Invaded (Alienated #2) by Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
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The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them.
Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.
Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.
Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.
The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?
My Thoughts...
Being a fan of the first installment, Alienated, I knew without a doubt I had to read Invaded. Of course I wanted to find out what happened with Cara and Aelyx! Their super cute together and the whole I'm alien, you human, thing clicked. Yes, ma'am...I'll take Alien for 500 hundred, Aelyx. *snorts*
Cara Sweeney left Earth to build a life with Aelyx on the L'eihr colony. Her brother Troy, was on L'eihr to serve as a human mentor, but as Cara said, "he was a real horse's ass." Cara learned her brother was called back to Earth in two weeks which was supposed to be two years, and she realized she didn't want him to go, even though he was a pain. Cara is finding out that now she is the alien on their planet, and some don't want her there. The only friend she could confide in was Aelyx's sister, Elle, whom captured Cara's brother, Troy's eyes. Cara takes classes and practices her Silent Speech, but a supposed meteorite hits L'eihr and Cara knows in her gut that wasn't what it was and it distracted her. Then there's Jaxen, who gave me the creeps and I immediately knew he was up to no good, and so did Cara.
Meanwhile, Aelyx is on Earth. Not only has Aelyx had assassination attempts on his life, but Cara has too. The Way will back out of their agreement if they find out about the assassination attempts and that meant Cara and the humans would suffer the consequences.
As the story progressed, relationships formed, deaths were served and Cara realized a life on L'eihr wasn't what she expected or was told. She dreaded telling Aelyx how she felt. But after a confrontation, Cara knew she couldn't live without Aelyx despite her feelings about the Colony.
There were many twists woven throughout the story which really added substance to it. For instance, Jaxen. He creeped me out from the get-go, and I knew he had ulterior motives besides helping Cara. Matter of fact, he was a major player behind the scenes. I grew fond of Troy, and began to like him so much more, and his crush on Elle was adorable. I honestly felt for Cara and Aelyx. Ultimately, they are a new young couple from completely different backgrounds trying to make a go at it, and at every possible turn, there's something going against them. I felt that Cara grew as a character in Invaded. She developed a bigger backbone and despite her arrangement, she didn't let the negative people or circumstances defeat her. Yes, we know she's an intelligent student, otherwise she wouldn't have been sent to L'eihr, however, she wasn't just mentally tough, she proved physically as well.
I thought this was a good follow-up to Alienated. I really would've liked to see Cara and Aelyx together, but I guess that's what the third installment will include, right? I HOPE SO!!! Subplots are fine and all, but let us readers get the HEA we so deserve! I'm ready for a steamy Aelyx and Cara coming together party and all others not included. :) It's time to see those two choose their final destination, reunite and kick the jerks in the pants. Jaxen included!
Overall, I was satisfied with Invaded. Some slightly predictable moments, and far too less of our main characters interaction for my taste, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. Bring on #3!
