More than half of today’s YA Readers are over the age of 18. Why? For LOTS of reasons. Here are just a few:

1) The INTENSITY of First-Time Emotion
It’s completely different … and reminds Readers of a time in their lives more focused on Self-Discovery. They want to encounter Feelings that they recognize. These Emotions often lead to Attraction and Romance.

2) Real-Life STRUGGLES
YA Characters cope with Real-Life conflicts and obstacles. They wrestle with important concepts — like Friendship and Personal Identity (who they are and who they should be).

3) Limitless IMAGINATION
YA Fiction is all about Adventure, Exploring the Great Unknown and “Saving the World” from Forces of Evil. YA Characters tend to be Resourceful and Courageous.

4) Personal EMPOWERMENT
YA Characters often discover Hidden Abilities within themselves. This helps them find an identity and strength, becoming EMPOWERED against great odds. Many stories are Female-Driven (like Divergent or The Hunger Games).

5) HOPE for the Future
YA Fiction is generally Hopeful, with an underlying Optimism — even through the Darkness. Readers need to know that they’re not alone (dealing with Feelings like Anxiety or Depression) … and things will get better.

In addition to those above, there’s another Reason, mentioned less often but no less important: Embracing DIVERSITY. The Heroes are often more Diverse. Readers of all ages find themselves drawn to characters they can identify with.

Diversity in YA Fiction offers an opportunity for personal Growth. People-of-color struggle to overcome Obstacles wherever they occur. Increasingly, one can find more Gay, Lesbian and Transgender characters. Its far-reaching scope even contemplates Life elsewhere in the universe.

Embodiment in THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY

In Book 1, A GLEAM OF LIGHT, half-Hopi and still struggling to fit into a White Man’s World, UNA WATERS wrestles with her own definition of self. After leaving her childhood home as an Orphan — vowing to never look back, she returns to Hopiland as an adult, needing to reaquaint herself with her roots — and so the reader comes to learn about Hopi culture and mythology through her eyes.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“I loved the story of the prodigal child returning home after many years, not knowing if she will be accepted or shunned … — JennlyT

“From the moment I opened and read the first pages of this enchanting tale, I was hooked. I found it to be a mystical, otherworldly and totally riveting story … And as you read this wonderful book, you’ll begin to think that all things come together for a purpose and the very fact that you’re holding this great book in your hands was meant to be …” — DTChantel

“Armed with her knowledge, group of friends, and her own strength; Una Waters is in the surprise of her life as she navigates through beings and situations that don’t even seem possible to exist.”— Hannah Kercheval

“Her journey is one of discovery, not only into the events occurring on the peaks and the past, but into herself and the connection she had almost forgotten with the land and life.” — K.J. Simmill, Award-Winning UK Author and Blogger

” I enjoyed how the story was both the sci-fi mystery I was anticipating, but also a journey of the heart for Una.” — Sophia Rose on Audible

In Book 2, THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una discovers connections between Hopi and Asian Culture (specifically Tibet) that she never anticipated, thanks to sparked memories of Hopi prophecy. Her hidden abilities (revealed by contact with an ancient Hopi artifact in Book 1) enable her to seek help from a Higher power — to resolve a very real crisis that threatens to start World War III.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“I find something in this for everyone. UFO buffs and conspiracy theory aficionados … a bit of romance … and mystery … More importantly I found a message of unity and hope. — Teresa A. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

“This book has a little bit for everyone, especially if you believe in aliens and love mythology. There is also a lot of action that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat.” — Jessica Bronder

“Una has been sent on a special assignment mission in Chinatown NYC … As the danger grows and humanity is in grave danger, Una knows that she needs to figure out the seemingly unearthly mystery before it’s too late.” — Hannah Kercheval

“Book 2 introduces a new character, Rufus, who is the computer geek. He adds a little more interest to the story and risks his life to save Una during a pretty spectacular UFO incident … The resolution of the conflict is the twist that wraps up the story, adds to the mysterious and keeps the series going.” — Riley Moreland

In Book 3, BEYOND THE WORLD, Una’s Extraterrestrial connection empowers her to fight back against an ALIEN Conspiracy that threatens the Survival of Humanity. New and old friends join Una in this larger-than-life battle to save the world, which just-so-happens to coincide with a romantic Honeymoon Adventure! It also points to renewed Hope for the Future.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“For Science Fiction fans who are particularly interested in extraterrestrial life, if you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for? Beyond the World was my favorite of the three novels because the action was fairly quick to start and moved rapidly after that … Even if you are not a big fan of “alien fiction”, I would suggest giving this series a read. Even if you start out a skeptic, you may end up a believer in the end.” — JennlyT

“Upon turning the last page, all I could think of was Richard Dreyfuss in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” – WE ARE NOT ALONE. I get shivers just thinking about it, and of all the wondrous and mystical and mysterious things that come to light in this marvelous book. All I wanted to do was immediately grab the first book in this series and just start all over again.” — DTChantel

“Once again the pace is spot on, the twists a thrilling ride, and the characters and scenarios believable … It takes the narrative of good aliens and bad aliens and then makes it accessible … I think that this whole series ought to be available in high school and middle school libraries.” — Teresa H. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

 

One Reader appropriately describes THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY as “an emotional journey of the heart” for UNA. She makes sensible emotional decisions. As she overcomes each obstacle, Readers can identify with her struggle.

The Trilogy’s Cultural and Racial DIVERSITY explores Alien Mythology around the world, giving it universal appeal — Book 1 Native American, Book 2 Asian American, Book 3 African American.

Like the best books for YA Readers, it can inspire Conversation about Important topics.

Adult Readers will appreciate pop culture references to Star Trek, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET the Extraterrestrial, and more — that will spawn fond memories of why they came to love Science Fiction in the first place.

Your Next YA Read? Try THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY. You may find it to be, in the words of one Reviewer:

“An Experience … like No Other.”

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In SCIENCE FICTION, anything is possible — from Space Exploration and Alien encounters … to Advanced Technology … to Time Travel. The setting could be here on Earth … or in a galaxy far, far away. SCI-FI is meant to be a world of possibility with creativity and imagination — for Everyone.

DIVERSITY in Sci-Fi means Storytelling that includes Real People — facing Real Struggles and Challenges — associated with every kind of Obstacle, including differences in Class, Race, Sexual Orientation, and Physical Ability.

Diversity in SCI-FI is not new! Diverse Characters have always appeared in Science Fiction. Sometimes they just wear the mask of an ALIEN.

“Sure,” you say. The original Star Trek featured Lieutenant Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, a woman of Color. Star Wars had Lando Calrissian played by Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi) and Darth Vader was voiced by a Black man (James Earl Jones).

Still, if you survey the overall amount of DIVERSITY in Science Fiction — compared to the Real World around us — you will find it sorely lacking. In her 1980 essay “The Lost Races of Science Fiction” … acclaimed SCI-FI author Octavia Butler said, “Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Amerindians, minority characters in general have been noticeably absent from most science fiction.”

She was right. Look up “Science Fiction” on Google … and you’ll find many successful Books, Movies and TV Series (such as DUNE, Alien, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Back to the Future, The Matrix, E.T., Jurassic Park, Terminator, and FRINGE.)

But the majority of Characters in all those examples are WHITE. Few people of Color exist (and sometimes, none at all). There may be a small number of Blacks and Asians, but the rest of the people in the World are seemingly Forgotten.

Why? Some say “that kind of storytelling won’t succeed in Hollywood”. But Film-Makers are proving them wrong. We see examples every day of Fictional Characters originally type-cast as White, but when Race is changed — it actually works. Avengers was a HUGE Hit, the team put together by Nick Fury — played by Samuel L. Jackson. (Another example: consider the recent success of Black Panther.)

We need more DIVERSITY in Sci-Fi.

WHY? Because Diversity in Storytelling fosters Inclusiveness.

SCIENCE FICTION can only fulfill its promise when it appeals to all people. It can only inspire us when we can RELATE to the story being told — so that You and Me and Everyone else … including Real People who face every kind of Obstacle — have something to Hope for, for the Future of their children.

Heroes are about Overcoming ADVERSITY. They are loved for being strong, smart, making the best of bad situations, sticking to what they believe in, and always doing the right thing — no matter what the cost.

Relatable Heroes mean even more — because they are Human enough for us to see Ourselves in them. They spark passion and idealism in children of every Color — then keep those fires burning in adults.

DIVERSITY in SCI-FI is a Key to fighting RACISM.

A New Wave of Sci-Fi Writers … including Native American, Asian American, and African American — seek to challenge Racist ways of thinking about the FUTURE.

Native Americans draw on native knowledge, stories, language and traditions. Asian Americans draw from Mythology and cultural experience: separation, loss, and adapting to a new Way of Life. African Americans draw on the history of Race relations … including Slavery, the African Diaspora, and the Civil Rights Movement. SCI-FI can help us envision a FUTURE … that embraces Diversity in Human Relationships.

We need DIVERSITY in Sci-Fi — because our World is CHANGING.

If we hope to Survive, Humanity must EVOLVE. We need a New view — an INCLUSIVE View — of Our FUTURE … to help us Embrace it.

…

Our Audiobook Narrator — KAT BOHN — has provided some fun Sneak Peeks from the Recording Booth, to give listeners a sense of what THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY is all about!

Book 1 — A GLEAM OF LIGHT

Kat Bohn
April 5, 2020
Narrating A Gleam of Light – sci-fi trilogy inspired by documented UFO sightings

Kat Bohn
March 19, 2020
In the booth! Working on T.J. & M.L. Wolf’s sci-fi trilogy THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY: A Gleam of Light.

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Book 2 — THE DRAGON’S GLARE

Kat Bohn
June 26, 2020
Sneak peek: The Dragon’s Glare

Book 2 of THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY — agent Una Waters travels to New York’s Chinatown during New Years celebrations, and experiences more than just local culture…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kat Bohn (@katbohnafide)

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Book 3 — BEYOND THE WORLD

Kat Bohn
January 21, 2021
Sneak peek: Beyond The World

A couple days ago I mentioned alien voices. Here’s a sneak peek from the soon to be released Beyond The World from TJ & ML Wolf’s THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY (book 3)
I love sci fi. I do! And I laughed out loud when this book mentioned a character watched Cowboys & Aliens like 6 times. Relatable. Who doesn’t like a good mashup? Similarly and seamlessly, this trilogy blended many alien-centric theories and ideas together, alongside documentable facts and sightings. In the first book you can even look up the Air Traffic Control transmissions which sparked this whole thing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kat Bohn (@katbohnafide)

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All three Audiobooks are currently available on AUDIBLE and AMAZON. Get yours Today!!!

 

 

 

YA Hallmarks

Since they first appeared as early as the 1940’s, Young Adult novels have featured teens on quests to save the world or overcome forces of evil. They tend to deal with larger-than-life stories in which the enemy is clear.

No-one can be expected to understand the world around them before they’ve considered their place in it. YA Characters (with flaws) all cope with life conflicts, struggles, and obstacles — enabling readers to relate to them. They wrestle with important concepts — like who they are and who they should be. Common themes include friendship, first love, relationships, and identity.

YA books offer emotional truth, with Intense emotions that often lead to attraction and Romance.

Streamlined storylines place characters in the middle of a ‘what if?’ type of situation from the first page — so readers cannot put the book down.

YA fiction is generally hopeful, with an underlying Optimism — even through the darkness.

Characters often discover hidden abilities within themselves. This helps them find an identity and strength, becoming empowered against great odds — as they realize they are more than average.

Characters tend to be resourceful and courageous as they go on huge adventures — giving readers a sense of wish fulfillment.

Broad Appeal

YA fiction can appeal to Readers of all ages — from preteen to fans in their twenties and beyond.

Many adults welcome escapist stories about revolutions or alien invasions. They are drawn to stories of empowerment. In a world based on real life tragedy, YA stories often rouse nostalgia — giving readers an opportunity to relive good memories and feelings that go with them.

Sci-Fi, Paranormal & Dystopian Connection

YA novels also appeal to adult SCI-FI fans with vivid memories of favorite pop culture icons from their youth — with references to music, movies and more.

“Just like adolescence is between childhood and adulthood, paranormal … is between human and supernatural,” says Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a young adult author, Ph.D. and cognitive science scholar. “Teens are caught between two worlds.”

“YA is always dealing with transformation, whether it be realistic or supernatural, ” dystopian author Lizzie Skurnick observes. “It shows teen life in full chaos. And that means constant change.”

Opportunity for Growth

YA fiction offers an opportunity for growth through racial and cultural diversity. People-of-color struggle to overcome obstacles wherever they occur. Increasingly, one can find more gay, lesbian and transgender characters. Its far-reaching scope also contemplates life elsewhere in the universe.

Embodiment in THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY

In Book 1, A GLEAM OF LIGHT, half-Hopi and still struggling to fit into a White Man’s World, UNA WATERS wrestles with her own definition of self . After leaving her childhood home as an Orphan — vowing to never look back, she returns to Hopiland as an adult, needing to reaquaint herself with her roots — and so the reader comes to learn about Hopi culture and mythology through her eyes.

In Book 2, THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una discovers connections between Hopi and Asian Culture (specifically Tibet) that she never anticipated, thanks to sparked memories of Hopi prophecy. Her hidden abilities (revealed by contact with an ancient Hopi artifact in Book 1) enable her to seek help from a Higher power — to resolve a very real crisis that threatens to start World War III.

In Book 3, BEYOND THE WORLD, Una’s extraterrestrial connection empowers her to fight back against an ALIEN Conspiracy that threatens the Survival of Humanity. New and old friends join Una in this larger-than-life battle to save the world, which just-so-happens to coincide with a romantic Honeymoon Adventure! It also points to renewed hope for the future.

One reader appropriately describes THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY as an emotional journey of the heart for UNA. She makes sensible emotional decisions. As she overcomes each obstacle, readers can identify with her struggle.

The Trilogy’s cultural and racial diversity explores Alien Mythology around the world, giving it universal appeal — Book 1 Native American, Book 2 Asian American, Book 3 African American.

Like the best books for YA Readers, it can inspire Conversation about Important topics.

An added bonus for Adult readers: the Trilogy includes pop culture references to Star Trek, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET the Extraterrestrial, and more — that will spawn fond memories of why they came to love Science Fiction in the first place.

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In Book 3 of THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una’s Honeymoon Adventure in Yosemite National Park includes a UFO Mystery, Unworldly Campsites, Forgotten Caves and Living Pterosaurs — All part of an ALIEN Conspiracy! Joined by Kenyan members of Explorer’s Club, African mythology helps Una make sense of Transformative events … pointing to a New Future for Humanity.

We thought it best to let our Readers tell you more … about Una’s Yosemite ADVENTURE:

“For Science Fiction fans who are particularly interested in extraterrestrial life, if you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for? The duo of T.J. and M.L. Wolf have done an amazing job of crafting a series of speculative fiction that will get the reader thinking or, in my case, looking up events and locales to learn more about the subject. With Beyond the World, we are introduced to the line of logic that not only are extraterrestrial beings real, but they have been among us the entire time … It makes the reader (or at least me) think about the bigger picture and I feel that it is the mark of a good author when they can accomplish this. I would have to say that Beyond the World was my favorite of the three novels because the action was fairly quick to start and moved rapidly after that … Even if you are not a big fan of “alien fiction”, I would suggest giving this series a read. Even if you start out a skeptic, you may end up a believer in the end.” — JennlyT

“Beyond the World,” by husband-wife writing team T.J. & M.L. Wolf, has caused a first for me when reading a book – it sent actual tingles down my spine … Upon turning the last page, all I could think of was Richard Dreyfuss in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” – WE ARE NOT ALONE. I get shivers just thinking about it, and of all the wondrous and mystical and mysterious things that come to light in this marvelous book. All I wanted to do was immediately grab the first book in this series and just start all over again … If you allow yourself to be fully immersed in the stories they’ve shaped in these otherworldly novels, you’ll find yourself an experience like no other.” — DTChantel

“Una Waters and General Ashcroft go to Yosemite National Park for their honeymoon however it doesn’t work out quite how they intended. He receives a coded distress call so gets pulled away, then Una uncovers a UFO mystery and pulls in Jack Howser for help. Una and Jack are joined by members of the Explorers Club as they search for answers via abandoned campsites and ancient caves. They uncover an alien conspiracy that threatens the whole of humanity as they encounter pterosaurs and the military trying to stop them. Can they change perceptions and get to the bottom of the mystery? … This is a great trilogy that will keep your attention to the very end.” — Mandy Parmenter

“In book three of The Survival Trilogy we rejoin Una Waters, her new husband General Ashcroft, and good old Jack Howser for another round of alien encounters and Hopi prophesy. Once again the pace is spot on, the twists a thrilling ride, and the characters and scenarios believable … I really love the heavy reference to the ancient Hopi prophesy and how important it is for the keepers of the races and elements to work together … It takes the narrative of good aliens and bad aliens and then makes it accessible, just as it does the good humans and the bad humans … I think that this whole series ought to be available in high school and middle school libraries.” — Teresa H. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

“On their honeymoon, Una and Colin can’t stay out of trouble. Make that troubles – of the alien and unexplained natures. And wouldn’t you know it, Jack shows up too. Along with a group of Explorer Club Kids, they hike through the forests and mountains of Yosemite. Along the way the weird and wonderful and often dangerous encounters never stop … They encounter all sorts of strange things including dinosaur-like creatures, mysterious abandoned camps, an AWOL soldier/friend of Colin and, of course, UFO sightings … Alien conspiracy, Hopi, Chinese, similar ancient cultures separated by geography, invasion, military secrets and black ops, missile attack, red-yellow-white-black, teletransportation, alien abduction, transcendental wisdom. If any (or all) of these subjects have ever piqued your curiosity, The Survival Trilogy is what you should be reading. — Riley Moreland

“Beyond the World … speculates on the idea of extraterrestrial life. Takes place in Yosemite National Park … incorporating … more mysterious events and characters. The concept of this trilogy is thoroughly intriguing –“Well some people say, these points of overlap allow passage from one dimension of reality to another. Invisible to the naked eye—but real nonetheless.” — A high stakes story speculating about other life in the universe and how they might communicate and mingle with us … ” — Nicole C

“Connecting ancient cultures and wisdom to modern day ideas of aliens and other intelligent life provides a great hook for this inviting and exciting read. The three central characters are very well developed by co-authors T. J. Wolf and M. L. Wolf, and their bonds and previous experiences serve to catch readers up, ready for this final epic adventure in the series. I liked the pterosaurs particularly and how their origin comes about, and the novel sparked many references to other great science fiction works like those of Michael Crichton and H. G. Wells. The plot is well constructed and doesn’t rush to a conclusion, with events and exposition well mixed to give a great ebb and flow to the narrative. Even in the quiet times, it keeps you turning pages to discover the chilling truth. … “Beyond The World” comes recommended for science fiction fans of all ages.” — K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

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In Book 2 of THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una’s assignment from Washington D.C. to Chinatown, NYC gets turned upside down … by a UFO mystery rooted in Asian mythology. Unexplained violence, a cyberbreach at the NYPD, and a visit by the Chinese Ambassador all lead to an Out-Of-This-World encounter — that confirms Una’s childhood beliefs in Sky People.

We thought it best to let our Readers tell you more … about Una’s Chinatown Mystery:

“The Dragon’s Glare delves deep into Asian mysticism and legend. I really love how the action begins almost immediately and builds to a crazy climax … Once again, the duo of T.J. and M.L. Wolf have delivered a fascinating story based on events that will have even the staunchest skeptic rethinking the age-old question “Are we alone in the universe?” — JennlyT

“Aliens and Kachinas, Star Warriors and displaced Tibetan Lamas, East and West, North and South. As above so it is below. While the people of earth vie for balance so too to the sky beings. From the water the three headed dragon stirs and threatens to rise, a would-be dragon queen seemingly at the helm. Una Waters, Jack Howser, and General Collin Ashcroft meet again and join forces along with new friends when drawn together by new assignments with common threads. With the voices of the ancestors in the winds can they turn the fate of mankind?… I find something in this for everyone. UFO buffs and conspiracy theory aficionados should find something to chew over … There is a bit of romance which is tastefully dealt with and does not domineer the storyline. There is mystery as the characters all strive to figure out what is going on … More importantly I found a message of unity and hope. It is my hope that you find this interesting enough to pick it up yourself and read it. I believe both this book and its predecessor would make for excellent movies, and I expect more of the same when the next book in the trilogy comes out.” — Teresa A. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

“This was a fast moving and complex story that needs your full attention so you can appreciate the skill that the story was woven together by the author. It tied together Hopi and Chinese folklore and that added a great deal to the story. Well written and very enjoyable it was the kind of read that you need to take your time with to absorb everything. This is the second book in the trilogy and although I think it could make sense to just start at this book I believe to truly appreciate the story and the relationships between some of the characters you should read the first book before this one. Very enjoyable and starting to build up nicely for the next book which is the last one in the trilogy.” — Mandy Parmenter

“Picking up three years after the first book left off, this book takes place in New York City, specifically Chinatown. The scale of the overall story arc has grown to not only incorporate a larger territory but also more speculation. This, quite frankly, is my favorite part of these books so far. I personally really enjoy speculative fiction, and the Wolfs bring together myth, conspiracy theory, and reality in a way that weaves an intriguing story … I enjoyed the storytelling in The Dragon’s Glare and am curious to see how the authors complete the story in the third book. If you are into speculative fiction, maybe give this trilogy a go.” — Nicole @ Read.Eat.Sleep.Repeat

“In The Dragon’s Glare we are introduced to Chinese dragons and aliens. I love learning about new cultures especially their mythology. This helps to broaden our knowledge as we learn that there are more than one race of aliens and that they are not all friendly and want to share this planet … This book has a little bit for everyone, especially if you believe in aliens and love mythology. There is also a lot of action that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story just keeps getting better and I can’t wait to see how this is going to end.” — Jessica Bronder

“After reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen in the next book! This book in particular is a FANTASTIC addition to The Survival Trilogy … The books starts a bit after the events of the previous novel. Una has been sent on a special assignment mission in Chinatown NYC … As the danger grows and humanity is in grave danger, Una knows that she needs to figure out the seemingly unearthly mystery before it’s too late … I think that this book was DEFINITELY a 5 star book. It was an amazing continuation to the series, and I can’t wait to read the third book!” — Hannah Kercheval

“What an intriguing and fast-paced mystery this was. Having read the first book in the series, I already knew I was in for a treat with one of T.J. Wolf’s books, but I wasn’t aware of how fun and action-packed the ride was going to be. Although I recommend reading the first book, you can read and enjoy this one as a standalone. So whether you’re new to these authors or a fan from the first book, I suggest diving right in.” — Donna Thompson

“In New York City, 3 years later, a mysterious cyber attack is blamed on the Chinese. Colin Ashroft, now in charge of US Cyber Security, is there to investigate. Jack Howser is following up on reported UFO sitings and Una Waters is on special assignment. Again, fate reunites the three as they struggle to make sense of the violence in the streets, a mysterious underground organization and Una’s own lost time that may have been an alien abduction … The alien connection is ever present. Never thoroughly explained, only speculated. So is Una’s connection to the aliens and their future … Book 2 introduces a new character, Rufus, who is the computer geek. He adds a little more interest to the story and risks his life to save Una during a pretty spectacular UFO incident … The resolution of the conflict is the twist that wraps up the story, adds to the mysterious and keeps the series going.” — Riley Moreland

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