Parasitology (Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera) by Mira Grant

Where do I begin with the Parasitology series by Mira Grant? The Parasitology series – or the Forced Evolution series – consists of Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera. All three books are thick monsters. So rather than talk about them individually, I wanted to cover the entire series in one post. It makes it a whole lot easier.

And to be quite frank with you?

Despite the fact that the books are about 500 pages each? There isn’t much to say about them individually. Parasitology as a whole, though? That’s another story.

Series Title: Parasitology (also known as the Forced Evolutions series)

Titles in the Series: Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera
Author: Mira Grant
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date:
TW/CW: Body horror, deadnaming, abuse, medical content, death
Synopsis: 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.

Table of Contents

Let’s get this out of the way.

Individually, Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera are not great books. I’ve tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. I read them when I was incredibly stressed out and exhausted from work. However, I can’t deny that there are various issues hindering my enjoyment. Quite frankly, they’re mediocre books.

I can’t speak to whether this is a widespread problem in Mira’s other books; however, from my experience with the Parasitology trilogy?

The pacing is awful.

A part of me wants to blame the fact that this series was initially a duology. While expanding a duology to a trilogy can work, there’s also the possibility it doesn’t work. It doesn’t work for Parasitology. Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera – but especially the second book, Symbiont – suffer because of this choice to expand the series.

Each book in Parasitology is about 500 pages long. Yet, despite the length, the books were like tasteless, thin broth. You occasionally would get some flavor, but most of the time, it’s just that – thinned-out broth that needed more seasoning. It felt like nothing had happened.

It’s a shame.

Parasitology hits some excellent ethical questions.

Would you swallow a parasite if it meant your quality of life would improve? For example, let’s say you have epilepsy and are on these daily anti-seizure medications. Would you swallow a parasite that would constantly secrete small doses of your anti-seizure medications to save you time? Would you swallow a parasite to avoid having to go to the pharmacy? How about if it means you never have to remember to take your pills again? Would you do it?

See, it’s something I’d never consider. But I can’t fault anyone who would consider doing this.

And this isn’t the only ethical question at hand.

What about the parasites, then? If they obtain higher functions like thinking, are we responsible for ensuring they’re taken care of as parasites take control and assimilate into their hosts’ brains? Or do we eliminate this threat to humanity swiftly and ruthlessly? But then, what about the human hosts? Should we do everything in our power to keep humanity alive?

Should this be a case of the ends justifying the means – humanity over another life, even if the other life is eventually capable of higher levels of thinking?

What made things even more enjoyable?

The Science.

What can I say? I’m a nerd. I adored the science-y portions. Every time the characters started talking about the biology of things, I sat up and paid attention. These parts are the only portions I truly enjoyed about the trilogy.

But hard-hitting questions and science aren’t enough.

When it comes down to it, books need to entertain me. Although I don’t mind when books make me think, it’s more important for a series to make me say, “Yeah, that was worth picking up this book instead of that video game or this other book.”

Books that call people to think on specific issues mean nothing if the vehicle is clunky and those driving it are terrible. But I read to be entertained, not bored to tears or irked.

Sal made me want to pull my hair out.

Considering what comes to light about Sal, her characterization almost makes sense. While I had my issues with the pacing, I could have ignored the passing issues in all three books had it not been for the fact that Sal is an incredibly dull character. There are only two things about her that I can clearly remember from Parasitology: she likes dogs, and she’s in love with Nathan.

Look, I can’t deny that she had some development. But, even I have to say that the Sal in Parasite is not the same Sal we see in Symbiont or Chimera. She sort of grew up and developed. And while I don’t agree with everything she did or thought (especially considering who she turns out to be), at least it somewhat made sense.

However, what made her so frustrating was that she had some potential to be far more interesting. But Sal isn’t the only one. I found 99% of the characters dull, with our main character leading the way.

The only character I thought was exciting and had some spice to them?

Dr. Cale. I wish that the series was about her, instead. While Dr. Cale isn’t the most likable due to her ethics, at least she didn’t bore me to tears like Sal. It’s a shame we only get snippets of her inner thoughts through those writings— what a waste.

And I do think that’s why I ended up being so frustrated with this series:

Wasted potential.

Parasitology had so much potential to be incredible. Unfortunately, Grant failed to piece together what she crafted. She came up with a solid idea. Parasitology’s premise can grab anyone’s attention. But when you peel the layers back?

You’ll see the story barely held together by tape as pacing and characterization beg to fall apart. You’ll see a villain that seems like a great villain but turns out to be incredibly comical. It’s almost pathetic.

Final Word

I’m giving Parasitology a D+ or 2.0 stars.

Parasitology is a mediocre trilogy overall. While I can’t deny that I enjoyed certain aspects of the series, Parasite, Symbiont, and Chimera are giant books with no substance. I wish it didn’t turn out this way, but I can’t recommend this series. I’m sure there’s someone who might find enjoyment in this series, but I am not one of them.

Have you picked up this series yet? What do you think? Definitely want to hear your thoughts on it.