Alienated by: Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated (Alienated, #1)
Author: Melissa Landers
ISBN: 1423170288
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Romance
Theme(s): Aliens, Futuristic
Length: 352 pgs
Binding: Hardcover
Published: 4 February 2014; Disney Hyperion
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

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 Rating:

My Review: First, there were vampires. Then, there were werewolves. Now, there are....ALIENS! Well, okay, so aliens are nothing new in YA literature, BUT I do see a revival of some sorts. And not just in books. With the upcoming CW TV series STAR-CROSSED starting soon (About an epic romance between a human girl and an alien boy when he and eight others of his kind are integrated into a suburban high school-- sound familiar?), Alienated by Melissa Landers couldn't have come out at a more perfect time. While the chemistry between the two main characters seemed a little weak and I don't particular like the direction the series is going in, what sets this YA science fiction novel apart from the rest is solid writing, well-paced humor, unexpected thought provoking/tender moments, and one hot steamy scene that other YA authors can learn a thing or two from!

Since the book blurb summarizes the novel perfectly, I am just going to dive right into my review. Here is what I liked. Not only is the story written in third person which is a nice change from the first person narration usually seen in most YA literature, it also goes back to the old fashion way of switching perspectives. Instead of alternating chapters, Cara and Aelyx's POV are seamlessly blended throughout the story and each has a very distinct voice which makes this style work.

I absolutely loved Cara's parents, Bill and Eileen Sweeney. I know that may sound like a strange thing to rave about in a YA novel, but you can tell Landers put a lot of thought into these two characters. In YA lit, parents are usually missing, silent, or dysfunctional. But in Alienated, Cara's parents are a solid presence throughout the book. Their love and affection for one another is contagious, despite Cara's irritation at constantly walking in on her parents making out anywhere and everywhere.  But what gives her parents that realistic feel is their backstory. Cara's mother had been dying from cancer. Thanks to a native plant from L'eihr that kills cancer cells, she is given a second chance at life. Cara said that before the cancer, her parents hadn't always been so lovely dovey. And that is why Bill and Eileen are so endearing. Not many people get a second chance at life, so instead of taking it for granted, they spend every moment...