HOMICIDAL ALIENS & OTHER DISAPPOINTMENTS

In this continuation of the story begun in Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences (2010), elements of mythology add spice to the science-fiction adventures of a group of American teens who escaped from slavery under the alien Sanginians.

Having left slavery behind, Jesse, Lauren and Catlin find life with the rebels in the camp in New Mexico’s mountains to have a different—but no less disturbing—set of pitfalls to navigate. In the battle at Taos in the previous book, Jesse managed to kill Lord Vertenomous and acquired the reverence of some rebels as the mythical Warrior Spirit as well as the hostility of those with plans of their own. As revealed by Jesse in his present-tense narration, this is not something he is particularly comfortable with. The addition of a new alien called the Hunter that’s searching for Jesse results in a potent mix of political conflict, double crosses and maximum suspense. The believable resolution is preceded by several shocks that add to its credibility.  

Fans of the first book are a natural audience for this one, but thanks to the graceful insertion of back story in the form of a recapping prologue, this second act will attract and satisfy new readers.