Infected: A Novel by Scott Sigler
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Book Reviews of Infected: A Novel
Book Review: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Summary: 3 Stars
This book has everything, the good, the bad and the ugly (the ugly being the insane amount of gore, which is well-done).
There's been a lot of reviews here saying the book is poorly written. I don't think it's poorly written, but Sigler's no Hemingway. He writes similar to Dan Brown, on a middle-school level. So if that's annoying to you, then go read something else. However, despite the simplistic writing, I found myself getting sucked into the thrill and horror of the book.
There aren't any truly scary parts, but there are terrifying ones which the author develops very well.
Honestly, the reason I gave it 3 stars is because it's not truly original, I didn't care much for the B-story (following the scientists and covert ops and cops) it seemed to hinder the pace of the novel, but it keeps your attention. The way it's structured (i.e. really, really short chapters) definitely aid in the attention-keeping.
My advice, read it if you've got nothing else to read, or if you're a junkie of this genre. Otherwise, skip it.
One last thing: Many reviews have called the book unbelievable with unbelievable characters. Well, what do you expect with sci-fi horror? The characters have to be over-the-top unless the writer's got a more subtle, mysterious plot, a la The Historian and Salem's Lot.
Book Review: Horror! Sci fi! Thriller
Summary: 3 Stars
OK I read thrillers. I read everyone. I read about 15 books a month on a short month. This one== well let me say this -- first of all the cover has NOTHING to do with the book and I hate when publishers are misleading. This was an interseting book, I read it all in a couple of hours which means I didn't get bored. I thougth I was first reading Stephen King, then NO it was Michael Crichton and then NO it was Clive Barker. Definitely as the author claims: horror, sci fi and thriller.
I was ok with most of this but still don't get why he had to SPOILERS!!!!!kill his only friend and then he turned into his dad and abused that woman - I hate violence. And there was a lot of gore in this. Also the picture on the cover was misleading, as the eyes did not get blue triangles in them. It all ended up being about some portal to another world, extraterrestrial intellegince intent on taking over the world but foiled THIS time. I was not able to put it aside and kept reading but the premise and promise died off and left us with just another "OUT THERE" book.
Book Review: Interesting Premise, Unrealized Potential
Summary: 3 Stars
I liked the "idea" of this book much more than the actual book. I will not reveal any spoilers about the "infection" of the title or the development of the characters-- although since the characters never really developed the latter is a moot point. In fact, I felt nothing for the main character. He isn't likable or unlikable or even average in an interesting way. He reads as an uninspired and uninspiring "big lug" with nothing authentically vulnerable to anchor the reader to him. (Other than an abusive father who is a "one note" character as well). And Sigler's "lady scientist", Margaret, is such a one dimensional and pathetic mess that the thought of her solving a catastrophic medical mystery is laughable. In fact, she is one of the few people on earth who know the catastrophic potential of the "infection" and yet she thinks and behaves like a "milf" on ecstasy. Considering the gravity of the situation, her carnal thoughts are utterly unbelievable.
I am sure that many readers will say that the plot and pace of "Infected" made further characterization unnecessary, but when I read, I need to be able to conjure up people and places with some clarity and Sigler did not give me enough bones on which to hang some skin. Too bad, really, because the action surrounding the main character could have really resonated with me had I cared enough about him. I didn't.
This book gets three stars because of the "infection" itself and because Sigler evoked it so well that I would actually itch when reading pertinent passages. Also, it is a quick read that requires little thought. (If you are able to disregard the "scientific" mumbo-jumbo and just go along for the ride).
I recommend that you keep your expectations low and some Calamine lotion at the ready.
Book Review: Terrible
Summary: 1 Stars
This was just a horrible book. I decided to get this book after reading reviews comparing Sigler to Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk. I thougt, "Well, that must be a compliment and must be a worthy read". I was wrong.
Sigler is just not a good writer. His overall story is somewhat interesting. His characters, however, lack development and are not realistic. I forced myself to finish reading the book in hopes that it would get better. All I could conclude was: Sigler was rejected for a reason. Biggest Podcast author or not, he shouldn't be compared to the great minds of King and Palahniuk. Don't waste your time, people
Book Review: Fast Paced and Scary
Summary: 5 Stars
Scott Sigler did a fine job crafting this novel. The pace is quick, the chapters are generally short and it's easy to read. The story is interesting, and what's worse, believable. It definitely gives the imagination fodder to worry about. If you're a fan of horror and science fiction, then I highly recommend that you include Infected in your "must read" list!