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) ( )

Now when I read Infected, I ended the book rather puzzled by what had actually been taking place. And really, I found this book mush, much better than the first one!!!! Scott Sigler has a fabulous, edge-of-your-seat thriller right here. What a gem!!!!

This book actually explained a little more about what was actually going on, which was nice seeing that I was so lost after the first book. These strange little creatures in the shapes of triangle with tentacles were looking for another planet to try and take over. But they seemed to take on all the abilities from their hosts, such as speech - as they didn't really understand the language until they did that. And they slowly learned, which allowed them to adapt that much easier. When they finally realized that they were trying to be destroyed by the human race, well, they had to change the way that they took their hosts, thus, they became contagious.

Throughout the book, there are various chapters that go through the medical phase of what this disease was doing to their hosts. This was amazing. It was amazing in the last book and probably had to have a lot of research behind it, to understand how our body and cells change with different things. And it was kind of creepy at the same time.

The book was filled with surprises and the biggest one came in a very small, young package. And I'm sure you've guessed, but no spoilers here from me. I'm always up for a good, creepy, alien story. And Scott's lead characters, kind of reminded me of Scully and Molder from the X-Files - The Truth is Out There - of course, with a little twist of psycho!!!!

Hope everyone has a great reading day! And if you haven't tried Scott Sigler's books, then come on - whatcha waitin' for? LOL ( )

My review of sorts:

I listened to the author narrated podiobooks for both of these books and all I can say is WOW! They were awesome. Full of action, blood, violence, death, mayhem you name it, it's in there somewhere I assure you.

I loved the story line and the characters had me pulling for them right from the beginning. The big gruff football player and the sassy female doctor and the military boys all were like able and interesting characters.

The funny thing is I even liked the creepy crawly invaders too. The blue triangles with the single black eye on each side. They're just right amount of creepy to give you goose pimples and yet you still kinda secretly like them just a little even though they are out to get you.

These books are not for the faint of heart though. There is a lot of blood, language, violence and creepiness in them to fill a stadium. So if you are squeamish in anyway they're probably not your thing but if your not...Read them! ( )

Contagious picks up shortly after Infected ended. Perry Dawsey, the only survivor of the triangle parasites, joins a government team to find and contain other people affected by these parasites. Unfortunately for his group mates, Perry is only interested in killing the affected. The government has to find the triangles constructs, destroy them, and try to get living ones to dissect without the public knowing about it and trying to prevent Perry from killing all of them. This novel is a great fast paced thriller that holds on to you and doesn’t let go.

This book features a variety of very detailed characters, including the crazy Scary Perry Dawsey, the struggling new President of the United States, and two of his rivaling aids. None of them is entirely good or evil and have their own motivations and drives. You feel for each character, no matter how annoying or psychotic they might be.

There are a couple of great additions to Contagious that did not appear in Infected. The government plays a much larger role. There is an added political angle within the president. He has to negotiate between his ideals and how to deal with the very real situation he was unwittingly thrown into. How much does he tell the American people? Are Americans citizens expendable to stop a hostile alien invasion? Another great addition to the story is the alien perspective. The alien's motives are pretty clear with this, as well as their frustration with the humans (especially Perry).

Contagious is an excellent sequel to Infected. It takes the story and its characters to the next frightening level. I highly recommend this novel. ( )

Exciting, fast-paced thriller about the US military fighting an invasion of alien microscopic spores. Finished it in two days. Good characterization, great dialogue. Will definitely read the next in the series. (Probably would have given it 5 stars except it went 1 chapter too far, just to set the stage for a sequel.) ( )