June 5

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Book Review of Overgrowth

By TheGeekyBeachBabe


A Dive into the Alien Abyss: Reflecting on Overgrowth by Mira Grant

When I first heard about Overgrowth, the latest offering from Mira Grant, I was immediately captivated. The blend of an impending alien invasion, body horror, and the quirky story of a woman who believes she’s the vanguard of an alien race promised a wild ride. After all, Grant is no stranger to the dark and bizarre—her previous works, like the Newsflesh series, are rich with sharp wit and eerie storytelling. But as I turned the pages of Overgrowth, I found myself navigating through a different kind of forest, one where the excitement I anticipated sadly got lost among the underbrush.

At the heart of Overgrowth is Anastasia Miller, who, after a fateful trip into the woods at age three, returns home transformed—not just physically but in her very essence. Stasia becomes an alien plant-human hybrid, relentlessly declaring her identity and the impending doom her species brings to Earth. However, as we follow her journey, it takes an almost excruciatingly long time to uncover the depth of her backstory. By the time I reached the meat of Stasia’s motivations, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the earlier antics felt more like forced humor rather than the clever narrative I had hoped for.

Grant’s knack for creating relatable characters shines through Stasia’s experiences, touching upon themes of acceptance and belonging. Her compulsive need to disclose her true nature draws parallels to the struggles of marginalized communities. However, this allegorical layer occasionally feels out of balance, forcing readers to grapple with the unsettling notion that the heroes might be a child-murdering alien race. It’s a bold choice that, while reflective of societal issues, sometimes comes across as jarring and problematic.

The pacing left me longing for the intense spectacle promised in the premise. The grand alien invasion arrives two-thirds into the story, primarily occurring off-page while Stasia and her merry band of misfits tackle less urgent matters. I expected the over-the-top, popcorn-worthy chaos of a disaster scenario—where cities crumble, and we feel the raw horror of an alien apocalypse—but instead, the body horror feels subdued, akin to mild side effects of sunburn rather than the intense visceral fear I craved.

Still, Grant manages to bring some memorable moments through her unique narrative style. There’s an undeniable charm in her dialogue and witticisms that will resonate with those who enjoy a lighthearted touch amidst chaos. The characters are diverse and add depth, dealing with neurodivergence and sexual identity, echoing the struggles many face today. It’s these elements that keep the story grounded, even if they often feel overshadowed by the more outlandish plot points.

Ultimately, Overgrowth presents an intriguing exploration of identity and acceptance, laced with cosmic horror. While it may not deliver the nail-biting tension it promised, there’s a curiosity in its examination of societal outliers—who are often forced to forge their paths amid misunderstanding and ridicule. If you’re a fan of Grant’s previous works or enjoy speculative fiction that raises questions about identity and societal acceptance, then Overgrowth might still warrant a spot on your reading list.

For me, it serves as a reminder that while a seed might be sown with great anticipation, the harvest can sometimes unfold in unexpected and less thrilling ways. But perhaps that’s the beauty of reading—each journey brings with it unique lessons, whether they align with our expectations or not.

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