Tooth and Nail by Craig DiLouie
As a new plague related to the rabies virus infects millions, America recalls its military forces from around the world to safeguard hospitals and other vital buildings. Many of the victims become rabid and violent but are easily controlled-that is, until so many are infected that they begin to run amok, spreading slaughter and disease.
Lieutenant Todd Bowman got his unit through the horrors of combat in Iraq. Now he must lead his men across New York through a storm of violence to secure a research facility that may hold a cure. To succeed in this mission to help save what’s left of society, the men of Second Platoon will face a terrifying battle of survival against the very people they have sworn to protect-people turned into a fearless, endless horde armed solely with tooth and nail.
Tooth and Nail by Craig DiLouie
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: Schmidt Haus Books; April 1, 2010
Tooth and Nail follows a group of soldiers from Iraq into New York as they are thrust into a mission they never could have imagined was possible. In the beginning, it is a relief to be away from the constant bombings and the chaos that is war; but things change.
The Hong Kong Lyssa virus has swept the nation, transforming the infected into Maddies, rabid blood-thirsty killers. U.S. citizens needing assistance are flooding to the hospitals for treatment. But does a treatment exist? As supplies dwindle, people are turned away with only a slip of paper listing another facility that might be able to help them. Matters only get worse as the virus spreads throughout the city, forcing the soldiers to kill those they swore to protect.
Dilouie’s research showed in the creation of a military setting that came to life in a very realistic way. It’s easy to relate to the feelings and concerns that Moody and his men experienced throughout the ordeal. Personally, the military jargon was a little excessive for me in the beginning but it did add to the authenticity of the overall experience. The glossary at the front could be very helpful, however it was not a feasible option in E-book format.
The Maddies were a realistic horror because they are simply people infected by a rabies-like virus and NOT zombies. This is not a zombie story, although the similarity between zombies and Maddies will make this an enjoyable read for zombie fans. The gore was not as detailed as I would have personally liked but was more fulfilling than that of a typical, boring zombiesque book.
Overall, Tooth and Nail is a fear-inducing read, due to the realistic setting Dilioue created. Fans of apocalyptic-like stories such as “28 Days Later” and “The Stand” will find a story that satisfies their craving for horror in this novel.
