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Infected (Infected #1)

by Scott Sigler (Goodreads Author)

3.84 of 5 stars 3.84 · rating details · 7,020 ratings · 805 reviews

A terrifying thriller that will crawl beneath your skin . . . and leave fresh blood on every page.
A mysterious disease is turning thousands of ordinary Americans into raving, paranoid murderers who inflict brutal horrors on strangers, their own families, and even themselves. And one morning, ex-football star Perry Dawsey awakens to find mysterious welts growing all over h...more

Paperback, 342 pages

Published April 2008 by Random House USA Inc (first published January 1st 2008)

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May 09, 2012 Stephen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, audiobook, 2006-2010, science-horror, invasion, eco-medical-biological

Gee...um...well...this was...uh...

...severely frustrating.

It had an interesting premise, a solid story, and truly excellent horror elements…BUT it also had shitty characters, and dialogue that grated on my nerve clusters bad enough to leave me irked with the entire effort.

Such a hope-dashing, bitter disappointment this was for me. After really enjoying Ancestor some time ago, I was looking to Sigler to become a new staple for me in the realm of science-horror. Now, after this miss, it looks li...more

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Feb 19, 2009 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, read-in-2008

Scott Sigler is one of those new fangled podcast novelists who is revolutionizing the publishing industry. Sigler offered audiences his first couple of novels free to the whoever wanted to download them. Through hard work and shameless self-promotion, Sigler got his name out there, drew in audiences and created a network of 30,000 plus rabid fans who couldn’t wait for the next insallment or novel.

Eventually, the publishing industry took notice and signed Sigler to a contract to put his stories i...more Scott Sigler is one of those new fangled podcast novelists who is revolutionizing the publishing industry. Sigler offered audiences his first couple of novels free to the whoever wanted to download them. Through hard work and shameless self-promotion, Sigler got his name out there, drew in audiences and created a network of 30,000 plus rabid fans who couldn’t wait for the next insallment or novel.

Eventually, the publishing industry took notice and signed Sigler to a contract to put his stories in the old-fashioned brick and mortar stores. And unlike some first-time authors of this kind, Sigler wasn’t going out in paperback or a trade paperback. He was going hardcover with a full-on marketing push and blitz.

The first major label publication is Sigler’s popular story “Infected.” Not only because it’s one of his better books, but also becuase it’s creating the universe that Sigler plays in other novels. Hopefully the blitz and the publication will create new fans for Sigler as they realize what many of his podcast fans have known for years–the man can write one hell of a novel.

“Infected” is an alien invasion story, of sorts. Every-man Perry Dawson’s body has been invaded by some kind of alien virus. It starts out as a rash, but slowly evolves into something worse, to the point that the virus can communicate telepathically with Perry. The organisms are slowly turning into something, something sinister. But what they are and where they came from aren’t exactly know to Perry.

Meanwhile, a government team is trying to find a connection between a set of seemingly well-adjusted people who suddenly go mad and on a killing spree. One connection is the crazy person become suicidal and their bodies decay quickly after death.

These plot threads slowly and inevitably come on a collision course.

The first thing to warn readers is that “Infected” is not for the faint of heart. Perry’s attempts to get the sores out of his body become more and more intense as the story goes along. This is not a book to be read while eating or even if you’ve eaten lately or if you’re thinking of eating later. It is, however, a great book to lose weight by reading. Sigler finds the perfect balance between giving enough information on what’s unfolding and allowing our imaginations to fill in the rest.

The portions of the story with March are the most compelling of the book. Sigler seems to channel Stephen King or Richard Matheson in finding the everyman who is in some bizarre circumstance and trying to figure out how to react to it. March’s descent into madness works because Sigler lays out the journey and the decisions that eventually lead to his actions. That said, you’ll never look at chicken scissors in quite the same way again.

Where the story does drag a bit is in the governmental pursuit of the virus. While March’s story has a definite beginning, middle and end, the story of what the virus is and the pursuit of it feels more like the opening salvo of a larger storyline. If you’re looking for a lot of answers on that front, you’re going to come away being disappointed. “Infected” clearly leaves itself open for a sequel and I just hope sales justify the next installment of this series.

Of course, I guess even if they don’t the good news is that Sigler would still deliver the novel via podcast.

But why not pick up the book and encourage them to give us more? At times, “Infected” is a white-knuckle thriller that will keep the pages turning and there are certain scenes that will huant you long after the final page is turned. It’s a bloody, dark, violent gruesome affair and one of the best “first novels” I’ve read in a long time. Some day we may all look back and say, “Oh yeah, I read Sigler back when….”

Get on board the train now. You won’t regret it.
(less)

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Oct 08, 2011 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, audiobook, horror, mystery-and-thrillers, multi-dimensional, reviewed, science-fiction, challenge-1010

This book has been on my wishlist since 2008, but it just never really made its way into my hands. Until now, when we have a couple things align to make that happen. The first thing that it's October. I love October - it's my favorite reading month, the month when I read all sorts of demented horror-y stuff all month long and don't feel a bit guilty about it. Err... not that I do anyway, but, y'know, I try to vary my reading and stuff. So, right, October, horror required. Check.
The next thing i...more

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Apr 02, 2008 Knottybear Bonney rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

Wow, Scott really goes for the gross-out here. Look our Stephen King. I find Scott's books very readable (what does that even mean?) Ending was abrupt. Possibly setting up for a sequel. I want to know more about it! I may even have nightmares.

S P O I L E R S B E L O W !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Did anyone else get EXTRA creeped out by the association with Morgellons? Look it up if you haven't, I thought I was being April Fool's day spoo...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: end of the world junkies, med students who have an imagination, former quarterbacks

Shelves: horror

Not only is the world going to end...we're all INFECTED!
This end of the world stuff is not a coincidence. YA is, in my humble opinion, on the cutting edge of what's coming up in fiction and is where we need to look when we want to know what's "HOT" and what's "NOT" (thanks Vanity Fair Magazine for that cute litle quip). And NO, this new fascination with the end of the world and for some reason mermaids(?), is not a coincidence...because truly, for many of us, it DOES feel like the end of the world. Ever seen....
Wasteland or
ENRON or
An Inconvenient Truth???
Now, I know some of you may not believe in Al Gore's theory (you probably refer to him as Al SNORE, RIGHT?), but with the economy in the dumps, the cost of living rising while our salaries stagnate, and the politics of the world ASKEW, we can't help but ask ourselves...is this it? And a lot of us, yes a lot of us, are waiting for that Wall St. meltdown, or giant earthquake, or pandemic, or INFECTION that is just WAITING, SILENTLY WAITING to TAKE us ALL OUT. And it's not because we're nuts. It's because we're the ones PAYING ATTENTION.
Infection plays on those fears, and while I would not classify it as technically being YA, it has elements of that genre (rage, apocalyptic undertones, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-anxiety). While I would only recommend this book to those mature teens who can handle an absurd amount of blood, guts and gore (there are incredibly memorable scenes involving the oven and a fork but I'll leave it at that), it IS primarily an adult book for those who enjoy a good zombie/infection/can't take it with you so spend it crowd. While not written in the style of Henry James, it's good for what it does: SCARE. It's fast-paced, fun, and filled to the top with overwhelming violence and bloodshed. So, like I said, teen and adult-alike: skip this one if you're a tad bit squemish...or even medium bit squemish. This would be either rated R or MA if books had ratings.
The story basically centers on a virus that attacks the body and brain, making human beings go absolutely mad with rage and kill their fellow humans. "Blue Triangles" appear on the body and telepathically communicate with the host until they go mad and kill off a large number of innocent people. In addition, the "triangles" use the body as a vessel from which to hatch. Hatch what you say? Well, you'll have to read the book to find that one out. I've noticed more and more lately that there is a HUGE book culture out there that consists of horror and gore fans just chomping to get their hands on a book that might actually FREAK them out. This, for some of you, may be it.
While I've read novels in a similiar vein, this one gets four stars for being unabashadly unafraid to go where many would fear to tread. The end of humanity as we know it....because of a man-made virus that imprints blue triangles on the human body. Forget about Wall Street or your vanishing 401K fund. THE HATCHLINGS ARE AT THE DOOR!!!!

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Aug 15, 2008 Mandy Moody rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, i-own

Scott Sigler is a podcast author - #1 on every aggregator, icluding Itunes. Infected is his first published novel. I picked it up because the cover looked cool, and the title sounded creepy. The short synopsis inside the front cover convinced me to buy it.
Boy, was I glad I did!
Infected is an original story that's well told, thought provoking, and fun to read. The characters are well written and believable and the story is intriguing.
This book gave me the feeling that all this was happening in r...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Stephanie Griffin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: hard-core horror fans.

Shelves: favorites

Having just put down INFECTED, a horror story by Scott Sigler, I must say that Mr. Sigler is a sick, sick man. In a good way. If you like horror stories. The first book in a trilogy, it was published in print by Crown Publishing in 2008 (before that it was a serialized podcast). I’ve had this book on my shelf since 2008 (no comments from the peanut gallery!). I saw that Mr. Sigler was appearing at a local bookstore next month, so I thought it was indeed high time I got around to reading this.
Thi...more

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Oct 20, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

Infected is a crazy, impressive concept that's written from every possible viewpoint. An infection like nothing the world has ever seen before begins taking over people's bodies. Through Perry, we see the infection through the eyes of someone who has it. Through Margaret, we see it from the medical standpoint. Through Dew, the government's though process. We even experience the infection from the standpoint of the infection itself. It's fantastic to see everything going on from these different a...more

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Jul 05, 2008 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Podcaster Scott Sigler’s first two novels, "Earth Core" and "Ancestor," were released in audiobook format over the internet to more than 30,000 subscribers. His latest work and first major print release, Infected, is an engrossing, albeit gruesome, thriller with a touch of the supernatural and enough blood, guts and gore to please popular fiction fans en masse.

Perry Dawsey is a fallen athlete from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who spent his former college days on the football field as a local hero. After...more Podcaster Scott Sigler’s first two novels, "Earth Core" and "Ancestor," were released in audiobook format over the internet to more than 30,000 subscribers. His latest work and first major print release, Infected, is an engrossing, albeit gruesome, thriller with a touch of the supernatural and enough blood, guts and gore to please popular fiction fans en masse.

Perry Dawsey is a fallen athlete from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who spent his former college days on the football field as a local hero. After a knee injury abruptly ends his career, he makes ends meet at a menial desk job and treats himself to the occasional night out at a sports bar with his best friend and office mate, Billy. One day, Perry is overcome by an itch that he dismisses as a temporary allergic reaction, until he notices a series of triangle-shaped lesions on his shoulder, calf and other parts of his body.

Meanwhile, the CIA and the Centers for Disease Control have secretly orchestrated a veritable witch hunt after a series of grisly murders. The culprits, who torture and mutilate their victims before killing themselves, share one thing in common -- each was infected by a parasite that surfaces on the skin in the form of a triangle, feeds off its host and takes control of its mind and subsequent violent actions. Dew Phillips, a CIA operative, whose late partner fell victim to one of the infected, is in a race against time with CDC epidemiologist, Margaret Montoya, to capture a live host and prevent another massacre.

While Perry’s condition and temperament worsens, Phillips and Montoya begin to identify the complex characteristics of this infection. The author’s description of Perry and the effect of these triangles on his mind and body are shocking and horrific, yet impressive and frighteningly real. There are enough cringe-worthy moments to keep the pages turning and the tension continuously mounting. Furthermore, Sigler’s remarkably thorough research is reflected in the intricate discussions about bioengineering and the scientific analysis of contagious diseases and contaminants.

As the body count rises, Perry’s predicament is somewhat reduced to scale-model horror film shlock, and once word of the infection and its venom spreads to our nation’s military forces, the outcome is reminiscent of "War of the Worlds." Nevertheless, Infected makes for a pulse-pounding read that leaves the reader with a morbid sense of unease, like every horror novel should.(less)

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Nov 01, 2010 Michael rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-have-reviewed

This book did nothing for me. If you're going to give me action, then give me action I can believe and not have to stop every other page and question what I'm reading. If you're going to give me violence and gore (and be warned, there is a lot of violence and gore here) then give me violence and gore I can believe and not something just for the sake of writing something violent.

The concept of alien spores growing in humans was easier for me to swallow than anything else in this story and when it...more

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Jun 26, 2008 Tim rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Sci-fi horror fans...

The back of this book said it was "half Stephen King" and "half-Chuck Palahniuk". This is a lie. Scott Sigler writes like neither of them. His writing style is too long-winded for Palahniuk and nowhere near mystical enough for King. If I were to compare him to anyone, I would say Michael Crichton, but rather than plausible techno-thrillers, he writes far more crazy, outlandish, sci-fi horror.

That said, this is not a bad book. There are a couple terrific characters in this, morally ambiguous and...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Nora aka Diva rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Possible Spoilers!!

This was a fun read, weird in places true. I have some questions that were not answered but I don't think this lessons the enjoyment of the novel at all. It was interesting to "see" so to speak the transformation(both mentally & physically) of Perry as the seeds took root and grew within him. It would have been nice to find out where exactly they came from & what exactly that gateway was leading to but it was never said. All in all if you suspend belief a bit and let t...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Mara rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

I listened to this book as a podiobook that was read by the author. I think I might have liked it more if it had been a different reader because almost every character's voice was horrible, especially the women. The story was interesting with a fairly unique take on an infectious disease. There is a lot of gore and I'm squeamish, but it was tolerable.

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Dec 25, 2008 Tara Lynn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: booklist-for-2008

A quick, interesting read. I'm definitely interested in the sequel. I wasn't expecting the end, and was a little dissapointed to have it turn out to be such a cliche. Watching he development of the triangles and their relationships to their hosts was fascinating, though. A little reminiscent of the Hot Zone, or the Cobra Event, both of which I'd recommend before reading this.

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Feb 23, 2009 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Across America a mysterious disease is turning ordinary people into raving, paranoid murderers who inflict brutal horrors on strangers, themselves, and even their own families.

Working under the government's shroud of secrecy, CIA operative Dew Phillips crisscrosses the country trying in vain to capture a live victim. With only decomposing corpses for clues, CDC epidemiologist Margaret Montoya races to analyze the science behind this deadly contagion. She discovers that these killers all have on...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Marsha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, literature-fiction, science-fiction-speculative-fiction

It starts with itching. Then the growths begin. Then the voices that start whispering in your head. Then the Triangles tell you to avoid the cops, the hospitals and to kill anybody who suspects. Is this just a madness or something even more insidious? Filled with page-turning horror, suspense, chills, paranoia and enough gore to make a Clive Barker novel read like a nosebleed, Infected is a gripping tale that will make you scared to turn out the lights and wonder if that itching on your skin rea...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was introduced to Scott Sigler from a podcast by Tee Morris years ago & this was the first book I listened to by him. I'm a fan of Sci-Fi & this book was an a well developed volcano of intensity. I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't heard or read the book but it's funny, mysterious, gory, & Sigler goes there. Oh boy, does he go there in the ending. I'll admit I had tons of questions after the final chapter. I didn't want this adventure of horror to end. I wanted...more

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May 30, 2012 Sinn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Around the Nation, several people wake up to find a weird rash-like skin irritation. Some thinking that it is some sort of spider bite or a possible allergic reaction, no one thinks too much off it. However, once a strange blue hair pops up out of the middle of the irritation, people start to question what is going on.

After someone calls into a local radio station raving about triangles and murdering his family, the government is determined to figure out what is causing seemingly normal people t...more Around the Nation, several people wake up to find a weird rash-like skin irritation. Some thinking that it is some sort of spider bite or a possible allergic reaction, no one thinks too much off it. However, once a strange blue hair pops up out of the middle of the irritation, people start to question what is going on.

After someone calls into a local radio station raving about triangles and murdering his family, the government is determined to figure out what is causing seemingly normal people to start killing their families and themselves. When a relatively fresh corpse arrives in an advanced state of decomposition, the CDC gets involved.

Like the others around the Nation, Perry Dawsey—a former Ohio State football star who has struggled with anger his entire adult life—wakes up to find a strange rash forming on various parts of his body. However, over the course of a few days, this seemingly benign rash starts to take on the shape of blue triangles. While this seriously distresses him—especially since one of these triangles is on one of his testicles—it becomes far more disturbing when the triangles start communicating to him and torturing him with severe mind-screams.

At the beginning of each podcast, Sigler warns the audience that the situations are not suitable for children and that there is "lots and LOTS" of violence. And, I could argue, the warnings might be a little mild! The blood level escalates throughout the book as Perry tries to surgically remove these triangles in more and more graphic ways. Be warned, Sigler does not skimp on details! Even through the bloodiest of the scenes, it is heart-pounding and hard to put down.

Through Perry's struggle, Sigler is able to give the audience a rare look inside a character's head. He really delves deeply into our desire to survive at all costs.

I felt that Sigler did a good job of balancing CDC and the human side of the story. The CDC gave an interesting glimpse into a few of the other infected and a general idea of where the "virus" might have come from. He also does a good job of merging the storylines at the end of the book.

My only problem was the ending. When I finished listening to the last podcast, I spent hours on iTunes convinced that I missed a download. Nothing is answered at the end of the book, and you're left hanging. I wondered whether Sigler was trying to put the audience in the same boat with the CDC. If so, he did an amazing job. Luckily, this book does have a sequel, so I am hoping some of the remaining questions are answered.

This book is a fast paced thrill ride. I had a very hard time walking away from the book and focusing on other things. I found myself finding every excuse in the world to find reasons to spend time listening to it. And Sigler is an amazing narrator and lends to the overall mood of the book!(less)

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Apr 13, 2012 Midas68 rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was over before it started for me.
I read(listened) till I could do no more.
Sigler seems like a talented kid in a candy store and showing no restraint until him or someones going to end up throwing up. And I'm not speaking of shock value.

Main Protagonist CIA Detective anti Hero Dew Phillips warned me early to stop reading before i was slapped up and down too much.

This is indeed a Spoiler and if your like me, You will be glad for it.

A Disease is on the loose that admittedly will make Aids et...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Kevin Veale rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Infected is a fun/nasty book with a few problematic quirks, but I want to get this out of the way early: if you are one of the people I know who has a phobia or squick problem regarding Things in the skin or Holes in the skin, then run, don't walk from this book. And probably from this review.

Two words: Morgellon's Syndrome. Those who know will understand.

The concept is simple and interesting: something is turning otherwise normal American citizens into kill-crazy maniacs, and a number of intere...more

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Jan 02, 2012 James Shoop rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: worstbooksever

This book was a page turner, to be sure. I had no trouble getting through it, but for most of the time I was reading I was either rolling my eyes or just being plain grossed out.

I picked the book up on the assumption that it was horror. I freak out really easily, and I usually stay away from horror because I don't like compulsively looking over my shoulder ever 5 seconds while I'm reading. I was expecting that I would be doing just that while reading this book, but it never happened. The beginn...more

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Oct 09, 2011 D Books rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was not an easy read for me, but I felt that I needed to read this book. I wanted an "outside looking in" perspective on America's place in the future and I think Mr. Zakaria hit right on target. It appears that the researched material in this book is well layed out and leads the reader to take a thought provoking journey. The journey down a road that is sure to lead the reader to believe that at the end of this journey America will be in a different economic and poliitical position then wh...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It took me a while to get into this book. I expected a horror novel and got more of a Michael Crichton thriller with a lot of technical explanations. (Though I did like the detail that the seeds had to be eaten by eyelash mites before they could start growing.) I missed the adrenaline that comes with not knowing what is going on and having to keep reading to find out.

However once I got into the battle between Perry Dawsey and the triangles, each new gross-out drew me into the story. Dawsey is th...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great fast paced thriller! The first novel, Infected starts off with people getting these weird blue triangles on their bodies that screw with your mind and make you afraid of authority and then kill your whole damn family in the most violent way ever. One guy cuts his legs off with a hatchet. If you somehow make it past the initial crazy phase, you end up like Perry Dawsey, where the blue triangles turn into EYES!! If I recall, because it's been awhile since I read book #1, I think he has 7 of...more

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May 16, 2011 Beth Kostecki rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nothing-better-to-do

I was interested enough to finish the book to find out where the plot was going, so to that extent it was a success. But overall I was really disappointed as the promise of the opening scene was never fulfilled. When so much of the action takes place inside one man's head (literally and figuratively) it takes a skilled writer to sustain the reader's interest. Mr. Sigler spends too much time treading water and relies on similes and metaphors that are either overblown or just plain ridiculous. Rat...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Guestford_junkie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dew Phillips and his partner in the CIA are on a top secret mission, chasing after madmen who are homicidal and suicidal, possibly infected with some new disease. Teamed with them is Margaret Montoya from the CCID, called upon to run autopsies on the victims of the infection. There's just one problem, there's never enough remains to autopsy, the corpses either burnt or liquefied. What they need is a fresh or alive host.

Perry Dawsey has a different life from what he once thought he'd have. Once...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Paul Pessolano rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is not for everyone. It is science fiction, with a little horror. It is very intense. It also contains some very rough language, and if you like blood there is plenty of that.

The story revolves around an ex-football player from Michigan State who resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Perry Dawsey has an itch and no matter what he does he cannot get it to stop. The itch starts to spread over his body and is so intense that he actually digs into his skin to cause bleeding. He also finds that w...more

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Jan 10, 2011 Elke rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: german, sci-fi, horror, novels, thriller, review

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 05, 2010 Patrick D'Orazio rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, a book called infected. I am a fan of apocalyptic fiction, viral plagues, etc. Typically you are on the outside looking in, at least in most of the horror that I have read. You don't really understand the plague victims in their insanity, rage, or just plain barbaric behavior. You just want to see them kill, or see them wiped out, depending on your view point.
What we have here is a hard science view of a highly detailed infection where us humans get to play host to a bunch of triangle sha...more Okay, a book called infected. I am a fan of apocalyptic fiction, viral plagues, etc. Typically you are on the outside looking in, at least in most of the horror that I have read. You don't really understand the plague victims in their insanity, rage, or just plain barbaric behavior. You just want to see them kill, or see them wiped out, depending on your view point.
What we have here is a hard science view of a highly detailed infection where us humans get to play host to a bunch of triangle shaped, evolvingly intelligent entities. We are provided the story from the point of view of the scientists and CIA agents hunting down these virulently insane carriers but at least half of the story is dedicated to one of the hosts, a massive ex-football player who is apparently up to the task of taking on these first pesky then extremely brutal and horrific parasites that continue to grow inside him and slowly start to communicate with him as well. He is slowly going insane, but his journey felt to me like a war between him and his evolving hitchhikers, not a downward spiral. I liked the angle the author played here and the battle royal that takes place between Scary Perry and the Magnificent Seven.
The author puts us through our paces. I believe he must have taken Stephen King's old comment about writing to heart: "I recognize terror as the finest emotion and so I will try to terrorize the reader. But if I find that I cannot terrify, I will try to horrify, and if I find that I cannot horrify, I'll go for the gross-out." Scott Sigler does a decent job on the terror front, an even better job on the horror front...and as I mention in my title--what is up with those freakin' Chicken Scissors? There is plenty that grossed me out in this book. That plus I could not stop itching in the early stages of the book along with Perry, our lovely infection host, as the author described the sensations of the little buggers crawling around underneath his skin. As I think about it now I still get the itchies.
A solid horror/sci-fi read, two of my favorite genres. Fast and nicely paced, with perhaps a bit more technical info on infections and what not than I probably needed but it certainly gave it a sense of realism throughout. The author was not necessarily going for mystery here but instead disected every aspect of the infection for his audience to see. Our fear is not based on the unknown but on realizing exactly what is happening at every stage of the game, how scientifically plausible this might be.
This was a nice introduction to a promising author, who I am glad was able to break through and get this story published. But man, I could have done without those Chicken Scissors!(less)

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Oct 28, 2010 Chibineko rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm lucky enough to have both read the book as well as listened to the audio version of this. If you've only read the book, I have to say that you are missing out on a treat by not hearing the podcast version of this. Sigler is a master at reading his work and this book is no exception.

The book follows a cast of characters as a mysterious disease begins to befall the citizens of the United States. Random people are committing atrocious acts of violence, things that are supposedly out of characte...more

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About Scott Sigler

Scott wrote his first monster story in the third grade and hasn't stopped since. A creator of novels, short stories and screenplays, Scott's work revolves around modern science's dichotomy of simultaneously producing good and evil.

New York Times best-selling novelist Scott Sigler is the author of ANCESTOR, INFECTED and CONTAGIOUS, hardcover thrillers from Crown Publishing.

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Trivia About Infected

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Quotes from Infected

“Despair filled his skull even more tightly than his own brain. All around him cars filled with normal people perfectly unaware of the disease turning Perry's body inside out. Fucking normal people.” — 15 people liked it

“In a life where waking hours are draped in the costume of horrid nightmare, where reality has suddenly become questionable, it's easy to be scared by dreams.” — 1 person liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2331955.Infected?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327172709l/2331955.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2331955.Infected?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Infected by Scott Sigler[/url]

Infected (Infected #1)

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