Deborah Diebert

Host Manipulation Special Edition Deborah Diebert

Written by a Microbiologist, Host Manipulation entangles real scientific horrors with human experiences in a story that grips the reader and doesn't let go. Rabies, from the Latin word, rabere, "to rave" is the deadliest virus known in the world and the truest form of human host manipulation. Once infected, the virus controls the hosts. They develop a fear of water and moving air and become sensitive to bright light. The virus lives in the salivary glands, and in order to spread to another host, it manipulates the host into becoming an aggressive creature. Left untreated, rabies is almost universally fatal...until it isn't. In a world where few uninfected humans are still alive, survival is about who can stay hidden, who can remain quiet, and who is prepared. In their basement hideout, Shelby wakes to discover that her husband John, the man she slept next to for nineteen years, has died in the night. Alone with her daughter Megan and son Liam, Shelby must learn to survive and trust again in a world plagued by brain-manipulated hosts and military predators. Solo Medalist Winner in the Horror category of the 2017 New Apple Summer E-Book Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing Commentary from Writer's Digest Judge: "Wow.... This story draws the reader into a world where fulfilling your basic needs (or not) means the difference between life and death. The constant surprises, twists, and turns keep the reader turning the pages. It's easy to become involved with the characters and feel for them and their hopeless situation. Great descriptions, fluid dialogue, and appealing presentation. The plot is extremely appealing, the writing fluid, transitions smooth, and pacing satisfying." Author commentary included in this edition.