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Katherine "Kitty" Katt #13
Camp Alien
The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don't get any downtime once the Mastermind has been revealed to the world. Not only do they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.
The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It's clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place - and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.
Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty's marriage are nothing compared to find not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.
But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something's wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don't make it, Earth won't make it, either.
But no pressure.
The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It's clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place - and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.
Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty's marriage are nothing compared to find not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.
But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something's wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don't make it, Earth won't make it, either.
But no pressure.
598 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
40 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Gini Koch
80 books911 followersGini Koch lives in Phoenix, Arizona and writes the bestselling fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series. Alien in the House, Book 7 in her long-running Alien series, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award as the Best Futuristic Romance of 2013. Book 14, Alien Nation, won the Preditors and Editors Reader's Choice Award for Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel of 2016. Alien Education releases May 2, 2017, and DAW Books has just contracted through Book 20 in the Alien series.
As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series and she’s made the most of multiple personality disorder by writing under a variety of other pen names as well, including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch.
In addition to her upcoming Alien Series releases, she has stories featured in a variety of anthologies available now and coming soon, writing as Gini Koch, Anita Ensal, J.C. Koch, and Jemma Chase. Writing as A.E. Stanton she will have an audiobook release in 2017, Natural Born Outlaws (The Legend of Belladonna Part 1) coming from Graphic Audio.
For full details on all releases, all the news about Gini's books, signings, events, excerpts, and more, visit her website: http://www.ginikoch.com.
As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series and she’s made the most of multiple personality disorder by writing under a variety of other pen names as well, including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch.
In addition to her upcoming Alien Series releases, she has stories featured in a variety of anthologies available now and coming soon, writing as Gini Koch, Anita Ensal, J.C. Koch, and Jemma Chase. Writing as A.E. Stanton she will have an audiobook release in 2017, Natural Born Outlaws (The Legend of Belladonna Part 1) coming from Graphic Audio.
For full details on all releases, all the news about Gini's books, signings, events, excerpts, and more, visit her website: http://www.ginikoch.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 2, 2016
Even with thirteen books in the series, Gini Koch manages to make CAMP ALIEN bigger and better than ever. If you’re new to this series, then I highly suggest reading the series in order. But if the sheer number and size of these books intimidates you, I still think you can pick this book up and find it enjoyable.
Koch gives a very brief, but necessary recap of what happened in the last book. Jeff is now President of the United States, which makes Kitty the First Lady. Although they have faced off with the Mastermind, he has also escaped with even of his men, leaving Kitty and the crew cursing their luck. The early parts of this book is Jeff rearranging things in the White House, making necessary changes that he thinks will benefit them all and hopefully prevent any further attacks.
What I love about this series is the fact that anything is possible. Who would’ve thought that the Kitty from the first book in the series would end up here? So much has happened in this series and yet every book is as unique and refreshing as the first. With Kitty’s upbeat narration, there’s never a dull moment in this story. And even though the book is heavily convoluted with politics, I still found it easy to follow along. To have this much politics but still maintain that same lightness to the series is hard to do and that’s why Gini Koch deserves some kind of award. Hell, vote Gini for President! What she has done here is truly entertaining.
Fans of Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires series would enjoy this series. Both these series place a greater emphasis on the world and its politics so if you’re in the mood for something different and that’s not your typical Sci Fi or Urban Fantasy read, then you need to meet Koch’s kickass Kitty!
February 1, 2018
This is yet another awesome addition to the series.
Just when you think that things will get easier to follow, now that the Mastermind is finally known, lots of new baddies turn up with evil plans of their own.
I was at the edge of my seat, wanting to know if Kitty would find her missing friends and survive being First Lady.
The events in this book take Kitty to new and cool locations. There's lots of action, conspiracies, and misunderstandings. As always you have to keep paying attention so you don't miss the clues to figure out what's going on and why. New characters are introduced, and old favorites keep being awesome. All in all a roller coast ride as only Koch can deliver.
So once again: if you still haven't started on this series, what are you waiting for?! And if you are reading this series: Go get your hands on this as soon as it releases!
Just when you think that things will get easier to follow, now that the Mastermind is finally known, lots of new baddies turn up with evil plans of their own.
I was at the edge of my seat, wanting to know if Kitty would find her missing friends and survive being First Lady.
The events in this book take Kitty to new and cool locations. There's lots of action, conspiracies, and misunderstandings. As always you have to keep paying attention so you don't miss the clues to figure out what's going on and why. New characters are introduced, and old favorites keep being awesome. All in all a roller coast ride as only Koch can deliver.
So once again: if you still haven't started on this series, what are you waiting for?! And if you are reading this series: Go get your hands on this as soon as it releases!
January 10, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: More androids, more rescues, more kidnappings, and so much more!
Opening Sentence: “There’s an old adage – be careful what you wish for.”
The Review:
Kitty is back as the First Lady this time. Since the Mastermind’s plan was spoiled, but not before it killed the President, making Jeff the new President, things are more than a little hectic. Especially since the Mastermind was unveiled on national TV. As always, Kitty gets a call from the enemy, but this time she figures out who it is, Gustav Drax, and he is the one who kidnapped the flyboys. However, he lets them know that Kendrick has taken the helicarrier and the flyboys.
Shortly after they find out all of that, Kitty stumbles across a Kitty-bot that has an urgent message for Vice-President Jeff. Kitty quickly realizes that the Kitty-bot has been at Camp David and unaware of what has happened to the former President. They figure out that she was programmed to blow up at the peace talks. Kitty and the others quickly deactivate her and add it to the growing list of crazy things going on.
Jeff has to get the Camp David peace talks back on track, and Kitty is busy hunting down the missing flyboys. Kitty also had to dodge kidnapping attempts from multiple Kendrick bots. Will they be able to make peace between Israel and Iraq? Will Kitty find the missing flyboys? Will Jeff and Kitty make it through this one?
Kitty and Jeff have two kids now, and Jeff is the President. I am not sure this really dealt with that too much, I mean the peace talks were a part of it, but mostly it was about finding the flyboys. And more androids. Lots of androids. However, Kitty handles things as normal with a lot of butt kicking and quick wit.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. This series has been hit or miss for me. I have enjoyed several books, and a couple just left me going. Now nearing the end, I can say I can see why people love them, they are filled with a number of things that I enjoy. A quick-witted female lead, hijinks, great romance, and some pretty amazing backup characters. My biggest complaints are the books are too long, filled with too much going on, and sometimes the plot is downright silly.
I feel like I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone in this series. I was hoping to love them, but while that didn’t happen, I did enjoy them. I laughed out loud at points and was brought to tears at others. So if aliens are your thing, especially in a more urban fantasy feel instead of science fiction, then I heartily recommend you check out this series.
Notable Scene:
“So the time passed in a rather conventional manner. No one tried to run us off the road, shoot at us, bomb us, or kidnap us. Was texting with people in various cars in the convoy, and everyone reported it was all work and serene driving. Had a glimmer of hope that this would end up being a really boring camping trip combining work and awkward small talk and Poof juggling that I’d have to explains as a magic trick.”
FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of Camp Alien. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: More androids, more rescues, more kidnappings, and so much more!
Opening Sentence: “There’s an old adage – be careful what you wish for.”
The Review:
Kitty is back as the First Lady this time. Since the Mastermind’s plan was spoiled, but not before it killed the President, making Jeff the new President, things are more than a little hectic. Especially since the Mastermind was unveiled on national TV. As always, Kitty gets a call from the enemy, but this time she figures out who it is, Gustav Drax, and he is the one who kidnapped the flyboys. However, he lets them know that Kendrick has taken the helicarrier and the flyboys.
Shortly after they find out all of that, Kitty stumbles across a Kitty-bot that has an urgent message for Vice-President Jeff. Kitty quickly realizes that the Kitty-bot has been at Camp David and unaware of what has happened to the former President. They figure out that she was programmed to blow up at the peace talks. Kitty and the others quickly deactivate her and add it to the growing list of crazy things going on.
Jeff has to get the Camp David peace talks back on track, and Kitty is busy hunting down the missing flyboys. Kitty also had to dodge kidnapping attempts from multiple Kendrick bots. Will they be able to make peace between Israel and Iraq? Will Kitty find the missing flyboys? Will Jeff and Kitty make it through this one?
Kitty and Jeff have two kids now, and Jeff is the President. I am not sure this really dealt with that too much, I mean the peace talks were a part of it, but mostly it was about finding the flyboys. And more androids. Lots of androids. However, Kitty handles things as normal with a lot of butt kicking and quick wit.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. This series has been hit or miss for me. I have enjoyed several books, and a couple just left me going. Now nearing the end, I can say I can see why people love them, they are filled with a number of things that I enjoy. A quick-witted female lead, hijinks, great romance, and some pretty amazing backup characters. My biggest complaints are the books are too long, filled with too much going on, and sometimes the plot is downright silly.
I feel like I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone in this series. I was hoping to love them, but while that didn’t happen, I did enjoy them. I laughed out loud at points and was brought to tears at others. So if aliens are your thing, especially in a more urban fantasy feel instead of science fiction, then I heartily recommend you check out this series.
Notable Scene:
“So the time passed in a rather conventional manner. No one tried to run us off the road, shoot at us, bomb us, or kidnap us. Was texting with people in various cars in the convoy, and everyone reported it was all work and serene driving. Had a glimmer of hope that this would end up being a really boring camping trip combining work and awkward small talk and Poof juggling that I’d have to explains as a magic trick.”
FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of Camp Alien. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
December 4, 2017
Thirteenth in the Katherine "Kitty" Katt hilarious science fiction urban fantasy series and revolving around Kitty Katt-Martini and her friends and family.
While you can read this as a standalone, it does rely more on your having read the past installments, as Koch leaves out details about some of the characters. And lord knows she sure does reference past events a lot.
My Take
Oh lord, it’s a superhero comic in text form with the biggest group of family-friends…most of whom are not fully human. In this installment, Camp Alien is mostly a clean-up of the aftermath of Alien in Chief , 12, in which Jeff becomes president. And Jeff and Kitty have a ton of offices to fill.
Then there’s Gustav Drax. Yep, I can see how Kitty figures him out. He’s pretty clueless about earth culture, lol. Actually, stupid wouldn’t be a bad word to use.
There are snafus, screw-ups that could easily lead to divorce!, kidnappings, battles, a hidden black site, rescues, and escapes galore as the characters try to bring order to: Jeff succeeding to the presidency, security trying to corral Kitty and her impetuous actions, dealing with the multiple groups of bad guys with their particular agendas — including frightening the guys to death!, the clones and androids who are messing with everyone, finding the missing agents, and stopping the ultimate plot.
The first three-quarters of the story is all about love and caring for others…check out that Kitty trying to talk Kendroid into overcoming his programming!…with a side theme of creating for the sake of creating. Well, okay, add in a side of megalomania as well.
Then the last quarter is actually the lead-up to Alien Nation , 14. It's totally crazy with some way-out battles against rapidly reproducing monsters, androids, and Fem-bots, hot to kill and rile up the Middle East. The end result is quite useful, lol.
Hmmm, delicate freakin flower? I think Koch is reading Eve Langlais, *more laughter*.
And it’s all first-person protagonist point-of-view from Kitty’s perspective — all the better to get a peek into how that girl thinks! ROFLMAO!!
The Story
The President and First Lady, a.k.a., Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don't get any downtime, for they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.
New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It's clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place — and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.
But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, a hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don't make it, Earth won't make it, either.
But no pressure.
The Characters
Yes, it's a long, long list that Koch keeps adding to in every story! Sometimes it's the only way I can keep track of who's who and what they're up to...or what their superpower is. And if you want to read the full list, you'll have to check out my review on KD Did It, as Goodreads limits the number of characters a review can have.
The super-charged Katherine "Kitty" Katt-Martini is now the First Lady and married to now-President Jeff Martini, an Alpha-Centauri (A-C) alien who is the strongest empath in the galaxy and, ahem, born in America. Kitty also has a Doctor Doolittle-type talent that their daughter, Jamie Katt — with her own superpowers, may have inherited. Jamie is also the vessel for ACE. Charlie is their seven-month-old son with some impressive telekinetic powers.
Angela Katt is Kitty’s mother and the head of the Presidential Terrorism Control Unit (PTCU). Malcolm Buchanan, a.k.a., Dr. Strange, was assigned to protect Kitty and Jamie and is put in charge of all White House security. Killer is Buchanan’s Poof. Kevin Lewis is Angela’s second-in-command. General Mortimer Katt, Kitty’s uncle, gets a promotion to four-star general.
The critters include…
…Poofs are cute little fuzzy critters from the Black Hole Universe who go large-and-in-charge to protect the person to whom they become attached. Peregrines are Alpha Four animals who look like peacocks and peahens and are excellent in stealth mode due to their chameleon abilities; they make excellent bodyguards. Bruno is Kitty’s peregrine. Poofikins is her Poof while Harlie, the head Poof, and Murphy are both attached to Jeff. Razzle, Dazzle, Foo, and Fighter are the flyboys’ Poofs. Mork and Mindy are Charlie’s peregrines.
Alpha-Centaurions (A-C) on earth
Richard White is Christopher’s dad and the former Supreme Pontifex of the Earth A-Cs. He will become the public relations minister, taking over from Rajnish. Naomi Gower-Reynolds had been married to Chuckie, but sacrificed herself and became a superconsciousness. Alfred and Lucinda are Jeff’s parents and became Christopher’s second set when his mother died.
Centaurion Division encompasses…
…various departments for the A-Cs including Airborne Command, Alpha Team, Field, and the A-C CIA. The Dulce Science Center is the main base for all of Centaurion Division worldwide. Paul Gower is the Supreme Pontifex, the religious leader of the A-Cs. William Ward, Walter’s brother, is head of all A-C security on earth.
Airborne Command is a squad of Navy Top Guns assigned to A-C defense headed up by Tim Crawford, a.k.a., Megalomaniac Lad. The other flyboys include Jerry Tucker, Matt Hughes, Chip Walker, Joe Billings, and Randy Muir. Former model James Reader is the head of Field and Alpha Team — and Kitty’s other best guy friend; he is married to Paul Gower. A-C Captains Lorraine and Claudia are married to Joe and Randy, respectively. Ross is Lorraine and Joe’s son; Sean is Claudia and Randy’s. Jeremy Barone (empath) and Jennifer Barone-Gaekwad (imageer) are a brother-sister team. Serene Dwyer is head of Imageering and the covert A-C CIA and a closet troubadour as well as a strong imageer (right after Christopher). She’s married to Brian Dwyer, a human astronaut, and they have a son, Patrick. Rajnish Singh, a troubadour, is Serene’s second-in-command in the secret A-C CIA and will become chief of staff at the White House. Camilla is a deep cover agent. Tevvik is good at determining organic from machine. Missing agents include Daniel and Marcus (empaths) and Joshua and Lucas (both imageers).
Alpha Centauri Embassy
Doreen Coleman-Weisman is the ambassador. Walter Ward is head of Security at the Embassy and will move over to the White House. His job will be taken by Melissa “Missy” Gunnels. Christopher White, Glaring Champion of the World and married to Amy Gaultier, is Jeff’s cousin. They just had a baby, Becky. He’ll stay on as the chargé d’affaires and Primary, and be the main point-of-contact with the Planetary Council. Abigail Gower and Mahin Sherazi, an Earth Bender hybrid A-C/human, are the cultural attachées. Nurse Magdalena Carter has medical training and is dating Richard. Denise Lewis, a human, is as gorgeous as her husband, Kevin, and runs the Embassy School and Daycare Center. Raymond and Rachel are their equally gorgeous kids. Pierre is the incredibly efficient concierge majordomo. Hacker International is based inside the embassy.
The White House
Antoinette Reilly is the chief usher and the head of the household staff. Chef is refusing to make Alpha Four’s boiled tapeworms. Dr. Tito Hernandez will be the in-house doctor. Evalyne is the head of Kitty’s Secret Service detail with Phoebe as her second-in-command. Len Parker and Kyle Constantine have been Kitty’s personal security squad since Alien in the Family , 3; Manfred, a troubadour, is the head of her A-C security. Joseph is the head of Jeff’s Secret Service detail. Nadine will be nanny to the kids. Colette becomes press secretary. Nancy Maurer will be Kitty’s social secretary; Cameron is Nancy's son. Her grandchildren are Chase and Cassidy. Melanie and Emily are Lorraine and Claudia’s A-C mothers and part of the White House medical staff. Missing Secret Service agents include Keith and Devon Jones.
Elaine Armstrong, the widow of the president, becomes the secretary of state. Senator Don McMillan is the senior senator from Arizona, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, a good friend, and an honest politician. His wife is Kelly. Nathalie Gagnon-Brewer is a good friend who took her husband’s seat as the representative from California and will become secretary of transportation. Benjamin Vrabel Siler will become defense attaché. Lizzie, a.k.a., Quick Girl to Kitty and Comet to the Secret Service, is Benjamin's adopted daughter who needs protection. Fritz Hochberg is secretary of defense and will become the vice-president. Vance will become Kitty’s chief of staff.
Camp David is…
…a more casual presidential retreat, formally known as Naval Support Facility Thurmont. Prime Minister Eitan Harpaz is representing the Israelis. Faiz Samara is the Iraqi president. The Samarapus is a superbeing and has more tentacles than an octopus — all poisonous.
The alphabet agencies and military include…
…the brilliant Charles Reynolds, a.k.a., Secret Agent Man, as the head of the Extra-Terrestrial Division at CIA and has been Kitty’s best friend since ninth grade. He’ll become the head of CIA. Tom Curran is the director of the FBI while Evander “Vander” Horn is director of Alien Affairs.
Colonel Marvin Hamlin will become the Secretary of Homeland Security and be promoted to brigadier general. Colonel Arthur Franklin is in charge of Andrews Air Force Base. Captain Gil Morgan is Franklin’s adjunct.
Additional allies include…
…Jakob, Oren, and Leah are friends and Mossad agents attached to the Israeli embassy. Mister Joel Oliver used to be derided for his alien articles until the A-Cs were exposed to the world. He’s been one of their friends ever since with a lot of clout in the news world. Bruce Jenkins, an influential reporter, joined the “team” in Alien Collective , 9. Lillian Culver is the head lobbyist for the weapons industry. Guy Gadoire is the same for tobacco. Vance Beaumont is his husband. Talia Lee is head lobbyist for the firearms lobby and a forever best friend to the National Rifle Association; she wants Lizzie’s head. The wife of Andrei Dalca, the Romanian ambassador, is Olga, a.k.a., the Oracle, a former KGB operative who is teaching her granddaughter, Adriana Dalca, to spy using the old tried-and-true methods: intelligence.
The Aliens
The Planetary Council represents the planets in the Alpha Centauri system, including Alpha Four. Emperor Alexander is the king of Alpha Four and emperor of the entire system and Jeff’s and Christopher’s cousin. Rohini is the Planetary Team spokesbird. Musgraff, a.k.a., King Benny, is a giant walking otter from Beta Eight ( Alien Separation ). Queen Renata from Beta Twelve will be Tito’s mother-in-law. Her daughters, the Princesses Rahmi (she’s Tito’s fiancée) and Rhee, are missing.
The Ancients are…
…an ancient humanoid race of shape-shifters. Rudolph “John” Wruck has turned out to be an Ancient ( Alien in Chief , 12).
The Black Hole Universe is…
…where Algar is from. A dwarf, he's on the run from his people and is the Operations Team, a.k.a., the Elves, who keeps all the A-C bases and the embassy supplied.
Enemies
The Mastermind is…
…a role that has experienced a succession of bad guys. Trevor, a.k.a., the Tinkerer, is incredibly, incredibly talented at science, math, and creation and had been Ronald Yates’ adjunct who left. Madeleine Siler Cartwright had been a Mastermind and was followed in the role by Clifford Goodman. The Apprentices were all trying out to become the Mastermind. The Crazy Eights escaped prison and are conspiring with Cliff Goodman, although there aren’t eight any more…bwah-ha-ha… “Kendroid” is a special android created by Stephanie as a substitute for what she really wants. The Forest Haven Insane Asylum had been shut down and is a cover.
Stephanie Martini is Jeff and Christopher’s cousin. TCC is the Clarence clone brought back to earth in Alien Separation .
Gustav Drax is a Vata from Vatusus and the youngest (out of 21 kids) of the Potentate, the planet’s ruler.
LaRue Demorte Gaultier, an Ancient, murdered her fellow crew members.
Human Bad Guys
Ansom Somerall is one of the heads of Gaultier Enterprises. Janelle Gardiner is with Gaultier. Thomas Kendrick is head of Titan Security. Amos Tobin is head of YatesCorp.
Marion Villanova is the chief aide for the Secretary of State. Langston Whitmore, the secretary of transportation, is in the hospital. Crystal Maurer has plans and is staying married to her android husband, Cameron. Monica Strauss wanted to be president. Dr. Tagle is the top infectious disease specialist in the world and willing to work for anyone the U.S. doesn’t like.
Hate groups include…
…Club Fifty-One was one of the most vocal. Those who follow Harvey Gutermuth are still anti-alien. The Church of Hate and Intolerance is led by Farley Pecker.
The Z’porrah are…
…hostile aliens intent on destroying everyone not them with a “deep-seated hatred of the Ancients.
Informational Notes
Troubadours have the ability to affect people using their voice, facial expression, and body movements. Imageers used to be able to touch a picture and know everything about the person in that picture. Gates look like an airport security checkpoint, but can send you thousands of miles in seconds. The main hub is the Crash Site Dome with most of the gates located in bathrooms. Power cubes are a Z’porrah device that let you move anywhere, anyhow, as long as you can “see” your location in your mind. ACE, a.k.a., Alpha-Centauri-Earth, is a collective superconsciousness who thinks Kitty walks on water and was created to prevent earthlings (AND A-Cs) from venturing too far out into space.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a war zone in a range of browns with Kitty in torn low-waist jeans, a brown belt, and a black low-cut V-neck T with what appears to be an outline of wings stenciled on the front, her hair flying behind her, as she races with her rifle through the battle zone of tentacles at Camp David. Someone else is also armed and fighting.
I suspect the title plays off the final confrontation at Camp David, and yet it could also apply to the good guys, for they sure are playing for Camp Alien.
While you can read this as a standalone, it does rely more on your having read the past installments, as Koch leaves out details about some of the characters. And lord knows she sure does reference past events a lot.
My Take
Oh lord, it’s a superhero comic in text form with the biggest group of family-friends…most of whom are not fully human. In this installment, Camp Alien is mostly a clean-up of the aftermath of Alien in Chief , 12, in which Jeff becomes president. And Jeff and Kitty have a ton of offices to fill.
Then there’s Gustav Drax. Yep, I can see how Kitty figures him out. He’s pretty clueless about earth culture, lol. Actually, stupid wouldn’t be a bad word to use.
”’I think anyone who drops invisible commandos onto the President’s train as a sales pitch is an idiot,’ Kendrick said dryly.”When I say it’s busy, I ain’t kidding.
There are snafus, screw-ups that could easily lead to divorce!, kidnappings, battles, a hidden black site, rescues, and escapes galore as the characters try to bring order to: Jeff succeeding to the presidency, security trying to corral Kitty and her impetuous actions, dealing with the multiple groups of bad guys with their particular agendas — including frightening the guys to death!, the clones and androids who are messing with everyone, finding the missing agents, and stopping the ultimate plot.
The first three-quarters of the story is all about love and caring for others…check out that Kitty trying to talk Kendroid into overcoming his programming!…with a side theme of creating for the sake of creating. Well, okay, add in a side of megalomania as well.
Then the last quarter is actually the lead-up to Alien Nation , 14. It's totally crazy with some way-out battles against rapidly reproducing monsters, androids, and Fem-bots, hot to kill and rile up the Middle East. The end result is quite useful, lol.
Hmmm, delicate freakin flower? I think Koch is reading Eve Langlais, *more laughter*.
And it’s all first-person protagonist point-of-view from Kitty’s perspective — all the better to get a peek into how that girl thinks! ROFLMAO!!
The Story
The President and First Lady, a.k.a., Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don't get any downtime, for they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.
New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It's clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place — and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.
But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, a hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don't make it, Earth won't make it, either.
But no pressure.
The Characters
Yes, it's a long, long list that Koch keeps adding to in every story! Sometimes it's the only way I can keep track of who's who and what they're up to...or what their superpower is. And if you want to read the full list, you'll have to check out my review on KD Did It, as Goodreads limits the number of characters a review can have.
The super-charged Katherine "Kitty" Katt-Martini is now the First Lady and married to now-President Jeff Martini, an Alpha-Centauri (A-C) alien who is the strongest empath in the galaxy and, ahem, born in America. Kitty also has a Doctor Doolittle-type talent that their daughter, Jamie Katt — with her own superpowers, may have inherited. Jamie is also the vessel for ACE. Charlie is their seven-month-old son with some impressive telekinetic powers.
Angela Katt is Kitty’s mother and the head of the Presidential Terrorism Control Unit (PTCU). Malcolm Buchanan, a.k.a., Dr. Strange, was assigned to protect Kitty and Jamie and is put in charge of all White House security. Killer is Buchanan’s Poof. Kevin Lewis is Angela’s second-in-command. General Mortimer Katt, Kitty’s uncle, gets a promotion to four-star general.
The critters include…
…Poofs are cute little fuzzy critters from the Black Hole Universe who go large-and-in-charge to protect the person to whom they become attached. Peregrines are Alpha Four animals who look like peacocks and peahens and are excellent in stealth mode due to their chameleon abilities; they make excellent bodyguards. Bruno is Kitty’s peregrine. Poofikins is her Poof while Harlie, the head Poof, and Murphy are both attached to Jeff. Razzle, Dazzle, Foo, and Fighter are the flyboys’ Poofs. Mork and Mindy are Charlie’s peregrines.
Alpha-Centaurions (A-C) on earth
Richard White is Christopher’s dad and the former Supreme Pontifex of the Earth A-Cs. He will become the public relations minister, taking over from Rajnish. Naomi Gower-Reynolds had been married to Chuckie, but sacrificed herself and became a superconsciousness. Alfred and Lucinda are Jeff’s parents and became Christopher’s second set when his mother died.
Centaurion Division encompasses…
…various departments for the A-Cs including Airborne Command, Alpha Team, Field, and the A-C CIA. The Dulce Science Center is the main base for all of Centaurion Division worldwide. Paul Gower is the Supreme Pontifex, the religious leader of the A-Cs. William Ward, Walter’s brother, is head of all A-C security on earth.
Airborne Command is a squad of Navy Top Guns assigned to A-C defense headed up by Tim Crawford, a.k.a., Megalomaniac Lad. The other flyboys include Jerry Tucker, Matt Hughes, Chip Walker, Joe Billings, and Randy Muir. Former model James Reader is the head of Field and Alpha Team — and Kitty’s other best guy friend; he is married to Paul Gower. A-C Captains Lorraine and Claudia are married to Joe and Randy, respectively. Ross is Lorraine and Joe’s son; Sean is Claudia and Randy’s. Jeremy Barone (empath) and Jennifer Barone-Gaekwad (imageer) are a brother-sister team. Serene Dwyer is head of Imageering and the covert A-C CIA and a closet troubadour as well as a strong imageer (right after Christopher). She’s married to Brian Dwyer, a human astronaut, and they have a son, Patrick. Rajnish Singh, a troubadour, is Serene’s second-in-command in the secret A-C CIA and will become chief of staff at the White House. Camilla is a deep cover agent. Tevvik is good at determining organic from machine. Missing agents include Daniel and Marcus (empaths) and Joshua and Lucas (both imageers).
Alpha Centauri Embassy
Doreen Coleman-Weisman is the ambassador. Walter Ward is head of Security at the Embassy and will move over to the White House. His job will be taken by Melissa “Missy” Gunnels. Christopher White, Glaring Champion of the World and married to Amy Gaultier, is Jeff’s cousin. They just had a baby, Becky. He’ll stay on as the chargé d’affaires and Primary, and be the main point-of-contact with the Planetary Council. Abigail Gower and Mahin Sherazi, an Earth Bender hybrid A-C/human, are the cultural attachées. Nurse Magdalena Carter has medical training and is dating Richard. Denise Lewis, a human, is as gorgeous as her husband, Kevin, and runs the Embassy School and Daycare Center. Raymond and Rachel are their equally gorgeous kids. Pierre is the incredibly efficient concierge majordomo. Hacker International is based inside the embassy.
The White House
Antoinette Reilly is the chief usher and the head of the household staff. Chef is refusing to make Alpha Four’s boiled tapeworms. Dr. Tito Hernandez will be the in-house doctor. Evalyne is the head of Kitty’s Secret Service detail with Phoebe as her second-in-command. Len Parker and Kyle Constantine have been Kitty’s personal security squad since Alien in the Family , 3; Manfred, a troubadour, is the head of her A-C security. Joseph is the head of Jeff’s Secret Service detail. Nadine will be nanny to the kids. Colette becomes press secretary. Nancy Maurer will be Kitty’s social secretary; Cameron is Nancy's son. Her grandchildren are Chase and Cassidy. Melanie and Emily are Lorraine and Claudia’s A-C mothers and part of the White House medical staff. Missing Secret Service agents include Keith and Devon Jones.
Elaine Armstrong, the widow of the president, becomes the secretary of state. Senator Don McMillan is the senior senator from Arizona, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, a good friend, and an honest politician. His wife is Kelly. Nathalie Gagnon-Brewer is a good friend who took her husband’s seat as the representative from California and will become secretary of transportation. Benjamin Vrabel Siler will become defense attaché. Lizzie, a.k.a., Quick Girl to Kitty and Comet to the Secret Service, is Benjamin's adopted daughter who needs protection. Fritz Hochberg is secretary of defense and will become the vice-president. Vance will become Kitty’s chief of staff.
Camp David is…
…a more casual presidential retreat, formally known as Naval Support Facility Thurmont. Prime Minister Eitan Harpaz is representing the Israelis. Faiz Samara is the Iraqi president. The Samarapus is a superbeing and has more tentacles than an octopus — all poisonous.
The alphabet agencies and military include…
…the brilliant Charles Reynolds, a.k.a., Secret Agent Man, as the head of the Extra-Terrestrial Division at CIA and has been Kitty’s best friend since ninth grade. He’ll become the head of CIA. Tom Curran is the director of the FBI while Evander “Vander” Horn is director of Alien Affairs.
Colonel Marvin Hamlin will become the Secretary of Homeland Security and be promoted to brigadier general. Colonel Arthur Franklin is in charge of Andrews Air Force Base. Captain Gil Morgan is Franklin’s adjunct.
Additional allies include…
…Jakob, Oren, and Leah are friends and Mossad agents attached to the Israeli embassy. Mister Joel Oliver used to be derided for his alien articles until the A-Cs were exposed to the world. He’s been one of their friends ever since with a lot of clout in the news world. Bruce Jenkins, an influential reporter, joined the “team” in Alien Collective , 9. Lillian Culver is the head lobbyist for the weapons industry. Guy Gadoire is the same for tobacco. Vance Beaumont is his husband. Talia Lee is head lobbyist for the firearms lobby and a forever best friend to the National Rifle Association; she wants Lizzie’s head. The wife of Andrei Dalca, the Romanian ambassador, is Olga, a.k.a., the Oracle, a former KGB operative who is teaching her granddaughter, Adriana Dalca, to spy using the old tried-and-true methods: intelligence.
The Aliens
The Planetary Council represents the planets in the Alpha Centauri system, including Alpha Four. Emperor Alexander is the king of Alpha Four and emperor of the entire system and Jeff’s and Christopher’s cousin. Rohini is the Planetary Team spokesbird. Musgraff, a.k.a., King Benny, is a giant walking otter from Beta Eight ( Alien Separation ). Queen Renata from Beta Twelve will be Tito’s mother-in-law. Her daughters, the Princesses Rahmi (she’s Tito’s fiancée) and Rhee, are missing.
The Ancients are…
…an ancient humanoid race of shape-shifters. Rudolph “John” Wruck has turned out to be an Ancient ( Alien in Chief , 12).
The Black Hole Universe is…
…where Algar is from. A dwarf, he's on the run from his people and is the Operations Team, a.k.a., the Elves, who keeps all the A-C bases and the embassy supplied.
Enemies
The Mastermind is…
…a role that has experienced a succession of bad guys. Trevor, a.k.a., the Tinkerer, is incredibly, incredibly talented at science, math, and creation and had been Ronald Yates’ adjunct who left. Madeleine Siler Cartwright had been a Mastermind and was followed in the role by Clifford Goodman. The Apprentices were all trying out to become the Mastermind. The Crazy Eights escaped prison and are conspiring with Cliff Goodman, although there aren’t eight any more…bwah-ha-ha… “Kendroid” is a special android created by Stephanie as a substitute for what she really wants. The Forest Haven Insane Asylum had been shut down and is a cover.
Stephanie Martini is Jeff and Christopher’s cousin. TCC is the Clarence clone brought back to earth in Alien Separation .
Gustav Drax is a Vata from Vatusus and the youngest (out of 21 kids) of the Potentate, the planet’s ruler.
LaRue Demorte Gaultier, an Ancient, murdered her fellow crew members.
Human Bad Guys
Ansom Somerall is one of the heads of Gaultier Enterprises. Janelle Gardiner is with Gaultier. Thomas Kendrick is head of Titan Security. Amos Tobin is head of YatesCorp.
Marion Villanova is the chief aide for the Secretary of State. Langston Whitmore, the secretary of transportation, is in the hospital. Crystal Maurer has plans and is staying married to her android husband, Cameron. Monica Strauss wanted to be president. Dr. Tagle is the top infectious disease specialist in the world and willing to work for anyone the U.S. doesn’t like.
Hate groups include…
…Club Fifty-One was one of the most vocal. Those who follow Harvey Gutermuth are still anti-alien. The Church of Hate and Intolerance is led by Farley Pecker.
The Z’porrah are…
…hostile aliens intent on destroying everyone not them with a “deep-seated hatred of the Ancients.
Informational Notes
Troubadours have the ability to affect people using their voice, facial expression, and body movements. Imageers used to be able to touch a picture and know everything about the person in that picture. Gates look like an airport security checkpoint, but can send you thousands of miles in seconds. The main hub is the Crash Site Dome with most of the gates located in bathrooms. Power cubes are a Z’porrah device that let you move anywhere, anyhow, as long as you can “see” your location in your mind. ACE, a.k.a., Alpha-Centauri-Earth, is a collective superconsciousness who thinks Kitty walks on water and was created to prevent earthlings (AND A-Cs) from venturing too far out into space.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a war zone in a range of browns with Kitty in torn low-waist jeans, a brown belt, and a black low-cut V-neck T with what appears to be an outline of wings stenciled on the front, her hair flying behind her, as she races with her rifle through the battle zone of tentacles at Camp David. Someone else is also armed and fighting.
I suspect the title plays off the final confrontation at Camp David, and yet it could also apply to the good guys, for they sure are playing for Camp Alien.
May 16, 2016
You know a series is special when the author still manages to make the story fresh and exciting when you're 13 books in! Gini Koch somehow manages to up the stakes in every new instalment and she definitely excels at flinging her characters into some crazy situations. Luckily Kitty is the queen of crazy and she has a pretty badass team of people on her side to help her.
The shocking ending of Alien in Chief left Jeff and Kitty reluctantly stepping into the roles of President and First Lady and now it's time to deal with the fallout. The Mastermind's plots left them with slots to fill in a lot of key government roles and now it's up to Kitty and Jeff to try and build a strong and trustworthy administration around them. They have the Planetary Council around to lend a hand but it's fairly safe to say they have their own motives for being on Earth in the first place and if that wasn't enough to think about Jeff is also supposed to be presiding over peace talks between Israel and Iraq. Throw in a few kidnapping attempts, the fact that half of the airborne team are still missing, the discovery of a new species of alien who has been hiding in plain sight for months, various key people being replaced by androids and the appearance of a new superbeing and you could say that Kitty and co have their hands full.
Kitty and Jeff never stagnate as a couple, juggling their jobs and their family keeps them on their toes and Jeff makes a pretty big mistake here that could cost him everything he cares about but no matter what is going on around them I have faith that they'll deal with things together and they have plenty of friends on hand to help shoulder the load. If you were nervous that them becoming one of the most politically powerful couples on the planet would slow them down you needn't be, Kitty is never going to settle for being a stay at home wife no matter how supportive she is of Jeff's career advancements and it's quite clear that there are still a lot of exciting challenges ahead for one of my favourite fictional couples.
As with any book in this series the plot is fast paced and well plotted, it's full of twists, there are several different enemies each with complex and well thought out plans in motion, add in fun banter between all our favourite characters, Kitty treating us to her usual wide array of musical inspiration and plenty of flying by the seat of her pants problem solving and you know you're in for a fun time. I don't think I'll ever tire of this world and these characters, I don't know anyone who can keep as many different balls in the air as Gini Koch does and the further you get in the series the more you start to realise how far in advance she must have planned things. Camp Alien is helping to kick off a whole new story arc and I'm incredibly excited to see what happens from here onwards. This series is nowhere close to done and I'm incredibly glad about that.
Source: Received from DAW books in exchange for an honest review
The shocking ending of Alien in Chief left Jeff and Kitty reluctantly stepping into the roles of President and First Lady and now it's time to deal with the fallout. The Mastermind's plots left them with slots to fill in a lot of key government roles and now it's up to Kitty and Jeff to try and build a strong and trustworthy administration around them. They have the Planetary Council around to lend a hand but it's fairly safe to say they have their own motives for being on Earth in the first place and if that wasn't enough to think about Jeff is also supposed to be presiding over peace talks between Israel and Iraq. Throw in a few kidnapping attempts, the fact that half of the airborne team are still missing, the discovery of a new species of alien who has been hiding in plain sight for months, various key people being replaced by androids and the appearance of a new superbeing and you could say that Kitty and co have their hands full.
Kitty and Jeff never stagnate as a couple, juggling their jobs and their family keeps them on their toes and Jeff makes a pretty big mistake here that could cost him everything he cares about but no matter what is going on around them I have faith that they'll deal with things together and they have plenty of friends on hand to help shoulder the load. If you were nervous that them becoming one of the most politically powerful couples on the planet would slow them down you needn't be, Kitty is never going to settle for being a stay at home wife no matter how supportive she is of Jeff's career advancements and it's quite clear that there are still a lot of exciting challenges ahead for one of my favourite fictional couples.
As with any book in this series the plot is fast paced and well plotted, it's full of twists, there are several different enemies each with complex and well thought out plans in motion, add in fun banter between all our favourite characters, Kitty treating us to her usual wide array of musical inspiration and plenty of flying by the seat of her pants problem solving and you know you're in for a fun time. I don't think I'll ever tire of this world and these characters, I don't know anyone who can keep as many different balls in the air as Gini Koch does and the further you get in the series the more you start to realise how far in advance she must have planned things. Camp Alien is helping to kick off a whole new story arc and I'm incredibly excited to see what happens from here onwards. This series is nowhere close to done and I'm incredibly glad about that.
Source: Received from DAW books in exchange for an honest review
May 6, 2016
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Science Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Camp Alien, aka Operation Madhouse for those who have followed Kitty and her cohorts, is a story that is filled with passion, pension, heartache, action, suspense, and of course, Kitty's badassery. We have new and old villains, Superbugs, and a supercarrier that reminds of the Supercarrier from The Avengers. Awesome to see Kitty and Lizzie becoming a team.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 05/06/2016* Link Below
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* May 3rd 2016 by DAW (first published May 1st 2016)
*Genre* Science Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Camp Alien, aka Operation Madhouse for those who have followed Kitty and her cohorts, is a story that is filled with passion, pension, heartache, action, suspense, and of course, Kitty's badassery. We have new and old villains, Superbugs, and a supercarrier that reminds of the Supercarrier from The Avengers. Awesome to see Kitty and Lizzie becoming a team.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 05/06/2016* Link Below
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* May 3rd 2016 by DAW (first published May 1st 2016)
April 25, 2016
Riveting non-stop action and hilarity ensue in the latest installment from talented Ms. Koch. Kitty is back and she is not happy. She prefers action to politics. It was bad enough having to serve as an ambassador. Then she became the vice-president's wife when Jeff was selected to be VP. Now, with the president dead, Kitty is the First Lady. First Ladies have to pick out staff, make sure that all the ins and outs of politics are on point. These are not Kitty's strong points. Kitty is better and unmasking the super villain and riding in to save the day.
This one, Kitty is back in the saddle with villains, kidnapping and bone-head males. I never know what will happen and I just go along for the exciting ride. This is a book which cannot be put down. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. Unfortunately it was during the work week so I ended up with a terrible book hangover. The energy which leaps of the pages of this book can be exhausting. By the time Kitty solves one crisis, another is blowing up. Usually she has support team with her Scooby-Gang. Unfortunately, her fly boys are missing as well as several of the secret service. When Kitty foils the plot and comes riding in as the victor, she slams into missiles targeted to blow her to bits.
This is what I like about Ms. Koch. Whilst some authors like to drag a story out, Ms. Koch is condensing and throwing everything in along with the kitchen sink. Her stories are meaty with conflict, plots, subplots and sub-subplots. It boggles the mind and keeps readers on their toes. There is very little downtime between scenes. It is almost like being with an ADHD child who was given sugar and caffeine through an IV. A reader can be overwhelmed with the plot twists and information streaming in. I LOVE IT. I love the manic pace and I love how quickly Kitty can make connections. It is easy to follow Kitty and her logic. She is the kind of person who inspires others to be better because she leads through example. Sure, sometimes she may be cray cray angry and a tad unreasonable, but she is still pretty good at figuring things out. She is a bit emotional for me but it all works because to be at her level, it takes a special kind of crazy.
The character and world building is fabulous. The plot is awe-inspiring. What really makes this book fantastic is its kinetic energy. Ms. Koch is a master of motion. I feel like I'm running, ducking, hiding, fighting in all the scenes. They are so well described it is as if I am there. Some others tell too much. This is not a problem Ms. Koch ever has to worry about. She shows in 3-D. This book played like an incredible movie in my mind with so much richness in colour, sound, smell and sight. I am very impressed. The only thing that brings me down is the end of this book. It leaves me wanting the next book. This series just gets better and better. Highly recommended to Urban Fantasy readers who enjoy humour, wackiness and a high functioning heroine who scares grown men.
*provided by NetGalley
This one, Kitty is back in the saddle with villains, kidnapping and bone-head males. I never know what will happen and I just go along for the exciting ride. This is a book which cannot be put down. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. Unfortunately it was during the work week so I ended up with a terrible book hangover. The energy which leaps of the pages of this book can be exhausting. By the time Kitty solves one crisis, another is blowing up. Usually she has support team with her Scooby-Gang. Unfortunately, her fly boys are missing as well as several of the secret service. When Kitty foils the plot and comes riding in as the victor, she slams into missiles targeted to blow her to bits.
This is what I like about Ms. Koch. Whilst some authors like to drag a story out, Ms. Koch is condensing and throwing everything in along with the kitchen sink. Her stories are meaty with conflict, plots, subplots and sub-subplots. It boggles the mind and keeps readers on their toes. There is very little downtime between scenes. It is almost like being with an ADHD child who was given sugar and caffeine through an IV. A reader can be overwhelmed with the plot twists and information streaming in. I LOVE IT. I love the manic pace and I love how quickly Kitty can make connections. It is easy to follow Kitty and her logic. She is the kind of person who inspires others to be better because she leads through example. Sure, sometimes she may be cray cray angry and a tad unreasonable, but she is still pretty good at figuring things out. She is a bit emotional for me but it all works because to be at her level, it takes a special kind of crazy.
The character and world building is fabulous. The plot is awe-inspiring. What really makes this book fantastic is its kinetic energy. Ms. Koch is a master of motion. I feel like I'm running, ducking, hiding, fighting in all the scenes. They are so well described it is as if I am there. Some others tell too much. This is not a problem Ms. Koch ever has to worry about. She shows in 3-D. This book played like an incredible movie in my mind with so much richness in colour, sound, smell and sight. I am very impressed. The only thing that brings me down is the end of this book. It leaves me wanting the next book. This series just gets better and better. Highly recommended to Urban Fantasy readers who enjoy humour, wackiness and a high functioning heroine who scares grown men.
*provided by NetGalley
May 3, 2016
I do still love Kitty but....the first 300 pages were mostly talk, people saying whatevs and totes. Jeff saying Baby in every sentence (it creeps me out) and I was glad when he was not around much cos no, not sexy.
The next 300 pages started to pick up some action when Kitty goes to find her missing people. Of course the biggest thing I thought would happen was like 50 pages, the whole Camp David thing. That actually could have been longer.
When you love something so much, then well you can complain. And for me this book could have been shorter. Half of it was a filler where Kitty showed how her brain works. Also I wanted more of the others, these are getting really Kitty oriented. Also way too many people around these days. Also, I want a big ass war now. Give me a showdown with the Zporrah...fine, it's coming but I want it now.
When you are a book 13 the danger of fillers do come around, and I get that soooo much has to be talked about. Jeff is after all the president now.
I still enjoyed it and read it really fast, but I do think that if there are too many fillers in the future, then...
The next 300 pages started to pick up some action when Kitty goes to find her missing people. Of course the biggest thing I thought would happen was like 50 pages, the whole Camp David thing. That actually could have been longer.
When you love something so much, then well you can complain. And for me this book could have been shorter. Half of it was a filler where Kitty showed how her brain works. Also I wanted more of the others, these are getting really Kitty oriented. Also way too many people around these days. Also, I want a big ass war now. Give me a showdown with the Zporrah...fine, it's coming but I want it now.
When you are a book 13 the danger of fillers do come around, and I get that soooo much has to be talked about. Jeff is after all the president now.
I still enjoyed it and read it really fast, but I do think that if there are too many fillers in the future, then...
October 11, 2019
Actually really enjoyed this installment.
Loved the Kitty rage.
Also, Batman DOES have a Robin who is his biological son. His name is Damian.
Loved the Kitty rage.
Also, Batman DOES have a Robin who is his biological son. His name is Damian.
May 4, 2016
Reviewed on Musings and Ramblings.
This series has been a favorite of mine since I binge read books 2-7. (Yeah, they were that good.) Since then, I wait with baited breath for the next book to be released, then inhale it as quickly as I can. This time, I got it early and, I ain't gonna lie, jumped the book out of my pre-planned order and read it in one sitting. That's right folks, I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this book. And no shame in my game, I enjoyed every minute of it.
So. Things have come along way since the first book and if you haven't read anything else in the series, this is a horrible place to start. Not that you couldn't mind, but why would you? This is an Urban Fantasy Series, not a stand alone, and the events in prior books have shaped both the characters and the over all story line. So do yourself a favor, and start at the beginning.... Or at least closer to the beginning than book 13.
This book continues showcasing big, bold, over the top plots and situations, full of action, snappy, witty dialogue and even comes complete with it's own awesome soundtrack. The cherry on top? We have some seriously strong female characters, in this series. And I'm talking besides the titular heroine, Katherine Katt. Can it be cheesy at times? Damn straight. But that's part of it's undeniable charm. This was a 5 star read for me, and I am sure it will stay that way when I re-read it. Because I always find something that I missed that first reading. For me, there's no bigger compliment of a writer when upon a reread I find things I missed on the first go round.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review the book.
This series has been a favorite of mine since I binge read books 2-7. (Yeah, they were that good.) Since then, I wait with baited breath for the next book to be released, then inhale it as quickly as I can. This time, I got it early and, I ain't gonna lie, jumped the book out of my pre-planned order and read it in one sitting. That's right folks, I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this book. And no shame in my game, I enjoyed every minute of it.
So. Things have come along way since the first book and if you haven't read anything else in the series, this is a horrible place to start. Not that you couldn't mind, but why would you? This is an Urban Fantasy Series, not a stand alone, and the events in prior books have shaped both the characters and the over all story line. So do yourself a favor, and start at the beginning.... Or at least closer to the beginning than book 13.
This book continues showcasing big, bold, over the top plots and situations, full of action, snappy, witty dialogue and even comes complete with it's own awesome soundtrack. The cherry on top? We have some seriously strong female characters, in this series. And I'm talking besides the titular heroine, Katherine Katt. Can it be cheesy at times? Damn straight. But that's part of it's undeniable charm. This was a 5 star read for me, and I am sure it will stay that way when I re-read it. Because I always find something that I missed that first reading. For me, there's no bigger compliment of a writer when upon a reread I find things I missed on the first go round.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review the book.
June 14, 2016
Gini Koch is good at bringing us up to speed--not an easy task with all the accumulating characters, and it slows it down a bit at the beginning. 'Course we've lost characters too; I miss the Uncles! And I've lost track of all the Operations (previous books)... She did a good job of filling Cabinet posts, etc. and then moving on. But then, as usual, the story kicks into high gear and we're off. I love the characters, although I'd like to see more of the Poofs, but I'm happy to see more of Algar. There's fun and excitement and real danger and suspense and repartee. And frankly, I'm impressed by the songs and bands she inserts along the way, even though I'm pretty ignorant in that field. And I was angry along with Kitty Katt later... (No spoilers or I'd mention more of all the characters and scenes I loved.)
Note: I was happy to see Over and Out used correctly. Begging the question--not so much. (I'm even losing track of what it really means!) And I think it's about time there was a companion--with a glossary--for the books. Not happy with foxcats and pigdogs for names.
Note: I was happy to see Over and Out used correctly. Begging the question--not so much. (I'm even losing track of what it really means!) And I think it's about time there was a companion--with a glossary--for the books. Not happy with foxcats and pigdogs for names.
April 15, 2016
4.5 stars!
*No spoilers
Another great Kitty romp by one of my favorite authors ever!
I love Kitty, the gang and all the immense amount of trouble they get into each and every book in this fantastic series.
The U.S. now has an alien as commander in chief and things couldn't be getting any more problematic for our favorite heroine and her extended family.
Gini does it again by delivering a book that I could not put down for even a second and had me wishing I already had the next one.
13 books in and I can't see this series slowing down at all and that's an incredible feat.
If you love your sci-fi with terrific sense of humor, adventures, mischief, suspense, betrayal and heart, this is the series for you!
*No spoilers
Another great Kitty romp by one of my favorite authors ever!
I love Kitty, the gang and all the immense amount of trouble they get into each and every book in this fantastic series.
The U.S. now has an alien as commander in chief and things couldn't be getting any more problematic for our favorite heroine and her extended family.
Gini does it again by delivering a book that I could not put down for even a second and had me wishing I already had the next one.
13 books in and I can't see this series slowing down at all and that's an incredible feat.
If you love your sci-fi with terrific sense of humor, adventures, mischief, suspense, betrayal and heart, this is the series for you!
May 2, 2017
Another over-the-top exciting adventure in Kitty Land.
As always there are plots within plots and more plots.
This picks up directly after the last book and the middle east peace talks are scheduled for Camp David.
We have an angry Stephanie, androids going berserk, spooky insane asylum, and a tentacle weilding superbeing, not to mention new aliens and invisible tech.
Love this series.
As always there are plots within plots and more plots.
This picks up directly after the last book and the middle east peace talks are scheduled for Camp David.
We have an angry Stephanie, androids going berserk, spooky insane asylum, and a tentacle weilding superbeing, not to mention new aliens and invisible tech.
Love this series.
April 25, 2016
13 books in and my love for this series shows no signs of stopping.....
I had the opportunity to read this before it officially comes out, and I tried to resist--indeed, I did for a whole evening, but let's face it, I love this series so much, resistance was pretty much futile.....
The action and humor are, as usual, non-stop. With the death of President Armstrong in the last book (Alien in Chief), Jeff is now the POTUS, which makes Kitty....the FLOTUS. Long time readers can imagine the disasters lying in wait for Kitty....
I had the opportunity to read this before it officially comes out, and I tried to resist--indeed, I did for a whole evening, but let's face it, I love this series so much, resistance was pretty much futile.....
The action and humor are, as usual, non-stop. With the death of President Armstrong in the last book (Alien in Chief), Jeff is now the POTUS, which makes Kitty....the FLOTUS. Long time readers can imagine the disasters lying in wait for Kitty....
July 22, 2023
Reading a new Kitty Katt-Martini book is like opening a huge present and finding it full of other presents. Camp Alien is exactly like that - one event after another. From start to finish, this was a wild ride. It will take another reading or two to grasp everything that happened - and I mean that in the best possible way. GREAT addition to the series!!
May 24, 2019
Campy fun
I would have given the book a 5 star rating if it didn't have the gratuitous sex scenes. Some of these do contribute to the story, but for the most part, the level of detail in the sex scenes just make me feel like someone slipped a scene from a porn story into the middle of my fun, action packed, campy humored story. The dialogues between characters and Kitty's internal dialogues are all well written and enjoyable. I love how music plays such a big role in the books. I never thought that music and musical references would add to a written story, but they do. And its wonderful. And I can't get enough! If you are looking for a fast moving, adventurous, light-hearted read with a huge cast of characters: human, animals, aliens, and machines, this entire series is worth reading. If you are easily offended, don't like reading about other religions or others' interpretations of religions, or don't like reading about sex, then don't even start the series. Gini Koch uses the variety of characters, races, and situations to address many current social issues in an extremely fun manner!
I would have given the book a 5 star rating if it didn't have the gratuitous sex scenes. Some of these do contribute to the story, but for the most part, the level of detail in the sex scenes just make me feel like someone slipped a scene from a porn story into the middle of my fun, action packed, campy humored story. The dialogues between characters and Kitty's internal dialogues are all well written and enjoyable. I love how music plays such a big role in the books. I never thought that music and musical references would add to a written story, but they do. And its wonderful. And I can't get enough! If you are looking for a fast moving, adventurous, light-hearted read with a huge cast of characters: human, animals, aliens, and machines, this entire series is worth reading. If you are easily offended, don't like reading about other religions or others' interpretations of religions, or don't like reading about sex, then don't even start the series. Gini Koch uses the variety of characters, races, and situations to address many current social issues in an extremely fun manner!
January 24, 2021
Too much of a good thing spoils the result
I like this series a lot. Sometimes I am here just for the poofs, but it's usually much more. I am not a fan of Koch's logistical details--for me, they sometimes bog things down too much. This book has a sequence so long and so logistics-heavy that I would have sworn it took half the 600-page book, but it was actually only 19 chapters (110 or so pages). That's still a lot, but it felt a lot longer.
I'm hoping for less of this type of sequence in the next book!
I like this series a lot. Sometimes I am here just for the poofs, but it's usually much more. I am not a fan of Koch's logistical details--for me, they sometimes bog things down too much. This book has a sequence so long and so logistics-heavy that I would have sworn it took half the 600-page book, but it was actually only 19 chapters (110 or so pages). That's still a lot, but it felt a lot longer.
I'm hoping for less of this type of sequence in the next book!
March 10, 2017
Just finished this book and can't wait to start the next! Kitty Katt is up to her knees in bad guys, I won't give any details, but if you haven't read Gini Koch please give her a try, starting with her first Kitty Katt book, if you like humor and lot's of action with a little romance try this series. Why? Because that is the way we roll!
July 16, 2018
The usual nonstop madcap mayhem of Kitty Katt-Martini and gang. Entertaining as always. However, if Lizzie said”totes” in a sentence one more time I was going to reach into the book, pull her out by her shirt and tell her to knock it off, it’s super annoying.
August 23, 2018
Honestly, I liked a lot about this book ... everything that didn't involve Jeff, Reader and Chuckie. Unfortunately, their behavior was so spectacularly stupid that it felt, imo, wildly out of character. Like, way beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. That part gets 2 stars. But the rest of the book gets a tentative 5 stars - tentative because I'd like some explanation on - because it was fun and smart and at the usual breakneck pace that this series does so well.
June 2, 2020
The 'domestic dispute' felt too forced and manufactured. It wasn't worthy of Jeff - or their relationship. I get adding tension. All relationships hit speed bumps, but this one failed to ring true for me.
May 15, 2024
This series just keeps getting better.
It may be a big book, but it reads super quickly. Love the plot, and the overarching subplot - aka Mastermind - just got a bit more complicated. Have so much fun reading these books. Can’t wait to pick up the next book for a reread.
It may be a big book, but it reads super quickly. Love the plot, and the overarching subplot - aka Mastermind - just got a bit more complicated. Have so much fun reading these books. Can’t wait to pick up the next book for a reread.
August 21, 2017
Easily my second favorite in the series, right after Universal Alien.
September 28, 2017
Fun and exciting addition to the series. Lots of action and some answers.
I love this series.
I love this series.
February 11, 2018
Pretty good, story moving right along.
January 18, 2021
x. Koch kncludes US political lessons. Kitty recaps cast via dull post assignments. Enemy phone call has silly bits. Action parts thrill. Camp David peace talk climax has variety of villains, some still free for sequel. Typo 11.3 hurt to hit IS hit to hurt
May 11, 2018
**Warning: There might be some spoilers ahead so please beware if you have not read the book yet**
Kitty is back with her team right after Operation Epidemic and Jeff as the new president of the United States needs to fill in open government positions and pronto since Cliff's "alien virus" has eliminated quite some staff. Furthermore, there are the upcoming peace talks at Camp David and they still miss some of their finest: the flyboys and Camilla and the princesses - but before the team can re-group, old and new enemies strike again and in the middle, Kitty and some of her team is kidnapped and neither can her men obviously find her nor can she get in touch with anybody outside. So, old news for Kitty but with her buddy Richard White at her side, Kitty is indestructible and again out to save the day, her team and - the world! Again..
Even if I sound like an old record I can only repeat: love this series and LOVE, L-O-V-E my Kitty Gang. The events start right after the end of the last book and since Cliff is hiding somewhere after he escaped after Operation Epidemic, the gang is not short of enemies and frenemies. While she still tries to settle into her new role as FLOTUS as she calls it, their enemies do not waste time and soon she has to determinate what is happening and why.
I loved the setting at the asylum but had to agree with Lizzie: This place is totes creepy! However, it was an interesting setting with all its creepiness but I do love a good horror movie and those shoes were really spooky. Finding the flyboys had me fighting back the tears - especially the scene with Randy and Joe in the lab but I do hope that they are really fine in the end and nothing bad is coming later on from that.
What was really funny was seeing Kitty totally losing it with her men at home. I have never ever seen her so angry with her loved ones but I was absolutely with her. How could they really?? After all the operations and all the time. Therefore, I was a bit disappointed by their lame explanation and excuse and was totally with Abby when she said she is still angry but of course I felt bad for Jeff who was hurting more by the emotions and anger than by Kittys yelling so even though I did not fully understand why they acted how they acted I was at least a bit okay with her forgiveness. And it was absolutely more funny how everybody tried to mollify her and grovelled with the "Queen Kitty" thing after Kitty threatened with the Second Marriage Pool - that was hilarious. I was giggling through those chapters.
The part with Richard finally remembering and the Camp Davis scenes were interesting and left me with many questions in the end such as: Will we see more of the Tinkerer? What happened with Cliff? Will Stephanie regroup and strike back (probably)? What's with those strange new superbeings? (by the way, what happened with the old ones?! One book they were fighting superbeings in Paraguay and Europe and in the next the topic was dead..) Good news was: nobody from my beloved Kitty-Team had to die (yay!!) - Bad news: now I have to wait until December for the next book to be published. Thirteen books and I still love this series and hope Gini will give us many more alien adventures.
Kitty is back with her team right after Operation Epidemic and Jeff as the new president of the United States needs to fill in open government positions and pronto since Cliff's "alien virus" has eliminated quite some staff. Furthermore, there are the upcoming peace talks at Camp David and they still miss some of their finest: the flyboys and Camilla and the princesses - but before the team can re-group, old and new enemies strike again and in the middle, Kitty and some of her team is kidnapped and neither can her men obviously find her nor can she get in touch with anybody outside. So, old news for Kitty but with her buddy Richard White at her side, Kitty is indestructible and again out to save the day, her team and - the world! Again..
Even if I sound like an old record I can only repeat: love this series and LOVE, L-O-V-E my Kitty Gang. The events start right after the end of the last book and since Cliff is hiding somewhere after he escaped after Operation Epidemic, the gang is not short of enemies and frenemies. While she still tries to settle into her new role as FLOTUS as she calls it, their enemies do not waste time and soon she has to determinate what is happening and why.
I loved the setting at the asylum but had to agree with Lizzie: This place is totes creepy! However, it was an interesting setting with all its creepiness but I do love a good horror movie and those shoes were really spooky. Finding the flyboys had me fighting back the tears - especially the scene with Randy and Joe in the lab but I do hope that they are really fine in the end and nothing bad is coming later on from that.
What was really funny was seeing Kitty totally losing it with her men at home. I have never ever seen her so angry with her loved ones but I was absolutely with her. How could they really?? After all the operations and all the time. Therefore, I was a bit disappointed by their lame explanation and excuse and was totally with Abby when she said she is still angry but of course I felt bad for Jeff who was hurting more by the emotions and anger than by Kittys yelling so even though I did not fully understand why they acted how they acted I was at least a bit okay with her forgiveness. And it was absolutely more funny how everybody tried to mollify her and grovelled with the "Queen Kitty" thing after Kitty threatened with the Second Marriage Pool - that was hilarious. I was giggling through those chapters.
The part with Richard finally remembering and the Camp Davis scenes were interesting and left me with many questions in the end such as: Will we see more of the Tinkerer? What happened with Cliff? Will Stephanie regroup and strike back (probably)? What's with those strange new superbeings? (by the way, what happened with the old ones?! One book they were fighting superbeings in Paraguay and Europe and in the next the topic was dead..) Good news was: nobody from my beloved Kitty-Team had to die (yay!!) - Bad news: now I have to wait until December for the next book to be published. Thirteen books and I still love this series and hope Gini will give us many more alien adventures.
February 23, 2017
Loved it.
May 2, 2016
Even with thirteen books in the series, Gini Koch manages to make CAMP ALIEN bigger and better than ever. If you're new to this series, then I highly suggest reading the series in order. But if the sheer number and size of these books intimidates you, I still think you can pick this book up and find it enjoyable.
Koch gives a very brief, but necessary recap of what happened in the last book. Jeff is now President of the United States, which makes Kitty the First Lady. Although they have faced off with the Mastermind, he has also escaped with even of his men, leaving Kitty and the crew cursing their luck. The early parts of this book is Jeff rearranging things in the White House, making necessary changes that he thinks will benefit them all and hopefully prevent any further attacks.
What I love about this series is the fact that anything is possible. Who would've thought that the Kitty from the first book in the series would end up here? So much has happened in this series and yet every book is as unique and refreshing as the first. With Kitty's upbeat narration, there's never a dull moment in this story. And even though the book is heavily convoluted with politics, I still found it easy to follow along. To have this much politics but still maintain that same lightness to the series is hard to do and that's why Gini Koch deserves some kind of award. Hell, vote Gini for President! What she has done here is truly entertaining.
Fans of Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series would enjoy this series. Both these series place a greater emphasis on the world and its politics so if you're in the mood for something different and that's not your typical Sci Fi or Urban Fantasy read, then you need to meet Koch's kickass Kitty!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie
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May 7, 2016
Camp Alien by Gini Koch
* Received from the publisher for review
5 out of 5 gnomes
This series continues along awesomely. I love that it picked up from that cliffhanger and now is all about all the new craziness and worry of Presidential concerns. Seeing all these new political positions and how everything works out is intense and I can only imagine what future books will bring.
It's extra fun because of all the political madness going on in the real world right now. Let's just say President Martini sounds a whole lot better than certain candidates that are now running...
Koch is queen of the cliffhanger chapter endings so you'll be saying oh just one more chapter a bunch while reading. I won't even tell you how many times I was close to late to work because I didn't want to put the book down. These books just latch on to you and don't let go.
The big bads of this book were plentiful and innovative in their evil ways. It was interesting seeing what was going to happen next. You never know what to expect with this series. Events from the past do indeed return to haunt them all.
Getting to see Kitty's temper for a large part of the book was entertaining. I liked getting to see once again that she's not a person to mess with. She’s also pretty darn hilarious when she’s furious.
Characters old and new are all well done and they continue to grow. Even if you're just meeting a character I adore how this writer makes you feel like you want to know everything about all of the characters ASAP. Plus you'll find yourself loving them just as much as the main character does.
Humor + Serious Situations + Aliens aplenty + Blasts from the Past = a tremendous read with more than enough momentum to keep dashing forward into the foreseeable future.
I highly recommend this series to everybody and need everyone to read it so they can root for these characters too.
* Received from the publisher for review
5 out of 5 gnomes
This series continues along awesomely. I love that it picked up from that cliffhanger and now is all about all the new craziness and worry of Presidential concerns. Seeing all these new political positions and how everything works out is intense and I can only imagine what future books will bring.
It's extra fun because of all the political madness going on in the real world right now. Let's just say President Martini sounds a whole lot better than certain candidates that are now running...
Koch is queen of the cliffhanger chapter endings so you'll be saying oh just one more chapter a bunch while reading. I won't even tell you how many times I was close to late to work because I didn't want to put the book down. These books just latch on to you and don't let go.
The big bads of this book were plentiful and innovative in their evil ways. It was interesting seeing what was going to happen next. You never know what to expect with this series. Events from the past do indeed return to haunt them all.
Getting to see Kitty's temper for a large part of the book was entertaining. I liked getting to see once again that she's not a person to mess with. She’s also pretty darn hilarious when she’s furious.
Characters old and new are all well done and they continue to grow. Even if you're just meeting a character I adore how this writer makes you feel like you want to know everything about all of the characters ASAP. Plus you'll find yourself loving them just as much as the main character does.
Humor + Serious Situations + Aliens aplenty + Blasts from the Past = a tremendous read with more than enough momentum to keep dashing forward into the foreseeable future.
I highly recommend this series to everybody and need everyone to read it so they can root for these characters too.
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