Bloom - (The Overthrow) by Kenneth Oppel

About the Book

"The invasion begins--but not as you'd expect. It begins with rain. Rain that carries seeds. Seeds that sprout--overnight, everywhere. These new plants take over crop fields, twine up houses, and burrow below streets. They bloom--and release toxic pollens. They bloom--and form Venus flytrap-like pods that swallow animals and people. They bloom--everywhere, unstoppable.Or are they? Three kids on a remote island seem immune to the toxic plants. Anaya, Petra, Seth. They each have strange allergies--and yet not to these plants. What's their secret? Can they somehow be the key to beating back this invasion? They'd better figure it out fast, because it's starting to rain again"--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"The perfect book right now for young readers searching for hope, strength, inspiration -- and just a little horticultural havoc."--New York Times

The first book in a can't-put-it-down, can't-read-it-fast-enough action-thriller trilogy that's part Hatchet, part Alien!

The invasion begins--but not as you'd expect. It begins with rain. Rain that carries seeds. Seeds that sprout--overnight, everywhere. These new plants take over crop fields, twine up houses, and burrow below streets. They bloom--and release toxic pollens. They bloom--and form Venus flytrap-like pods that swallow animals and people. They bloom--everywhere, unstoppable.

Or are they? Three kids on a remote island seem immune to the toxic plants. Anaya, Petra, Seth. They each have strange allergies--and yet not to these plants. What's their secret? Can they somehow be the key to beating back this invasion? They'd better figure it out fast, because it's starting to rain again....

Review Quotes

"What a story! Kenneth Oppel has written a thriller so exciting that the pages might well have been printed with adrenaline." --Wall Street Journal

"The book rockets off, and Oppel never eases up on the gas." --The New York Times

"A phenomenal kickoff to an enthralling trilogy. The conclusion is especially powerful, delivering an overwhelming roller-coaster ride of relief and horror." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Wilderness survival and alien invasion combine for an exciting page-turner." --Booklist

"Action-thriller led by three characters whose backstories continue to unfurl with intriguing detail... will leave readers satisfied." --The Bulletin

"In this fast-paced thriller, Oppel spins a richly drawn, incredibly fascinating world. Beginning with the brilliantly unique premise of a botanical alien invasion, the plot unravels satisfyingly, building readers' curiosity by creating 10 new questions for every answer given. A thrilling alien-invasion novel based on a chillingly nefarious premise." --Kirkus Reviews

"BLOOM is a lightning-paced adventure that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. This book is ridiculously fun ... and by 'fun' I mean terrifying!" --Jonathan Auxier, author of The Night Gardener

"Absolutely riveting. Superb storytelling, great characters and an environmental crisis -- readers will hardly be able to wait for the second book in the trilogy."--The Globe and Mail

"Steadily adds new horrors, potently escalating the story's pace, stakes, and anxiety as the plants crowd out food crops, explosively release allergy-causing pollen, and begin exhibiting carnivorous tendencies." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

KENNETH OPPEL is one of the most highly regarded authors of middle-grade fiction writing today. Some of his best-known titles are Inkling, The Nest, Airborn, a 2005 Printz Honor Book, and Silverwing. Find him online at www.kennethoppel.ca and @KennethOppel.