Book Review~Invasion (C.H.A.O.S #1) by J. S. Lewis

Think teens will really enjoy this one-I know I did. Invasion is an action-packed sci-fi novel that left me eager for a sequel. The high-tech gadgets and crazy looking aliens made me think of MIB (Men In Black). And the theme of a boy with an off-the-chart IQ who will inevitably be responsible for saving the earth was reminiscent of Ender's Game.

Colt is dropped of by his dad at a military academy to be tested for his worthiness as a recruit. When his dad picks him up later that day, all he has are hazy memories and an aching cheek. Soon after Colt learns that his parents have died in a tragic car accident. The youngest of eight boys, there's no shortage of options for where he will go live. He chooses to go to live with his grandfather in Arizona.

Colt begins to learn that some of the things in his favorite comic book series are actual events. There are aliens out there, they'd like to eradicate the humans, and make Earth their home.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing access via NetGalley.

Book Review~The Cypress House by Michael Koryta

Good read, just not as scary as I was expecting from the write-ups about Koryta. As this was my first read by this author, I'm not as eager as I thought (hoped) I'd be to read something else by him.

Arlen's a mysterious guy who is haunted by his "gift" of seeing death in people's eyes. He figures he's just a but shy of the crazy he saw in his father. He's wrestling with many demons that slowly show themselves as the story unfolds. His paternal instinct for Paul makes him endearing even as he comes off as an ass in the way he treats everyone else. When things develop with Rebecca, the story becomes a bit predictable. Wouldn't highly recommend it, but wouldn't tell you not to read it either.

Thanks to Little Brown and Company for providing me with a copy through Goodreads First Reads (and the ability to access to it through Net Galley too).