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Incoming Alert
How Not to Celebrate your Century
Tell overprotective parents you’ll be fine.
Phase to a parallel dimension to amuse yourself with humans and choose a name.
Arrive flat on your face.
Learn you’re unique among immortals, and not in a good way.
Hello, Earth. Boy’s victory dance on top of a cafeteria table doesn’t last long.
She’s looking at me? Seriously? Jubilation vanishes when he realizes the young woman gawking at his trembling two-inch form—which should be invisible—is as frightened as him. Major screw up that he is, he ignores everything he’s been told about survival and shifts larger without first refilling his phase-depleted veins.
Then comes the icing on what’s sure to be his last birthday cake. After denying he’s crawled out of the meatloaf, he bonds with the mortal. Not only is he drawn to a first century name that guarantees anger and ridicule, it’s doubtful he’ll survive this birthday, let alone celebrate another.
Incoming Alert is a science-fiction adventure novel for general audience, but contains adult themes.
No vampires, weres, zombies, fey, or previously known supernaturals were used or otherwise harmed in the making of this novel.
Tell overprotective parents you’ll be fine.
Phase to a parallel dimension to amuse yourself with humans and choose a name.
Arrive flat on your face.
Learn you’re unique among immortals, and not in a good way.
Hello, Earth. Boy’s victory dance on top of a cafeteria table doesn’t last long.
She’s looking at me? Seriously? Jubilation vanishes when he realizes the young woman gawking at his trembling two-inch form—which should be invisible—is as frightened as him. Major screw up that he is, he ignores everything he’s been told about survival and shifts larger without first refilling his phase-depleted veins.
Then comes the icing on what’s sure to be his last birthday cake. After denying he’s crawled out of the meatloaf, he bonds with the mortal. Not only is he drawn to a first century name that guarantees anger and ridicule, it’s doubtful he’ll survive this birthday, let alone celebrate another.
Incoming Alert is a science-fiction adventure novel for general audience, but contains adult themes.
No vampires, weres, zombies, fey, or previously known supernaturals were used or otherwise harmed in the making of this novel.
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First published October 13, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 31, 2012
I don't write many reviews, but I had to write one for Incoming Alert, because it's just amazing. I knew this author's work from before, and how she makes characters come to life so wonderfully, but this one... it's special. I couldn't put my kindle down. My fingers cramped. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, and when I finished, I went back and started reading it again. It's that good. Caron is such a lovable character, and his brothers also, so different from each other and yet so bound by love, it's really moving. All secondary characters feel real, and the setting is unique. I can only say this: I honestly can't wait for the sequel!
October 31, 2012
My favorite story from Ms Webb and it's hard to say that when I loved the Color series so much and Rebel, but Incoming Alert has so much appeal. A very different type of supernatural creature, characters whose humor shines through, lessons learned about life and love and friendship - it's a fast, fun read and I could see it as a movie. From the moment that the Ron lands in the meatloaf, I was hooked. And when you read the book, you'll understand the double meaning of hooked.
Although there are adults themes - this would be a great YA read as well.
Although there are adults themes - this would be a great YA read as well.
October 29, 2012
As a fan of Arlene Webb's Color series, I simply had to read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed Incoming Alert and following along on the strange adventures of her charming Rons. A book filled with sparkling humor, hilarious
encounters and engaging characters, it also plumbs the depths of human nature, desire, and despair. The author skillfully plays with words, perceptions, and culture clashes of a rather unique sort in this fantastic romp.
encounters and engaging characters, it also plumbs the depths of human nature, desire, and despair. The author skillfully plays with words, perceptions, and culture clashes of a rather unique sort in this fantastic romp.
August 16, 2014
The ron characters are very engaging, and their history and life makes for great reading!
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 16, 2014
How not to spend your hundredth birthday ...
... by throwing a beaming "all's fine!" at your extraterrestrial Ron-parents, phasing over to good old planet earth, totally missing your target, because you failed to listen to quantum physics classes as well as those precise coordinates your middle older brother specified just now, and managing to land on a highschool cafeteria table of all places, at lunchtime - and as if that wasn't bad enough in full visibility. Boy-Ron really screwed that up, didn't he?
And then he chooses the worst century name possible ... Caron, since he - unconceivable! - cares for his food source (a.k.a. human, and namely the girl in front of whose eyes ... and meatloaf ... he's landed). Incomprehensible to his father and both his older brothers who intend to immediately drag him back to his home dimension IF.
But Caron doesn't comply. Who'd bother with small mischief when he's in a position to spread real chaos and mess with two universes?!
Things I liked about "Incoming Alert"...:
Most of all Caron. His character's chaotic, loveably naïve, all but innocent, and has a kind of extraterrestrial ADHS, from he suffers far less than the rest of his family. He is, in one word, adorable.
Conversations with his brothers are sparklingly hilarious in their brotherly banter and teasing, making me grin broadly and laugh out loudly again and again. The rest of the Ron family grows on you quickly - even if you do want to smack them at times. Nicely dysfunctional...
But there are points of critic. Ron turns of phrases take getting used to, and that doesn't make reading "Incoming Alert" any easier. The story jumps somewhat too chaotically for my liking. The plotline doesn't always run straight on. I had difficulties following along at times, and more than once I felt a moment of annoyance about yet another erratic plot jump. Female characters are generally drawn weak, remain pale and much too passive. (Okay, maybe with exception of evil b*+ch Malice, but even she is one-dimensional and her motives remain unquestionned.)
And the ending seems ... unfinished. I can only hope that the story will be continued in a sequel.
To sum it up: I'd give Caron alone five stars - with kisses ! - plus this creativity to invent a whole new species of fantastic beings with their very own universe. Situation comedy, dialogues and brotherly banter deserve full points. One point deduction I have to give due to the weaknesses described above, though. And keep hoping for a sequel with characters I grew to love and maybe a rounding out of the story...
... by throwing a beaming "all's fine!" at your extraterrestrial Ron-parents, phasing over to good old planet earth, totally missing your target, because you failed to listen to quantum physics classes as well as those precise coordinates your middle older brother specified just now, and managing to land on a highschool cafeteria table of all places, at lunchtime - and as if that wasn't bad enough in full visibility. Boy-Ron really screwed that up, didn't he?
And then he chooses the worst century name possible ... Caron, since he - unconceivable! - cares for his food source (a.k.a. human, and namely the girl in front of whose eyes ... and meatloaf ... he's landed). Incomprehensible to his father and both his older brothers who intend to immediately drag him back to his home dimension IF.
But Caron doesn't comply. Who'd bother with small mischief when he's in a position to spread real chaos and mess with two universes?!
Things I liked about "Incoming Alert"...:
Most of all Caron. His character's chaotic, loveably naïve, all but innocent, and has a kind of extraterrestrial ADHS, from he suffers far less than the rest of his family. He is, in one word, adorable.
Conversations with his brothers are sparklingly hilarious in their brotherly banter and teasing, making me grin broadly and laugh out loudly again and again. The rest of the Ron family grows on you quickly - even if you do want to smack them at times. Nicely dysfunctional...
But there are points of critic. Ron turns of phrases take getting used to, and that doesn't make reading "Incoming Alert" any easier. The story jumps somewhat too chaotically for my liking. The plotline doesn't always run straight on. I had difficulties following along at times, and more than once I felt a moment of annoyance about yet another erratic plot jump. Female characters are generally drawn weak, remain pale and much too passive. (Okay, maybe with exception of evil b*+ch Malice, but even she is one-dimensional and her motives remain unquestionned.)
And the ending seems ... unfinished. I can only hope that the story will be continued in a sequel.
To sum it up: I'd give Caron alone five stars - with kisses ! - plus this creativity to invent a whole new species of fantastic beings with their very own universe. Situation comedy, dialogues and brotherly banter deserve full points. One point deduction I have to give due to the weaknesses described above, though. And keep hoping for a sequel with characters I grew to love and maybe a rounding out of the story...
Read
January 20, 2013An intriguing premise and incredibly unique world and character building set the stage for this novel. Creating a whole new and different character archetype, the Ron, and imbuing that character with a voice that is alternately sweet and sarcastic, innocent and worldly Arlene Webb has created a story that is difficult to put down. Integrating dimension / world hopping, culture clashes and similarities and the ever present voicing of Caron in his struggle to understand, relate and integrate his newfound experiences into something that makes sense to him.
With a deft hand, the author has integrated quite clever wordplay into the conversations and interactions, as well as the interior voices of the characters. While I found Caron quite refreshingly unique and well developed, and his family bonds well defined and palpable, there were some misses in some of the secondary characters that made them less believable, although that was not dramatic enough to distract from the story. It really is a story of Caron, and he is the highlight and the glue that holds the story in place. While there are places that the plot seems to jump about, and sections could easily have been omitted, if you are patient and stay with the story, it does all come clear: and is well worth the wait.
A story that has so many unique elements that are well done, with dialogue that requires you to just “go along” for the ride until the pattern and rhythm appear – this book was a fun read. Not perfect, but different enough in concept and craft to keep me reading. Certainly one that an older YA reader would enjoy (there are some adult themes and violence) with a character that is bound to make you laugh at his observations and asides. One that will certainly have me looking at more of this author’s work.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of my Indies Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
With a deft hand, the author has integrated quite clever wordplay into the conversations and interactions, as well as the interior voices of the characters. While I found Caron quite refreshingly unique and well developed, and his family bonds well defined and palpable, there were some misses in some of the secondary characters that made them less believable, although that was not dramatic enough to distract from the story. It really is a story of Caron, and he is the highlight and the glue that holds the story in place. While there are places that the plot seems to jump about, and sections could easily have been omitted, if you are patient and stay with the story, it does all come clear: and is well worth the wait.
A story that has so many unique elements that are well done, with dialogue that requires you to just “go along” for the ride until the pattern and rhythm appear – this book was a fun read. Not perfect, but different enough in concept and craft to keep me reading. Certainly one that an older YA reader would enjoy (there are some adult themes and violence) with a character that is bound to make you laugh at his observations and asides. One that will certainly have me looking at more of this author’s work.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of my Indies Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 29, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jessa
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Pros:
The characters in this book are extremely likable. I was constantly grinning at the different behaviors and interactions between everyone. You really cheer for Caron and keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out in his favor. He’s so freshly honest and his odd mannerisms just give him a naïve adorability that you can’t help, but fall in love with. The style of speech takes a bit to get used to and can be confusing at times, but once you get used to it, it really does grow on you and adds to the characters in a good way.
Cons:
I had a hard time figuring out where the plot was going. I didn’t feel like there was any particular rise to any specific climax. There were several possibilities throughout, but when it finally seemed to settle on one particular idea, it wasn’t at all what I expected and I found myself more than a little disappointed when everything just fizzled out. I was left feeling rather incomplete and unsatisfied. I feel like there MUST be a sequel in the works for this to make any sense whatsoever.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/in...
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Pros:
The characters in this book are extremely likable. I was constantly grinning at the different behaviors and interactions between everyone. You really cheer for Caron and keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out in his favor. He’s so freshly honest and his odd mannerisms just give him a naïve adorability that you can’t help, but fall in love with. The style of speech takes a bit to get used to and can be confusing at times, but once you get used to it, it really does grow on you and adds to the characters in a good way.
Cons:
I had a hard time figuring out where the plot was going. I didn’t feel like there was any particular rise to any specific climax. There were several possibilities throughout, but when it finally seemed to settle on one particular idea, it wasn’t at all what I expected and I found myself more than a little disappointed when everything just fizzled out. I was left feeling rather incomplete and unsatisfied. I feel like there MUST be a sequel in the works for this to make any sense whatsoever.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/in...
February 1, 2013
Ms. Webb has a bizzare imagination. It isn't even worth trying to get into the plot, if you want those kinds of details you can see some of the other reviews. Every time you think you have your feet under you, she pulls the rug out. The characters are some of the more memorable ones I've read. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because she tends to over use literary devices like sentence fragments and sentences in which the subject is un-named, leaving the reader disoriented at times. But it was still fun to read.
January 2, 2013
This was a joyful book to read!!! Caron is the most delightful character I've come across since I finished author Arlene Webb's "Colors" series. Ms. Webb has a way of making her characters seem so real and believeable that I get lost in their world and hate to come back to ours. I sincerely hope there is another story featuring these delightful rons coming soon.
February 16, 2013
Not a book that I would normally choose but a thoroughly enjoyable read!
May 23, 2013
Fun and different
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews