From the Publisher
Yansky blends humor with likeable and convincing characters that will have readers rooting for them.
—VOYA
Fans of the first book are a natural audience for the book, 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.
—Kirkus Reviews
Fans of the first book will enjoy Jesse’s sense of humor and the interplay between his normal problems (which girl to date, for example) and the high-stakes pursuit of survival.
—School Library Journal
For fans, lots going on here.
—Booklist Online
School Library Journal - Audio
12/01/2013
Gr 9 Up—In Yansky's sequel (2013), Jesse's world has changed a lot since the events in Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences (2010, Candlewick). He's endured betrayal and the deaths of several people close to him, but also the rescue/return of his sidekick, Michael. While the book starts mid action, the back story about the alien invasion of Earth, the eradication of most of its inhabitants, and Jesse's developing telepathic abilities is provided through Jesse's memories, so newcomers can catch up quickly. Uncomfortable with being called the "Chosen One" after he killed one of the alien lords and escaped captivity, Jesse can't help the fact that his powers have increased. He is able to see variants of the future and tries to lead New America in positive ways, especially by convincing others that thousands of aliens are planning to colonize their world. Jesse is wise beyond his years and is a cynical yet naïve hero. His insights give him determination, especially when he has to stop a possible nuclear disaster. Narrator Alexander Cendese is good at conveying the various ethnicities and emotions of the many secondary characters, and he gives Jesse a gravelly Sam Spade voice. While the ending may seem a bit abrupt, there is plenty of action and surprises to keep the attention of listeners.—Edie Ching, University of Maryland, College Park
JANUARY 2014 - AudioFile
Narrator Alexander Cendese takes listeners securely through the high-stakes battles and tense home-base disputes of the few remaining humans on Earth when extremely deadly and unnervingly polite aliens invade the planet. His gravelly voice and subtle fierceness heighten the chilling practicality of the murderous aliens as well as the suspense of combat and the calculated defense tactics of the human soldiers. This is more than a war story though, and Cendese is equally capable of revealing the quiet moments between attacks and missions. His pacing and tone match the attitude of Yansky's protagonist—disillusioned calm with occasional moments of anger or impulsiveness—which lend a layer of gruff determination to this complex story of loss and resilience. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2013-08-15
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. (Science fiction. 12-15)
