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Kin
In a future Los Angeles, a boy hires one of the deadliest alien assassins in the galaxy to protect his sister.
1 pages, Audiobook
First published February 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Bruce McAllister
160 books160 followersBruce McAllister is an American writer best known for his science fiction, fantasy and literary fiction. His short fiction, which he began publishing as a teenager ("The Faces Outside," 9TH ANNUAL OF THE YEAR'S BEST SF), has appeared over the years in genre magazines, original anthologies, “year’s best” anthologies, literary quarterlies and college readers; won a National Endowment for the Arts writing award; and been a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus and Shirley Jackson awards. He has published three novels--HUMANITY PRIMe, the "esp in war" Vietnam novel DREAM BABY, and THE VILLAGE SANG TO THE SEA: A MEMOIR OF MAGIC, which Michael Bishop has called "an eloquent ode to the universal mysteries of both place and coming of age." He has edited and co-edited (with Harry Harrison and Brian Aldiss) science fiction and fantasy anthologies; and has served on James Tiptree, Philip K. Dick and Nebula juries. In high school he sent a questionnaire about literary symbolism to l50 of the world's most famous writers, half of whom responded. (See Sara Funk Butler's 2011 article on their responses at the PARIS REVIEW blog.) Bruce grew up in a Navy family with marine-science and anthropology/archeology interests, lived as a child on both American coasts and in Italy (where he first fell in love with fantasy and science fiction), and, after a career in university, is now a full-time writer and writing coach living in southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
June 15, 2017
Thank you for the incredible story, LeVar Burton! <3 What a fantastic tale this was. <3
June 16, 2017
2.5⭐ I really felt like I wanted more, but it was still a good story
I read this story, audibly, through the wonderful new podcast LeVar Burton Reads
It was a short read, and I think the biggest sin is that it was actually kept a short story. It seemed to demand expansion, to me as a reader at least. But, it gave a strong and lovely message, it held my attention, it had that nice sci-fi language, and you can listen to it for free via LeVar Burton Reads. It's a great way to spend 30 minutes, especially if you dig science fiction. This story can be for adults or teens, and it has some universal appeal. Don't miss it.
*Date Read edited so as not to include story in the Goodreads Challenge, read on the same dates, 2017*
I read this story, audibly, through the wonderful new podcast LeVar Burton Reads
It was a short read, and I think the biggest sin is that it was actually kept a short story. It seemed to demand expansion, to me as a reader at least. But, it gave a strong and lovely message, it held my attention, it had that nice sci-fi language, and you can listen to it for free via LeVar Burton Reads. It's a great way to spend 30 minutes, especially if you dig science fiction. This story can be for adults or teens, and it has some universal appeal. Don't miss it.
*Date Read edited so as not to include story in the Goodreads Challenge, read on the same dates, 2017*
June 17, 2017
It's the book read in the first episode of the 'Levar Burton Reads' podcast. The story is not bad. Quite short but is presented well. Might have a look at what else they've wrote.
December 4, 2017
Long car ride + Levar Burton reading to me via podcast = heaven!!
At first, I didn't quite get the ending, but when I DID, holy cats, this became a five star "read".
I find it funny that a wish of many millennials is to have Levar Burton read them a bedtime story. This wasn't quite a bedtime story, but MAN does he have the speaking chops to draw you into the world the author created!
Great story, great narrator, highly recommended! 5 stars!
At first, I didn't quite get the ending, but when I DID, holy cats, this became a five star "read".
I find it funny that a wish of many millennials is to have Levar Burton read them a bedtime story. This wasn't quite a bedtime story, but MAN does he have the speaking chops to draw you into the world the author created!
Great story, great narrator, highly recommended! 5 stars!
June 30, 2017
Levar Burton reads this on the first episode of his new podcast. I am not actually a fan of short fiction or sci/fi, truth be told, but I can listed to LB talk about whatever.
This is a short story about the meeting and connection between a young boy and an alien assassin.
This is a short story about the meeting and connection between a young boy and an alien assassin.
January 22, 2022
To all the adults who like to be read a bedtime story: you should definitely check out LeVar Burton's podcast!
The first episode features the short story 'Kin' written by Bruce McAllister and you can listen to it here.
This story appeared in 2006 in Asimov's Science Fiction and was nominated for a Hugo Award in 2007.
A young boy and a very scary alien assassin come together in the most unexpected of ways.
Not only is the story fascinating (3,5*), but LeVar is a master teller as well.
It was my first acquaintance with both Bruce McAllister and LeVar Burton and I'm looking forward to discover more of their work!
In 2022 I'm reading one short story a day.
You can discover more about it here.
This was #3.
July 11, 2018
Kin is a short story that builds momentum as you suddenly see how the title relates to the relationship between an Earth boy and an assassin alien. Young Kim contacts an Antalou alien and convinces him to prevent the forced abortion of his yet-to-be-born sister. At first you will wonder why this alien follows through on the boy's request, but this quietly menacing story will show you how the mercenary alien recognizes that the two share a kinship of character. Evil can put on an innocent face and the alien knows Kim's true nature will soon reveal itself. This thought provoking story was narrated by LeVar Burton on his podcast's first episode @ http://www.levarburtonpodcast.com/.
January 1, 2022
4.5-4.75 stars
Really enjoyed this sci-fi short story! This was recommended to me by a friend who really likes that genre and thought I would like this author. I found this short story and decided to give this a try first before reading more of him. Definitely plan to read more by him after enjoying “Kin.” I wish there had been more but was pretty satisfied with everything presented.
Really enjoyed this sci-fi short story! This was recommended to me by a friend who really likes that genre and thought I would like this author. I found this short story and decided to give this a try first before reading more of him. Definitely plan to read more by him after enjoying “Kin.” I wish there had been more but was pretty satisfied with everything presented.
December 4, 2023
Very entertaining
June 3, 2019
I wasn't expecting a story about an alien assassin and a twelve-year-old boy to pull at the heartstrings.
I, like bajillions of others I assume, listened to this on LeVer Burton Reads.
I, like bajillions of others I assume, listened to this on LeVer Burton Reads.
December 1, 2019
Review of 'Kin' by Bruce McAllister
Does it count as 'read' if I listened to this short story in the 'Levar Burton Reads' podcast? Yes, it totally does! I don't get why some people discount audiobooks. I adore them. I need them! I am not a reader of science fiction, sadly. It's not because I think they are geeky, or trash or whatever stupid stereotype. It's totally my fault, I get too caught up in the pronunciation of words, it's a perfectionist/phonetic reader thing, so you can see my problem. Instead of progressing on with the story, I will stop and pronounce the interesting made up words. And then I have to try and pronounce them 10 different ways to see which sounds best and then I've forgotten what I'm even reading. Thus, has been my problem with sci-fi. This podcast has convinced me I just need to listen to audio of science fiction, because I LOVED this short story. I didn't give it 5 stars because I wanted more! Short stories done well - not many I've read. This one was fantastic - I learned just enough about the characters to understand what was going on, but it wasn't overwhelming, and it felt rich and full of detail. I felt the connection forming between the boy and the alien. I hated the govt person immediately because of how the author described him, not as 'hey, this guy is awful,' but in finding his thoughts repulsive/small minded. This showing, not telling thing in short story is often truncated or just completely missing, but not here. Not a single time are we told how we should feel about a character, but my feelings were intense. And I just loved how the alien showed the boy his problems could be solved a different way. Loved every minute!
Does it count as 'read' if I listened to this short story in the 'Levar Burton Reads' podcast? Yes, it totally does! I don't get why some people discount audiobooks. I adore them. I need them! I am not a reader of science fiction, sadly. It's not because I think they are geeky, or trash or whatever stupid stereotype. It's totally my fault, I get too caught up in the pronunciation of words, it's a perfectionist/phonetic reader thing, so you can see my problem. Instead of progressing on with the story, I will stop and pronounce the interesting made up words. And then I have to try and pronounce them 10 different ways to see which sounds best and then I've forgotten what I'm even reading. Thus, has been my problem with sci-fi. This podcast has convinced me I just need to listen to audio of science fiction, because I LOVED this short story. I didn't give it 5 stars because I wanted more! Short stories done well - not many I've read. This one was fantastic - I learned just enough about the characters to understand what was going on, but it wasn't overwhelming, and it felt rich and full of detail. I felt the connection forming between the boy and the alien. I hated the govt person immediately because of how the author described him, not as 'hey, this guy is awful,' but in finding his thoughts repulsive/small minded. This showing, not telling thing in short story is often truncated or just completely missing, but not here. Not a single time are we told how we should feel about a character, but my feelings were intense. And I just loved how the alien showed the boy his problems could be solved a different way. Loved every minute!
November 8, 2018
I so want a full novel on both the Alien Assasin and the Boy right now! What an interesting concept! McAllister delivered two wholly fleshed out characters and an intriguing storyline in just a few hundred words! Superb!
(LeVar is smashing it with his narration once again!)
(LeVar is smashing it with his narration once again!)
August 27, 2017
Discovered this on the Levar Burton Reads podcast and loved it!
February 17, 2021
In a nutshell, the book left me teary-eyed. Although the story is short, it penetrated through my soul—made me realize the importance of family, kindness, and respect. Thanks to LeVar Burton Reads for the awesome reading!
July 29, 2025
7/29/2025 - Great sci-fi story. Listened to it on the LeVar Burton Reads podcast.
January 8, 2022
Stories read by Levar Burton! Sign me up! Really liked this one, but like most short stories it left me wanting more!
June 29, 2017
4 for the story, 5++++ for having it read by LeVar Burton!
December 22, 2017
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan when it comes to literature (has to be super great writing for me to enjoy it). This was a heart-warming short story that sparked my imagination.
December 9, 2019
Edit: reread and it’s still a 5* and one if the best short stories
It seems that most people have discovered this story through the LeVar Burton Reads podcast, and I am no exception. While I’m sure the story would be just as compelling on its own, I do highly recommend listening to it on there, as the production quality is insanely high.
That being said, let’s talk about Kin. This story is probably going to be one of my favorites of the entire year (and I read this in December). It just hits all the spots that make me interested and invested in a story. Being short prevented me from losing interest or needing to take a break from it as well.
It’s a story about a boy who asks an alien to kill a seemingly corrupt man, in order to save his unborn sister. The boy is intelligent, thoughtful, and complex. This intrigues the alien, and both go through surprising developments in this short amount of time.
There was just so much symbolism and deeper meaning here. I love complex characters who have a lot going on. Especially ones that slowly reveal there thoughts and feelings without being blatant about it. The connection between the alien and Kim is fascinating. Both of them are interesting complex and morally grey, without it being shallow or cliche.
Also just the name Kin itself was perfect. This was a story that was about family on so many different levels. On the surface Kim is trying to save his unborn sister. But underneath there is a kinship between The boy and the alien that culminates in a cyclical nature where it feels like the boy becomes the alien eventually.
This is quality capital L Literature, and I could see it being taught in a sci fy lit class.
There is this small narrative that seems slightly pro life at first, but I think it just opens up more questions about it rather than actually trying to make a definitive statement.
I also agree with LeVar’s comments about this story being about finding ones purpose. Expanding on that, I think it’s also about what justifies death, and what it means to be a killer.
I definitely plan to reread this soon and probably add more spoilers to this review (so if there is anything below this it will be *spoiler* filled).
Kim seems to have a kinship with the entirety of the alien’s race, as he tries to understand their customs and what it means to kill. Culminating in the alien subtlely leaving everything to Kin so that Kim can some day become an assassin himself. I loved it.
It seems that most people have discovered this story through the LeVar Burton Reads podcast, and I am no exception. While I’m sure the story would be just as compelling on its own, I do highly recommend listening to it on there, as the production quality is insanely high.
That being said, let’s talk about Kin. This story is probably going to be one of my favorites of the entire year (and I read this in December). It just hits all the spots that make me interested and invested in a story. Being short prevented me from losing interest or needing to take a break from it as well.
It’s a story about a boy who asks an alien to kill a seemingly corrupt man, in order to save his unborn sister. The boy is intelligent, thoughtful, and complex. This intrigues the alien, and both go through surprising developments in this short amount of time.
There was just so much symbolism and deeper meaning here. I love complex characters who have a lot going on. Especially ones that slowly reveal there thoughts and feelings without being blatant about it. The connection between the alien and Kim is fascinating. Both of them are interesting complex and morally grey, without it being shallow or cliche.
Also just the name Kin itself was perfect. This was a story that was about family on so many different levels. On the surface Kim is trying to save his unborn sister. But underneath there is a kinship between The boy and the alien that culminates in a cyclical nature where it feels like the boy becomes the alien eventually.
This is quality capital L Literature, and I could see it being taught in a sci fy lit class.
There is this small narrative that seems slightly pro life at first, but I think it just opens up more questions about it rather than actually trying to make a definitive statement.
I also agree with LeVar’s comments about this story being about finding ones purpose. Expanding on that, I think it’s also about what justifies death, and what it means to be a killer.
I definitely plan to reread this soon and probably add more spoilers to this review (so if there is anything below this it will be *spoiler* filled).
Kim seems to have a kinship with the entirety of the alien’s race, as he tries to understand their customs and what it means to kill. Culminating in the alien subtlely leaving everything to Kin so that Kim can some day become an assassin himself. I loved it.
September 12, 2018
Kin is a short story set in the future, where a young poor boy commissions an alien assassin to prevent the state-sanctioned abortion of his unborn sister. Things don't turn out quite the way the boy had planned, and the relationship between boy and alien becomes more than just a transaction.
I listened to this via LeVar Burton Reads and it was magical! LeVar's narration was truly delightful as always, but the story itself brought tears to my eyes on my morning commute (and not just because I'm bleary-eyed and uncaffeinated!) I am always a sucker for that meaningful and yet totally platonic Elliott-E.T. type of connection between a human and an alien and this had that in spades.
So touching, and a truly wonderful introduction to this podcast and the world of short fiction.
I listened to this via LeVar Burton Reads and it was magical! LeVar's narration was truly delightful as always, but the story itself brought tears to my eyes on my morning commute (and not just because I'm bleary-eyed and uncaffeinated!) I am always a sucker for that meaningful and yet totally platonic Elliott-E.T. type of connection between a human and an alien and this had that in spades.
So touching, and a truly wonderful introduction to this podcast and the world of short fiction.
April 2, 2021
"Kin" by Bruce McAllister first appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction, February 2006 and was nominated for both the Hugo Award and the Locus Award for Short Story in 2007. It's an amazingly touching story of a young impoverished boy who hires an alien assassin to protect his unborn sister.
I found the story at http://www.spacewesterns.com/articles..., and Spacewesterns.com looks like a SF website that's right up my alley. I'm excited to have found it, and to have discovered this author!
I found the story at http://www.spacewesterns.com/articles..., and Spacewesterns.com looks like a SF website that's right up my alley. I'm excited to have found it, and to have discovered this author!
November 7, 2017
3.5 stars This is a subtle story about connection. It is interesting and unique. While it is almost too short, it is worth a read.
I listened to this story on the Lavar Burton Reads podcast and that performance was a 4.5. The biggest flaw is the advertisement in the middle of the story. I had thought the story just abruptly ended, but then it continued. Otherwise, phenomenal performance.
I listened to this story on the Lavar Burton Reads podcast and that performance was a 4.5. The biggest flaw is the advertisement in the middle of the story. I had thought the story just abruptly ended, but then it continued. Otherwise, phenomenal performance.
December 8, 2018
At first I was listening to the story passively, while I did housework, but by the end of it I wad standing still in the middle of the kitchen with my mouth gaping open - an excellent, delightful story
June 17, 2020
This was really enjoyable.
I think I could have easily read/listened to much more of this, so it being so short is the only detriment.
LeVar Burton as always was an amazing narrator.
And considering this was his first podcast, wow... amazingly well done.
I think I could have easily read/listened to much more of this, so it being so short is the only detriment.
LeVar Burton as always was an amazing narrator.
And considering this was his first podcast, wow... amazingly well done.
October 22, 2024
Starting the Lavar Burton Reads podcast from the beginning after starting from the middle. This was an interesting choice for a first read. A complex emotional story of kinship. My one critique is that the alien voice was hard for me to hear
June 22, 2017
The ending was abrupt and there was no resolution. It was just a conversation between Kin and the alien.
August 6, 2017
I heard this on LeVar Burton Reads. LB was awesome, of course, but i'm not a real big sci-fi fan.
January 17, 2018
Listened to this one on Levar Burton's Spotify podcast. He's a great reader/narrator.
May 3, 2019
Listened to on the LeVar Burton Reads podcast.
September 11, 2020
Fantastic!
What a unique story!!!
What a unique story!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews