Author: Melissa Landers
Series: (Alienated #1)
Published: February 4th 2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Categories: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
External Links: Book Depository • Goodreads

Summary: 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.

Review: I liked the idea how the two leads were very contrasting to each other. Alienated by Melissa Landers is like that for me. Cara Sweeney is an achiever so she was approached and told that she was chosen among thousands of students by the L’eihrs for their something like intergalactic exchange student program. She was hesitating at the beginning but when she was told of the benefits she will get if she said yes,she decided to go along with it. But she didn’t anticipate what she really got herself into.

I really liked this whole idea of distinction between humans and L’eihrs. Their planet is monochromatic as opposed to earth’s luscious and vibrant scenery. Same goes to the physical attributes, kinda like their planet. They are genetically enhanced as well. But the biggest difference is their indifference to emotions. L’eihrs’s home is a very progressive planet; their technology is very superior to what human has. They observe order and organization. And for them emotions is an obstruction to what they stand for. In fact, they try to reproduce using science. They have some kinda of technology where they can suppressed reproductive urges. The whole idea of pristine and total order when it comes to their society is truly interesting to me.

I usually shun away from sci-fi books with alien, galaxy theme to it. But surprisingly I actually came to like this book. There’s so much more than political and the differences between their species that was injected in the plot. I actually liked how Aelyx and Cara become friends and eventually led to a romantic relationship. I mean Aelyx upbringing led him to separate himself from involving to any emotional situations. But Cara and being with her (and other humans) kinda opened those tight lid doors for him. I liked them as a couple and I really liked how believable their transition but it wasn’t totally romantic to me. And while do they share romantic moments; I was still unable to completely root for them. But I liked the ending, it seemed they’re matured enough to accept the circumstances they were in and try to make a change when it comes to the stance of their planets.

So sure I wasn’t all giddy and flailing like a rabid fangirl after reading but one thing’s for certain I truly enjoyed. It’s a light read with bit of underlying messages about our society, and that aspect is what I really appreciated. Overall, I am entertained, I did like Aelyx and Cara, so yes, it was fun and nice read for me.

  
Format: Advance Reader’s Copy
Preview Quote: “I don’t want to change Aelyx—I love him just the  way he is.” – Cara