“I didn’t volunteer to be the first person whose life was saved by a tapeworm. It just happened.”
Parasite, by Mira Grant
#1 in the Parasitology series
Orbit, October 2013
science fiction thriller
356 pages (ebook)
A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease.
We owe our good health to a humble parasite – a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the tapeworm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system – even secretes designer drugs. It’s been successful beyond the scientists’ wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.
But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives…
*** I requested this review copy through NetGalley. ***
Parasite is no Feed.
The whole time I was reading, I couldn’t help comparing the two. I didn’t feel the instant connection with Sal Mitchell that I did with Georgia Mason. And the world, though set in the near future, was essentially our own, so I didn’t get to imagine how we got from here to there… other than to wonder at the relatively short amount of time it took for these parasite implants to become so widely accepted.
Still, even though it was lacking some of the stand-out elements from the first book of hers that I read, I did enjoy the story. I like the way Mira Grant writes. Not that there’s anything about it that I can really point to and say, “Wow, that’s some great writing,” but it just works for me. (Or maybe it’s just that I’ve just read too many books recently that don’t work for me… either too floridly descriptive or too dry. Grant strikes a nice balance.)
For the most part I knew where things were headed, but there was still a surprise or two for me along the way. And I still have several questions at the end; it’s the first in a series, after all, and there’s a reason I usually steer clear of a series until the whole thing is published… but after my experience with Feed I just couldn’t resist this one. This wasn’t the best cliffhanger I’ve ever read – in terms of making this book feel like it has a complete story – but it’s nowhere near the worst, either. And maybe part of my dissatisfaction is that the final twist wasn’t the shock that it felt like it was meant to be…
All that being said, I’m definitely looking forward to see where the story is going. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long to find out.
Parasite is available in print, as well as for Kindle, Nook, and other e-readers.
Does this sound like something you’d pick up? Would you ever consider a medical treatment like the SymboGen parasite?
Cheap Thrills 
Oooo-lost me at the tapeworm. *shudder*
I just love the “medical advancements gone wrong” kind of stories.
More truth than fiction in them I would think.
I kind of skimmed this because I’ve got it waiting in the wings. Have I mentioned how much I adore you for pushing me to read Mira Grant? Because it’s a whole lot. Even if this isn’t as good as feed, I see there are 4 stars to be had. I’m excited!
One of us! One of us!
I feel very late to the game considering how many people read and loved Newsflesh before I did, but I’m glad I could help nudge you in her direction.
“For the most part I knew where things were headed” — yup. But, even though the surprises didn’t seem very surprising, somehow this book still worked for me. I’m also looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
I’m pretty excited it’s just a duology. Like you said, it’s a nice change of pace… also that means the story will be finished sooner! There’s a reason I don’t like to read in-progress series!
Me too. One of my resolutions for 2013 was to not start any new series unless they’re already complete or have a release date for the final volume. And I’ve mostly stuck with it (Parasite being one exception…)
I’m really excited to read this! I already kind of figured it wouldn’t be as good as Feed (because Feed was SO GOOD), so my expectations aren’t TOO high. I’m glad you liked it overall.
It’s just fun. Nothing amazing, but definitely enjoyable.
When you ask if I would ever consider getting this medical treatment, I have flashbacks to the gory book The Troop I recently reviewed. Just because of that book, I don’t know if I’d ever be able to do it! This book seems much more interesting than that one though.
Yeah, I’ve seen reviews for that one, it looks interesting. I have a feeling Parasite is somewhat less disturbing. (Well, still disturbing… just in a different way.)
I feel so squeamish at the thought of this! Even the name creeps me out. I haven’t read anything by Mira yet but I’m hoping to read Feed soonish and I get the feeling you prefer than one anyway.
I definitely think Feed is a stronger book than this one. There’s just so much more to it.
Its hard to get into a book if you don’t feel that instant connection. Heck if I don’t like the character it can destroy the whole experience. I’m glad you liked it tho – its sitting on my shelf and I think April is about to finish reading it!
It’s funny, I always think of myself as more a story reader than a character reader… but even in books with a great story, the characters really can make or break it.
I am really interested in reading this one, especially considering I’m a fan of the Newsflesh Trilogy!
It’s not AS good… but it’s good.