The book was described by Richard Preston as a "powerful and necessary book" that "offers us not just fear but plans".[2] John M. Barry described the book as Osterholm's way of getting results.[8]
Frank Weimann described the book's "dismal introduction on the threat of epidemics" and the main content as "a disturbing description of what humans are doing to keep" epidemiologists in business. Weimann is convinced by Osterholm's call for planning, research, and funding.[9]
Excerpts from the book appeared in Wired and on MPR News.[10][11] It was listed in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's best books of 2017.[12]
