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Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average
This is an ACE of ASIN:B009CZL6CU Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average
Jacob Smith never expected to be chased by aliens. Or to be traveling across the universe to try and save the world.
After all, nothing interesting had ever happened to him before. But things change when his mom announces she's expecting another baby. A menacing, black car starts following him, and he meets a dog that seems to be more than man's best friend. Even worse, he finds out that his older brother isn't who he claims to be.
Now Jake and his friends are on the run from a race of aliens bent on taking over our world, just as they have many others before. But what can Jake do when the only reason the aliens want him is because he's so incredibly average?
Jacob Smith never expected to be chased by aliens. Or to be traveling across the universe to try and save the world.
After all, nothing interesting had ever happened to him before. But things change when his mom announces she's expecting another baby. A menacing, black car starts following him, and he meets a dog that seems to be more than man's best friend. Even worse, he finds out that his older brother isn't who he claims to be.
Now Jake and his friends are on the run from a race of aliens bent on taking over our world, just as they have many others before. But what can Jake do when the only reason the aliens want him is because he's so incredibly average?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2012
1 person is currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Erin Hayes
102 books526 followersSci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books.
She works as an advertising copywriter by day, and she's a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and now San Francisco with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.
You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.
She works as an advertising copywriter by day, and she's a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and now San Francisco with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.
You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 10, 2012
What an incredibly fun read! I admit I started reading this book just to parentally screen it for my daughter, to see if it would be appropriate or interesting for her, but then I found myself completely sucked into the story, to the point that I read this over the other books I was reading for myself, just because I wanted to see what was going to happen to Jacob Smith in his battles with aliens.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of anything of the young adult action adventure genre, such as books along the lines of The Lightning Thief, or even Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I also think this book would make a great movie, and I can actually imagine it being a major motion picture someday. Fun stuff!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of anything of the young adult action adventure genre, such as books along the lines of The Lightning Thief, or even Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I also think this book would make a great movie, and I can actually imagine it being a major motion picture someday. Fun stuff!
November 19, 2012
What if your complete and uninteresting normalcy is the very thing that could wipe humans off the face of the planet? This is the unlikely premise of the delightfully unique Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average. I loved the odd situation Jacob found himself in, and all the events that unfolded because of it. The writing was good, the humour was… well, amusing, and the pace was good. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone from 12 – 120 years old who is looking for a light, entertaining read.
August 7, 2015
In most science-fiction and fantasy stories, we like to believe that our heroes are special—that they are destined by fate, chosen by the Gods or the Universe, or simply possess something that makes them able to overcome astounding obstacles. This, as a staple in literature, has been seen throughout generations. But in Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average, that role is completely reversed—because our hero is, in fact, anything but extraordinary.
Enter Jacob Smith—a twelve, almost thirteen-year-old boy. In the grand scheme of things, he isn’t anything special. He gets average grades, does average in sports, is average in height and intelligence. He’s even statistically average when it comes to the number of siblings in an American household. Normally, we wouldn’t think anything of this. Average people aren’t normally capable of anything extraordinary. But what if an alien species was able to use that to their advantage—to ‘harness’ the average in order to potentially take over the human race? That is the challenge Jacob Smith faces in Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average, and the driving point of its plot.
As a mid-grade/young-adult novel, Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average nails every aspect that the genre requires. It’s easy to read, its pace is fast and the plot doesn’t meander, and it features likable characters and scenarios everyone can relate to. Where the novel truly stands out is as a science-fiction piece. The wonder presented in the novel is slow to creep in, but once it does, it hits you full force. But unlike many sci-fi novels (where, even in YA, the reader can become confused and overwhelmed,) Jacob Smith makes sure to introduce the fantastical aspect of its narrative slowly and simply. Aliens are usually described in minute detail. Technology is only explained in what it does and not how it does it. The action incorporated within is exciting but not in the least bit gruesome and its fast pace speeds the reader throughout the narrative at a near-unstoppable pace. I had trouble putting Jacob Smith down even when I was completely exhausted. It’s fun, energetic, and definitely something I wish I was able to read as a kid. I highly recommend it.
Enter Jacob Smith—a twelve, almost thirteen-year-old boy. In the grand scheme of things, he isn’t anything special. He gets average grades, does average in sports, is average in height and intelligence. He’s even statistically average when it comes to the number of siblings in an American household. Normally, we wouldn’t think anything of this. Average people aren’t normally capable of anything extraordinary. But what if an alien species was able to use that to their advantage—to ‘harness’ the average in order to potentially take over the human race? That is the challenge Jacob Smith faces in Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average, and the driving point of its plot.
As a mid-grade/young-adult novel, Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average nails every aspect that the genre requires. It’s easy to read, its pace is fast and the plot doesn’t meander, and it features likable characters and scenarios everyone can relate to. Where the novel truly stands out is as a science-fiction piece. The wonder presented in the novel is slow to creep in, but once it does, it hits you full force. But unlike many sci-fi novels (where, even in YA, the reader can become confused and overwhelmed,) Jacob Smith makes sure to introduce the fantastical aspect of its narrative slowly and simply. Aliens are usually described in minute detail. Technology is only explained in what it does and not how it does it. The action incorporated within is exciting but not in the least bit gruesome and its fast pace speeds the reader throughout the narrative at a near-unstoppable pace. I had trouble putting Jacob Smith down even when I was completely exhausted. It’s fun, energetic, and definitely something I wish I was able to read as a kid. I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2013
3.5
I'll admit as a reader who often reads to escape into a fantasy world, the words A Sci-fi novel branded just below the title took some effort to want to pick up. Only the synopsis helped to further push me into a feeling of dread when I approached this book as it literally introduced the main character as a normal boy, living a normal life. How interesting does that really sound? Personally it took will power to want to open up the book, but I did however manage to get it open and start reading. Once I finally did open the book I was thoroughly surprised at how entertained I was. Just after the first chapter (introduction) things begin to pick up almost immediately. I think for it's targeted demographic it's a good book and in my opinion written well for all age groups. A lot of the imagery in the world of this book is built in my opinion of what a child might think of when asked to describe aliens with several of aliens taking on the image of reptiles. This book is fun enough to read worth buying for your a younger sibling or family member and structurally work but I don't think its truly enough to stand out on my own shelf other than being the only Sci-fi novel.
I'll admit as a reader who often reads to escape into a fantasy world, the words A Sci-fi novel branded just below the title took some effort to want to pick up. Only the synopsis helped to further push me into a feeling of dread when I approached this book as it literally introduced the main character as a normal boy, living a normal life. How interesting does that really sound? Personally it took will power to want to open up the book, but I did however manage to get it open and start reading. Once I finally did open the book I was thoroughly surprised at how entertained I was. Just after the first chapter (introduction) things begin to pick up almost immediately. I think for it's targeted demographic it's a good book and in my opinion written well for all age groups. A lot of the imagery in the world of this book is built in my opinion of what a child might think of when asked to describe aliens with several of aliens taking on the image of reptiles. This book is fun enough to read worth buying for your a younger sibling or family member and structurally work but I don't think its truly enough to stand out on my own shelf other than being the only Sci-fi novel.
April 23, 2014
Loved this one, such a fun and exciting read. Jacob is average, but that makes ihm special. The characters were really fun in this story, full of Twists and turns. And aliens! The story keeps you hooked and is catching for Young and young at heart the Same.
Copy Provider by netgalley
Copy Provider by netgalley
September 28, 2012
YAYYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book! Read on to find out just why Jacob Smith, who is so incredibly average, is actually very, very special.
September 23, 2019
This was really fun to read - a fast-paced adventure that features space travel and math-loving evil aliens. Jacob's "averageness" was a unique and interesting concept. The book is clearly written for a younger audience, but anyone can enjoy it. The author's grasp on technology is not the best, for example cryogenics doesn't mean freezing people in blocks of ice and then thawing them out, and cell phones won't work on another planet.
August 12, 2016
An "Average" Hero Who Commands Your Attention
Lots of writers of middle grade fantasy/adventure books are good at coming up with catchy premises and angles. Some can sustain a narrative and some are skilled at describing alien characters and setting scenes. But, ahh, as to the central figures - the heroes and heroines of the story - that often proves to be a bridge too far.
Well, this book has a great hook, it has a strong narrative, and it has some very impressive set pieces - but what sets it apart is the appeal and authenticity of the central characters.
The angle is that Jacob Smith is the most normal kid around; he is literally as well as figuratively "average". For reasons that become clear as the plot develops, (no SPOILERS here), his averageness is sort of the aspect of Jacob Smith that makes the whole alien invasion shebang work.
You'd think that developing an "average" character would not be a hard assignment. But as I thought about it I realized that outrageous characters - super geniuses, mega-geeks, video game freaks, emo girls, mondo nerds, "bad" boys, skaters, greasers, bullies, and so on - are easier, because they are so recognizable and it's so easy to just put the parts together. But how do you write an "average" hero who can command and hold the reader's attention? Well, Erin Hayes has done that.
Jacob has a loyal if a bit quirky best friend, Max, whose occasional cracks keep him grounded. Jacob's sister has gone goth out of middle kid rebellion, but she is fond of Jacob and rallies 'round when the going gets tough. Jacob's parents aren't perfect, but they aren't cartoonishly over the top. Jacob's worries are normal; his thought processes seem authentic. His attitude and style seem realistic. His conversations with Max, which have to move the plot along in the beginning, still seem like real conversations, not just exposition and monologuing. His interest in and shyness around girls isn't overdone but adds another layer of realism. The very fact that he is reluctant to conclude that he is apparently the hero of a fantasy adventure makes him appealing.
There are many, many little details and thoughts and observations by Jacob and Max that just feel right. Jacob's name for his dog protector is just right. Jacob's call to his sister to pick him up when he's scared feels just right. The way Max takes over a Google search when Jacob has trouble phrasing his query feels just right. Jacob's little throwaway observations about girls or school or football tryouts, feel right.
It seems that if you can nail the character, everything else falls into place. That's how this book impressed me.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Lots of writers of middle grade fantasy/adventure books are good at coming up with catchy premises and angles. Some can sustain a narrative and some are skilled at describing alien characters and setting scenes. But, ahh, as to the central figures - the heroes and heroines of the story - that often proves to be a bridge too far.
Well, this book has a great hook, it has a strong narrative, and it has some very impressive set pieces - but what sets it apart is the appeal and authenticity of the central characters.
The angle is that Jacob Smith is the most normal kid around; he is literally as well as figuratively "average". For reasons that become clear as the plot develops, (no SPOILERS here), his averageness is sort of the aspect of Jacob Smith that makes the whole alien invasion shebang work.
You'd think that developing an "average" character would not be a hard assignment. But as I thought about it I realized that outrageous characters - super geniuses, mega-geeks, video game freaks, emo girls, mondo nerds, "bad" boys, skaters, greasers, bullies, and so on - are easier, because they are so recognizable and it's so easy to just put the parts together. But how do you write an "average" hero who can command and hold the reader's attention? Well, Erin Hayes has done that.
Jacob has a loyal if a bit quirky best friend, Max, whose occasional cracks keep him grounded. Jacob's sister has gone goth out of middle kid rebellion, but she is fond of Jacob and rallies 'round when the going gets tough. Jacob's parents aren't perfect, but they aren't cartoonishly over the top. Jacob's worries are normal; his thought processes seem authentic. His attitude and style seem realistic. His conversations with Max, which have to move the plot along in the beginning, still seem like real conversations, not just exposition and monologuing. His interest in and shyness around girls isn't overdone but adds another layer of realism. The very fact that he is reluctant to conclude that he is apparently the hero of a fantasy adventure makes him appealing.
There are many, many little details and thoughts and observations by Jacob and Max that just feel right. Jacob's name for his dog protector is just right. Jacob's call to his sister to pick him up when he's scared feels just right. The way Max takes over a Google search when Jacob has trouble phrasing his query feels just right. Jacob's little throwaway observations about girls or school or football tryouts, feel right.
It seems that if you can nail the character, everything else falls into place. That's how this book impressed me.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
May 27, 2014
This is a fun and entertaining novel set in the present with a believable and likable hero. The premise is that Earth is being invaded by a group of aliens who find the most average person on Earth, and use that person to discover how best to destroy the inhabitants so the aliens can colonize the Earth once all the humans are gone.
Jacob Smith is the most average boy on Earth. Most popular name, most popular favorite color, average sports ability, average grades… I loved the idea that someone who is average, nothing special to outward appearances can become the hero his family needs and save the Earth. The characters are wonderful, the Goth Sister, perfect Brother with a secret, Computer wiz best friend, Crazy Grandfather with an Area 51 obsession, even the aliens are unique: the Fibonacks, aliens who are obsessed with perfection and write the equations of their perfection on their bodies. Even side aliens like the Octopus like Alien that sits on your head and transmits signals across the galaxy was fun and unusual.
I read this as a Netgally reader looking for books for our school library, but I enjoyed this enough and I like the premise enough to recommend our library purchase a copy. Anytime I find a book that encourages kids to look beyond the labels society puts on them and does it in a way that is both entertaining and age appropriate I add it to our library purchase list. And it is a Science Fiction novel to boot. There are not that many good JF Sci-Fi books out there.
Jacob Smith is the most average boy on Earth. Most popular name, most popular favorite color, average sports ability, average grades… I loved the idea that someone who is average, nothing special to outward appearances can become the hero his family needs and save the Earth. The characters are wonderful, the Goth Sister, perfect Brother with a secret, Computer wiz best friend, Crazy Grandfather with an Area 51 obsession, even the aliens are unique: the Fibonacks, aliens who are obsessed with perfection and write the equations of their perfection on their bodies. Even side aliens like the Octopus like Alien that sits on your head and transmits signals across the galaxy was fun and unusual.
I read this as a Netgally reader looking for books for our school library, but I enjoyed this enough and I like the premise enough to recommend our library purchase a copy. Anytime I find a book that encourages kids to look beyond the labels society puts on them and does it in a way that is both entertaining and age appropriate I add it to our library purchase list. And it is a Science Fiction novel to boot. There are not that many good JF Sci-Fi books out there.
November 22, 2014
I got this book to read to my daughter. We read a chapter every night and I found myself wanting to read more even after she fell asleep. Jacob is just your average kid-literally. He's not good or bad at anything, just average. He's easy to overlook and easily blends into the crowd. Jacob has twin older siblings: Thea who is defiant and mouthy and Theo who is perfect at everything. After his mom announces she is pregnant, weird things start happening. I don't want to give anything away, but one of Jacob's siblings are not what they seem.
Jacob then realizes that the weight of the world rests on his shoulders and it's up to him, with the help of his family and best friend Max, to save Earth.
I love this book. It was cute and suspenseful at the same time. Hayes has a way with world building and this book played out in my mind like a movie as I read it. It has a perfect balance of action and humor and I loved the characters. Jacob starts out "incredibly average" but rises above that and proves to be pretty incredible himself. I can't say much more without giving anything away.
This is a great book not only for kids, but for adults too. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
Jacob then realizes that the weight of the world rests on his shoulders and it's up to him, with the help of his family and best friend Max, to save Earth.
I love this book. It was cute and suspenseful at the same time. Hayes has a way with world building and this book played out in my mind like a movie as I read it. It has a perfect balance of action and humor and I loved the characters. Jacob starts out "incredibly average" but rises above that and proves to be pretty incredible himself. I can't say much more without giving anything away.
This is a great book not only for kids, but for adults too. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
December 13, 2014
I saw this book shared from an author I follow on Facebook. The cover looked like an old computer game I played when I was younger. Therefore, I was intrigued to read the synopsis. Finding out its about an alien race wanting to take over earth had me wanting to read it. I was presently surprised on how much I liked this book. Even though it's aim at the middle school crowd as an adult I thought it was very entertaining. The writing is well written and I could picture this book becoming a movie. Overall, a very fun read.
I would recommend this book for fans of the Percy Jackson, and the Pendragon series.
I would recommend this book for fans of the Percy Jackson, and the Pendragon series.
July 7, 2015
Totally fun sci-fi for kids! Thirteen year old Jacob Smith is average. He can't make the football team, can't beat his best friend at video games is bad at math and makes mostly "B"s in school. And being so perfectly average is what makes him the perfect specimen for the aliens - if they can catch him, that is. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I absolutely loved it! It has an alien named Bob. I think kids will enjoy it too because it is just such a fun read. I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2015
This is a fun, crazy, and intense adventure! Absolutely perfect for kids and adults. Take an unexpected adventure with the most normal boy on planet Earth. To an alien species who wants to take over the Earth for their selfish desires, Jacob Smith, is the Key to everything. Jacob finds that his crazy grandpa might not be so crazy after all and that there is a lot more to his family than meets the eye. Erin Hayes writes an out of this world story that will keep young readers engaged and gave this older reader a fun and exciting reality break.
July 20, 2014
What a great book for all of us average Joe's...or Jacobs!
We all feel so incredibly boring and average. We long for adventure...that's why we love to read. I was captivated by the title. Who thinks of an average boy as worthy of a book? Jacob though, he was average.
This book was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the action was paced well. I completely recommend this to those who enjoy young adult books and feel just a little average.
I give this book an A.
We all feel so incredibly boring and average. We long for adventure...that's why we love to read. I was captivated by the title. Who thinks of an average boy as worthy of a book? Jacob though, he was average.
This book was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the action was paced well. I completely recommend this to those who enjoy young adult books and feel just a little average.
I give this book an A.
March 3, 2014
It's a very quick passed and really wild ride of a book! borders between science fiction and a little bit of fantasy, starting with a very normal child's life and developing into a flowing roller coaster that has some very interesting twists and a very complex imagination, I personally found some parts that glued me to the book which I couldn't drop till the ride was finished.
November 3, 2015
I had fun reading this. It was slow at times, but the ideas and world were really enjoyable. I loved her alien creatures, and the ending was well worth the time investment.
June 21, 2016
Slow start
Fabulous characters make it worth the time. Great book for preteen or teen and fun read for adults to unwind.
Fabulous characters make it worth the time. Great book for preteen or teen and fun read for adults to unwind.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews