The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots

by Michael Stephens

She wanted to prove girls can code. Unleashing an alien invasion? Not so much.

Lexi just wanted to shut up some online trolls and prove she could hack with the best of them. But when her code helps unlock a mysterious signal from deep space, it unleashes an unhinged alien AI intent on taking over the planet with an army of ninja-skilled robots (who all happen to look like Elvis Presley).

To save the world, Lexi will have to team up with a slightly glitchy robot, the cyber bullies who used to mock her, and an alien influencer with an insatiable appetite for human attention. What could go wrong?

A hilarious sci-fi adventure, The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots irreverently digs at modern-day issues such as digital dependence, misinformation and cosmic gentrification.

315 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2025

About the author

Michael Stephens writes sci-fi comedies because he belives that the world needs more funny! He lives with his wife in Richmond, Virginia on a lil’ blue dot called Earth located along the Orion-Cygnus arm of the Milky Way.

Advance Praise for:
The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots

“The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots is a delightful read for fans of science fiction and comedy. Its originality, clever writing, and memorable characters make it a welcome addition to the genre. Whether looking for a laugh or an action-packed adventure, this book delivers on both fronts.”

Readers' Favorite


"Readers looking for a rolliking good time won't be disappointed.”

Sean Fletcher, Author

"Packed with loveable characters, absurd twists, and plenty of hilarious action, The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots is a non-stop fun ride!”

John Felico, Author

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 stars

Mayhem, madness, and absurdity await you in The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots, a Young Adult science fiction tale that appeals to readers of all ages.

In this story, Lexi inadvertently unleashes an unhinged alien AI with ambitions for global domination. Now, along with her quirky and entirely unreliable crew, she must save the world. What unfolds next is an action-packed adventure filled with tension, laughter, and absurdity.

Michael Stephens has crafted a unique narrative, skilfully weaving together high-stakes, sci-fi elements, action, challenges, and humour. The story is entertaining, and you’ll find it hard not to laugh out loud at the antics and surprising twists along the way.

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots is a fast-paced and original tale. If you love science fiction and absurdity, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun sci-fi read! A classic alien-invasion doomsday scenario is brought to life with humorous storytelling and thoughtfully crafted into a family-friendly story focused on 15-year-old Lexi. The memorable and often quirky characters build up at a steady pace throughout the book, leading to an action-packed ending filled with comedic twists and a satisfying finale.

It's been a few years since I've read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but I was easily reminded of the dry wit & satirical humor that made Adams' writing so popular. For sci-fi fans looking for an entertaining story - search no further!

[Jay Batson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, what if an AI wasn't actually that intelligent? I mean, it does all the things that an AI should do - make sentences, execute stuff, know things. But - it is clumsy in execution, the things it claims to know are often wrong, and it is always (badly) trying to prove itself?

Now, let it think it wants to take over the world. (Or, does it really think that?)

Now, write a book where that AI (or several of similar sorts) were going up against a clever human trying to prevent the AI from taking over - and this clever human was a 15 year old girl.

Here's your stage for a fun romp. Admittedly I didn't really know this was "Young adult science fiction" when I selected the book to read it, and had I known so I might have skipped it. But, I'm glad I didn't, and didn't. It was fun enough that I didn't want to put it down while reading in bed at night, at the cost of sleep for several nights during reading.

Plenty of good, original ideas in this story, and characters that are likable. Pace is good (quick), and all the science fictiony leaps of faith are easy, and since there's no attempt to make this sound like a real future, it's fine to roll with them.

This could easily be made into a fun summer movie flick, appealing to the teenagers with parents dragged along and enjoying the movie.

So don't think you're reading high science-fiction. Grab a beer/soda, put your feet up and have fun.

3 stars on Goodreads, 3.5 on TheStoryGraph, using this (admittedly strict) rating scale:

5: A book I finish & is so good I want to re-read, or grab the next in the series immediately, & talk about for months.
4: Nicely done. Highly recommendable. I'll remember it, but I'm moving on.
3: Check - finished it. No problems with it. I'll likely forget about it quickly.
2: Do I really want to spend my time finishing this book. I'll do so, grudgingly.
1: I would only read this book if required for penance of my sins.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 rounded up to 5 stars

Lexi didn’t intend to unleash an alien invasion on the world, but when her code is the catalyst unlocking an alien code, an alien invasion is what ensues. An invasion the likes of which the world and its government officials aren’t quite prepared for, especially when they involve Elvis Robots. Even with the dangers, Lexi is determined to save the world, even if she has to join forces with the ByteMe crew, who have repeatedly bullied her and blocked her from joining their coding group, and a dodgy Elvis Ninja Robot called Danny.

So this was an absolutely fab read that was hilarious from start to finish. I was genuinely so surprised by how much I loved the adventure Stephens takes you on. Lexi was a great protagonist and felt very much like a real teenager just trying to prove herself and be taken seriously. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, and I absolutely adored Vivian (Lexi’s mother), as well as Danny, the awesome Elvis robot. Although saying this, all the characters were pretty awesome, being a mixed bag of hilarity and quirkiness that was a genuine delight to read. The aliens especially had me full-on belly laughing. This book sort of reminded me a little of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy with some of its humour, as well as the likes of Artemis Fowl, both of which I absolutely love.

I recommend this to anyone who wants a light-hearted, fun read. I swear there is so much to love here for both teenagers and adults alike.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old computer whiz, Lexi Ames knows firsthand how tough it is to make it as a female in the underground world of hacking. The high school’s computer club, aptly titled ByteMe, has been giving her a rough time for years. Her laid off helicopter pilot mom Vivian, sure doesn’t approve of all the time Lexi spends coding when she should be studying! To make a little dough on the side, Lexi has been getting jobs via online hacking boards such as Hack-a-Mole. What makes her so good at her side hustle is the Lexi has the uncanny ability to “see patterns, connect dots, and solve puzzles”. Here is the problem, she’s been passing herself off online as a 25-year-old man named Alexander Belvedere. The fun begins when Alex lands on the radar of alien life researchers and governments around the world. Artificial Intelligence has gotten out of hand in Central Virginia. Computers and common household appliances are on the fritz, thanks to a rogue AI with DID – Dissociative Identity Disorder – multiple split (hilarious) personalities.

In his debut as a comedic sci-fi writer, Michael Stephens breathes life into a wild cast of characters in his novel. He had me chuckling out loud as I read. Though a mid-aged man (according to his bio) he has the mind of teenage delinquent as he unspools this tale of off-the-wall interaction with foreign life-forms. For me, the sign of a good book is its ability to be translated into film, and I believe this is one of those books. There are so many “scenes” that would translate into wacky family-friendly entertainment! Mr. Stephens, you should contact Disney! This is a must read for young adults and adults alike. 5 Stars.

[Finley K. James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just gonna start this off with honesty: I don’t read a whole lot of sci-fi. I just… don’t. And I especially don’t really read books about teenaged main characters (I’m mid-30s, after all). So I didn’t have super high hopes for this book. I expected the baseline of “decent read”.

Well, I got that—and MORE!

“The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots”, while a mouthful of a title, was such a delight to read. It had comedy, it had tension, it had realism (for a sci-fi book, it was incredibly realistic). It had great characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the sense of warning the story gave—a lesson of sorts, if you will—about relying too much on the burgeoning AI we have currently, and the AI we seem to be careening towards. The main character was almost too-stubbornly independent in the beginning but grew to appreciate the help given from outside sources. She even learns to ask for help when it’s needed. I love how the science-y bits didn’t bog down the story, and it was great that things were explained by the other characters when the main character didn’t understand the terms used.

It was honestly a fantastic read that I’m immediately recommending to my teens.

[Heather Harmon *Wilcox* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read books like this. I tend to stick with romance, horror, and erotica; those are my go-to genres. But the title, The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots, caught my eye, and I figured, why not step outside my comfort zone?

Even though this book wasn’t exactly my style, I’m glad I gave it a chance. It’s incredibly original, and Michael Stephens’ writing is strong from start to finish. He takes what sounds like a completely outrageous concept, an Elvis-themed ninja robot in a strange, crumbling future, and turns it into a surprisingly thoughtful and well-told story.

The world is wild, the action is fun, and there’s a lot of humor throughout. But what stood out most to me was how much heart the story had. The main character, odd as he is, deals with real questions about identity, purpose, and what it means to be remembered. I wasn’t expecting that level of emotion or depth, but it’s there and it’s handled really well.

That said, the style and genre still aren’t quite my personal taste. I admired the creativity and the writing, but I didn’t fully connect with the story the way I do with books in my usual genres. Still, I can absolutely see how fans of quirky sci-fi, dystopian worlds, or offbeat characters would love this.

So while it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can say with confidence: it’s a good book, written by a skilled author, and definitely worth a look if you’re in the mood for something totally different.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots expecting some goofy sci-fi, but I wasn’t ready for how smart and funny it actually is. It was ridiculous but in the best possible way! Lexi is our fantastic coder who just wants to shut down some internet trolls. But instead, she accidentally kicks off an alien invasion led by ninja robots that all look like Elvis. Yes, ELVIS. It’s chaotic, it’s clever, and somehow it all works.
The real charm is in the characters. Lexi is super relatable, the robot sidekick is hilariously glitchy, and the alien influencer? Honestly, I kind of loved them. There’s a ton of sharp humor about tech culture, online hate, and how weirdly obsessed we are with attention and validation. But underneath all the silliness, it actually has something to say. If you’re in the mood for something fast, fun, and completely unhinged (in a GREAT way), definitely give this one a shot. I promise, even if it doesn't look like it is for you, it most likely is!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 Stars

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots by Michael Stephens is undeniably creative work, blending absurd humor, quirky characters, and a unique premise- definitely made for a bit of a madcap adventure.
The idea of Elvis-inspired ninja robots, a deranged alien AI, the fate of the world, lots of humour, intrigue, action, and plenty of quirky characters – all wrapped up in a sci-fi adventure really turned out to be as wild as it sounds.
The book delivers plenty of laughs and action-packed moments. And Mr. Stephens' sharp wit and satirical edge shines through, making it an enjoyable read for fans of offbeat comedy.
‘Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots’ is a fun, lighthearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it may not resonate deeply with everyone, it’s worth a try if you’re in the mood for something zany and unconventional.
Happy Reading…

[Wendy Tanguay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book. When Lexi, a 15-year-old girl who loves coding breaks a code she is recruited by the government to help them with a code coming from outer space. When she is able to crack this code, she sets into motion a secret plan by aliens Roy and Zeb. Strange needs for more energy, more data centers and factories that make strange things that cannot be talked about are all pieces of the puzzle Lexi tries to fit together to figure out what the secret plan is. The book is complete with chases, fun nods to pop culture in an alien Stacy who talks like a valley girl “grody to the max”, a Colonel names Colonel Sanders and Eastern Bloc baddies Boris and Natasha, and of course the Elvis ninja robots. I loved this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you see a title like this, you have to check it out and I am thrilled I did! This YA science fiction story was hysterical and so much fun. It’s a story that will appeal to readers of all ages. We have Lexie, a teen girl just trying to prove she can code better than the bullies online, who accidentally breaks a code for the government that puts in motion a secret plan by zany aliens Zeb and Roy. Now she has to figure out how to stop a takeover, with a rag tag group, including a valley girl speaking Alien named Stacey, Colonel names Colonel Sanders and Eastern Bloc baddies Boris and Natasha, and of course the Elvis ninja robots. This book is full of humor, pop culture, and a fast-paced story line that hooks you in immediately. Definitely recommend!

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gains it's purpose, particularly for the targeted audience. It has a sturdy style, which is easy and comfortable, without over convoluting ones mind. This allows the reader to enjoy the interesting read. It was really good and cozy and funny, just like the comfortable genre we currently have a cozy cat caffe stories. The cover is vibrant and fun and the blur lives up to expectation. You will definitely jump straight into this form the very beginning. It is also something YA can relate to, without giving spoilers, the struggle between what a parent might wasn't and ones own individuality and free mind.

A breath of fresh air, I must say
Thank you voracious readers for the advance copy

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots By Michael Stephens

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots is fun Sci-Fi Adventure that will pull you in from the beginning and keep you turning the pages till the end. The characters are creative, fun ,fully developed and make the story come to life. This may be aimed for middle school aged children but this adult loved reading this fun fast paced story about Lexi. She’s bound and determined to prove she’s just as good a hacker as anyone else is. But what will happen when her code uncovers a a alien that wants to take over the world? Oh I had so much fun reading this book and highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots by Michael Stephens. This is a wonderful young adult science fiction. Its hilarious at times and really weird at others. It's the story of Lexi who is just trying to teach her online bullies a lesson by showing them she can code with the best of them but what she does is unleash an alien invasion. Its an invasion no one is ready for including, Elvis robots, a crazy alien AI who wants to take over the world. Lexi is in deep trouble but she doesn't know what to do so the only thing she knows how to do is decode their plan to destroy the world. As the adventure goes on its met with hilarious characters, wild stories and lots of laughs. Will Lexi prove she is just as good at coding as anyone else her age, maybe even better! Such a fun young adult read.

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots was a fun, hilarious read that I truly did not think I would like as much as I did. You have Lexi who just wanted to be able to prove she could code but instead she unleashes an army of Elvis lookalike robots. To save the world, she must team up with a not to smart robot, her online bullies, and a alien influencer to save the world. Can the world be saved? And even when you think this is only about robots, some good emotional stuff sneaks up on ya.

The book is crazy, but in a good way that grabs you with laughter great characters. I have never read a book by this author but I truly intend to now. This YA Sci FI book was good that I told my teens they have to give it a try! Well done and highly recommend this read!

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read!! I really enjoyed it once I got into it. I had a VERY busy week so I wasn't able to read it as fast as I would have liked. Wanting to prove herself capable of coding to the guys Lexi gets into some trouble. Her mother has set some rules and number one is no more coding. But Lexi has to solve this problem before the boys! She just doesn't know that her code ends up helping unlock a signal from deep space!! Aliens!!! Now what started out as a race to beat the boys has turned into her trying to save the world!! And yes there are ninja Elvis robots too!! If you like adventure, sci-fi, and mystery this is a good one for you!! Give it a shot. I did and I really enjoyed it!

[Mike]

DNF.

It's a great title, and that's what drew me in initially. But the simplistic narrative style, combined with an almost complete lack of the past perfect tense and most of the other usual mechanical issues, made for a book that failed to grip me enough to stick with it.

The protagonist is, at least, a believable teenager (won't clean her room, secretive, rebellious, deals with issues by ignoring them until she can't any longer). Whether she's also believable as the one person in the world who's a good enough puzzle solver to decode alien transmissions... I didn't get far enough to decide.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a fun and quirky sci-fi story that I found so entertaining from start to finish! I loved how it showcased that girls can have talents that are less expected and focused on areas that are really relevant in today’s world, e.g., AI. The fact that is was all packaged together in such a fun and amusing story just made it even better.
The range of characters was really interesting as well. The author draws on different personality types and has created such an interesting group. It was great fun to go on their journey with them and I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a middle school age sci-fi fantasy story. This is a story about Lexi and her determination to prove that she can hack as good as anyone. What will happen when her code releases an alien who is determined to take over the planet. Will she be able to save the world when she teams up with this robot? The characters and the plot are written with a little humor and fun. I found this story easy to read and entertaining. I think that any young teenager would enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend this story.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a middle school age sci-fi fantasy story. This is a story about Lexi and her determination to prove that she can hack as good as anyone. What will happen when her code releases an alien who is determined to take over the planet. Will she be able to save the world when she teams up with this robot? The characters and the plot are written with a little humor and fun. I found this story easy to read and entertaining. I think that any young teenager would enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend this story. If you enjoy reading book with humor this is right up your alley.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I enjoyed reading this book very much. It made us giggle and laugh till we cry. Lexi is quite the character. When she gets bullies online saying that she can't hack, what does she do? Definitely not let them get her down. Accidentally release an AI who wants to take over the world with robots that look like Elvis? Uhhh maybe... With the help of her former cyber-bullies, a glitchy robot, and an alien influencer, nothing could go wrong right??? Read along and find out for yourself!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots! Lexi just wanted to prove she could code, but instead she accidentally unleashes an army of Elvis-looking ninja robots—how wild is that? I loved how she teams up with a glitchy robot, the trolls who used to make her life miserable, and even an alien influencer who’s obsessed with attention. The book had me laughing out loud at all the crazy, over-the-top moments, but it also made me think about how obsessed we are with screens and online fame. Some parts were a little bonkers, but that’s exactly what made it so entertaining.

[Sarah Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky, Fun YA SciFi Read

Stevens gives his readers a strong young female Lexi that is intelligent and intends to prove the boys of ByteMe that she knows coding. When presented with code to break, she unknowingly unleashes a “virus” of aliens onto the Earth. The chaos that ensues brings the possible issues with AI being managed by someone who is a bit flawed in the execution. The title drew me to want to see how Elvis Ninja Robots came into being. His quirky, lovable characters make the reader want to see what happens next. A quick fun read for any sci-fan young or old.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book in multiple ways. It is an entertaining sci-fi. It has an emotional side to it. Lexi is a 15 year old just trying to find herself and make friends. Her mom is a single mom just trying to raise a teenage daughter by herself and give her everything she needs to succeed in life. You get comedy, the feels, great sci-fi all rolled into one book. You will not be disappointed in this one. Go on a big adventure with Lexi and see if she can save the world while navigating being a teenage girl.

[Katie Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was way more fun than I expected—The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots is wild in the best way. It’s got action, laughs, and just the right amount of weird to keep things interesting. The Elvis vibes mixed with ninja moves? Totally ridiculous, but it works. The style is super cool and creative, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it even better. Honestly, it’s a blast from start to finish

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start by stating that the Sci-Fi genre is not always my go to; however, when I saw the title of this book: The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots, my interest was piqued! After reading the first chapter I was hooked! This book was an engaging fun read. Without giving details away, Michael Stephens gave us an original tale of what would happen if we were invaded by aliens.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more rom Michael Stephens.

[Emma Samways · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I don't usually read sci-fi but it was quite good. It's about this teenager Lexi who's incredibly intelligent and helps to decode an alien message from the far reaches of space only to realise that it's an alien AI hell bent on taking over the earth via the electronic devices. Then ensues a twisty journey of events that changes Lexi's life forever. It's well written, very imaginative and I would read more from this author.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots by Micheal Stephens is an extremely unique and thoroughly entertaining read. I cannot express how much I loved this, and had to put it down a few (several) times to stop laughing long enough to keep reading! Futurama level humor, and ive binge every single episode of that if that tells you anything. Not to mention the title is grab your attention immediately. Absolutely worth the read and I definitely recommend it!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Elvis Ninja Robots embraces its absurd premise and runs with it at full speed. What starts as a funny jab at online trolls and hacker bravado quickly escalates into a full-blown sci-fi adventure packed with heart and sharp wit. Lexi is an outstanding lead smart, sarcastic, and determined to prove herself in a space that constantly underestimates her. The humor is nonstop, but it never overshadows the clever commentary on technology, ego, and unintended consequences.

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story for middle school and up, if you think your kids could be interested in sci-fi have them check this one out, even if they don't know who Elvis is. It's funny, techy, and a teenager trying to save the world. I like that the book makes you really think about how much we rely on all our "smart" devices. Great for those who enjoy adventure and lighthearted reads.