For a horror book involving bugs, I expected to be thoroughly creeped out and uncomfortable while reading this. Instead, this just felt….very boring. I found the story to have a somewhat predictable set-up; when one of the characters was first introduced I immediately knew who would be the villain. Even with a predictable story, there could have been better development or more dynamic characters. Instead, the story itself felt slow-moving and the characters all felt very one-dimensional. The villain was lackluster. There was also quite a suspension of disbelief required for most of the events in this book. So many things that happen just don’t make sense and the explanations felt very half-baked. Since almost the entire plot of the book is in the synopsis, I expected for there to be a bigger plot twist or revelation, but no the story just felt very bare bones.

Infested is highly recommended for readers who like gross, nasty and filthy. It really is hair-raising and gut-wrenching in an entertaining way.

The story starts slow. And I mean really slow. At some point I was beginning to ask myself if I was still reading a thriller novel. But the late build-up did not disappoint as it offers some of the weirdest, most highly confusing, mind-numbing material ever. I have to admit it is a different kind of fun read. Hats off to Angelo Luis Colón for creating unique and nonconformist characters and inserting them in a simple plot.

The plot is your typical teenager battling puberty issues and insecurities. What I found interesting is the addition of political concerns. I wonder how many teens will relate to it; some youths of this day are very passionate about their beliefs. The twists and ending are predictable. The use of multicultural personalities is impressive. First-person point of view digs deeply into the protagonist’s mind. If you are a fan of absurd and strange reads, you are on the right material. But story-wise, there is not much to tell.

This book is about a young Latinx man who moves from San Antonio to the Bronx with his mom, step-dad, and baby sister. His step-dad got a job preparing a new apartment building for tenants. It’s a paycheck and free rent, buuut it’s also so far from what he knows, and the only friend he makes is protesting the building, because it’s an early sign of gentrification. Plus, there are roaches EVERYWHERE, and Manny always feels intense anger when he’s in the building.

There are themes of racism, gentrification, family, and friendship. Also, the main point of horror for me was the cockroaches. I HATE cockroaches. I usually live in or near wooded areas, so we get the giant wood ones that fly and sometimes just won’t die. Luckily both my babies are hunters and will take care of the few that get in the house sometimes. But here, they are everywhere. I made a joke at one point that involved racist cockroaches. They make my skin crawl, and that’s why I choose this book. To be really creeped out. Overall, it wasn’t among my favorite horror books, but it’s enjoyable in the vein of teen horror books from the 90s, but more modern.

MTV is branching out into publishing and it is super creepy! Infested is a YA Fear Novel by Angel Luis Colon. Before the start of his senior year, Manny moves from Texas to Brooklyn, where his stepfather will be managing a high-end condominium. With the grand opening just around the corner, Manny meets Sasha, protesting new building and the gentrification of the neighborhood. This protest isn’t the only thing hindering the ribbon cutting, it’s an infestation of cockroaches! Yuck! Maybe the new exterminator, Mr. Mueller can eliminate these creepy creatures. I started with the audio book from FM Libros Teacher Program, but I had to switch quickly to the NetGalley e-book ARC because I was just too freaked out listening to it. This book has a something for everybody- family drama, political issues, antiracism, bugs, bugs, and more bugs, monster bugs, mystery, and a ghost tale.

This was exactly what my heart needed! Puerto Rican family dynamics, Identity struggles, Gentrification Issues, Creepy moments, Ghosts, Friendships, AHH! I had so much fun reading this one!

I had my moments where I felt something crawling on my skin. The roaches' scenes had me disturbed because I hate them so much but OH BOY! I was already too invested in the mystery and suspense of the story! I couldn't look away.

It’s the summer before Manny’s senior year of high school, and his life is turned upside down. With only three days warning, his mother tells him the family is moving from Texas to the Bronx for his stepfather’s new job. Manny’s frustration and all the turmoil and angst of being a teenager are well-portrayed. It’s difficult for him to see beyond his own wants and needs, and he feels like his stepfather doesn’t really want him around.

His stepfather is hired to manage a luxury condo building, and he assigns Manny jobs to help get it ready for buyers. But the building is overrun with cockroaches. Hoards of them. If creepy crawlies aren’t your thing, be forewarned. They come out of laptops, counters, floorboards, and bodies, among other places. Just imagine the feeling of roaches moving around inside your body. If that doesn’t bother you, you’re probably the audience for this book.

Mr. Mueller, an exterminator, is hired but his efforts aren’t effective. The cockroaches endure. Manny and his friend Sasha (who’s protesting the building due to gentrification) get the feeling something isn’t quite right with Mr. Mueller – and they’re correct. Their investigation leads to some shocking and unbelievable discoveries. Are ghosts real?

This is a quick, insect-filled read with a thrilling ending that may leave you feeling unsettled. Or like bugs are crawling over your skin.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Solid 4 stars. All i knew going into this was 1. There are going to be a lot of bugs, and 2. This was a young adult horror. I've been really into young adult horror novels for the past few years. When i saw this cover, i had to have this book. It took me a while to actually get into this book because nothing major was happening. Other than finding bugs, the main character complained he had to move to New york from Texas. That was basically 75% of the book, and after that, it started to finally get good. The main character had strong character developed around this area. And i liked the secondary character, sasha. The books kinda grossed me out, but it was a book, and i dealt with it. The writing was good and different that i normally read but over all i liked it. I enjoyed it

entering his last year of high school, the last thing manny wants is for his entire life to be uprooted by moving from san antonio to the bronx. he’s also not too excited that this summer has a lot of manual labor in store for him so that the apartment building his stepfather now manages can be up to code. his only friends are mr. mueller, the elderly exterminator, and sasha, a girl his age who believes his family is doing some serious harm. on top of everything else, this apartment complex has a serious roach problem. as in, roaches in places they shouldn’t be…such as in manny’s skin.

i feel like the ideas could have been explored more. for example, the metaphor between the cockroaches and the people whose neighborhood was being gentrified. there were a few quotes talking about this, but not as many as i would have liked. if this metaphor had been expanded upon more, i’m sure i would have enjoyed this book even more than i did.

i’m considering this a positive point since this is a horror book, but speaking of roaches…i’ve never been terrified of them, but oh wow, this book made my skin crawl. i was genuinely worried i’d develop a phobia of roaches after reading this book because of all the descriptions. if you already do have a genuine fear/phobia of them, please keep that in mind when deciding whether to read this.

overall, this was an enjoyable read, and i’d be interested in reading more from the author.

Loved this creepy book! A perfect read for reluctant readers as it is fast-paced, engaging, and just the right length. Plenty of spooky moments to keep horror fans happy. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed this book a lot! The main character was relatable and I got creeped out (more than I thought!). I am surprised this is an MTV novel! I think teens and adults alike will enjoy this.

I loved the concept and the book definitely delivered all the creepy stuff. The main character was likeable and fun, I think especially young readers will be able to relate to him. Recommendable story.