by Mira Grant
Series: Parasitology #2
Genres: Horror, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
THE SECOND BOOK IN MIRA GRANT'S TERRIFYING PARASITOLOGY SERIES. THE ENEMY IS INSIDE US. The SymboGen designed tapeworms were created to relieve humanity of disease and sickness. But the implants in the majority of the world's population began attacking their hosts turning them into a ravenous horde. Now those who do not appear to be afflicted are being gathered for quarantine as panic spreads, but Sal and her companions must discover how the tapeworms are taking over their hosts, what their eventual goal is, and how they can be stopped
I was very fortunate to receive an advanced finished copy of Symbiont by Mira Grant. It is the second book in her Parasitology series that started as a duology and is now a trilogy!! After the release of Parasite, Grant’s fans demanded more. Fans wanted more details, fleshed-out characters and world building. Grant obliged and I am ever so grateful. Symbiont changed my perception, raised questions, and had me holding my breath as we plunged deeper into this apocalyptic nightmare.
If you have not yet read Parasite I suggest you swallow the red pill and slip down the rabbit-hole that is Grant’s brilliant mind and join the rest of us in this frighteningly real apocalyptic future.
This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill — the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill — you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.- Morpheus, The Matrix, 1999
Grant allows us to effortlessly slip back into this multiple perspective tale, complete with journal and audio-recorded journals from characters trapped in this world. In Parasite we opened the doors wide, were both horrified, and fascinated by the world Grant had created beyond those doors. In this second novel, we begin to see the cracks as we gain insider information into the plans of several key characters and leaders in this chaotic zombie infested world. Unaffected folks are quarantined, a new species walks among us and sides are being drawn. The tale that unfolds kept me riveted with none of the symptoms of second book syndrome in sight.
One of the things I love about Grant (Seanan McGuire) is her ability to create fleshed out characters. Sal is such a curious character and we see character growth as she continues to define herself. Nathan, our geeky hero has moments where he shines, but I want more from him. Adam has such a childlike curiosity but we glimpse something more. Dr. Cole and Dr. Banks are ever present and while one shows more compassion than the other you cannot help but ask yourself, “How much sacrifice justifies knowing?” Sherman is perhaps the character whom I fear the most, and Ronnie is one I am eager to learn more about. Fishy, is a secondary character who I adore. The man is fearless, and downright hilarious. I have his six at all times. Grant, do not let anything happen to him. Tansy oh Gads! *tries to swallow* I cannot talk about it. I need more answers.
In Symbiont, we gain some answers but they are quickly replaced with larger questions that are more pressing and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds in Chimera, the final book set to release sometime in 2015. The world is in chaos as implants turn folks into flesh-eating mindless zombies. We see a glimpse of intelligence from some of them and I cannot wait to see if that develops. Their link to Sal is fascinating, and hints at untapped potential. Grant continues to raise questions for the reader, as each revelation and man’s interaction make you ponder the implications. You cannot help but question what our society’s future holds. The brilliant aspect of this post-apocalyptic horror is how realistic it all sounds. Just turn on the television, open up a science or discovery magazine. Man craves the answers, the cures and perfection. *shivers*
In case my review was unclear, I friggin’ loved Symbiont and cannot wait to once again slip down the rabbit-hole with Chimera. Fans of science-fiction fantasy, apocalyptic horror and unique characters need to add the Parasitology trilogy to their bookshelves.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia
Again, another review only singing the praises of Mira Grant! I love how she took heed of her fans suggestions. It makes me feel like this author is very connected to her audience. I need the first book in this series.
kimbacaffeinate
She is and I honestly love everything she has written.
Lorna
I just went and looked at the first book. Tapeworms, just not sure I could handle that! I have loved similar books in the past though-Adromeda Strain by Michael Crichton was a favorite when I was young. Glad you enjoyed 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It is so well done, and I love the medical reasons behind it all.
Celine
I started Symbiont yesterday and it’s SO GOOD. Oh my god. Usually it takes me a while to get back into a book after having read the last one a year ago, but Ms Grant makes it so easy to return to the world. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us!
Michelle
I can’t believe I forgot about this book! I loved the first one, and I’m glad to see that this one keeps up the pace & excellent storytelling.
Teddyree
Loved your review so much I’m adding these to my must read list … thanks 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! I am a huge Grant fan 🙂
Amber Elise
I love that it’s snowing on your blog! I really enjoy Mira Grant as an author ,I didn’t finish Parasite though. I think it was the slow start, but I should know by now that Mira Grant loves to take things nice and slow before ish hits the fan. 🙂 I’m happy Symbiont was such a hit for you!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..yes I have it set to begin snowing in December. It is part of WordPress.
kara-karina
Glad you enjoyed Symbiont that much, K.! I wasn’t convinced by book #1 so I decided not to continue with this series. Maybe I should reconsider *wink*
kimbacaffeinate
eep..yes reconsider. However I am a huge fangirl and just love this sh@t
Jess
Yes, I will have to swallow the red pill after reading this review! Sounds great!
kimbacaffeinate
have fun!
Braine Talk Supe
Gah! I can’t get into books like this while you obviously loved it. I guess Christmas came early 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It’s ok…that is why there are so many genres..I just happen to love most of them..LOL
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have not read her books but have them ALL on my want list. Oh I wanted parasite but wanted to start the zombie books first. Hm… I may just read these first. What to do…
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, read these first so you are ready to go when book three releases..than read the Newsflesh trilogy while you wait..so awesome!
Heidi
I was trying to hunt down my ARC of Parasite the other day because I so need to read this series. Still in a reading slump. ARGH>
kimbacaffeinate
Oh no..I am so sorry to hear that Heidi. This series is unique I hope you are able to find your arc. Have you tried just unplugging or re-reading something like Gone with the Wind?
Debbie Haupt
OMG Kim, this is definitely a series that is on my wish list and yes btw I did figure out you friggin loved this 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe…you are such a smart cookie
Lupdilup
I haven’t listened to the first book, but you can bet I’m going to fix that problem ASAP : )
I had it on my radar but somehow it fell off…Probably some smutty book got in the way…LOL
Thanks Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes grab the audios and review them..that way I will know if I need to own those too. :snort: Hehe..I haven’t done the smutty yet
Rosa
I had not heard about this series before. But now I’m quite curious to read it. Thanks for your review.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you must try Mira Grant Rosa 🙂
Nick
I’ve heard so much about Mira Grant’s books. This was one series that really interested me and it sounds like I should just get to it asap. I’ll have to see if the library has a copy for me.
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee…I hope they have it Nick
Angela Adams
This sounds really “out there.” Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
Oddly enough the concept isn’t all that far fetched which makes it creep-tastic
Glass
I’ve heard so many great things about first book and I’m glad that sequel lived up to your expectations. Considering that I am impatient, it’s probably the best that still haven’t read it. I’ll wait for all books to come out. Can’t wait!
Great review, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I know a lot of you love to do that..I am impatient but cannot wait to read them right away:)
Lily
When authors please reader’s it’s always a good relationship. Love that so many people are loving this series and it’s characters. I’ll have to give it a try.
kimbacaffeinate
I am delighted and hope you read them 🙂
Carmel
I didn’t realize that Mira Grant was one of Seanan McGuire pen names! I was on the fence about this series before, but that news has pretty much sealed the deal. It’s funny that that was never mentioned in any of the reviews I read for Parasite. You’re a lifesaver, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
*raises eyebrow* You should have read my review..bwahaha
kindlemom1
I really wish I could have gotten into the first book more than I did because I have seen nothing but wonderful reviews for the sequel. Maybe I should give this series another try down the road?
And yay for the snow on your blog, I love it!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do 🙂
Jeann
YESSS I am so glad you loved Symbiont as much as the first book, Kimba! I CANNOT WAIT to read this one because I love everything by Mira Grant and Parasite was just amazing. Great review lovely!
kimbacaffeinate
I did…enjoy! This was full of awesomeness!
blodeuedd
As book 1 was not for me then sadly no, even though I love her other books
kimbacaffeinate
Bummer, this was so good
Melliane
Oh I love her books under Seanan McGuire but I haven’t tried any of her other name. I really should!
kimbacaffeinate
I love them all 🙂
Christy
Wow, that’s pretty cool that she has extended it into a trilogy because fans want more. Damn, guess I will have to read these.
kimbacaffeinate
You must read these 😉 I adore Mira Grant