Contagion by Tim Lebbon

Author: Tim Lebbon
Title: Contagion
Series: Toxic City #3
Publication: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Pyr
Source: Publisher

Jack and his friends are in a race against time to save the remaining inhabitants of a postapocalyptic London from a nuclear bomb. Two years after London is struck by a devastating terrorist attack, it is cut off from the rest of the world, protected by a large force of soldiers (known as Choppers) while the rest of Britain believe that their ex-capital is a toxic, uninhabited wasteland. But that's not true. Jack and his friends know that the truth is very different--and incredible: the few remaining survivors in London are changing; developing strange, fantastic powers; evolving. And the Chopper force guarding London is treating the ruined city as its own experimental ground. Now, Jack's powers are growing. His friend Lucy-Anne's powers are developing too, and Nomad--that mysterious woman who started it all--is close by. But the Choppers have initiated their final safeguard--a huge nuclear bomb that will wipe out London, and everyone still within its boundaries. Jack and his friends must spread the news of the bomb and save everyone they can. Before that can happen, Jack must face his father, the deadly Reaper, in their final showdown.

In this last installment, Jack and his friends are trying to find a way to save everyone and stop the bomb. He tries his best to get all the different groups to come together but that proves more deadly. His father and the superiors want nothing to do with his plan and forge one of their own that mean bad things for Jack and crew. Lucy-Anne finds her way back to the group with a new ghostly addition and news about the bomb. They don't have much time to warn everyone and still get out in time. As their last effort fails, they must sacrifice it all to save many. 

Lucy-Anne learns more about her powers and about her family. She keeps having this vision of the Nomad killing her but she's learned that changing her dreams only provides a temporary solution. Jack's uncovers a horrific truth about his gift as he tests the limits of his abilities, which will lead to life altering decision. His father is still stuck on himself until the end and then there is a slight change in him when he begins to realize the seriousness of their situation. They will either die trying to get out because the Choppers will kill them or the bomb will be the end of them. The characters spend most of the book traveling around London warning those that will listen and brainstorming on how to get out and stop the bomb.Okay, so the ending for me seemed unfair because they went through so much only for that to happen. I get why but it still makes me sad. I still think Lucy-Anne, Nomad and Reaper are crazy as bats. Jack tries being the leader but he really doesn't know where to begin but he starts by not letting the power change him as it did his father and I like that about him.  Overall, this is a quick read with bits of action that those that have read the first two books will enjoy.