Sigler does an amazing job of blending science and horror. From the get-go this novel will sink its teeth into you and not let go until the very end and even then, you'll be screaming for more. Never has a novel so quickly captured the imagination as this one. The mental images that Sigler gives the reader are so damaging that you might just have to see a shrink to clear your head.

INFECTED is definitely one of the best reads you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing.

I DARE you to but it!

I read this in one day - couldn't put it down. The details of the spores taking over the body and how the guy deals with it are so shocking and gruesome but you can't look away. You have to know what happens next. This is the best horror novel I've read since some of Stephen King's early works. It was original and leaves you wanting more. I hope that Mr. Sigler has more like this in store for us. I highly recommend this book to horror fans.

If you are a fan of Scott his is a must have. Support podcast authors!

We've got another mysterious disease ravishing America in "Infected" - a bizarre "infection" that turns even grandmothers away from their knitting needles to carve up their families before turning suicidal. Dew Phillips is a grizzled field operative with the CIA who, with the assistance of a brainy CDC babe, is trying to figure out the deadly plague while at the same time stemming its spread. And then there's Perry Dawsey, one time All American Big 10 linebacker living in the shadows of an NFL career sidelined by a malicious cut block, now whiling away the hours in Cube City. But while the former "Scary" Perry has succumbed to the disease, seems his biggest problem remains an obsession abusive childhood at the hands of his now deceased tough-guy dad.

So if any of this sounds familiar, well, it is. Borrow a bit of Stephen King's warmed over "Cell" or "The Tommyknockers", add a healthy dose of Michael Crichton - "Prey" is probably the closest formulaic fit - stir in Scott Smith's self-mutilation mania in "The Ruins", and with a dash of H.G. Wells classic "War of the Worlds" blended with some "Stargate", you've pretty much got Scott Sigler's "Infected". This is by no means a bad book - it is the kind of mostly mindless entertainment that will keep you stuck to the pages, if only to see how much more harm Sigler can inflict on his characters - intended and not-so-intended. But the blood and gore loses impact and feels gratuitous by the fourth quarter, lacking the balance with reality that separates true terror classics from the pack, while the starting line up comes straight from central casting. But the pace will move you right along and the action never slows.

Hey, I realize we're not looking for literary awards here, and since Tolstoy can be pretty tedious and nobody can really figure out Faulkner, Scott Sigler and "Infected" is a more than passable substitute while waiting for the Preston/Child duo to get Agent Pendergast back in the hunt. But if you're looking for an original fix for that pop thriller jones, this isn't your vaccine.

Now, I shouldn't write this review since I am 50 or 60 pages shy of finishing this book. So far, this book has ruined a few good nights of sleep for me... I kept on reading well past when I should have.

I'm writing this review now because of some recent reviews that trashed this story as being cliched, not true sci-fi, or a pale imitation of Stephen King. This guy exceeds the King of today by a long shot.

Now, I personally prefer post apocalyptic fiction and this book was inaccurately listed in that group. I had purchased it while thinking it was within my preferred genre. This book is not post apocalyptic fiction. While I should feel jipped, I didn't. It is a fascinating and fun read.

The primary character is an infected individual fighting his way through it. His back story and developments while dealing with the infection are tragic. You care about him even when he is absolutely in the wrong. The other characters are those within the CIA and CDC trying to track it down and understand it while trying to retain secrecy. It's these secondary characters where some reviewers had claimed as unsatisfying and underdeveloped. This is not the case. To develop them further would have been gratuitous and, if done, those same naysayers would have claimed as unecessary plot points. I've worked for the government... seen the arrogance, ladder climbing, hidden-talent and difficulties in getting stuff done. This book is surprisingly accurate.

Consider the average four and a half stars for this book. Those negative reviews are in the vast minority.

I haven't finished with this book yet but it has me captivated. I really like the science behind the infection... it seems so logical and plausible. And I really enjoy the characters.

Again, I had walked into reading this book thinking it was one thing (based on related links) and it wasn't what I had expected. Nevertheless, it is a fun, exciting and fulfilling read on a lot of levels.

Normally, I am not a big sci-fi fan. But this book is so well written, characters so well drawn, and so "have-to-know-next," that I highly recommend this book. And there's a sequel out soon. I already have it on order.

Now, I shouldn't write this review since I am 50 or 60 pages shy of finishing this book. But this author is a jerk because he had ruined a few good nights of sleep for me... I kept on reading well past when I should have.

I'm writing this review now because of some recent reviews that trashed this story as being cliched, not true sci-fi, or a pale imitation of Stephen King. This guy exceeds the King of today by a long shot.

Now, I personally prefer post apocalyptic fiction and this book was inaccurately listed in that group. I had purchased it while thinking it was within my preferred genre. This book is not post apocalyptic fiction. While I should feel jipped, I didn't. It is a fascinating and fun read.

The primary character is an infected individual fighting his way through it. His back story and developments while dealing with the infection are tragic. You care about him even when he is absolutely in the wrong. The other characters are those within the CIA and CDC trying to track it down and understand it while trying to retain secrecy. It's these secondary characters where some reviewers had claimed as unsatisfying and underdeveloped. This is not the case. To develop them further would have been gratuitous and, if done, those same naysayers would have claimed as unecessary plot points. I've worked for the government... seen the arrogance, ladder climbing, hidden-talent and difficulties in getting stuff done. This book is surprisingly accurate.

Consider the average four and a half stars for this book. Those negative reviews are in the vast minority.

I haven't finished with this book yet but it has me captivated. I really like the science behind the infection... it seems so logical and plausible. And I really enjoy the characters.

Again, I had walked into reading this book thinking it was one thing (based on related links) and it wasn't what I had expected. Nevertheless, it is a fun, exciting and fulfilling read on a lot of levels.

Normally, I am not a big sci-fi fan. But this book is so well written, characters so well drawn, and so "have-to-know-next," that I highly recommend this book. And there's a sequel out soon. I already have it on order.

Infected: A Novel

His podcasts are great. This book is even greater!

Whatever else that I do for the rest of my life, I will never, NEVER scratch an itch again without thinking about the events in this book!

...is that your fanbase is web-savvy enough to game the Amazon rating system. The book isn't bad, but it's not so great it warrants an 80% 5-star rating.

The novel opens by introducing several main characters. A jaded ex-military special ops vet. An ambitious and surprisingly horny female CDC scientist. Various scheming black-ops types. Don't expect these characterizations to get much deeper than that.

The saving grace comes in the form of one hulking former football superstar(reduced to office grunt by injury, of course). While initially very shallow, his battle with the mysterious triangles infecting his body reveals the background that shaped him. It's somewhat predictable, but it gives him some breadth and places his struggle in a larger context that makes you want to empathize, despite the things he does. Chuck Palahniuk this isn't, but it's a decent attempt.

Past the scenes with the football star, the story is fast paced, but not terribly original. Even if you're young or don't read much straight sci-fi, you'll recognize plot elements from various other shows and movies. The ending was pure pulp sci fi, and it promises a sequel that is well on its way to also being cliche. As for the writing, it's about comparable to most other sci-fi writers abilities, but not to a master of horror like King. All in all, if you're looking for a fast, mindless read, this isn't a bad pick, but fans of pure horror, pure sci-fi, or pure thriller may be better off looking elsewhere.

Scott Sigler may be the writer of the 21st century, having gained his fame and promoted his work through the inventive use of new media, but after reading Infected, it's very clear to me that, marketing genius aside, his work is immature at best.

That's not to say he doesn't make an admirable effort. This story does seem very inventive at first glance, but his characters leave a lot to be desired. Perry Dawsey, on whom the majority of the story rests, is an ex football star turned computer programmer who wakes up one morning with a number of itching welts, which eventually turn into painful triangular growths under his skin. Think Stephen King's brand of alien pestilence without the character development. The idea, at least, is terrifying, but as poor Perry refuses to go to the doctor and develops symptoms like delusions, paranoia, and violent, murderous urges, which fit into one of the only backstories available in the book, the one of his violent upbringing, one is almost given to laughing rather than cringing as his disease progresses, even as he stabs or burns the growths to kill the "triangles" growing under his skin. Oh, I should mention, these things have interesting personalities, and they were probably the most entertaining part of the book.

Combine that with your typical no-name worker from the CDC who is desperately trying to unlock the secrets of the disease without blowing her government's cover, and Dew Phillips, a typical war-jaded 'Nam vet turned CIA operative who's torn between collecting a live victim and carpet bombing the neighborhood where the disease has spread, and you have an all-around festival of pulpy cliches.

Sigler's prose is quick and gory, but it reads like a bad horror movie, with almost all the same trappings. Also, this story, as flawed as it is, remains incomplete at the end, leaving the reader with a half-developed scenereo of the evil alien disease and it's final form, which is never described well enough. Nothing is resolved by the end of this book, and though it's supposed to make for an unsettling conclusion, the result is not as creepy as it is annoying.

Two-dimensional characters we've seen before, sensational imagery, and a quick dose of pseudo-science and alien weirdness make for a quick and amusing read, but the overall effect is tabloid writing rather than engrossing literature. There are MUCH better books out there.

I think what I love most about this book is I had the fortune to read an article about various wasps and parasites that force their offspring into another organism, and somehow manage to control the host. That really validated this book, and the description of the process the author went into really sealed the deal. If I had one complaint, it was that sometimes it seemed needlessly vulgar. Maybe thats just me, and its not really that bad. Overall, top notch concept.

this is one crazy book. ive never read anything with so much blood and gore, its a pretty wild ride that does not slow down. i thought the characters were believable for the most part and i was interested to see what would happen to them, especially perry. scott sigler has a sick imagination but he puts it to good use.

I read a lot of technical-science thrillers, however this story leaned more into the horror genre for me. There was definitely a Stephen King atmosphere present in parts of the story, specifically the chapters describing Perry and his struggle with the infection. Chapters outside of those left me wanting. The government plan to discover and contain the "infection" never gets developed enough for me to buy in. Nor do I ever identify with any of the other characters.

The short chapter style, and the need to find out what was going to happens next to Perry make for a fast read that holds you to the conclusion. All in all an ok novel, but I think this would have made a fantastic short story if it had concentrated more exclusively on Perry's struggle to rid himself of his affliction.

This was, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining and thrilling novels I've ever read. I've read book reviews where people say they couldn't put the book down and I always assumed it was a figure of speech - until I read Infected. I read it constantly, even picking it up to read while I boiled water for dinner, or waited in line at the post office. As soon as I finished it, I handed it to my husband and he read it the same way.

Scott Sigler writes characters with real personality, so much so that you completely fall into the story. The book is about a strange disease and some of the people affected by it. We follow an infected person, a cop investigating the infection, a scientist trying to figure out how to get rid of the infection, and at one point even the process of the infection itself. The disease is intense, and the book in turn is intensely scary.

It's a fast-paced read, immensely entertaining, and very well-written. Even writing about the book now I want to pick it up and read it all over again. I hope Scott Sigler writes twenty more books with the same qualities.

This book hooked me from page one and I stayed on the terrifying ride (and conclusion) to the wee hours of the morning.

Infected had elements of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Alien and Close Encounders of the Third Kind to name a few. And lots of sarcastic humor to boot. Some of the chapter headings were just laugh out loud funny.

I'm now hooked on Scott Sigler and can't wait to see if there will be a sequel.... I sure hope so!!

Forgot to mention the blood and gore. If you're squeamish stay away!! The character of Perry is one sick puppy (literally).

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 a star linebacker, a knee injury cut short his dreams of wealth and fame in pro-football, leaving him nothing more than a computer technician living in a tiny apartment on a mediocre salary. The one thing Perry still has from his football days is his explosive temper. One day Perry begins to itch. What starts as what he thinks is a rash soon turns into a grisly discovery. He's infected with something, and being distrustful of doctors decides to take care of the problem himself.

As Dew and Margaret come closer to understanding the infection, Perry's health spirals downward, until strange triangles appear on his body. And the triangles are sentient.

Sigler has written one of the best novels I've ever read. It starts fast and keeps going at breakneck speed. In several chapters he documents the course of the "seedlings" and drops hints at their construct. As the story unfolds, the terror elevates to intense levels, dragging you helplessly towards the climatic conclusion. I read the book in a day, unable to set it down for an instant. Sigler's style is flawless, character switching and timeline expertly executed, and imagination wildly impressive. He's created a truly horrifying monster.

Scott Sigler originally released his first two novels, 'Ancestor' and 'Earthcore' on Podcasts. They're available in paperback now but out of print and often quite expensive from resellers. 'Infected' is Sigler's first print released book, and a showcase for a truly talented writer. Watch for his new book 'Contagious' coming in Dec of 2008. I can't wait. 'Infected' is highly recommended. Enjoy!

INFECTED BY SCOTT SIGLER: Scott Sigler is a special, new kind of writer to join the publishing world; one might even call him an author of the twenty-first century. He wanted to bring his work to the people of the world, for free. He began on March, 2005 by podcasting his book Earthcore a bit at a time, with continuous updates. Earthcore was branded as "the world's first podcast-only novel," and Sigler started off with three listeners; at the end he had over ten thousand subscribers. H...more INFECTED BY SCOTT SIGLER: Scott Sigler is a special, new kind of writer to join the publishing world; one might even call him an author of the twenty-first century. He wanted to bring his work to the people of the world, for free. He began on March, 2005 by podcasting his book Earthcore a bit at a time, with continuous updates. Earthcore was branded as "the world's first podcast-only novel," and Sigler started off with three listeners; at the end he had over ten thousand subscribers. He followed this with Ancestor, Infection, and The Rookie, and currently has over thirty thousands subscribers. And now, with a big name publisher, Sigler brings Infected to the people of the world in book form (a free version is also available on podcast).

In Infected, something is seriously wrong with the world. Something is making people crazy, crazy to the point where they are driven to kill others, their family, and then to horribly mutilate themselves, finally taking their own lives. The government is trying its best to keep this whole thing a secret, and at the same time trying to find out what's making people do this and find a solution as fast as possible. CDC is working non-stop, the big problem is once they get to one of the bodies of these "special" people, the rate of decomposition is so rapid that they don't have enough time to perform autopsies and fully exam the bodies before they are left with nothing more than a black murky puddle.

Sigler has done his research, giving the novel a classic Michael Crichton feel, going into the science and the biology as members of the CDC try to find out what sort of "infection" this is making people kill others, and more importantly how contagious it is. While there is a lot of "head jumping" from various characters that can leave the reader a little disoriented, and the writing at times seems to need some editing, with the flow being disjointed; Sigler clearly has a unique voice in Infected that will only get better with successive books.

[...]

I picked up this book with some pretty high expectations. I'd listened to two of Sigler's podcast novels, Earthcore and Ancestor, and thoroughly enjoyed them both. They made my daily commute not just tolerable, but something I actually looked forward to. I knew that actually reading Infected rather than listening to it in podcast form would be a different experience, and it was. For one thing, I pretty much devoured it, reading it in a few hours, while listening to it in podcast form would have taken several days.

In Infected, a mysterious disease has cropped up in the town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Victims become psychotic and exhibit strange growths on their bodies. As the CIA and the CDC rush to bring the plague under control and keep it from becoming general knowledge, former college football player Perry Dawson becomes its latest victim. We get to go deep into Dawson's head as he comes to grips with a disease that seems to be trying to control him, and witness his genuinely frightening slide into insanity.

On the whole, I enjoyed Infected. Its fast pace and graphic descriptions are almost cinematic. Sigler has a gift for conveying paranoia in a way that from within the character's head seems very genuine, but his strength really lies in his effective portrayal of gore. Make no mistake, Sigler is a very gory writer; the other novels of his that I've read have been full of violence, graphically described. The level of gore, compared with the high concepts that Sigler employs, have earned him comparisons with Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk.

Nevertheless, there were some weaknesses to this novel. Many characters felt like stock material, almost trite: the coldly efficient CIA operative, the methodical and overworked government scientist, and so on. This contributed to the fast pace of the book, though, which is part of its appeal. These characters have easily understood motives and behavior patterns. On the other hand, they won't necessarily stand out as identifiable and sympathetic.

In short: if you want a quick, bloody read full of violence and gore, with plenty of science on the side, I would strongly recommend Infected. It's a fun read, and there are plenty of times when that's exactly what you need.

Well, a bit of a diversion from my usual reading matter. This is a blend of thriller, sci-fi and horror with a lot of gore and black humour thrown in.

Anyway, mysterious spores turn into triangular lumps on people and gradually turn their victims into something psychotic.

Government agents rush to contain and understand the nature of the attack while we watch in gory detail as one of the victims undertakes a personal battle with his infestations.

This is probably more horror then anything else - to me a mix of early James Herbert meets the X Files and doesn't really pretend to be anything other then pulp fiction. So if you want a quick blast of gore and black humour then this might be for you, especially if you set your expectations at the right level.

Three stars as it is quite entertaining for what it is, but this is no life changing book that you will recommend to your friends, more of a guilty reading secret!

This book has everything, the good, the bad and the ugly (the ugly being the insane amount of gore, which is well-done).

There's been a lot of reviews here saying the book is poorly written. I don't think it's poorly written, but Sigler's no Hemingway. He writes similar to Dan Brown, on a middle-school level. So if that's annoying to you, then go read something else. However, despite the simplistic writing, I found myself getting sucked into the thrill and horror of the book.

There aren't any truly scary parts, but there are terrifying ones which the author develops very well.

Honestly, the reason I gave it 3 stars is because it's not truly original, I didn't care much for the B-story (following the scientists and covert ops and cops) it seemed to hinder the pace of the novel, but it keeps your attention. The way it's structured (i.e. really, really short chapters) definitely aid in the attention-keeping.

My advice, read it if you've got nothing else to read, or if you're a junkie of this genre. Otherwise, skip it.

One last thing: Many reviews have called the book unbelievable with unbelievable characters. Well, what do you expect with sci-fi horror? The characters have to be over-the-top unless the writer's got a more subtle, mysterious plot, a la The Historian and Salem's Lot.

OK I read thrillers. I read everyone. I read about 15 books a month on a short month. This one== well let me say this -- first of all the cover has NOTHING to do with the book and I hate when publishers are misleading. This was an interseting book, I read it all in a couple of hours which means I didn't get bored. I thougth I was first reading Stephen King, then NO it was Michael Crichton and then NO it was Clive Barker. Definitely as the author claims: horror, sci fi and thriller.
I was ok with most of this but still don't get why he had to SPOILERS!!!!!kill his only friend and then he turned into his dad and abused that woman - I hate violence. And there was a lot of gore in this. Also the picture on the cover was misleading, as the eyes did not get blue triangles in them. It all ended up being about some portal to another world, extraterrestrial intellegince intent on taking over the world but foiled THIS time. I was not able to put it aside and kept reading but the premise and promise died off and left us with just another "OUT THERE" book.

I liked the "idea" of this book much more than the actual book. I will not reveal any spoilers about the "infection" of the title or the development of the characters-- although since the characters never really developed the latter is a moot point. In fact, I felt nothing for the main character. He isn't likable or unlikable or even average in an interesting way. He reads as an uninspired and uninspiring "big lug" with nothing authentically vulnerable to anchor the reader to him. (Other than an abusive father who is a "one note" character as well). And Sigler's "lady scientist", Margaret, is such a one dimensional and pathetic mess that the thought of her solving a catastrophic medical mystery is laughable. In fact, she is one of the few people on earth who know the catastrophic potential of the "infection" and yet she thinks and behaves like a "milf" on ecstasy. Considering the gravity of the situation, her carnal thoughts are utterly unbelievable.

I am sure that many readers will say that the plot and pace of "Infected" made further characterization unnecessary, but when I read, I need to be able to conjure up people and places with some clarity and Sigler did not give me enough bones on which to hang some skin. Too bad, really, because the action surrounding the main character could have really resonated with me had I cared enough about him. I didn't.

This book gets three stars because of the "infection" itself and because Sigler evoked it so well that I would actually itch when reading pertinent passages. Also, it is a quick read that requires little thought. (If you are able to disregard the "scientific" mumbo-jumbo and just go along for the ride).

I recommend that you keep your expectations low and some Calamine lotion at the ready.

This was just a horrible book. I decided to get this book after reading reviews comparing Sigler to Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk. I thougt, "Well, that must be a compliment and must be a worthy read". I was wrong.
Sigler is just not a good writer. His overall story is somewhat interesting. His characters, however, lack development and are not realistic. I forced myself to finish reading the book in hopes that it would get better. All I could conclude was: Sigler was rejected for a reason. Biggest Podcast author or not, he shouldn't be compared to the great minds of King and Palahniuk. Don't waste your time, people

Scott Sigler did a fine job crafting this novel. The pace is quick, the chapters are generally short and it's easy to read. The story is interesting, and what's worse, believable. It definitely gives the imagination fodder to worry about. If you're a fan of horror and science fiction, then I highly recommend that you include Infected in your "must read" list!

I purchased this book thinking it was a zombie novel. I was somewhat disappointed when I found that it wasn't but the more I read, the more I became engrossed in the story. Wow, what a story! It was hard to put down, and when I did, I thought about it, I even dreamed about it. Some parts were so creepy that I had to put the book down and compose myself before I could go on. I finished this book Tuesday and I'm still thinking about it. It's only a story for heaven's sake but - what if? We would NOT survive. Chilling, thought provoking and very SCARY. Thanks Scott Sigler, I'm now a fan!

This book is a gripping read and is a must for anyone who loves horror or thriller novels. It is, however, very violent, but don't let that put you off.

Scott Sigler is an enormously popular author whose ability to think outside the box is not limited to his literary work. Tired of collecting rejection slips, he began sharing his novels with the masses by podcasting them, a few chapters at a time, and gaining a following that increased exponentially every week. INFECTED is his debut print novel and is perfect in every way --- cutting across thriller, horror and science fiction genres (and one or two others as well) ---- resulting in a tale that will leave your posterior hanging well beyond the edge of your seat.

At its core, INFECTED concerns a mysterious condition that turns individuals into rampaging, homicidal maniacs who murder their families, strangers and ultimately themselves. The government assigns Dew Phillips, a coldly competent CIA operative, to investigate, pairing him with CDC epidemiologist Margaret Montoya. It was Montoya who first noticed certain anomalies, if you will, in the corpses of the first rampaging individuals --- anomalies that lead her to believe that the heart of the deadly condition is a new and frightening type of parasite. Thanks to Sigler, the reader is a step or two ahead of Montoya, but I doubt he's been getting any candy for it.

Sigler is a marvel, describing complex biological concepts in a way that those of us who haven't cracked a textbook in decades can understand, and the manner by which the parasites gain entry to, and sustain themselves from, the human body is ingenious. However, I could have happily lived the rest of my natural years in ignorance of the fact that, at this very moment, there are millions of microscopic spiders crawling all over me, eating and evacuating my dead skin cells in a sort of perpetual motion. Sigler describes this process, and others, in graphic detail while never dropping the narrative ball for even one second. Montoya and Phillips form a prickly team, with Phillips involved in the wet work and Montoya doing the somewhat creepy evaluations, attempting to determine the cause of the contagion and, more importantly, stop it before it spreads any further.

As interesting as Montoya and Phillips are, however, the heart of INFECTED is Perry Dawsey, a former pro football player whose career was shattered along with his knee. Performing far from satisfying work as an IT specialist, Dawsey becomes a host to the parasite, and as Sigler gives us a step-by-step, up-close-and-personal view of how the parasite evolves and manifests itself, we get an intimate view not only of the parasite but also of Dawsey. Ex-football players --- even guys who played for the Michigan Wolverines --- don't roll over for a parasite, even a sentient one. To say that Dawsey isn't going down without a fight is inaccurate; he's not going down period, and as INFECTED ultimately demonstrates, Dawsey will do anything to stop the takeover of his body.

And it's a good thing, too. Invading and usurping bodies is only the first step. In a climax that will have you swallowing your hand, your tongue and anything else that's handy, we learn that invasions can come from both within and without.

INFECTED is unforgettable, a classic right out of the gate, and, I suspect, a metaphor of sorts. And yes, when I reached Sigler's account of Dawsey's ultimate sacrifice, I discovered that one can read with one's hands over both eyes. If this book hasn't been optioned for a movie yet, then those in the film industry have no idea what they're doing.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Excellent book. Fast paced, but with enough character development to make you care. Some of the reviews posted call the book "trashy" or "poorly written". Yes, there are some off color comments and some of the minor sub plots are a bit over the top, but overall it does not take anything away from the main story.

Just hope that who ever makes this into a movie (and someone will)does not royally screw it up.

I bought this book thinking it was a zombie novel and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was along the lines of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers.' I thought this book deserved a five because of the excellent character development in Perry and his slow, but unrelenting fall into madness. The slow build-up of suspense kept me intrigued and wanting to read more even as I was falling asleep. This was really an awesome surprise and I can't wait for the sequel to come out. There were only a few things I didn't like and that was Margaret becoming "horny" under stress and Dew's obsession with avenging his dead partner. Seemed a bit...cliche.

I love being entertained. I do not nitpick a book or movie about this, that or the other.
That being said, I loved Infected. The story was fast paced, always entertaining, and I could not wait to get to the next page.

You HAVE to read this book. Scary, cringe inducing, a real page-turner. I couldn't put this book down. Finished reading it in two days. My husband is reading it now during his commute to the city. He missed his stop because he was so engrossed in the story. That's not like him at all. The best book we have read in a very long time. Well written and very graphic. This book actually gave me the heebie-jeebies. No Kidding!!

I wouldnt consider this book horror, because while I would be horrified if the events happened to me, I wasnt scared to turn off the lights (thats my meter for good horror!) I found myself quickly sucked in to this story, so entirely absorbed I finished it within two hours. I have never read any of Siglers previous works so I had no expectations as to the style or feel, and I was suprisingly enamored right off the bat. The thought of having something embeded within your skin is enough to give anyone the willies, and although I dont have the equipment that Scary Perry has I felt for the guy as the story progressed!

I wont give the book away, but its not your typical "infection" novel. Its a mystery wrapped in dripping ooze chased by a countdown. You wont be dissapointed by this.

Thanks Scott ( I know you read your reviews) Hard work seriously paid off.

Remember how, after seeing Hitchcock's Birds movie you freaked everytime a flock of birds came... nearby? This is like that only worse. I want to say it is absorbing, but actually, like the infection, it is absorbed... by you. This stammering incoherent review can't possibly educate someone who hasn't read the book-- but it can give you an idea of its impact. I'm normally articulate. But. I've. Been. Infected.

It was so vivid, I can still 'see' it in my head. I'd recommend it to anyone. It would be a good summer read as most of the story occurs in the winter. You'd be shivering on the beach - from the horror and from the cold. LOL!

After reading all the reviews for this book I ran out and got it ASAP expecting a unique horror/scifi book, and I was very dissapointed. The book is not terrible, but it's not good either. The story is mainly(90%) based around the main charactor who mutilates himself the whole book, because he has alien robots growing inside of his body. The story really goes no where and builds no tension. I found myself strugling to finish it, not because of the gore factor, but because of bordom. The ending was rushed and again lacked tension. I seriously do not recomend getting to high on this book.

Alright this book had just enough chills and surprises to be a Thriller but was far from the Horror that I was expecting. Was a good book and I had trouble putting it down, makes you think twice about each time your body has an itch... I found the ending just disappointing, something more realistic would have been appreciated. Would recommend the book.

Although you can pretty much predict the ending, the route you take to get there is plenty entertaining. This is chocked full of the trademark Sigler gore and violence that may offend some but which I happen to enjoy. The pacing was excellent - never a dull moment in any Sigler work, is there? - and the characters were believable.

This is one of the best thrillers I have read in the past 6 months, and that covers about 50 or more books. The situation is not entirely new, but the writer gives it graphic details that leave you gasping and desperately turning pages. This is one book to read in a single sitting. It is that good. I recommended it to all my reading friends.
I wondered why his other books cost over $100. I look forward to anything else written by this author.

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 March'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.

This book is devoid of tension, the characters don't respond like real people would in the situations they find themselves in and the author actually intrudes into the story at random places, breaking the flow of the story (know what I mean "kiddies"?).

I could go on, but I think the crux of the problem is that this is probably considered a great story for those that a) don't get to read a lot of really good fiction, or b) who are fans cultivated from his audio book (excuse me "podcast") audience. The author could wisely spend some quality time at some good writer's workshops. Dennis Lehane isn't losing any sleep.

As for the melding of science, horror and thriller, etc genres being a new concept to publishing houses "who didn't think this genre bending would sell", it is old news. If you want to see how it is done correctly, read anything by Richard K Morgan, then give Douglas Preston a shot, then ... well its a long list actually. Oh yes, there is some fellow named Michael Crichton. I hear he has done this once or twice.

Buckets of blood, stilted dialogue and the absence of mystery or tension don't cut it. There is a little thing called craft that has to be employed to make a novel memorable (or readable for that matter).

If I wasn't so inhibited, I would say what I really think.

Here are just a few stellar alternatives: Snow Crash, The Descent, Altered Carbon, Blasphemy, The Scar, Heart Shaped Box, Fangland: A Novel

This book is devoid of tension, the characters don't respond like real people would in the situations they find themselves in and the author actually intrudes into the story at random places, breaking the flow of the story (know what I mean "kiddies"?).

I could go on, but I think the crux of the problem is that this is probably considered a great story for those that a) don't get to read a lot of really good fiction, or b) who are fans cultivated from his audio book (excuse me "podcast") audience. The author could wisely spend some quality time at some good writer's workshops. Dennis Lehane isn't losing any sleep.

As for the melding of science, horror and thriller, etc genres being a new concept to publishing houses "who didn't think this genre bending would sell", it is old news. If you want to see how it is done correctly, read anything by Richard K Morgan, then give Douglas Preston a shot, then ... well its a long list actually. Oh yes, there is some fellow named Michael Crichton. I hear he has done this once or twice.

Buckets of blood, stilted dialogue and the absence of mystery or tension don't cut it. There is a little thing called craft that has to be employed to make a novel memorable (or readable for that matter).

If I wasn't so inhibited, I would say what I really think.

I was hoping for a really good sci-fi/horror book to read, but I ended up disappointed in this one. Though the invading enemy was unique and its effects increased throughout the story, the book really lacked my hoped-for new twist on an old theme. Also disappointing was the fizzled ending -- no "big" ending here. This was basic run-of-the-mill sci-fi/horror, with nothing to make it stand out. The best parts to read were the chapter titles.

I gave this book 5 stars because that was the highest I could give. This book and author are both great. Plenty of action, horror, suspense, and darn good writing. Scott is like a young Stephen King, but with more action. I have read all his books and recommend them all highly. I bought this book the day it came out, and will do the same for his next thriller.

Creepy. . . . . . . . . . . . .

One of the best science fiction books I've EVER read! Hands Down! Sigler is so graphic you feel as though your the infected one! Insane Ending! Hope for a sequel. Keep it up Sigler!

This is one of the best horror books I've read in years. I couldn't put it down and when I was done my wife couldn't put it down either. Very fast paced, wonderful reading. The author is a powerhouse writer. Wish I could buy more of his works.

It seems that the author decided to forgo any kind of in-depth character development for...well, pages of gore. Pages and pages and pages of it. Now, this sort of thing doesn't bother me when it's relevant and adds to the story. However, the author seems to subscribe to the recent phenomenon in entertainment known as 'torture porn'. It's really all about the gore, the suffering. It doesn't add to the story...it's the point of the story.

I found myself skimming entire pages of this book, simply because I was bored with the descriptions of blood, pus, ooze, and various other words that describe the fluids which come from the body.

The idea and story in the book are good ones, but the author fails to execute them with any skill or depth. The characters are shallow and poorly developed, the gore is overdone and boring, and the 'climactic conclusion' lasts all of two pages.

Scary? Hardly. There are much better horror books out there. This is merely an exercise in endurance of gore and boredom, much like some of the movies released in recent years.

This book is available on the book's website as a free download... I came across the link while checking out a popular gossip website which shall go unnamed. My hopes weren't terribly high since it seemed like the author was left to give away the book for free but, as my Five Stars indicates, I was very pleasantly surprised. (Note: I read the hardcover version rather than the free download -- the eyestrain associated with reading off a computer screen was too much for me).

Without giving away much of the plot, I can say that it's hard to find an original doomsday or end of the world book. It's never clear that this -- the end of the world -- is the true direction the book is taking, despite some hints, which keeps the pace up and the reader engaged. The good emotional development of one of the main characters, Perry, also helps by adding depth to what may otherwise be yet another insubstantial sci fi book.

I was pleasantly suprised to see that the book was set partially in Ann Arbor, the town I'm currently living in. I could appreciate the casual references to local bars or nearby sports teams, but I don't think they really added anything to the story, and they often came across as awkward and pandering. In fact, much of the writing seems stilted, although there are certain parts that are a lot of fun to read. The author seems to be a big fan of Chuck Palahniuk, but doesn't have the ability to pull off the same effortlessness and charm, although I did appreciate some of the font tricks he used to add life to certain conversations.

I thought the villain was a pretty neat idea, and so I'd recommend skimming the book for the interesting parts rather than wading through the whole thing. I enjoyed several chunks of the book, but if I hadn't gotten it as a free download promotion, I'd have felt cheated.

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!

Scott Sigler is a guy to watch out for, this book quickly sinks it's hooks into you and doesn't let go. It's definitely not for the squeamish, this is a taunt, high octane ride through a landscape littered with thrills and horror that will make your skin crawl.

I picked this book up on a whim as I must admit that I had never heard of Scott Sigler. I'm hooked! I can't wait to get my hands on his other materials.

This book has the sci-fi I enjoy with a nice mix of the freakishly disgusting while being suspenseful. A wonderful cocktail of reading pleasure.