Rise of The Infected (Part 1)

by Anyssia Thornberry, Tyler F. Thornberry

Humanity: The Universe's Perfect Lab Rat

Most infections are seen as negative – something to be eradicated immediately – until a new breed of virus was discovered. Instead of an illness, it gives the infected individual special abilities beyond imagination. The problem? Only one species exists that can't fight off the infection: humanity. Once this immune system deficiency was discovered, the entire human race became little more than test subjects in an experiment to manipulate and enhance the infections in a bid for power. That is, until a freak accident set two Infected free. And they don't intend to keep that freedom for themselves.

385 pages, Hardcover

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Kevin Lawlor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great ride this was! I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while because the Thornberry’s were very good at marketing themselves in Tiktok.

It’s a story about a band of humans who have been experimented on, gained superpowers, escaped, and are banding together to form some sort of rag-tag resistance. On the surface, it is a sci-fi action thriller…but some of those powers are so outlandish (Bio’s especially), that it enters the realm of high fantasy. Think of Rise of the Infected as an X-Men jaunt…even if some of their abilities really strain comprehension…even within the logic of the story.

I was never bored, the character work and relationship developments were superb, and the action is VERY well handled. I do with we had a bit more of the WHY. We are essentially dropped into the middle of humanity’s story here, and we are as ignorant of the who, what, when, where, why, and hows of the experimentation as the characters are. Likely on purpose so the reader can experience as the characters do…but I wanted a LITTLE more so I can feel/sympathize for this team before revelations appear.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since I bought this book, the Thornberry’s have changed is up slightly and have a new ARC out. Maybe some of these changes rectify my very slight hangups? Maybe. As is..I had an absolute blast!!

[Syn McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating new take on the dystopian grnte

This book is a master class on originality in finding a fresh new way to reinvent the face of dystopia. With interesting characters, a barren and as yet unexplained landscape, and the aftermath of an alien invasion, Rise of the Infected is just what I've been waiting for. I'm eager to jump into book two!

[Weezey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book and I had a big tug of war. The abilities of the characters, their personalities, and the found family bond pulled me in. But the story line itself was slow and clunky. I would have enjoyed it more if we knew SOMETHING about the main plot. Are they on an alien planet or earth? What happened to make them have powers? Also, what was this groups actual purpose? Just to save others from the labs? No mention of actually trying to figure out what the heck is happening and why are they the way they are.
So I have a love hate relationship with this story line. I’m not sure if I’ll continue when part 2 is released. I need to sit with it a while.

[Brandi Lococo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful 10/10

This book gave me everything I didn’t even realize I was missing—an amazing found family, so many jaw-dropping twists, and that kind of adventurous, "what’s going to happen next?!" feeling that made it so hard to put down.

It’s got this perfect mix of sci-fi and X-Men-style superpowers, but it still feels really fresh and unique. Honestly, I haven’t read anything not romance in years, and this story still completely pulled me in. I fell in love with the characters and the world so fast, and every new reveal just made me want to know more.

The world-building was super easy to follow but still detailed enough to totally get lost in. And honestly, I feel like this book would be a great fit for all ages—whether you’re a teenager or an adult, there’s something in it that’ll grab you.

I’m not someone who usually writes reviews (like, ever) but I had to make an exception for this debut. It’s that good. I’m already counting down until part two!

[Ashlee Tharman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bio, Hope, Ani, Ele, Shift, Stone, Vibrate. All humans with unique abilities that make them valuable. After escaping test facilities where they have been to the maximum for their powers and with no memories of before obtaining their powers, Bio and Hope find and free the rest of their crew and decide to help others escape as well. The crew is determined to help as many as they can, but will they be successful when they are met with an enemy at every corner?

This book was incredibly good! Found family, sci-fi thriller, and shocking ending? Ill absolutely take it! I really enjoyed the plot, it's unlike anything Ive read before. The characters were fun and relatable and you really feel like youre part of the crew by the end. I cannot wait for book 2! Please check out Rise of the Infected by @thornberryauthors like yesterday - I need more people to geek out over this with 💛

[Mrscuteness · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover does not do justice to what's inside these pages. This book was sooooo good.

When I saw the cover, I wasn't sure. But this is definitely the poster book for not judging a book by the cover.

I love the misfits trope, where a bunch of strangers end up finding connection and support within the small group. And the mysteries in this one are just beginning to unravel.

There's a whole network that we aren't currently privy to and I need to know what that network is and why it exists.

And the magic/power system in this book was different than I've seen. It seems to be medically occurring, not magically? Which I'm also so excited to find out more about.

Also, I'm a sucker for romance, so seeing the budding connections between a few of the characters that could blossom into more, just makes me smile.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Infected by Anyssia Thornberry and Tyler Thornberry delivers an incredible blend of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic flair that hooked me from the start. The concept of a virus that not only infects humans but also grants them superhuman abilities is absolutely fascinating. The authors crafted memorable characters and an intense war between aliens and humans that kept me deeply invested in their world.So why not five stars? Honestly, the pacing dragged in parts for me. There were sections where the story felt like it slowed down too much, and I found myself tempted to take a break. That said, this is totally a personal preference, many readers might enjoy those slower moments for the added depth.Overall, Rise of the Infected is a thrilling start to what promises to be an epic series. Am I excited for book two? Absolutely!! Bring it on!

[Haylee Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This genre wasn’t my typical genre and was nervous about starting it but if you think this book is about zombies you’re so wrong! It’s about so much more- strangers finding each other that become family, elemental powers where they learn to use them while your reading it. I gave this book five stars because it made me emotional, made me cry, and made me crave more of the story- I’m a little sad I found it before the rest came out but it was so worth it! I love that you get to see the good and the bad side of all the characters meaning when they are at their most confident selves vs when they are insecure and more raw and emotional. I feel like I can really connect with the characters on a deeper level and when I read it’s like a movie so these incredible authors did an amazing job!

[Dee Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars if it would let me.
_________________
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.
_________________
"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.

[Milli C. Vieira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a unique mix of magic and dystopian fiction. The authors explore magic in a way that is largely ignored: abilities being given by scientific experimentation (albeit against the character’s wishes).

I loved how each character was introduced as the group ventured further, and that there is still so much to learn about this world. What happened to civilization and where are the rest of the humans? What are the motivations of the antagonists? Who can we really trust? What happened to the characters before they “woke up?” Despite all of these questions, it’s clear the authors were intentional in how they let the story unfold, and I have no doubt we’ll get our answers at the right time.

With such a large cast of essential characters, the authors do an excellent job of creating unique personalities that complement and contrast each other. Interactions were genuine and contributed to the whole of the story. I can perfectly picture each of them in my mind and had different scenes that made me question which one was my favorite. I love Shift’s empathy, Ele’s innocence, Stone’s realism, Ani’s ferocity, and Vibrate’s spunk. I relate to Bio more than I’d like to admit. And by the end, I think Hope is my favorite character because I am excited to see even more growth from her in book two.

The story is written in third person omniscient, switching often between characters within scenes to give a 360° view of the gang. The writing focuses heavily the internal monologue of the characters, making it feel like fireside retelling of an old tale—a conversation with the reader. While this style of writing is not something I often enjoy, I felt an intimate connection with the characters because of it.

If you like:

- sci-fi
- Dystopian
- Magical abilities
- Scientific experimentation
- Books with a large cast
- Third person omniscient/multi-pov

[Seth Madaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly unique and original and I loved it. Taking parts of X-Men and a little bit of a Mad Max flavor (think desert filled, dystopian road trip) and adding a whole different level of various "powers", and you get a book that was exciting, fast paced and very fun to read. I loved the originality of the "infections" that give our characters their powers... this was where the book really created a new world that was fascinating to see unfold. There is a lot of intrigue and few answers, but it's very obvious we are heading somewhere and I am on the bus riding along! I enjoyed the interplay of the characters a lot, and particularly enjoyed the built in "cheat code" Hope and I enjoyed the dynamics of fun and tension that existed within the found family dynamic. Some parts of the relationship building felt a little rushed, but the action was so crisp and engaging, it was easy to stay fully enveloped in the story. With my own reading style, the multi-pov took just a little to adjust to, but I ended up being able to enjoy "feeling" the emotions of all of the characters. It allowed them all to feel equally like MC's. The end is WIDE OPEN, so this is definitely going to be a HUGE story going forward, as there are so many things happening that beg answers and I cannot wait for the next entry.

[Mama Myres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story completely surprised me in the best way. While dystopian/sci-fi isn’t my usual go-to genre, this book had me hooked from start to finish.

Instead of a typical post-apocalyptic or zombie storyline, the book centers around characters trapped in mysterious “medical facilities,” being experimented on without fully understanding why. As the story unfolds, they begin to discover they have unique and powerful abilities, which adds an exciting and fresh twist to the genre.

Bio and Hope are the first characters introduced, and their dynamic immediately pulled me in. Once the story expands into their mission to find and save others like them, it evolves into a found family journey that was incredibly well done. I loved seeing how different characters chose different paths, some staying to help while others went their own way.

One of my favorite aspects was how creative and unique the powers were, especially how some abilities only worked fully when certain characters teamed up. That added such an interesting layer to both the action and relationships.

Overall, this was a gripping and engaging read that kept my attention the entire time, and I’m very excited to continue the series.

[McCayleigh Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise of the Infected: Part 1 is the kind of book that makes you cancel plans, forget sleep, and whisper “just one more chapter” until the sun rises. Anyssia and Tyler Thornberry have crafted a terrifyingly immersive world where every heartbeat counts—and every decision could be your last.

The pacing is relentless in the best way possible. From the very first page, the story grabs you by the throat with its cinematic tension, high-stakes survival, and emotional depth. These characters feel real—flawed, fierce, and achingly human in the face of horror. I especially loved the moments of vulnerability laced between the chaos. They reminded me that this isn’t just a story about infection—it’s a story about connection, courage, and how far we’ll go to protect the people we love.

If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic thrillers with razor-sharp suspense and a beating heart beneath the bloodshed, this one’s for you. I’m hooked—and I need Part 2 yesterday.

Bravo, Thornberrys. You’ve infected me… and I want more.

[Daniel Whitman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Infected (Part 1) is a very fun and unique read! I'm not sure I've read anything quite like it!

It takes place in the future when the Earth has been taken over by alien overlords. These tyrannical tyranids are using the humans as test subjects to experiment with various "infections" that give their host ALL SORTS of interesting powers. Like what, I hear you ask? Like: healing, shapeshifting, elemental control, reading? (sorry Bio, there's no way to make your power sound cool), vibrations, dream stuff, etc. The authors do a great job of having a diverse cast of powers and making the characters use them in fun and unique ways! Bonus points for that. I'm always a huge softy for creativity. This story follows a group of these infected humans as they try to survive and rescue other people from alien captivity.

Stuff I liked:
All of the characters are interesting and diverse in their own ways, and it's enjoyable to read their bantering and relationship dynamics. They aren't perfect, and they make some pretty dumb decisions, but that's totally understandable for being an amnesiac stranded on an alien Earth! Imperfect characters always trump perfect ones! Also, the infection powers are cool (as explained above), so I'm excited to see even more wacky and zany ones in the upcoming books.

Stuff I didn't like:
For me, the authors got a little too lost in the sauce with wordy descriptions about what characters are thinking and why they act the way they do, when 90% of it could've been figured out with context anyway. For me, this slows down an otherwise fast-paced book and adds a lot of repetitive fluff that I found myself skimming over. Also, I wish there were more insights into the actual mystery and overall plot of the story, as a lot of it is just the characters flubbing about in the desert, but with a planned twelve books, I suppose it can wait.

Overall, Rise of the Infected is a fun and unique book with cool powers, interesting characters, alien mysteries, and the potential to lead off into a strong series!

[Jasmine Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Infected by Anyssia and Tyler Thornberry is such a wild ride! Think sci-fi adventure with major X-Men vibes and an incredible cast of lovable, complex characters.

The abilities were so unique, and I was hooked from page one. The PLOT TWISTS? Absolutely twisted in the best way possible—I didn’t see half of them coming!

Found family has quickly become one of my ultimate comfort tropes, and this book delivers it perfectly. If you’re into edge-of-your-seat action, heartfelt moments, and jaw-dropping surprises, I can’t recommend this one enough!

[amy Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 enthusiast ⭐️’s

This is not a genre I typically read, but I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on this book

If you are a fan of X-men and shifters, run-don’t just walk- to this book.

Very well paced, action packed and no needless fillers.

Strangers who are not only unsure of each other, but also of themselves, team up to take on multiple unknown enemies.

This found family will have you smiling, sitting at the edge of your seat, and maybe not so quietly cheering on these characters.

Why not 5 stars? Because of the cliff hanger! I’m going to sleep until part 2 is released

[Tera Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wish you could find that perfect book with the kind of superpowers you always imagine, but nothing quite hits the mark, so you think, “I should just write it myself”? That’s exactly what this author did, and wow, did they pull it off! The power system is fresh and super creative, the characters are quirky in the best way, super relatable, and the world-building keeps you on your toes the whole time. I flew through the pages and genuinely had a blast. I'm totally hooked on these unlikely heroes and can't wait to see where the story goes next!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in immediately, there was no waiting for build up. I love that we are getting to know the characters as they are getting to know themselves, it really develops a sense of familiarity that makes you want to know more. My friends in this book are just like my friends out of the book, they make mistakes, judge and get judged and have as much anxiety about their decisions as I do. Being able to see my real self in a book, while discomforting at moments, is very refreshing.
I can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Lynn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like nothing I've ever read before!

Mutations in characters has been done before but not like this. The backstory, their abilities, and their captors; all are so unique and keep the story engaging the entire time! How the characters work together and grow stronger with their gifts is written so beautifully by these two authors. Even being written by two authors, this story flowed perfectly. And that ending....can't wait for part two!

[Candy Zaremba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting! A little slow in the beginning and was a little confused, but as the plot thickened, it was a fantastic read! The characters are so unique in their abilities, and I loved the little illustrations as the characters were introduced in the chapters. I can't wait until part 2 comes out!

[David James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun read! The uniqueness is a huge plus for me. Getting to know the characters and what their tendencies are was a fun ride. I NEED to know more about what’s to come and what’s going on in the world! The ending took a hard left turn (in a good way) I was not expecting it at all!! Book 2 please!

[Lori Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start with that this is not my normal genre so I struggled a little. The characters their abilities, found family bond, and their personalities was the hook for me.
I found the book to be a bit slow and left me with a lot of questions and a little confused about the plot.
The writing was good but I needed more.

[Mille Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a review for a book I love is challenging, but writing for a new series that I am obsessed with? Almost impossible. Everytime I try to talk about this book to anyone who hasn’t read it is an exercise in not spoiling anything. Anyssia and Tyler Thornberry, in the words or your shared namesake, this book is simply smashing!!!

[Nicholaus Sprowl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many indie author books this month. This one is probably gonna be a top pick for me for awhile. I had such a blast with this book, and I highly recommend this book to any type of reader of any type of genre. I'm so excited to continue reading this adventure. I'm a fan for life.

[Kelly Winfree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Very interesting take on modified human beings. I also enjoyed the alien twist. The ending feels unsatisfied and Im not 100% certain I would read the second, but this one was good.

[Amber Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When infection means power, freedom is the hardest thing to keep.
A nice twist on the outbreak genre this book turns a deadly virus into a source of great power, and humanity into unwilling test subjects. Lots of surprises, leaving you with more questions. Ready for book 2!!

[Katie Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really unique take on powers, from how they came to be, to learning to use them and the mission itself. I really look forward to continuing the series to find out how this group continues to grow. Wonderful character development and I really enjoyed the way new people were brought in.

[Tish Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely was a fun ride of twists and turns. Excited to read part 2 when it releases. This style was giving X-Men vibes and I was about it.

[Caylie T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reader copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! In this book, humans become lab rats and develop powers through the experimentation. They have to survive and save others from the aliens in charge. Lots of action, interesting characters, and twists. I like how each character’s power was used to move the story along, they are all very unique! I could definitely see how this can be made into an epic series. I think it would be cool to see in comic book style too.

My only complaint is that the pacing was slow in some places. Too much explanation and not enough trusting the readers to read between the lines with context clues. But sometimes that’s just personal preference. I want to get more deep into the mystery of why everything is happening but with this being a series, I’m sure we’ll dive deeper into all of that in a later book.

[Susan Lather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC reader and enjoyed this book alot! Its out of my normal area. But I loved the characters, how its written, the plot kept me on my toes! I cant wait to read the next one! The easy suspense you don't realize is there. And the cliffhanger?! PERFECT!!!!!