The novel 'Parasite' by Mira Grant is a gripping sci-fi thriller with a small but intense cast. The protagonist, Sal Mitchell, is a young woman whose life gets turned upside down when she discovers a tapeworm living inside her isn’t just a parasite—it’s sentient. The dynamic between Sal and her 'companion,' which she names Tansy, drives the whole story. Tansy is snarky, protective, and weirdly charming, blurring the line between villain and ally. Then there’s Sal’s brother, Nathan, who’s skeptical but supportive, and her ex-boyfriend Derek, whose reappearance complicates everything. The tension between human and parasite perspectives makes the character interactions crackle.
What’s fascinating is how Grant makes Tansy feel like a fully realized character despite being, well, a worm. The novel’s strength lies in this bizarre relationship—Sal’s desperation to survive versus Tansy’s alien yet weirdly logical motives. It’s less about a sprawling cast and more about psychological depth. I love how the book makes you question who’s really in control—Sal or her 'passenger.' The ending still gives me chills.