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

[Phoenix 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 💛

[Celine · 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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!!

[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.

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Such creative ideas, I just need more world building. Eager to read the next!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, quirky read. I will admit the cover was giving zombie apocalypse vibes but the book is more xmen meets magic the gathering. I loved that each time a new character was introduced we had "cards" with all their stats to help us keep track. The artwork was great! I really just enjoyed the entire concept of the book. The pacing was great and the action scenes were well written and spaced out well. The book ended on a nice little twist that makes me even more excited for book 2!

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large cast of characters all with unique abilities trying to figure out who they are and how to survive. Story could've have been more dynamic and had a few structure issues but overall not a bad beginning to a series with lots of promise