(Reviewed by Matt McAvoy)
Dark Cure is not really what I was expecting, but the surprise was a rather welcome one. Whilst I was anticipating some sort of medical-corporate legal thriller, this is actually a fully-fledged actioner, somewhere between “Die Hard” and “Universal Soldier”, though with a great deal more maturity; the more fun part of me couldn’t have been more pleased! Not to say that this book isn’t to be taken seriously: Cameron K. Moore is the real deal – a highly professional author, with a wonderful work ethic and an undeniable knowledge of his writing; this book is extremely well written, clever and intelligent. Quite simply, it is quality, and Moore is a quality author.
The storyline, whilst simple and conventional action fare, is also pretty credible in many ways – that of a group of scientists in the jungle, targeted by mercenaries sent by a rival biochemical research company. Despite its serious undertone and considerably knowledgeable author, the book manages to remain entertaining, and gripping. Moore certainly knows his stuff; Dark Cure is researched well, from Amazon wildlife and flora to biotechnology and special forces military tactics and weaponry. I would have liked to have seen a little more subplot and context given to Benoit and his superior Durand, outside of the jungle setting, and perhaps in a more corporate environment, if only just to give a feeling of completeness to the work as a whole, but this is a minor observation, and doesn’t harm the book.
Whilst at times some of the language – particularly the dialogue – can be a touch functional and matter of fact (which can seem unemotive at the more dramatic moments), one of my first observations of Dark Cure was that it is a pretty angry book, with a lot of shouting and aggression. Of course, when the stakes and tension increase, this becomes perfectly understandable, and the main perpetrator of this ire is given a little more development, as the book progresses. In general, most of the characters are layered well, though I would have liked to see the principles enhanced a great deal further, particularly Benoit, who makes a genuinely satisfying villain, with just the right balance of empathetic logic and cold-blooded ruthlessness.
All in all, this is a very good book, and a gratifying action thriller. If you like your action smart and entertaining, without going over the top, and appreciate an author who respects his audience with in-depth research, terminology and credibility, you won’t go far wrong with Dark Cure. I look forward to more from Cameron K. Moore.
