H.I.LL. Farm

by Megan Mosier

Gretchen Hollander’s life is not going the way she planned. She’s a year out of college, has no friends, and can’t pass the test to get into veterinary school. It seems that everyone else is miles ahead of her, and she’s stuck being just Gretchen. However, when her mysterious Great Aunt Elsie passes away, she suddenly finds herself the owner of a small llama farm. Hildegard Farm is everything one would expect of a farm… Except the llamas… They talk.

The llamas warn Gretchen of an imminent alien invasion that will devastate the countryside. As secrets about her Great Aunt’s past begin to unravel, the invasion approaches. Gretchen must decide whether to retreat to the safety of her old life, or to step forward into the unknown. Does she have what it takes to fight back against an enemy from beyond the stars?

Genres: Science Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

Deep in the city of Memphis, there lives a wild storyteller with her two cats and her snake. Megan Mosier started writing and illustrating odd tales about alien wolves in her fifth grade classroom, and as time went on, she never stopped. She has continued to hone her skills throughout the years by creating comics and telling stories through RPGs. Her master’s degree in biology serves a dual purpose, as she can now accurately describe the biology of her alien wolves in her writing as well as teach college students how to apply the scientific method.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

[Cortnie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, let me start by saying I devoured this book. I've been looking forward to its release for awhile -I mean, how could you NOT be completely sold by the incredible cover art and quirky, fun description- so when I finally got access to the e-book yesterday, I couldn't put it down!

I love that the author put together the cover art and illustrations herself, and the story absolutely delivers on the sort of wacky sci-fi fantasy you're craving. Talking llamas? Check. Glowing space eels? Check. Lazer-tag as a form of self-therapy? Check. I'd have to say my favorite llama is Einstein. What a sweetie, and a brave boi to boot.

But even with all the creative, fun trappings, I really liked the message about the main character being stuck in a rut because she's chasing a dream that's not hers anymore...all to fulfill the expectation of others. That really hit home, and it was so refreshing and relieving when she is able to change her perspective and get a new vision for herself and her life. All in all, a great story and a GORGEOUS addition to any bookshelf collection you may be curating!

Congrats to the author for a smashing debut! Can't wait to see what follows.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, easy read! It is also suitable for all ages and anyone can enjoy it! Gretchen is a young woman studying to be to a vet, but she doesn't really know if her heart is in it anymore. She doesn't really have much of a life outside of work, studying and Space Eel laser tag. After a relative she barely remembers passes away, she is left with a farm she has no idea how to take care of and doesn't think she wants. Until she meets the llamas that are convinced they were abducted by aliens to fight aliens (space Eels). Oh, and the talk!! She also picks up a cute (to her) new pet along the way as well!
I like that she is a normal person with normal problems. She is unsure of herself and her friendship. This book would be great for kids figuring out the ins and outs of friendship themselves!
I won this in a fantasy book giveaway, but it is more of a sci-fi with elements of fantasy I would say. I did enjoy this book and thought it was very cute and humorous! And not only are you reading for enjoyment, you may pick up on some animal biology lessons as well!

[Elizabeth Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This funky fresh sci-fi read can be enjoyed by all ages— as long as giant space eel dissections don’t freak you out!

Gretchen is a protagonist many young adults will relate to. She’s been working towards a stale dream for so long she can’t remember why she ever wanted it in the first place. According to many, being a vet is the only logical career path for someone that loves animals, right?

When unforeseen circumstances put her in charge of an extraordinary farm and its intelligent llamas, She discovers that her destiny is far larger than academics and getting into vet school. The fate of the Earth will be determined by her ability to find confidence in herself and forge meaningful friendships like she’s never had before.

The story feels like indulging in a fantastically fun daydream and will leave readers determined to know more about this mysterious universe that harbors, talking llamas, insidious space eels, and secret organizations.

[Loren Huxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

HILL Farm is a science fantasy comedy that's perfect for all ages, but maybe most especially for college students struggling to find their way. It comes fully equipped with talking llamas, space eels, bizarre choices in pets, and a quirky veterinary student who spends all her free time either studying or playing laser tag.

After inheriting her estranged aunts farm (and her horde of talking llamas) the main character, Gretchen is thrust into a race against time to save the world from a cataclysmic alien invasion. This book is quirky and witty with lots of scientific jokes, fun animal companions, telekinesis, and so much more. Definitely worth a read, especially if you're having a bad day and need a pick-me-up.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really entertaining. I mean, come on, talking llamas and alien invasions? As soon as I heard about this book I had to give it a try. I did find some of the writing a little inconsistent at times and I had a hard time keeping the relatives straight. The one character who shows up again at the end (whose name I can't remember) I literally thought was a different person because they were acting so differently from the beginning of the book. But the main character and the llamas are fantastic as is the best friend and the neighbor. I enjoyed this overall.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

HILL Farm is a surprising sci-fi adventure story. It has some weird twists and turns which takes the story places I didn't expect, but it was very entertaining. At the beginning of the book, Gretchen was a strong "work in progress" type of character. She didn't have a direction in life, but she did love animals. And once she meets the llamas she is curious and genuine, up for shenanigans.

The llamas were the best characters. They aren't always reliable narrators, but they want to repel the upcoming alien invasion no matter what.

[Ladyling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! For anyone looking for a fun and intriguing book that will keep you smiling and invested, I highly recommend this. Lamas, aliens, and secrets, what more could you ask for? Suitable for all ages and even people who aren't into Sci-Fi I would still say to give this a read! It will keep you laughing, learning, and guessing the whole time:)

[Abby Alldread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this book was based on a true story (ha ha jk), I could NOT put it down!

Her writing is so easy to follow and the story line is so exciting that it’s hard to stop turning the pages! Finished it in two days and am craving a series around the Explorers of Earth!!!!

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at talking llamas

Absolutely love the llamas and Neel! This relatively short story has a unique plot, a fun little mystery and, of course, enhanced llamas. Definitely recommend for a quick, fun read!

[Lisa Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to have an advanced copy. It kept me so entertained that I couldn’t put it down! Excellent book for a 1st time author!! Can’t wait for future books ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️