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The Alien Mind
The paperback version features black and white interior illustrations. See the Kindle Edition for full color interior illustrations!
A 4-8 grade novel, written to be enjoyed by all age groups!
Young Rivinaig shares her adventures and trials that began on that fateful day when a group of aliens called the Aruk abducted her and several other children. Another group of aliens called the Aunantet rescue the children and raise them as their own. Their new families teach them how to harness the full capacities of their brains, enabling them to defy the laws of physics and develop special mental abilities.
The past returns to haunt them as the Aruk plot revenge and make a bid to regain their control; the fate of the entire galaxy depends on whether the children can maintain their freedom.
A 4-8 grade novel, written to be enjoyed by all age groups!
Young Rivinaig shares her adventures and trials that began on that fateful day when a group of aliens called the Aruk abducted her and several other children. Another group of aliens called the Aunantet rescue the children and raise them as their own. Their new families teach them how to harness the full capacities of their brains, enabling them to defy the laws of physics and develop special mental abilities.
The past returns to haunt them as the Aruk plot revenge and make a bid to regain their control; the fate of the entire galaxy depends on whether the children can maintain their freedom.
- GenresScience Fiction
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2005
5 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Jennings
3 books67 followersWhen V.L. Jennings isn't traveling to other worlds through her imagination, she calls Dillon, South Carolina her home. She is the author of science fiction novels "The Alien Mind" (recipient of the Readers Favorite Five Star Review Award), and "Visionary From The Stars". She is also the illustrator for Wiggle Worm's Shape Adventures.
But what motivates Virginia to create, to illustrate, to prognosticate? Virginia is a speculator, the kind of person who always debates the "what if?" of where stories both true and fantastical are leading themselves to, which explains her love of post-apocalyptic fare such as "The Walking Dead." Through her writing, she enjoys trying to figure out what our human potential is, and where our innate desire for a better world could lead us.
Overall, Virginia is just about as real as a person can get. Yes, even authors love to sing along with their favorite local radio station while driving, and Virginia is no exception to this rule. She enjoys watching Doctor Who or Star Trek with her family over dinner, and also watching the latest sci-fi and action movies with her husband. On the weekends, you may even find Virginia and her family at the local comic book store, hunting down more comics to add to their collections.
V.L. Jennings spends her free time writing flash fiction on her blog and working towards her degree in Electronics Engineering. You can find out more about V.L. Jennings as well as join her newsletter at:
www.virginialorijennings.com
But what motivates Virginia to create, to illustrate, to prognosticate? Virginia is a speculator, the kind of person who always debates the "what if?" of where stories both true and fantastical are leading themselves to, which explains her love of post-apocalyptic fare such as "The Walking Dead." Through her writing, she enjoys trying to figure out what our human potential is, and where our innate desire for a better world could lead us.
Overall, Virginia is just about as real as a person can get. Yes, even authors love to sing along with their favorite local radio station while driving, and Virginia is no exception to this rule. She enjoys watching Doctor Who or Star Trek with her family over dinner, and also watching the latest sci-fi and action movies with her husband. On the weekends, you may even find Virginia and her family at the local comic book store, hunting down more comics to add to their collections.
V.L. Jennings spends her free time writing flash fiction on her blog and working towards her degree in Electronics Engineering. You can find out more about V.L. Jennings as well as join her newsletter at:
www.virginialorijennings.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 23, 2012
This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review.
“A group of aliens, calling themselves the Aruk, defied their home planet's government and
launched an attack on earth. In the dark of night they appeared into various houses in various towns all over the Earth. The Aruk attacked the Earth families in their homes and then kidnapped 150 children.”
The children are taught by the aliens how to use more of their brain capacity and to manifest psychic powers like telekinesis. The good aliens are from Aun, the Aunantet. Rivi can link her brain to a computer. Sarah Ernestine aka Rivinaig goes back to Earth and goes to middle school.
“You expect me to believe that you were kidnapped by aliens at the age of four. Were raised by them. Were taught how to do things using a separate part of your mind. That you've been living with aliens on an alien planet, and have only just arrived here two days ago?"
Rivi befriends a boy who is being bullied and tries to teach him to be more assertive.
This is a quick, entertaining read and I liked it a lot. Rivi's superpowers are really cool and I liked how she taught Dan to be confident.
This book is set in the near future and I thought it was a bit weird that no one seemed too upset knowing there were aliens out there and that Rivi has superpowers. She goes to meet with the U.S. President and she is treated very nicely. Typically in movies now a days, aliens are taken to Roswell and autopsied. And people who have psychic abilities are imprisoned somewhere, treated unkindly and experimented on. No one seems too terribly afraid or threatened by Rivi.
The bad aliens, the Aruk capture Rivi and Dan and torture them.
I thought it was strange that the aliens called Rivi and Dan by their Personal Pin Numbers from school. The book ends with the Aruk planning nefarious things and Rivi and Dan deciding to stop them by recruiting other children. Apparently only children have the ability to open up the unused portions of their brains.
I thought this story was really interesting and it had a lot of potential. I felt at times that the plot was scattering in several directions and I was getting a bit lost. I thought the writing was really good and uncomplicated enough to be enjoyed by 4 – 8 grade readers. I thought at times the story could have been polished a bit more to be stronger. I didn't become as connected to the characters as I would like. There was some scary parts that was drawing me in which I thought could have been expanded upon. All in all I did enjoy it and felt that it was quick light read. 3.5 stars.
“A group of aliens, calling themselves the Aruk, defied their home planet's government and
launched an attack on earth. In the dark of night they appeared into various houses in various towns all over the Earth. The Aruk attacked the Earth families in their homes and then kidnapped 150 children.”
The children are taught by the aliens how to use more of their brain capacity and to manifest psychic powers like telekinesis. The good aliens are from Aun, the Aunantet. Rivi can link her brain to a computer. Sarah Ernestine aka Rivinaig goes back to Earth and goes to middle school.
“You expect me to believe that you were kidnapped by aliens at the age of four. Were raised by them. Were taught how to do things using a separate part of your mind. That you've been living with aliens on an alien planet, and have only just arrived here two days ago?"
Rivi befriends a boy who is being bullied and tries to teach him to be more assertive.
This is a quick, entertaining read and I liked it a lot. Rivi's superpowers are really cool and I liked how she taught Dan to be confident.
This book is set in the near future and I thought it was a bit weird that no one seemed too upset knowing there were aliens out there and that Rivi has superpowers. She goes to meet with the U.S. President and she is treated very nicely. Typically in movies now a days, aliens are taken to Roswell and autopsied. And people who have psychic abilities are imprisoned somewhere, treated unkindly and experimented on. No one seems too terribly afraid or threatened by Rivi.
The bad aliens, the Aruk capture Rivi and Dan and torture them.
I thought it was strange that the aliens called Rivi and Dan by their Personal Pin Numbers from school. The book ends with the Aruk planning nefarious things and Rivi and Dan deciding to stop them by recruiting other children. Apparently only children have the ability to open up the unused portions of their brains.
I thought this story was really interesting and it had a lot of potential. I felt at times that the plot was scattering in several directions and I was getting a bit lost. I thought the writing was really good and uncomplicated enough to be enjoyed by 4 – 8 grade readers. I thought at times the story could have been polished a bit more to be stronger. I didn't become as connected to the characters as I would like. There was some scary parts that was drawing me in which I thought could have been expanded upon. All in all I did enjoy it and felt that it was quick light read. 3.5 stars.
January 6, 2014
A middle grade science fiction novel, Virginia Jennings’ The Alien Mind blends ideas from Superman, X-Men and the 4400 with (sometimes confusing) hints of science, a nicely imagined fourth dimension, and the (idealistic) joys of American freedom, all in a set-piece type sci-fi novel.
Protagonist Rivi is a teenage girl abducted as a small child by aliens, rescued by other aliens, and ready, at last, to reveal herself to the United States. She and her friends have superpowers, but her friends are on the run through the interstellar void. And the bad guys have evil schemes in mind.
Such phrases as “think outside the hypercube” offer glimpses of alien mindsets, while recollections of equations from basic physics interpose themselves in descriptions of an attack by enemy forces. Magical space-bending computers, mystical mind-bending powers, and a lonely boy who might become a true friend, all combine into a complex tale that rushes from alien dinner-table to torture chamber, to high school, to presidential audience and beyond. Some editing glitches might annoy some readers, and the slow set-up could be a problem. But the powers of children (so sadly lost at adulthood) are nicely drawn, and offer a beacon of hope and a future to more than one world.
With wise lessons in standing up for yourself, being true to yourself, and understanding your enemies, this is an interesting science fiction tale that covers lots of ground (and space, and inner space), and satisfies that longing of every child to be “more.”
Disclosure: I won an ecopy of this novel in an online event and promised to read and review it.
Protagonist Rivi is a teenage girl abducted as a small child by aliens, rescued by other aliens, and ready, at last, to reveal herself to the United States. She and her friends have superpowers, but her friends are on the run through the interstellar void. And the bad guys have evil schemes in mind.
Such phrases as “think outside the hypercube” offer glimpses of alien mindsets, while recollections of equations from basic physics interpose themselves in descriptions of an attack by enemy forces. Magical space-bending computers, mystical mind-bending powers, and a lonely boy who might become a true friend, all combine into a complex tale that rushes from alien dinner-table to torture chamber, to high school, to presidential audience and beyond. Some editing glitches might annoy some readers, and the slow set-up could be a problem. But the powers of children (so sadly lost at adulthood) are nicely drawn, and offer a beacon of hope and a future to more than one world.
With wise lessons in standing up for yourself, being true to yourself, and understanding your enemies, this is an interesting science fiction tale that covers lots of ground (and space, and inner space), and satisfies that longing of every child to be “more.”
Disclosure: I won an ecopy of this novel in an online event and promised to read and review it.
May 25, 2013
This is a cute story I was given by the author to review. I think the target audience is more for 4th-8th grade, but I still enjoyed it. It was a light read, but with plenty of depth and background to make it a really good story. Rivi is a 14 year old girl who as a young girl was kidnapped by aliens, along with 149 other kids and babies, tortured to see how much they could handled, and then eventually rescued by another group of aliens where they were taken in and given families. They were taught the human/earth ways, as well as the ways of the aliens, and taught to use more of their brains than humans normally do. Learning to use tall of their brains, the children developed abilities to connect with computers, heal, change the molecular structure of things to make them bigger or smaller or completely different, just to name a few. After an attack from the original kidnapping aliens, the children are sent off to safety, except for Rivi, who escapes back to earth, where knowledge of the aliens becomes known to all and a whole new adventure begins.
December 6, 2012
An Uplifting Adventure!!
The Alien Mind, by Virginia Jennings is an charming novel very appropriate for the 3rd to 8th grade markets. A young girl named Rivinaig, Rivi for short, and 150 other young children were kidnapped by a rebel faction of an alien race called the Aruk. The Aunantet, another group of aliens rescue them, raise them as their own, and teach them to use the hidden powers of their minds. The major events in the story follows the then 14 year old Rivi's adventures after she is returns to Earth. The story is well written and appropriate for the 4-8 grade age group. It is a uplifting adventure that focuses upon the principle that you have not really lost until you give up. The two main characters, Rivi and Daniel, struggle against the odds to save the galaxy from the plans of the evil Aruk with persistence and determination. I highly recommend the book and plan to read the sequels as they are published.
The Alien Mind, by Virginia Jennings is an charming novel very appropriate for the 3rd to 8th grade markets. A young girl named Rivinaig, Rivi for short, and 150 other young children were kidnapped by a rebel faction of an alien race called the Aruk. The Aunantet, another group of aliens rescue them, raise them as their own, and teach them to use the hidden powers of their minds. The major events in the story follows the then 14 year old Rivi's adventures after she is returns to Earth. The story is well written and appropriate for the 4-8 grade age group. It is a uplifting adventure that focuses upon the principle that you have not really lost until you give up. The two main characters, Rivi and Daniel, struggle against the odds to save the galaxy from the plans of the evil Aruk with persistence and determination. I highly recommend the book and plan to read the sequels as they are published.
November 26, 2014
THE ALIEN MIND is the sort of book that exhibits the highest potential of two genres: the childrens'/young adult novel and the science fiction novel. It offers a portrait of a believable young protagonist, along with other characters, both child and adult, who we come to care about. Yes, it does deal with an alien-invasion scenario familiar to lovers of the science fiction genre, but one thing about being an SF fan is enjoying these themes while also embracing their variations. No one could ever accuse VL Jennings of being unoriginal or of just phoning it in. Her characters are full of their own life, her situations are gripping, and her command of action and the flow of storytelling are both simply stellar.
I would advise you that if you consider yourself a fan of science fiction and have not introduced yourself to the work of V.L. Jennings, your universe is missing several worlds that will add depth and enjoyment to your life as a reader--and to your childrens' lives as well.
I would advise you that if you consider yourself a fan of science fiction and have not introduced yourself to the work of V.L. Jennings, your universe is missing several worlds that will add depth and enjoyment to your life as a reader--and to your childrens' lives as well.
January 17, 2013
This is definitely a book I want to share with my grand kids. I am one of those kind of people who read a few pages of a book before I head to the checkout counter to buy it. Suck me into a story in the first few pages and I am more likely than not to buy the book. I saw another review that mentioned that this is a movie in text and I have to agree. This would really make for a cute animated movie for kids. I hope lots of people buy this book and help put it up there in the top ranking so Virginia gets noticed and maybe just maybe, she gets offered a movie deal for the story. Thanks Virginia for a fun story about aliens.
December 16, 2012
As a young adult science fiction work this book is an excellent starter for readers beginning to exercise new skills. The plot follows the journey of a child who was raised by aliens and reintroduced to earth as a way of safeguarding her from attack. Young readers will enjoy Rivi sticking it to bullies, using her mind to shape her world and facing her fears to do what is right.
I enjoyed reading The Alien Mind and I would recommend it as a great choice for young people beginning to read on their own.
I enjoyed reading The Alien Mind and I would recommend it as a great choice for young people beginning to read on their own.
January 2, 2018
Jennings is an incredible scientist. I'm not. I love her book Alien Mind and the audience it's meant for. She doesn't mess around with the science, and though she lost me, I'm sure there are some young active minds that will love this!
March 21, 2013
This is an imaginative science fiction story for the young and young-at-heart. Virginia Jennings takes the reader to amazing places in cyberspace and the universe.
April 15, 2018
While this book is aimed at a younger audience, it still provides an interesting read for other fans of science fiction with a well-realised world and likable characters.
The main character in this book is a young girl called Rivinaig (Rivi for short) who is part of a small group of 150 children who were abducted by an alien race known as the Aruk before being later rescued by another alien race who were unable to return them to Earth at that time and instead adopted and raised them, during which time these children began to develop a wide range of extra powers by harnessing more of their brains' power.
After the Aruk return Rivi ends up returning to Earth, where she befriends boy named Dan, but this normal life does not last very long for either of them and both of them end up returning to space in order to help the other abductees.
The author gave a good performance of this book with his narration, nicely enhancing the writing.
Overall, I found this a quick and enjoyable blast of scifi from an author that was unfamiliar to me, but one I will look out for in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
The main character in this book is a young girl called Rivinaig (Rivi for short) who is part of a small group of 150 children who were abducted by an alien race known as the Aruk before being later rescued by another alien race who were unable to return them to Earth at that time and instead adopted and raised them, during which time these children began to develop a wide range of extra powers by harnessing more of their brains' power.
After the Aruk return Rivi ends up returning to Earth, where she befriends boy named Dan, but this normal life does not last very long for either of them and both of them end up returning to space in order to help the other abductees.
The author gave a good performance of this book with his narration, nicely enhancing the writing.
Overall, I found this a quick and enjoyable blast of scifi from an author that was unfamiliar to me, but one I will look out for in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 6, 2017
Even though this is a book written for a younger audience I was still able to enjoy it. I'm well into my twenty's now and I still found this book very interesting. I was iffy at first but I stuck through it until the end and I'm glad I did.
April 6, 2014
This is a sci-fi story that is family friendly. While the target audience is nine through twelve, the plot and characters are developed enough to be enjoyed by young adult and adult fans of science fiction. There is a nice mix of science, moral lessons, adventure and time travel. I read the black and white paperback version of this book that is also available in a Kindle version with color photographs. No doubt that would make the book even more appealing for middle grade readers.
An alien group known as the Aruk attacked a secret government agency on Earth. They captured and tortured one hundred fifty children. Later on these children were rescued by another race of aliens known as the Aunanet, who taught them the best knowledge of both civilizations. The Aunanet assisted the most gifted to become computer mind experts or healers. These people could travel through time dimensions and had the power to use parts of the brain that humans could only dream about. The Aruk had never given up in their attempt to find these children, and the beginning of the story finds the Aunanet civilization and the children they protected under attack.
Rivi, our protagonist, is the oldest of these children at age fourteen. After the attack she finds her way back to Earth. There she meets an orphan boy named Daniel, who becomes her protege. Her saga will include lessons on how to deal with bullying and teaching lessons of compassion in the process. She will meet the President of the United States, endure further torture by the aliens, and be forced to make life and death decisions in one crisis after another. All the while she is tormented by nightmares from her past, the desire to uncover her Earthly parents, and a fierce loyalty to her adopted parents and alien culture.
Will Riva succeed in ridding herself of her difficult childhood memories, and how will she adjust to whatever world she chooses to live in? This book is highly recommended for lovers of sci-fi, adventure and those who love plots filled with moral dilemmas. Recommended for tweens, teens and adults who like to think what if?
An alien group known as the Aruk attacked a secret government agency on Earth. They captured and tortured one hundred fifty children. Later on these children were rescued by another race of aliens known as the Aunanet, who taught them the best knowledge of both civilizations. The Aunanet assisted the most gifted to become computer mind experts or healers. These people could travel through time dimensions and had the power to use parts of the brain that humans could only dream about. The Aruk had never given up in their attempt to find these children, and the beginning of the story finds the Aunanet civilization and the children they protected under attack.
Rivi, our protagonist, is the oldest of these children at age fourteen. After the attack she finds her way back to Earth. There she meets an orphan boy named Daniel, who becomes her protege. Her saga will include lessons on how to deal with bullying and teaching lessons of compassion in the process. She will meet the President of the United States, endure further torture by the aliens, and be forced to make life and death decisions in one crisis after another. All the while she is tormented by nightmares from her past, the desire to uncover her Earthly parents, and a fierce loyalty to her adopted parents and alien culture.
Will Riva succeed in ridding herself of her difficult childhood memories, and how will she adjust to whatever world she chooses to live in? This book is highly recommended for lovers of sci-fi, adventure and those who love plots filled with moral dilemmas. Recommended for tweens, teens and adults who like to think what if?
April 27, 2013
An amazing, interesting, intriguing, and unique story! I enjoyed it, as I'm sure many others will, but must say it needs proper editing. If you can get past an overuse of ellipses, random typos/misspellings, and other small technical errors like that, I highly recommend this clean read to any who enjoy a good interplanetary adventure. (Mostly for young adults and kids though, I feel.)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews