Parasite by Mira Grant

October 29th, 2013 Kimberly Review 86 Comments

29th Oct
Parasite by Mira Grant
Parasite
by Mira Grant
Series: Parasitology #1
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease. We owe our good health to a humble parasite - a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the tapeworm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system - even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them. But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives...and will do anything to get them

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I have a profound love for this author. Mira Grant is a pseudonym for author Seanan McGuire. She brilliantly crosses genres and has created two separate and unique voices. I have loved every published work she has ever written and the Newsflesh Trilogy remains one of my all time favorites. Parasite was one of my most highly anticipated book releases for 2013, and I was delighted when Orbit sent me an advanced copy. Grab your coffee and watch me gush…

Parasite is the first in the Parasitology duology and already I am drooling for book two. Grant created a vivid world in the future with medical advancements, but something is going terribly wrong. With fleshed out characters and a compelling storyline, Grant had me completely wrapped up in this tale. Mini review: brilliant, suspenseful and horrifying.

Grant takes us into the future where advances in the private medical field have virtually eliminated the common cold, and allergies. We no longer need to take our medications and illness such as diabetes no longer require insulin. All thanks to the SymboGen shield a genetically engineered tapeworm. It is so successful that almost every human on Earth has one, but the parasites are getting restless…. The tale that unfolds was suspenseful, horrifying and kept me on the edge of my seat! It offered elements of science-fiction, suspense, mystery and even horror.

Grant introduces us to several characters in Parasite. Sally, who prefers “Sal” and Nathan her boyfriend are our main characters. Sal suffered from amnesia after a car accident six years ago, and has had to relearn everything. She is witty, inquisitive and a perfect heroine for this tale. Nathan is her adorable and geeky boyfriend. (picture, tall, dark, lanky with tousled hair and geek glasses..yum) He is a microbiologist, and the two make a perfect investigative team. Sal craves answers and resents how protective her parents and SymboGen are with her. She has a strong sixth sense and unlike some heroines she listens to it, which made her kick-ass in my book. We read publications and are privy to scientist records from the creators of SymboGen. One is the face of the business and the other the scientist, I found them both to be a little disturbing, and it added to my enjoyment. Grant fleshed out the world through them using press releases and recordings. Other secondary characters really helped to bring the tale to life, and added humor. Tracey was one of my favorite; she was hilarious one moment and could totally freak me out the next. I love how Grant gives even the most mundane characters voice and makes them memorable.

The plot for Parasite is incredibly thought out, and Grant does an amazing job with world-building. She fed the geek in me with scientific details but delivered it in such a way that the non sci-fi fan could enjoy it. We learn a lot about the tapeworm and the current problems arising through Sal as she learns. This added to the suspense and allowed the tale to flow beautifully as Grant weaved in moments of discovery, tension, terror and life. What really freaked me out was how plausible she made the implants seem, and lord knows money hungry companies hide stuff from the public. All of it gave me the shivers, and through world-building she shows how people bought into the concept and why. It was bloody brilliant! I love how solid her world-building is, and how she can throw curve-balls and make me believe. Fans of the Newsflesh Trilogy will be thrilled at the ride Parasite has to offer. The tale ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is typical for Grant. She loves those last few sentences that make the reader scream, and truth be told it makes the anticipation for book two that much sweeter.

Parasite is a brilliant beginning to another creep-tastic duology by Mira Grant. This fangirl cannot wait for book two, and totally recommends it to fans of science-fiction, horror, suspense and dystopians. As one of my favorite authors Mira Grant is on my auto-buy list and is an author I will recommend over and over again.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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86 Responses to “Parasite by Mira Grant”

  2. Bonnie Hilligoss

    This is absolutely my kind of book! I physically have all of Stephen King’s books and the most epic is probably The Stand, but I thought The Cell was pretty creepy. Thank you for the giveaway!!

  3. Danie

    I love me some Stephen King! My favorite would probably be Dreamcatcher. Or The Green Mile.

  5. Jaime

    The Newsflesh trilogy is one of my favorite science fiction series and imo, the best zombie series. I’m glad Seanan McGuire decided to write more novels “Mira Grant” style.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      agreed Jamie, I hope you enjoy this new dualology as much as I am

  6. all-on-4 reno

    Heya we’re with the principal occasion the following. I stumbled upon this specific board and I to locate It truly useful & the idea reduced the problem out there a whole lot. Hopefully to offer you a very important factor rear and assistance other people such as you solved the problem.

  7. Vanessa

    this sounds like such a amazing book, i would like to go and read it now. but i will be patient and wait.

  10. Dani

    I had seen this book but I wasn’t inspired by the cover to see what it was about. Thanks for the review!!

  11. Ellen

    I really enjoyed your review and I am glad to know that you liked this book. I have it, but haven’t had a chance to get to it yet, but now I’m looking forward to reading it.

  12. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I absolutely love the sound of this book! I haven’t read anything by Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant but I think this is the first I will try, it sounds like everything was done very well.

    A wonderful review! 🙂

  13. Lauren

    I skimmed your review because I’m reading this right now, but I promise to come back and read it fully when I’m finished. But I do wholeheartedly agree with this: “I have a profound love for this author. Mira Grant is a pseudonym for author Seanan McGuire. She brilliantly crosses genres and has created two separate and unique voices. I have loved every published work she has ever written and the Newsflesh Trilogy remains one of my all time favorites.” I second that!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *tackles you with a huge hug* Love that you are a fan, and I hope you are enjoying it!

  14. Trish

    I didn’t realise you loved this author so much Kim. I’m intrigued now and hope to check out some of her books soonish.

  15. Maggie K.

    Kim, fantastic review — I am intrigue and very curious about this book. I think I am going to add it to my TBR pile. I always find myself adding books to my list thanks to you 🙂

  16. Jeann

    I have a fangirl obsession with Mira Grant/Seanan McGuire. FEED was freaking amazing as was the first in the October Daye series. I LOVED Parasite and thought it was a brilliant book. Great review Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *tackles and hugs you* Always love finding out someone else is a fan girl too!

  17. Giselle

    Eep I’m super excited to get into this one – hopefully soon. I didn’t know it was going to be a duology that’s cool. I loved her Feed series – as you know – and I have no doubt of her skills for characterization. Sally already seems awesome and the relationship with her boyfriend sound amusing to read. Glad you liked it, chickie!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy my friend..I look forward to your thoughts on it 🙂

  18. Heidi

    First, I hope your mom is doing better tonight…..
    I have this for review and wanted to feature it for Wicked but Seanan was too busy. I haven’t read too many glowing reviews for this one, so yours has me encouraged. I am waiting to see what Maja has to say. I hope that I enjoy it!

  20. Braine Talk Supe

    1. I am loving the cover
    2. I too am a fan of awesome writers who manage to have unique voices depending on the book their writing like this author.
    3. I feel this is too sci-fi for me and I won’t totally get acclimated to the story but good to see it appealed to you and met your expectations really well.
    4. Have great evening, Kimberly!

  21. Samantha

    I’ve been excited about this book for months now! Hope I win. 😉 If not, I’ll be picking up my copy sooooon.

  22. Greg

    That whole concept is fascinating but creepy at the same time. Would we take on a parasite if it meant not getting sick? What a choice! This sounds really good, I was wondering about this one and I think you’ve convinced me to give this one a try! And I had no idea this was written by Seanan McGuire under a pseudonym! Interesting…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, and her voice is completely different as Grant. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  24. Candace

    I haven’t read any of her books but I have heard a lot of good things. You and Maja both seem to rave over her. I think I like the sound of this one…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thank Kerri, good luck and I hope you get a chance to try it 🙂

  26. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have been wanting to read this one for some time now and I want to read it even more! Oh the main character sounds great and I’m with you on cheering the fact that she listens to her inner self! I have the first book in her Feed series and I swear this review pushed that one more toward the top. I really do need to read this author.

  27. Michelle

    I really need to get around to reading this. I have a serious phobia against parasites though…just mentioning them is enough to make thing I have them, lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it Kimba, great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was really good Michelle, and yes the idea of the parasites was creepy.

  28. Christy

    Nathan does sound yum! I remember thinking this book sounded so weird when I first saw your WoW for it. lol. It still does, but in a good way! 😀

  29. Tanja

    I have heard worships and worships about this author and I still haven’t read any of her books. I’m ashamed. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one and I’ll have to read it. Great review Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      well after your comment, I searched, then cried, then fixed my review..its a duology. boo 🙁

      • Pamela D

        Don’t be sad! This just means that we only have to wait a year for the epic conclusion and not two. Besides, McGuire has like ten million projects going on (she gives regular updates on her livejournal, which you probably already know about 🙂 ), so we will have more awesome SF soon!

  32. Kay

    This sounds even better than I thought it would be! I don’t believe I’ve read any other of this author’s books but if I enjoy this one I guess I will have to start! The whole idea of a tapeworm meant to be inside you gives me the creeps. Great review!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was well done, and creep-tastic, I hope you try it, and become a Grant fangirl like me 🙂

  33. Jenea

    I can’t wait to to start this and it will be my first Grant book too. It sounds so creepy, the thought of tapeworms being my body. *shudders* Great review. 🙂

  34. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I just finished this myself and was so happy with it. You nailed it with Sal, it was her attention to her sixth sense that made me like her… and that made me separate her from George entirely. George would never pay attention to such things, only facts. 🙂
    Wonderful review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Exactly, while they share traits in strength, and curiosity, they are very different. So glad you loved it.

  35. Angie F.

    I haven’t read anything by Mira Grant before, but I have read Rosemary & Rue by Seanan McGuire, which I didn’t really care for at the time. I hear she’s better as Mira anyway. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You would never know they are the same author based on writing style..complete opposites. I find both brilliant, but hope you try Grant.

  37. kindlemom1

    I am so glad you had better luck with this one than I did. I really wanted to love it I just..couldn’t get into it for some reason.

    Lovely review Kim!

  38. Jenny

    Tapeworms. *SHUDDERS* Just the thought of that has me squirming, so I know reading this book and getting even more details about these implants is going to make me paranoid that something like this exists now and somehow is already in me. I know. I overreact. I can’t help it! I love a book that freaks me out like that though, it makes the reading so much fun. Add in a geeky boyfriend and I’m sold Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I love when they freak me like this too, so not a bug, worm person, and yes the geeky boyfriend was smexy 🙂

  39. Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

    I’ve been seeing great reviews pop up for this book on various books, and I’m starting to think the universe is telling me I need to read it, lol! 🙂 Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is your “Bad Wolf” you must read it. (sorry, Dr. Who reference, hopefully you are a fan and shivered)

      • Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

        LOL! *goes to add Parasite to the to-read list*
        I’m gonna admit I’ve never seen Dr. Who! 🙂 I know, that’s like another thing I need to add on my list of to-do’s.

  40. Glass

    I still haven’t read anything by this author, but I have to say that I’m scared to start because all her books sound so creepy. But I like that they seem to be completely different from any other books I have on my TBR shelf.

    Glass @ Way Too Hot Books

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved the blending of genres in this, and hope you decide to try this.

  41. Mary

    I do love Seanan McGuire’s other series but I haven’t read anything by her as Mira Grant — guess I need to remedy that, don’t I?!? I’m both creeped out and intrigued by the whole parasite concept and must read this immediately.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Mary it was creep-tastic, and she really made it feel plausible which only added to the tale.

  42. Rebe

    I LOVE Seanan’s books! I haven’t read any of her Mira Grant books (not sure why), so I’ll have to check this one out.

  43. Nick

    Can you believe that I haven’t read anything by Mira Grant yet despite having heard nothing but praise for her books?
    I seriously need to change that and I think Parasite will be the first book that I will try.
    The biologist in me is just dying of excitement for this book. It sounds totally like something I would enjoy. Parasites are so tiny, but at the same time so deadly. They make for very interesting creatures.
    Plus, I like the sound of this geeky microbiologist! 😉
    Great review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo first he is a smexy geek, and second you need to read this!