The Answer is 17

by Julia Ash

“An expertly written SF tale that keeps the stakes high.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

ALIENS INVADED EARTH.

Seventeen-year-old Addie attributed survival to their bunker until the generator failed, forcing her and Gibson, their family dog, to hike through the forest toward a safe zone.

Gibson was all in at “safe” because protecting Addie is his Golden Rule. Reaching their destination, however, will be his ultimate test as her defender.

When their eight-day journey begins, the odds of making it look grim. Winged aliens are lethal hunters. And other survivors are desperate for supplies.

Take Sawyer. Sure, he’s captivating and bold, but mostly, he’s starving. He boasts he would’ve nabbed Addie’s overstuffed backpack if it hadn’t been for Gibson’s counterattack or the aliens in close pursuit.

Now, Addie must decide. Will their chances for survival improve by joining forces with Sawyer, even if the Olympic swimmer can’t be trusted? The answer is a toss-up.

One thing is clear. Wrong answers get you killed.

Genres: Science Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

JULIA ASH published her sixth novel in 2026, THE ANSWER IS 17.

Ash writes science fiction, ghost fiction, and dark fantasy. FIND THEM, her fifth book, earned several accolades, including Editor’s Pick by BookLife Reviews, a subsidiary of Publishers Weekly.

A communications graduate and a varsity swimmer at Penn State, she worked as a publications editor for a major poultry company and later as a public relations coordinator for a school system.

Devoted to fiction writing now, she lives with her husband and Brittanys in the Pocono Mountains.

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aliens have invaded Earth.

17 year old Addie and her dog Gibson were safe until the generator in their bunker failed. Now they have to hike through the forest to a safe zone.

They’re not the only ones. Survivors stalk the forest. Who can be trusted in these dangerous and uncertain times?


I like that both Addie and her dog Gibson each have their voice in this book. Definitely interesting to see a dog’s point of view in the middle of an alien invasion. Also quite a cool choice to let the aliens have dog-like faces and hunt by smell. The aliens are an interesting mix between wild animal and scientifically advanced alien. Did they have to be naked though? Shouldn’t they try to protect their bodies just a little bit more? Especially on an alien planet where they don’t know what potential dangers could be awaiting them. Just saying.


The core of this story is that both Addie and her dog Gibson are trying to keep each other safe. The dangers of the alien invasion provide both main characters, and other humans, plenty of opportunities to show both their best and their worst qualities.


It’s an entertaining and gripping read. It has some cool and clever ideas. Characters worth rooting for. And a good plot with some interesting twists and turns. The aliens are slowly explored throughout the story, though everything about them is mostly kept vague enough for the mystery to remain interesting. Job well done by the author, I say.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Answer is 17
By Julia Ash
This is a great first contact book. Not a friendly kind at all. The main character is a 17 year old girl who has perfect recall. Kids at school bully her because she can get all the answers right without trying. She has a dog that's her best friend.
Then they come. They bring death and destruction. They came for the water. They are not from Earth.
Great characters, even the dogs, suspense, wonderful plot, and evil aliens!

[Richard Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read written by this author. I hesitated reading this book because I loved her last novel so much and this being a different genre, I thought no way, stick with horror. However, I was mistaken and am including her in the same list as another author that is amazing in different genres. You know who I mean, so thanks and waiting for another book. Also, as a dog lover I am awe of your approach you used with Gibs.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only my dog were like Gibson, or maybe I am the one who has an issue since I also want a brain like Addie. But all these are simply wishes. A beautiful representation of there being a reason for everything and using one's gift for good. I enjoyed reading this book, and I'll be yapping about it for a while. From the alien invasion to the character development, it is well exploited.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and Memorable

“Tell us the answer.” Thus starts the book. The answer to what? To understand this question you must first understand the plot.


The world is under an alien attack. The sky appeared unnatural, neither the stars nor the moon were visible, things resembling meteor fragments landed in the lake, and everything on the grid was compromised, to say the least. 


Teenage Addie and her dog find safety in their family bunker, but their crucial generator stops working. Worse still, her father had gone above ground to assess the situation before her mother went to find him. Her parents weren't back yet. The radio gives directions to a safe zone and wanting to live, Addie plans for the journey, 130 miles away, amid aliens described as ferocious hunters.


Meanwhile, there are efforts to contain the aliens, including preventing their remote control mechanisms that deliver shocks. How? “The answer is always nearby. We just haven't turned over the right rock yet.” 


And the answer to defeating their invaders is something hard to guess. It keeps you guessing before revealing the answer in a surprising plot twist. So, what exactly happens in this interesting science fiction book? You have to read to find out. 

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was way out there, and I normally don’t go for books that are this out there, but I do love a good dystopian-type story, and this was close enough. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, yet somehow this became a book I absolutely could not put down.

I have to chalk that up to the writing. Julia Ash wrote this in such a unique, clever way while still giving the story so much substance. There were so many moments where I was literally holding my breath, needing to know what was going to happen next.

And the characters! I completely fell in love with Addie and Gibson, along with so many of the other characters. Somehow, despite how completely wild this story is, I became completely invested in their world and their journey.

Definitely not my usual read, but one that surprised me in the best way.

I will definitely be looking into this author's other stories.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating Read!

The answer is 17 is one of those novels that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The story is engaging, thought provoking, and filled with moments that make you want to keep reading. The characters feel real. The story is entertaining, meaningful and even a bit creepy! Definitely a five star review. Julia’s novels get better with each book she writes.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action filled alien invasion tale. I wasn't sure about it at the beginning but soon I was hooked. I loved Gibson and Addie certainly becomes a character to root for. It is told in alternating chapters by Addie and Gibson (which was awesome!). This is my 2nd book by this author, the first was FIND THEM which was an excellent ghost story so this was quite different. Nail biting at times but fun reading!

[Alejandro Soto]

The quiet poetry of staying alive

The Answer is 17 opens in the aftermath of an alien invasion, though what drew me in was less the catastrophe itself than the quiet determination of its young protagonist. The alternating perspectives surprised me in the best way. Seeing events through the instincts and loyalty of Addie's dog, Gibson, gave the novel an emotional texture that felt distinctive without disrupting the momentum. As the journey unfolds and new companions enter the story, trust becomes as uncertain as the hostile world surrounding them.

I especially appreciated how author Julia Ash lets the central mystery develop gradually instead of rushing toward explanations. The novel keeps posing questions while allowing its characters to solve immediate problems, which made the larger revelations feel earned. Addie’s intelligence, once a source of isolation, becomes one of her greatest strengths, and I enjoyed watching her rely on observation and reason instead of improbable heroics. The action remains engaging throughout, though the quieter stretches gave me time to become invested in the relationships that emerge under extraordinary circumstances.

For me, THE ANSWER IS 17 succeeds because it treats survival as an exercise in judgment as much as endurance. Beneath its science-fiction premise lies a thoughtful coming-of-age story shaped by resilience, companionship, and the willingness to keep searching for answers when none seem obvious. Speculative fiction enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate here. Enjoy!

[Stephanie Neese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! This book has everything a reader could want. Action, end of the world vibes, first love romance, and dogs! As a dog lover, I adored being able to read from a dog’s POV! Julia Ash was able to captivate my attention immediately and had me not wanting to put this book down! Perfect for all ages, especially dog lovers!

[Lesley Odhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly life took a turn for Addie and now she has to come up with new coping strategies. Aliens have landed and the only thing helping her survive is the brain that used to get her bullied. Reading this made me feel like I was watching a sci-fi movie. The concept of mixing Addie’s and Gibsons, the dog, POVs was genius. It gives Tera nova vibes.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Ash (https://juliaashbooks.wordpress.com/) is the author of six novels. The Answer is 17 was published last June. It is the 79th title I’ve completed reading in 2026.

I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

This post-apocalyptic novel is set in the near future. Without warning, Earth is invaded. The primary character is 17-year-old Adeline “Addie” Moore. She is vacationing with her parents in Michigan when the invasion begins. The three, along with their Brittany bird dog, Gibson, take refuge in the family bunker. Her parents are preppers, so the bunker is well stocked.

Gibson is the second most important character in the novel, and much of the story is told from his point of view. Though Addie and her parents are unaware of it, Gibson is very smart. He can understand English and is even able to read at an elementary level. He also finds that he can somehow understand the aliens when they talk to one another.

Addie has not had many friends. She has a perfect memory, remembering everything she sees, reads, or hears. Constantly correcting others or offering up facts about everything has not helped her make friends. Her only real friend is Gibson.

The bunker was designed and stocked for only a couple of weeks of living off the grid. As supplies start to run out, Gray Moore leaves the bunker to assess the situation. He never returns. A few days later, Sophia Moore ventures out to find Gray. When she too fails to return, Addie realizes it will be just her and Gibson fending for themselves.

When the bunker generator fails, Addie decides to make the trek to a rumored safe zone approximately 130 miles away. Along the way, she encounters only a handful of other people. Some of them become friends, while others only want to take her gear and food. Among those she meets is Sawyer Thompson, a 19-year-old Olympic swimmer who were vacationing nearby with his parents.

The two have a rocky start, but before long there is a growing attraction between them. Addie finds herself in one close call after another. Gibson is always at her side, dedicated to protecting her. She slowly sheds her victim persona and becomes a brave and strong leader.

She was a budding scientist before the invasion, and she has been gathering data and samples along her journey. She believes she has the answer to combat the aliens, and maybe even drive them from Earth. (Thus the title The Answer is 17).

I enjoyed the 8+ hours I spent reading this 302-page young adult science fiction novel. It was enjoyable even though it is targeted at teens. Gibson’s observations are often quite humorous. A couple of things struck me as odd, but overall I liked the novel. I also like the cover art. I give it a rating of 4.3 out of 5, rounded to 4.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding teen/young adult fiction that is so well written that the parents are going to be stealing it from their kids. Like The Hunger Games, or Divergent. Stories so rich, so amazingly developed that readers of nearly any age will gravitate towards them. Well, meet Addie. She’s a 17-year-old enjoying the summer before her senior year at the lake house with her parents. Her dad has an uber-cool job working for AATIP, the government agency seeking the truth about UAPs (known to us old folks as UFOs). His work has made him kind of a prepper, having created a bunker at the lake home—just in case.

In Julia Ash’s The Answer is 17, it’s finally happened. The aliens have invaded, and they’re not here to make friends. But Addie’s got a head start on the survival thing. Between the family bunker and her freaky total recall ability, she’s ahead of the curve. When she finds herself alone with just her dog Gibson in a bunker where systems are failing and food is gone, Addie knows she’s going to have to strike out for a safer place.

The world-building in this post-apocalyptic nightmare is well done. We know why the aliens are here and what they’re doing shortly after Addie ventures outside the bunker. These tall, gray aliens, nicknamed Nubees, are easy to visualize based on Ash’s vivid description:

…the aliens had heads similar to the Egyptian god Anubis. In other words, resembling hairless canines. Dogs. Figures the faces of Earth’s invaders were in the image of humankind’s best friend.

The real freakshow was that the aliens also had two pairs of translucent wings similar to a bee’s. Their wings could move so fast during flight that the human eye couldn’t see them. Worse, as their wings oscillated and swiveled, they buzzed as loud as chainsaws.

Mash up Anubis and bees, and presto! Nubees. Cleverly cutesy.

The author has also presented us with superb characters. From Addie, who is brilliant yet socially inept (she’s the class “victim”), to Sawyer, an Olympic swimmer with charisma who dedicated every waking moment to a sport that will no longer exist. Both of them are wonderfully complex and attempting to adapt on the fly. The ancillary characters are equally well done, from the loyal Gibson to the treacherous humans who only look out for themselves.

Speaking of Gibson (the family dog), one of the things that makes this story so much fun is that it’s told from two angles. The main portion of the story is told in the third person with glimpses into Addie’s self-destructive inner monologue. But every other chapter is told through the POV of Gibson, who follows the Golden Rule (of dogs): always protect your human. He refers to Addie as his sister, since he’s part of the family and all. Gibson’s take on humanity, the aliens, and the intricacies of dog society gives us some terrific comic breaks.

He was bold, I’d give Sawyer that. Little did he know, what my sister lacked in physical resistance, she made up for with her weaponized tongue. No one stood a chance against her verbal warfare. Addie was special ops, for sure, with too many kills to count.

Gibson’s take on the canine ritual of butt-sniffing is priceless and not to be missed. I’m not going to spill it here because it’s that good.

Watching the main characters grow as they navigate a world they couldn’t have been prepared for is a delight. Addie starts out seeing herself as a victim. She’s used to being bullied and has the unfortunate tendency to fall into the third category of survival: not fight, not flight, but freeze. She views herself as a cuttlefish (another awesome dialogue), who sees her best option as camouflage until the threat is gone. Sawyer is direct, bold, and used to people listening to him. He reacts to Addie’s self-defensive verbal attacks with some equally vicious barbs. But as they hone their survival skills and, by necessity, their communication skills, they each become more aware of better ways to handle certain events. That’s great, because it turns out the world needs Addie to use her amazing AI-style brain to save it right now.

Thoughtful yet fun characterizations and a well-plotted storyline traveling at the speed of “run-for-your-lives” combined with a canine perspective and brazenly snarky wit: what more could you ask? This story has it all, from suspense to sci-fi, coming-of-age to canine attitude. I could even say there’s some hard science (in sci-fi terms) involved here, as Addie attempts to save the world in a style reminiscent of War of the Worlds and Mars Attacks. Yeah, good luck figuring out what those two films have in common…

I absolutely wholeheartedly recommend The Answer is 17 by Julia Ash for teens/young adults and up who enjoy thrillers, suspense, sci-fi, alien attacks, snarky humor, and the occasional butt-sniffing reference. Please be aware that descriptions can be a little graphic at times—hey, it’s the end of the world. There is also some cursing in the dialogue, something I usually oppose in teen reads, but I’m going to reference that “end of the world” comment above. If a little gore, a little blue language, and some canine references to impolite topics don’t offend you, I suggest you grab this book!

[Peter Martuneac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you've read one Julia Ash novel, you know what you're in for with the next one: an engaging, well-written story with wonderful characters that can take you away from the doldrums of everyday life. "The Answer is 17" was exactly that, and I'll try to keep this review spoiler-free.

The main characters are, as always, easy to root for, especially Addie. A brilliant young girl with total, instantaneous recall, she can remember everything she's ever read or seen, and that's no short list. She reminded me of Mike Ross from the TV show "Suits", and this comparison made the story even more interesting to me as I imagined how her ability to recall and recite vital information at a pivotal time could shake up the plot.

Speaking of the plot, events unfold much faster than I expected. Julia draws you in with the introduction of Addie, her parents, and their dog Gibson, gives the reader just enough background to flesh them out, then immediately stomps on the accelerator early in the book. The aliens invade the planet, and they're not shy about introducing themselves to humans as they seek total dominion of Earth's most precious resource: fresh water.

I really don't want to say too much about the plot as I think it's best experienced firsthand with a fresh mind. I did enjoy the almost episodic way the story unfolded, however. New characters come along as Addie and Gibson embark on their journey, and then they go. Some you think will be back; others you're not so sure about. The common thread through it all is Addie and Gibson.

By the way, I adore Gibson. Ever since J.R.R. Tolkien put us in the POV of a random fox for two paragraphs in "The Fellowship of the Ring", I've been a huge fan of animal POV's, and Gibson's did not disappoint. A well-rounded character, he could provide anything from comic relief to plot advancement and sobering reflection.

Lastly, I liked the play on words with the title. The answer is indeed 17, and in more ways than one. If you're a fan of Julia Ash novels, this will be right up your alley. If you haven't read her yet, then this serves as an excellent introduction.

[Rahul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Ash's The Answer is 17 is a sci-fi survival story. However, it focuses more on human choices than alien battles.

Aliens called Nubees invade Earth and target the freshwater supply. Society collapses, and people must fight to survive. Addie, along with her dog Gibson, is the protagonist of the story. The book uses these two as narrators. Addie has a super good memory. She never forgets anything. But that made kids at her school mean to her. So Addie tried to get bad grades on purpose so that she would seem normal.

Then there is Gibson, who worries constantly that he isn't protecting his family enough. Addie has the opposite problem. She's fully capable of doing something important, but she avoids it.

Addie meets Sawyer, another survivor who challenges her. He forces her to think bigger. Their relationship grows through these tough conversations, pushing both of them to become stronger leaders.

The number 17 holds significance in the novel. If you have seen the movie Evolution, which is also about an alien invasion, you can guess it.

It is not a fast-paced thriller, but there are enough action sequences, narrow escapes, and tension-building to keep the readers hooked to the storyline. However, it is more inclined towards the human aspects such as finding courage, helping others, and learning to believe in yourself. Characters often talk about science, ethics, and leadership, and these moments show their growth. The main message of the story is that intelligence only matters if you use it to help others.

[Gabriel McBrown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful

THE ANSWER IS 17 pulled me in with the feeling that something important was hiding just beneath the surface. I found myself enjoying the process of piecing things together as I read because it's one of those stories that gradually reveals itself.

The atmosphere has an underlying sense of mystery that keeps the pages turning, and I love how it never feels forced. The writing is easy to settle into, and the story takes its time building questions before revealing how things turned out.

The pacing is mostly steady, though there were moments where I wanted certain scenes to move a little faster. Even so, the I found that the quieter moments helped develop the characters and made the bigger reveals feel more rewarding. I finished the book feeling satisfied because I enjoy books that leave a little room for reflection.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love alien invasion survival stories, then Julia Ash's "The Answer is 17" is the best novel for you.
The plot of the book revolves around a teenager Addie who is trying to survive in an underground bunker as the planet earth is under alien attack. She is always accompanied by her pet dog Gibson in her journey to keep safe. Their love and care for each other is really heart warming and over whelming.
The plot is an intriguing weave of mystery, suspense and thrill. The pace of the storyline is well balanced and keeps the reader on edge. The characters are well crafted and layered. The narrative is highly engrossing and creates a tension in the storyline which keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. A refreshing and wonderful read

[Donna Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ANSWER IS 17 had me in a chokehold right from the moment I opened up those pages. We’re immediately thrust into the aftermath of a cataclysmic event, and it’s told from a very unusual but refreshing perspective. I have to say that alone kept me reading because it was so wonderful to explore something so novel.
The author sets a consistent pace that allows you to relax into the book as you read. I really enjoyed uncovering those mysteries and found myself often thinking of them when I was forced to put the book down to attend to life things. It really was a captivating multi layered story.
If you’re looking for a great sci-fi read with a twist, I would seriously recommend picking up this book.

[Noha Badawi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that slowly drags you in. At first, I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going, but as it unfolded, I found myself truly invested in the characters and the questions it raises about identity, purpose, and the unexpected ways our lives connect.

Julia Ash writes with warmth, sensitivity and emotions, and I valued how the story balances emotional moments with a sense of curiosity. It lingers long after the final page, even if some parts felt a little slower than I would have liked. It's a reflective, heartfelt read that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with a touch of mystery and introspection.

[Scovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

No doubt a dog is man's best friend. Gibson and Addie find themselves in a situation they hadn't planned for, Good thing they have each other to get to safety. On the journey Addie discovers she is actually stronger than she thought she was.
I love Julia Ash's The Answer Is 17 because you get to experience the story in a different way. Through the perspective of a loving pet, willing to go through it all for his family. I absolutely enjoyed this and through the whole story you get to see what it's like to have the love of a pet.

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To slow moving.