Alienated (Alienated, #1) in The Not-So Austen Bookclub

Jun 04, 2013 Kristen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-or-galley

This and other reviews on my blog My Friends Are Fiction

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Story:
I was really happy that Landers took a different and very realistic approach to aliens in this book. In her world Earth is aware of aliens and as with many things that are unknown they are not exactly trusted by the general populace. Some people are less in fear and more in awe and wanting to get to know all about the L’eihrs and their lifestyl This and other reviews on my blog My Friends Are Fiction

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Story:
I was really happy that Landers took a different and very realistic approach to aliens in this book. In her world Earth is aware of aliens and as with many things that are unknown they are not exactly trusted by the general populace. Some people are less in fear and more in awe and wanting to get to know all about the L’eihrs and their lifestyle. Another fringe group takes their distrust to a new level and adds in a touch of violence and protesting.

Cara is more interested in the L’eihr presence and she feels forever grateful to the alien technology and science because it has helped save a family member. Though her main interest is in doing well in school and making it into a good college. When an opportunity arises for Cara to become the first ever exchange student she doesn’t think it through but jumps on the chance.

I found this to be such a refreshing story line. Not only have I not read an alien book like this it was fast paced and felt very teen. Is the storyline predictable? Yes, it really is. I knew what was coming early on and honestly after the midway point I was ready for things to get going and for the climax and resolution. Not that the writing was slow paced, just having a really good idea of what was coming-I was ready.

Landers focused a good amount of this first in the series on the human prejudice towards the L’eihrs and how a natural unease could become inflated and violent with the smallest spark. Though there was a lot of time spent on this issue it never felt heavy handed which I appreciated.

The Characters:
I felt instantly connected to the cast of character, primary and secondary. I found Cara to be an interesting main character and appreciated her blogging for obvious reasons. I loved getting into her headspace and see the consequences of having an open mind and being in the minority. I felt that she dealt with the issues presented to her realistically.

Aelyx was written with just enough differences that it wasn’t hard to imagine him as an alien visitor. I loved reading him adjust to human (and Cara’s) ways and watching them grow closer as they came to know each other. The romance was done beautifully, and one scene in particular was done amazingly well–I could see how Landers’ history in writing romance came in handy.

Cara’s parents were so sweet and it was wonderful to have present, loving parents actually taking a role in the main character’s life.

Final Thoughts:
Alienated was a refreshing look at aliens which was fun to read and fast paced though I found it to be rather predictable. Landers throws in just enough commentary about societies view of the different to give the book a political feel.
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Oct 09, 2013 Jessica Brooks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-haves, ailens, ebooks-i-haves

After just coming off a dark and grisly YA read, Alienated was perfect. I'm pretty dubious about book hype, and though I'd had this downloaded to my Kindle app for months, it took quite a few people telling me to PICK IT UP ALREADY before I finally opened the darn thing. I'm so glad I did. (Thank you, booklove friends!!!)

You know how, sometimes you're reading a book, and you get that dopey smile? The one you'd be embarrassed to high heaven to be seen wearing in public? Alienated is one of those ...more

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Feb 12, 2018 Bodea rated it it was ok

Nothing about this book pulled me in. I was just reading for the sake of finishing. The premise had me excited, but the story itself was just very low key. The writing style was ok. The characters were ok. The romance was kind of ok. The boring aliens were ok. Just not a lot to say about it. Probably won't read the rest of the books in the series unless I just get really bored and/or curious. ...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Dayla rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction, addicting, young-adult, contemporary, aliens, cool-concept, original

Alienated by Melissa Landers is a very fun book! I really enjoyed it and though it ended in a way that assured a sequel (which, to be honest, I don't think was necessary), I still couldn't put it down. I don't know if I'll be reading the sequel, since I'm not much of a series person. I think my mind might just be changing the conclusion of this novel to suit my literary needs.

Alienated is also an extremely quotable book, since there are one-liners by this alien who is basically trying to get a ...more

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Mar 10, 2014 Krissy P (Kris) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: funny, alien-hottie

I adored this book. Will review soon.

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Mar 06, 2014 Cheshire rated it did not like it

Shelves: great-covers

Great ideas, disappointed with execution. Disney can't seem to break out of the girl needs saving by guy routine. If they have to go with that mould, bring back Belle or a character like her.
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