Attacked by EXTRA-terrestrials

I was never going to be an astronaut. The mere thought of traveling outside of our atmosphere brings on a panic attack. As a general rule I’m not drawn to stories about space, but I’ve always enjoyed those space-based novels or movies I’ve read or watched over the years regardless. I must say though that I find aliens on Earth much more palatable than in space – even while they are decimating humankind.

There are only FIVE YA alien novels that I can clearly recall – unless you count the copious Animorphs books I devoured in my pre-teens. One is kinda predictable (the book, not the story). The other two are blasts from the past (published in 1985!):

The Host – Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, didn’t expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
As Melanie fills Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she’s never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Space Demons – Gillian Rubinstein

Space Demons is a computer game with a difference – a prototype directly imported from Japan, and destined to lock four unlikely protagonists, Andrew, Elaine, Ben and Mario, in deadly combat with the sinister forces of its artificial intelligence. As the game draws them into its powerful ambit, each individual must confront the darker sides of their own natures.

Note: This is a pretty old young adult book, which I read as a kid. It was written by a fellow Australian author!

Parkland – Victor Kelleher (Parkland 1)

Cassie has always been told that humans cannot survive outside Parkland, the huge fortress enclosure where humans and other apes are guarded by the mysterious keepers. But Cassie is sure that there must be life beyond the walls when she catches a glimpse of a “wild” boy.

Note: It has been MANY years since I read Parkland and the other books in the trilogy, but there is a reason Victor Kelleher remains my all time fav author (beside Jane Austen and Sarah Dessen). I HIGHLY recommend this series.

Earthsong – Victor Kelleher (Parkland 2)

The Earth of our distant future has become a strange and frightening place. Now, thousands of years later, two off-worlder humans Anna and Joe, are sent back to this wild and unpopulated planet to try to begin human life all over again. And together with their babbling computer companions Og, Trog and Walter, they set off on a journey of hope.
But what they discover is a world far more confusing, far more powerful, than they’d ever imagined. Rats that seem to reason for themselves? Creatures that communicate in ancient human codes? What is going on?

Fire Dancer – Victor Keller (Parkland 3)

Two teenagers from the 21st century travel back to neanderthal times and become marooned.

Note: Can you BELIEVE this is the ONLY description available on Amazon and Goodreads for this novel? GAH!

The YApocalypse – a celebration of young adult post-apocalyptic novels or series – will run throughout September. Posts include featured authors and book recommendations – as well as random musings about THE END. If you are a YApocalypse author who wants to get involved click here. If you want to keep up with posts click here.