Bloom By Kenneth Oppel

The first book in a can't-put-it-down, can't-read-it-fast-enough action-thriller trilogy that's part Hatchet, part Alien!
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....

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Overthrow-Kenneth-Oppel/dp/152477300X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1583502368&sr=8-2

Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide, and been adapted as an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn was winner of a Michael L Printz Honor Book Award, and the Canadian Governor General's Award for Children's Literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children's Novel of the Year by the London Times. He is also the author of Half Brother, This Dark Endeavor, The Boundless, and The Nest, winner of the CLA Book of the Year for Children. His latest book is the YA novel EVERY HIDDEN THING. Born on Vancouver Island, Oppel has lived in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, England, Ireland, and now lives in Toronto with his wife and children. 

My Thoughts...
Bloom is a great start to a what will be a trilogy. Even though this was a middle grade book I enjoyed it. The characters are ones that you can relate and connect with. The story started off a little slow but once the plot was established it picked up the pace. It is a good suspenseful Sci-fi novel that at times seems creepy like a horror story. Oppel hit a homerun  with this book. I can't wait for the next one in this series.

I gave this book 4 stars.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Inkling By Kenneth Oppel

From the acclaimed author of The Nest, The Boundless, and Airborn comes a brilliantly funny, breakout book about a boy who discovers an ink blot that's come to life! Perfect for those who love Hoot and Frindle and sure to be a hit with kids everywhere!
The Rylance family is stuck. Dad's got writer's block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school--even though he can't draw. Sarah's still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom. So much more than they can say.

Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance's sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together--and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book--not good--and the story he's supposed to be illustrating for school--also not good. But Inkling's also started drawing the pictures to go with the story--which is amazing! It's just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too--for Sarah he's a puppy. And for Dad he's a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It's exactly what they all want.

It's not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they--and Inkling--truly need.

Kenneth Oppel has given us a small masterpiece of middle-grade fiction. Inkling is funny and fizzy and exciting, and brimming with the kind of interesting ideas and dilemmas that kids will love to wrestle with. And Sydney Smith is creating wonderfully inky illustrations to bring the story to vivid life. Get ready. A little ink blot is about to become your new favorite character!

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Inkling-Kenneth-Oppel/dp/152477281X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541592968&sr=8-1&keywords=inkling+by+kenneth+oppel

Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide, and been adapted as an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn was winner of a Michael L Printz Honor Book Award, and the Canadian Governor General's Award for Children's Literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children's Novel of the Year by the London Times. He is also the author of Half Brother, This Dark Endeavor, The Boundless, and The Nest, winner of the CLA Book of the Year for Children. His latest book is the YA novel EVERY HIDDEN THING. Born on Vancouver Island, Oppel has lived in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, England, Ireland, and now lives in Toronto with his wife and children.

My Thoughts...

Young adult books just keep getting better and better.
8-12 years is what the author had in mind but this adult really enjoyed this book. So don't put an age on it. It's for all ages to enjoy.
Good Characters, good story, good writing.
I gave this book 4 stars and I hope that you will give it a try. It would make a great stocking stuffer.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.