Title: London Eye (Toxic City #1)

Author: Tim Lebbon

Publisher: Pyr 2012

Genre: SciFi - Dystopian

Pages: 228

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: SubGenre - Horror, Scifi; New Author; Library; Eclectic - Urban Fantasy

How I Got It: Library Loan

Two years after London is struck by a devastating terrorist attack, it is cut off from the world, protected by a military force known as Choppers. The rest of Britain believes that the city is now a toxic, uninhabited wasteland.

But Jack and his friends—some of whom lost family on what has become known as Doomsday—know that the reality is very different. At great risk, they have been gathering evidence about what is really happening in London—and it is incredible.

Because the handful of London's survivors are changing. Developing strange, fantastic powers. Evolving.

Upon discovering that his mother is still alive inside London, Jack, his sister, and their three friends sneak into a city in ruins. Vast swathes have been bombed flat. Choppers cruise the streets, looking for survivors to experiment upon. The toxic city is filled with wonders and dangers that will challenge Jack and his friends... and perhaps kill them. But Jack knows that the truth must be revealed to the outside world or every survivor will die.

I had some reservations about this book after reading some of the Goodreads reviews.  And I admit it wasn't amazing, but it has great potential.  I was only halfway in the characters and storyline until we got into Toxic London.  With the first encounters of the Barrens, I was hooked.  I love the idea of a virus that gives some people extra abilities.  Once humanity acquires abilities, how do we deal?  I think the politics and struggle between the Superiors, Irregulars, and Choppers is the most interesting aspect to this book.  I am tempted to read the other books in the series (once they are released) just to see where the struggle ends.  The characters themselves aren't that well defined.  Thank goodness the story kept me interested.

Toxic City

• 1. London Eye
• 2. Reaper's Legacy
• 3. Contagion