Bloom (The Overthrow #1)

In the aftermath of a hard rain, everything changes for three teens living on small Salt Spring Island near Vancouver. Petra, allergic to water, discovers that her body does not react to the rain, while Anaya, usually allergic to nearly everything else, experiences alleviated symptoms. Meanwhile, unknown, fast-growing, nigh unkillable grass overruns the farm where newcomer Seth lives with his latest foster family. As strange quickly turns to horrifying and the black grass begins taking over the island and appearing globally, the teens begin undergoing physical changes that link them to the plants--and may make them the only ones capable of fighting back. Oppel (Inkling) steadily adds new horrors, potently escalating the story's pace, stakes, and anxiety as the plants crowd out food crops, explosively release allergy-causing pollen, and begin exhibiting carnivorous tendencies. The teens' alternating narration develops each character while continually reframing their relationship and the evolving crisis. While elements of the story will be familiar to fans of Jeff VanderMeer and Wilder Girls, the invading plants' grim and efficient ways of challenging human dominance are effectively unsettling. Terrific momentum makes the abrupt ending jarring but should create anticipation for the sequel. Ages 10-up. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-7--A phenomenal kickoff to an enthralling trilogy. Anaya and Petra were once best friends but after a falling out, Petra became one of the beautiful, popular girls and Anaya descended into self-doubt and acne due to her debilitating allergies. Seth has been placed in another foster home and even though he really likes his new foster parents, he is struggling to fit in as a new kid on tiny Salt Spring Island. The teens are suddenly thrown together when rain drenches their home for several days. Immediately after the rain, strange black pointy plants appear all over the island. Anaya's Dad, who is a botanist with the Ministry of Agriculture, discovers that all over the world, strange black plants are popping up. No one can get the plants to stop growing, and then they develop long snakelike vines. The vines grow quickly and literally choke everything else--including humans. Scientists and military leaders around the world race to discover the origins of these predatory plants, eventually coming to the conclusion that they are alien; aliens that are determined to take over Earth. With the clock ticking, a newscast reveals Anaya, Petra, and Seth rescuing some friends on the playground from giant pods that have grown underground. An observant scientist realizes the teens are not affected by the plants that emit a sweet smelling sleepy gas and spit acid. Eventually, the trio discovers a secret trait that renders them unique, and maybe inhuman. Their various reactions to their new identities are realistic and relatable as the witty, engaging teens grow in confidence and develop tender bonds in order to survive this catastrophic attack. Nonstop action will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. The conclusion is especially powerful, delivering an overwhelming roller-coaster ride of relief and horror. VERDICT An edge-of-your-seat, apocalyptic alien plants versus heroic hybrid teens adventure. Recommended for all young science fiction collections.--Julie Shatterly, W. A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"What a story! Kenneth Oppel has written a thriller so exciting that the pages might well have been printed with adrenaline."—Wall Street Journal

"A phenomenal kickoff to an enthralling trilogy. The conclusion is especially powerful, delivering an overwhelming roller-coaster ride of relief and horror." —School Library Journal, starred review

"In this fast-paced thriller, Oppel spins a richly drawn, incredibly fascinating world. Beginning with the brilliantly unique premise of a botanical alien invasion, the plot unravels satisfyingly, building readers' curiosity by creating 10 new questions for every answer given. A thrilling alien-invasion novel based on a chillingly nefarious premise." —Kirkus Reviews

"BLOOM is a lightning-paced adventure that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. This book is ridiculously fun ... and by 'fun' I mean terrifying!" —Jonathan Auxier, author of The Night Gardener

"Absolutely riveting. Superb storytelling, great characters and an environmental crisis — readers will hardly be able to wait for the second book in the trilogy."—The Globe and Mail

"Steadily adds new horrors, potently escalating the story's pace, stakes, and anxiety as the plants crowd out food crops, explosively release allergy-causing pollen, and begin exhibiting carnivorous tendencies." —Publishers Weekly

"Wilderness survival and alien invasion combine for an exciting page-turner." —Booklist