by Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated #1
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket. Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.
Alienated is the first novel in author Melissa Lander’s Alienated trilogy. I was drawn to the beautiful cover and concept of aliens. It delivered a light entertaining romance with the potential for greatness. Mini-review: Fast past with interesting concepts and a solid start to the trilogy.
Valedictorian Cara Sweeney was handpicked to host a foreign exchange student, and by foreign I mean from another planet. Yep, two years ago we made contact with an alien life form very similar to ours. They have shared some of their technological advances but the governments would like to enter an alliance, hence the exchange. Aelyx a young male L’eihr will be living with his host family and like most young L’eihr he isn’t really interested in this inferior race and he has ulterior motives. The tale that unfolds had romance, conflict and kept me entertained.
Lander’s presented us with an array of characters and contradictions that kept me amused. Cara was funny with a touch of snark I found amusing. Aelyx is interesting and at first appears almost cardboard but as he allows Cara in we begin to see a change in him. We are privy to conversations he has with the other exchange students, and it gave us a look into their social interaction and personalities. Cara and Aelyx’s relationship developed slowly and was turbulent at times. Eric, Cara’s boyfriend, and Torie her best friend gave us a glance at some of the fears, and hostility humans felt over this alliance. I felt their story was underdeveloped regarding the conflicts and storyline itself. Thankfully there was no insta-love or triangle, but a possible one crept up closer to the end, and I so hope we don’t go there. Parents, teachers and the like were present in this tale, but I didn’t think their potential was reached.
Alienated was a light, entertaining and fast-paced read, but it lacked the depth I so often crave making it enjoyable but sadly forgettable. The world-building that was present was unique, but I would have enjoyed more detail, some scientific jargon and a little more than one line regarding information revealed about the alliance. Lander’s added conflict raised questions and added moments of danger to keep us flipping the pages. Cara and Aelyx’s relationship had passion, humor and I loved how they explored the differences in showing affection between worlds. Most definitely swoon-worthy my friends. Information regarding the L’eihr race and its evolution was fascinating from their technologies to their speech and I hope we learn more in the second book. I saw contradictions to their way of life in the exchange students and again I want more. Things really heated up both in action and the romance during the last portion of the novel and I saw the potential for this series, and it excited me.
Alienated was an enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey with Invaded in 2015.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary
I’ve heard so many conflicting reviews for this one (just looking at your comments alone, it’s all over the board). That just means I need to read the darned thing and judge for myself!
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..Here is my theory and mind you it is just a theory. Some peeps saw the book and thought ooh alien romance and other peeps looked at it and saw science fiction, aliens and inter-species relationship. This book falls in the middle. It is interesting, well paced but light on any and all details. So it waivers in the middle..I still say it is a good read.
aurian
It does sound entertaining. Not sure if is for me, I will wait for the second book reviews to appear in bloglandia.
kimbacaffeinate
I hear ya 🙂
Lauren
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this enough to continue with the series, even it did lack some of the depth you were hoping for. Thanks for your honest review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren, it was cute but could have been epic 🙂
Giselle
Great review and I completely agree. It was fun and entertaining but there was something missing to make it truly memorable especially from other alien books out there.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly, although I am curious to see how it progresses. Thanks Giselle 🙂
Tabitha the Pabkins
So the relationship was good but the overall story not so deep huh? That wouldn’t be what I would expect from a scifi book but I think since the current trend is sci fi YA they aren’t going as deep as I would like because with scifi I just expect MORE you know? You need to have just as much depth if not more, yes probably more than you would with a fantasy book. Because with fantasy people just believe whatever, but in scifi you have to pretty much proove and give more substance. Because everything can’t just be taken as ‘magic’
kimbacaffeinate
Yep I feel the same way but those who loved, loved , loved it say they only expected a romance…so IDK ? LOL
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve only just started this, I’m really not that far in, but I’m enjoying Cara’s character very much. I don’t usually enjoy books without depth, but she’s making this endlessly entertaining.
I’m glad you thought so too.
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, I enjoyed it but more would have made it epic for me:)
emaginette
Second review I’ve read about this book. Yours at least offered some hope for the series. I guess I’ll take the wait and see approach. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Nothing wrong with that, I think those who loved it went into expecting a light romance and were happier. I wanted more.
Dani
I really enjoyed Alienated and am also looking forward to the next book! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you enjoyed this one too 🙂
Lily B
Glad to read a different part of review for this one. I know a lot of people enjoyed it. Lacking depth? eak but it does sound like a light read, I cannot wait to read it 🙂 glad to hear it has potential!
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad I read it and looking forward to book two 🙂
Berls
I’ve had my eyes on this one for a while and I’ll admit it – it’s because of that cover. But so many of the reviews have come back confirming what you said – that the book was good, but missing the development to make it really great. I’m going to keep an eye on the series as it develops and maybe add it if it gets great. Wonderful review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was a good read and I am hoping it develops further 🙂
Naomi
Great review Kimberly. Even though it lacked in areas, it still sounds like a unique read. I like the idea of the Foreign exchange program!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Naomi, it was a fun light read 🙂
Lark
Good review, Kimba! I’ve been looking forward to this one because the premise is really interesting and there’s a lot of potential for commentary both on our culture and on human nature. I’m a little disappointed that you feel it lacks depth, but I see you enjoyed it anyway. I’m often in the mood for something light, so I’ll save it for one of those times!
kimbacaffeinate
I still recommend it, it was an interesting premises and the romance was sweet.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I’ve been curious about this book. I just saw it as a fun light read so I don’t think I would miss too much the depth (although I know I’d love it more if it had depth). Sometimes a good light read is fun. Plus, the worldbuilding sounds very interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun but believe me there was like a pinch of salt of world building a mere taste and I wanted spice!
Jess
I love, love, love the cover for this book! I am glad you enjoyed it and that it was fast paced and interesting. It sounds like more depth might have made it an even better read. I appreciated your honest review and am glad to hear that you plan to read the next book in the series. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jess, it was good but more depth could have made it epic
A Voracious Reader
I passed on this one, but I may put it on the Maybe shelf. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
We have to pass on some of them..LOL
Debbie Haupt
Kimba, what a great premise and the cover is WOW, I’m ordering it 🙂
deb
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun but I am hoping for more depth in book two.
Candace
It’s too bad that it’s kind of forgettable. Sometimes the lighter reads are nice though. Something that doesn’t leave you feeling depressed or emotional in any way. I like some emotion from my books most of the time, but sometimes it’s nice to get something that is pure enjoyment without a lot of roller coasters.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree, and it was a fun, light read but I wanted more depth and while I want to read book two, I am not anxious for it if ya know what I mean?
Wendy Darling
Ah…I ended up with pretty mixed feelings about this book, hah. I won’t read your review just yet since we’re posting our review discussion later this week, but it seems like most people LOVE it. The cover is so eye-catching, I’m sure it’s going to be something people pick up when they see it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Wendy I enjoyed aspects but wanted more. Look forward to your discussion.
Heidi
I have this scheduled soon and I am happy to hear that it is light fun, but disappointed that the world building is lacking. Fingers crossed that the love triangle doesn’t develop.
kimbacaffeinate
I think we always want more deets but enjoyable nonetheless . Enjoy Heidi 🙂
Michele
This is such a great review, Kimba, and spot-on with what I’m hearing from my most trusted blogging buddies. I love the cover and premise; and while I’m not in a huge rush to get to this one, I’m definitely keeping it on the list. I love that it was enjoyable and that you saw potential in the series. <3
kimbacaffeinate
Awe well thank you I am glad you feel I nailed this one..LOL
Michele
Pshhh… you always do! Very similar tastes, you and I.
kimbacaffeinate
*whispers* that’s because we are cool
Michele
Cool like the other side of the pillow, baby *giggle-snorts*
Michelle
I love your review. I really enjoyed the book but felt it was “missing something” I think I wanted more indepth descriptions, however I would like to see what happens in the next books. Maybe the first was a build then we get more details next? I dont know but I hope so 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I plan to continue, the flow was nice and concept I just needed more!!
Pamela D
Originally, I was sad that I haven’t had a chance to read this one, but everyone seems a bit middling about it, so I think I am going to have to wait for reviews for book 2. Thank you for the thoughtful review!
kimbacaffeinate
Not a bad plan, I am glad that I read it but it was light and fluffy and I just wanted more.
sherry fundin
I have seen this book around and thought it sounded interesting. I’ll mark this as a beach read for my summer list, light and entertaining. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect beach ride with a little alien twist!
Holly
My review for this goes up on Thursday. But I loved it! Fun read!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..so glad you loved it!
Jenny
“Cara and Aelyx’s relationship had passion, humor and I loved how they explored the differences in showing affection between worlds.”
LOVE the sound of that Kim!!! I’m a romance girl through and through so I think I’m going to enjoy the fact that it seems to be the focus of this story, and I’m glad to see that even though you weren’t wowed by it you still enjoyed it overall.
kimbacaffeinate
This was sweet, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.
Chene Sterckx
This still sounds like a fun light read and worth a shot 🙂 Great Review Kimba 🙂 It always helps to keep these points in mind when reading this type of book. I might wait until the next book comes out and give it a shot then!
kimbacaffeinate
this was fun Chene:)
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Perhaps I’m in the minority but I just can’t stand the cover… 🙁 and I probably passed on it because of it. It sounds like a good concept for a book though, but I’m also a bit meh about aliens, so it’s a no for me.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, well I am partial to time lords myself, this was cute.
Nick
I thought this was entertaining but lacked depth too, Kim. I read it 3 weeks ago and I can’t remember much of it. And I was not as drawn in to the romance as everyone else was. 🙁
Anyways, lovely honest review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I really liked the last part of the book and hope it maintains that level in the next book..but this was sweet and different.
Jenea
I am glad that their are parents and other adults involved in the story, too bad the story itself wasn’t up to par though. At least you will still able to enjoy it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this I just wanted more and hopefully we will get that in book two 🙂
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I think a lot of people are finding this one a little lacking in the depth but it sounds so fun!
Lovely review! <33
kimbacaffeinate
It was sweet and light Melanie but towards the end it got kick-ass so I am hoping that continues into book two
Christy
I passed this one up and regret it. I have a feeling I’ll still read it, but probably closer to the second book. Hopefully the next book will be even better.
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would enjoy this 🙂