I thoroughly enjoy reading series books. I love to revisit old friends and see what new adventures they are engaged in. I've even written the first four of a six book series because I haven't had too much of my characters as yet. Therefore I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review Jon S. Lewis's next installment in the C.H.A.O.S. series, Alienation.

The book begins with a re-creation of the comic book adventures of The Phantom Flyer and the Agents of C.H.A.O.S. - The Menace of the Thule. Our hero, Colt McAlister then swoops in on his grandfather's jet pack, sharpening his flying skills with the help of his friend, Danielle Salazar, and the son of the current director of C.H.A.O.S., Oz Romero. The three are preparing to head off to the C.H.A.O.S. Military Academy.

During the practice, Colt is suddenly faced with a real alien attack, not one of the "target practice" creatures that Danielle had electronically conjured for their drill. The appearance of the shape-shifting creature can mean only one thing: the Thule have succeeded in opening a gate between their world and Earth. The invasion is soon to follow.

Once Colt and his friends dispatch the creature and are on their way to the academy, it becomes clear that he is the target of an assassination plot. Since he has been chosen by the higher-ups to take over the job of the current director of C.H.A.O.S. from Oz's father, Cold is unsure of whom to trust as he begins his training. He also finds out some thing from his childhood that totally unnerve him.

Alienation is full of alien battles, surprise twists and new intrigue yet to be explained. I will be looking for the next installment, knowing I will enjoy every moment of it. I am recommending the series to the young teens that I know. I am sure they will find Colt's adventures as exciting as I do.

Reviewed by MargeAnna Conrad
(c) March 2012