An alien plant replaces a three-year-old girl, Anastasia, who grows up openly warning humanity of an impending invasion, only to be dismissed as delusional until the alien armada finally arrives decades later. Told from her perspective, the story explores themes of identity, found family, otherness, and the moral complexities of colonization, blending existential dread with character-driven sci-fi and horror.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the near future of 2031, the story follows Anastasia (Stasia) Miller, who, at age three, is replaced by an alien plant copy after wandering into the woods. Since then, she has openly told everyone she is an alien vanguard left on Earth, warning of an impending invasion by her biological plant-based species. The narrative is told entirely from Stasia’s point of view, beginning with her childhood and jumping to adulthood, where she lives with a small group of friends and a boyfriend, Graham, a trans man. As an alien signal is received globally, humanity begins to realize Stasia’s warnings were real, and the countdown to invasion begins. The book explores themes of identity, found family, colonization, neurodivergence, and the tension between nature and nurture, with elements of horror, science fiction, and existential dread. The story is framed as Stasia recounting her experience, and includes references to works like 'The Day of the Triffids,' 'Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers.'

Readers praised the book’s character-driven approach, particularly the complex relationships between Stasia and her friends, as well as the depiction of found family and the emotional depth of Stasia’s relationship with Graham. The exploration of identity, otherness, and agency resonated with many, as did the inclusion of neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ representation. The opening chapters and prologue were frequently cited as gripping and effective in establishing a sense of unease and existential horror. The writing style, dialogue, and interiority of the main character were also highlighted as strengths, and several readers found the audiobook narration to be engaging and well-performed. The book’s ability to provoke thought about humanity, colonization, and the treatment of outsiders was noted as a positive aspect.

Common criticisms centered on the book’s pacing, with many readers finding the first half slow and repetitive, and the actual alien invasion occurring late in the narrative. Some felt the tone was inconsistent, shifting abruptly from horror to a more cozy, YA-like found family story, which created confusion or disappointment, especially for those expecting a full-on horror experience. The characters, particularly Stasia and her friends, were sometimes described as behaving more like teenagers than adults, and some readers found their motivations and actions implausible or lacking depth. The plot’s believability was questioned, especially regarding the premise of multiple children being replaced by aliens without attracting significant attention, and the mechanics of the invasion’s resolution. Several reviewers also felt the book’s analogies to marginalized groups were heavy-handed or problematic, and that the marketing misrepresented the book’s genre and tone.

The book has received a mixed response, with an average rating of 3.73 out of 5 from over a thousand readers. While some readers found the story emotionally impactful and thought-provoking, others were frustrated by its execution and genre expectations. The narrative is told exclusively from Stasia’s perspective, and the story is structured as a countdown to the invasion, with frequent introspection and philosophical musings. The book is classified as adult horror and science fiction, but many readers felt it had a strong YA sensibility. The story incorporates references to classic science fiction and horror, and includes themes of family, acceptance, and the consequences of ignoring warnings. The audiobook version, narrated by Caitlin Kelly, was frequently mentioned as a highlight. The book is a standalone novel by Mira Grant, set for publication in May 2025.