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Zoe Brennan has everything sorted. Finally, she's good friends with the ultra cool Jas and part of her popular group. She even has plans to make new boy, Chad Everett, fall for her. But on one disastrous day at the beach all that changes when she encounters Rion, an extremely annoying alien who informs her they are connected - for life. Bossy and egotistical, he has no hesitation in telling her that exercise, studying and green tea should take precedence over boys, parties and fast food. Like that was ever going to fly. But the trouble really starts when he turns up at East Valley High. Students, teachers and parents alike fall under his spell. Only Zoe knows his secret and even if she told her friends, no one would believe her. What is she going to do about her alien? 'My Alien' is a humorous, yet touching YA book about two beings from different worlds who, despite everything, not only learn about each other but also about themselves.

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2016

246 people are currently reading
582 people want to read

About the author

Robin Martin

3 books11 followers
Robin Matin is an author and teacher, who writes both adult and young adult romance. Originally from Canada, she now lives in Brisbane, Australia. Her YA sci fi romance series, The Alien Chronicles includes My Alien, The Alien Within, and Once an Alien.
Her adult books published under the name Robin Thomas, include High Stakes and Bonjour Cherie.

A member of the Romance Writers of Australia and Write-Links, for children's and YA writers, Robin also connects with writers and readers on her author's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/robinmartint... or on her website.

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5 stars
104 (39%)
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49 (18%)
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13 (4%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for filming.pages.
240 reviews21 followers
March 23, 2018
*Thank you Voracious Readers and Robin Martin for the copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

"My Alien" is a book that revolves around a girl named Zoe, who while strolling at the beach, becomes an involuntary host to an alien in the form of a bubble inside her head. Rion (the alien) is a sassy know-it-all who seems to make Zoe's life a mess, even though he claims otherwise. One night, he materializes and takes the form of a 17 year old boy and Zoe's troubles are just about to begin.

My general opinion on the book is that it is funny and an exciting read. I loved Rion and his bossy personality and I couldn't help but sympathize with Zoe, because he could be a real pain in the ass sometimes. Zoe and Rion had a very quirky and often hilarious banter, because even though Rion claimed to know almost everything, he was pretty clueless regarding basic stuff, leading to an exasperated Zoe and funny predicaments. The book goes by very fast, it's an easy and relaxing read and I found myself not able to stop reading!

My only problem with the book was how everything revolved around the characters' appearance. For example, Zoe said many times how incredibly handsome Rion is and how she found herself attracted to him because of that. Also, she commented on Harry Crosby's appearance, saying he's a bit fat and that losing some pounds suits him, adding a little later that she only likes him as a friend. I think it's a bit insensitive saying that you can be attracted to a person only based on how he/she looks. Of course, it doesn't hurt if a person looks cute, but there are other things that matter, like personality. What more, I believe that degrading a person who's fat, for example, has a negative impact on a reader that has a similar appearance.

All in all, "My Alien" is a book that I enjoyed very much! Zoe and Rion's relationship is sweet and funny and evolves naturally, their romance didn't feel forced at all! It ends with a mild cliffhanger and I'm anxious to read the next installment to find out what will happen to our beloved and slightly annoying, Alien!
Profile Image for noor.
16 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2017
My Alien was honestly a greatly entertaining novel. It was so completely out of my comfort reading zone and yet, I enjoyed it so very much. Martin explores her imagination and creates possibilities never studied before. In most alien-science fiction, aliens speak in robot-like voices, look like robots or some slimy creatures, and the list goes on. Not one book or movie have I watched about aliens that talked and described them the way Robin did.

My Alien is a story about a girl who becomes host to an alien. In other words, he is a bubble of consciousness in her body that can hear her thoughts. At first, she hates it because it is completely out of the norm and also something she never expected. In fact, Zoe (the protagonist) refers to examples of alien sci-fi that is not matching up with the alien she has encountered. Rion is a wonderful character. The only issue I found with him is that I felt like 4000+ years existence was a stretch. There wasn't enough proof in a sense to say why he was completely clueless at times. Zoe has shared similar feelings with me too because at various times she asks how he was alive for that long to be oblivious to certain things. Regarding the book, I felt the beginning was very cliche and expected. I don't mind that it was a bit rushed because I tend to be impatient sometimes but Zoe's shock and Rion's indifference was very expected. The ending is somewhat cruel because one second its like, .Overall though, it was a great book.

I read in a review for this book that it was better than Twilight. However, I disagree because these 2 books are on two different levels. My Alien is a good, nice, and light read which is the complete opposite of Twilight. This is the perfect read if you are looking to get your mind off things. It has simple issues and conflicts and occasionally, humorous content. I simply cannot wait for the next book that I even emailed the author asking about it. I hope she does write a sequel and get her book out there more. The book is set in Australia and so I believe it is more mainstream there. However, this book needs to be read by a larger audience. My Alien is one of these books that you can't criticise as much as you may want to (I don't obviously) because it is such a cute book. I truly enjoyed it and I hope reading my review would prompt you to read it too! It's quite a short read too!
xx
Profile Image for Catherine.
Author 1 book
June 10, 2018
I received this book from Voracious Readers in return for an honest review. I don't normally like Sci fi or fantasy, but I absolutely loved this story. I found it very difficult to put down and was itching to find out what would happen next. As a result I raced through it and am relieved to note that there is a further book. It was well plotted with plenty of twists and turns. I would recommend it for all ages, even though it is most relevant to the adolescent age group. Thanks again. I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Cabiria Aquarius.
473 reviews34 followers
April 15, 2018
My Alien.
When I first started it seemed interesting and as it got further in- I feel like I’m really in the books I read so sometimes - at certain situations it made me feel awkward and made me tell myself I needed to push through.

But as I continued I found myself struggling to leave it alone. I needed to know what was going to happen. It ended up being pretty cool. I felt sad and warm at the end. An interesting ending that’s for sure.

Zoe was a good character and Rion was a sassy guy. :)

In the end it was really enjoyable despite the uncomfortable situations. But how could it be a good story without some awakened situations? That’s what makes them so good and relatable.
Profile Image for Nicole Vanadia Davis.
124 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2018
This book was highly amusing. Witty, funny and a great read. A balanced mix of drama and comedy. Only complaint would be that it was too short. I like a longer story. I didn't realize this was part of series so all is forgiven. I can't wait to read the next one. Side note: I did not realize the book was set in Australia initially, so some of the word choices threw me, but once I realized it didn't much change my ability to read this easily. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Deana.
16 reviews
May 4, 2020
Thank you to Voracious Readers for this copy and for introducing me to this wonderful author.

My Alien was a genuinely fun read. It's been a while since I let myself read a book like this, and I thought it was funny, unique, clever and overall fun. First of all, I really loved Rion (I love the name Orion by the way, it's really sweet and unique). Zoe is a girl I think we can all relate to. We find ourselves at stages in life where all we need is a push to do things we may have not been certain we'd have done, or sometimes we sacrifice parts of ourselves to fit in, and it takes an outside persepctive to make us question what's really right or healthy for us.

In regards to the Rion-Zoe dynamic, it's safe to say Rion definitely learned more from Zoe (in spite of his best efforts), than Zoe did from him. I kind of enjoy that irony, given Rion's 'age' and knowledge of the universe. I think Zoe managed one thing even Rion never thought possible, to question himself, and that even if he doesn't say anything, was something I think he's both frightened yet also grateful for. This novel actually made me hope we get to see Rion and Zoe older and see how that turns out.

I am definitely grateful there is more to read form the series, as I really hope to continue and discover more of these two characters and the worlds they come from. Thank you to Voracious Readers and Robin Martin for the chance to read this genuinely entertaining book.
Profile Image for Christine Burns.
13 reviews
August 4, 2018
I know this was written for young adults. But I absolutely could not stop reading. I am so pleased that I bought the 2nd book on a whim , because now, after writing this,I can start on its sequel. The characters are likeable. The flow of how the story goes, is just that! It flows and sweeps you up reminding what it was like to be at that age. But more then that.

It shows and perhaps gives me the view of how the author sees us as celestial spiritual beings having a human experience. I certainly hope so, for what a better way to have meaning of learning and growing which never stops no matter how old you are.
Profile Image for Paige.
1,866 reviews89 followers
June 17, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book from Rockstar Book Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book Series: First in the Alien Chronicles

Rating: 3/5

Diversity: Aliens (if they truly exist)

Publication Date: November 1, 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 14+ (love, romance, aliens)

Publisher: Bennett Lane Press

Pages: 288

Amazon Link

Synopsis: Zoe Brennan has everything sorted. Finally, she's good friends with the ultra cool Jas and part of her popular group. She even has plans to make new boy, Chad Everett, fall for her. But on one disastrous day at the beach all that changes when she encounters Rion, an extremely annoying alien who informs her they are connected - for life. Bossy and egotistical, he has no hesitation in telling her that exercise, studying and green tea should take precedence over boys, parties and fast food. Like that was ever going to fly. But the trouble really starts when he turns up at East Valley High. Students, teachers and parents alike fall under his spell. Only Zoe knows his secret and even if she told her friends, no one would believe her. What is she going to do about her alien? 'My Alien' is a humorous, yet touching YA book about two beings from different worlds who, despite everything, not only learn about each other but also about themselves

Review: This book is really funny and it’s pretty entertaining. The characters are lovable and the pacing is really fast, so once you’re into the book it goes by very quickly.

However, I did feel that the comments about Harry’s weight was very insensitive and it felt like Zoe was saying that you could only be attracted to people by their looks. This really had a negative impact on me as a reader. The book was also a little too cliché for me.

Verdict: A funny book that might be your type of romance.
20 reviews
December 10, 2017
My Alien was written by Robin Martin and published by Bennet Lane Press in 2016.

Martin writes about the conflict between doing what’s right and peer pressure. Zoe wanted to hang out with her friends at unsupervised parties and eat junk food but her alien pressured her to do what was right.

Zoe is the main character in this story. She had just broken into the popular group and started making headway with her crush when an alien decided to inhabit her. At first she tries as hard as she could to get rid of the alien but eventually they become friends.

Orion is the alias the alien adopts because Orion is his home constellation. I’m not going to talk too much about Rion because that would lead to major spoilers.

Jas is Zoe’s “best” friend. She’s the most popular girl in school so Zoe becomes popular by association. She’s not a very good friend though and with the help of Rion Zoe begins to realize that.

Harry has been friend with Zoe since kindergarten. Zoe always thought they were just friends but Harry wants to be more than that. Things get awkward between them quick.

The climax of this book was when Orion realized he would either have to leave Zoe for ever of stay a human.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was cohesive and it left you on kind of a cliff-hanger that makes you want to read the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Mc Chanster.
536 reviews
October 6, 2021
Okay, so this book was hella cute and definitely an enjoyable read.

Zoe Brennan was minding her own business on the beach when she suddenly starts hearing a voice in her head. The owner of the voice? Rion, an alien who just so happened to fall from the sky and attach himself to her. In the days that follow, Zoe’s life is completely turned upside down as she tries to figure out how to deal with this egotistical, arrogant, know-it-all thing that has invaded her. Then one night, in a somewhat… misguided attempt to help her, Rion materializes into teenage boy and everything gets even worse.

I actually thought this was fairly adorable. I really liked Zoe and Rion, and I found their constant bickering pretty cute. It was a quick, easy read for me (finished in a few hours), and I liked that the two mains do go through some growth during the time they’re together – I particularly liked the parts where Rion realizes that he isn’t as wise as he thinks he is. I do have to say that the beginning was a little jarring. I hadn’t expected it to start quite so suddenly, but it was engaging right from the beginning. Overall, a sweet and endearing read, and I really want to see what happens with Zoe and Rion!

Thank you Voracious Readers and Robin Martin for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1 review
April 23, 2018
My Alien by Robin Martin was a free book given to me to read and review.
I did have a few troubles relating to the main characters, being that is a YA book. I found the main characters slightly immature and annoying at first, which i guess due to my age had me muttering about the naivety of the young and my sister laughing at me from afar.

I pushed through the somewhat cringe worthy arguments and childish behaviour, and I continued reading to find myself hooked.

It was well written and flowed smoothly making it easy to read. The character development was well thought out and the characters played off each other smoothly throughout the book.

you witness both Zoe and Orion both learning from each other and maturing through the book, which made it much easier to read.

Overall I ended up enjoying the book and will probably end up buying the second book to find out what happens. this book could be read as a stand alone, but the slight tantalising scent of something more tempts you to read book 2
Profile Image for Darlene.
1,970 reviews222 followers
December 23, 2018
Though I have rated this three stars, I still went and bought the next book. I have to stay true to me and my feelings.

The first part of this book is a lot like The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Ugh! what a horrid book that was. So as this alien takes over this teen girl it feels just like that!

Then this turned into a YA. Yes, with all that angst! UGH! times two!

By this point, I was ready to throw the book away. But I couldn't get my other book to load up. So I continued reading. Somewhere around the three-quarters mark, I somehow cared for a couple of the characters.

I didn't like the ending, a bit of a cliff-hanger. But curiosity got the better of me. I want to see what happens.

If you liked The Host, you might love this book, too. If you love teen angst, this is right up your alley,
Author 1 book69 followers
April 17, 2020
Zoe Brennan, at the beach, she encounters Rion, an annoying alien. He's bossy and egotistical. And gives advice. Unwanted advice. Then he turns up at East Valley High. Will Chad Everett fall for Zoe. (Her plan.) Will she stay a part of the popular group? Stay friends with ultra-cool Jas?

Funny story. Perfect characters. Especially the alien. Rude and direct. And moral. Why couldn't Zoe be invaded by a cool alien? I love that line. Leads to the question: What is cool? Zoe and Rion have different views. Great lesson for teens to ask themselves.

"You aliens aren't meant to intervene with other species." "Where did you get that?" "Star Trek." LOVE IT! And... What does an alien over 4000 years old have in common with a teenage girl? And... This alien really didn't get some things.
Profile Image for Nicole.
96 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2021
My Alien was exactly what you would expect of a YA romance between a teenage girl and an emotionally stunted 4000 year old alien. I had a few laughs reading this book, as the interactions between Zoe and Rion were as awkward as expected.

The author did a great job with character development. Zoe was the perfect embodiment of the emotionally messy teenage girl- self centered, superficial and popularity obsessed, but sweet, smart and sincere deep down. Rion makes for the perfect foil for her character to allow for both of their personal growths.

The ending was great too, wrapping up the loose threads and setting up for the next book in the series. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Goth Gone Grey.
1,154 reviews47 followers
December 10, 2017
I received this book for free through Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lightweight, enjoyable read. It's well edited and flows nicely. A touch of sci-fi, a touch of teen angst, and a teenager falling for a significantly older 'man' whose mannerisms reminds me of Data from Star Trek. There are a few raised eyebrow plot holes but they're disclosed in the book - where the alien stays and how he fits in, etc.

I appreciate that the ending could leave it as a stand alone book or lead you to the next in the series, but it doesn't feel like it's forcing you to the next book - it's still pleasant enough as it ends.
Profile Image for Starbuck.
28 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2018

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. First I love YA and reading this genre of book forces you to put up with some adolescent ignorance. Apparently the amount of adolescent ignorance and angst was too much. “My Alien” had similarities to Stephanie Myers “Host”, however I never became attached to the protagonists the way I did with Melanie and Wanda. Zoe is very immature and dull. The bickering between a 4000 year old alien and a teenage human left me with a headache. After all the teenage drama the book ends, I honestly didn’t know whether to be relieved it was over or angry at the
anticlimactic ending.
Profile Image for Daniella Featherstone.
399 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Thank you so much for the copy of the book. It was brilliant!
It was cute and hilarious and just an all round good fun book, so I'm surprised more people haven't heard of it. It was the sort of book I needed to cheer myself up and get me out of a reading slump. It also kept me up till 3am but I don't regret it! I didn't expect much opening it, but I was nicely surprised when I realised the characters were growing on me and I was trying not to laugh out loud at some of the conversations between Zoe and Rion. However, the book being set in Australia threw me at the beginning, but it didn't put me off the story as a whole.
I'll definitely be reading the second one.
1,394 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2019
Zoe is almost sixteen and this year she’s finally in a popular crowd. This means she getting invited to parties and doing fun things. But that all changes when a non corporal entity (aka alien) enters her body and takes up residence....for life. At first she thinks she’s going crazy as she hears a voice in her head that no one else can hear. She is not impressed. He is 4,000 years old and his mission is to study humans to learn from them. Find out what happens when you pair a 4,000 know it all alien with a sixteen year old girl!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
168 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2018
I was given this book from the author through 'Voracious Readers' in exchange for an honest review.

In a few words it was a good, fun, lighthearted, quick read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked and connected with Zoe and loved her love/hate relationship with Rion. Though some of their fights were a bit immature and there was lots of teen drama, I think it was relatively realistic (for a sci-fi about aliens). It was nice to see a relationship where the characters have realistic flaws and they realised them and worked on them. I'm such a sucker for these types of books - I was definatly tearing up at the end.

I think this book was perfectly suited for the young adult age range, perhaps the slightly younger side of that. For this reason I don't think that older readers will enjoy it as much (as I mentioned all the teen drama that occers) but being a teenage female myself I enjoyed it alot and will definatly be looking to continue the series.

Oh and super extra brownie points for mentioning my favourite Captain, Janeway =/\=
441 reviews
August 1, 2019
Alien

Zoe is a typical, bored, self-absorbed teenager who just wants to be with the popular kids at school. While on vacation with her parents, Zoe becomes linked to an alien thousands of years old. At a party, Zoe's alien materializes into the physical form of 16 year old male. He becomes stuck in that form, at least until he can get someone from his planet to get back to him. This is an easy and fun read.





11 reviews
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April 11, 2022
I actually really enjoyed the first book in this series. I usually enjoy more adult stories but I actually really liked it. the characters were great and relatable and the alien part kept me captivated. The only part I really hated was the fact it was Australian. for some reason I cant stand Australian stories or movies. but luckily there wasn't that much of a mention of it only a few place names. Other than that id highly recommend this series it was great.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,407 reviews14 followers
November 13, 2022
My Alien is an entertaining YA fantasy. It's a bit repetitive but the characters are realistic teens ( for the most) with a bit of angst and drama. It is more of a story driven tale but, I enjoyed it and already got book 2 on KU. I recommend to anyone that's looking for a light, clean soft sci-fi read.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Profile Image for Karen.
16 reviews
April 4, 2018
Have you ever read a blurb and known you were going to love the story?

I made myself wait a week before reading as I knew I would devour it in one hit, which I did.

Loved the characters and story line; plus it was also great to be set in the same country I live in.

I should probably give a fuller review, but I'm impatient - I want to read the second book

Profile Image for Ruth Garlick.
179 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2018
My Alien is a new series by Aussie author Robin Martin. A typical teenager called Zoe has a great life with the popular girls and partying, until she goes for a walk on the cold beach when an alien enters her life. Bound to Rion for life, Zoe must learn to adapt and change.
Imaginative and addictive – it even made me want to cry – this is something that I believe many young people will love.
Profile Image for Abbie.
3 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2018
* Thank you Voracious Readers and Robin Martin for the copy of the book, and an honest review.*

Honestly, I could not get into this book at all. I read the whole thing and just couldn't get into to it. I couldn't relate to any of the chat or the problems they faced.

There's not much to really say about this book except that it wasn't my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Vicky Quenault.
282 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2018
My Alien is a good read for a preteen. Its a great idea for a story, well paced and doesnt deal with any serious issues that would lead a parent to worry.
The characters have potential to become more complex, and they are already likeable.
An enjoyable book.
I received a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers in return for an honest review.
506 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2019
AN AWESOME READ!!

My Alien was a non-stop read!! A brilliant story about a alien, who literary drop onto a young girl. The constant talking in her head, by the alien was driving her crazy. Comments about her food intake and all sorts of thing she should be doing, mostly about doing her homework...lol. A great story!!
728 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2019
Pretty cool!

What a different kind of alien story! Enjoyed it immensely. Especially the young adult Zoe with all her drama and then the way she thought through everything. It was refreshing how she showed a more mature way of handling Rions decision. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Robert.
691 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2019
An easy, light YA rom-com with a science fiction twist. It's really a sweet story with a touch of Mean Girls spice to keep it interesting. For a trilogy, this first book's ending feels complete. There's no cliffhanger, but just a hope that things will happen for both main characters. I'm looking forward to reading the second and third books.
352 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only

Not my usual sort of book but it was a delightful book to read. I had quite a few sniggers and even a laugh out loud moment or two and admittedly a wee tear as well. A novel concept and well written. Quirky and I adored Rion and his view of the world we live in. This book was sweet and wholesome and perfect for a teen reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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