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When They Came #2
When They Saw
I never expected to be abducted. But here I am, standing onboard Their ship, facing Them down for the first time in my life, seeing the true face of the Earth’s invaders from another world. My task is to act as Earth’s emissary and negotiate peace. But it is far more complicated than it seems. I know nothing of politics, and even little of persuasion, but I have no choice. I must do this to keep my friends, and my world, safe. I cannot afford to fail humanity.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2017
38 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Kody Boye
130 books273 followersKody Boye has always been drawn to escape into other worlds. Now primarily a young adult fiction author, he made his debut in the Yellow Mama webzine at the age of fourteen with the publication of "[A] Prom Queen's Revenge," and sold his debut novel, Sunrise, to Library of the Living Dead Press at eighteen.
Since then, he has authored several young adult novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His works include The Beautiful Ones, The Red Wolf Saga, and the When They Came trilogy.
When not writing, Kody enjoys reading YA novels, playing video games, and relaxing with his three cats. He currently lives and writes in Southeastern Idaho.
Since then, he has authored several young adult novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His works include The Beautiful Ones, The Red Wolf Saga, and the When They Came trilogy.
When not writing, Kody enjoys reading YA novels, playing video games, and relaxing with his three cats. He currently lives and writes in Southeastern Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 25, 2020
2.75 STARS ★★✬✩✩
⤐ Overall.
This was, by all means, a meh listening experience. And I was so excited to get back into this, I couldn't wait to continue the story after finishing the prequel. By no fault of the narrator I just simply had the hardest time getting into the plot of When They Saw. Apart from the lack of suspense I also have to criticise the unlikeliness of the scenario. Don't laugh at me, I know that's kind of a given in dystopian narratives but still. I was just not buying it. The agreement between the aliens and the US government was easy peasy lemon squeezy when it should have been difficult difficult lemon difficult considering we're talking about the US American government.
I'm also disappointed by how little intimacy the reader gets to experience between Asha and Ana. They're in a relationship but Ana still calls Asha 'her friend' from time to time and they just seem like two girls sharing a room and a bad in a very platonic manner. I was excited about the progression of their relationship, hence my disappointment. I think we can witness one gesture that goes beyond the boundaries of friendship intimacy?
The most amusing thing in this whole scenario is the outrage with which the aliens' proposal is met. It had a How Can You Come Here and Think What's Best kind of vibe. They want to restore your planet and you whine about how that happened? Let's think back to colonial times. You reap what you saw, folks.
⤐ What’s happening.
After being zoomed up into the spaceship of the invading alien species, Ana has to face the fact that ending this war is much more complicated than she thought. These are not mindlessly violent intruders. In exchange for offering the invaders refugee, they will restore the planet and call back the coyotes who've decimated the earthlings significantly.
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 3*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 3*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 2*
_____________________
Many thanks to the narrator Kris Janae and the author Kody Boye for trusting me with this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, this book is for you if… you are not deterred by a weak sequel.
⤐ Overall.
This was, by all means, a meh listening experience. And I was so excited to get back into this, I couldn't wait to continue the story after finishing the prequel. By no fault of the narrator I just simply had the hardest time getting into the plot of When They Saw. Apart from the lack of suspense I also have to criticise the unlikeliness of the scenario. Don't laugh at me, I know that's kind of a given in dystopian narratives but still. I was just not buying it. The agreement between the aliens and the US government was easy peasy lemon squeezy when it should have been difficult difficult lemon difficult considering we're talking about the US American government.
I'm also disappointed by how little intimacy the reader gets to experience between Asha and Ana. They're in a relationship but Ana still calls Asha 'her friend' from time to time and they just seem like two girls sharing a room and a bad in a very platonic manner. I was excited about the progression of their relationship, hence my disappointment. I think we can witness one gesture that goes beyond the boundaries of friendship intimacy?
The most amusing thing in this whole scenario is the outrage with which the aliens' proposal is met. It had a How Can You Come Here and Think What's Best kind of vibe. They want to restore your planet and you whine about how that happened? Let's think back to colonial times. You reap what you saw, folks.
⤐ What’s happening.
After being zoomed up into the spaceship of the invading alien species, Ana has to face the fact that ending this war is much more complicated than she thought. These are not mindlessly violent intruders. In exchange for offering the invaders refugee, they will restore the planet and call back the coyotes who've decimated the earthlings significantly.
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 3*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 3*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 2*
_____________________
Many thanks to the narrator Kris Janae and the author Kody Boye for trusting me with this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
Honestly, I preferred the first book. I know it’s a small thing, but I prefer a rounded cast of characters. This book was almost exclusively women. I suppose the grey alien might count as male. I really missed Jason from the first book. I don’t have anything against them, but I’m just not into reading lesbian relationships. That and there didn’t really seem to be any passion or even love in their relationship. It just seemed to be the two girls worrying about each other and sleeping together. I did like the world that had been created here with the Hospital feeling like one of the last outposts of humanity. It made me think of Walking Dead and the hold-out groups of humans remaining after the fall of humanity. Felt like I really had to push to finish this book. The pacing was slow, and it felt like not much happened outside of her being ambassador (that part was fascinating since we got to see the alien ship and got to know the aliens a bit, what their agenda supposedly is, etc). But when she got returned, I was surprised the book continued on. And it didn’t seem like her being ambassador really amounted to much since the aliens were still out there as well as she didn’t seem to gain any status or was treated any differently after being ambassador. The random violent attacks by the remaining aliens outside the Hospital walls starting to feel like same old after a while. And I really wondered why Ana Mia and Asha stayed at Burgundy after she returned and Asha was freed. I mean, Dubois was terrible to her, but they stuck around because the Hospital was safe. But it didn’t seem very safe with them on guard duty. Why didn’t they just leave and try their luck at a different place? Though this ends on an interesting cliffhanger (and I’m still dying to know what the aliens mean by “assimilate” into the population), the exclusively female cast and loveless lesbian relationship don’t sell me on continuing further with this series.
February 27, 2024
This felt like a bridging story, something that will connect the first and third book in a trilogy but is also used to setup the third volume for what is hopefully a thrilling conclusion. Because of the way it's used, this bridging novel is a little more lowkey than the first book, When They Came. The first book was all about action, about the characters trying to survive, and also about detailing the dystopian world this book is set in.
When They Saw is more about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis. It's a big shift in the theme of the series. I think the structure of this book works, but sometimes the resolution is a little easy for the main character, Ana Mia. But, just like book one, there are some good action scenes, mostly in the last few chapters of the book. That build up, towards the end, makes me think the next book is going to start with a bang!
The protagonist, Ana Mia, has a lot of growth in this book. Forced into a corner, the reader gets to experience her bravery. We also get to experience her fear and anxiety, as she tries to navigate a difficult situation. Those emotions are portrayed well in the book and it makes for an engaging protagonist. There's a hint of a relationship between Ana Mia and Asha, that begins but then is quickly put on hold. I wondered about that, but then considered, given the situation she finds herself in, a relationship is probably low on the cards for Ana Mia, so I can understand the way that's handled in the book.
We have the introduction of another interesting character, with secrets of her own. Some you will discover in the book, but I'm also thinking there may be more to come in book three.
When They Saw is more about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis. It's a big shift in the theme of the series. I think the structure of this book works, but sometimes the resolution is a little easy for the main character, Ana Mia. But, just like book one, there are some good action scenes, mostly in the last few chapters of the book. That build up, towards the end, makes me think the next book is going to start with a bang!
The protagonist, Ana Mia, has a lot of growth in this book. Forced into a corner, the reader gets to experience her bravery. We also get to experience her fear and anxiety, as she tries to navigate a difficult situation. Those emotions are portrayed well in the book and it makes for an engaging protagonist. There's a hint of a relationship between Ana Mia and Asha, that begins but then is quickly put on hold. I wondered about that, but then considered, given the situation she finds herself in, a relationship is probably low on the cards for Ana Mia, so I can understand the way that's handled in the book.
We have the introduction of another interesting character, with secrets of her own. Some you will discover in the book, but I'm also thinking there may be more to come in book three.
November 4, 2017
Crazy continues!!!
In this book, Ana is harvested into the ship to make first contact , to find out what the aliens want with the earth and where the humans stand. While trying to be the bridge between the alien race that stole everyone near and dear to her heart and trying to find a peaceful solution so more needless deaths do not occur, she must dig deep and face actions and decisions that she is not ready for.
Kody does a great job weaving a devastating and emotional tale in this second novel of his When They Came series.
In this book, Ana is harvested into the ship to make first contact , to find out what the aliens want with the earth and where the humans stand. While trying to be the bridge between the alien race that stole everyone near and dear to her heart and trying to find a peaceful solution so more needless deaths do not occur, she must dig deep and face actions and decisions that she is not ready for.
Kody does a great job weaving a devastating and emotional tale in this second novel of his When They Came series.
September 18, 2020
Title: When they Saw
Author: Kody Boye
Publisher: Kody Boye
ISBN: B076PP9HYC
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
When they Came 2
I never expected to be abducted. But here I am, standing onboard Their ship, facing Them down for the first time in my life, seeing the true face of the Earth’s invaders from another world.
My task is simple: to act as Earth’s emissary and negotiate peace. But it is far more complicated than it seems. I know nothing of politics, and even little of persuasion, but I have no choice. I must do this to keep my friends, and my world, safe. I cannot afford to fail humanity.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Anna Mia’s story continues as she is taken aboard the alien ship. After being bitten by an alien being humans call a coyote, she starts to hear things that may be alien in nature and as physical changes occur she knows that the aliens are looking for her. Rather than endanger everyone else she allows herself to be taken or harvested as they call it. Now the alien’s attempt to sway Ana Mia to help them, but it wasn’t until Commander Dubois threatens to hurt her friend Asha that she agreed. Being forced to become spokesman for the Greys isn’t easy creating a conflict within Ana Mia about who she should trust. I imagine it would be similar to Stockholm Syndrome where you begin to sympathize with your captors. The road to the truth isn’t an easy one, but Ana Mia will do what she can to protect the ones she loves.
Now it isn’t only the Greys that misrepresent their actions making it difficult to comprehend right and wrong. When the humans do the unspeakable taking many Grey lives the aliens lash out killing innocents saying they were casualties of war just like the millions that they a used to understand humanity. There is supposedly good in everyone as seen in the Grey that befriended Ana Mia, but this reader questions what his true motives are.
The Greys wouldn’t even discuss where the Reapers had come from. Ana Mia was told that the humans that were harvested were lost, but it is interesting how they never directly stated how they had died. Form that this reader inferred that their “death” was not normal making me wonder if the Reapers were what was left behind after being harvested. That and many other questions are left unanswered. I will be waiting to see what happens next.
Author: Kody Boye
Publisher: Kody Boye
ISBN: B076PP9HYC
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
When they Came 2
I never expected to be abducted. But here I am, standing onboard Their ship, facing Them down for the first time in my life, seeing the true face of the Earth’s invaders from another world.
My task is simple: to act as Earth’s emissary and negotiate peace. But it is far more complicated than it seems. I know nothing of politics, and even little of persuasion, but I have no choice. I must do this to keep my friends, and my world, safe. I cannot afford to fail humanity.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Anna Mia’s story continues as she is taken aboard the alien ship. After being bitten by an alien being humans call a coyote, she starts to hear things that may be alien in nature and as physical changes occur she knows that the aliens are looking for her. Rather than endanger everyone else she allows herself to be taken or harvested as they call it. Now the alien’s attempt to sway Ana Mia to help them, but it wasn’t until Commander Dubois threatens to hurt her friend Asha that she agreed. Being forced to become spokesman for the Greys isn’t easy creating a conflict within Ana Mia about who she should trust. I imagine it would be similar to Stockholm Syndrome where you begin to sympathize with your captors. The road to the truth isn’t an easy one, but Ana Mia will do what she can to protect the ones she loves.
Now it isn’t only the Greys that misrepresent their actions making it difficult to comprehend right and wrong. When the humans do the unspeakable taking many Grey lives the aliens lash out killing innocents saying they were casualties of war just like the millions that they a used to understand humanity. There is supposedly good in everyone as seen in the Grey that befriended Ana Mia, but this reader questions what his true motives are.
The Greys wouldn’t even discuss where the Reapers had come from. Ana Mia was told that the humans that were harvested were lost, but it is interesting how they never directly stated how they had died. Form that this reader inferred that their “death” was not normal making me wonder if the Reapers were what was left behind after being harvested. That and many other questions are left unanswered. I will be waiting to see what happens next.
April 20, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
" Just like out of a sci fi movie"
Another edge of the seat ending for this, the second book in the When She Came serial featuring a young 17 years old girl, Anna, her female friend and their trying to survive the alien invasion which started some seven years before. The story line is good but the whole needs refinement, especially the characters of the leading protagonists: even as a YA novel, character development could be greatly improved
Narration, as in the first book, is by Krys Janae, who continues to read overly slowly and in a jerky fashion which irritates even after the playback speed is increased to 1.25. She does, however, convey the nervousness of the main character who is detailing the happenings in the first person for the duration of this tale.
I was again fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of When She Saw by the rights holder at my request. Thank you. This is a three book commitment as each so far has ended with a cliff hanger, better, in many ways, than the story which precedes it. Quite enjoyable, though.
" Just like out of a sci fi movie"
Another edge of the seat ending for this, the second book in the When She Came serial featuring a young 17 years old girl, Anna, her female friend and their trying to survive the alien invasion which started some seven years before. The story line is good but the whole needs refinement, especially the characters of the leading protagonists: even as a YA novel, character development could be greatly improved
Narration, as in the first book, is by Krys Janae, who continues to read overly slowly and in a jerky fashion which irritates even after the playback speed is increased to 1.25. She does, however, convey the nervousness of the main character who is detailing the happenings in the first person for the duration of this tale.
I was again fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of When She Saw by the rights holder at my request. Thank you. This is a three book commitment as each so far has ended with a cliff hanger, better, in many ways, than the story which precedes it. Quite enjoyable, though.
June 5, 2020
This second book in the When they Came series, gives the reader a real look into the aliens and their goals for the world. Ana Mia has nothing left so when she is transported to the ship, she became the link between the aliens and the humans.
The audio book is a great production. The narrator makes it almost a radio play and I truly enjoyed listening to the story.
The only issue I had with the story was the focus on Halloween. It just seemed odd to me in a world like this; Halloween would still be a thing. But it was a good example of how humans hold on no matter what.
The book ends with a major act of violence and I can’t wait to read who this story will end.
I received a free copy for review; all opinions are my own.
The audio book is a great production. The narrator makes it almost a radio play and I truly enjoyed listening to the story.
The only issue I had with the story was the focus on Halloween. It just seemed odd to me in a world like this; Halloween would still be a thing. But it was a good example of how humans hold on no matter what.
The book ends with a major act of violence and I can’t wait to read who this story will end.
I received a free copy for review; all opinions are my own.
October 24, 2021
Best series all year.
If you just finished book one, you already know you can't wait to read the next. I don't usually buy entire series, but I could not let this one go. I had to keep going. If you buy book two, I promise you, you will finish it and be at the edge of your seat. You will buy book three. The ending of book 3 is completely unexpected, but once you start to figure it out, it will feel like a perfect solution. I am so glad I ran into this author when searching for new reads.
If you just finished book one, you already know you can't wait to read the next. I don't usually buy entire series, but I could not let this one go. I had to keep going. If you buy book two, I promise you, you will finish it and be at the edge of your seat. You will buy book three. The ending of book 3 is completely unexpected, but once you start to figure it out, it will feel like a perfect solution. I am so glad I ran into this author when searching for new reads.
April 7, 2020
When They Saw by Kody Boye is the 2nd novel in the When They Came series.
Picking up right where the 1st novel ended, Ana is harvested into the Alien ship to attempt to make contact.
As the story progresses, more of the Alien mysteries are revealed. Great storyline and everything moves along. Love all the little twists thrown in.
Can the humans and Aliens co-exist? Is this really their intent??
Picking up right where the 1st novel ended, Ana is harvested into the Alien ship to attempt to make contact.
As the story progresses, more of the Alien mysteries are revealed. Great storyline and everything moves along. Love all the little twists thrown in.
Can the humans and Aliens co-exist? Is this really their intent??
June 19, 2020
Audible :I enjoyed this as much as book 1! AnnaMia was abducted in front of everyone and taken into the ship.When she is returned she is expected to do their bidding. People don't trust her.Dubois is making life hell.Only Osha is a refuge. Krys Janae was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
May 8, 2023
5 stars for story
Very fast paced as the aliens plan to descent to earth and assimilate into theatre population. Truly a terrifying story, since the Grays have the power to take what they want if earth doesn’t comply.
The writing needs an editor. Not errors so much as the style of writing.
Very fast paced as the aliens plan to descent to earth and assimilate into theatre population. Truly a terrifying story, since the Grays have the power to take what they want if earth doesn’t comply.
The writing needs an editor. Not errors so much as the style of writing.
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I ALMOST want to read the third book, because the story is intriguing. But I can't do it. I very nearly couldn't finish this one. The lack of proofreading was frustrating, and the story itself began to get tiring after a while.
March 30, 2020
This book takes us deeper into what the aliens want! This one has action, develops more friendships and has woah moments! Now I want to know what happens next!
June 17, 2020
Again, I enjoyed this book and plan to continue to see what happens in book 3-my curiosity is peaked.
July 18, 2021
While I had high hopes for a follow up that had great development and made up for the first book I was disappointed in the end.
So first of all as silly as this sounds (I know it’s fiction) but this was really not believable at all. Just why? I don’t really understand what is so special about this main character really. Besides the obvious aftermath of the attack in book 1 I don’t see why her. Something that should have been really hard (and was hard evidently in the beginning because all hell broke lose before book 1) was suddenly really easy because suddenly there was a human face to it!? And then there is no explanation as to why all hell broke lose in the first place because from the background we are getting, they came and tried to make contact and offer help?
I was also really angry and frustrated by the intro of some romance and then it’s “my friend, my friend”. As soon as you thought oh it’s just platonic something would happen that made you second guess everything you just read and then again no development. I was very confused by this.
I’m going to read the third one because... well I just have to Finnish the series now, I’m two thirds through.
So first of all as silly as this sounds (I know it’s fiction) but this was really not believable at all. Just why? I don’t really understand what is so special about this main character really. Besides the obvious aftermath of the attack in book 1 I don’t see why her. Something that should have been really hard (and was hard evidently in the beginning because all hell broke lose before book 1) was suddenly really easy because suddenly there was a human face to it!? And then there is no explanation as to why all hell broke lose in the first place because from the background we are getting, they came and tried to make contact and offer help?
I was also really angry and frustrated by the intro of some romance and then it’s “my friend, my friend”. As soon as you thought oh it’s just platonic something would happen that made you second guess everything you just read and then again no development. I was very confused by this.
I’m going to read the third one because... well I just have to Finnish the series now, I’m two thirds through.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews