around the idea of this ancient parasite that makes people appear like vampires (And was actually the source of the myth of the vampire). They don't run around sucking blood or anything but they do kill anything they can for meat. The parasite loves meat. We see the underbelly of New York City through the eyes of 19 year old Cal who found out after his first week in New York City that condoms really are your best friend. Contracting the parasite from a lover, he later learns that he too spread the parasite to girlfriends he had after this woman (It transfers through saliva as well). The story picks up when Cal meets Lace, a journalism student, who figures out pretty quickly that something is not right. The interaction between these two characters is priceless. They are hilarious together and so real. Cal himself is rather charming and you feel for him right away. You want to be his friend and you definitely care what happens to him.

One of the charming parts of this book is that before every chapter there is a page about a parasite. You get to learn what all different kinds of parasites can do. If you are squeamish I suggest skipping these pages. They can be a bit graphic. Not for the faint of heart.

Pick it up, give it a try. Its an amazing book.

If you like this you may like: - Tithe - Holly Black, Brave New World - Adolph Huxley, 1984 - Orwell, Uglies - Scott Westerfeld, AIr - G. Willow Wilson