Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publishing Date: February 4th 2014
Pages: 344
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
Series: Alienated #1
Source: Audio

  

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.

I've had this book on my TBR list for quite a while and kept putting it off for some reason.I finally pulled the audio out of my library and dug in. I know there were many raving about this book and I was really afraid I would be disappointed so I didn't set my expectations high. I have to say I was quite surprised but this book instead. It was wonderful, it was sweet, sad, anger inducing, humorous, and fun. I loved it from beginning to end and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book.

The book is set in the future.... not sure how far off in the future.... and the student exchange program has advanced from country exchanges to planet exchanges. Cara has been chosen to participate in this program which means bringing an alien  into her home and her life. This is not something that is approved by all humans. There are some that accept it for what it is... Cara and her family... then there are those that are fanatics, crazy and obsessed then those that are hateful, extremist who believe aliens and humans should remain on their own planets. Cara must decide where she stands in it all.

Loved it Loved it Loved. This book was everything I look for in a great read. The story was light and fun full of romance and a few steamy scenes but had some underlying serious issues too. Some drama, some mystery, some secrets. It had it all including some very wonderful characters. 

The characters were of course my favorite part. I love well developed characters especially when they have great interactions with other wonderful characters. Cara and Aelyx  were just awesome. There is Cara, the sensible, safe, steady student kind of girl. Her life recently was turned upside down when her mother got sick with cancer. In the middle of all the crappiness she fell for a friend, grew closer to her best friend, kept up her grades, and tried to get through it all. Now life seems a bit back on track and she is asked to bring an alien into her home. Aelyx who is rude, arrogant, blunt, and very very good looking. What I liked about meeting the characters is that even though the point of view was 3rd person, it was written from both Cara and Aelyx's point of views. So I was able to connect easily with them both. 

I liked both of these characters. Cara had her moments of stupidity but really not many. She was a pretty steady character. Reliable. I knew her responses and thoughts before she did. She was very predictable but in a good way. Nothing was hidden, she was every bit of the person she portrayed. Aelyx was actually the opposite. He was very unpredictable, he had secrets from the veryobeginning. It was clear he was up to something but it was unclear until later on. It was hard to gage his true feelings. He was arrogant but also very modest. He didn't have great confidence in humans but he did in Car. He was very inter sting and even though he had a few faults he was very lovable, kind, and caring... just a little slow to the caring part. 

Lots of romance, slow, sweet, and steamy. Not too many steamy scenes but enough to make the book juicy in parts. Most of the time the romance stayed on the innocent side. Tolerance, intrigue, friendship, then love. Just how I like it. But yes there was passion and the hot scale ran high for me. 

So yes great characters, great story. Age old story of different races being violent and angry and with a few that were accepting and understanding. I really enjoyed how many of today's issues were brought in but with a touch of future. I like that the story was funny and light in some parts but then quite serious and intense in just a moment later. The writing was great for me, comfortable, just as I like it. Enough meat to carry me through without boredom to lose me. Pacing was awesome. I never felt rushed but I just flew right through the pages. A definite page turner for sure. 

Loved it, recommend it. Just read it.

Melissa Landers writes light, romantic sci-fi for teens and the young at heart. ALIENATED is now available from Disney Hyperion, and the sequel, INVADED, will release February 3, 2015.