Review: The Dragon Factory by Jonathan Maberry

When I was offered the opportunity to read and review Jonathan Maberry’s newest book, The Dragon Factory, I was intrigued enough by the name to consider it. It’s a genre I like, that’s a plus. It’s the second in a series, and you all know that I’m a sucker for a good series, that’s another plus. What clinched it though, was the mention that Maberry is the author of Patient Zero. "I loved Patient Zero", says I to myself…. sign me up!! Never mind that I didn’t recall reading a book in the “Joe Ledger” series. I have a mind like a sponge, full of holes and stuff pours out of it, so I figured I just didn’t remember the name of the main character.

The Dragon Factory arrived and after reading the first few pages, I realized that I had no idea who any of these characters were. I headed to the computer and looked up Jonathan Maberry. Oh…oops….I was thinking of Year Zero by Jeff Long….I’ve never read Patient Zero…double oops..

Now I love series, but I hate reading them out of order. My dilemma was, do I spring for Patient Zero on my Sony Reader, (instant gratification), order it from Amazon (slightly delayed gratification), drive across town to the bookstore, (irritating traffic pretty much ruins any gratification) or check it out of the library (very delayed gratification)? Too late for any of these choices, after reading the prologue I was already sucked into The Dragon Factory. I couldn’t stop myself, I’m weak, so I decided to go for it and read the book, hoping it wouldn’t’ be one of those books that confuses the reader if she hasn’t read the series in order.

In The Dragon Factory, Joe Ledger and the DMS (Department of Military Science) discover two different groups of whacked out geneticists. One group has discovered a way to bring mythological creatures to life, as well as creating genetically enhanced transgenic mercenary armies. The other group is using modern science to continue the Master Race program that Nazi Josef Mengele envisioned. Both groups want Ledger and the DMS destroyed. An attack is launched on Joe and his group, which is akin to poking a cranky bear with a sharp stick. Joe and his team respond, let’s just say…..rather vigorously.

If you’re an action, thriller, suspense techy geek fan, you’re going to enjoy The Dragon Factory. It’s not necessary to read the first book in the series to be able to follow along, the book refers to the past occasionally, but not enough to make the reader go, “huh?” It was, however, enough to make this reader go…”hmmm….” And now Maberry’s first book in the series, Patient Zero, is on the teetering tower of “To Be Read” tomes. (Yes, alliteration can be fun…..)

The Dragon Factory is chock full of really evil bad guys, mythical creatures come to life, transgenic mercenaries, genetic monsters, a couple of crazy genius albinos, Nazi’s, clones, and mad scientists. Throw in a bunch of Russian mercenaries. Add to this geeky technology, brutal combat, terrific low key good guys and you’ve got one hell of a good read. (If you’re a bit squeamish, be warned…it’s got violence, blood, gore, bullets, knives and grenades, but hey, its got Nazi’s. whaddya expect?) (And if you’re a wee bit straight-laced, its got some sex, not much, not gratuitous, be patient, its pertinent to the story.)

The Dragon Factory comes out on Tuesday, March 2. Hit the bookstore, Internet or library…it’s a good read!

My rating:

Book provided for review by LibraryThings Early Reviewer program. (Gotta keep the FCC happy…)