Showing posts with label Melissa Landers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melissa Landers. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Starfall Launch Blitz & Giveaway

I am so excited for Starfall! This is the second installment to the Starflight duology! If you want to see my thoughts about Starflight, check out my review here. Don't forget to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post.


Title: Starfall
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: February 7, 2017
Pages: 368


Synopsis (from Goodreads.com)

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend...with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn't exactly in need of heroics—she's claimed her birthright as Eturia's queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn't a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family's complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

Hi, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m so excited to launch STARFALL, the second and final book in my Starflight duology! This story picks up shortly after the first book ends, but now Cassia and Kane are the main characters, with Doran, Solara, and the rest of the Banshee crew pitching in to help take down an intergalactic mafia. (You know, just an ordinary day in space.) And while saying goodbye to characters is never easy, I think I gave the crew a proper sendoff with plenty of humor, heart, and action. I hope you love STARFALL as much as I do!

Haven’t read the first book? You’re in luck, because for a limited time, Starflight is on sale for 99 cents in all e-formats. Now you can binge read the entire duology in one sitting!

Praise for Starflight
“Smart, action-packed and utterly addictive!” – New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman

“Starflight has the cinematic appeal, warp-speed action and unlikely heroes of Star Wars.” – Justine Magazine

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” – Booklist

“A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” – School Library Journal

If you love sci-fi adventure with a dash of romance, I hope you’ll pick up the Starflight duology today. Starflight and Starfall are both available in stores and online.


Starflight purchase links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound

Starfall purchase links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound 


To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Starflight duology swag pack, complete with bookmarks and two signed mini posters! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.


Best of luck, and happy reading!


ABOUT MELISSA LANDERS

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

GIVEAWAY


Wednesday, November 9, 2016

United by Melissa Landers

Title: United
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: EverAfter
Publication date: August 2, 2016
Pages: 317
Source/format: Purchased // Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.

But the vacation is short-lived.

The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The Aribol, mysterious guardians charged with maintaining interstellar peace, deem the alliance a threat to the galaxy. They order a separation of the races, decreeing humans and L’eihrs must return to their own planets within the month or face extinction. In fact, they already have agents in place on Earth, ready to begin.

With the clock ticking, Aelyx and Cara assemble a team of colonists and race back to Earth, where they unite with old friends to solve the mystery of who the Aribol are, what they want, and the real reason the alliance has provoked them. As tensions build to a full-scale war, Aelyx and Cara must fight harder than ever―not just for their future, but for the survival of both their worlds.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

Cara and Aelyx are finally living together but Aribol is insistent that both humans and L'eihrs cannot coincide on the Colony. With an ultimatum, humans must return to Earth within a month or Aribol will exterminate both races. As proof, Aribol destroys a spaceport and the Voyager fleet with flaming balls of fire. Cara and Aelyx return to Earth to find about that Jaxen and Aisley are wreaking havoc along with another mystery character that will shock some readers.

Melissa Landers has written another beautiful novel and I am glad United made it to the publishing stage. Landers was only contracted for a duology. There was a time Landers mentioned that if Invaded, the second book of the Alienated series, didn't sell well, United wouldn't be published. Through the pursuits of loyal Landers' readers, the book was able to be published which is fantastic! Readers have a voice!

It's exciting that we get to read United with both Cara and Aelyx side by side. It's important to have them together as a team with others such as Syrine, Troy and etc. This teamwork will lead them to overcome Aribol. I loved seeing the growth in character development throughout the series. There are some surprises at the end of the novel and they work. I am ecstatic to see some happy endings for those who suffered throughout the series.

Readers who enjoy light sci-fi with a bit of romance, leadership, teamwork and inter-galaxy relationships will enjoy the Alienated series. Landers ended the trilogy with a bang!

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

United Launch Blitz & Giveaway


It's finally launch day for United by Melissa Landers! This is the third book in the Alienated series. I have been waiting ages for this book to be released and I am so excited that it's finally out!!!! You can read my reviews for Alienated and Invaded. Ms. Landers has a few words to say about her book.


Title: United
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: EverAfter
Publication date: August 2, 2016
Pages: 300

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com)

After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.

But the vacation is short-lived.

The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The Aribol, mysterious guardians charged with maintaining interstellar peace, deem the alliance a threat to the galaxy. They order a separation of the races, decreeing humans and L’eihrs must return to their own planets within the month or face extinction. In fact, they already have agents in place on Earth, ready to begin.

With the clock ticking, Aelyx and Cara assemble a team of colonists and race back to Earth, where they unite with old friends to solve the mystery of who the Aribol are, what they want, and the real reason the alliance has provoked them. As tensions build to a full-scale war, Aelyx and Cara must fight harder than ever―not just for their future, but for the survival of both their worlds.

Hey there, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of UNITED, the final book in the Alienated trilogy. Our star-crossed lovers Aelyx and Cara have overcome some heavy obstacles to be together—riotous mobs, alien hybrids, and worst of all, high school on two planets. Now to stay together they’ll have to unite their people against a common enemy, a threat more deadly than they ever imagined. (NBD, right?) I’ve written an ending to this trilogy that makes my heart happy, and I hope you’ll love the conclusion as much as I do!

What do reviewers have to say about the series?

“The author’s storyline is out of this world.” –VOYA on Alienated

“The unusual plot and world building are ingenious.” –Library Media Connection on Alienated

“If [the third novel] is as entertaining as this tale, it can’t come soon enough.” –Kirkus Reviews on Invaded

“A fun genre-blending series that will only gain traction as it continues.” –Booklist on Invaded


If you love hot aliens, snarky humans, and wild sci-fi adventure, make sure to pick up a copy of UNITED today. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository (free international shipping) | Indie Bound

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a set of all 3 mini-posters in the Alienated series—signed by me! The giveaway is open internationally.


Best of luck, and happy reading!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #6

Lately cover art for Fall 2016 and Winter 2017 titles have been popping all over the internet. Last week Entertainment Weekly wowed us with cover art for Caraval and Wayfarer. This week there are four covers that were revealed. All four books are ones that I am looking forward to and the cover art  is absolutely gorgeous with the jewel tones and dark colors. I have to say that the following beauties look rather lovely next to each other.

On Wednesday, April 20th, Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover to Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. All I can say is WOW! The cover definitely screams historical fiction and Gothic horror. The red and the green look stunning against the black background. Not only is the cover gorgeous but the excerpt is eerily satisfying and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Stalking Jack the Ripper is the first YA title under James Patterson's JIMMY imprint. Also, Stalking Jack the Ripper's previous title was Of Blood and Shadow.

Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Publication date: September 20, 2016

On Thursday, April 21st, YA Interrobang revealed the cover art to Branded, which is the sequel to Inked by Eric Smith. The reds, oranges and purples are stunningly vibrant and they look fantastic next to Inked's sea of blues and greens. Graphic designer, Jenny Zemanek, did a fantastic job designing both covers. Click here to enter to win a e-book of Inked and some posters.

Title: Branded
Author: Eric Smith
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Publication date: September 6, 2016


On Thursday, April 21st, Mashable unveiled the cover to The Midnight Star which is the last book in The Young Elites trilogy by Marie Lu. Not only is this cover art my favorite out of all of the three in the series, but I cannot wait to see how the trilogy ends. The contrast of the coppery bronze lettering against the backdrop of blues is very pleasing to the eyes.  Check out what Lu has to say about The Midnight Star here.

Title: The Midnight Star
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young
Publication date: October 11, 2016


On Thursday, April 21st, YA Books Central wowed us with the cover art to Starfall which is the companion book in the Starflight duology by Melissa Landers. Not only is the cover art ravishing, but Starfall is one of my most anticipated book for 2017. The glowing pink and purple pop out of the page, highlighting the title text well. I love how the orb is a planet and the black background brings out the white, purple and pink. Also, I love the movement within space. It definitely screams sci-fi!

Title: Starfall
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: February 7, 2017

 


What do you think of the cover art for the books listed above? Do you have a favorite?

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Starflight Launch Blitz & Giveaway

It's finally launch day for Starflight by Melissa Landers! You definitely don't want to miss out on this amazing intergalactic space adventure novel. Ms. Landers has a few words to say about her book. Also, don't forget to check out my glowing review about Starflight!


Title: Starflight
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: February 2, 2016
Pages: 320

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com)
Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the  felony tattoos across her knuckles. She's so desperate to reach the realm that she's willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he's been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world--and each other--the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe...

Hey there, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of STARFLIGHT, the first in a brand new sci-fi series from Disney-Hyperion. I originally pitched this story to my editor as “Overboard” (one of my favorite romantic comedies) meets “Firefly” (an amazing show that was tragically cancelled after one season). STARFLIGHT follows the misadventures of Solara Brooks, a penniless felon who indentures herself to her high school nemesis, Doran Spaulding, in exchange for passage to a new world. But when Doran’s memory is temporarily erased, Solara convinces him their roles are reversed—that she’s the master and he’s the servant—and leads him onto a renegade spaceship, where intergalactic shenanigans ensue. STARFLIGHT is very different in tone from the Alienated trilogy, but the story is still filled with all the things I love: humor, heart, and adventure.

What do reviewers have to say?

“Get ready for blast-off! Action-packed and utterly addictive, nobody writes like Melissa Landers. A smart, satisfying romance set in a vividly detailed world, Starflight was just plain fun!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman

“Teens will be bracing themselves during the swashbuckling action scenes. A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist

If you like your sci-fi adventure served with a side of romance, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of STARFLIGHT today. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository (free international shipping) | Indie Bound

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a STARFLIGHT swag pack, complete with custom nail wraps, bookmarks, and a mini poster! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Starflight by Melissa Landers

Title: Starflight
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: February 2, 2016
Pages: 320
Source/format: e-ARC/Netgalley

Rating: ☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com):

Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She's so desperate to reach the realm that she's willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he's been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world--and each other--the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe...



My Thoughts

"He wanted her to be the Solara he'd come to know--his Solara." - ARC

Starflight is an intergalactic space travel journey like no other. The two main characters are total opposites from each other. Solara Brooks is a hardworking mechanic trying to find a way to the lawless outer realm but has a felony conviction. She is so desperate to aboard Spaceliner Zenith, she agrees to be Doran Spaulding's indentured servant for passage on the Zenith. Doran, heir to the galaxy's largest fuel corporation, was a varsity football star back when Solar and Doran were at the academy together. He ridicules her when they were in school and still does today. Unexpected circumstances occur and the duo end up on Banshee running away from the law. A vessel of misfits end up bonding over secrets and past lives while encountering space pirates!

The novel is written in dual POV. The writing is fabulous and mesmerizing. Melissa Landers does a fantastic job with character development with not only the main characters but also with the secondary characters. Landers is able to capture sci-fi perfectly in Starflight. Solara is witty, independent and knows what she wants. Doran, on the other hand, is a spoiled, rich jerk. Despite their differences, they learn to become civil toward each other. Landers has done an incredible job with the slow burning romance. However, I found it interesting when Doran isn't super mad when he bumped into someone unexpected at the end of the novel. He is upset at first but then he bonds with that person like nothing ever happened. I would think Doran would hold a grudge a bit longer since it took forever for him to warm up to Solara.

I highly recommend Starflight to readers who like adventure and sci-fi. I can't wait to read the companion novel to Starflight about Cassia and and Kane.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Invaded by Melissa Landers Blitz


I am excited to be able to participate in the Invaded release week blitz! Thank you to Rock Star Book Tours for the opportunity. Invaded by Melissa Landers is the second book in the Alienated series. If you love Alienated, you will love Invaded! Be sure to pick up your copy soon! I was able to take advantage of the pre-order campaign for a signed hardcover of Invaded and a signed paperback of Alienated. I can't wait for my book mail :D.

Checkout the note from Melissa below and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Hey, fiction lovers. I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series (YA sci-fi from Disney-Hyperion), and today I’m bouncing with excitement because THE SEQUEL IS FINALLY HERE!

It’s been a year since we left Aelyx and Cara onboard the intergalactic transport, and INVADED begins with an emotional goodbye as they part ways—Aelyx returning to Earth to salvage the alliance, and Cara continuing to L’eihr to serve out her part of the student exchange. While they’re apart, our star-crossed lovers will face assassination attempts, betrayal, crippling self-doubt, and a sadistic alien Phys Ed class. (Because there’s no escaping PE, even in another galaxy.) When Aelyx and Cara finally reunite…well, let’s just say it’s combustive. ;-)

What do reviewers think? I’m glad you asked!

“Readers will love the seamless blend of suspense, humor, and romance set against an interstellar landscape. Dual narratives and a tightly plotted mystery keep the suspense running high, and the chemistry between Aelyx and Cara smolders.” –Booklist

“Excellent character development and integration between modern reality and science fiction. Teens will be rooting for the galactic couple while enjoying the action and suspense that runs through the two volumes.” –School Library Journal

“The protagonists' forced separation gives greater depth to their romance. Each learns to turn a critical eye upon the flaws of their native societies while confronting genuine obstacles to a future together. These complications only underscore the growing sense of menace that propels the narrative to an action-packed climax.” –Kirkus

I hope you’ll make tracks to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of INVADED! If you’re snowed in, here are some easy links to bring the sequel right to you:

Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)


About Melissa Landers  

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

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To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble and an autographed swag pack, complete with mini posters of BOTH books! This giveaway is open internationally, and due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.


Best of luck, and happy reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Checkout my review of Invaded!

Title: Invaded
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication date:  February 3, 2015
Pages: 368
Source/format: ARC from Boston Book Festival

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them.

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

My Thoughts:

I couldn't wait to read Invaded. I pretty much marathoned both books in a row. Cara and Aelyx take the long distance relationship to a whole new galaxy. Aelyx ends up staying on Earth with Syrine to maintain the alliance between the L'eihrs and humans with a PR touring campaign. When HALO human extremists threaten Aelyx's and Syrine's life, The Way turns their heads the other way. But why? Are they hiding something? Do they not care about Aelyx and Syrine? Do they plan to sacrifice them for the future of L'eihr? There are humans that are willing to die for the L'eihrs. David is human and joins Aelyx and Syrine protecting them from harm.

Cara, on the other hand, is stuck on L'eihr. However, Cara has some comfort with Troy, her brother, being on L'eihr. Cara learns the ways of L'eihr and even becomes a citizen of this new world. I love the world that Melissa Landers created. In Alienated, we learn a little bit about the L'eihrs but we learn so much more in Invaded. We learn their traditions, how they live and how they stay fit. Cara is trying her best to assimilate to the L'eihr ways but she is struggling. She is suspicious about what The Way has planned for her and mankind. Cara uncovers secrets that have been hidden from her and boy is it an exciting read when her suspicions about certain things are actually true.

Although there isn't much romance throughout the books due to the long distance relationship, I love the little things Cara and Aelyx do in order to stay in touch. They keep in contact with each other through the comsphere. Aelyx even ends up sending a shirt of his to Cara so Cara can smell him even though he is back on Earth. I thought that is super cute. Sometimes it's the little things that bring joy! However, there is a second relationship blossoming in Invaded. It is something I didn't expect at first but I like how love grows over time.

I love seeing the difference between humans and L'eihrs. Even though Alienated and Invaded are fiction, readers can see similarities of race relations that are similar to our's. Although we are all different, we have a lot to learn from one another. I appreciate how there are different ranges of acceptance of each other between the two species. We see some L'eihrs hate Cara with a passion but we see some who treat Cara like one of their own. We see some humans who want to kill Aelyx but we see some who are willing to risk their lives for him. There are some characters that are one sided that end up changing their stance throughout the book. An example is how Syrine starts off hating all humans and by the end of the book, she realizes that some are willing to sacrifice their lives for L'eihrs. She realizes they aren't all bad and savage. I love how Elle treats Cara like a sister and protects her just like how Aelyx does.

The ending is pretty crazy! It's even more action packed than Alienated. I hope a third book is coming out because I need more books about Cara and Aelyx. However, Landers leaves the ending at a good spot whether the series comprises of two or three books.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication date:  February 4, 2014
Pages: 344
Source/format: Hardcover, library

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

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.

My Thoughts:

Cara Sweeney is an over achiever. She is valedictorian, president of the Honor Society and is a two time state debate champion. Her school nominated her to participate in an intergalaxy exchange program called the Leihr Exchange Ambassador Program (LEAP). She is paired up with Aelyx, a L'eihr student ambassador. Cara's family hosts Aelyx for a year of schooling while Aelyx shadows Cara at school. This exchange program is meant for the alliance between Earth and L'eihr to grow stronger.

Cara's family is super supportive which I liked. A lot parents aren't so supportive in a teen's life so I found Cara's family very likable. However, Cara's boyfriend isn't so supportive. He believes that the L'eihrs should not be on Earth and are not to be trusted. He even joins this group called Humans Against L'eihr Occupation aka HALO. Some people do not support the alliance and protest at the school and treat the L'eihrs poorly. It gets to the point that Cara breaks off the relationship with Eric due to their different views. Eventually Cara and her best friend of six years decide to break off their friendship as well.

Cara is super thoughtful in terms of making Aelyx feel like he is at home. She asks him how his room looks like at home and replicates it as close as she can on Earth. She tries to make him foods similar to what he eats at home and was successful when she had her mom cook a pot roast which tasted similar to Aelyx's favorite dish back at home called l'ina. I think it's cute how Aelyx calls Cara Elire.

Alienated reminds me of the the CW show Star-Crossed that got canceled after the first season. It is fairly similar except a small group Atrians (alien species) are integrated with humans at a high school of a suburban town. The Red Hawks are the equivalent to HALO. Both Alienated and Star-Crossed have alien species who have a plant that can cure humans from certain illnesses/diseases. However, I believe that Alienated would make a better TV series.

I like how Melissa Landers would start or end some chapters of Alienated with a blog post written by Cara. I also enjoyed reading the dual POV in the novel and I can tell which POV is Cara's and which POV is Aelyx's. Reading from Aelyx's POV and Cara's POV helps the reader feel what they are thinking and what they are going through. Landers does a good job developing the relationship between Cara and Aelyx. There is no instalove and THANK GOODNESS! I love how their relationship blossoms. Both are indifferent to each other when they first meet but over time they start to grow fond of each other. The ending of the novel is action packed. There is so much going on it was pretty intense and crazy! Definitely pick up a copy of Alienated when you have a chance. The sequel, Invaded, has a publication date of February 3, 2015.

There is a pre-order deal for signed copies of Invaded and Alienated. Check it out on Melissa Landers' site. The last day for the pre-order is January 15, 2015.