Rise of the Infected

3.5 Stars if it would let me.

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In the universe of Rise of The Infected, humanity is considered "the universe’s perfect lab rat". While most species are immune to a newly discovered breed of virus, humans serve as the only viable hosts for an infection that grants supernatural abilities beyond imagination.

Recognizing this deficiency, alien forces (the Telics and Krantics) have conquered Earth, transforming the human race into test subjects for experiments designed to weaponize these infections. The story follows Bio and Hope, two "Infected" who escape their facility following a freak accident. Thrust into a desolate world they barely recognize, they must navigate a landscape filled with hostile forces and hidden facilities, all while gathering a "found family" of other escapees to fight for a freedom they never intended to keep just for themselves.

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"A high-concept "Laboratory Escape" thriller where the superpower system is driven by a biological UI. It’s The Matrix meets The Last of Us, but with a "Found Family" that is still trying to find its footing."

The "Infection-as-Power" system is a 5-star concept. It avoids the tired zombie tropes and moves into "Biopunk" territory, which is currently trending. Watching Bio navigate the world through his "Data-Vision" feels incredibly fresh and lends a "cyber-organic" vibe to the story. The "Found Family" dynamic is the book's heart and its most marketable asset for social media.

As an early reader, I found it difficult to truly "fall in love" with the characters. Because we are dropped so abruptly into their escape, there is a lack of background information or "Before" context. Which isn't always a dealbreaker for readers, some readers enjoy learning about the characters/world as they go versus all at the beginning, but just not for me. Without knowing who these people were before the facility, their current bond feels a bit distant, making it hard to feel emotionally invested in their survival. The world-building feels like it’s missing a foundation. We need more "Why" and "How". Specifically regarding the alien hierarchy and the timeline of the invasion, to understand the weight of the characters' journey.

While the character art is "cute and illustrated," it actually undercut the tension for me. In my mind, I was picturing a gritty, visceral, and dark atmosphere. Seeing the characters in a softer, more whimsical style made the life-or-death situations feel less serious than the text implied. That doesnt mean the art was bad, it isnt. This also isn't an indicator of the book itself it was just a personal thought that should really be overlooked.

I would love to have seen the "Bio-Vision" moments truly pop and feel immersive, the UI data needs a standardized, "techy" look. Currently, the mix of asterisks and standard text can get lost. It's such an amazing concept I think that visually it should stand out compared to the other text just as an emphasis to really hit home.

The relationship between Bio and Hope is genuinely moving. Their codependency isn’t just a trope; it’s a survival mechanism. The high stakes of their "merging" for healing create a unique form of intimacy that will resonate deeply with fans of character-driven fiction.

This is a high-potential "Diamond in the Rough." The "interest" factor is massive; if a reader sees the character art and the "Healer/Data-Vision" premise, they will buy the book. However, to keep them for the whole trilogy, the "flow" needs to be more relentless, and the grammar must be invisible.