Book Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️/5 stars

Synopsis: In "Alienated" by Melissa Landers, readers are introduced to a world where Earth and an alien planet, L'eihr, attempt to establish harmony through a student exchange program. The story follows Cara Sweeney, a high school student chosen to host one of the L'eihr exchange students, Aelyx. Initially skeptical of each other's intentions, Cara and Aelyx form an unlikely friendship as they navigate the challenges of cultural differences and societal expectations. However, their budding relationship is put to the test when secrets come to light and tensions escalate between the two worlds.

Review: "Alienated" had the potential to be an enthralling tale of intergalactic diplomacy, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. While the premise of Earth and an alien planet forging friendships rather than enmity was a refreshing departure from the typical enemies-to-lovers trope, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The story begins promisingly enough, with an intriguing plotline that explores the dynamics of the exchange program and the budding friendship between Cara and Aelyx. It's heartening to see them stand up against bullying and forge genuine connections despite their differences.

However, the narrative takes a sudden and jarring turn as it rushes towards a conclusion that feels both contrived and unsatisfying. The pacing accelerates abruptly, leaving little room for meaningful development or exploration of the intricate world-building that Landers initially sets up.

The climax, in particular, is where the story falters the most. As tensions escalate between humans and L'eihrs, the plot careens into a chaotic and improbable sequence of events that ultimately culminates in a disappointing resolution. The revelation of Aelyx's actions and Earth's impending demise feels forced and lacks the emotional resonance needed to justify its impact on the characters and the narrative.

The decision to pivot towards a sequel only adds to the frustration, as the unresolved plot threads and lackluster conclusion leave readers feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. It's difficult to overlook the glaring inconsistencies and narrative missteps that mar an otherwise intriguing premise.

In conclusion, while "Alienated" may have had the potential to soar among the stars, it ultimately crashes back down to Earth due to its disjointed plot, rushed pacing, and unsatisfactory resolution. It's a missed opportunity that leaves readers longing for a more compelling exploration of interstellar relations and the complexities of friendship and betrayal. This s a book I would not recommend to my audience and I'm truly upset I even continued this book after I DNFed it the first time.