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2023 Build Your Library Reading Challenge







Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Cinematic Sci Fi Series Perfect for Reluctant Readers, Especially My Own
7:04 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
A common lament around my house is that I take reading recommendations from other people far more seriously than I do those that come from my own family members. While I always insist this is untrue, maybe I'm wrong. So, when my 11-year-old begged me to read the first book in his favorite series, I agreed. Usually I have to force him to sit down with a book, but the whole C.H.A.O.S. trilogy by Arizona author Jon S. Lewis kept him glued to the pages. Naturally, I was anxious to see what kind of story had that kind of power over my usually reluctant reader.
Invasion, the first book in the series, introduces our hero, 16-year-old Colt McAlister. The teen, who lives in San Diego, wants nothing more than to spend his summer riding the ocean waves, strumming his guitar, and flirting with a pretty girl. A car accident changes all that. With his parents dead, Colt moves to Chandler, Arizona, to live with his 85-year-old grandpa. Although grieving, the teen finds friends and starts to make an okay new life for himself.

Alien invasion books aren't really my cup of tea, but I can see why an 11-year-old boy would be mesmerized by this story. With scary monsters, cool sci fi gadgets, and plenty of action, Invasion definitely keeps your attention. It's a fast-paced, cinematic thrill ride that will especially appeal to pre-teen boys and reluctant readers. They won't care how far-fetched the plot or how unrealistically inept the bad guys—they will just eat up the adventure. I enjoyed Invasion enough to keep reading but, despite my son's badgering to read its sequels, I probably won't. Still, I recommend this one for kids who like sci fi adventure movies and action-packed comic books. They'll surely inhale the C.H.A.O.S. series, just like my son did.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other sci fi thrillers, although no specific title is coming to mind. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and brief, mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I borrowed my son's copy of Invasion. Thanks, bud!
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