Overgrowth

3.5/5 ⭐I have really enjoyed Mina Grant's books, and while I didn't love this one as much as those previous books I've read, I still did end up enjoying it for the most part.One thing I love about this author's books is that the premise of the books is always interesting, and this one was no different. So, we have Anastasia Miller, who, since she was a child, has been telling everyone who would listen that she is an alien and that an alien invasion is coming. People, of course, don't believe her. And then a strange signal from outer space is intercepted, and that's when people start taking her seriously. Unfortunately, it's too little too late.Like I mentioned before, I liked this for the most part. However, there were things here and there that I just didn't vibe with. There was a certain event, for example, that happened in the middle of the book that reminded me of the Parasitology series, and not in a good way. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed that trilogy, but this is a thing that happened in every single book, and it got old fast. And then it happens in this one, too? Ugh. And that's all I'll say on that. But I was annoyed. Luckily, it didn't last, and I was happy about that. Lol.The other thing I was not a fan of was the end. A lot of this author's books have a bittersweet ending, which I don't mind. I don't even mind the twist endings in horror where the killer comes back to life and slaughters everyone. Lol. And I really can't go into detail without going into spoiler territory, but the end and motivation just did not work for me.All that being said, one thing I really liked about this book was the characters— I loved Anastasia's quirky friends who accepted her, alien claims and all. Lol. But I particularly loved her boyfriend Graham and how supportive and understanding they were with one another. I'll give Mira Grant this: she always writes sweet and healthy romantic relationships. I love it!So, even though I was not a fan of the motivation behind everything that happened, I did enjoy some other aspects of this book. The mythos was interesting, the sci-fi/horror combo was great like always, and I really liked the characters. And I'm really looking forward to seeing what Mira Grant has in store for us next!

"True" rating 4.5 of 5Anastasia's never doubted she is what she is always declare herself to be- an alien vanguard for the coming invasion. It's just that after a time it became something she wasn't sure was even relevant. I mean, if most people laugh you off, family and teachers try to 'fix' you, your mother believes you but in that she sees you as a murder of her baby, and you don't actually know anything else about yourself, what can someone do but keep on keepin' on? She settled into a life in which she tolerated the exhausting energy of people and the inevitable rejections and occasional harassment. It wasn't like she hadn't found at least a few who took her declaration as a personality trait and welcomed her all the same. Except then her family, her real family, comes knocking to retrieve their little blossom.“Overgrowth” mixes up the seemingly, regrettably, timeless elements and well known themes of classic invasion tales. She lays that side out on display so that she can spend her energy developing the underlying factors that are unique to her tale below. The result is an adventure that excites and haunts in the same ways Rod Sterling era “The Twilight Zone” productions did. It's a combination of everyday horror, psychology, and commentary on social and governmental politics past and present.There was never any doubt that Mira Grant would be able to bring a unique alien creation to life. Working in fantastical genres under another name she's proven the ability frequently. Indeed her otherworldly invaders deliver. Not constrained to only a peek at her creations by page count or format, we're treated with a showcase of culture, motivations, logic, vast variations, and layman biological processes.What hooked into me was how she walked the tightrope between metaphor and direct commentary. “Overgrowth” examines the collective drain of empathy, broken systems, the ways people are 'othered', and brushes on context and behavioral repetition in history. Never fear. It's not just a piece to vent about all the ills of human nature and our current global and political system. There are glimmers of those who fight back to not perpetuate negativity. Those same people aren't always perfect. Even those in our support systems have their own life experiences that could emerge from our subconscious under dire circumstances. Grant digs into the nuances and murky waters of where human instinct and conditioning form all of us.At the heart of this book is Stashia's allied group. Allies, not friends entire, as there are some prickly realistic group dynamics common to the every day let alone when the world is ending and you're on the run. Each character's strong individual nature also work as tools to create tension through motivations instead of simple emotion. Interpersonal interactions also contribute to the singular frustration with the reading experience.If I can say anything negative it is that there were some repetitious thoughts and conversations that added maybe a few too many pages. I understand people with life long trauma in one way or another need reaffirmation and reassurance as they also frequently walk and and hand with being doubtful and self critical. But Stashia's reflections of her relationships flare up maybe more than necessary to advance the story or character growth. At the same time, a concept so detailed would still require time to develop.“Overgrowth” was everything I wanted from it and more than I anticipated in many ways. The cherry on top is a smirk and slow clap reveal ending that reveals the context of one aspect's inclusion. I must also give a shout out to Caitlin Kelly for a great narration job. Once again, Grant proves why she's one of my favorite working authors.

A,good story but WAY too long. this could have been told in half the pages. Very repetitive.

What a refreshing take on alien invasion. Mira Grant has done it again, taking a subject that many have touched and building it anew. I recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about what makes a person a person.

Mira Grant has to have a great imagination and is able to put that imagination into words. I could barely put it down. I'm going to be looking for more books by this author.