“The Infection” by Craig DiLouie is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. Notice I did not simply say one of the best horror novels, though that is also true.
This is great writing—relentless and unflinching–a gritty, realistic and appropriately gruesome (never gratuitous) vision of life after an incredibly fast moving virus transforms millions of humans into monsters within three days with one motivation—spread the infection.
Though nobody knows the origin of the infection, flashbacks do provide some insight into the previous two weeks of life after this apocalyptic event. The forward motion of the plot—written in present tense—tells the story of a group of six survivors on the road, trying to find a safe haven. This approach is extremely effective, much like Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” DiLouie is equally adept at pulling off this difficult task but with much more visceral detail than “The Road.”
Along with this realistic and believable vision of what life would be like after such an event, DiLouie also offers lots of horror. In addition to the infected humans, he creates several new mutated species that are as revolting as they are lethal. Just when you settle in with this book thinking it’s a great zombie novel, DiLouie raises the stakes by reinventing the genre as well.
I read this book in three sittings and its intense and rapid fire prose makes it impossible to read in shorter bursts. You will surrender to losing the time it takes to finish it and not regret it.
The survivors all have PTSD and DiLouie evokes that masterfully through many short flashbacks as well as providing a flashback chapter for each of the six main characters.
If I had to sum up the book in three words it would simply read: “Oh my God!” It is that rare novel (like “The Road” or Scott Sigler’s “Infected”) that “happens to you.” You are not merely a reader but a victim of the Hell it portrays. It leaves you numb from the assault.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. I read a book or two a week and still will probably never forget this one. It is that damn good!
– George Wilhite
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
