Oppel's Bloom captivates with its thrilling premise and well-drawn teen protagonists. The fast-paced plot and vivid descriptions of invasive plants keep readers engaged. However, some critics feel character development is lacking and the narrative sometimes predictable. Overall, it's a gripping read for fans of sci-fi thrillers.

Readers who would enjoy Kenneth Oppel's Bloom are likely teens and young adults who appreciate thrilling, science fiction adventures. Fans of Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave or Michael Grant's Gone series will find the fast-paced, apocalyptic narrative and strong, relatable teenage protagonists particularly engaging.

In Kenneth Oppel's Bloom, three teenagers—Anaya, Petra, and Seth—find themselves uniquely immune to an alien plant invasion that threatens Earth. As deadly plants spread, emitting toxic fumes and devastating the environment, the teens' bodies begin to change. With help from biochemist Dr. Weber, they uncover their part-alien heritage and set out on a perilous mission to save Anaya’s father and stop the invasion. The novel depicts violence between humans and extraterrestrial plants, feelings of alienation, teenagers in foster care, physical alterations, environmental tragedies, abuse, self-harm, colonialism, and allusions to alien abductions resulting in pregnancy.

Kenneth Oppel

Middle grade

Novel

The Overthrow

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Bloom reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Bloom | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Bloom and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Bloom Summary and Study Guide

Background

Bloom Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Two Weeks Earlier”

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Bloom Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

Bloom Part 1, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-19

Bloom Part 1, Chapters 13-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “One Week Later”

Part 2 Bloom Part 2 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Bloom Character Analysis

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Themes

Bloom Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Bloom Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Bloom Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Bloom Essay Topics

Bloom

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bloom?

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Book Details