What do you think?
Rate this book
Alien Abduction
WINNER, GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS 2022, SCIENCE FICTION"Gripping from start to finish. Captivating and entertaining. A fresh and original science fiction story. An irresistible mix of smart plotting, great characters, and compelling twists." -- Must Read Novels ReviewAliens are real—and that’s just the lucky break Eddie Hart needs. Eddie couldn't have lost his job at a worse time. His family has been hit with a medical emergency and his son's and daughter's college tuition is looming over him. He’s broke, too old to start over, and desperate—until he discovers an unexpected solution to his troubles. An extraterrestrial solution. Aliens are here, and they’re hiring.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2016
274 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Irving Belateche
9 books270 followersIrving Belateche is an author, screenwriter, and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He's written three Amazon bestsellers: "Einstein's Secret," "H2O," and "Under An Orange Sun, Some Days Are Blue." He's also written screenplays for Paramount, Universal, Sony, Lionsgate and Warner Bros. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 27, 2025
This is actually two stories. The first is a sci-fi alien abduction story which is quite original. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where an alien hires humans to do his abductions for him.
The second story is about the human condition and what a person is willing to do and go against his innate nature when under sufficient pressure.
The author does an excellent job merging the two stories. This was well written and kept my interest with short chapters and interesting characters.
The second story is about the human condition and what a person is willing to do and go against his innate nature when under sufficient pressure.
The author does an excellent job merging the two stories. This was well written and kept my interest with short chapters and interesting characters.
June 16, 2017
Really creepy
I couldn't stop reading this well written story. The interaction with the alien was very real and strange. The idea of what people have to do to survive comes into play with the consequences of their actions. Any one who enjoys well written human drama with a touch of the strange should enjoy this book.
I couldn't stop reading this well written story. The interaction with the alien was very real and strange. The idea of what people have to do to survive comes into play with the consequences of their actions. Any one who enjoys well written human drama with a touch of the strange should enjoy this book.
January 10, 2017
Unusual story
If you are into alien theories,then this is the book for you. Never really got into alien abduction much.If so then I'd be the last one they want.
We have Ben ,who after all these years can abduct women with no problem at all. He doesn't love his job,feels just abit guilty,but with the pay,it is easy to forget about what you are doing. In comes Eddie,a down and out middle age man,who is one of the last of a dieing breed. He looses his job for the Times. Why didn't he just do what he should've done years ago. No prospects for a man his age.Then his wife gets cancer,his son is accepted into a great college.Desperate for anything he tutors in writing.What do these two men have in common? Desperation..Eddie tutors Bens son,sees this stash of money.I actually thought the story would go in a different direction from there.Now all of a sudden Ben is being watched,but not by whom he thinks.We met Abel the alien also desperate for an answer and on the run. Seems he needs Eddie to abduct women,so he can harvest them. Sounds ominous doesn't it?
This book will keep you interested enough.Slow in beginning, takes a while to get to the Alien abduction.Will give you the chills,especially theorist out here. I enjoyed it even enjoyed though it is out of my element.Well written with no mistakes in writing.I would recommend another book to follow-up on the story.
If you are into alien theories,then this is the book for you. Never really got into alien abduction much.If so then I'd be the last one they want.
We have Ben ,who after all these years can abduct women with no problem at all. He doesn't love his job,feels just abit guilty,but with the pay,it is easy to forget about what you are doing. In comes Eddie,a down and out middle age man,who is one of the last of a dieing breed. He looses his job for the Times. Why didn't he just do what he should've done years ago. No prospects for a man his age.Then his wife gets cancer,his son is accepted into a great college.Desperate for anything he tutors in writing.What do these two men have in common? Desperation..Eddie tutors Bens son,sees this stash of money.I actually thought the story would go in a different direction from there.Now all of a sudden Ben is being watched,but not by whom he thinks.We met Abel the alien also desperate for an answer and on the run. Seems he needs Eddie to abduct women,so he can harvest them. Sounds ominous doesn't it?
This book will keep you interested enough.Slow in beginning, takes a while to get to the Alien abduction.Will give you the chills,especially theorist out here. I enjoyed it even enjoyed though it is out of my element.Well written with no mistakes in writing.I would recommend another book to follow-up on the story.
October 28, 2016
Absorbing and original thriller
This book takes as its premise the unusual idea that when aliens abduct humans they employ other humans to do the dirty work for them. We follow the story of Eddie Hart, who finds himself going against his principles and working for an alien when he loses his job as a reporter on a Los Angeles newspaper. Faced with an ill wife and two college-bound children, he inveigles himself into a very lucrative, albeit risky, job. This job is to abduct specific targets – always young women – and to deliver them to an alien, who lives in nearby. He then releases these targets “back to the wild”, and they themselves know nothing about what has happened to them other than that they appear to have fainted. What gives the story its edge is that Eddie realises he has to escape the alien before he is killed by him, having outlived his usefulness and knowing too much.
This book takes as its premise the unusual idea that when aliens abduct humans they employ other humans to do the dirty work for them. We follow the story of Eddie Hart, who finds himself going against his principles and working for an alien when he loses his job as a reporter on a Los Angeles newspaper. Faced with an ill wife and two college-bound children, he inveigles himself into a very lucrative, albeit risky, job. This job is to abduct specific targets – always young women – and to deliver them to an alien, who lives in nearby. He then releases these targets “back to the wild”, and they themselves know nothing about what has happened to them other than that they appear to have fainted. What gives the story its edge is that Eddie realises he has to escape the alien before he is killed by him, having outlived his usefulness and knowing too much.
August 13, 2025
I read the last line of the synopsis: "Aliens are here, and they’re hiring." and just started laughing. To be honest, nothing about the book was really that enticing to begin with, other than that line. I wasn't a big fan of the title (being science fiction), nor was I particularly keen about the cover. The cover kind of made me feel uncomfrotable at times, though I did have fun interpreting it. What I also found very surprising, yet troubling was the number of reviews on this book – probably the least amount I've seen with any book, but at the same time, this isn't your typical booktok novel. I'm not sure how I came across it, probably recommended by Goodreads... There were only 26 reviews, so I was a bit hesitant. Either it's very niche or it's very unpopular. With a casual scroll through the reviews, it appears that the reactions are very positive, describing it with words like 'unusual,' 'creepy', 'gripping,' and 'absorbing.' I don't necessarily need reviews to tell me the book is realllly good, I kind of just need key words like these to hook me in. As I began reading, the story was more usual than anything – very borderline science fiction. Abel could be a regular human and the story still could have gone on. The story was more centred around the human struggle than about aliens. How I initially pictured this novel was a post-apocalytic world where aliens have penetrated Earth. They are slowly but surely abducting humans and transporting them into outer space where they must know live amongst a world of other-wordly creatures – learning the ropes, how to be productive, and be ruled. However, everything was actually very centralized on Earth, more specifically within one mysterious smansion. As readers, we got to follow Eddie (the protagonist) as he shoulders the burden of supporting a family and what it took to achieve grandeur in a world where you can so easily lose everything. We got to see what humans were willing to do when everything they love, knew, and worked hard towards is on the line. What can I say, we are desperate beings.
Abel (the extraterrestrial) said that empathy is a uniquely human trait. It sets us apart from other species but at the same time, it also makes us weak. Think about all the actions or decisions or things you didn't say out of empathy for another person. Ironically, in my opinion, it was the empathy that built within Abel during his time on Earth that ultimately saved Eddie's life. Remember this quote? "Grace costs you nothing." (Abby Jimenez: Part of Your World).
Shorter review, just to have it written and done.
Highlighted Quotes
Eddie
Abel – the alien
Jenny
"Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies." (pg.164)
"The human mind is easy to fool unless it's faced with major unanswered questions." (pg.207)
"As I stared at the empty space where the fountain had stood, I had no doubt that the alien had chosen to leave. He hadn't been forced. I was one lucky man. I'd survived my employment in the alien abduction business." (pg.416) – empathy in the alien saved him; grace costs you nothing.
"As soon as the Kalera took over, I realized I didn't need to dispose of the human at all. I could head home – because once I was gone, he wasn't going to reveal my existence. Why would he if I was no longer a threat to him? How would it benefit him? It wouldn't. His reaction to my departure would be relief and joy." (pg.420) – sometimes, grace costs you nothing; you live your life, they live theirs.
"But this was a high-class problem to have. It was a blessing that I'd be able to pay for these things. Couldn't I take the good that had come out of the job? I'd helped my family and though it hadn't been pretty, it had worked." (pg. 424) – humans justifying ill behaviours. This is why we lie and cheat, there is always someone it benefits and thus be excused away.
Abel (the extraterrestrial) said that empathy is a uniquely human trait. It sets us apart from other species but at the same time, it also makes us weak. Think about all the actions or decisions or things you didn't say out of empathy for another person. Ironically, in my opinion, it was the empathy that built within Abel during his time on Earth that ultimately saved Eddie's life. Remember this quote? "Grace costs you nothing." (Abby Jimenez: Part of Your World).
Shorter review, just to have it written and done.
Highlighted Quotes
Eddie
Abel – the alien
Jenny
"Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies." (pg.164)
"The human mind is easy to fool unless it's faced with major unanswered questions." (pg.207)
"As I stared at the empty space where the fountain had stood, I had no doubt that the alien had chosen to leave. He hadn't been forced. I was one lucky man. I'd survived my employment in the alien abduction business." (pg.416) – empathy in the alien saved him; grace costs you nothing.
"As soon as the Kalera took over, I realized I didn't need to dispose of the human at all. I could head home – because once I was gone, he wasn't going to reveal my existence. Why would he if I was no longer a threat to him? How would it benefit him? It wouldn't. His reaction to my departure would be relief and joy." (pg.420) – sometimes, grace costs you nothing; you live your life, they live theirs.
"But this was a high-class problem to have. It was a blessing that I'd be able to pay for these things. Couldn't I take the good that had come out of the job? I'd helped my family and though it hadn't been pretty, it had worked." (pg. 424) – humans justifying ill behaviours. This is why we lie and cheat, there is always someone it benefits and thus be excused away.
March 29, 2019
I love the way this story is couched in a "daily grind" world. The mundane details set against the background of the incredible situation the lead character finds himself in lend a quality of absurdity to the story that I found irresistible. I also appreciated the backstory of the alien villain. My main quibble is that I didn't find the stakes compelling enough to make the main character's decisions believable. It seemed to me there were less drastic solutions to his problems. He wasn't desperate enough to justify all of his choices. I found the ending satisfying, though, and in keeping with the tone of the book overall. If you're looking for an otherworldly cosmic adventure brimming over with big ideas, this might not fit the bill, but if you're up for a slice-of-life story about a situation that goes crazily off the rails in a town where anything can and does seem to happen, then you won't be disappointed.
October 27, 2016
Unusual take on alien abduction
It is difficult to review this book without spoiling it but I can say that it is not what you expect from a book with this title. We are more used to reading lurid tales of alien abduction where space craft hover, then steal away sundry inhabitants of earth in order to experiment on them. The victims are left with vague recollections of something unpleasant happening to them and no-one believes them. This book is about the abductors themselves and it is a really gripping thriller as one strikes out against his alien employer. I enjoyed the characterisation of Eddie, finding his easy descent to the dark side all too credible and reminiscent of ‘Breaking Bad’, one of my favourite T.V. series. I loved the twist at the end and found this to be a really superb reading experience.
It is difficult to review this book without spoiling it but I can say that it is not what you expect from a book with this title. We are more used to reading lurid tales of alien abduction where space craft hover, then steal away sundry inhabitants of earth in order to experiment on them. The victims are left with vague recollections of something unpleasant happening to them and no-one believes them. This book is about the abductors themselves and it is a really gripping thriller as one strikes out against his alien employer. I enjoyed the characterisation of Eddie, finding his easy descent to the dark side all too credible and reminiscent of ‘Breaking Bad’, one of my favourite T.V. series. I loved the twist at the end and found this to be a really superb reading experience.
June 18, 2019
Alien Abduction
By Irving Belateche
Are there aliens among us? Would we know if they were here? Do you have a neighbor who is a recluse? Have you never seen him outside? Is he an alien? What is he doing on Earth? Have you fainted recently? When you woke up did you not remember what you were doing when you fainted?
Read Alien Abduction by Irving Belateche to get a new perspective on alien life on earth. Mr. Belateche grabbed my attention from the very first page. Then he started talking about the life of Eddie Hart and I was a little confused as to what happened to the aliens. But it didn’t take him long to bring it all together.
This is the second story by Irving Belateche that I have read. (The short story The Mirror was my first.) If these two stories are examples of his writing (which I feel they are), I am ready to read more.
06.17.19
By Irving Belateche
Are there aliens among us? Would we know if they were here? Do you have a neighbor who is a recluse? Have you never seen him outside? Is he an alien? What is he doing on Earth? Have you fainted recently? When you woke up did you not remember what you were doing when you fainted?
Read Alien Abduction by Irving Belateche to get a new perspective on alien life on earth. Mr. Belateche grabbed my attention from the very first page. Then he started talking about the life of Eddie Hart and I was a little confused as to what happened to the aliens. But it didn’t take him long to bring it all together.
This is the second story by Irving Belateche that I have read. (The short story The Mirror was my first.) If these two stories are examples of his writing (which I feel they are), I am ready to read more.
06.17.19
July 10, 2017
I was really looking forward to a book about alien abduction and what aliens were hiring humans to do. This book didn't quite come through for me on that front.
There is far too much detail about the minutia of Eddie's and Jenny's lives and problems with their kids and not enough information about Abel, why he's here and why he wants his "crops". Sure, we are told what he makes with them, but why is he doing it?
Also, the sections written in Abel's voice - just didn't seem any different from Eddie's voice or Ben's or Jenny's. I would have thought Abel should have had his own speech patterns...
The ending was a bit predictable and a little bit of a let down as well. Good premise to this book, but just didn't really cut it for me.
There is far too much detail about the minutia of Eddie's and Jenny's lives and problems with their kids and not enough information about Abel, why he's here and why he wants his "crops". Sure, we are told what he makes with them, but why is he doing it?
Also, the sections written in Abel's voice - just didn't seem any different from Eddie's voice or Ben's or Jenny's. I would have thought Abel should have had his own speech patterns...
The ending was a bit predictable and a little bit of a let down as well. Good premise to this book, but just didn't really cut it for me.
February 13, 2020
Food for thought
I didn't like this book throughout the first third. Then it started getting better and better. By the end, I couldn't put it down. It was intriguing and I kept wondering why something was happening then it would work itself out. Mr Belateche; You write very interesting stories that make a person think. Thank you. I hope you will enjoy this book too. Happy Reading.
I didn't like this book throughout the first third. Then it started getting better and better. By the end, I couldn't put it down. It was intriguing and I kept wondering why something was happening then it would work itself out. Mr Belateche; You write very interesting stories that make a person think. Thank you. I hope you will enjoy this book too. Happy Reading.
July 8, 2020
Misleading and Lacking in Ufo/Alien
Could have been a more enjoyable read except that the story was so disjointed. One half was centered on alien, abduction and the mechanics there of while the other half of the book was dedicated to family dynamics that were way too lengthy and boring. Sure a little family stuff is warranted but 50% of the story as just too much as I considered putting the book away.
Could have been a more enjoyable read except that the story was so disjointed. One half was centered on alien, abduction and the mechanics there of while the other half of the book was dedicated to family dynamics that were way too lengthy and boring. Sure a little family stuff is warranted but 50% of the story as just too much as I considered putting the book away.
Read
November 16, 2020The Worst Part is Not Knowing
This is a cleverly plotted multi character first person fast action thriller. With science and science fiction and crime and a few twists thrown in. I only read this because I enjoyed another not-sf by the author but I am definitely glad I did. A very different read from my usual fare and I've not dipped onto science fiction for many years, this is clever, exciting and gripping.
This is a cleverly plotted multi character first person fast action thriller. With science and science fiction and crime and a few twists thrown in. I only read this because I enjoyed another not-sf by the author but I am definitely glad I did. A very different read from my usual fare and I've not dipped onto science fiction for many years, this is clever, exciting and gripping.
June 27, 2017
As others have said, it is a little different from what you might expect from the title. Once I got into it, I wanted to keep reading to find out if Eddie was going to live or die !! Not sure if I would read any more from this author though as the end was not what I thought would happen and this is why I only gave it 3 stars.
December 13, 2018
Not Your Average Abduction
Good story, characters fit the parts, not your usual alien abduction scenario. However, in the end there were a few loose ends, perhaps leaving an opening for a follow-up story! I'd be interested in Hannah's "harvesting" and the outcome of Bob's mystery as tracked by his son. Overall, interesting and recommended reading!
Good story, characters fit the parts, not your usual alien abduction scenario. However, in the end there were a few loose ends, perhaps leaving an opening for a follow-up story! I'd be interested in Hannah's "harvesting" and the outcome of Bob's mystery as tracked by his son. Overall, interesting and recommended reading!
February 17, 2022
Not What I Expected, It was Better
I Thought this book was going to be about aliens abducting people, taking them to their space ships or home planets, experimenting on them, etc. Instead it was more of a crime thriller that just happened to have an alien in it. A complete different twist to what I expected and very well done. Totally glad I read it.
I Thought this book was going to be about aliens abducting people, taking them to their space ships or home planets, experimenting on them, etc. Instead it was more of a crime thriller that just happened to have an alien in it. A complete different twist to what I expected and very well done. Totally glad I read it.
September 3, 2025
Good story with lots of holes.
Where did the alien get all his money and where did he keep it such that he could make $100k payoffs every two weeks or so?
How did Eddie or his predecessor launder their cash so it was useable via credit card?
For a smart reporter, Eddie is really dumb about many things. Has he never read that shallow graves in the yard are always quickly discovered?
Where did the alien get all his money and where did he keep it such that he could make $100k payoffs every two weeks or so?
How did Eddie or his predecessor launder their cash so it was useable via credit card?
For a smart reporter, Eddie is really dumb about many things. Has he never read that shallow graves in the yard are always quickly discovered?
March 13, 2018
AlienAbduction
I loved this book. With a very real alien and a man who found out about him, it was heart thumping action from beginning to end. I was very surprised by the ending. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book. With a very real alien and a man who found out about him, it was heart thumping action from beginning to end. I was very surprised by the ending. I highly recommend this book.
January 2, 2026
Alien Abduction by Irving Belateche
Bad news keeps hitting Eddie’s family. Lost job, family illness, college tuition. What would you do if you absolutely needed the money? Fast moving sci-thriller. Certainly made me think how I would do it.
Great fun. I would read this author again.
Bad news keeps hitting Eddie’s family. Lost job, family illness, college tuition. What would you do if you absolutely needed the money? Fast moving sci-thriller. Certainly made me think how I would do it.
Great fun. I would read this author again.
July 8, 2017
Started well, but the end was a let-down. The shifting viewpoints held the narrative aloft for a while but ultimately this story never manages to explain much.
July 26, 2019
A very different, well written alien story. It slowly built up momentum until I was at the edge of my yard swing (I did forgo lunch to finish).
July 14, 2025
This book is written well, has depth and unexpected turns of events. In a vast ocean of books where it’s increasingly tough to find a good book that I haven’t already read, this was a nice find.
September 30, 2025
There was no character in this book I liked. It was written well but not well enough to keep me reading it. I ended up skimming through the second half until the last two chapters.
October 26, 2025
A definite page turner.
November 24, 2025
didn’t make sense… to me…
He is ok with kidnapping but wants to be a good guy? Makes no sense. Pissed me off so bad I quit it
He is ok with kidnapping but wants to be a good guy? Makes no sense. Pissed me off so bad I quit it
September 13, 2016
Good, but not great...
I just completed this book and I have mixed feelings about the novel. The basic premise is a very good one, but the author could have written an outstanding novel; instead I thought it mediocre at best.
Spoilers ahead - you've been warned.....
There were a number of things in this novel bothered me. The begins with the lead character losing his job. His wife requires expensive medical insurance, his son is a Senior in High School, waiting for his College Acceptance notifications, and there's a younger daughter who was on the swim team.
When he informs his family of his unemployment, their reactions differ. His wife accepts what happened, but the son - and this really bothered me, only cared about going to his prime choice of College, whether or not the Family had the money to pay for it. When it's suggested that he look at other colleges, less expensive options, including one Ivy league that offered him a substantial scholarship, this young man freaks out. He becomes such a self centered character that you immediately dislike him. He wants to go to the most expensive college, his first Prime choice, and refuses to take into account his family's financial situation, and. he refuses to look at alternatives.
To me this entire section didn't ring true. Most families today raise their children to recognize the value of others, to not only think of themselves, but to have a more world view of just about everything. In fact, this young man does help out his family, especially his mother when she's recovering from medical treatments. So why did the author make him out to be a self-centered asshole? Not sure since it didn't really move the plot along. Eddie, the Father, already knew he was in dire financial straights, so that didn't add impetus to his getting a job. Like I said, this section just didn't ring true.
Another section was towards the end. Eddie had already obtained a DNA sample of the alien. However, when it was processed by a lab, he lost access to that sample. In the book he realizes this, and then realizes that there are other locations where he could get a sample - his car door handle, garage door knob, and the money itself. But, he never takes action on those thoughts, even when he knows that his daughter might have been compromised by the Alien. This was kind of a loose end, the type that can unravel your thoughts about an entire novel.
There were a few other examples of the story that seem to be hurriedly made up. And made up stories like that, the type that don't seem to advance the story, or the kind of Ex Machina that many authors resort to when their creative juices get squeezed off. So when the novel ended, I said to myself "Huh? What just happened?", for the author appeared to quickly end the book without revisiting plotlines they created earlier. In my opinion, that sort of reflected an amateurish quality to this novel - a novel I had such high hopes in reading.
Now, like I said, this book was good, but it could have been great. To me there were plot lines not readdressed before the conclusion. There were fake attempts to introduce antagonism - like the Senior freaking out that he might not be able to attend the College of his choice. And finally, in the last chapters, it appeared that the author rushed to the finish line - trying to end the story before exceeding a certain number of pages. I really dislike that type of novel.
What could have saved this book? A wonderful Editor - One who would recognize loose ends, plot, as well as character inconsistencies, and direct the Author, well more like encourage the author, to produce the best novel that they were capable of producing.
Would I recommend this novel? Still up in the air about that - it does have a wonderful premise for a story, but the actual implementation was a bit lackluster. Some characters did not ring true (most notably the Son), and some of the story just didn't ring true.
Would I recommend the author's other works? If I didn't have a library of books to read, I might give him a second chance. But, there are many more Authors out there that I want to give a chance - I'll read their novels first.
I just completed this book and I have mixed feelings about the novel. The basic premise is a very good one, but the author could have written an outstanding novel; instead I thought it mediocre at best.
Spoilers ahead - you've been warned.....
There were a number of things in this novel bothered me. The begins with the lead character losing his job. His wife requires expensive medical insurance, his son is a Senior in High School, waiting for his College Acceptance notifications, and there's a younger daughter who was on the swim team.
When he informs his family of his unemployment, their reactions differ. His wife accepts what happened, but the son - and this really bothered me, only cared about going to his prime choice of College, whether or not the Family had the money to pay for it. When it's suggested that he look at other colleges, less expensive options, including one Ivy league that offered him a substantial scholarship, this young man freaks out. He becomes such a self centered character that you immediately dislike him. He wants to go to the most expensive college, his first Prime choice, and refuses to take into account his family's financial situation, and. he refuses to look at alternatives.
To me this entire section didn't ring true. Most families today raise their children to recognize the value of others, to not only think of themselves, but to have a more world view of just about everything. In fact, this young man does help out his family, especially his mother when she's recovering from medical treatments. So why did the author make him out to be a self-centered asshole? Not sure since it didn't really move the plot along. Eddie, the Father, already knew he was in dire financial straights, so that didn't add impetus to his getting a job. Like I said, this section just didn't ring true.
Another section was towards the end. Eddie had already obtained a DNA sample of the alien. However, when it was processed by a lab, he lost access to that sample. In the book he realizes this, and then realizes that there are other locations where he could get a sample - his car door handle, garage door knob, and the money itself. But, he never takes action on those thoughts, even when he knows that his daughter might have been compromised by the Alien. This was kind of a loose end, the type that can unravel your thoughts about an entire novel.
There were a few other examples of the story that seem to be hurriedly made up. And made up stories like that, the type that don't seem to advance the story, or the kind of Ex Machina that many authors resort to when their creative juices get squeezed off. So when the novel ended, I said to myself "Huh? What just happened?", for the author appeared to quickly end the book without revisiting plotlines they created earlier. In my opinion, that sort of reflected an amateurish quality to this novel - a novel I had such high hopes in reading.
Now, like I said, this book was good, but it could have been great. To me there were plot lines not readdressed before the conclusion. There were fake attempts to introduce antagonism - like the Senior freaking out that he might not be able to attend the College of his choice. And finally, in the last chapters, it appeared that the author rushed to the finish line - trying to end the story before exceeding a certain number of pages. I really dislike that type of novel.
What could have saved this book? A wonderful Editor - One who would recognize loose ends, plot, as well as character inconsistencies, and direct the Author, well more like encourage the author, to produce the best novel that they were capable of producing.
Would I recommend this novel? Still up in the air about that - it does have a wonderful premise for a story, but the actual implementation was a bit lackluster. Some characters did not ring true (most notably the Son), and some of the story just didn't ring true.
Would I recommend the author's other works? If I didn't have a library of books to read, I might give him a second chance. But, there are many more Authors out there that I want to give a chance - I'll read their novels first.
October 29, 2016
Alien Abduction by Irving Belateche follows Eddie as he struggles to make ends meet for his family and comes across a most unlikely job. We have all heard of alien abductions. The tall gray aliens come into your home from the saucer hanging over your rooftop and implant things into you so they can monitor what is happening inside you, or they take you on their ship and do some serious experiments on you and then dump you hours or days later with only a vague memory of what had happened. For Eddie, this is not the case. His career had fallen apart and his family was in the middle of a medical emergency. Eddie had no other choice than to begin to search for a new job that paid well enough to handle the growing bills. Shockingly, no one wanted to hire an older man with no current skills. That is until he meets Abel. Abel is no ordinary business owner. In fact, Abel isn't even human. Abel is an alien and he is in the business of abductions and he needs someone to be doing the dirty work for him. Eddie needs a job, and Abel is offering. What is a struggling man to do?
Alien Abduction is a trip into the supernatural with the background of the current job market. Irving does a great job of showing us Eddie's backstory and getting us to understand why this man had no choice than to start doing the dirty work for the aliens. The narrative is well written and the characters interactions are fantastic but believable in the given situations. Fans of alien fiction will enjoy this read as well as those who are fans of the conspiracy theories behind alien abductions. I really enjoyed this fun, fresh addition to the genre.
Alien Abduction is a trip into the supernatural with the background of the current job market. Irving does a great job of showing us Eddie's backstory and getting us to understand why this man had no choice than to start doing the dirty work for the aliens. The narrative is well written and the characters interactions are fantastic but believable in the given situations. Fans of alien fiction will enjoy this read as well as those who are fans of the conspiracy theories behind alien abductions. I really enjoyed this fun, fresh addition to the genre.
December 20, 2016
Eddie is a journalist, down on his luck. He has not adapted to changing society, his finances are running on empty, his son wants to go to college, and his wife has medical bills that are beyond him. While tutoring, he learns the father of the boy he is tutoring has some extraordinary income. He tracks the father, and eventually learns the money comes from abducting young women for a couple of hours so an alien can harvest something from them. He wants in. The alien technology is a bit fanciful, and we have to assume the alien has huge amounts of money, despite the fact he (or she, or it) does not interact with humans other than to hire abductors.
The story is written first person, but different chapters have different points of view, including from the alien. The concept is well constructed, although perhaps it spends a little too much time on the various roads of Los Angeles. The family conflicts and secrecy seem reasonable, although the optimism on recovery from pancreatic cancer is not. I found the writing where Eddie has to make his moral collapses a little less plausible, although in fairness such situations are really the most difficult of all to write, as the balance between wallowing and facing the facts of the decision are difficult. (Eddie did not strike me as a sociopath, so the writing does not get away with that one.) I found it easy to read, especially if you gloss over some things you might question, and it kept my attention, so a good holiday read if you want one.
The story is written first person, but different chapters have different points of view, including from the alien. The concept is well constructed, although perhaps it spends a little too much time on the various roads of Los Angeles. The family conflicts and secrecy seem reasonable, although the optimism on recovery from pancreatic cancer is not. I found the writing where Eddie has to make his moral collapses a little less plausible, although in fairness such situations are really the most difficult of all to write, as the balance between wallowing and facing the facts of the decision are difficult. (Eddie did not strike me as a sociopath, so the writing does not get away with that one.) I found it easy to read, especially if you gloss over some things you might question, and it kept my attention, so a good holiday read if you want one.
December 25, 2016
This novel starts with Eddie, a journalist about fifty years old, being fired because he doesn’t see the need to keep up with the last writing styles or popular topics. Just when he realizes jobs aren’t waiting for him around the corner his wife’s health declines.
Eddie fights to support his family, even going against his own principles by working for an alien. Yet from the beginning Eddie feels his time is limited. But it is no longer a fight to keep his job, but to stay alive for his family, and protect them from the alien.
Although this book was slow at times, I really enjoyed how Eddie thought things through at the end while playing “Russian roulette” with Abel, the alien. I finished the book wondering if there will be a sequel and if Mason finds out what truly happened to his father so he could get the answers about his disappearance.
Eddie fights to support his family, even going against his own principles by working for an alien. Yet from the beginning Eddie feels his time is limited. But it is no longer a fight to keep his job, but to stay alive for his family, and protect them from the alien.
Although this book was slow at times, I really enjoyed how Eddie thought things through at the end while playing “Russian roulette” with Abel, the alien. I finished the book wondering if there will be a sequel and if Mason finds out what truly happened to his father so he could get the answers about his disappearance.
December 16, 2016
Alien Abduction by Irving Belateche is a science fiction book wrapped up in a family drama with job loss. An entertaining and smartly written thriller that follows the story of Eddie, a reporter who has lost his job and needs to make money to support his family, including children who want to go off to college. This book deftly combines family dynamics with the need to survive and thrive, and shows just how far one man will go to take care of his family. The story unfolds in completely unexpected ways, which is riveting for the readers, and keeps the pace of the book moving along. A story that is certainly relevant in today's world and job market where men of a certain age sometimes have great difficulty re-starting careers. Highly recommend.
April 28, 2016
Fun read
This was a fun book to read I enjoyed it immensely . I would recommend it for a leisurely read
This was a fun book to read I enjoyed it immensely . I would recommend it for a leisurely read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews