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.

I am on the road driving alot and long ago I fell in love with listening to audio books. I started listening to Scott Sigler's books through his Pod Casts. I liked his work. I "prefer" the feature on modern audio books of breaking the chapters down into smaller tracks so I purchased
Infected. Outstanding book, great character development and the suspense level is unreal. I love when a book takes a twist you can't see coming and that is a constant in this novel. This is one of those themes that sits at the heart of everyones fears "somethings inside me and it's alive". Great book Scott .. Thanks and I'm looking forward to your future works.

Wow! I have been 'bitten' by the Sigler bug!
Infected is one of those books you just can't put down.
A very easy read, Infected keeps you rivited to the story. Scott Sigler's, Infected keeps you anxious but a bit uncertain to find out what will happen next.

I can't wait for more new stuff from Sigler.

Wow! What a wild roller coaster ride aboard the pulp horror special. Sigler evokes Stephen King comparisons in his detailed character building, and eerie atmospherics . But the blood, gore, and violence (both physical as well as psychological) take "Infected" to new depraved wastelands.

A deadly "smart virus" is infecting humans and using them as hosts as organisms grow and more importantly learn (speech, vocabulary, memories)while gradually assuming control of the human body. In the process, these organisms turn the hosts totally paranoid so they will not seek help until their function is completed. Therefore, Dew Phillips, heading a CIA investigative team and Margaret Montoya, a CDC epidemiologist are constantly one step behind in locating a live carrier to study since once the host's function is completed, the body and tell-tale evidence quickly decomposes.

"Infected" is really two stories in one. The nominal story revolves around the CIA's efforts to isolate a carrier, determine how to deal with the invaders, and, of course, keep the whole potential time bomb from the press and the local police. The secondary story occurs mainly in the mind of Perry Dawsey, a massive former football player who finds himself infected by 7 of the mysterious "triangles". How Perry handles this personal invasion and how he wars with his own body is a fascinating character study that delves into his childhood and his progressive mental dissolution.

Ultimately, these two threads come together to lead toward a high speed climax that will keep the reader guessing and gasping. This book is not for the squeamish or mild of heart. It is a great read for horror and science fiction aficionados. I rate it a 4 instead of a 5 only because I felt the ending was rushed and some of the scientific jabber was a little repetitive. Don't miss this one.

Initially the reader is grabbed by the concept. But the detail goes on and on. The ending is rushed and less than satisfying, merely a prelude for the next episode.

WOW! What an en-GROSS-ing read. Congratulations to Scott Sigler for knowing he was a great writer and never giving up on his talent. I'll bet those folks who sent him rejection letters are kicking themselves now.

Loved the book. I first heard of Sigler through his podcasted audiobooks, and this was actually the first story that I listened to. I have been hooked ever since, and even though this is a retouched paper version, I now own 3 copies and the AudioCD. I recommend this book to any one that likes horrror, suspense, or bloody, gorey, lossing yourself to yourself violence.

P.S. watch out for the F.D.O., [...].

Seriously....unless you have some significant free time, you should not get this book. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. Forget cooking....
forget errands....forget walking the dog.....the story will grab you from the beginning and not let you go until the end. Awesome piece of literature.....simply awesome. I hated to see it end......

Sigler rules after King & Cook! Couldn't stop reading! Short uncomplicated to the point chapters. Extremely descriptive, easily visualize each gory scene. Loved it! Got me going non stop from the first few pages. Can't wait for the next masterpiece! King/Cook lookout! No bout a doubt it, you've never had anyone this close to being as great as you guys when it comes to writing horror/sci fi/medical thrillers!

The first book I have read from this author, it more than held my attention the book will make your skin crawl and keep you reading. The ending makes you wonder if there is more to come. Kind of reminds me of early Stephen King. Good stuff...

I hate to sound cliche, but I really couldn't put it down. Adding to the creepiness of it all, a few mosquito bites that were at once annoying, instantly became threatening. A fun read. Keep the Cortaid nearby.

Scott Sigler is one of the best new Horror/Sci Fi writers out there.
Infected is another triumph in the dark overlord's bid to conquer the world.
If you are a horror or sci fi fan and you haven't read Infected or listened to Sigler's ABSOLUTELY FREE online content then you owe it to yourself to become educated in the way of Siglerism.
If you are a Sigler fan and you haven't purchaced Infected then you should just be ashamed!

Scott Sigler piqued my interest on page one and held it `til the end. Infected really got under my skin--not an easy feat--with an interesting blend of horror and science fiction that really made me stop and think. The non-stop action combined with wry humor made me laugh at beautifully twisted descriptions.

The main character, Perry Dawsey is a force not to be reckoned with--his insatiable desire to set things right at any cost when his world is turned upside down is morbidly fascinating. Get infected--you'll be glad you did!

I won't make a lot of friends with this review, I'm sure. After reading the glowing reviews I decided to buy a copy. From the first two chapters it is evident why publishers didn't pick this book up. It is written poorly and the characters are unbelievable. [Possible Spoiler ahead] There is one chapter, "Mommy's Litte Girl" where my heart began to pound a bit with suspense, but the characters of the little girl and her brother, with their mother dead upstairs, just never developed. The character of Margaret is so silly, with her fantasy of being "horney" about Clarence Otto in the midst of an epidemic (Obviously, this was written by a man). Perry's character is just too far-fetched and is laughable. In all, the book is written poorly, contains too much profanity and simply doesn't deliver.

This is exactly the kind of book that I like. Believable characters, interesting plot and the story moved along quickly.

If I didn't have to sleep or go to work, I could have finished it in one day. I read somewhere that there will be a sequel. I can't wait to read it.

I just finished this book and I could hardly put it down once I started it. I am in no way a professional book reviewer but I know what I like and I LOVED THIS ONE! I was terrified if I even had a small itch.
Great book!!

Pam

Infected is heavily plot driven and has a good premise -- some sort of creatures, possibly from outer space or an alternate dimension, are infecting humans and one of the infected victims does battle with the creatures.

There are some nice touches that add complexity to the plot and the lead characters are well drawn, especially Perry, a former college athlete with a dark past. And the climax of the story is has an unusual twist.

However, the story is brutally gory, with blood and guts everywhere and exceptionally graphic depictions of one human host's miseries. After awhile, the repeated descriptions of physical injury and mayhem wore on me to the point that I had to read the final third of the book in shifts.

Ultimately, the story line is good enough for four stars, but certainly not extraordinary enough for the five stars that most reviewers here have assigned. And I'm taking off one of the four stars I would normally assign for unnecessary gore.

Infected is an easy read and is entertaining, but I would not suggest that anyone go out of his or her way to pick up a copy. This is the sort of novel you read because someone gave it to you or left in the back of your airplane seat.

Infected is heavily plot driven and has a good premise -- some sort of machine creatures, possibly from outer space or an alternate dimension, are infecting humans with spores that slowly grow beneath the skin to become creatures shaped like pyramids.

There are some nice touches that add complexity to the plot, such as the fact that the seedlings are able to communicate with their human hosts, and with one another between human hosts. And the seedlings, once hatched, share a mission, the attempted achievement of which provides the climax of the story.

However, the story is brutally gory, with blood and guts everywhere and exceptionally graphic depictions of one human host, Perry, attempting to excise the seedlings from his body. After awhile, the repeated descriptions of physical injury and mayhem wore on me to the point that I had to read the final third of the book in shifts.

Ultimately, the story line is good enough for four stars, but certainly not extraordinary enough for the five stars that most reviewers here have assigned. And I'm taking off one of the four stars I would normally assign for unnecessary gore.

Infected is an easy read and is entertaining, but I would not suggest that anyone go out of his or her way to pick up a copy. This is the sort of novel you read because someone gave it to you or left in the back of your airplane seat.

As a sci-fi novel, it goes to some neat places and I appreciate Sigler's talent at using Sci-Fi as the delivery mechanism for a good horror/thriller story. There's some pretty spectacular gore and the climax is quite satisfying, with just a quick mention of the loose ends that will lead to quite an entertaining series. Kudos to whoever was in charge of typesetting the book. There's some word art that manages to capture the unique experience of LISTENING to Scott Sigler directly in print.

"Infected" takes us through one man's plight to survive against a seemingly unbeatable foe.... even if it kills him. The "in your face" writing style with scenes so graphic and so gripping allow you to feel every emotion and every pain that the characters feel. Scott Sigler has concocted such a bold and original story that science fiction fans now have a new corridor of imagination to travel..

I also read this book based on the reviews and wasn't disappointed. It's the first book I've read by this author and I loved it. It was a bit graphic, but not in a bad way - you know, like some authors throw in violence and/or gore because they can, not because it adds anything to the story. I highly recommend this book!!

Sigler has a writing style that infects every bit as effectively as the subject matter of this book. Plot lines are introduced at exactly the right point in the book, and the characters in this book are rich and multi-layered. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

My purchase of this novel, Infected, proves that giving away content for free (thank you so much, Herr Sigler) works. Without having listened to the excellent Earthcore, Ancestor, The Rookie, Nocturnal (currently in production), as well as the Bloodcasts, I never would have bothered to buy this book. I also never would have known just how talented our man, Mr. Sigler really is. Thanks again.

Scott Sigler has the amazing ability to keep you wanting more. I couldn't put this book down. The chicken scissors, what can I say? I guess you will just have to read it for yourself. He has the ability to get you hooked on the story. Bring on infected 2.... I'm a Sigler junkie