Overgrowth by Mira Grant is a fantastically horror story about an alien invasion that was unputdownable. With a count down to invasion day, we follow Anastasia Miller, who from the age of three has told everyone she meets she is an alien. Creeptastic and brilliant.
by Mira Grant
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Day of the Triffids meets Gretchen Felker-Martin's Cuckoo.
This is just a story. It can't hurt you anymore.
Since she was three years old, Anastasia Miller has been telling anyone who would listen that she's an alien disguised as a human being, and that the armada that left her on Earth is coming for her. Since she was three years old, no one has believed her.
Now, with an alien signal from the stars being broadcast around the world, humanity is finally starting to realize that it's already been warned, and it may be too late. The invasion is coming, Stasia's biological family is on the way to bring her home, and very few family reunions are willing to cross the gulf of space for just one misplaced child.
What happens when you know what’s coming, and just refuse to listen?
I automatically buy anything written by Mira Grant, a.k.a Seanan McGuire. From her Newsflesh trilogy to her Parasite trilogy, she delivers hair-raising tales that are unforgettable. As McGuire, she delivers fantasy stories that keep me begging for more. My bookshelves are lined with Mira Grant novels, and I have all her McGuire books as audiobooks.
Before we begin, I want you to remember … “This is just a story. It can’t hurt you anymore.” The story begins with a story about a three-year-old little named Anastasia (Stasia) Miller who wandered into the woods, went missing for three days and returned claiming to be an alien.
The point of view delivered by Stasia fast-forwards from age three to adulthood. Stasia has always been a little weird, what with the whole claiming to be an alien story, but she graduated from college, has a job, a boyfriend and lives with two roommates and her beloved cat. Then, an alien message is intercepted and Stasia knows it’s time. Her people are coming to get her. The countdown to the invasion has come.
Grant/McGuire is a brilliant storyteller, and she delivered a compelling, thought-provoking look at first contact. She tackles tough social questions, humanitarian issues, love and choices. It was creepy, horrifying and had me on edge from the very first page. The suspense built as questions arise. Will humanity survive? What happens when first contact is so subtle no one believes? What happens when something new wants to take over?
Stasia was a multifaceted character. An orphan really, raised among humans but other. The story masterfully portrays her difficulties, chosen family, and her life bridging two cultures. Stasia’s transformation, the alien history and beings were realistically depicted, making the horror believable.
Perfect for fans of alien invasions, thought-provoking questions blended into a sci-fi horror. I highly recommend taking Overgrowth on vacation with you this summer!
About Mira Grant
Born and raised in Northern California, Mira Grant has made a lifelong study of horror movies, horrible viruses, and the inevitable threat of the living dead. In college, she was voted Most Likely to Summon Something Horrible in the Cornfield, and was a founding member of the Horror Movie Sleep-Away Survival Camp, where her record for time survived in the Swamp Cannibals scenario remains unchallenged. Mira lives in a crumbling farmhouse with an assortment of cats, horror movies, comics, and books about horrible diseases. When not writing, she splits her time between travel, auditing college virology courses, and watching more horror movies than is strictly good for you. Favorite vacation spots include Seattle, London, and a large haunted corn maze just outside of Huntsville, Alabama. Mira sleeps with a machete under her bed, and highly suggests that you do the same. Mira also writes as Seanan McGuire.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
This one has had me wanting to read it since I first heard of it. I need to just give in and buy a copy to read over the summer, and not put it on my TBR shelf when I buy it! Great review!
Jinjer
That sounds pretty good, actually! I’m not familiar with this author! Adding it to my TBR.
Mary Kirkland
An alien invasion would freak so many people out. Now if they come looking for mates like in some of the books I read, I wouldn’t mind. This sounds creeptastic though.
Sophia Rose
Her creativity just makes me marvel when I read the blurbs or your reviews. I will get to her books eventually. Great review!
Kimberly
The Newsflesh trilogy is so good!! Start there!