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imstephtacular's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Classism, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Murder, Torture, Gaslighting, Death, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, Antisemitism, Blood, and Confinement
dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was fine, but I had a few gripes.
First off, the synopsis told like 80% of the plot AND part of the twist??? Why would the publisher do that?
I also wish this book went full out with discussing topics like gentrification and racism. Everytime there was a great metaphor, | thought we would get REALLY into it, but it never truly did. I especially wanted the book to address the MC's mom's negative sentiments towards the same borough she used to live in.
Infested was very atmospheric when it came to the horror elements, though. The descriptions were vivid as hell and the body horror was impeccably done!
In my opinion, the plot didn't live up to its full potential and I wish it packed more of a punch! But I do hope this author writes more body horror!
agameofbooksblog's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"Infested" by Angel Luis Colón deserves a glowing 5-star review! This young adult horror novel takes readers on a thrilling and chilling adventure that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Manny, who has just moved to the Bronx and finds himself doing menial tasks in a luxury condo managed by his stepdad. However, things take a dark turn when Manny starts experiencing nightmares and a horrifying sensation of roaches crawling under his skin. The plot takes an unexpected twist when Manny discovers the truth about Mr. Mueller, the building's exterminator, and his sinister past.
Colón skillfully crafts the dynamics of the parent-child relationship and captures the essence of teenage angst, making the characters relatable and engaging. The inclusion of Spanish and German adds depth and authenticity to the narrative without overpowering the predominantly English writing.
"Infested" is more than just a horror story; it delves into important social issues like gentrification and racism, adding layers of depth to the plot. The author's ability to seamlessly weave these themes into the story is commendable.
While the detailed descriptions of roaches may be unsettling for those with bug phobias, it showcases Colón's exceptional writing prowess. The vivid imagery makes readers feel as if they are witnessing the events unfold like a movie.
If you're a fan of young adult horror with a touch of realism and depth, this book is a must-read. Angel Luis Colón has crafted an unforgettable and immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.
The story follows Manny, who has just moved to the Bronx and finds himself doing menial tasks in a luxury condo managed by his stepdad. However, things take a dark turn when Manny starts experiencing nightmares and a horrifying sensation of roaches crawling under his skin. The plot takes an unexpected twist when Manny discovers the truth about Mr. Mueller, the building's exterminator, and his sinister past.
Colón skillfully crafts the dynamics of the parent-child relationship and captures the essence of teenage angst, making the characters relatable and engaging. The inclusion of Spanish and German adds depth and authenticity to the narrative without overpowering the predominantly English writing.
"Infested" is more than just a horror story; it delves into important social issues like gentrification and racism, adding layers of depth to the plot. The author's ability to seamlessly weave these themes into the story is commendable.
While the detailed descriptions of roaches may be unsettling for those with bug phobias, it showcases Colón's exceptional writing prowess. The vivid imagery makes readers feel as if they are witnessing the events unfold like a movie.
If you're a fan of young adult horror with a touch of realism and depth, this book is a must-read. Angel Luis Colón has crafted an unforgettable and immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.
starrysteph's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
If roaches give you the shivers … run! Or embrace it and pick up Infested, a spooky yet super earnest story.
We’re following teenage Manny, who has been dragged from Texas to the Bronx to help his annoying step-dad prepare a new luxury condo for residents. Manny is angry & resentful & just wanted to finish out his senior year with his friends. But he begrudgingly gets to know his new neighborhood and even connects a bit with the friendly old exterminator.
Then … things get weird. There are roaches absolutely everywhere, and the exterminator maybe isn’t who he says he is. Manny and his new friend Sasha (who just happen to be protesting the condo) have to investigate the infestation and protect their families.
The insect horror moments are done so well – I could feel the creepy-crawlies under my skin. It reminded me quite a bit of a Goosebumps story.
Colón also filled the pages with relatable teenage struggles: Manny navigates friendships, his Puerto Rican identity & how he fits into his new neighborhood, and challenging new family dynamics. The book also touches on gentrification (Manny learns about the potential impact of the new building from various members of the community) and racism. I would have loved a little more depth around those moments at the ending; instead, they are sort of dropped during the major horror climax.
The plot flies by, and I think this will keep any young reader hooked. I actually would have preferred to linger a bit longer in certain moments and let the characters really shine instead of rushing from location to location - but the pacing definitely kept me turning pages.
CW: death, murder, insect horror, body horror, fire/arson, gentrification, racism, animal death (bugs), classism, xenophobia, injury, vomit
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Vomit, Racism, Animal death, Grief, Hate crime, Medical content, Torture, Violence, Body horror, Bullying, and Death
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