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Infected #2
Contagious
From the acclaimed author of Infected comes an epic and exhilarating story of humanity’s secret battle against a horrific enemy.
Across America, a mysterious pathogen transforms ordinary people into raging killers, psychopaths driven by a terrifying, alien agenda. The human race fights back, yet after every battle the disease responds, adapts, using sophisticated strategies and brilliant ruses to fool its pursuers. The only possible the epidemic is driven not by evolution but by some malevolent intelligence.
Standing against this unimaginable threat is a small group, assembled under the strictest secrecy. Their best weapon is hulking former football star Perry Dawsey, left psychologically shattered by his own struggles with this terrible enemy, who possesses an unexplainable ability to locate the disease’s hosts. Violent and unpredictable, Perry is both the nation’s best hope and a terrifying liability. Hardened CIA veteran Dew Phillips must somehow forge a connection with him if they’re going to stand a chance against this maddeningly adaptable opponent. Alongside them is Margaret Montoya, a brilliant epidemiologist who fights for a cure even as she reels under the weight of endless horrors.
These three and their team have kept humanity in the game, but that’s not good enough anymore, not when the disease turns contagious, triggering a fast countdown to Armageddon. Meanwhile, other enemies join the battle, and a new threat — one that comes from a most unexpected source — may ultimately prove the most dangerous of all.
Catapulting the reader into a world where humanity’s life span is measured in hours and the president’s finger hovers over the nuclear button, rising star Scott Sigler takes us on a breathtaking, hyper-adrenalized ride filled with terror and jaw-dropping action. Contagious is a truly grand work of suspense, science, and horror from a new master.
Across America, a mysterious pathogen transforms ordinary people into raging killers, psychopaths driven by a terrifying, alien agenda. The human race fights back, yet after every battle the disease responds, adapts, using sophisticated strategies and brilliant ruses to fool its pursuers. The only possible the epidemic is driven not by evolution but by some malevolent intelligence.
Standing against this unimaginable threat is a small group, assembled under the strictest secrecy. Their best weapon is hulking former football star Perry Dawsey, left psychologically shattered by his own struggles with this terrible enemy, who possesses an unexplainable ability to locate the disease’s hosts. Violent and unpredictable, Perry is both the nation’s best hope and a terrifying liability. Hardened CIA veteran Dew Phillips must somehow forge a connection with him if they’re going to stand a chance against this maddeningly adaptable opponent. Alongside them is Margaret Montoya, a brilliant epidemiologist who fights for a cure even as she reels under the weight of endless horrors.
These three and their team have kept humanity in the game, but that’s not good enough anymore, not when the disease turns contagious, triggering a fast countdown to Armageddon. Meanwhile, other enemies join the battle, and a new threat — one that comes from a most unexpected source — may ultimately prove the most dangerous of all.
Catapulting the reader into a world where humanity’s life span is measured in hours and the president’s finger hovers over the nuclear button, rising star Scott Sigler takes us on a breathtaking, hyper-adrenalized ride filled with terror and jaw-dropping action. Contagious is a truly grand work of suspense, science, and horror from a new master.
448 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2008
About the author
Scott Sigler
110 books4,246 followersTHE CRYPT: SHAKEDOWN is Book I of a new five-book series. It’s out October 3, 2023 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast.
#1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast. #1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 696 reviews
September 12, 2024
Out Of My Way! I’m First In Line To Leave the Planet! 😳
The last time we were here, on the review page, we were just beginning to get started.
Now, the whole world is fighting the infection! It’s contagious! A world-wide pandemic! Who said something about face masks? 😷
Our intrepid heroes: Margaret Montoya, of the CDC, the good-looking Black guy who she’s in love with, and the paranoid, demon ‘scraping
ex-football player. And others.
The countdown has been launched (literally) for the end of the world. The virus is taking over. It’s able to think. It’s outsmarting us. 🤔
It’s going after the good guys. Will there be anyone left…for the fight?
Betrayal is the word.
Five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
The last time we were here, on the review page, we were just beginning to get started.
Now, the whole world is fighting the infection! It’s contagious! A world-wide pandemic! Who said something about face masks? 😷
Our intrepid heroes: Margaret Montoya, of the CDC, the good-looking Black guy who she’s in love with, and the paranoid, demon ‘scraping
ex-football player. And others.
The countdown has been launched (literally) for the end of the world. The virus is taking over. It’s able to think. It’s outsmarting us. 🤔
It’s going after the good guys. Will there be anyone left…for the fight?
Betrayal is the word.
Five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
March 12, 2020
Good continuation from the first one. Looking forward to completing the trilogy. 3.5/5.0 stars.
January 19, 2021
4.5 Stars for Contagious: Infected Series, Book 2 (audiobook) by Scott Sigler read by the author. This story is heating up. No one is safe. The invasion is spreading. Will they be able to save the planet? This is a fun story. The author does a great job with the narration too.
June 13, 2018
this series is dumb but a lot of fun
December 29, 2012
2.5 stars
As fast paced and exiting this book was, I can't get over the bland, emotionless style of the writer. This guy had an ok idea and decided to write a novel about it. I'll give him kudos for the work but I really can't say he's a great author. The characters are flat, reach life-altering decisions in a heartbeat, change their behaviour and opinions on a whim. Maybe it's just me but I hated every chapter title in this book because it couldnt be drier - like a weather forecast: "Margaret Has a Coffee" kind of stuff which sounded more like college textbook chapters than actual sci-fi novel titles. The guy who cries his eyes out in one paragraph sucks it up and becomes a hero in the next. The woman who says no sir, never ever decides it's actually a yes on the next page...it felt so haphazard, so thrown together, so clumsy. Dont even get me started on the science part of it. Overall, it was like watching a Jason Statham action movie: a thrilling, exaggerated, cliche, totally unrealistic and basically shallow entertainment. Sorry for being harsh but as an avid sci-fi and thriller reader I must say that yes, the Story is important but the best story is nothing if you can't spin it well enough to make it memorable. The ending of course indicated that the series will continue. Not sure if I'll read the third installment.
September 24, 2015
THE ACTION.
THE THRILL.
THE umm.. gross parts..
THAT AMAZING PLOT!!!!
All of these contribute to my perfect rating!
That was one amazing adventure / horror / thriller story!
THE THRILL.
THE umm.. gross parts..
THAT AMAZING PLOT!!!!
All of these contribute to my perfect rating!
That was one amazing adventure / horror / thriller story!
April 13, 2020
Δεν ήταν τόσο καλό όσο ο "ιός", διαβάζεται πολύ εύκολα ωστόσο. Δεν μου άρεσε που μπλέκει πολύ στρατό, πολλά ονόματα, πολύ κυνηγητό, πολλές μάχες που λίγο με κούρασαν, η ιδέα όμως στην οποία βάσισε την πλοκή είναι πολύ καλή.
February 11, 2022
3.5 For my money, Contagious is a significantly better written book than Infected. It maintains a lot of the comedy body horror spirit of the first but carries the ideas over to a competent sci if military thriller. What’s funny is, it almost seems like Sigler specifically addresses my complaints about the first book. The abundant crass humor is replaced with a little bit of a sheepish admission of insensitivity. I’ve come to admit Infected has a sort of trashy charm, but Contagious is just such a better book. It’s macho and generally given to light meathead punchlines. Some scary moments. Some action. The plot is halfway decent. And there’s some nice male bonding. This might play as a b-movie type of thing for most people, but I appreciate the effort the author has gone to to create a decent series out of a book about alien infection dick jokes.
February 13, 2022
There are not many books that I give 5 stars to. This book is one of those rare exceptions.
It was so good that I couldn't put it down. I read it in three days!
I am beginning the third book tonight; I probably will be staying up late.
It's almost like a train wreck. You can't stop reading it; yet, you can't get over the fact, that you can't stop reading it! It is that good!!!
There were passages that really stood out for me! One of them was this one.
"Perry moved forward, right behind Dew. Whiskey Company soldiers were thirty yards ahead of them, rushing toward the now gaping door For what must have been the hundredth time in the past hour, Perry tried to comprehend the bravery of a soldiers, someone who chose to rush headlong into enemy fire."
Our first responders do that everyday! Our police, fire, paramedics, EMT's, Army, Air Force, Marines, etc. do this so that we, the everyday citizens, do not have to. I also marvel at their bravery every day!
This passage actually teared me up (a lot), as it had me flashback, to the World Trade Center and its collapse!
"The explosions power pushed the air around it outward in a pressure wave moving at 780 miles an hour, just a touch over the speed of sound and twice to speed of an F-5 tornado, the most powerful wind force on Earth. The wave smashed into the melting, glass, metal and plastic of the Ren Cen, thirty-five pounds per square inch of overpressure splashing the molten liquid away in a giant wave and shattering the still-solid parts like a sledgehammer slamming through a toothpick house.
The Ren Cen's main tower had seventy-three stories, the four surrounding towers thirty-nine stories each. Less than three seconds after detonation, all of it was gone."
This is one of Mr. Sigler's writing strengths. He keeps coming back to the human condition. Back to situations where we are all familiar with. Yes, there may be aliens taking over bodies of people and changing them in horrible ways! And yes, his writing is frightening, and terrifying but also very seductive! You just can't stop reading!
And when I am done with this series, I am going to read it again!
I certainly hope he writes a fourth book to this series!
I think these books would make a fantastic movie series too!
It was so good that I couldn't put it down. I read it in three days!
I am beginning the third book tonight; I probably will be staying up late.
It's almost like a train wreck. You can't stop reading it; yet, you can't get over the fact, that you can't stop reading it! It is that good!!!
There were passages that really stood out for me! One of them was this one.
"Perry moved forward, right behind Dew. Whiskey Company soldiers were thirty yards ahead of them, rushing toward the now gaping door For what must have been the hundredth time in the past hour, Perry tried to comprehend the bravery of a soldiers, someone who chose to rush headlong into enemy fire."
Our first responders do that everyday! Our police, fire, paramedics, EMT's, Army, Air Force, Marines, etc. do this so that we, the everyday citizens, do not have to. I also marvel at their bravery every day!
This passage actually teared me up (a lot), as it had me flashback, to the World Trade Center and its collapse!
"The explosions power pushed the air around it outward in a pressure wave moving at 780 miles an hour, just a touch over the speed of sound and twice to speed of an F-5 tornado, the most powerful wind force on Earth. The wave smashed into the melting, glass, metal and plastic of the Ren Cen, thirty-five pounds per square inch of overpressure splashing the molten liquid away in a giant wave and shattering the still-solid parts like a sledgehammer slamming through a toothpick house.
The Ren Cen's main tower had seventy-three stories, the four surrounding towers thirty-nine stories each. Less than three seconds after detonation, all of it was gone."
This is one of Mr. Sigler's writing strengths. He keeps coming back to the human condition. Back to situations where we are all familiar with. Yes, there may be aliens taking over bodies of people and changing them in horrible ways! And yes, his writing is frightening, and terrifying but also very seductive! You just can't stop reading!
And when I am done with this series, I am going to read it again!
I certainly hope he writes a fourth book to this series!
I think these books would make a fantastic movie series too!
June 27, 2022
Oh, no... Cringe, but not as fun.
September 18, 2009
Wow. This novel was great! I liked how it provided more background information on the aliens and their hidden agenda towards Earth it gave the story more depth and the story is well rounded out. As in Infected, I also liked how there are scientific terms and theories, but it was easily explained and not complicated to understand. We all know some science fiction novels have a lot of technological jargon and you're left wondering if you're reading an encyclopedia on physics or rocket science. Here, everything is kept at Science 101 which is good, at least the reader is not stuck with having to go back to their college notes. I also liked the idea of the virus being able to evolve and to adapt so no matter how hard the government tries to fight it, it somehow gains the upper hand I thought it was an interesting way of keeping the story going.
The use of Chelsea in the book is very well done. It makes the story more eerie and creepy by using a child - a very beautiful and innocent like girl to become one of the most horrible creatures I've ever read in my life. You also get to see Perry Dawsey evolve from a psychotic raging killer doing down the downward spiral to a more calculated one, but with good intentions thanks to Dew.
There is a lot of action in this novel. It's so fast paced and well done it's almost as if you're watching a movie instead of reading. There are also a few military terms here and there but it shouldn't really bother the reader if they're not familiar with the terminology (same with the science terms). There is a lot of gore and swearing for those that aren't keen with that sort of thing. Other than that, this is a very pleasing sequel, is there room for more? well, I suppose it's up for the reader to decide. Personally, I wouldn't mind wondering what happens to the characters but then again perhaps it's better if it stays with two books instead. It could go either way I guess.
Overall a wonderful, fast paced, sequel to Infected. A great read for sci fi action lovers anywhere. If the gore and swearing don't bother you pick up both books and read them straight through. You won't be dissapointed. Also, in this book is one of the most wonderful, awesome, feel-good "tell-offs" I have ever read in my life between Murray, President Gutierrez and Vanessa. I will never forget that part in the book. (If you're curious, read the chapter: "Murray and Vanessa, BFF" to find out)
The use of Chelsea in the book is very well done. It makes the story more eerie and creepy by using a child - a very beautiful and innocent like girl to become one of the most horrible creatures I've ever read in my life. You also get to see Perry Dawsey evolve from a psychotic raging killer doing down the downward spiral to a more calculated one, but with good intentions thanks to Dew.
There is a lot of action in this novel. It's so fast paced and well done it's almost as if you're watching a movie instead of reading. There are also a few military terms here and there but it shouldn't really bother the reader if they're not familiar with the terminology (same with the science terms). There is a lot of gore and swearing for those that aren't keen with that sort of thing. Other than that, this is a very pleasing sequel, is there room for more? well, I suppose it's up for the reader to decide. Personally, I wouldn't mind wondering what happens to the characters but then again perhaps it's better if it stays with two books instead. It could go either way I guess.
Overall a wonderful, fast paced, sequel to Infected. A great read for sci fi action lovers anywhere. If the gore and swearing don't bother you pick up both books and read them straight through. You won't be dissapointed. Also, in this book is one of the most wonderful, awesome, feel-good "tell-offs" I have ever read in my life between Murray, President Gutierrez and Vanessa. I will never forget that part in the book. (If you're curious, read the chapter: "Murray and Vanessa, BFF" to find out)
July 6, 2015
Well the whole team is back which I was happy to see. Perry, Dew, Margaret... and a few new players.
Although still quite gory and disturbing, this book didn't have that same WTF!? impact that Infected had on me. At least I could read it without having to look away at some parts.
As usual, Scott's science in each of his books is mind boggling and detailed but not overwhelming. He has the perfect blend of science and action to give his stories a realistic and terrifying feel. This one was the same.
I also really loved the relationship that develops between the two protagonists. I'm a little upset over the ending although I know it was the sensible way it should have gone.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Pandemic. I hear that a character from Sigler's Ancestor joins in the fun which I'm looking forward to.
Although still quite gory and disturbing, this book didn't have that same WTF!? impact that Infected had on me. At least I could read it without having to look away at some parts.
As usual, Scott's science in each of his books is mind boggling and detailed but not overwhelming. He has the perfect blend of science and action to give his stories a realistic and terrifying feel. This one was the same.
I also really loved the relationship that develops between the two protagonists. I'm a little upset over the ending although I know it was the sensible way it should have gone.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Pandemic. I hear that a character from Sigler's Ancestor joins in the fun which I'm looking forward to.
August 24, 2009
Following up on last year's "Infected," "Contagious" is both a sequel and an expansion of Scott Sigler's twisted universe where an alien virus is trying to take over the planet.
"Infected" kept the stakes fairly limited--following the traumatic infection and steps taken by Perry Dawsey to "cure" himself. With "Contagious," Sigler takes a much wider view, showing us how the virus is working to establish a beach-head on our planet and possibly take over.
"Contagious" takes a few pages to get going, but once it does, it doesn't really let up. There aren't any scenes quite as memorable as the one involving the chicken scissors from the first book, but the story is still a good one. Seeing how the military is working to stop the triangles and the impact that is having on Dawsey is good. Of course, this being a novel by Sigler, those who are a bit squeamish need not apply. There is horror aplenty in the story.
"Infected" kept the stakes fairly limited--following the traumatic infection and steps taken by Perry Dawsey to "cure" himself. With "Contagious," Sigler takes a much wider view, showing us how the virus is working to establish a beach-head on our planet and possibly take over.
"Contagious" takes a few pages to get going, but once it does, it doesn't really let up. There aren't any scenes quite as memorable as the one involving the chicken scissors from the first book, but the story is still a good one. Seeing how the military is working to stop the triangles and the impact that is having on Dawsey is good. Of course, this being a novel by Sigler, those who are a bit squeamish need not apply. There is horror aplenty in the story.
February 8, 2013
This book is a sequel to Infected and you should read that one first to know what is going on in this book. The aliens are still trying to invade Earth and we pick up the story with Perry, Margaret, Dew and the others trying to stop the invasion. This is a great story. The author does a great job with his characters (Perry is a favorite of mine) and he keeps the story moving at a fast pace. You enjoy the relationships these characters develop with each other and you wonder what you would do with some of the moral decisions they have to make. The ending is fantastic and will keep you enthralled. If you like sci-fi mixed with a twinge of horror, you owe it to yourself to read these books.
October 26, 2017
4 Stars (review to follow)
January 26, 2023
Wow. I was enjoying this book and planning on giving it a 4, but the last 50 pages BLEW ME AWAYYY AND I READ THIS SERIES ON A WHIM IM SHOOOOOK
December 3, 2014
I have come to a realization that Scott Sigler is one of the hardest working authors out there. I first heard about Mr. Sigler while listening to his interview on The Dragon Page podcast. They were discussing his book Infested and the ‘radical’ methods that he uses to get his work recognized, such as, releasing it as a free e-book and offering the free audio version. Soon after the podcast was finished a free copy of Infested appeared in my iTunes que. I am pretty sure the publisher did not know what to make of this but I glad they took a chance. I really admired the different approach Mr. Sigler was taking to promote his work so I went out that weekend and purchased a copy of the hardcover edition, at full price no less, even though I had a free copy on my hard drive.
Now, all this promotion would not work if Mr. Sigler could not write. Luckily, he is a hell of writer and reminds me of a young Stephen King in that the further you get into the story the harder it is to put the book down. Infested ended up being one of my favorite novels of 2008. So I was eagerly awaiting the sequel, Contagious. It is not so much a sequel as it is a continuation.
Contagious starts off right about where Infected left off. My two favorite characters are back, Perry Dawsey and CIA agent Dew Phillips along with all the people from the first novel. Perry is left affected by the events of Infected and his able to track the triangles and their constant attempts to build gates (portals). So Perry, the CIA and the military spend their time tracking down gates and taking them out before the alien invaders can come through. Unfortunately, the aliens are getting wise to the human tactics and shift their strategy. So instead of infecting humans, they work out a way for the triangles to become contagious so that it will be impossible for the puny humans to stop them. From here, all hell breaks loose.
Contagious takes place on much grander scale than Infested did. The ending is shocking in it’s brutality and will leave you stunned.
What I liked: As I said, about half way through the book it is impossible to put down. It kinda reminded of the TV Show 24. Bad things keep happening to the good guys and you wonder how they are going to get out of it. The action continues to build a break neck speed and Mr. Sigler does not let up on throttle until the last page. By the time you turn the last page, you will your best Keanu Reeves’ rendition of “Woh”.
What I didn’t like: The third book, Pandemic, is not ready to go and I have to wait.
Last word: Scott Sigler is on the precipice of becoming a big time author and this is due in large part to the work he puts into his novels and into his ‘radical’ promotional methods. Even though it is early in 2009, I can confidently state that Contagious will be one of favorite books of the year.
As a side note, Mr. Sigler also made into our family’s lexicon. My wife and I use numerous saying that a few people understand. For example, when watching a movie and a character is suddenly introduced just so that they can be killed, we will laugh and point out that they are a “Red Shirt” (Google it if you don’t get it). Anyway, after reading Contagious I now threatened my wife that she will get the “Spanky-Spoon” if she does not behave. So, congratulations Mr. Sigler, you have made into our family’s weird sayings that nobody understands and gets us strange looks from friends and family.
Now, all this promotion would not work if Mr. Sigler could not write. Luckily, he is a hell of writer and reminds me of a young Stephen King in that the further you get into the story the harder it is to put the book down. Infested ended up being one of my favorite novels of 2008. So I was eagerly awaiting the sequel, Contagious. It is not so much a sequel as it is a continuation.
Contagious starts off right about where Infected left off. My two favorite characters are back, Perry Dawsey and CIA agent Dew Phillips along with all the people from the first novel. Perry is left affected by the events of Infected and his able to track the triangles and their constant attempts to build gates (portals). So Perry, the CIA and the military spend their time tracking down gates and taking them out before the alien invaders can come through. Unfortunately, the aliens are getting wise to the human tactics and shift their strategy. So instead of infecting humans, they work out a way for the triangles to become contagious so that it will be impossible for the puny humans to stop them. From here, all hell breaks loose.
Contagious takes place on much grander scale than Infested did. The ending is shocking in it’s brutality and will leave you stunned.
What I liked: As I said, about half way through the book it is impossible to put down. It kinda reminded of the TV Show 24. Bad things keep happening to the good guys and you wonder how they are going to get out of it. The action continues to build a break neck speed and Mr. Sigler does not let up on throttle until the last page. By the time you turn the last page, you will your best Keanu Reeves’ rendition of “Woh”.
What I didn’t like: The third book, Pandemic, is not ready to go and I have to wait.
Last word: Scott Sigler is on the precipice of becoming a big time author and this is due in large part to the work he puts into his novels and into his ‘radical’ promotional methods. Even though it is early in 2009, I can confidently state that Contagious will be one of favorite books of the year.
As a side note, Mr. Sigler also made into our family’s lexicon. My wife and I use numerous saying that a few people understand. For example, when watching a movie and a character is suddenly introduced just so that they can be killed, we will laugh and point out that they are a “Red Shirt” (Google it if you don’t get it). Anyway, after reading Contagious I now threatened my wife that she will get the “Spanky-Spoon” if she does not behave. So, congratulations Mr. Sigler, you have made into our family’s weird sayings that nobody understands and gets us strange looks from friends and family.
August 15, 2015
Rezi: http://chrissies-kleine-welt.de/?p=2098
ACHTUNG! Es folgt eine Besprechung zu einem Buch, das den zweiten Teil einer Reihe darstellt. Spoiler zu Band 1 “Infiziert” sind daher durchaus möglich und jedwedes Weiterlesen erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.
Nachdem wir im ersten Teil Perry Dawseys wahnswitzigen, brutalen und heftigen Überlebenskampf gegen die blauen Dreiecke miterlebt haben spinnt Sigler die Story um eine ungewöhnliche Außerirdischeninvasion weiter.
Immer noch befindet sich die Schaltzentrale der Invasoren im Orbit unseres Planeten und hat aus der Niederlage gegen Dawsey gelernt. Modifizierte Sporen werden auf die Menschheit losgelassen und sollen diesmal verhindern, dass die Menschen das Tor finden und zerstören können, bevor es aktiviert wurde und ihre Armee ausspucken konnte. Wieder tauchen infizierte Menschen auf, die durchdrehen und ihre Liebsten und sich selbst bestialisch zerstören, doch im Großen und Ganzes läuft alles koordinierter ab.
Nachdem Margaret Montoya Dawsey wieder zusammengeflickt hat und er sich einigermaßen erholen konnte stellt man fest, dass seine Verbindung zu anderen Infizierten nicht vollkommen gekappt wurde. Perry hetzt durch das Land und erlöst einen Infizierten nach dem anderen von seinem Leiden, da ihm niemand stark genug erscheint, um es mit den Dreiecken aufzunehmen. Dew Phillips versucht zusammen mit seinem kleinen Team Dawseys Antennen zu nutzen, aber ihn gleichzeitig daran zu hindern die infizierten Menschen abzuschlachten. Zudem braucht Montoya unbedingt einen lebenden Infizierten, um den Vorgängen weiter auf die Spur zu kommen und zu verstehen, was genau bei einer Infektion passiert.
Dann ändert der Orbiter etwas in seinen Sporen und erschafft damit ein neues Grauen, dem alle Gegner machtlos gegenüberstehen. Im Mittelpunkt des Ganzen steht ein Engel mit goldenen Locken und dem Namen Chelsea.
Diesmal erzählt Sigler keine One-Man- bzw. One-Perry-Show und eine Story von Montoya und Phillips daneben, wie sie machtlos der neuen Bedrohung gegenüberstehen. Der Gegner ist bekannt und es gilt nicht nur einzelne Menschen sondern Amerika zu retten. Die Bedrohung weitet sich aus, wird intelligenter und schlimmer und ein actiongeladenes, brutales Katz- und Mausspiel beginnt.
Lag der Fokus in “Infiziert” noch deutlich auf Dawsey Überlebenskampf und dem Entdecken der Dreiecke, so beschäftigt sich “Virulent” mit weiteren Themengebieten. Dawsey findet auch statt, findet seinen Raum und auch Erlebnisse aus dem Vorgängerband werden angeschnitten und thematisiert, jedoch liegt hier nicht mehr der Hauptaugenmerk. Die Geschichte wird relativ ausgeglichen aus der Sicht der kämpfenden Menschen, aber auch aus der Sicht von Infizierten, vom Orbiter und von Chelsea erzählt.
Wirklich meckern kann ich nicht, aber im Vergleich zum Vorgänger muss ich sagen, dass das Buch in der Mitte einen leichten Hänger in Sachen Spannung hat und dort etwas braucht um wieder rasant zu werden.
Sigler-Leser sollten Action mögen, Wissenschaft, gute Recherche, SciFi, und Horror. Zudem sollte man bei manchen Szenen einen starken Magen besitzen. Ich wäre aber kein Fan dieses Autors, wenn er neben dem spannenden Actiongedöns nicht auch Platz für Charakterausbau ließe und somit auch mit der Fortsetzung der Reihe einen genialen Roman geschaffen hat, den ich liebe und dessen Ende mich immer wieder verzweifeln lässt.
ACHTUNG! Es folgt eine Besprechung zu einem Buch, das den zweiten Teil einer Reihe darstellt. Spoiler zu Band 1 “Infiziert” sind daher durchaus möglich und jedwedes Weiterlesen erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.
Nachdem wir im ersten Teil Perry Dawseys wahnswitzigen, brutalen und heftigen Überlebenskampf gegen die blauen Dreiecke miterlebt haben spinnt Sigler die Story um eine ungewöhnliche Außerirdischeninvasion weiter.
Immer noch befindet sich die Schaltzentrale der Invasoren im Orbit unseres Planeten und hat aus der Niederlage gegen Dawsey gelernt. Modifizierte Sporen werden auf die Menschheit losgelassen und sollen diesmal verhindern, dass die Menschen das Tor finden und zerstören können, bevor es aktiviert wurde und ihre Armee ausspucken konnte. Wieder tauchen infizierte Menschen auf, die durchdrehen und ihre Liebsten und sich selbst bestialisch zerstören, doch im Großen und Ganzes läuft alles koordinierter ab.
Nachdem Margaret Montoya Dawsey wieder zusammengeflickt hat und er sich einigermaßen erholen konnte stellt man fest, dass seine Verbindung zu anderen Infizierten nicht vollkommen gekappt wurde. Perry hetzt durch das Land und erlöst einen Infizierten nach dem anderen von seinem Leiden, da ihm niemand stark genug erscheint, um es mit den Dreiecken aufzunehmen. Dew Phillips versucht zusammen mit seinem kleinen Team Dawseys Antennen zu nutzen, aber ihn gleichzeitig daran zu hindern die infizierten Menschen abzuschlachten. Zudem braucht Montoya unbedingt einen lebenden Infizierten, um den Vorgängen weiter auf die Spur zu kommen und zu verstehen, was genau bei einer Infektion passiert.
Dann ändert der Orbiter etwas in seinen Sporen und erschafft damit ein neues Grauen, dem alle Gegner machtlos gegenüberstehen. Im Mittelpunkt des Ganzen steht ein Engel mit goldenen Locken und dem Namen Chelsea.
Diesmal erzählt Sigler keine One-Man- bzw. One-Perry-Show und eine Story von Montoya und Phillips daneben, wie sie machtlos der neuen Bedrohung gegenüberstehen. Der Gegner ist bekannt und es gilt nicht nur einzelne Menschen sondern Amerika zu retten. Die Bedrohung weitet sich aus, wird intelligenter und schlimmer und ein actiongeladenes, brutales Katz- und Mausspiel beginnt.
Lag der Fokus in “Infiziert” noch deutlich auf Dawsey Überlebenskampf und dem Entdecken der Dreiecke, so beschäftigt sich “Virulent” mit weiteren Themengebieten. Dawsey findet auch statt, findet seinen Raum und auch Erlebnisse aus dem Vorgängerband werden angeschnitten und thematisiert, jedoch liegt hier nicht mehr der Hauptaugenmerk. Die Geschichte wird relativ ausgeglichen aus der Sicht der kämpfenden Menschen, aber auch aus der Sicht von Infizierten, vom Orbiter und von Chelsea erzählt.
Wirklich meckern kann ich nicht, aber im Vergleich zum Vorgänger muss ich sagen, dass das Buch in der Mitte einen leichten Hänger in Sachen Spannung hat und dort etwas braucht um wieder rasant zu werden.
Sigler-Leser sollten Action mögen, Wissenschaft, gute Recherche, SciFi, und Horror. Zudem sollte man bei manchen Szenen einen starken Magen besitzen. Ich wäre aber kein Fan dieses Autors, wenn er neben dem spannenden Actiongedöns nicht auch Platz für Charakterausbau ließe und somit auch mit der Fortsetzung der Reihe einen genialen Roman geschaffen hat, den ich liebe und dessen Ende mich immer wieder verzweifeln lässt.
September 17, 2014
Scott Sigler’s Infected is such a demented joyride, I was doubtful that he could pull off an equally entertaining sequel. Why did I bother to doubt him? Sigler’s got a cult following for a reason: He delivers. Contagious not only meets my expectations but exceeds them in a book filled with insidious aliens, bursting hosts, and a persistent crew scrambling to stop an airborne invasion.
The same players are back for more punishment in Contagious: CIA veteran Dew Phillips; his boss, CIA director Murray Longworth; epidemiologist Margaret Montoya; and my new favorite literary character: the refrigerator-sized ex-linebacker "Scary" Perry Dawsey.
It is six weeks later and the team finds itself in the unenviable position of having to stop an even more virulent strain of the virus—a virus that is correcting the mistakes made during the first invasion of earth. Where the initial strain infected hosts with triangles that hatched from bodies, the new strain pairs the triangles with crawlers that go for the brain. Guiding the invasion is the Orbital, a satellite that releases the seeds, programs them, and communicates with the hosts.
To make matters worse, a new president has just been elected. John Gutierrez has to hit the ground running after being briefed by Murray Longworth, making decisions he never thought he would have to make as POTUS. Will he logically subscribe to the adage that the needs of the many outweight the needs of the few?
In Infected Perry Dawsey took center stage in the first invasion because he had the guts to rid himself of triangles by knife, fork, and fire; in Contagious it’s a sweet-as-pie 7-year-old named Chelsea calling the shots as she communicates with “god”—the Orbital. As she gathers her army around her in Detroit, the infected and non-infected alike may face nuclear annihilation.
Pandemic, the conclusion to the Infected series, will be published in the next few years.
The deranged Scott Sigler has an awesome website filled with his trademark wit and wisdom on subjects ranging from Alf to Vikings, and populated with enthusiastic Sigler "junkies." He offers free podcasts of his books, all parts read by Sigler. Between writing novels, podcasting, and managing his Web site, Sigler writes the weekly horror column Laughing in the Face of Death over at AMCTV.com.
Currently I'm listening to Nocturnal on my iPod. It's a trip listening to Sigler segue seamlessly into Pookie the non-PC Chinese detective, a neglectful foster mother, a female police chief, a black homeless man, a fortune teller afflicted with Tourette's, Russian and Italian gangsters, a family of monsters, and a cast of many more.
The same players are back for more punishment in Contagious: CIA veteran Dew Phillips; his boss, CIA director Murray Longworth; epidemiologist Margaret Montoya; and my new favorite literary character: the refrigerator-sized ex-linebacker "Scary" Perry Dawsey.
It is six weeks later and the team finds itself in the unenviable position of having to stop an even more virulent strain of the virus—a virus that is correcting the mistakes made during the first invasion of earth. Where the initial strain infected hosts with triangles that hatched from bodies, the new strain pairs the triangles with crawlers that go for the brain. Guiding the invasion is the Orbital, a satellite that releases the seeds, programs them, and communicates with the hosts.
To make matters worse, a new president has just been elected. John Gutierrez has to hit the ground running after being briefed by Murray Longworth, making decisions he never thought he would have to make as POTUS. Will he logically subscribe to the adage that the needs of the many outweight the needs of the few?
In Infected Perry Dawsey took center stage in the first invasion because he had the guts to rid himself of triangles by knife, fork, and fire; in Contagious it’s a sweet-as-pie 7-year-old named Chelsea calling the shots as she communicates with “god”—the Orbital. As she gathers her army around her in Detroit, the infected and non-infected alike may face nuclear annihilation.
Pandemic, the conclusion to the Infected series, will be published in the next few years.
The deranged Scott Sigler has an awesome website filled with his trademark wit and wisdom on subjects ranging from Alf to Vikings, and populated with enthusiastic Sigler "junkies." He offers free podcasts of his books, all parts read by Sigler. Between writing novels, podcasting, and managing his Web site, Sigler writes the weekly horror column Laughing in the Face of Death over at AMCTV.com.
Currently I'm listening to Nocturnal on my iPod. It's a trip listening to Sigler segue seamlessly into Pookie the non-PC Chinese detective, a neglectful foster mother, a female police chief, a black homeless man, a fortune teller afflicted with Tourette's, Russian and Italian gangsters, a family of monsters, and a cast of many more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2015
Contagious picks up right where Infected left off, featuring most of the same characters and dealing with much the same basic issue: an alien species is attempting to create a portal from their world to ours, that they might invade. To do so, they need workers, and these workers grow from human bodies (turning the host paranoid and violent before finally killing them entirely during the 'birthing' process). The new twist introduced in the second book is that certain humans who've been infected with a new strain do not grow workers, but instead simply fall under the control of the entity that's been generating all of this chaos ... or, more accurately, first fall under its control and then under the control of a single human host who's grown too powerful for that entity to dominate.
These new infected can spread the infection, either through a kiss (their tongues are the vector), or, as we later find out, through other means entirely. This makes things much more difficult for our protagonists, as it means the infection can travel far and fast, and to unexpected people, who are almost immediately overwhelmed by it.
Contagious is, like Infected, a book filled with visceral violence and fast action. It improves on Infected in a number of ways, however, including improved characterization and dispensing with a certain idiomatic phrase that the first book drove into the ground. It also contains less vivid descriptions of bodily mutilation, which made it feel less like Night Shift-era Stephen King to me. Instead, Sigler ups the actual science to even greater levels, which I liked a lot.
Overall, Contagious feels to me like a writer who's growing more comfortable in his own style. The ultra-short chapters and casual tone help make it a fast read (it took me a while to get through it only because I accidentally left it at home during a vacation), and I liked that none of the characters come through this one sparkling clean; everyone makes tough decisions and gets some dirt under their fingernails.
Sigler is a little too into "all guys be like this" for me, at times, but I didn't find that it drew me away from the story much. I did have a hard time getting into things at first, as there weren't any characters I particularly liked, but what Sigler does with both Dew Phillips and Perry Dawsey worked for me, and in particular I found the ending satisfying and at least mildly touching. An unexpected but oddly pleasant (particularly given what happens in the book's final ten pages) way to wrap things up.
I started out thinking this was a three-star book, then it grew on me, and the ending chapters really helped take it up to four.
These new infected can spread the infection, either through a kiss (their tongues are the vector), or, as we later find out, through other means entirely. This makes things much more difficult for our protagonists, as it means the infection can travel far and fast, and to unexpected people, who are almost immediately overwhelmed by it.
Contagious is, like Infected, a book filled with visceral violence and fast action. It improves on Infected in a number of ways, however, including improved characterization and dispensing with a certain idiomatic phrase that the first book drove into the ground. It also contains less vivid descriptions of bodily mutilation, which made it feel less like Night Shift-era Stephen King to me. Instead, Sigler ups the actual science to even greater levels, which I liked a lot.
Overall, Contagious feels to me like a writer who's growing more comfortable in his own style. The ultra-short chapters and casual tone help make it a fast read (it took me a while to get through it only because I accidentally left it at home during a vacation), and I liked that none of the characters come through this one sparkling clean; everyone makes tough decisions and gets some dirt under their fingernails.
Sigler is a little too into "all guys be like this" for me, at times, but I didn't find that it drew me away from the story much. I did have a hard time getting into things at first, as there weren't any characters I particularly liked, but what Sigler does with both Dew Phillips and Perry Dawsey worked for me, and in particular I found the ending satisfying and at least mildly touching. An unexpected but oddly pleasant (particularly given what happens in the book's final ten pages) way to wrap things up.
I started out thinking this was a three-star book, then it grew on me, and the ending chapters really helped take it up to four.
March 16, 2017
I enjoyed the first in the series pretty well, despite the misogyny. I started Contagious because I was hoping the female characters would get some redemption (they did, a bit). There is some blatant racism. I always feel like the author who includes that shit just wants to get away with being racist under the guise of "art." I don't care for that. A character calls Regan "the greatest president who ever lived," which is hilarious. Either this author leans Nationalistic Conservative, or he does a great job of putting aside his own beliefs for the sake of character development (the characters kind of suck though so.....)
This book was going along ok until the Chelsea character entered. I COULD NOT STAND her. Things just got more and more annoying until I stopped reading (about halfway through). I read spoiler containing reviews until I figured out the end, and decided it wasn't worth it to continue.
This book was going along ok until the Chelsea character entered. I COULD NOT STAND her. Things just got more and more annoying until I stopped reading (about halfway through). I read spoiler containing reviews until I figured out the end, and decided it wasn't worth it to continue.
February 13, 2021
Contagious is a really enjoyable read and it was a nice follow up of Infected.
This second book takes place a few weeks after the first one and we're back on the game against the triangles. As a matter of fact, we get more information and context about what are triangles and what are their purposes etc. and this gives a more developed story which was what I expected and wished for !
All the book works very well and I had a good time reading it !
However I was kinda dissapointed by Chelsea. I never really found that character well written, as she does not really sound like a 7 year old girl. I tended to skim through the chapters where she was the main character without really reading them.
As a final note, the end was really really good ! I holded my breath all along and couldn't put the book away despite the late hour!
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
This second book takes place a few weeks after the first one and we're back on the game against the triangles. As a matter of fact, we get more information and context about what are triangles and what are their purposes etc. and this gives a more developed story which was what I expected and wished for !
All the book works very well and I had a good time reading it !
However I was kinda dissapointed by Chelsea. I never really found that character well written, as she does not really sound like a 7 year old girl. I tended to skim through the chapters where she was the main character without really reading them.
As a final note, the end was really really good ! I holded my breath all along and couldn't put the book away despite the late hour!
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
June 11, 2014
Whatever skills Sigler has gained as a writer in this second volume, he undermines with casual sexism, racism, and homophobia. He introduced a character who is a woman of colour in a position of power, and at first I was pleased to see her until it became clear that she only existed for the white male protagonist to bully, discredit, humiliate, and triumph over.
April 27, 2023
THE ANGELS ARE COMING. PEOPLE BUILD FOR THEM, JUST LIKE WE DO. WE’RE GOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HELL, AND THAT’S WHAT YOU DESERVE, YOU CHEATING BASTARD.
They seemed different, different from his own triangles, the ones he had called the Magnificent Seven. Different from Fatty Patty’s triangles and hatchlings. These three sounded feminine, but caustic, angry. Perry wondered what Bernadette Smith’s personality had been like before the infections. Something told Perry there was one word for it—bitch.
“What did they say?” Dew asked.
“Hard to tell,” Perry said. “I think whatever is coming through wants to make us build things.”
“Build things?” Dew said. He spoke louder, as if that would help him be heard inside the containment cell. “What are we going to build for you?”
YOU’LL DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD OR YOU’LL GET THE PADDLE.
Later the alien-host threatens CIA and military personnel with the “spanky spoon” in Scott Sigler’s Contagious, but that’s just another component of the utter insanity of this story. Nothing in this sequel to Infection is remotely believable, yet I can’t help but gleefully chuck my suspension of disbelief out the window and embrace Sigler’s frenetic pacing and disregard for plausibility. This novel is a definite improvement over the sloppy pacing of the first—it’s a better read. Some of the pro-military and macho-ness of the characters and situations can be a little cringey, but he provides an engaging thriller replete with badasses and U.S. presidents wiping sweaty brows while making dire decisions to save the nation. Sigler is not examining humanity’s fickle heart.
It is what it is—and if you enjoyed some of Infection, I definitely say check out this sequel. It’s a marked improvement and a whole lot of brainless fun.
Do it, Murray,” Gutierrez said. “Get Tom Maskill an overview of the bacteria-story details, and we’ll coordinate. But I want Dawsey and Phillips to sit tight until Ogden arrives. And I’m not kidding, Murray—they better sit down and get some coffee and not do a damn thing. I am going to check up on that, and if I find out that my orders have been ignored, you’re finished.”
Murray needed to get the hell out of the Oval Office and call Dew before Perry could do anything stupid.
They seemed different, different from his own triangles, the ones he had called the Magnificent Seven. Different from Fatty Patty’s triangles and hatchlings. These three sounded feminine, but caustic, angry. Perry wondered what Bernadette Smith’s personality had been like before the infections. Something told Perry there was one word for it—bitch.
“What did they say?” Dew asked.
“Hard to tell,” Perry said. “I think whatever is coming through wants to make us build things.”
“Build things?” Dew said. He spoke louder, as if that would help him be heard inside the containment cell. “What are we going to build for you?”
YOU’LL DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD OR YOU’LL GET THE PADDLE.
Later the alien-host threatens CIA and military personnel with the “spanky spoon” in Scott Sigler’s Contagious, but that’s just another component of the utter insanity of this story. Nothing in this sequel to Infection is remotely believable, yet I can’t help but gleefully chuck my suspension of disbelief out the window and embrace Sigler’s frenetic pacing and disregard for plausibility. This novel is a definite improvement over the sloppy pacing of the first—it’s a better read. Some of the pro-military and macho-ness of the characters and situations can be a little cringey, but he provides an engaging thriller replete with badasses and U.S. presidents wiping sweaty brows while making dire decisions to save the nation. Sigler is not examining humanity’s fickle heart.
It is what it is—and if you enjoyed some of Infection, I definitely say check out this sequel. It’s a marked improvement and a whole lot of brainless fun.
Do it, Murray,” Gutierrez said. “Get Tom Maskill an overview of the bacteria-story details, and we’ll coordinate. But I want Dawsey and Phillips to sit tight until Ogden arrives. And I’m not kidding, Murray—they better sit down and get some coffee and not do a damn thing. I am going to check up on that, and if I find out that my orders have been ignored, you’re finished.”
Murray needed to get the hell out of the Oval Office and call Dew before Perry could do anything stupid.
July 30, 2011
Part 2 of the Infected horror story is Contagious. It continues the story after the military has stopped the first wormhole from opening. They have now recruited Perry Dawsey because he can "hear" the communication between the hatchlings and something else to figure out where more of these gates are being built by these hatchlings.
In this book, I enjoyed that it gave some back story into the how to of the blue triangles and hatchlings, etc. Basically, there is a very complex satellite, of sorts, that is creating these spores to infect people, but it's smart and can try other methods to be successful. So...since the infection of people with hatchlings isn't working out too well and Dawsey can "hear" them and figure out where the gates are being built, this satellite thing changes things up and decides to create soldiers to protect the hatchlings. In doing so, it creates a "general" out of a 6 year old girl to control all the hatchlings and soldiers. The satellite communicates with her convincing her the aliens are angels to be loved...until she becomes a bit too big for her britches and tells the satellite to take a flying leap.
While I loved the flow of the novel, this was my one bone to pick. Maybe it's because I have a 6 year old myself, and he happens to not be a sociopath. I found Chelsea, the 6 year old sociopathic general of the "army of apocalypse" to be somewhat unbelievable. She had no concept of right or wrong. Now I could see how a 3 or 4 year old child could be like that, but a 6 year old? We're talking 1st graders. My 6 year old is probably too honest, but children his age know right and wrong and understand you don't torture people into submission. I just find it hard to believe this girl was turned into an alien soldier and suddenly lost all concepts of right and wrong. She still could crave ice cream and McDonalds, but beating her mother or killing a 9 year old were just fine and dandy.
Other than this one issue, it's a great story. It switches back and forth between the satellite's plans, the FBI/CDC chasing the "infection," and the Chelsea army of crazies. If you love sci fi and thrillers, this is a great series to read. It will scare the crap out of you. I've found myself checking out bumps I find on my body a little more closely lately.
In this book, I enjoyed that it gave some back story into the how to of the blue triangles and hatchlings, etc. Basically, there is a very complex satellite, of sorts, that is creating these spores to infect people, but it's smart and can try other methods to be successful. So...since the infection of people with hatchlings isn't working out too well and Dawsey can "hear" them and figure out where the gates are being built, this satellite thing changes things up and decides to create soldiers to protect the hatchlings. In doing so, it creates a "general" out of a 6 year old girl to control all the hatchlings and soldiers. The satellite communicates with her convincing her the aliens are angels to be loved...until she becomes a bit too big for her britches and tells the satellite to take a flying leap.
While I loved the flow of the novel, this was my one bone to pick. Maybe it's because I have a 6 year old myself, and he happens to not be a sociopath. I found Chelsea, the 6 year old sociopathic general of the "army of apocalypse" to be somewhat unbelievable. She had no concept of right or wrong. Now I could see how a 3 or 4 year old child could be like that, but a 6 year old? We're talking 1st graders. My 6 year old is probably too honest, but children his age know right and wrong and understand you don't torture people into submission. I just find it hard to believe this girl was turned into an alien soldier and suddenly lost all concepts of right and wrong. She still could crave ice cream and McDonalds, but beating her mother or killing a 9 year old were just fine and dandy.
Other than this one issue, it's a great story. It switches back and forth between the satellite's plans, the FBI/CDC chasing the "infection," and the Chelsea army of crazies. If you love sci fi and thrillers, this is a great series to read. It will scare the crap out of you. I've found myself checking out bumps I find on my body a little more closely lately.
February 16, 2017
I am listening to this series on audio. Second in the series there was some predictability but had many good fast paced exciting moments and a few surprises. There continues to be portions of pretty good scientific explanation of different processes - some people won't like that but I did. I was wondering how the author was going to get to the 3rd sequel given how the second book was developing and although I didn't expect him to go that route, I kind of feel like it was a bit weak for that link. If you read it you will see what I mean. I will finish the series since I have gotten this far and would like to see how the author wraps it up. I kind of look at this series as a "beach read for horror/science fiction" and I am enjoying it even though it isn't the deepest thing you will ever read. I try to mix in my heavier reading with "light reads and guilty pleasure" books.
I know some people have complained of the author narrating his own books - I don't think he is that bad personally. Very tolerable in fact (I have heard some really bad ones). Spoiler.... Sadly many of the characters I grew attached to won't be around for book three - there were actually two I was hoping would for sure be present in the last book even if they didn't make it in the end.
I know some people have complained of the author narrating his own books - I don't think he is that bad personally. Very tolerable in fact (I have heard some really bad ones). Spoiler.... Sadly many of the characters I grew attached to won't be around for book three - there were actually two I was hoping would for sure be present in the last book even if they didn't make it in the end.
August 1, 2023
An entertaining, clever follow-up to "Infected". The alien invasion epidemic of blue triangles from the first book continues. Our heroes (well, protagonists) - Dew Phillips, Perry Dawsey, Margaret Montoya, Amos Braun, Clarence Otto, Murray Longworth, and Charlie Ogden - continue to fight outbreaks of the triangles, destroy gates, and try to unravel the biological mysteries at play. But the triangles have adapted, and are more dangerous (and contagious) than ever.
"Contagious" improves on the first book in almost every way. Sigler has clearly refined his writing here, and while he still relies on short, punchy chapters to keep a thriller-like pace, chapters are usually more than just a single scene in length. Character development is improved. The body horror, while still present, relies on a "less is more" approach, with more use of restraint and implication rather than direct gross-out. The plotting is a little more complex, and the stakes are definitely raised. Last but not least, Sigler is not afraid to kill characters here - no one is safe.
"Contagious" improves on the first book in almost every way. Sigler has clearly refined his writing here, and while he still relies on short, punchy chapters to keep a thriller-like pace, chapters are usually more than just a single scene in length. Character development is improved. The body horror, while still present, relies on a "less is more" approach, with more use of restraint and implication rather than direct gross-out. The plotting is a little more complex, and the stakes are definitely raised. Last but not least, Sigler is not afraid to kill characters here - no one is safe.
October 14, 2010
Take the plot of the original book and amp that fucker to the tenth power. This follow-up to "Infected" has more guns, more carnage, and lots and lots of shit blowing up. In other words, this book kicks major ass.
Sigler is a master at breathing life into his characters, and the "bad guy" here is one of the creepiest, most well-designed, that you'll ever meet on the page or screen.
<- SPOILER ALERT ->
My only quibble with this book is that Contagious begins some time after Infected ends. In fact, I stopped a few pages into the book to go make sure that I hadn't somehow skipped over the second book in a trilogy and gone right to number three. A lot happens in the short time between Infected and Contagious, and it's stuff that drives the plot of the sequel. Sigler does a deft job of introducing all these plot elements, so it's not a problem. I'm just sorry that I'll miss the opportunity to read that story on its own.
Sigler is a master at breathing life into his characters, and the "bad guy" here is one of the creepiest, most well-designed, that you'll ever meet on the page or screen.
<- SPOILER ALERT ->
My only quibble with this book is that Contagious begins some time after Infected ends. In fact, I stopped a few pages into the book to go make sure that I hadn't somehow skipped over the second book in a trilogy and gone right to number three. A lot happens in the short time between Infected and Contagious, and it's stuff that drives the plot of the sequel. Sigler does a deft job of introducing all these plot elements, so it's not a problem. I'm just sorry that I'll miss the opportunity to read that story on its own.
May 3, 2014
The second book in the Infected trilogy finds Dew Phillips, grizzled CIA operative, along with Scary Perry Dawsey, survivor of the alien contagion from the first novel, working with government agents and CDC doctors in a desperate race to prevent the contagion from spreading and opening a gate for something far deadlier to emerge into our world. Written in Sigler's trademark fast and choppy prose and short chapters, this novel rockets along like a bullet train to Hell, to a blazingly shocking climax. This story worked for me much more than the first book, which was good, and makes me want to run right out and buy the final novel, Pandemic, which recently came out. If you haven't read Scott Sigler, you should!
September 24, 2016
There's often the danger when you have a fantastic grabbing first novel in a trilogy that the follow up sequel will be unable to match the level of the first, or worse, a total let down. I am pleased to say Contagious is every bit as good as Infected, maybe even a little better.
As an immediate sequel to Infected there's not a great deal of character development which takes place as everyone has already been backgrounded in the prior instalment. The main exception to this is Perry Dawsey who continues to fight his self loathing whilst also trying adjust to his new life as the only survivor to the alien contagion and everything that survival involved.
Overall? Really damn good. Wish air mail would hurry up with my copy of the final novel, Pandemic, so I can start on it!
As an immediate sequel to Infected there's not a great deal of character development which takes place as everyone has already been backgrounded in the prior instalment. The main exception to this is Perry Dawsey who continues to fight his self loathing whilst also trying adjust to his new life as the only survivor to the alien contagion and everything that survival involved.
Overall? Really damn good. Wish air mail would hurry up with my copy of the final novel, Pandemic, so I can start on it!
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