Early Review: Alienated (Alienated #1) by Melissa Landers

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.

~A copy was provided by Disney Hyperion for review~

Remember how I said Cruel Beauty was the best book I read in January? Well, apparently that's a lie because this book is now my favorite. It's not because there's an action-filled plot, but because of the main characters and their beautiful blossom of romance. If you've read some of my reviews before, you probably know that I'm  a romance-obsessed reader who sometimes cares more about the romance than the plot. Luckily, this book had the perfect combination of both, though I think it tended to lean more toward the romance side of things. I'd shelve this book under chick-lit if it wasn't for the fact that there are aliens in this book. That reminds me: Obsidian lovers, this is the book you've been waiting for.

I wasn't sure whether I wanted to start this book at 12:00 in the morning, but after I started, the novel kept me hooked. The main plot begins early without pause, and the chapters are told in both Cara and Aelyx's POV. I didn't really pay attention to differences in tone between the two characters, but it was obvious who's mind I was looking into by the things said. Honestly, the two characters - and planets - are so different, yet so perfect for each other. And did I mention I really love Earth? Cara, in my opinion, was the perfect character, the selfless heroine I always long for in the books I read. She stands up for justice, and doesn't give in to the hate all around her. Even better, she refused to go on a diet just because Aelyx commented on the fact that she had hips the perfect size for birthing (yes, he said that). You go girl!

You'd think that since romance was such a big part of the story, that the plot would just be a side aspect to interest the readers. But no, this story actually had a solid, if not all-encompassing, plot, and oftentimes I found myself comparing it to Cinder. The aliens and the attempted alliance more than anything is what caused that connection. If you're expecting Alienated to be something like The 5th Wave, I'm going to have to say you've come to the wrong place. While I'd recommend this novel to all fans of YA romance, there's not much action to be found besides a few riots threatening letters here and there. To tell the truth, I'm not really sure why this book was so amazing. I just know that I loved it, and according to the stats, many other people did too:)

For once, my favorite character was not the hot & cold dude, but the main female character, so woot for that! And I want to set the record straight. The blurb makes Aelyx come off as "cold" and mean, but he isn't. He is crazy smart, and pretty arrogant, but not cold. So basically, he's not too much like the love of my life, Daemon. The relationship between Daemon and Katy was certainly similar to Cara's and Aelyx's, but still distinctly different. And is anyone else wondering if there's a new alien phase making it's way around YA books?

The second book in the series, Invaded, is coming out next year, and I admit I'm stoked at all the potential it's capable of. I'm thinking the second book might even be better than the first. I won't give away the cliffhanger, but I''m thinking Cara might find someone else whose company she enjoys immensely, if you know what I mean *raises eyebrows*. I know, I know, but trust me, it'd be worth it just to see Aelyx reveal that jealous alien side of his. I got a little glimpse of it in this book, and geez did it make my toes shiver;) Melissa, this is one heck of a debut you've written here. I think I'll put you on my auto-approved list haha (if I could only have the honor).

P.S. I forgot to mention the side characters. They are AMAZING, and so secretly essential to the plot you don't even know why 'till the end!

Title: Alienated

Author: Melissa Landers

Releases February 4, 2014

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: YA, Romance, Science Fiction