The Fireman by Joe Hill

   A mystery virus is causing people to mysteriously burst into flames. Coated with tell-tale shimmering patterns of black and gold on their skin called Dragonscale, the afflicted have normally been quarantined. But with governments in shambles, cities burning out of control, and resources getting scarcer by the day, it's now  standing order to shoot on sight those suffering from the Dragonscale.
    Harper, a young nurse obsessed with Mary Poppins, makes a pact with her controlling husband that should they develop the Dragonscale, they'll consume some Ambien and wine and drift off into a permanent sleep. It seems that they're well on their way to that plan when Harper begins to show signs of the virus after the hospital she works at burns to the ground. But when Harper finds that she is now pregnant, the nurse is more determined that ever to survive. Harper's Dragonscale seems to have an turned her husband into a hypochondriac, whose convinced that he is slowly burning alive. Yet, the hubby isn't showing any signs on the Dragonscale on his body, but he's slowly loosing his grasp on reality.  
     In a drunken rage, Harper's husband comes home with a gun, blaming her for his impending doom. Harper's husband chases her off into the woods and when she breaks her ankle, it looks like her spouse will finally implement his murder-suicide plan. Thankfully, Harper is intercepted by a fireman offering to take her somewhere safe.
     The Fireman in question is one part man/ one part urban legend. He's seen trolling the fiery ruins of Harper's community seeking out victims. But he also has the Dragonscale and has been seen bursting in flames. Only, this inflicted patient of the 'Scale' also seems to be able to control the flames that lick his body, nor does he seem to be burned by them. Is the Fireman Harper's savior or is he a monster in disguise responsible for sending her to the nurse ultimate demise?
     
    I first became aware of Joe Hill from his epic Locke & Key horror series published by IDW Publishing. That very graphic comic series made me a fan. When I found out a couple of months ago about the release date of this book,  it immediately went on my wish list.
    At just about 750 pages, this is a huge book. But I devoured the first half of the apocalyptic horror novel in less than 72-hours and consumed the entire novel in 9 days flat. I think I eased up just a bit over past couple of days cause I didn't want this book to end. 
    Joe Hill's parents are the writers extraordinaires Stephen and Tabitha King. I've never read any of her works, but I can tell that the writings of the Master of Modern Horror had a large influence on his son.  But that's not to say that Joe Hill is not a genius in his own write. He's a gifted storyteller and this satire on the human spirit is a fantastic read. This book shows both the very best and very worst of humanity when faced with a disaster and it pulls no punches.
    There's more than enough swears to make Quentin Tarantino blush. The violence at times is unsettling and there were on more than one occasion where a beloved character bites the dust. (Maybe George RR Martin was Joe Hill's grandpa???) But this book was a page-turner that I often couldn't put down.
    One part Sci-fi, one part horror, one part doomsday thriller, the Fireman is not to be missed. Make this the summer read you've been looking for.
    
   Worth Consuming
  
    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.