"Predators of Darkness: Aftermath" by Leonard D. Hilley II

From Goodreads: "Fear What Lurks In The Shadows

 The desolate streets of downtown Pittsburgh in 2073 are a reminder of the missile attack that forever changed the lives of the surviving scientists and students hidden in the fallout shelter of Helmsby's Genetic Research Center. Believing themselves to be the only survivors, they station themselves inside the center until food supplies near depletion. Thinking the fallout has lessened, they emerge three years later to discover strange creatures patrolling the streets in search of human flesh and blood. The creatures possess the ability to shift their genomes and alter their appearances by realigning their genetic sequences. Daniel Hutchinson, their leader, teams with Lucas Ridale and together they set out to scavenge the area for food and supplies with the hope to find other survivors. But Daniel's most recent journey uncovers mysteries more frightening than the shifters. He discovers the tip of Pittsburgh has been fenced off from the rest of the area. Low-flying helicopters observe the streets, making him ponder the question: Were the shifters released as simply part of a military experiment with humans being their prey?"  

When I first started reading this book I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with it because it was so far removed from what I typically read (YA UF/ PNR) and I seriously considered not finishing it. However, I decided to press on (because I hate to not finish a book) and as I delved deeper into the book, I found myself enjoying the book more and more and I could only shake my head at my earlier ridiculousness. This is not only the best dystopian/ sci-fi-ish book that I have read before, but also one of the most original. 

You would think that there would be too much going on this in book- from shifters to clones to a Gollum-like creature to corrupt military personnel- but there really isn't. There wasn't any point in this book that I thought to myself, "Gosh, he really did include the kitchen sink didn't he?" The world building in this book is impeccable, as is the character development, and after reading it and thinking about all of the different layers Leonard wrote, well, my mind is blown. Furthermore, because the book is so fast-paced you are truly kept on the edge of your seat while reading this book and you cannot help but want to consume it all in one sitting. 

This book has totally made me a hardcore sci-fi convert and I find that to be so astounding because, as previously mentioned, I was previously a strict YA PNR/ UF reader. What this shows is that Leonard is a literary genius and that he is able to bridge the gap between seemingly opposite or unrelated genres.  I think that if "Æon Flux", the "Resident Evil" films, and "Shade's Children" by Garth Nix were to have a child, this would book would be the result.

Rating: 10/10

I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not compensated in any way for my review.