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Imitation Alien
I was ten years old the day I found out I was an alien. At least, that's what the kids at school called me. With a strange birthmark and a name like Sagittarius, I've tried to stay invisible.
Then a stranger showed up at my school—and everything changed.
He knew my name. He was terrified. And before I could ask why, the military took him. After that, I found out my mom's been lying to me my whole life. Black cars started appearing in town, and my friends wouldn't stop asking questions they shouldn't.
That's when we found an old recorder, a strange frequency, and a pattern of pulses that makes something inside me respond—like my body recognized it.
The signal won't stop. My birthmark is changing. And the more we dig into the past, the clearer it something was hidden here a long time ago.
Something connected to me.
THE PULSE IN HER VEINS MATCHED A RHYTHM FROM THE STARS.
For fans of I Am Number Four and Lore, IMITATION ALIEN is a fast-paced YA sci-fi thriller about the lies we tell ourselves—and the truth we can't escape.
Then a stranger showed up at my school—and everything changed.
He knew my name. He was terrified. And before I could ask why, the military took him. After that, I found out my mom's been lying to me my whole life. Black cars started appearing in town, and my friends wouldn't stop asking questions they shouldn't.
That's when we found an old recorder, a strange frequency, and a pattern of pulses that makes something inside me respond—like my body recognized it.
The signal won't stop. My birthmark is changing. And the more we dig into the past, the clearer it something was hidden here a long time ago.
Something connected to me.
THE PULSE IN HER VEINS MATCHED A RHYTHM FROM THE STARS.
For fans of I Am Number Four and Lore, IMITATION ALIEN is a fast-paced YA sci-fi thriller about the lies we tell ourselves—and the truth we can't escape.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
Colleen Helme
45 books754 followersSolving crimes with sass, suspense, and a splash of the supernatural.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 26, 2026
Imitation Alien
Described as Young Adult Fantasy, however, I enjoyed reading this book and I do hope Colleen Helme has more ideas for a series. I read the book in one sitting to see if it came up to her Shelby Nichols series, well, I can see her characters coming to life as a family of friends going on a journey together. I can recommend it for all ages not just young adult.
Described as Young Adult Fantasy, however, I enjoyed reading this book and I do hope Colleen Helme has more ideas for a series. I read the book in one sitting to see if it came up to her Shelby Nichols series, well, I can see her characters coming to life as a family of friends going on a journey together. I can recommend it for all ages not just young adult.
July 1, 2026
Imitation Alien is an exciting and imaginative young adult science fiction thriller that masterfully combines mystery, suspense, and emotional depth. Colleen Helme immediately captures the reader's attention with an intriguing premise that steadily unfolds into a gripping story of hidden identities, long buried secrets, and extraordinary discoveries. From its compelling opening to its escalating tension, the novel keeps readers invested while exploring timeless questions about belonging, truth, and self discovery.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its engaging protagonist, Sagittarius, whose journey feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. As strange events begin to unravel the reality she has always known, readers experience her growing uncertainty, courage, and determination firsthand. The evolving mystery surrounding her birthmark, the mysterious signal, and the secrets hidden by those closest to her creates a constant sense of anticipation, while the friendships, family dynamics, and emotional conflicts add genuine heart to the fast-paced narrative. The balance between science fiction intrigue and character driven storytelling makes the novel accessible to both dedicated sci-fi fans and readers who simply enjoy compelling coming of age adventures.
What makes Imitation Alien especially memorable is its ability to blend high stakes action with meaningful emotional themes. Beneath the thrilling discoveries and government conspiracies lies a thoughtful exploration of identity, trust, and the search for where we truly belong. Colleen Helme crafts a story that is entertaining, imaginative, and emotionally satisfying, delivering twists that keep the pages turning while allowing readers to connect deeply with its characters. With its cinematic pacing, creative world building, and universal themes, Imitation Alien has all the qualities needed to captivate a broad audience of young adult and science fiction readers alike.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its engaging protagonist, Sagittarius, whose journey feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. As strange events begin to unravel the reality she has always known, readers experience her growing uncertainty, courage, and determination firsthand. The evolving mystery surrounding her birthmark, the mysterious signal, and the secrets hidden by those closest to her creates a constant sense of anticipation, while the friendships, family dynamics, and emotional conflicts add genuine heart to the fast-paced narrative. The balance between science fiction intrigue and character driven storytelling makes the novel accessible to both dedicated sci-fi fans and readers who simply enjoy compelling coming of age adventures.
What makes Imitation Alien especially memorable is its ability to blend high stakes action with meaningful emotional themes. Beneath the thrilling discoveries and government conspiracies lies a thoughtful exploration of identity, trust, and the search for where we truly belong. Colleen Helme crafts a story that is entertaining, imaginative, and emotionally satisfying, delivering twists that keep the pages turning while allowing readers to connect deeply with its characters. With its cinematic pacing, creative world building, and universal themes, Imitation Alien has all the qualities needed to captivate a broad audience of young adult and science fiction readers alike.
June 26, 2026
Imaginative Science Fiction, emotionally charged
The book has action, suspense and drama. Romance was second to the story. The storyline wasn't as I expected, it was surprisingly different, about aliens but not. I enjoyed the foundation of the story and the relationship dynamics, the plot is well traced and executed. As far as characters go, I cut relate to them. Sage finally open to her classmates and develop a tight net on her quest to find the truth. Her mother on the other hand was a great disappointment, easy to manipulate and in my opinion no personality at all.
I received this book free to review honestly before its release and I like to say it is another hit. I'm glad she is branching to another category. I love Collen's writing style and I'm grateful she shares her talents with us. I'm looking forward to this series.😊
The book has action, suspense and drama. Romance was second to the story. The storyline wasn't as I expected, it was surprisingly different, about aliens but not. I enjoyed the foundation of the story and the relationship dynamics, the plot is well traced and executed. As far as characters go, I cut relate to them. Sage finally open to her classmates and develop a tight net on her quest to find the truth. Her mother on the other hand was a great disappointment, easy to manipulate and in my opinion no personality at all.
I received this book free to review honestly before its release and I like to say it is another hit. I'm glad she is branching to another category. I love Collen's writing style and I'm grateful she shares her talents with us. I'm looking forward to this series.😊
June 27, 2026
Imitation Alien is an absolute delight from start to finish. The premise is imaginative and fresh, exploring humanity through the eyes of an outsider with wit, humor, and surprising emotional depth. The writing balances sharp satire with heartfelt moments, making it both entertaining and deeply meaningful.
The characters are memorable, the world‑building is vivid, and the themes — greed, resilience, morality, and hope — resonate long after you’ve turned the last page. It feels like a modern companion to the classics of Asimov and Heinlein, yet stands firmly on its own as a unique voice in science fiction.
If you enjoy sci‑fi that makes you think while keeping you thoroughly entertained, Imitation Alien is a must‑read. Highly recommended!
The characters are memorable, the world‑building is vivid, and the themes — greed, resilience, morality, and hope — resonate long after you’ve turned the last page. It feels like a modern companion to the classics of Asimov and Heinlein, yet stands firmly on its own as a unique voice in science fiction.
If you enjoy sci‑fi that makes you think while keeping you thoroughly entertained, Imitation Alien is a must‑read. Highly recommended!
June 27, 2026
beyond my every expectation
I love this book. The story was action packed from one incident to another. The characters were relatable and interesting. My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with these very enjoyable hours of reading. There is a general HEA for several characters but not an HEA in a romantic sense except for her parents. There is lots of bonding together relating to the students as well as the estranged married couple. It is an exceptional read in my opinion. Looking forward to reading more like this one. (Hopefully, this will be book 1 in a series of entertaining stories).
I love this book. The story was action packed from one incident to another. The characters were relatable and interesting. My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with these very enjoyable hours of reading. There is a general HEA for several characters but not an HEA in a romantic sense except for her parents. There is lots of bonding together relating to the students as well as the estranged married couple. It is an exceptional read in my opinion. Looking forward to reading more like this one. (Hopefully, this will be book 1 in a series of entertaining stories).
June 27, 2026
I’d give it more stars if I could! I don’t know when I’ve read a more engaging and thrilling book. I don’t usually read YA and SciFi but this one sucked me right in and kept me fully engaged throughout (it’s the heart pounding that usually keeps me from reading thrillers :) Excellent book Colleen! Keep up the good work!!
June 30, 2026
Out of this World!
What an outstanding story! Great lead in for a new series, especially for YA. I could see this really going places, as the main character goes exploring space with her friends in her new ship and her dad finds more of their people on Earth. And it may be YA, but still interesting enough for adult reading too. Colleen is a great writer!
What an outstanding story! Great lead in for a new series, especially for YA. I could see this really going places, as the main character goes exploring space with her friends in her new ship and her dad finds more of their people on Earth. And it may be YA, but still interesting enough for adult reading too. Colleen is a great writer!
June 30, 2026
A Well Written Adventure
I love Colleen Helme's other series and this one has sparked a new appreciation for her ability to bring the reader into her worlds!
It's full of intrigue, growth, mystery and dangers.
I love Colleen Helme's other series and this one has sparked a new appreciation for her ability to bring the reader into her worlds!
It's full of intrigue, growth, mystery and dangers.
July 3, 2026
I would say this is not my usual type of book but when one of your favourite author's tries something different, even something aimed at young teens, you have to give it ago. So glad I did and I am slightly older than a teen, well okay a lot older, so don't let the teen label put you off. I think it is suitable for anybody that likes a character driven story full of suspense.
I liked the characters and am pleased that the adventure is set to continue. Sagittarius is a great main character. I like that she grows or develops from a quiet teen that wants to be invisible to a confidant leader willing to take on the might of the military. There is also some interesting sidekicks and I especially loved seven. I liked that the author kept everything close to her chest and there was a lot that kept you guessing like who to trust and who was telling the truth.
There is a lot going on and the story moves at a quick pace and stayed engaging throughout. It's hard to praise the book without giving too much of the story away. So I will just say give it a go you might be surprised with the results.
Sagittarius, Sage as she is known by her friends if she had any, is a typical teen trying to get through school life without too much drama. Well she would be your typical teen if the rumour about her being an alien would stop and the strange man hadn't burst into her classroom before being dragged away by the military. The stranger knew her name and the soldiers now seen too interest in her connection to the stranger. She thought her dad was dead but there is something about the stranger that seems familiar. The more the military try to keep her out of it the more she tries to uncover and the place to start is with her mother's secrets.
I liked the narrator. It's not the usual narrator this author favours but I think it was the right choice to go with somebody different, especially as she was very good.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I liked the characters and am pleased that the adventure is set to continue. Sagittarius is a great main character. I like that she grows or develops from a quiet teen that wants to be invisible to a confidant leader willing to take on the might of the military. There is also some interesting sidekicks and I especially loved seven. I liked that the author kept everything close to her chest and there was a lot that kept you guessing like who to trust and who was telling the truth.
There is a lot going on and the story moves at a quick pace and stayed engaging throughout. It's hard to praise the book without giving too much of the story away. So I will just say give it a go you might be surprised with the results.
Sagittarius, Sage as she is known by her friends if she had any, is a typical teen trying to get through school life without too much drama. Well she would be your typical teen if the rumour about her being an alien would stop and the strange man hadn't burst into her classroom before being dragged away by the military. The stranger knew her name and the soldiers now seen too interest in her connection to the stranger. She thought her dad was dead but there is something about the stranger that seems familiar. The more the military try to keep her out of it the more she tries to uncover and the place to start is with her mother's secrets.
I liked the narrator. It's not the usual narrator this author favours but I think it was the right choice to go with somebody different, especially as she was very good.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 29, 2026
Imitation Alien by Colleen Helme is a brilliant YA sci-fi thriller that hooked me from the very first page. Colleen creates a fascinating mystery around Sagittarius (Sage), a teenager who's always felt like an outsider, and gradually unravels the truth in a way that keeps the suspense building until the very end. The combination of alien conspiracy, government secrets, and coming-of-age drama makes for an exciting and emotionally engaging read.
What really stood out was the character development. Sagittarius is a relatable, courageous heroine whose journey of discovering who she really is feels authentic and heartfelt. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and the balance of action, mystery, humour, and emotion is spot on.
If you're a fan of I Am Number Four, The Darkest Minds, or Lore, you'll feel right at home here. This is a fresh, imaginative story with memorable characters and a satisfying blend of science fiction and heart. I couldn't put it down and will definitely be looking forward to whatever Colleen Helme writes next. Highly recommended!
What really stood out was the character development. Sagittarius is a relatable, courageous heroine whose journey of discovering who she really is feels authentic and heartfelt. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and the balance of action, mystery, humour, and emotion is spot on.
If you're a fan of I Am Number Four, The Darkest Minds, or Lore, you'll feel right at home here. This is a fresh, imaginative story with memorable characters and a satisfying blend of science fiction and heart. I couldn't put it down and will definitely be looking forward to whatever Colleen Helme writes next. Highly recommended!
June 26, 2026
Imitation Alien is an exciting, page-turning sci-fi thriller that hooked me from the very first chapter. Although it has a YA feel, it’s an engaging read for adults as well. I couldn’t put it down and happily sacrificed sleep to finish it!
The mystery surrounding Sage, her unusual birthmark, hidden identities, strange signals, and government secrets creates nonstop suspense. The growing relationship between Sage and Zane adds warmth and emotional depth without slowing the story, and the supporting characters feel authentic and well-developed.
Colleen Helme masterfully blends mystery, adventure, and heart into a story that’s both fun and compelling. If you enjoy alien conspiracies, government cover-ups, and stories of self-discovery, Imitation Alien is a must-read. Highly recommended!
The mystery surrounding Sage, her unusual birthmark, hidden identities, strange signals, and government secrets creates nonstop suspense. The growing relationship between Sage and Zane adds warmth and emotional depth without slowing the story, and the supporting characters feel authentic and well-developed.
Colleen Helme masterfully blends mystery, adventure, and heart into a story that’s both fun and compelling. If you enjoy alien conspiracies, government cover-ups, and stories of self-discovery, Imitation Alien is a must-read. Highly recommended!
July 11, 2026
betrayal and heartache
Sage has been called an alien all of her life. She hasn’t fit in at school, and seems to keep herself isolated from everyone else. Until one day Zane crosses that divide and gains her attention. They used to be best friends and then they went their separate ways. There aren’t really reasons of explanations. I feel they were a cute couple and were more developed relationship for the story. I felt the same way for her friends; Piper, Sam, and Phil*. I thought they made a great friendship to find out the mystery of what was happening in their friend Sage’s life.
Sage has been called an alien all of her life. She hasn’t fit in at school, and seems to keep herself isolated from everyone else. Until one day Zane crosses that divide and gains her attention. They used to be best friends and then they went their separate ways. There aren’t really reasons of explanations. I feel they were a cute couple and were more developed relationship for the story. I felt the same way for her friends; Piper, Sam, and Phil*. I thought they made a great friendship to find out the mystery of what was happening in their friend Sage’s life.
July 22, 2026
This is a very good and very unusual book. You've got a young woman who has a very unusual name and at the age of ten she thought she was an alien due to the way she was treated in school.
There's a guy who threatened to kill her mother, another guy that beat up a friend of hers in high school and during class there's popping sounds in the hallway and we all know what that means.
The very unusual aspect is when a guy runs into her room and it turns out he's her father.
Things get a lot weirder from that point with the military involved, a really nasty federal agent, developing psychic abilities and yes, things get even weirder.
I like weird.
There's a guy who threatened to kill her mother, another guy that beat up a friend of hers in high school and during class there's popping sounds in the hallway and we all know what that means.
The very unusual aspect is when a guy runs into her room and it turns out he's her father.
Things get a lot weirder from that point with the military involved, a really nasty federal agent, developing psychic abilities and yes, things get even weirder.
I like weird.
June 27, 2026
Not enough world building
I did finish this and I realize I am not the target audience, but I think even my 12 yo self would have been disappointed by how fast the story moved forward. Without spoiling, too quickly all the characters got on board with the far fetched truth as being fact. Also it just was not interesting and I wanted to like it.
I did finish this and I realize I am not the target audience, but I think even my 12 yo self would have been disappointed by how fast the story moved forward. Without spoiling, too quickly all the characters got on board with the far fetched truth as being fact. Also it just was not interesting and I wanted to like it.
July 6, 2026
Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the jacket, but love the Shelby series so I figured why not. I was not disappointed at all. It was a good story line and realistic as far as the paranormal go. The characters are younger than expected, but as far as I can say very true acting to their age. I would recommend this to all ages.
July 11, 2026
Another fun read!
After reading Colleen Helme’s Shelby Nichols series and enjoying each and every one, I had doubts whether she could continue to deliver for a completely different title. I was wrong. Helme can keep you turning the pages until you’ve finished the book in one sitting, and still want more. A wonderful read!
After reading Colleen Helme’s Shelby Nichols series and enjoying each and every one, I had doubts whether she could continue to deliver for a completely different title. I was wrong. Helme can keep you turning the pages until you’ve finished the book in one sitting, and still want more. A wonderful read!
July 24, 2026
Imitation Alien
I really loved this story. Fast paced, with interesting characters and storylines. Firmly in YA, but but enjoyable across ages. Lots of great messages throughout the book as well.
Highly recommend. You'll be immersed into Sage's world and root for her, her friends and her family.
I really loved this story. Fast paced, with interesting characters and storylines. Firmly in YA, but but enjoyable across ages. Lots of great messages throughout the book as well.
Highly recommend. You'll be immersed into Sage's world and root for her, her friends and her family.
August 2, 2026
Out Of This World!
What a great story! I was almost hoping it was going to be a series. Alas it is not. All the characters were well built and I could almost see everything and object clearly. What a great adventure. I recommend this book and just about any written by Colleen Helme. Many Thanks to the author.
What a great story! I was almost hoping it was going to be a series. Alas it is not. All the characters were well built and I could almost see everything and object clearly. What a great adventure. I recommend this book and just about any written by Colleen Helme. Many Thanks to the author.
June 28, 2026
Basically for teenagers
Glad it was free with kindle unlimited. Would not have bought it otherwise. The usual high school hero story with an alien twist. Love the authors other books with Shelby.
Glad it was free with kindle unlimited. Would not have bought it otherwise. The usual high school hero story with an alien twist. Love the authors other books with Shelby.
June 28, 2026
A Grand Adventure
This was a fun and engaging adventure. Who knows? Sage was an awesome main character as was Zane, Piper, Sam, Chris and Henry. The premise of the story is believable. I hope this turns into a trilogy at least.
This was a fun and engaging adventure. Who knows? Sage was an awesome main character as was Zane, Piper, Sam, Chris and Henry. The premise of the story is believable. I hope this turns into a trilogy at least.
June 28, 2026
This is a must read. It's quirky and totally holds your interest. I wasn't sure when I decided to read this book, but being a true fan of Colleen Holmes, I knew it had to be a winner. It was and I hope there will be a sequel to it.
July 6, 2026
it’s a good book but for a younger audience
Colleen is one of my very favorite authors…. This was a new book for her , I liked it but not my style but I know young adults 14 to 20 will love it ..
Colleen is one of my very favorite authors…. This was a new book for her , I liked it but not my style but I know young adults 14 to 20 will love it ..
July 15, 2026
This is supposed to be a "young adult" book. Since I read ALL of Colleen Helme's books, I decided to read Imitation Alien. I will recommend the book to my great nieces -- I think they'll enjoy it at least as much as I did.
July 25, 2026
Great fun and a wild ride!
What a fantastic book! I loved all the characters and how their friendships evolved. It was a great read - suspenseful, interesting, and original. I highly recommend it, and I hope to see more books in a series!
What a fantastic book! I loved all the characters and how their friendships evolved. It was a great read - suspenseful, interesting, and original. I highly recommend it, and I hope to see more books in a series!
August 13, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable
An outcast teased and bullied at school taunted with the name alien. First comes some friends, a secret object and a high school prom. What’s a girl to do but learn and adapt and kick those secrets to the curb.
An outcast teased and bullied at school taunted with the name alien. First comes some friends, a secret object and a high school prom. What’s a girl to do but learn and adapt and kick those secrets to the curb.
June 29, 2026
Stellar read
This author always pleases, so I'm hoping it won't be too long a wait for the next in this series.
This author always pleases, so I'm hoping it won't be too long a wait for the next in this series.
June 30, 2026
A truly stellar read
The writing is very fluent. The characters are believable, fun, quirky. I loved this story from the very beginning to the very last word.
The writing is very fluent. The characters are believable, fun, quirky. I loved this story from the very beginning to the very last word.
July 2, 2026
Another great book!
I loved this book. It was a great clean read. Shelby and Ramos are still my favorite characters but Sage and Zane are great too.
I loved this book. It was a great clean read. Shelby and Ramos are still my favorite characters but Sage and Zane are great too.
July 6, 2026
Another great read! I enjoy all of Colleen’s books! Hope this one turns into a series!!!
July 8, 2026
Great Science Fiction for Youthful
Imitation Alien is a coming of age story filled with emotional drama and plausible scientific theories. It is quite good
Imitation Alien is a coming of age story filled with emotional drama and plausible scientific theories. It is quite good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews