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Skywatchers #1
Aphelion
Ky isn't your typical seventeen-year-old girl. She's an alien hunter.Ky is one of the youngest and most skilled alien hunters Skywatchers has ever recruited. Lethal and focused, nothing can distract her from riding the world of the vermin who murdered her brother. When she's assigned a new recruit, Reece, she assumes he'll be just like the others. All she needs to do is tolerate his existence until he's paired with another hunter. Just another job. But it's a little hard when he's as stealthy as a drunk elephant.When he screws up their first assignment, the Skywatchers Commander insists they both be taken out of the field. He wants Ky to learn to work in a team. Maybe make a friend. That's not so easy when everyone she's ever cared about is dead. Skywatchers is what held her together when her world fell apart. Could Reece be the reason her life unravels once again?
178 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2019
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Higgins
25 books46 followersL J Higgins likes to write stories that make you question, and remember to appreciate, the world around you. To remind you to open your eyes, minds and hearts.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 30, 2019
Intriguing launch into a sci-fi adventure series.
Ky is the youngest and best alien hunter among the Skywatchers. Driven by anger, rage, and loss of her brother Tyson, she trained tirelessly for the past two years to become sort of a legend among the hunters, secluded and perfect. However, now she was assigned to tutor a new recruit, Reece, in the field work, and her world starts to crumble. Not only the walls around her heart, but everything she believed to be truth.
I am fascinated by this book. Having established a firm connection with Ky from page one, I can't even imagine what she had to go through at the end of the book. She is indeed strong and fierce, not to crumble under the weight of her 'Aphelion'. The added element of conspiracy theories, aliens, secret government projects etc gives the book a futuristic atmosphere on one side, otherworldly feel on the other, with a little bit of dystopia stuck in between. I love the premises, love the world building, and am looking forward to the next events to see if Ky reaches her redemption and finds her path in this world, when a hunter suddenly becomes the hunted one.
Ky is the youngest and best alien hunter among the Skywatchers. Driven by anger, rage, and loss of her brother Tyson, she trained tirelessly for the past two years to become sort of a legend among the hunters, secluded and perfect. However, now she was assigned to tutor a new recruit, Reece, in the field work, and her world starts to crumble. Not only the walls around her heart, but everything she believed to be truth.
I am fascinated by this book. Having established a firm connection with Ky from page one, I can't even imagine what she had to go through at the end of the book. She is indeed strong and fierce, not to crumble under the weight of her 'Aphelion'. The added element of conspiracy theories, aliens, secret government projects etc gives the book a futuristic atmosphere on one side, otherworldly feel on the other, with a little bit of dystopia stuck in between. I love the premises, love the world building, and am looking forward to the next events to see if Ky reaches her redemption and finds her path in this world, when a hunter suddenly becomes the hunted one.
July 22, 2019
Couldn't wait to get this started and hated when it ended 😢
Great book was hooked right from the start all the way through to the end.
She was a hunter and he was a rookie. How did everything go the way it ended and who was the blame... Who actually is Ricko and the Skywatchers who is Reese and who's telling the truth... Read this great book and you will find the answers she also was looking for...
Great book was hooked right from the start all the way through to the end.
She was a hunter and he was a rookie. How did everything go the way it ended and who was the blame... Who actually is Ricko and the Skywatchers who is Reese and who's telling the truth... Read this great book and you will find the answers she also was looking for...
August 14, 2019
What an amazing book that was impossible to stop reading. Ky was a fabulous character to make you feel a part of the story. Hopefully this is the beginning of many more books in this series.
November 12, 2019
I really enjoyed Aphelion.
I thought the story line was original. The characters are interesting, especially Ky and Reece. The writing style is good and flows well.
I thought the ending allowed a good stopping point, while promising so much more in the next book.
I'd really like to see more on the aliens and this time frame on Earth.
I thought the story line was original. The characters are interesting, especially Ky and Reece. The writing style is good and flows well.
I thought the ending allowed a good stopping point, while promising so much more in the next book.
I'd really like to see more on the aliens and this time frame on Earth.
July 26, 2019
Ky’s world ended when aliens murdered her brother. The only thing keeping her going is her hatred for the beings who ruined her life. She never wants to feel the pain of losing someone she cares about again, so Ky throws all her time and emotion into being the best alien hunter Skywatchers has ever seen. At the tender age of seventeen, her feats are already legendary, and while no one considers her a friend, her fellow combatants are all eager to learn from her. And they’re just as eager to move on to new partners once their training is done.
Then they assign Reece to her, and instead of falling for her no nonsense, non-communicative ways, the new recruit seems keen to strike up a friendship, maybe even more. Well, Ky’s not falling for it, no matter how handsome or interesting he appears. The sooner he moves on to another hunter, the better. Trouble is, this recruit blunders his way through almost every situation and it’s all she can do not to get him or herself killed.
When another mission fails, both Ky and Reece are confined to the base for retraining. Unlike Ky, Reece questions everything, and much of what he’s saying is making sense. But if she keeps listening, it will change life as she’s known it since her brother’s death, and she’s not ready to let that pain go.
This is the first in Ms Higgins’ latest series and I love it. The emotions expressed by the main characters was tangible. I loved Ky’s evolvement from almost robotic and detached to embracing what it means to be human once more. It broke my heart to learn the truth behind Reece’s questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to be released.
Then they assign Reece to her, and instead of falling for her no nonsense, non-communicative ways, the new recruit seems keen to strike up a friendship, maybe even more. Well, Ky’s not falling for it, no matter how handsome or interesting he appears. The sooner he moves on to another hunter, the better. Trouble is, this recruit blunders his way through almost every situation and it’s all she can do not to get him or herself killed.
When another mission fails, both Ky and Reece are confined to the base for retraining. Unlike Ky, Reece questions everything, and much of what he’s saying is making sense. But if she keeps listening, it will change life as she’s known it since her brother’s death, and she’s not ready to let that pain go.
This is the first in Ms Higgins’ latest series and I love it. The emotions expressed by the main characters was tangible. I loved Ky’s evolvement from almost robotic and detached to embracing what it means to be human once more. It broke my heart to learn the truth behind Reece’s questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to be released.
August 14, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
I don’t know exactly what I was expecting when I started reading this, but one thing’s for sure; I did not expect to be absolutely amazed by the story. This is without a doubt one of the best science fiction books I have read this year! A fresh mix of science fiction and dystopia, we follow Ky, an alien hunter at Skywatchers, go about training a rookie, Reece, but things really don’t go as planned.
Here’s what you can expect while reading Aphelion:
• Story jumps straight into action from page 1.
• Very quick read. Not only is the story addicting and very fast paced, but the writing style is great and really draws you into the story.
• Definitely for fans of The Fifth Wave – expect aliens disrupting normal human lifestyle and aliens taking human forms. But don’t worry, this is a unique story.
• Very big plot twist at the end, makes everything that happened in the story so much clearer.
• There is some violence and some mild language, but no adult content.
• Very strong character development, especially from Ky as she turns from a loner to integrating with her ‘colleagues’ at Skywatchers.
• We learn the significance of the title, Aphelion, toward the end.
Overall, I don’t think I can recommend this enough, I really really enjoyed reading Aphelion, and am so excited to see that this is the first of a series!! I just can’t wait to find out what’s next!!
Overall: 5/5, absolutely amazing!
I don’t know exactly what I was expecting when I started reading this, but one thing’s for sure; I did not expect to be absolutely amazed by the story. This is without a doubt one of the best science fiction books I have read this year! A fresh mix of science fiction and dystopia, we follow Ky, an alien hunter at Skywatchers, go about training a rookie, Reece, but things really don’t go as planned.
Here’s what you can expect while reading Aphelion:
• Story jumps straight into action from page 1.
• Very quick read. Not only is the story addicting and very fast paced, but the writing style is great and really draws you into the story.
• Definitely for fans of The Fifth Wave – expect aliens disrupting normal human lifestyle and aliens taking human forms. But don’t worry, this is a unique story.
• Very big plot twist at the end, makes everything that happened in the story so much clearer.
• There is some violence and some mild language, but no adult content.
• Very strong character development, especially from Ky as she turns from a loner to integrating with her ‘colleagues’ at Skywatchers.
• We learn the significance of the title, Aphelion, toward the end.
Overall, I don’t think I can recommend this enough, I really really enjoyed reading Aphelion, and am so excited to see that this is the first of a series!! I just can’t wait to find out what’s next!!
Overall: 5/5, absolutely amazing!
August 14, 2019
Kylah is a loner at Skywatchers. Filled with a lot of anger because she believed the aliens had killed her brother. For two years all she did was track and kill aliens letting her anger keep her going. Until Reece. He had a way of softening her anger and opening her heart. What she would learn from him would turn her world upside down. All I can say is WOW! A very surprising twist to this story. Ms Higgins knows how to capture your interest and then she throws a wrench in it. Now my interest is peaked! I can’t wait to read the next book. What surprises will she have in store for us then? I’m anxious to find out.
April 24, 2019
After reading the prequel to this, I was waiting excitedly to get the rest of the story. Ky is an alien hunter with an attitude. After losing everything, she puts what's left into her mission: destroy the creatures who destroyed her family. But not everything is as she thinks.
When a new recruit is assigned to her and starts making her question everything she thought she knew.
This book has everything. Great characters, a cool story, plenty of actions, and the easy writing style I've come to love from LJ Higgins. I can't wait for the next one.
When a new recruit is assigned to her and starts making her question everything she thought she knew.
This book has everything. Great characters, a cool story, plenty of actions, and the easy writing style I've come to love from LJ Higgins. I can't wait for the next one.
April 30, 2019
A neat twist on an alien series. The romance in this is very subtle but works great with the personality of the characters. You want very much for it to work out for them. The characters are well developed and likeable or unlikable according who we're speaking of. This series just Has a different twist on the alien theme and I really like it. Definitely will be checking out the next book!
May 1, 2019
I like the sci-fi story being developed with the slow reveal on what's happening. The teenage angst really wasn't my cup of tea but it was a necessary part of the main character's development. This author has a lot of promise, but the many typos need to be cleaned up to allow for a smoother read.
With that said I'm looking forward to book 2!
With that said I'm looking forward to book 2!
August 19, 2019
Brilliant read. I found myself captivated from page one. Fast paced adrenaline story of a young girl trained to kill aliens that live amongst us. But all is not what it seems.
I fell in love with Ky and what she had to go through.
Great start to a new fantasy adventure series.
I fell in love with Ky and what she had to go through.
Great start to a new fantasy adventure series.
August 14, 2019
This is a great start to this series! A well written fast paced action packed futuristic story about a girl who kills aliens for revenge! Throw in a tinsey little bit of romance and you have a fab sci-fi read! Cant wait to read book 2!
August 19, 2019
Brilliant read. I found myself captivated from page one. Fast paced adrenaline story of a young girl trained to kill aliens that live amongst us. But all is not what it seems.
I fell in love with Ky and what she had to go through.
Great start to a new fantasy adventure series.
I fell in love with Ky and what she had to go through.
Great start to a new fantasy adventure series.
July 16, 2019
Great start to the series! I loved reading about Ky's journey to come out of her shell while still being an awesome chick. I'm dying to know what happens next and can't wait for the next book!
August 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book.
The first in a long time I read in a single day.
Can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The first in a long time I read in a single day.
Can’t wait to find out what happens next.
November 17, 2020
I was pretty intrigued by the idea of this book because it seemed like something different that I hadn’t read before and I love trying new things! Overall I thought this book was pretty good! A little predictable sometimes but not entirely. Ky is an independent, sassy girl and Reece seems to have the special ability to bring out the best in Ky. I’m rooting for them in the next book, which I will definitely be reading as I have to know how this story will end! 😊
August 27, 2019
Ky’s world ended when aliens murdered her brother. The only thing keeping her going is her hatred for the beings who ruined her life. She never wants to feel the pain of losing someone she cares about again, so Ky throws all her time and emotion into being the best alien hunter Skywatchers has ever seen. At the tender age of seventeen, her feats are already legendary, and while no one considers her a friend, her fellow combatants are all eager to learn from her. And they’re just as eager to move on to new partners once their training is done.
Then they assign Reece to her, and instead of falling for her no nonsense, non-communicative ways, the new recruit seems keen to strike up a friendship, maybe even more. Well, Ky’s not falling for it, no matter how handsome or interesting he appears. The sooner he moves on to another hunter, the better. Trouble is, this recruit blunders his way through almost every situation and it’s all she can do not to get him or herself killed.
When another mission fails, both Ky and Reece are confined to the base for retraining. Unlike Ky, Reece questions everything, and much of what he’s saying is making sense. But if she keeps listening, it will change life as she’s known it since her brother’s death, and she’s not ready to let that pain go.
This is the first in Ms Higgins’ latest series and I love it. The emotions expressed by the main characters was tangible. I loved Ky’s evolvement from almost robotic and detached to embracing what it means to be human once more. It broke my heart to learn the truth behind Reece’s questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to be released.
Then they assign Reece to her, and instead of falling for her no nonsense, non-communicative ways, the new recruit seems keen to strike up a friendship, maybe even more. Well, Ky’s not falling for it, no matter how handsome or interesting he appears. The sooner he moves on to another hunter, the better. Trouble is, this recruit blunders his way through almost every situation and it’s all she can do not to get him or herself killed.
When another mission fails, both Ky and Reece are confined to the base for retraining. Unlike Ky, Reece questions everything, and much of what he’s saying is making sense. But if she keeps listening, it will change life as she’s known it since her brother’s death, and she’s not ready to let that pain go.
This is the first in Ms Higgins’ latest series and I love it. The emotions expressed by the main characters was tangible. I loved Ky’s evolvement from almost robotic and detached to embracing what it means to be human once more. It broke my heart to learn the truth behind Reece’s questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to be released.
August 26, 2019
This was a fun book to read full of aliens, action, and even some romance. The writing is easy to read. The story grabbed me from the start and I loved the main characters. Not everything is as it seems and I really enjoyed the MC's journey of discovery. I was even entertained the the teenage angst and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 7, 2019
Quick and enjoyable YA read. I love the Australian lingo and references - as a reader from the US, this made the text, especially dialogue, pop! A good story for those that love broody teens and alien invasions. (and who doesn't?)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews