L. Galuppo's Blog
October 8, 2025
Eco Reign Receives Kirkus Starred Review
This must be shouted from the rooftops! Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn, a young adult science fiction novel, received the highly coveted Kirkus Starred Review and a "Get It" Recommendation from Kirkus. Only 2-3% of Indie authors receive a Kirkus Star and only for those stories of exceptional merit.
I delayed submitting my book for a Kirkus review, fearing their reputation for a harsh critique. But I couldn't be happier with the review. The full review is below or check out the Kirkus website.
Want a book that's winning several book awards across genres and recently received a Kirkus Starred review? Check out Eco Reign! It might just be your next favorite book.
Go give Eco Reign a like on Kirkus!
Kirkus Review:
astly powerful space aliens hijack Earth and abduct and imprison humans.
Following a power outage, our adolescent narrator, Lauren, her younger brother, Matthew, and their mother are among the masses of humanity literally swept up by powerful, godlike space aliens and jailed in rather conveniently available hangars in town. Deadly energy barriers keep people contained, and troublemakers die hideously. Eventually, the Invaders show themselves. The gaunt, robed, elongated humanoids declare that humankind’s endless ravaging of Earth’s environment must end immediately. The planet will be rehabilitated whether they like it or not. Earth’s inhabitants, meanwhile, will suffer an indefinite period of “atonement...and…enlightenment.” Small liberties are soon granted to the prisoners. Ultimately, Lauren finds herself corralled with the other children separated from their families, and she’s trained by a pair of Invaders (one female and kindly, the other male and harsh). The aliens seem to have other ET species working in subservient positions, and as long as Lauren cooperates, she’s permitted access to the Invaders’ impressive technology, which allows for the revival of extinct animals and restoration of Earth as a biodiverse paradise. But cruel mistreatment of humans persists, and Lauren wonders if the Invaders have a more selfish, sinister agenda. Galuppo’s YA debut is akin to The War of the Worlds and not unlike recent bestsellers, like Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave. But rather than spectacular destruction and action, the novel emphasizes stifling confinement and slow, crafty indoctrination. A hostage-style narrative of deprivation, reward systems, and Orwellian mind-conditioning that might have succumbed to tedium and predictability is actually provocative and suspenseful. Invaders are allowed to remain nonhuman enough that their overwhelming menace does not feel merely like a nasty caricature of Homo Sapiens’ “green” movements. An open ending and fertile story threads indicate Galuppo has more than a few seedlings for a sequel in the girl-vs-Goliath mode.
Vicious alien conquest and oppression drive this provocative YA/SF thriller.
I delayed submitting my book for a Kirkus review, fearing their reputation for a harsh critique. But I couldn't be happier with the review. The full review is below or check out the Kirkus website.
Want a book that's winning several book awards across genres and recently received a Kirkus Starred review? Check out Eco Reign! It might just be your next favorite book.
Go give Eco Reign a like on Kirkus!
Kirkus Review:
astly powerful space aliens hijack Earth and abduct and imprison humans.
Following a power outage, our adolescent narrator, Lauren, her younger brother, Matthew, and their mother are among the masses of humanity literally swept up by powerful, godlike space aliens and jailed in rather conveniently available hangars in town. Deadly energy barriers keep people contained, and troublemakers die hideously. Eventually, the Invaders show themselves. The gaunt, robed, elongated humanoids declare that humankind’s endless ravaging of Earth’s environment must end immediately. The planet will be rehabilitated whether they like it or not. Earth’s inhabitants, meanwhile, will suffer an indefinite period of “atonement...and…enlightenment.” Small liberties are soon granted to the prisoners. Ultimately, Lauren finds herself corralled with the other children separated from their families, and she’s trained by a pair of Invaders (one female and kindly, the other male and harsh). The aliens seem to have other ET species working in subservient positions, and as long as Lauren cooperates, she’s permitted access to the Invaders’ impressive technology, which allows for the revival of extinct animals and restoration of Earth as a biodiverse paradise. But cruel mistreatment of humans persists, and Lauren wonders if the Invaders have a more selfish, sinister agenda. Galuppo’s YA debut is akin to The War of the Worlds and not unlike recent bestsellers, like Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave. But rather than spectacular destruction and action, the novel emphasizes stifling confinement and slow, crafty indoctrination. A hostage-style narrative of deprivation, reward systems, and Orwellian mind-conditioning that might have succumbed to tedium and predictability is actually provocative and suspenseful. Invaders are allowed to remain nonhuman enough that their overwhelming menace does not feel merely like a nasty caricature of Homo Sapiens’ “green” movements. An open ending and fertile story threads indicate Galuppo has more than a few seedlings for a sequel in the girl-vs-Goliath mode.
Vicious alien conquest and oppression drive this provocative YA/SF thriller.
Eco Reign wins Honorable Mention for Social Issues from Reader's Favorite
Reader's Favorite announced its winners of the 2025 book awards and Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn made the list! Reader's Favorite awarded Eco Reign with an Honorable Mention in Social Issues in the Young Adult book category.
With Eco Reign winning awards in young adult science fiction, young adult general categories, young adult fantasy/sci-fi, shortlisted for a CIBA sci-fi award, and now a social issues honorable mention, it all builds up to show that Eco Reign is a book worth reading and captures recognition across the board.
Get your copy today and start reading the award winning book, Eco Reign!!
With Eco Reign winning awards in young adult science fiction, young adult general categories, young adult fantasy/sci-fi, shortlisted for a CIBA sci-fi award, and now a social issues honorable mention, it all builds up to show that Eco Reign is a book worth reading and captures recognition across the board.
Get your copy today and start reading the award winning book, Eco Reign!!
Eco Reign wins Finalist in Storytrade awards
Thrilled to announce that Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn won a Finalist award from Storytrade Book Awards in the category of Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi. Winning award in a mixed category group shows that Eco Reign stacks up with even the best of fantasy books.
The Storytrade Book Awards are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating literary craft, excellence, and innovation in small and independent publishing. Receiving the finalist award medal from Storytrade has been a highlight to publishing!
Thank you Storytrade for your support and recognition!
The Storytrade Book Awards are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating literary craft, excellence, and innovation in small and independent publishing. Receiving the finalist award medal from Storytrade has been a highlight to publishing!
Thank you Storytrade for your support and recognition!
Eco Reign Shortlisted for Cygnus Award!
Incredible news!!! Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn advanced to the long list and now has been added to the short list for a Cygnus Award with Chanticleer Book Reviews!
The Cygnus Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Science Fiction, Steampunk, Alternative History, and Speculative Fiction. The Cygnus Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Combined with the other awards for Young Adult Fiction and Young Adult Science Fiction, Eco Reign being added to this Science Fiction award demonstrates its strength and appeal in this genre.
Very excited to see if the book moves to the next round!
The Cygnus Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Science Fiction, Steampunk, Alternative History, and Speculative Fiction. The Cygnus Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Combined with the other awards for Young Adult Fiction and Young Adult Science Fiction, Eco Reign being added to this Science Fiction award demonstrates its strength and appeal in this genre.
Very excited to see if the book moves to the next round!
June 25, 2025
9.25/10 PW's Book Life Critic's Report Overall Score
After winning two book awards for Winner in SciFi and Finalist in Young Adult🥇 Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn has received an overall score of 9.25/10 from Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Critic’s Report, with 10/10 for plot/idea and 10/10 character/execution! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌎"Galuppo depicts a chilling alien takeover of Earth..."
📖"Galuppo writes precise, well-structured prose that drives the story"
🌑"Darker motives slowly emerge as the story progresses"
💀"The Invaders—reportedly on a mission to save Earth from humankind’s abuse of its resources—quickly take over all human life"
😨"As the Invaders assume control of Earth, readers see the suspense build"
👩👧👦"The [family's] experiences are harrowing"
BookLife Prize - 2025 stats:
Plot/Idea: 10 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10
Full report available:
https://booklife.com/my/project/eco-r...
🌎"Galuppo depicts a chilling alien takeover of Earth..."
📖"Galuppo writes precise, well-structured prose that drives the story"
🌑"Darker motives slowly emerge as the story progresses"
💀"The Invaders—reportedly on a mission to save Earth from humankind’s abuse of its resources—quickly take over all human life"
😨"As the Invaders assume control of Earth, readers see the suspense build"
👩👧👦"The [family's] experiences are harrowing"
BookLife Prize - 2025 stats:
Plot/Idea: 10 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10
Full report available:
https://booklife.com/my/project/eco-r...
Winner 2025 American Fiction Awards
2025 American Fiction Awards announced that Eco Reign, Warning: The Barriers Burn, by L. Galuppo) won two awards this year!
🏆WINNER in the Science Fiction: Alien/Space category
🏆 FINALIST award in the Young Adult category in the 2025 American Fiction Awards by American Book Fest
http://www.instagram.com/thereal.ecor...
🏆WINNER in the Science Fiction: Alien/Space category
🏆 FINALIST award in the Young Adult category in the 2025 American Fiction Awards by American Book Fest
http://www.instagram.com/thereal.ecor...
May 6, 2025
Stellar Review by BookLife
Eco Reign: Warning: The Barriers Burn
L. Galuppo
Galuppo illuminates a teenager’s personal reflections and family allegiances in this YA debut of a near-future Earth ruled by aliens. “They came and they conquered. There was no hero to save us,” narrates 14-year-old Lauren, as everyone—including her mother Jules and younger brother Matthew—in her California city is teleported into enormous hangars at a military base. The silver veined, white-skinned aliens, called Vellatros, disappear or burn up anyone who steps out of line, declaring that Earth is part of the infiniverse—a symbiotic system essential to life in the galaxy—and they can no longer allow humanity’s callous destruction of Earth’s resources. Though cognizant of the truth lurking behind those claims, Lauren marvels at their tactics: “Were these creatures claiming that they came to save Earth from us?” she wonders.
Galuppo’s atmospheric chronicle of humanity’s defeat evokes the powerlessness, petty squabbles, day-to-day terror, and valiant attempts at coping that accompany the unthinkable. Led by Jules, Lauren and Matthew learn to control their emotions and carefully observe their surroundings before acting, but when Lauren—prized for her uncanny telepathic abilities—is taken away and trained in obedience like a pet by the alien, Ula, she is also offered the gift of enlightenment, edging her closer to what feels like sympathy for her planet’s conquerors. Matthew’s arc sharply contrasts, as he gives hope by training humanity’s remnants to fight—prompting Lauren to question her newfound loyalties and wonder if there are still free humans surviving somewhere in Earth’s outer reaches.
Effortless and flowing, Galuppo’s prose conjures a poignant imagining of an alien invasion, invoking resonating themes of family bonds, human sensibilities, and our responsibility as stewards of Earth’s care. Even as they revel in Galuppo’s immersive world, readers will feel invested in Lauren’s growth and determination to do what’s right for her family, the environment, and humanity.
Takeaway: Immersive YA story of Earth’s takeover by sinister aliens.
Comparable Titles: Victoria Lee’s The Fever King, Laura Pohl’s The Last 8.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
L. Galuppo
Galuppo illuminates a teenager’s personal reflections and family allegiances in this YA debut of a near-future Earth ruled by aliens. “They came and they conquered. There was no hero to save us,” narrates 14-year-old Lauren, as everyone—including her mother Jules and younger brother Matthew—in her California city is teleported into enormous hangars at a military base. The silver veined, white-skinned aliens, called Vellatros, disappear or burn up anyone who steps out of line, declaring that Earth is part of the infiniverse—a symbiotic system essential to life in the galaxy—and they can no longer allow humanity’s callous destruction of Earth’s resources. Though cognizant of the truth lurking behind those claims, Lauren marvels at their tactics: “Were these creatures claiming that they came to save Earth from us?” she wonders.
Galuppo’s atmospheric chronicle of humanity’s defeat evokes the powerlessness, petty squabbles, day-to-day terror, and valiant attempts at coping that accompany the unthinkable. Led by Jules, Lauren and Matthew learn to control their emotions and carefully observe their surroundings before acting, but when Lauren—prized for her uncanny telepathic abilities—is taken away and trained in obedience like a pet by the alien, Ula, she is also offered the gift of enlightenment, edging her closer to what feels like sympathy for her planet’s conquerors. Matthew’s arc sharply contrasts, as he gives hope by training humanity’s remnants to fight—prompting Lauren to question her newfound loyalties and wonder if there are still free humans surviving somewhere in Earth’s outer reaches.
Effortless and flowing, Galuppo’s prose conjures a poignant imagining of an alien invasion, invoking resonating themes of family bonds, human sensibilities, and our responsibility as stewards of Earth’s care. Even as they revel in Galuppo’s immersive world, readers will feel invested in Lauren’s growth and determination to do what’s right for her family, the environment, and humanity.
Takeaway: Immersive YA story of Earth’s takeover by sinister aliens.
Comparable Titles: Victoria Lee’s The Fever King, Laura Pohl’s The Last 8.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
April 21, 2025
5 Star Review!
Eco Reign receives a 5 Star Review from Reader's Favorite! If you're interested in Eco Reign and haven't yet grabbed a copy, check out a reader's perspective about the story!
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Eco Reign by L. Galuppo is a gripping young adult sci-fi novel that explores what happens after Earth loses the war against a superior alien force. When the Invaders take control, they imprison humanity and impose an environmental reset, claiming to save the planet. For 14-year-old Lauren, captivity is compounded by separation from her family until the aliens discover her telepathic potential. Gifted and repurposed for their mission, Lauren is caught between obedience and rebellion, a pawn in a game she barely understands. As she navigates moral dilemmas, extraordinary abilities, and dark secrets, she must choose whether to risk everything for the hope of freedom. With themes of eco-crisis, identity, and resistance, Eco Reign offers a dystopian vision laced with wonder, menace, and a glimmer of hope.
Author L. Galuppo has a masterful control of worldbuilding that is on display from the very first page of this chillingly plausible post-invasion world brimming with depth and danger. The description goes beyond the cinematic into multi-sensory terms, but it’s also deep on a psychological level as the powerful environmental themes unfold naturally amid a compelling, character-driven story. I enjoyed seeing the world from Lauren’s perspective, and I felt the narration was a great balance between the wide-eyed discovery of a teen protagonist and the sophistication we need to understand the alien threat in all its terror. The dialogue and inner thoughts that Galuppo narrates are raw and endearing, making Lauren a fierce and relatable heroine whose journey is as emotional as it is epic. Overall, Eco Reign is a highly recommended read that stands out in YA sci-fi for its vivid worldbuilding and timely message of resistance.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Eco Reign by L. Galuppo is a gripping young adult sci-fi novel that explores what happens after Earth loses the war against a superior alien force. When the Invaders take control, they imprison humanity and impose an environmental reset, claiming to save the planet. For 14-year-old Lauren, captivity is compounded by separation from her family until the aliens discover her telepathic potential. Gifted and repurposed for their mission, Lauren is caught between obedience and rebellion, a pawn in a game she barely understands. As she navigates moral dilemmas, extraordinary abilities, and dark secrets, she must choose whether to risk everything for the hope of freedom. With themes of eco-crisis, identity, and resistance, Eco Reign offers a dystopian vision laced with wonder, menace, and a glimmer of hope.
Author L. Galuppo has a masterful control of worldbuilding that is on display from the very first page of this chillingly plausible post-invasion world brimming with depth and danger. The description goes beyond the cinematic into multi-sensory terms, but it’s also deep on a psychological level as the powerful environmental themes unfold naturally amid a compelling, character-driven story. I enjoyed seeing the world from Lauren’s perspective, and I felt the narration was a great balance between the wide-eyed discovery of a teen protagonist and the sophistication we need to understand the alien threat in all its terror. The dialogue and inner thoughts that Galuppo narrates are raw and endearing, making Lauren a fierce and relatable heroine whose journey is as emotional as it is epic. Overall, Eco Reign is a highly recommended read that stands out in YA sci-fi for its vivid worldbuilding and timely message of resistance.
