Bloom

 

Anaya has had terrible allergies for years, and they don't just make it difficult to breathe.  She also breaks out in terrible rashes and acne.  Being allergic to everything hasn't exactly endeared her to her classmates.  Her former best friend, Petra, also developed a serious childhood allergy; she's allergic to water.  Getting splashed by a classmate or caught in a rainstorm will blister her skin.  Every day is an exercise in avoidance.  But where Anaya's allergies have made her a pariah, beautiful Petra is treated like a delicate swan.

Seth has never had a real home or family.  He's always had to protect himself through a string of foster homes, some better than others, and some the absolute worst.  But now he finds himself on a farm living with a couple whose children have grown up and moved out.  For the first time, he is starting to feel like he belongs somewhere.

When a drenching downpour strikes their town, it doesn't seem unusual at first.  The next morning strange black plants begin sprouting everywhere, and it isn't long until they are choking out native plants and food alike.  A quick glance at the news reveals a worldwide problem that will soon lead to food shortages and panic.  As they continue to grow, the plants have a strange effect on people.  Everyone seems to have some sort of allergic reaction to them, everyone except Anaya, Petra, and Seth.  

While people around them are dying and suffering from the effects of these plants, they realize they are the only ones who can help.  But why is that the case?  What do they have in common, and will they be able to solve the mystery in time to save the world?

Kenneth Oppel's new series opener is a sci-fi/horror thriller that will keep you up at night.  Though not the same kind of pandemic we are facing now, there are some eerie similarities that might make this on a challenging read for some, but I think most readers will devour this one and eagerly anticipate the sequel.  Recommended!