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...and will do anything to get them.

Plot: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Readability: ★★★★★

After a car accident that leaves her legally brain-dead, Sally Mitchell becomes the first person ever to be saved by a SymboGen implant. The SymboGen implant (known as the Intestinal Bodyguard) is a modified tapeworm which pulls toxins from the bloodstream, fights off infections and generally keeps everyone healthy without any effort on the part of the human who’s had one implanted. With no memory of the girl she was before her accident, Sal has had to relearn everything – how to walk, talk, and most of all, who she is. Six years later, she’s still guarded by overprotective parents, and occasionally has to submit for testing at SymboGen, but generally life is good.

Then the ‘sleepwalking’ starts – perfectly normal people seem to hollow out, becoming mindless shells of their former selves. With no explanation as to why the disease occurred, how it’s spreading, or who will be next, life just became scary and confusing.

I really enjoyed the format and writing style of Parasite. Each chapter begins with a quote or an excerpt from a book or interview about SymboGen. This is a great touch, as it makes the whole world feel more believable, whilst also helping you form opinions of characters who begin to feel three-dimensional even before you meet them.

One of my favourite things about Parasite is that there was some actual science behind the plot. I’m by no means an expert on tapeworms, but we had to study them as part of my degree, and I’m really glad Mira Grant seemed to have done her research! There was just enough science to keep my brain ticking over, and to make the plot seem believable, without feeling either patronising or dry.

Sal is an interesting character. There were times when she was frustrating, but most of the time I liked her. Curious and intelligent, Sal slowly becomes more feisty throughout the novel, and she’s both protective and loyal to those important to her. She already has a boyfriend, so there isn’t a huge romance in this (or a love triangle!), which is refreshing. I also loved the supporting cast, including Sal’s boyfriend Nathan, a truly loveable dog named Beverly, and the unhinged seeming Tansy.

The plot is gripping and full of twists. There was one twist that I personally thought was quite predictable, but there were plenty of other ups and downs to keep me hooked. I’ve recommended Parasite a lot since finishing it, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. This was my first Mira Grant book, and it led to a binging of her other books!

Buy it? I definitely think this is one worth buying and adding to your shelves.
In a nutshell: A fantastically gripping, wonderfully written novel.

Other Reviews of Parasite: Caffeinated Book Reviewer | Nyx Book Reviews | King of the Nerds