Hello everyone and welcome back to the reading room! Today I’m sharing my spoiler-free review of Bloom by Kenneth Oppel. I read this one some time ago but saved my review until closer to publication. Now that the release date is just two weeks away I am so excited to gush about this middle grade sci-fi horror novel with you!
We received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are our own and do not reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the publisher or author.
Our Summary
Pitched as Hatchet meets alien, Bloom follows three children as their coastal Canadian town is over run with Venus-fly trap like plants. Anaya, Petra and Seth have spent their lives dealing with strange, inconvenient allergies. But now, when it matters most, they might be the only people who can save the world from this invasion?
About the Book
Bloom by Kenneth Oppelon February 4, 2020
Genres: MG Horror
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads
The first book in bestselling author Kenneth Oppel’s new trilogy
It was just rain.
But after the downpour, odd black plants begin to shoot up.
Suddenly—
They. Are. Everywhere.
They take over fields and twine around houses. They bloom and throw off toxic pollen—and feed.
Strangely, three Salt Spring Island teens seem immune. Anaya, Petra and Seth. What’s their connection? What’s their secret? A week ago, they wouldn’t have thought they had one.
But they’d better figure it out fast—the invasion has already begun.
Our Thoughts
Bloom is a sci-fi horror novel written for young readers. I was pleasantly surprised by this one having read Oppel’s other novel The Nest (which I highly recommend if you want something disturbing- not for those who hate bugs). I am happy to report that Bloom, the first in a trilogy, did not disappoint. I feel comfortable describing this beauty as Annihilation for twelve year olds
The story follows three very different, but equally compelling characters. Through the eyes of these kids we are privy to a world that is slowly plunged into chaos following a rainstorm that resulted in the sprouting of unusual, hostile plants.
I was actually surprised with how heavy the horror was in this book. Oppel isn’t afraid to get dark and disturbing. There are scenes that made me squirm as I read them, which is always the sign of a fantastic horror novel in my opinion. The suspense and tension were palpable as Anaya, Seth and Petra try to figure out what’s happening and how they can help.
The pacing was quick and perfect for building suspense, a real page turner in the best way. Oppel writes a book about the environment and while the commentary is subtle it reminds the reader that, to the natural world, we are merely visitors in the broader cycle of its existence.
Over all, I give it 5/5 unhesitating, gushing stars and would recommend it to anyone who loves books like The Ruins by Scott Smith and Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer.
What About You?
Have you read this book? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
I love the premise and the suspense here… but if it there’s as much horror as it seems here, I might have to read it in a well-lit, noisy place!
Yeah it definitely surprised me how much horror was in the book. So good, but definitely not for the faint of heart.