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Contagious
What starts as an emergence of a new virus quickly turns into Mother Nature’s ultimate population control. While attending a seminar at the Ambassador Hotel, Ava Mason is unknowingly exposed to a carrier of a highly contagious virus. The next morning, she wakes to a steady pounding on her door. Within minutes, her home is stormed and she and her three children are apprehended, placed in a van and taken away. Quarantined. They are told nothing. No one is. Ava, her children, and others are brought to the Ambassador and sealed in. It is one of many locations quarantined in an attempt to contain the virus . The outbreak rapidly spirals out of control and the world is thrown into chaos and economic collapse. What was once their prison becomes their safe haven from a world besieged with violence, illness and a world that desperately stops at nothing to end the virus. While quarantined, Ava and the others form a bond and they watch as not only the world, but those around them fall victim to the virus. To Ava, what happens outside the hotel is minuscule compared to what happens inside. Everything she loves and cares about is in the Ambassador. She wants only to protect her children. But can she against such an invincible foe such as the virus that pushed the world to the brink of extinction.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2014
133 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 12, 2015
This is the first time in a while that I could hardly put down my kindle, since I was entirely engrossed with the story of the characters and the outcome.
The author makes the people so real, and makes it possible for us to root for them to survive, even the ones that we don't like very much.
As someone else stated in their review, I wish this would turn into a series, but since that might not happen, I will just pacify myself with reading her other books.
The author makes the people so real, and makes it possible for us to root for them to survive, even the ones that we don't like very much.
As someone else stated in their review, I wish this would turn into a series, but since that might not happen, I will just pacify myself with reading her other books.
February 20, 2020
It ended so abruptly and could have gone on for a lot longer, but I suppose it was only about the virus and being quarantined.
October 6, 2017
Contagious is set mainly in the Ambassador Hotel, and focusses on a group of people who happen to be there for one reason or another when the carrier of a deadly virus arrives. The hotel is quarantined and the occupants are kept in the dark about events elsewhere. This isn't really a post apocalyptic novel as it follows the story from the first outbreak until the virus reaches the hotel and then concentrates on events there as they play out. This makes it a bit different from many of the novels in this genre. Without going too deep, the characters are a varied and interesting bunch - a hotel manager, a wrestler, scientists investigating the outbreak, a struggling mother and a young pop star to name a few. For all these good points, there's nothing really new here to make it really stand out from a fairly crowded genre. It's well written and easy to read, and worth 7/10 really, but will have to make do with 3 stars.
August 23, 2014
Noooooooooooo!!!!!! So many curve balls in this book i never really knew who would die and who would live a lot of deaths surprised me and a lot of the ones that lived surprised me too. I loved the writing style and i loved how it wasn't really a prolonged apocalypse like the typical zombie thing it was explainable which made it scary because its possible i love how it showed you how it started and followed it to the end telling you how it spread and not really leaving any important loose ends untied.
March 11, 2016
(this review may contain spoilers)
This was recommended to me after I finished a zombie novel. This was a well written book about a plague but no zombies. Halfway through I thought it might steer that way but it never happened.
It bounces between quarantined civilians and CDC employees trying to figure who patient zero is. The virus strain (BV-1) mutates and kills at a rate of 100%.
I liked the story and I would have liked it more had it been about zombies. If you want a well written slow to build book about an outbreak. This is it.
This was recommended to me after I finished a zombie novel. This was a well written book about a plague but no zombies. Halfway through I thought it might steer that way but it never happened.
It bounces between quarantined civilians and CDC employees trying to figure who patient zero is. The virus strain (BV-1) mutates and kills at a rate of 100%.
I liked the story and I would have liked it more had it been about zombies. If you want a well written slow to build book about an outbreak. This is it.
July 16, 2019
This author has turned into one of my favorites. Her books draw you in. Keep you reading way past your bedtime.
I cried reading this book, not going to lie. I loved these people. Their heartbreak was mine. And there is some heartbreak. But, there is hope and laughter. Which is brilliant.
Grab this book. Enjoy!!
I cried reading this book, not going to lie. I loved these people. Their heartbreak was mine. And there is some heartbreak. But, there is hope and laughter. Which is brilliant.
Grab this book. Enjoy!!
December 9, 2014
Firstly, I've read Jacqueline Druga before so I knew what I was getting myself into with this one. She is a master of weaving tales of all the different people that are affected by a virus and their responding attitudes, crimes, or praying!
This was no different. I loved The Flu, however, in this book we really get to delve into people's lives. I liked being able to follow someone as they are faced with the plague and/or their loved ones dying. I think it lends itself to the reader being able to really get invested in the characters much more than when they are killed off suddenly or when they just fall out of the plot.
I also love that she isn't afraid to start a plague at the beginning. She lets us follow the virus as it goes across the world. This particular story is mostly in America but she allows her readers to view what is going on in the rest of the world as well.
I really enjoyed the characters. I was also surprised that there was only one narrator. Andrew Wehrlen does such a good job that I thought there were at least two, if not three narrators. I easily could tell the characters apart and never had a difficult time keeping up with him. He also has a great way of really inflecting the drama into a scene that allows for the reader to feel like they are in the situation. Scary to say the least.
The storyline was intense and made for a fantastic story. The ideas that Jacqueline Druga comes up with are so upsetting because I do not think she is far off from reality. It makes for an intense plot. She keeps the pacing and the characters do not shy away from danger. Sometimes stupidly, sometimes heroically.
There are so many subtle events that missing them could create some questions. My favorite was the bit of a twist with the virus. She does this so well that she winds up adding in drama and tension seamlessly. She was also able to create drama by making the base for the virus an hotel. The hotel seems to add even more tension but as the story progresses it seems that there isn't a safe place anywhere!
I loved how this ended and cannot wait to read more of her work.
Full audio review at: AudiobookReviewer.com
This was no different. I loved The Flu, however, in this book we really get to delve into people's lives. I liked being able to follow someone as they are faced with the plague and/or their loved ones dying. I think it lends itself to the reader being able to really get invested in the characters much more than when they are killed off suddenly or when they just fall out of the plot.
I also love that she isn't afraid to start a plague at the beginning. She lets us follow the virus as it goes across the world. This particular story is mostly in America but she allows her readers to view what is going on in the rest of the world as well.
I really enjoyed the characters. I was also surprised that there was only one narrator. Andrew Wehrlen does such a good job that I thought there were at least two, if not three narrators. I easily could tell the characters apart and never had a difficult time keeping up with him. He also has a great way of really inflecting the drama into a scene that allows for the reader to feel like they are in the situation. Scary to say the least.
The storyline was intense and made for a fantastic story. The ideas that Jacqueline Druga comes up with are so upsetting because I do not think she is far off from reality. It makes for an intense plot. She keeps the pacing and the characters do not shy away from danger. Sometimes stupidly, sometimes heroically.
There are so many subtle events that missing them could create some questions. My favorite was the bit of a twist with the virus. She does this so well that she winds up adding in drama and tension seamlessly. She was also able to create drama by making the base for the virus an hotel. The hotel seems to add even more tension but as the story progresses it seems that there isn't a safe place anywhere!
I loved how this ended and cannot wait to read more of her work.
Full audio review at: AudiobookReviewer.com
March 3, 2017
Jocelyn Pacheco
Period 1
Goodreads
The book that I picked for my goodreads was called Contagious by Jacqueline Druga. I picked this book because when I was in the library looking for a book to read for my goodreads I would read the back of the book, and see if I found them interesting and since when I seen this book I read the back of the book and I had found it really interesting.
What I thought about this book is that it was really interesting because this book is about a virus that starts going around getting all sorts of people sick and then quickly turns into mother nature. Nobody knows how it started. But what they do know is that the virus can kill you. The main character in this book is Ava Mason. And for example in the beginning of the book kind of like an entry, There was a girl that had gotten really sick and she didn't know noting about the virus. More like nobody really did know anything about it. How I know that she had gotten the virus was because that girl had dyed.She had gotten the virus when she was traveling in an airplane and the person sitting next to her was a guy who was sick too and kept coughing and what not. That's how I know it was a virus and he had passed it on to her. But I’m not going to spoil the book because I know i don't like it when somebody does that to me.
I would highly recommend anyone who likes mystery or horror types of books to read this book called contagious because I honestly thought this book was really good and i know people who like those kinds of books would enjoy this book. In my opinion I really liked this book and would recommend it to other people who like mystery or horror.
Period 1
Goodreads
The book that I picked for my goodreads was called Contagious by Jacqueline Druga. I picked this book because when I was in the library looking for a book to read for my goodreads I would read the back of the book, and see if I found them interesting and since when I seen this book I read the back of the book and I had found it really interesting.
What I thought about this book is that it was really interesting because this book is about a virus that starts going around getting all sorts of people sick and then quickly turns into mother nature. Nobody knows how it started. But what they do know is that the virus can kill you. The main character in this book is Ava Mason. And for example in the beginning of the book kind of like an entry, There was a girl that had gotten really sick and she didn't know noting about the virus. More like nobody really did know anything about it. How I know that she had gotten the virus was because that girl had dyed.She had gotten the virus when she was traveling in an airplane and the person sitting next to her was a guy who was sick too and kept coughing and what not. That's how I know it was a virus and he had passed it on to her. But I’m not going to spoil the book because I know i don't like it when somebody does that to me.
I would highly recommend anyone who likes mystery or horror types of books to read this book called contagious because I honestly thought this book was really good and i know people who like those kinds of books would enjoy this book. In my opinion I really liked this book and would recommend it to other people who like mystery or horror.
January 31, 2020
This is the second audiobook by this author and the same with the narrator I like the way she weaves a tale so you see, feel, weep and laugh with characters. In addition she creates her story's from common virus that we may see in our area or from another country like a flu virus. And how it can and would effect our country, or other countries and finally tells of what governments might do to stop the spread of the virus and how the virus may mutate.
In this audible it a story based on families, friends who are effected by a virus something is the flu but soon it discovered it not and it was actually from India and the doctors and health agencies thought they had cured the virus. The virus starts from one cough on a plane from India to Paris for a fashion show she takes sick a doctor is called in and gives here flu medicines but in four days she passes away and for the world it is the start of doomsday for many people and soon afterwards many cities that is nuked to try control the virus.
You live the lives of a family who in the end are lost to virus and one member shot by over zealous military personnel, then you meet a pro wrestler who puts himself in harm way to help other who are sick or dieing, a nineteen year old punk rocker who starts off reckless and watch his friends die at the hotel and has to grow up fast and finally you meet the manager and staff of the hotel were most of the story is told from after everyone is quarantined at.
You find some laughter but as the story is told you feel sadness, death and shedding of tears.
I recommend this audible to everyone it is well written and told.
In this audible it a story based on families, friends who are effected by a virus something is the flu but soon it discovered it not and it was actually from India and the doctors and health agencies thought they had cured the virus. The virus starts from one cough on a plane from India to Paris for a fashion show she takes sick a doctor is called in and gives here flu medicines but in four days she passes away and for the world it is the start of doomsday for many people and soon afterwards many cities that is nuked to try control the virus.
You live the lives of a family who in the end are lost to virus and one member shot by over zealous military personnel, then you meet a pro wrestler who puts himself in harm way to help other who are sick or dieing, a nineteen year old punk rocker who starts off reckless and watch his friends die at the hotel and has to grow up fast and finally you meet the manager and staff of the hotel were most of the story is told from after everyone is quarantined at.
You find some laughter but as the story is told you feel sadness, death and shedding of tears.
I recommend this audible to everyone it is well written and told.
January 7, 2025
I throughly enjoyed “Contagion”, the reason I gave it three stars is because at times, it felt as if I had to guess who’s point of view we were witnessing as readers. There is about six characters to differentiate from while reading, BUT overall it was pretty good.
I do wish that we were able to get more information about the subjects that were injected with rabies. Given they attacked everyone in sight, the virus should have wiped out more than 60% of the population at the end of the book. Also, the fact that they dropped nuclear bombs on high infectious zones, wouldn’t that ALSO make the virus mutate even further?
At the end of the book, I did end up crying. When Bianca said, “My heart is broken. How am I going to go on without my Joel? How?”, it broke my little heart!! I do wish that we had gotten to witness the end of Randell and Amita, if it even came. We witnessed the end of a few characters that didn’t have a large impact in the book, which was slightly upsetting overall when giving more thought about a review.
I do wish that we were able to get more information about the subjects that were injected with rabies. Given they attacked everyone in sight, the virus should have wiped out more than 60% of the population at the end of the book. Also, the fact that they dropped nuclear bombs on high infectious zones, wouldn’t that ALSO make the virus mutate even further?
At the end of the book, I did end up crying. When Bianca said, “My heart is broken. How am I going to go on without my Joel? How?”, it broke my little heart!! I do wish that we had gotten to witness the end of Randell and Amita, if it even came. We witnessed the end of a few characters that didn’t have a large impact in the book, which was slightly upsetting overall when giving more thought about a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
Quality outbreak novel
Contagious, as the title implies, is a book about the fictional BV1 (then BV2, then BV-R and BV3 virus, as its mutations were constant, the most severe and virulent form caused by human intervention. Wildly different, but highly believable characters. Dialogue one might expect in an actual outbreak of this nature. Both heartbreaking and beautiful. Most empathetic, heroic characters don't survive, but families of choice form among the few who survive. If you have PTSD remaining from your CoVid experience, I would steer clear, otherwise read up, just expect a nightmare or two afterword. 4/5 stars. Drugs can always be counted on to be as unsparing as in Contagious!
Contagious, as the title implies, is a book about the fictional BV1 (then BV2, then BV-R and BV3 virus, as its mutations were constant, the most severe and virulent form caused by human intervention. Wildly different, but highly believable characters. Dialogue one might expect in an actual outbreak of this nature. Both heartbreaking and beautiful. Most empathetic, heroic characters don't survive, but families of choice form among the few who survive. If you have PTSD remaining from your CoVid experience, I would steer clear, otherwise read up, just expect a nightmare or two afterword. 4/5 stars. Drugs can always be counted on to be as unsparing as in Contagious!
February 24, 2025
This book is relentless as it builds with good relationship, character and plot development. You will know a lot of people are going to die, but you will never always be sure just who that will be. It tough watching a trainwreck in slow motion (which this book captures reasonably well).
I found the characters and relationships interesting and there is a certain degree of emotional intensity and complexity with some of them. Again, there were grief themes (as you can imagine) and these were intently and well handled - even they were a little intense at times.
As seems traditional for this author, there were a few obligatory editorial issues thrown in but nothing to seriously detracted from my flow of reading.
I found the characters and relationships interesting and there is a certain degree of emotional intensity and complexity with some of them. Again, there were grief themes (as you can imagine) and these were intently and well handled - even they were a little intense at times.
As seems traditional for this author, there were a few obligatory editorial issues thrown in but nothing to seriously detracted from my flow of reading.
March 8, 2018
This was a very good book where the epidemiology of the pandemic builds slowly but in an interesting way and I like how it brings all of the characters together as the devastating nature of the disease becomes apparent. I like the dynamic that in the rush to stop the disease, the people just make it so much worse. I also like how so many of the "ordinary" people worked so hard to help others just because it was the right thing to do. This author tends to have a lot of stories that are quite grim in what happens but always with a lot of optimism about the future. There were only a few errors in the this book too.
June 6, 2019
Extinction level events could have a happy ending of you're lucky enough to survive.
Ava is thrown into quarantine with a group of hundreds. All of them are suspected to be the next to have a deadly virus that is sweeping across continents at a rapid rate. The characters in this book are a great cast with mixed personalities. It's not hard to root for several of them to make it through this crisis. The CDC can't keep up, control, or cure the virus. I love this author's writings.
Ava is thrown into quarantine with a group of hundreds. All of them are suspected to be the next to have a deadly virus that is sweeping across continents at a rapid rate. The characters in this book are a great cast with mixed personalities. It's not hard to root for several of them to make it through this crisis. The CDC can't keep up, control, or cure the virus. I love this author's writings.
September 24, 2020
I can't describe how I feel after reading this.
This book was full of darkness and light. You can't have one without the other. I got so wrapped up in the story that I kept reading it and was finished in one setting. The characters are great and the author lets you get to know them like family. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and I highly recommend it to others.
This book was full of darkness and light. You can't have one without the other. I got so wrapped up in the story that I kept reading it and was finished in one setting. The characters are great and the author lets you get to know them like family. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and I highly recommend it to others.
January 22, 2022
maybe her best
Ms Druga is able to translate the pathos of the human experience on to paper in true realism. She created characters who are real people that the reader identifies with, even in unimaginable circumstances. Unimaginable to me, but her mind can create the situations that are beyond the norm, and make them feel realistic. Some very good unexpected plot turns throughout the book.
Ms Druga is able to translate the pathos of the human experience on to paper in true realism. She created characters who are real people that the reader identifies with, even in unimaginable circumstances. Unimaginable to me, but her mind can create the situations that are beyond the norm, and make them feel realistic. Some very good unexpected plot turns throughout the book.
September 21, 2017
Im a new fan
I love her books. It has family and friends all struggling to survive. I love the way she described the pouty character Cassie.. Ava is a strong woman who loved her family unconditionally. I wish there was a sequel!
I love her books. It has family and friends all struggling to survive. I love the way she described the pouty character Cassie.. Ava is a strong woman who loved her family unconditionally. I wish there was a sequel!
January 26, 2018
Good
With every book I read from this author I cannot put them down.The suspense of who would get sick next. She had me thinking so hard about how easy it would be for this to happen.Love all of Ms Druga books.
With every book I read from this author I cannot put them down.The suspense of who would get sick next. She had me thinking so hard about how easy it would be for this to happen.Love all of Ms Druga books.
October 15, 2020
Fantastic read
This book was fantastic, I loved it. Funny, sad, horrific, brilliant! As usual from Jacqueline a Druga a well written novel that once I started I couldn't put down. A must for fans of apocalyptic tales X
This book was fantastic, I loved it. Funny, sad, horrific, brilliant! As usual from Jacqueline a Druga a well written novel that once I started I couldn't put down. A must for fans of apocalyptic tales X
November 11, 2021
This was a brilliant book. I was engrossed right from the beginning. I loved all of the characters, I was so embroiled in the book that I felt the both the funny and sad times with them. An excellent read.
January 18, 2022
A must read!
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I cried, I laughed and loved every minute of it. Such strong characters that you felt like you knew them. Five stars for a great read!
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I cried, I laughed and loved every minute of it. Such strong characters that you felt like you knew them. Five stars for a great read!
June 30, 2022
Great apocalyptic pandemic book!
Great apocalyptic pandemic book! Druga's character development brings the players to life, and makes the reader root for them to survive.
Well done, Ms. Druga.
Great apocalyptic pandemic book! Druga's character development brings the players to life, and makes the reader root for them to survive.
Well done, Ms. Druga.
July 3, 2022
Its a tear jerker, but a really good one!!!
Oh if you've read one of Druga's books before you know its always worth your time and $$$....I've read many and never been disappointed. If you haven't read any if her work, you're truly missing out. Go rectify that.
Oh if you've read one of Druga's books before you know its always worth your time and $$$....I've read many and never been disappointed. If you haven't read any if her work, you're truly missing out. Go rectify that.
January 19, 2025
Great read
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The technical aspects of tracking cases were spot on and the characters were likeable and believable. The author made the story fast moving and exciting. Wonderful book.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The technical aspects of tracking cases were spot on and the characters were likeable and believable. The author made the story fast moving and exciting. Wonderful book.
October 29, 2017
Character driven.
I enjoyed this book. You really learn the personality of each individual. This could be a real life situation. One of the better story lines I've read.
I enjoyed this book. You really learn the personality of each individual. This could be a real life situation. One of the better story lines I've read.
February 27, 2019
Excellent book.
One of the best books I have ever read. Intense and heart tugging. So much information. So much love and courage.
One of the best books I have ever read. Intense and heart tugging. So much information. So much love and courage.
February 16, 2020
A virus starts with a sniffle and ends up with people quaranteened,where most die.If they don't,the governt will take care of them.Another great book by Ms Druga. Andrew B Wehrlen is a fine narrator
November 14, 2020
Good read
I've read this book 3 or 4 times now. I love it. It's extra scary with covid around, but worth the read. The characters are relatable and likeable, especially Ava.
I've read this book 3 or 4 times now. I love it. It's extra scary with covid around, but worth the read. The characters are relatable and likeable, especially Ava.
September 10, 2022
Excellent !
I have read a lot of end of world books this one is at the top gives me hope… amen
I have read a lot of end of world books this one is at the top gives me hope… amen
November 9, 2022
I really liked this book in how the characters developed. Ended ok too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews