The Band From Another World

An Alien Survival Guide #3

by Kevin Garone

When Marv traces a mysterious transmission to an abandoned house, he’s ready to finally uncover proof of an otherworldly invasion. But when he and his friends sneak inside, they don’t find aliens.

Instead, they find a dusty basement full of musical instruments.

To Marv’s friends, this means one thing: instant rock band. But Marv was right to be suspicious. Strange shadows reach from the walls. Faces flicker in the dark. Worst of all, his friends start acting off. Like they’re not entirely themselves anymore.

And it’s happening to Marv, too.

Suddenly, he can play guitar like a total legend—no practice, no lessons, no explanation. But every note pulls him in deeper. The thoughts in his head aren’t all his. And the music doesn’t want to stop.

Can Marv uncover the truth behind the transmission before he loses himself completely?

Because something else is listening to the broadcast. And it’s not here for the music.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Kevin Garone writes sci-fi and horror for middle grade readers. He lives with his wife and sons in Arizona, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him reading, playing video games, hiking, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Returning to Marv and his friends for one final adventure was just as entertaining as I'd hoped! Band from Another World brings back everything I enjoyed about the earlier books—the humor, action, and wonderfully chaotic alien adventures—while bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion.

What I Loved:

The cast of characters is just as well-rounded and entertaining as they've been throughout the series. I loved seeing the familiar friendships continue to develop, and the addition of Liv, aka Alien Lover, was a fantastic addition to the band (pun absolutely intended!) of friends.

The pacing remains fast, with plenty of action and unexpected moments that keep the story moving. What I particularly appreciated about this final installment was how everything came full circle. Kevin did a great job connecting the events of the earlier books while giving the overall story a satisfying resolution. Without giving anything away, I really enjoyed seeing how all the pieces came together.

What I Didn't Love:

Much like the earlier books, I occasionally found the writing style a little more verbose than I'd expect from a middle-grade novel. With characters around seventh- and eighth-grade age, some of the vocabulary choices might be a little challenging for younger readers. That said, it didn't detract from my enjoyment or pull me out of the story. It's simply something I noticed throughout the series.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — 4.5/5 stars

A fantastic conclusion to a genuinely fun series! While this installment didn't quite capture the same sense of discovery I experienced with the first book, I loved returning to these characters and seeing how everything came together. The action, humor, and satisfying resolution made this a thoroughly enjoyable finale.

Recommendation:

I'd recommend this series to middle-grade readers and adults alike, particularly anyone who enjoys aliens, sci-fi adventures, humor, and a little chaos along the way. If you grew up loving movies like Flight of the Navigator or Close Encounters of the Third Kind, there's plenty here to enjoy.

I'd definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series, though, so you can appreciate the characters, worldbuilding, and connections that make this finale so satisfying.

One Compelling Sentence:

An action-packed, laugh-out-loud alien adventure that brings Marv and his friends full circle, delivering a satisfying finale that's truly out of this world! 👽🎸✨

Note for the Author:

Thank you again, Kevin, for reaching out and inviting me along on this adventure! I've genuinely enjoyed getting to know Marv and his friends, and it was wonderful seeing their story come full circle. I'm so glad I took a chance on this series!

[Vic Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marv and his gang of mostly tolerant mates are at it again, joined by a new friend, Alien Lover, and his reformed skeptic sister. But this time it might actually be more than just a series of unusual circumstances and miscommunication that has Marv convinced that an alien invasion is imminent.

We’re not sure what is going on at first. Is it ghosts? Could it be an actual UFO with actual aliens? Will the dreaded sleeches make another appearance? I won’t tell you, not even if you beg!

What I will tell you is that’s it’s witty, incredibly action packed, clever, thrilling, just spooky enough, and the perfect final chapter to the trilogy.

The seeds and storylines skilfully woven through the books culminate in an ending at once bittersweet, heartwarming, inevitable and entirely satisfying.

[Matthias Seys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to catch up with the second book and read the third book early.

My god. This was, to me, the best book in the series so far and quite the finisher!

I thoroughly enjoyed it and it had you hooked from the very beginning to then twist it all up. I was feeling nervous until the very end and hoped for the best with our good lad, Marv aka Gold Leader.

As mentioned back in my review of the first book, this is perfect for middle-graders and young teens.

Thank you Kevin Garone for a perfect finisher to the series.

[Erin Sterett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC of The Band From Another World, and it was great! Marv and the gang are back in the 3rd installment. Marv picks up a homing signal on his radio, and decides that he needs to investigate. Little does he know he may be closer to meeting real aliens than he thinks. We are introduced to a new member of the gang as well!

I love that each chapter starts with a blurb from the How to Survive and Alien Invasion guidebook.

The story is funny, well-written and a quick read.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Band From Another World
By: Kevin Garone
Publisher: Temor Press
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Length: 182 pages
Triggers: Sci-fi peril, eerie possession-like behavior, creepy alien experiments, danger, suspense, and some unsettling moments
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alright, y’all, Marv and the crew are back, and this time the alien nonsense has apparently learned how to shred guitar. Because why settle for suspicious lights in the sky when you can have a basement full of instruments, creepy signals, and music that absolutely did not pass the vibe check?

The Band From Another World takes the Alien Survival Guide series out with a loud, weird, and wildly entertaining finale. Marv is still on high alert, which honestly feels fair at this point. The kid has been through enough extraterrestrial chaos to earn a lifetime supply of snacks, hazard pay, and maybe a very patient guidance counselor. When he follows a strange signal to an old house, he expects alien clues. What he finds instead is every parent’s dream and nightmare combined: kids forming a band.

At first, it seems like the gang has stumbled into the coolest after-school activity ever. Instruments are waiting. Everyone is getting into it. Marv can suddenly play like he was born holding a guitar pick. Sounds awesome, right? Wrong. This is Marv’s world, so of course the music comes with shadows, weird feelings, and the strong possibility that something is using the band like a cosmic Bluetooth speaker.

The best part is how much the characters have grown since book one. Marv is still wonderfully paranoid, Jace still brings steady best-friend energy, Nora is still smart and capable, and Kenji adds that “this might explode, but in a fun way” chaos. Liv is a great addition too, bringing excitement and heart to the group without slowing anything down.

The humor is still there, but this one also feels bigger and a little darker. The stakes are higher, the mystery moves fast, and the action keeps building until it feels like the whole planet might be depending on a bunch of kids who definitely did not sign up for intergalactic battle of the bands.

What really works is the mix of silly and spooky. One minute you are laughing at the idea of an alien survival squad accidentally starting a rock group, and the next you are side-eyeing every musical instrument in your house. That is talent. I may never look at a dusty basement guitar the same way again.

Perfect For:
👽 Middle-grade readers who like fast sci-fi adventures
👽 Fans of creepy mysteries with humor and heart
👽 Kids who love aliens, secret signals, and weird old houses
👽 Adults who still believe the best adventures start with “we probably shouldn’t go in there”

This book is fun, strange, exciting, and full of heart. It wraps up Marv’s latest adventure in a way that feels big, satisfying, and totally on brand for a kid who has never met a suspicious event he could not turn into an alien emergency.

Final verdict? This finale rocks. Literally.


Book Series:
I Know What UFO Did Last Summer (Alien Survival Guide Book 1)
Night of the Living Toilet Paper (Alien Survival Guide Book 2)
The Band From Another World (Alien Survival Guide Book 3)

Reviewed by Kenan for Robin’s Review

[Dakota Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finally getting out of detention after the chaos surrounding the deadly toilet paper monster, Marvin and his friends are on the lookout for any extraterrestrial activity that could threaten their home. Marv picks up on a mysterious broadcast, deciding to investigate the area. While exploring an abandoned house at the edge of the neighborhood, Marv and the gang find echoes of the broadcast…as well as a whole set of instruments just waiting to be played. Marv finds himself literally lost in the music he can suddenly perform, as the songs get more intense. The group of friends soon find themselves in deadly peril as mysterious forces converge, with the fate of earth hanging in the balance.
“The Band from Another World” by Kevin Garone is the third entry in “The Alien Survival Series”. Marv, Jace, Kenji, and Nora have all grown as characters while still retaining the personality quirks that make them so endearing. Liv, a new addition to the cast, loves aliens, and her optimism is a great contrast to Marv’s constant vigilance. The plot twists are well executed, and the pacing and action make this book impossible to put down. The story develops quickly, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat as more threats are revealed. A danger greater than anything Marv has ever faced comes to call, as he finds himself faced with choices that will change his entire future.
There are only two problems spots for me in this thrilling adventure. First, although the scene with Liv and Marv facing the reality of the aliens’ nature was good, there was also a missed opportunity. Just because one group of aliens acts a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean that all aliens do. I feel that the addition of a “one size does not fit all” message could have elevated the interaction. Second, the fate of the former band members was incredibly grim. As a mature reader and avid Lovecraft fan, I loved the similarities to works such as “The Whisperer in Darkness” and greatly enjoyed the story. However, the nature of the human experimentation and final fate of these unfortunate characters was a bit over the top for the intended age level.
That said, Marv’s latest escapade to defend the planet is nothing short of amazing. With a multitude of diverse characters, gripping action, and intricate plots, this battle for the fate of earth earns four out of five stars. Coming to a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for further adventures, Marv truly comes into his own as he faces hard truths and grows as a person. Containing mortality, violence, and human experimentation, this book is suitable for readers 13 and up who will not be unnerved by the ghastly results of alien science. For all who love expert plot twists combined with thrilling action, you won’t want to miss this highly intelligent yet approachable science fiction novel.
I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
Each chapter begins with an excerpt from a guidebook that describes what to do in case of an alien invasion. These passages are usually related to events in the book, and Marv follows the information as though it’s the absolute truth. He’s convinced Earth is being invaded, so he interprets most situations as evidence supporting his ideas. The story is told through Marv’s eyes, so readers are aware of every thought of an alien conspiracy. Nora joined his team in the first book, but Marv continues to think her father is an alien. Marv’s given each character a nickname. His best friend, Jace, is called Baller One, Nora is Space Cadet, Kenji is Pyro, and Marv calls himself Gold Leader.

This book introduces a new character named Liv, but Marv immediately starts calling her Alien Lover. As you can guess from her name, Liv thinks visiting aliens will be friendly, and she would like to travel into space with them. Her character contrasts with Marv’s view of aliens, so readers will be entertained by their interactions. On the plus side, they share a strong interest in aliens, so Liv is supportive of Marv’s efforts to find proof. Nora thinks Marv is nuts, and Jace goes along with his friend’s strange ideas. Kenji just loves the adventure and opportunities to play with fire or create pranks.

Considering the possibility of alien lifeforms visiting Earth is an entertaining aspect of the series. Marv is convinced it’s going to happen, or it’s already happened, but the first two books had science-related explanations for what occurred. This book follows that same pattern, so readers start to wonder if aliens will ever show up. Marv and his friends find musical instruments in an old, abandoned house, and they begin to behave strangely. Their behavior is worst while playing the instruments, so readers may suspect they’re possessed by spirits. Marv’s sister, Reformed Skeptic, contacts paranormal experts, and they seem to resolve the problem. However, the handbook warns that a dangerous time period arises when you think everything is fine.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is meant to be humorous, but some readers may think Marv is wackadoodle. The characters' names and nicknames are used interchangeably without a pattern for when they are used. This is unusual since the story is told from Marv’s point of view. He uses nicknames within dialogue, so why don’t his thoughts use those same names?

The final verdict:

This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I suggest you start with the first book in the series, I Know What UFO Did Last Summer. The climax brings back events from previous books, so it will help to be more aware of them. I recommend this book for paranormal/UFO lovers, so give it a chance.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting mix of scifi, mystery, humor, and even some spooky nods to darker chills.

After the other adventures, Marv is definitely on the lookout for aliens, especially since he picked up a signal with a voice buzzing something about a homing device. As far as he can tell, it's coming from an abandoned house...the perfect hideout for aliens. While investigating the house with two friends, a fall through the floor reveals a basement with an entire collection of instruments for a band. There's also a noise from the sky, which can only mean one thing. Aliens. But there's nothing really there, so he can't be 100% sure. His friends, who aren't as alien-orientated as he, are excited to find the instruments, and the moment they pick them up, they can play like professional musicians. Marv is sure it's still alien related, especially since his amp keeps giving that same homing message, but the others strike it off as hobby CB signals gone wrong. When a new member joins the band, who is just as alien focused as he is, he's not sure what to think. Plus, something isn't right with the entire band thing. He even calls in a ghost-hunting team to see if they can help figure things out. But none of that ends well or brings him a step further, and he can hardly go against his friends. So, when a contest for bands arises, the entire group is ready to show their talent. And that is when everything goes completely out of control.

And yes, the blurb I just gave only warms up this adventure. So to say that his is a very, fast-paced tale, is an understatement. It dives forward the entire way through without ever losing a beat and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what in the universe will happen next. This is science fiction, but it's also so much more, and I can easily see non-scifi gurus enjoying this one...as long as they love fast-paced, quirky adventure with a dose of paranormal directions and even creepy vibes. In other words, it's a bit of a genre bender. Marv is a very energetic kid with a huge imagination, which isn't really just imagination since he has been battling insane, alien situations in the first two books of this trilogy (and no, it's not necessary to read those before diving into this one since each can be seen as its own adventure). His thoughts can be a bit sporadic and his decisions unexpected, but this kid has experience. It adds a hectic fun, which reminded me a tad bit of The Goonies. The darker tones also fit, in a different way. But there is still tons of science fiction, too, and that pushes belief in quirky and enjoyable ways.

Readers who love the unexpected, nonstop action, a little heart, the possibility of rocking it as a band, and strange situations will want to give this one a go.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a small town, Roxboro, Delaware has more than its fair share of alien encounters. Luckily, 12-year-old Marv is a resident of Roxboro, and he happens to be an expert on all things alien. It has been a few months since his last experience with extraterrestrial life forms, but when Marv intercepts a mysterious transmission, he knows it is time to investigate once more. As the investigation continues, Marv and his friends begin acting strangely, and they must rely upon their intrinsic tenacity, bravery, and teamwork if they ever want their lives to return to normal. This continuation of the Alien Survival Guide series can stand on its own, though readers would benefit from having read the previous books in the collection first. Creepy paranormal circumstances take place within the narrative, amplifying the intensity of the story while making the book best suited to mature readers. However, brief chapters and an action-forward premise keep the novel accessible for a confident middle grade audience, especially for readers who appreciate spooky science fiction storytelling and high stakes adventures. At the beginning of each chapter, a quote is included from a fictional secondary book entitled How to Survive an Alien Invasion, which offers practical advice that dovetails with the plot points in that chapter and increases reader engagement. Part mystery, part alien invasion, this fast-paced story keeps readers guessing at every turn and is a step up from Goosebumps in its complexity. This is a solid addition to its series as well as to spooky science fiction collections for upper middle grade readers.

[LL Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Marv and his friends follow a strange transmission to an abandoned home, instead of finding the aliens they expected, they discover a basement full of musical instruments. When they start playing, strange things happen—the shadows deepen, they lose time, and Marv starts having thoughts that aren’t his own. But all his friends want to do is go back to playing music. Music that sounds disturbingly similar to the original transmission. Can Marv break his friends and himself from the pull of the music before they summon something truly dangerous?

This last book in the Alien Survival Guide series is a fun wrap up. Marv’s final adventure includes threatening ghosts and aliens, boss-level sleeches, and an epic, punk rock moment during the Battle of the Bands. I would recommend this book (and series) to any young readers looking for light sci-fi adventure with plenty of fun.

Thank you to the author for providing the e-arc for my honest review.

[Micki-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun installment in the Alien Survival Guide series! I’ve even love the whole series it’s so much fun

Marv and his friends go looking for evidence of an alien invasion and instead find what looks like the perfect opportunity to start a rock band. Of course, because this is Marv, things are definitely not that simple. 😂

The creepy basement, strange shadows, flickering faces, and increasingly bizarre behavior made this one both entertaining and unsettling. It has the perfect mix of humor, weirdness, sci-fi, and horror. That kept the story moving while still giving us that creepy feeling that something was taking control of the characters.

A wonderfully weird alien adventure with creepy music, questionable basements, and a band you probably shouldn’t join. 🎸👽🖤

[Dan Mckeithan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marv and his gang are back in action. In the third book of alien survival, Kevin brings back UFO's but this time it's at a mysterious house that has instruments. Marv and his friends find they can play these instruments, but it's like someone or something is controlling them. Expect more fun, more humor, and more excitement as Marv and friends once again try to stop aliens. Can't wait to read more in this series.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one but of the three in the series it was probably my least favorite as the ending just felt really long compared to the others. Still, it was fun being with Marv and his friends as they face down some otherworldly creatures.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect closure to the series!!! Battle of the bands, new friends, and of course aliens. My daughter and I have loved reading these and this one was definitely my favorite

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book with Marv and his friends. With a great insight into why Marv is the way that he is and potentially actual aliens?!!! Loved it 💕