Bloom

Bloom is the first of three books in Kenneth Oppel’s Overthrow series. It is followed by Hatch, published September 15, 2020, and Thrive, published May 4, 2021. Bloom establishes the plot, characters, and tone for this science fiction trilogy, which is geared toward readers aged 10-12. Amid fear and chaos caused by an alien invasion, with new species of deadly plants taking over Earth, protagonists Anaya, Petra, and Seth must still face the chaos and fear of being teenagers. This first part of their story focuses on ideas of Alienation From One Group as Belonging to Another, Friendship and Loyalty as a Source of Strength, and Global Crisis, Heroism, and Togetherness.

Hatch, the second book in the series, escalates the conflict facing Earth and its three teen protagonists by introducing new cryptogenic invaders. Just as Anaya, Petra, and Seth are celebrating their win over the invading plants, another rain brings eggs that hatch into massive alien bugs. They spread disease, eat through building foundations, and generally wreak havoc and destruction. The three teen heroes are being held in a government lab with others like them.