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JB Richards
Dec 4, 20193 min read

"Aliens Crashed in My Backyard (Agate and Breadbox Trilogy Book 1)" by Mike Van Horn - IHI


A Charming, Witty, & Imaginative Human-Befriends-Alien Adventure!

Overview: After a spaceship crashes on her property, a perky but stage-worn singer meets an actual alien being who communicates through song in “Aliens Crashed in My Backyard”. Peril draws near when the songstress must choose between making it big or saving the life of her newfound friend.

Mike Van Horn’s alien adventure isn’t the typical Sci-Fi fare—There are no galactic empires to battle, frightening alien beings that will eat you alive, or flashy laser fights between two worthy adversaries. What this delightful, first-person, fictional account of a human meeting an alien does contain is a vivid and thought-provoking tale of how a genuine friendship develops between two beings who find a way to communicate on a deeper level than using simple words.

Van Horn’s protagonist, Selena, is—as most driven performers are—a spitfire; questioning her purpose in life and her destiny; inevitably running full-force toward her next adventure; and never taking “No” for an answer. Selena’s punchy, staccato dialogue compels readers to get excited about what’s happening in her life, and her impetuous, quirky mannerisms lend much wit and wonder to what is essentially a tragic story.

Van Horn’s two main characters, the human, Selena, and the alien, Breadbox (so named because of her general appearance), are both well-constructed and have backstories that make sense. It is through music that Selena and the alien, Breadbox, find that they have so much in common, and as their friendship grows, so do the chances of reigniting Selena’s singing career. Van Horn provides an entire musical portfolio to support his storyline, complete with songs and lyrics that apply to his characters’ relationships.

The plotline benefits from the addition of Selena’s friends who help take care of her and her newfound alien charge. There is, however, somewhat of a disconnect between Selena and these individuals midway through the story that punctuates their involvement in her life and cuts their relationships a bit too short. Perhaps the author could have provided a tighter and more involved connection to some of these characters (in particular, Cole—a love interest of Selena’s), allowing them to play more significant roles in the latter part of the story.

All in all, “Aliens Crashed in My Backyard” is a charming, witty, and imaginative human-befriends-alien adventure. Van Horn includes much bonus material for his readers, such as sketches of his main characters,—including the alien, Breadbox; an explanation of how alien science works; and complete song lyrics supporting his story. This tale reads much like an alien fairytale—It is simply and captivatingly told, and quite entertaining. I recommend this feel-good read for Sci-Fi fans ages 15 and up.

Find "Aliens Crashed in My Backyard (Agate and Breadbox Trilogy Book 1)" by Mike Van Horn on Amazon & Kindle here.

IHIBRP, IHI Book Review Project, IHIBRP Round 20, Book Review, Book Review Blogger, IHIBRP Blog, Indieverse, Author JB Richards, Indie Author, Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads, Ebooks, Reading Community, Recommended Reads, Kindle Unlimited, Sci-Fi, Aliens, Alien Invasion, First Contact, Music, Teen, Young Adult, Aliens Crashed in My Backyard, Agate and Breadbox Trilogy, Mike Van Horn

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