Review: Contagious by Scott Sigler

Title: Contagious Author: Scott Sigler Format: TC Available Formats: Kindle, Audio Download, Audio CD, Podcast, Sony Reader, TP (Dec 2009) Page Count: 448 Genre: Horror/Sci-Fi Publisher: Crown Pub. Date: December 30, 2008 ISBN-13: 9780307406316

Contagious is the direct sequel to Scott Sigler's shocking Infected. As a rule, I try not to expect very much out of sequels. That path only seems to lead to disappointment. However, I was not disappointed in Sigler's sequel--not in the least bit. In many ways, it's an entirely different book with an entirely different perspective.

Contagious continues the story of "Scary" Perry Dawsey, who is a psychological wreck after his horrific experiences in Infected. Unfortunately, he's also incredibly irreplaceable in the defense against the Triangles, so he must be forced through these issues and into a functioning relationship with the (still very cool) Dew. And they must act quickly, as it seems that the "Triangles" have learned from their past mistakes...

Instead of focusing on the struggle of one man, as Infected did, Contagious branches out to look at the larger scheme of things--but through the lens of the characters that have become familiar and loved. The technique is quite good and helped draw me into a story that I ordinarily would have dismissed out of hand (I'm not big on the idea of alien attack). Instead, the gruesome story--not as graphically gory as Infected--still horrified, shocked, and thrilled me.

And the good news is that the book is coming out in paperback in December. If you've read Infected, don't hesitate to get Contagious. If you've read neither and have a penchant for horror and gruesome-effective story-telling, then go check out what the fuss is all about.

Quick and Dirty: Stop, in the naaaaaame of Love!
I highly recommend reading Contagious after Infected. Another great tale from the mind of Scott Sigler.