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Relocated
When fourteen-year-old Keth's dad is transferred to planet Aleyne, he doesn't know what to expect. Certainly not to discover Dad grew up here, and studied with Ardaval, a noted Aleyni scholar. On Aleyne, Keth’s psi ability develops. However, psi is illegal in the Terran Federation. After a dangerous encounter with two Terran teenagers conflict erupts between Keth and his father. Keth seeks sanctuary with Ardaval. Studying with the Aleyne scholar Keth learns the truth about his own heritage. After Keth's friend's father, Mazos, is kidnapped, Keth ignores the risks and attempts to free him. Little does he realize who will pay the cost as he becomes involved with terrorists.
- GenresScience Fiction
155 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2012
11 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Fieland
11 books26 followersBorn and raised in Manhattan, I have lived in the Boston area since just after the blizzard of 1976, thus missing the opportunity to abandon my car in a snowbank and walk home. I am the daughter of a painter and the mother of three grown sons. An avid science fiction fan, I selected Robert A. Heinlein's "Farmer in the Sky" for my tenth birthday, now long past. I live outside of Boston with my partner and a large number of dogs.
In spite of earning my living as a computer software engineer, I turned to one of my sons to put up the first version of my website, a clear illustration of the computer generation gap. An accomplished flute and piccolo player, I can also write backwards and wiggle my ears. Thanks to my father's relentless hounding, I can still recite the rules for pronoun agreement in both English and French. My articles, poem, and stories have appeared in anthologies and journals such as Melusine, Front Range Review, and All Rights Reserved. My 2010 NaNo novel, "Relocated", was published by MuseItUp Publishing in July. I published the book of poems that goes with the book through CreateSpace. My book, The Angry Little Boy will be published by 4RV publishing in 2013. I am one of six authors of the poetry anthology, "Lifelines."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 6, 2013
Relocated is a sweet, ultimately hopeful story about a boy finding his place in the world(s). Keth, born and raised on Earth (or Terra) in Washington, D.C., is suddenly uprooted by his father to a totally different planet, where he must learn to interact with the Aleyni. We learn that Keth is part Aleyni, which is fairly obvious from the beginning thanks to his powers.
The biggest emphasis in the novel though is the relations between the Terrans on the military base and the rest of the Aleyni population. They are remarkably similar, with only small differences between the two species: Aleyni are more advanced in technology and evolution. Their thumbs bend backwards farther. Many more of them have psi abilities. More than 2 adults are needed in order to conceive a child.
Yet the Terrans are the ones with the extreme prejudice against the Aleyni. They spit on everything the Aleyni believe in, which reminds me quite a bit of Native American beliefs. They have a spiritual journey that they must undergo. They trust in spiritual guidance and patience. They do not believe in vengeance or empty words (like saying “I'm sorry” when it's not your fault). Honestly, I really admired the Aleyni people. As a whole they were always calm, patient, and welcoming. Where the Terrans were always on the edge of being violent and irrational, the Aleyni chose instead to live peaceful lives. Their reluctance to deal with the Terrans seems borne from the Terran's behavior rather than their own societal negative constructs.
I was definitely disappointed that I was a Terran while reading this (in biological rather than societal ways).
As for Keth specifically, he is lost and lonely. He never felt like he belonged on Terra, and when he gets to the Aleyni people he is so lacking in knowledge and customs he fears he'll never fit in anywhere. As the novel progresses we see that he really had nothing to worry about, and I enjoyed his journey in self-reflection. The most obvious example of this is the dreams he has of his future. As his self-identity becomes clearer, so does the path his future will take.
The world building was very well done, too. The slang was close enough to what we use that it was easy to figure out what was being said. Examples:
vidi: videos
comp: computer, tablet
jork: dork, nerd, etc.
Plus the environment was beautiful to imagine, with pink and purple sand and red trees. The author mixed the surreal natural environment of the Aleyni with the technological advancements of things like the hover car. It was extremely well done, and provided a very clear image in my head of the setting.
Overall it's a very satisfying book. There isn't a whole lot of action; it's a book that focuses on a single boy's journey to find his identity. But it's still captivating and enriching.
Update: I forgot to say that the little bits of poetry in Relocated were great. Generally I'm not a fan of poetry but the ones in this novel appealed to me greatly; very well done!
The biggest emphasis in the novel though is the relations between the Terrans on the military base and the rest of the Aleyni population. They are remarkably similar, with only small differences between the two species: Aleyni are more advanced in technology and evolution. Their thumbs bend backwards farther. Many more of them have psi abilities. More than 2 adults are needed in order to conceive a child.
Yet the Terrans are the ones with the extreme prejudice against the Aleyni. They spit on everything the Aleyni believe in, which reminds me quite a bit of Native American beliefs. They have a spiritual journey that they must undergo. They trust in spiritual guidance and patience. They do not believe in vengeance or empty words (like saying “I'm sorry” when it's not your fault). Honestly, I really admired the Aleyni people. As a whole they were always calm, patient, and welcoming. Where the Terrans were always on the edge of being violent and irrational, the Aleyni chose instead to live peaceful lives. Their reluctance to deal with the Terrans seems borne from the Terran's behavior rather than their own societal negative constructs.
I was definitely disappointed that I was a Terran while reading this (in biological rather than societal ways).
As for Keth specifically, he is lost and lonely. He never felt like he belonged on Terra, and when he gets to the Aleyni people he is so lacking in knowledge and customs he fears he'll never fit in anywhere. As the novel progresses we see that he really had nothing to worry about, and I enjoyed his journey in self-reflection. The most obvious example of this is the dreams he has of his future. As his self-identity becomes clearer, so does the path his future will take.
The world building was very well done, too. The slang was close enough to what we use that it was easy to figure out what was being said. Examples:
vidi: videos
comp: computer, tablet
jork: dork, nerd, etc.
Plus the environment was beautiful to imagine, with pink and purple sand and red trees. The author mixed the surreal natural environment of the Aleyni with the technological advancements of things like the hover car. It was extremely well done, and provided a very clear image in my head of the setting.
Overall it's a very satisfying book. There isn't a whole lot of action; it's a book that focuses on a single boy's journey to find his identity. But it's still captivating and enriching.
Update: I forgot to say that the little bits of poetry in Relocated were great. Generally I'm not a fan of poetry but the ones in this novel appealed to me greatly; very well done!
August 13, 2012
Margaret Fieland's book Relocated is an amazing science fiction book for young adults. As a reading teacher, I found her book appropriate for middle and high school students. I believe it to be an excellent book to add to a classroom library.
July 26, 2012
I'm the author of this book. Do check it out. It's mine,and I still enjoy reading it.
December 30, 2012
This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Reader's Favorites.
"Relocated" by Margaret Fieland is a very different approach to the standard sci-fi concept of extra-planetary settlement. In this book, Terrans, reportedly from Earth, but with the disclaimer that everybody calls their home planet "Earth", maintain a military presence on Aleyne, where the residents look very much like black humans, with a couple very minor differences, and some very major ones. For example, the Aleyni are born with telepathic abilities. They can "read" or "hear" other people's thoughts and emotions.
14 year old Keth's father is transferred from Earth to Aleyne for some top secret work to sniff out the perpetrators of unrest amongst the humans toward the Aleyni. Naturally, like any other 14 year old boy, Keth does not want to uproot and leave all his friends behind... even it he doesn't have very many.
Keth is in for some big surprises on Aleyne. He learns his father was actually from there originally, and that he has a living grandfather with whom he will stay. He also learns he is part Aleyni, which explains why he always seemed to know what other people thought. But all is not "beer and skittles" for Keth.
Being half human and half Aleyni makes him a target for prejudice from both races, although the Aleyni tend to not hold any prejudices. His biggest critic is his own father, who does not want him growing up Aleyni. But as circumstances evolve, Keth finds himself falling in love with a young Aleyni girl, and learning a marketable Aleyni skill. Ultimately his future is determined by events beyond his control, but very much to his liking.
He does face some seriously heart-breaking situations, but following his progression from outsider to family makes for an interesting read. Definitely worthwhile to pick up this book.
"Relocated" by Margaret Fieland is a very different approach to the standard sci-fi concept of extra-planetary settlement. In this book, Terrans, reportedly from Earth, but with the disclaimer that everybody calls their home planet "Earth", maintain a military presence on Aleyne, where the residents look very much like black humans, with a couple very minor differences, and some very major ones. For example, the Aleyni are born with telepathic abilities. They can "read" or "hear" other people's thoughts and emotions.
14 year old Keth's father is transferred from Earth to Aleyne for some top secret work to sniff out the perpetrators of unrest amongst the humans toward the Aleyni. Naturally, like any other 14 year old boy, Keth does not want to uproot and leave all his friends behind... even it he doesn't have very many.
Keth is in for some big surprises on Aleyne. He learns his father was actually from there originally, and that he has a living grandfather with whom he will stay. He also learns he is part Aleyni, which explains why he always seemed to know what other people thought. But all is not "beer and skittles" for Keth.
Being half human and half Aleyni makes him a target for prejudice from both races, although the Aleyni tend to not hold any prejudices. His biggest critic is his own father, who does not want him growing up Aleyni. But as circumstances evolve, Keth finds himself falling in love with a young Aleyni girl, and learning a marketable Aleyni skill. Ultimately his future is determined by events beyond his control, but very much to his liking.
He does face some seriously heart-breaking situations, but following his progression from outsider to family makes for an interesting read. Definitely worthwhile to pick up this book.
July 24, 2013
If you like Ender’s Game, you’ll love Relocated
For me there is a fine line between good science fiction, the kind that has all the futuristic elements we sci fi fans love so much, and great science fiction. A great science fiction book has to engage me on a more emotional level. It still has to have all those futuristic elements, action and conflict, but I want to feel like the character rises above the setting and would keep me turning the pages even if he or she were pulled out of that story and dropped into another. Relocated by Margaret Fieland fits into “great science fiction” category for me. I knew from the first page that this was going to be a good read, she hooked me with the scene at the space port, making me want to learn more about this world of mind-reading aliens and the conflict between them and humans. Without shoving it in your face, Fieland’s novel addresses issues like racism, bullying, love and loss. Fourteen-year-old Keth is a character that will engage readers his age, but has a maturity and wisdom that kept me from becoming bored. Keth is uprooted from his life on Earth and moved by his dad to the planet Aleyne, where he learns his dad has been keeping secrets from him about his past and about Keth’s heritage. Keth begins to suffer from headaches and hear voices in his head, the first indication that he may not be 100% human. The information that his dad has withheld from him leads to conflict, and Keth finds a mentor in and Aleyne man who knew his father from way back. When the Alyne terrorist kidnap his father’s friend, Keth tries to rescue him and things get out of hand. Fieland escalates the conflict from page one on with a level of skill that any writer should envy. I can’t wait to read her next book (which I think just came out)!
For me there is a fine line between good science fiction, the kind that has all the futuristic elements we sci fi fans love so much, and great science fiction. A great science fiction book has to engage me on a more emotional level. It still has to have all those futuristic elements, action and conflict, but I want to feel like the character rises above the setting and would keep me turning the pages even if he or she were pulled out of that story and dropped into another. Relocated by Margaret Fieland fits into “great science fiction” category for me. I knew from the first page that this was going to be a good read, she hooked me with the scene at the space port, making me want to learn more about this world of mind-reading aliens and the conflict between them and humans. Without shoving it in your face, Fieland’s novel addresses issues like racism, bullying, love and loss. Fourteen-year-old Keth is a character that will engage readers his age, but has a maturity and wisdom that kept me from becoming bored. Keth is uprooted from his life on Earth and moved by his dad to the planet Aleyne, where he learns his dad has been keeping secrets from him about his past and about Keth’s heritage. Keth begins to suffer from headaches and hear voices in his head, the first indication that he may not be 100% human. The information that his dad has withheld from him leads to conflict, and Keth finds a mentor in and Aleyne man who knew his father from way back. When the Alyne terrorist kidnap his father’s friend, Keth tries to rescue him and things get out of hand. Fieland escalates the conflict from page one on with a level of skill that any writer should envy. I can’t wait to read her next book (which I think just came out)!
June 5, 2013
Relocated was a beautiful story that I really enjoyed reading. Although there are sporadic grammar issues, more towards the end, it didn’t take away too much. There were parts where I had to stop to figure out what was intended though.
My biggest complaint is that there just isn’t enough development through the characters. I wanted to see more between Martin & Keth. Also, when dramatic things happened, it wasn’t really cracked open enough. It was almost skimmed over. After the death of Keth’s father was the best attempt at cracking open a dramatic event, but I still wanted more.
Regardless of these minor issues, I really enjoyed the journey. I loved the nesting stories within as well and how they really tied together with the overall story. Considering this is Margaret Fieland’s first attempt at this genre, it was really well done. If she goes through with an editor and expands in some areas this book would definitely be better and a solid 5. Also, a new cover would be ideal. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this one really could have a more catchy one.
I loved the end of the book and how Keth was able to communicate with his dad through dreams. Again though, I would have enjoyed a little more detail before this event.
Another great aspect about this book is that it really makes you consider all of the social stigmas there are in life. What would life be like if we lived more like the "aliens". It had me thinking about the Native Americans and how we invaded their land and exiled them, as well as the racism that occurs within our culture still. The concept of homosexuality was touched on as well and done beautifully.
My biggest complaint is that there just isn’t enough development through the characters. I wanted to see more between Martin & Keth. Also, when dramatic things happened, it wasn’t really cracked open enough. It was almost skimmed over. After the death of Keth’s father was the best attempt at cracking open a dramatic event, but I still wanted more.
Regardless of these minor issues, I really enjoyed the journey. I loved the nesting stories within as well and how they really tied together with the overall story. Considering this is Margaret Fieland’s first attempt at this genre, it was really well done. If she goes through with an editor and expands in some areas this book would definitely be better and a solid 5. Also, a new cover would be ideal. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this one really could have a more catchy one.
I loved the end of the book and how Keth was able to communicate with his dad through dreams. Again though, I would have enjoyed a little more detail before this event.
Another great aspect about this book is that it really makes you consider all of the social stigmas there are in life. What would life be like if we lived more like the "aliens". It had me thinking about the Native Americans and how we invaded their land and exiled them, as well as the racism that occurs within our culture still. The concept of homosexuality was touched on as well and done beautifully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2013
I found 'Relocated' move of a book about a boys journey to find his identity, rather than a sci-fi. Keth learns more about his origins and who he is that he didn't know. Half Terra and half Aleyne
I found that only the surface was touched by the author about things that happened in the story. I would have loved to learn more about the Aleyne s and Terra. Plus, more about Keth being captured and how/why the Terra s hated the Aleyne so much. It was like whites against blacks. More detail in stuff would of been fantastic.
I did enjoy reading the book but found something was missing. I would recommend he book to middle schooling kids and think they would love it.
I found that only the surface was touched by the author about things that happened in the story. I would have loved to learn more about the Aleyne s and Terra. Plus, more about Keth being captured and how/why the Terra s hated the Aleyne so much. It was like whites against blacks. More detail in stuff would of been fantastic.
I did enjoy reading the book but found something was missing. I would recommend he book to middle schooling kids and think they would love it.
November 24, 2012
I was hesitant about starting Relocated after seeing the cover. It just didn't really appeal to me. But I jumped in and wow am I ever glad I did.
I loved this book.
Scenery descriptions in Relocated are amazing. They made me want to crawl inside the book to experience it, within the pages.
The characters were incredible. I really liked all of them.
Ardaval was definitely my favourite. I loved the relationship that developed between him and Keth.
I loved the tight knit nature of the Aleyne and their way of doing things.
A more hands off gentler approach. The more I read the more I really came to appreciate their people. (As well as their poetry)
I was actually sad to reach the end of Relocated. The ending really suited the book, yet I find myself curious about what happens with Keth and his new found life and family afterwards.
I would LOVE this book to open up to a series.
Relocated has a special kind of magic to it. It opens you up to a world you realize you are just not ready to leave when it's over.
I Googled the authors name with the words Relocated poetry and found there is a book of poetry mentioned /written in to Relocated.
Needless to say, it's on it's way to my mailbox.
I loved this book.
Scenery descriptions in Relocated are amazing. They made me want to crawl inside the book to experience it, within the pages.
The characters were incredible. I really liked all of them.
Ardaval was definitely my favourite. I loved the relationship that developed between him and Keth.
I loved the tight knit nature of the Aleyne and their way of doing things.
A more hands off gentler approach. The more I read the more I really came to appreciate their people. (As well as their poetry)
I was actually sad to reach the end of Relocated. The ending really suited the book, yet I find myself curious about what happens with Keth and his new found life and family afterwards.
I would LOVE this book to open up to a series.
Relocated has a special kind of magic to it. It opens you up to a world you realize you are just not ready to leave when it's over.
I Googled the authors name with the words Relocated poetry and found there is a book of poetry mentioned /written in to Relocated.
Needless to say, it's on it's way to my mailbox.
September 25, 2015
This is a delightful little science fiction story for readers of about 12 to 14 years of age. Tension is immediate, and keeps building. The created reality of the story is easy to fall into, and both boys and girls will readily identify with Keth.
As in all good writing, there are lessons: the love of beauty and creativity, respect and responsibility in using our abilities, and, above all, the stupidity of discrimination on the basis of group differences.
Keth is descended from both Terrans and the people of Aleyne. As such, he feels victimized, disliked and isolated in both cultures. This will speak to anyone who is a minority within a culture, and anyone who has empathy and compassion. And a person who starts with racist attitudes may well find them weakened through reading this story.
May that happen often.
As in all good writing, there are lessons: the love of beauty and creativity, respect and responsibility in using our abilities, and, above all, the stupidity of discrimination on the basis of group differences.
Keth is descended from both Terrans and the people of Aleyne. As such, he feels victimized, disliked and isolated in both cultures. This will speak to anyone who is a minority within a culture, and anyone who has empathy and compassion. And a person who starts with racist attitudes may well find them weakened through reading this story.
May that happen often.
July 24, 2016
This is my first venture into the world of sci-fi. Relocated may have been written for a younger reader, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Plot
Keth is uprooted and struggles to fit in. A typical teenager, he has battles with friends and family. Dad is trying to protect his son. Of course Keth rebells, what 16 year old doesn’t.
Overall Ms. Fieland does a wonderful job describing the characters and the scenery. Appropriate poetry is included along the way. I liked the first half of the book, but really enjoyed the second half.
Plot
Keth is uprooted and struggles to fit in. A typical teenager, he has battles with friends and family. Dad is trying to protect his son. Of course Keth rebells, what 16 year old doesn’t.
Overall Ms. Fieland does a wonderful job describing the characters and the scenery. Appropriate poetry is included along the way. I liked the first half of the book, but really enjoyed the second half.
May 1, 2015
This was a well-thought-out book that I think would be enjoyed by teen boys and girls. It is understated and thoughtful, and deals with family relationships, rather than being an action-packed dystopia that hits the reader over the head, and I found that very refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews