Check the Shelf Book Review: Alienated

Shannan’s Summary

Cara is chosen to be a part of an intergalactic exchange program.

First Off…

I bought this book last year at the Books by the Bank convention and since Landers was coming back, I decided I needed to read it before the convention.

The Story:

So, I knew going into this story that it would be a “Romeo Juliet” story line.  But the concept behind it was intriguing enough for me to give it a go.  While I thought at moments it was a little predictable, the world building and tension was enough to keep me engaged.  I did like that it wasn’t insta-love.  I probably would have given up on the spot. But the characters have time to get to know each other, and it makes sense that they fall for each other semi-quickly because of what’s happening around them with less than friendly environment.  

One thing I really liked about this book was more the reality of it.  It plays into “history repeating itself” as it sets up a world where aliens are coming to earth, and how would humanity react.  I think what makes this book work better than just a typical romeo and juliet type story is the feeling that this all could really happen, because in a way, it’s what always happens.  There are much deeper tones and really the Romeo Juliet story is a minor piece of the bigger puzzle.  

The Writing

The writing was really well done.  It flowed so well, I stayed well saturated in the story.  The world building was well done, because while I didn’t know all the details of the alien race that we were meeting, I could tell the author did.  There was a complete culture that we got to find more about as we continued into the story.  I think this is one the big things that can make or break a sci-fi/fantasy world, how well the author has it developed.  It’s why rowling continues to release pieces of the Potter world, because even though we didn’t need these details for the story, she knew all the ends and outs of her world, which made it all the more believable.  And #### does that here.  We are given little snippets as we continue, and I’m sure we’ll get even more in the next book.  

In the End

It’s not the most complicated story line, but it’s a good book and read. It deals more with the “human condition” and prompts you to ask yourself, what would you do if this really happened.

10 Second Summary:

1. Romeo and Juliet:  It’s a star crossed lovers story (literally). But no insta-love, and I have hopes the next book will get a little more complicated.
2. Feels like it could really happen:
3. Well developed world:  Landers does a great job of balancing your questions with answers, stringing you along at just the right pace. The characters also add a rich dimension to the story.

I’d put this at paperback level.  I enjoyed the story and if you like sci-fi coming into your normal world, this would be a good book to try.