"I’m in the minority on this one but I had a lot going on this week. I just thought it was ok. "

"While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea if you're squeamish, it’s definitely worth a read for fans of clever mysteries with a side of quirk. If you've ever wondered what happens when a killer’s obsession goes alphabetical, this book answers that question with flair. I am looking forward to the next book."

"NEW REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“OVERGROWTH�� by Mira Grant

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At three years old Anastasia Miller goes into the woods and when she returns home, she believes that she is an alien from a plant species that is coming to invade planet earth. This is the story of how Anastasia’s life unfolds through her own perspective and the eyes of her friends. Is Anastasia crazy? Is she telling the trust? Is this something that developed in response to the trauma that she experienced when she was lost in the woods?

I really enjoyed this book. More science fiction and coming of age than it is horror, the plot was still terrifying in more than one way. Grant has a way of asking tough questions related to self and politics while managing not to lose the reader in a lecture. Anastasia and her friends have to face some really adult questions like “who am I?�� “Am I crazy?�� “Do my differences matter?�� “What does it mean to love someone and support them unconditionally��.

The characters that Grant dreamed up are really unique and interesting. There is just the right mix of thoughtfulness, anger, humor, insanity, and trust. The whole time I felt like I could relate to each of them as they try to decide if Stasia is telling the truth, and if she is, is the world one that is worth saving? I also really enjoyed how though provoking some part were; I found myself wondering what parts of my humanity would I be willing to give up in order to save the ones that I love? What pieces of humanity would I defend and which would I be glad to be rid of?

The story itself was slow in some parts and quick in others. It was not a popcorn read. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy contemporary fictions, science fiction, and political dystopian fantasy.

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Thank you to @TorForge for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for my honest review. #torforge #torinfluencer #tor #overgrowth #miragrant #horror #sciencefiction #dystopian #creaturefeature #thriller #read #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #tbr #readmorebooks #arcreview #bookreview #bookish "

"'Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng' was such an intriguing blend of mystery, thriller, and cultural memoir. Going into it, I had very little context for East Asian American culture, customs, or experiences—but this story offered a clever and compelling way to explore those realities, especially during and after the pandemic. Kylie Lee Baker presents a raw and powerful perspective, and I felt like I learned so much while still being fully entertained. It was insightful, thought-provoking, and deeply human.

One of the most touching elements was the friendships that anchored Cora as she struggled through her grief and the growing disconnect from reality. These relationships offered moments of warmth, clarity, and grounding that made her journey even more poignant.

I'll leave you with the same nugget that Kylie leaves the readers with, as it feel so encompassing and purposeful: "Do not let your empathy stop at the borders of your own community".

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this ALC. "