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Invader
When an alien creature menaces two scientists marooned on a desert island, Rose, who has lost her memory, must rely on Thomas, though his behavior is suspicious. In California, Kailey is pressed into a life of crime by her corrosive lover, following a psychologically abusive past. As each woman faces invaders of different sorts, the questions mount. What is their underlying connection? What is Thomas trying to hide? And when will the beast strike next?
"A cunningly plotted novel that keeps readers guessing with twists and turns and an ending they won't see coming." -The Booklife Prize
"A cunningly plotted novel that keeps readers guessing with twists and turns and an ending they won't see coming." -The Booklife Prize
155 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2019
75 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Marjory Kaptanoglu
14 books26 followersAward-winning author Marjory Kaptanoglu’s “prose is crisp and purposeful, charged with feeling, and always attuned to what will engage readers in each moment.” (The BookLife Prize) Follow Marjory on BookBub to receive notices about her new releases and sales, and sign up for her entertaining newsletter at marjorykaptanoglu.com to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Her YA fantasy DREADMARROW THIEF “celebrates life and love the way only the best fantasy tales can" (Kirkus) and kicks off THE CONJURER FELLSTONE TRILOGY (now complete). According to one reviewer, “Why not get all 3 at once?”
Marjory also writes adult sci-fi/fantasy. Regarding INVADER, “Fans of sci-fi mysteries and strong female characters should snap up this psychological page-turner." (Publishers Weekly) The BEFORE series begins in January, 2021, with the launch of BEFORE THE KILLING, a time-travel tale of love and murder. Fun fact: Marjory was named 2019 Literary Exhibitor of the Year by the California Writer’s Club / San Mateo County Fair. Second fun fact: Marjory once worked at Apple Computer and designed the text-editing software for early versions of the Macintosh.
Marjory also writes adult sci-fi/fantasy. Regarding INVADER, “Fans of sci-fi mysteries and strong female characters should snap up this psychological page-turner." (Publishers Weekly) The BEFORE series begins in January, 2021, with the launch of BEFORE THE KILLING, a time-travel tale of love and murder. Fun fact: Marjory was named 2019 Literary Exhibitor of the Year by the California Writer’s Club / San Mateo County Fair. Second fun fact: Marjory once worked at Apple Computer and designed the text-editing software for early versions of the Macintosh.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 10, 2022
This was not what I expected it to be, and not really what the synopsis stated. It wasn't bad though, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
August 30, 2022
Definitely interesting.
May 17, 2020
Fascinating, fast read.
The story revolves around two women, the choices they make, their emotional states, their reasoning, their desires. Yet it is also a much broader discussion about life, the rights of a human being, morality, redemption, ethics and where science could lead us.
The book is well written and enjoyable, the ending satisfactory, all loops were closed. I was left dwelling on the story and characters, wondering how their lives would continue, thinking about the issues raised.
I will definitely seek out her books in the future.
The story revolves around two women, the choices they make, their emotional states, their reasoning, their desires. Yet it is also a much broader discussion about life, the rights of a human being, morality, redemption, ethics and where science could lead us.
The book is well written and enjoyable, the ending satisfactory, all loops were closed. I was left dwelling on the story and characters, wondering how their lives would continue, thinking about the issues raised.
I will definitely seek out her books in the future.
July 15, 2020
To be honest, I picked this book from the hundreds that Amazon suggests to me because I share a reasonably unusual name (although not the spelling) with the author, and because this book was available on Kindle Unlimited, hence free for me.
It’s short (I read it in an evening and over breakfast the next day) but carries a powerful and compelling story, about Rose and Kailey, and the intertwining of their lives.
So why four stars, not five, which is the rating I’d usually give to a book I’d enjoyed, and that definitely makes me want to read more by the same author? I had to think about this myself. I think the reason is that some of the dialogue and interactions between Thomas and Rose felt a bit scripted, rather than natural. Whereas Kailey’s story was told superbly, and I really felt I was seeing her world through her eyes.
However, knowing what we find out by the end of the story, I can understand why it may have been harder to write Rose’s story in quite such a believable way. I can see why Rose and Thomas may have seemed less three-dimensional to the author than Kailey, and hence why they may have come across that way, to me at least. And that’s all I’m saying to avoid having to select the “Spoiler alert”. I’m off to download “Blood and veil” by the same author, which is previewed at the end of this book.
It’s short (I read it in an evening and over breakfast the next day) but carries a powerful and compelling story, about Rose and Kailey, and the intertwining of their lives.
So why four stars, not five, which is the rating I’d usually give to a book I’d enjoyed, and that definitely makes me want to read more by the same author? I had to think about this myself. I think the reason is that some of the dialogue and interactions between Thomas and Rose felt a bit scripted, rather than natural. Whereas Kailey’s story was told superbly, and I really felt I was seeing her world through her eyes.
However, knowing what we find out by the end of the story, I can understand why it may have been harder to write Rose’s story in quite such a believable way. I can see why Rose and Thomas may have seemed less three-dimensional to the author than Kailey, and hence why they may have come across that way, to me at least. And that’s all I’m saying to avoid having to select the “Spoiler alert”. I’m off to download “Blood and veil” by the same author, which is previewed at the end of this book.
September 9, 2020
No, thank you. Predictable, flat; the writing had me cringing so frequently. Was only able to complete this one via audiobook, otherwise I would have quit.
If you're a fan of sci-fi, you've likely read this storyline before and unfortunately this one didn't bring anything unique to the table.
If you're a fan of sci-fi, you've likely read this storyline before and unfortunately this one didn't bring anything unique to the table.
March 31, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Invader
Author: Marjory Kaptanoglu
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/10
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked how there were two separate plots to the story that cleverly intertwined. Enjoyable thriller.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘Switching characters every chapter or so is a risky way of writing a novel. It can destroy the flow and irritate the reader. But I must say, this novel gets away with it. The two female characters were interesting with very different problems to face. The term ‘Invader’ in the title referring to, possibly, not your typical invader. Although it’s a bit slow in the middle chapters, the ending is well-plotted.’ Female reader, aged 61
‘Unpredictable psychological thriller. Rather gritty with solid characterisation.’ Male reader, aged 67
‘A gritty, well-written thriller. Strong writing style that works for the genre. The cover is all wrong; it’s too sweet, too romantic-feeling – girl running on sandy beach. This author is talented. I hope she will keep on writing.’ Female reader, aged 41
To Sum It Up:
‘A gritty, tense psychological thriller. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Invader
Author: Marjory Kaptanoglu
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/10
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked how there were two separate plots to the story that cleverly intertwined. Enjoyable thriller.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘Switching characters every chapter or so is a risky way of writing a novel. It can destroy the flow and irritate the reader. But I must say, this novel gets away with it. The two female characters were interesting with very different problems to face. The term ‘Invader’ in the title referring to, possibly, not your typical invader. Although it’s a bit slow in the middle chapters, the ending is well-plotted.’ Female reader, aged 61
‘Unpredictable psychological thriller. Rather gritty with solid characterisation.’ Male reader, aged 67
‘A gritty, well-written thriller. Strong writing style that works for the genre. The cover is all wrong; it’s too sweet, too romantic-feeling – girl running on sandy beach. This author is talented. I hope she will keep on writing.’ Female reader, aged 41
To Sum It Up:
‘A gritty, tense psychological thriller. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 9, 2020
I found this book very interesting. Although the concept is not unique, the execution is very different. The alternating stories of Kailey and Rose were intriguing and it isn’t until late in the book the connection between the two is revealed. There are plenty of mysteries surrounding Thomas and Alex but they are also resolved by the end of the book. I did have it figured out before the end, but the actual conclusion is good. It is fast paced and I didn’t want to put it down. Truly worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the author through AuthorsXP and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author through AuthorsXP and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 11, 2019
This is one of the best books I've read in the last few years, and I can't recommend it enough.
Not to give too much away, but it's a speculative fiction tale of three women and how their stories intertwine. Nothing is as it seems.
The story is strong, the writing is great, and there is a rawness and edge to it all that isn't for the squeamish, but if you want something unpredictable and different, something that is just a hint dark, this is for you.
Not to give too much away, but it's a speculative fiction tale of three women and how their stories intertwine. Nothing is as it seems.
The story is strong, the writing is great, and there is a rawness and edge to it all that isn't for the squeamish, but if you want something unpredictable and different, something that is just a hint dark, this is for you.
May 29, 2020
WOW!!!!!! And holy cow this was a terrific book in every way possible. I can't wait to read this bingeworthy tale again, it was that good. I can heartily recommend this to everyone who likes written words and pondering reality. Trust and acceptance are 2 of the major underlying themes, but friendship, safety, courage, survival, perceptions, forgiveness, identity, and hope also have starring roles too.
I received a free copy of Invader, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of Invader, but that did not affect my review.
September 8, 2020
Great AI tech read!
Two things i really enjoyed about this book: (1) Storyline content and (2) The chapter viewpoints by each of the three main characters. This book was a fast read to the end. Had everything including an alien sci-fy touch. Since I'm a computer programmer myself, wish I had thought of this book idea and published it before the author did. Good Job Marjory Kaptanoglu!
Two things i really enjoyed about this book: (1) Storyline content and (2) The chapter viewpoints by each of the three main characters. This book was a fast read to the end. Had everything including an alien sci-fy touch. Since I'm a computer programmer myself, wish I had thought of this book idea and published it before the author did. Good Job Marjory Kaptanoglu!
July 10, 2020
I liked this book enough, the writing was good, and the plot intriguing. But about halfway through I was pretty sure this story involved AI or psychology or a combo because what else could it be? I'd recommend it to readers mostly unfamiliar with Sci-Fi. Old-guard SF people will likely find it too predictable.
August 7, 2020
An incredibly well written exciting story! Great plot & story ideas, brilliant sci fi! Gripped me from the start & what a great journey! I did really enjoy this & will look for more by this writer! I do recommend this!
January 19, 2021
This is an interesting story with an intriguing plot. Two of the main characters are women who are clearly connected somehow, and unraveling the relationship between them is the central theme of the book. I found myself rushing through the book to see how it all came together.
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed this quite a bit. I read it in essentially one sitting, which was a good call. Lots to think about - every chapter I had a new theory about the answers to various secrets. I liked what it had to say about freedom, agency, forgiveness, and humanity. Great story.
June 23, 2020
Twists and turns, yet easy to read
You begin with two sides and wonder when they will meet, you are clues and then the twist appears, but it keeps you guessing all the way
You begin with two sides and wonder when they will meet, you are clues and then the twist appears, but it keeps you guessing all the way
July 2, 2020
Invader
What an inciteful story. I understand why women would be chosen as most are weaker in strength and our paternalistic society keeps us downtrodden. Worth reading!
What an inciteful story. I understand why women would be chosen as most are weaker in strength and our paternalistic society keeps us downtrodden. Worth reading!
July 6, 2020
A very interesting and twisting tales of two women in the same experience, but with two completely diverse observations of it. A great way of telling this dramatic story. I loved it!!
August 4, 2020
This book surprised me a lot! I really enjoyed it
August 17, 2020
This was surprisingly captivating!
I liked the story and I related to Kailey so bad it hurt. The story had a fast but steady pace without a dull second.
I liked the story and I related to Kailey so bad it hurt. The story had a fast but steady pace without a dull second.
August 24, 2020
Pretty damn interesting. I'd love to see this turned into a movie.
August 29, 2020
This had an interesting premise but overall I was bored, the ending just happened and wasn't a very good one. I think if I wasn't listening to this as an audio book I would of put it down.
August 4, 2021
An intruiguing start with 2 women mysteriously connected (nonlinearly) but the ending solution was a bit left-field and the romance theme was rather gross and unmotivated.
December 4, 2022
Intriguing, riveting tale. I didn't see the twist coming although hints were given. Rose figured it out before I did.
October 12, 2020
Fun scifi romp
A quick fun read with an intriguing twist and well developed main character. Just when you think you know exactly what's going on the plot twist hits.
A quick fun read with an intriguing twist and well developed main character. Just when you think you know exactly what's going on the plot twist hits.
August 24, 2020
The best (** type)"spoiler removed" book I have ever read.
I love the way the book is laid out. The two stories that make you wonder if they are connected some how. (No spoilers) Great detail, suspense, thriller, love story.. it has it all.
I love the way the book is laid out. The two stories that make you wonder if they are connected some how. (No spoilers) Great detail, suspense, thriller, love story.. it has it all.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews