Amazing. The author hit the ground running with this story and I couldn’t put it down. At first I thought it was going to be an “invasion of the body snatchers” type book and boy was I wrong. I will NEVER look at water lilies the same way again. Three strong-willed, young teens, ready to help save the world, regardless of the consequences. Can’t wait for the sequel! ( )

Evergreen Bk Award nominee... well written sci-fi thriller, NW setting, focused on three teens as they experience an "invasion" of odd black plants that suddenly become predatory...and begin to take over. Unlike others who react to the pollen, etc -they seem to be completely immune, & even strengthened as the plot unfolds. Part of the unfolding mystery is how Petra, Anaya, and Seth are not only thriving - they try to help others survive, finding a strong bond between them, and emerging "powers". Total cliffhanger at the ending...part one of the invasion is solved, but another level begins! Hatch & Thrive are the other two in this series. Heartily recommend for middle-high schoolers. ( )

The rain came and filled the world with mysterious black plants. But for Anaya, Petra and Seth the rain brought more than just these toxic plants that bloom and invade. Having spent their lives with allergies and strange medical phenomenon, the three of them suddenly find themselves stronger and healthier than ever. Could they be the key to stopping the invasion of black plants? What makes them different than all of the rest of the people in the world who find these plants debilitating? ( )

First in the Overthrow series.
Abstract: 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.

This is a can't put it down eco-thriller. The premise is that the Earth is being invaded by an invasive foreign plant. While most of the town is having major issues with the plant, a few kids in town seem to thrive with the plant. But why are they thriving, and how will the other survive?
Suggested ages middle school and up or mature readers. Book does reference kids smoking, marijuana, and cutting. ( )

Great little bio-horror story. ( )