What do you think?
Rate this book
Becoming Human
A breathtaking debut with enchanting worlds, sweet romance, and Southern charm, for fans of Marie Lu and Lois Lowry.
Carter doesn't believe in aliens. And he certainly doesn't defend his dad's claims that they exist, even if they aired on national television. But then, the girl he's falling for starts doing strange things, magical things, things that seem a bit out of this world.
Kokab hungers to be a Perfect in a world where her emotions are her greatest flaw. But when her planet faces extinction, her sympathy makes her the perfect ambassador to persuade humans to accept her people. Failure means invasion, but success means she will never become a Perfect.
Ags dreams of graduating from the Academy and becoming a guardian of Earth. Obsessed with all things human, she's eager to spend time on the unique planet. But when she uncovers an impending invasion, she's willing to lose everything, including herself, to stop it.
Carter doesn't believe in aliens. And he certainly doesn't defend his dad's claims that they exist, even if they aired on national television. But then, the girl he's falling for starts doing strange things, magical things, things that seem a bit out of this world.
Kokab hungers to be a Perfect in a world where her emotions are her greatest flaw. But when her planet faces extinction, her sympathy makes her the perfect ambassador to persuade humans to accept her people. Failure means invasion, but success means she will never become a Perfect.
Ags dreams of graduating from the Academy and becoming a guardian of Earth. Obsessed with all things human, she's eager to spend time on the unique planet. But when she uncovers an impending invasion, she's willing to lose everything, including herself, to stop it.
322 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2020
About the author
Amy Michelle Carpenter
5 books116 followersAmy Michelle Carpenter is a developmental editor with Eschler Editing and a professional blogger. She’s written hundreds of blogs and news articles for local and national companies. She also has a children’s story in an anthology.
As the daughter of an Army officer, she grew up traveling the country and has lived by sandy beaches, southern woods, towering cities, and the rocky mountains. Now, she resides in the countryside of Tooele, UT with her husband and baby girls. She enjoys seeing what wildlife and farm animals dare venture into her yard only to be chased by her toddlers. Wherever family is is home.
BECOMING HUMAN, her young adult sci-fi debuts December 2020 and tells the story of a girl from an austere planet who discovers what it means to be human.
Find her on Twitter and Instagram and amymichellecarpenterwrites.com.
As the daughter of an Army officer, she grew up traveling the country and has lived by sandy beaches, southern woods, towering cities, and the rocky mountains. Now, she resides in the countryside of Tooele, UT with her husband and baby girls. She enjoys seeing what wildlife and farm animals dare venture into her yard only to be chased by her toddlers. Wherever family is is home.
BECOMING HUMAN, her young adult sci-fi debuts December 2020 and tells the story of a girl from an austere planet who discovers what it means to be human.
Find her on Twitter and Instagram and amymichellecarpenterwrites.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 21, 2020
**This is a review for the short story EMBRACING EARTH (a companion to this book).
The short story follows s pink-haired alien named Ahs who desperately wants to become a guardian - not only because she comes from a family of guardians, but because she still feels a lot of guilt for being a bystander of another girl's death. Ahs enters the academy labeled the "coward girl", but still is determined. The tests and trials to become a guardian are not easy and Ahs goes through multiple trials to prove she can be brave enough to be a protector of the universe.
I enjoyed the creativeness of this world and these alien species and all of their customs. I found this short story to be very easy to get into and read through. I did find it to be a bit on the 'telling' side versus the 'showing' side, but I understand that it is a short story and there is only so much room to tell the story.
I am very interested in getting into BECOMING HUMAN, this author's full-length novel, that follows three teenagers - a redneck boy, an Earth-obsessed alien, and a robotic girl - who must work together and learn to accept one another, to save humanity.
Definitely recommend checking out, especially if you love that sort of humor and comedy aspects to space opera stories!
The short story follows s pink-haired alien named Ahs who desperately wants to become a guardian - not only because she comes from a family of guardians, but because she still feels a lot of guilt for being a bystander of another girl's death. Ahs enters the academy labeled the "coward girl", but still is determined. The tests and trials to become a guardian are not easy and Ahs goes through multiple trials to prove she can be brave enough to be a protector of the universe.
I enjoyed the creativeness of this world and these alien species and all of their customs. I found this short story to be very easy to get into and read through. I did find it to be a bit on the 'telling' side versus the 'showing' side, but I understand that it is a short story and there is only so much room to tell the story.
I am very interested in getting into BECOMING HUMAN, this author's full-length novel, that follows three teenagers - a redneck boy, an Earth-obsessed alien, and a robotic girl - who must work together and learn to accept one another, to save humanity.
Definitely recommend checking out, especially if you love that sort of humor and comedy aspects to space opera stories!
May 9, 2021
This was such a good book!! It’s like a mash up between Stephanie Meyers’ book The Host, and Guardians of the Galaxy. It deals with choice, and an alien race who doesn’t get the freedom of choice, and how that has impacted their species. There are twists and turns that keep it interesting the whole way through. I normally only listen to books on my commute, and while at work, but I just had to know what was going to happen so I listened to this while sewing, folding laundry, and taking a shower - literally any time I could listen. Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves YA Sci-Fi
September 6, 2020
If Guardians of the Galaxy, The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time all had a novel-baby, it would be this thought-provoking page turner.
I just finished Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter, and I seriously LOVED it!!! This book was so much fun to read, I had such a difficult time putting it down. If it wasn’t for being a parent and things, I probably wouldn’t have! So much of this novel spoke directly to my soul.
Kokab is just my favorite, I absolutely loved her character arc. It was so powerful and genuine to me. I loved Ags heartfelt enthusiasm and her (sometimes misguided) drive to help others. I don’t want to give too much away, but the characters in this novel simply wouldn’t allow me to stay away for long! I just *had* to know what they were going to do next, and what happened to them!
The way the author has structured the chapters makes the stories of Ags, Kokab and Carter, flow so well. Although the novel is told from each of their perspectives, it’s written and structured so clearly, that it was easy for me to follow, which in and of itself is a display of her talent. She also has done an amazing job of creating beautiful scenes with her descriptions, perfectly transporting you into the minds of her characters.
The end of the novel gave me chills more than once, and made me tear up. At one point, it just really spoke to me, and I was ready to stand up and say, “YEAH! That’s right!!” I loved it. I seriously loved it. I can’t wait for the paperback. I’m going to be first in line to preorder it. I must have it on my shelf!!
I just finished Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter, and I seriously LOVED it!!! This book was so much fun to read, I had such a difficult time putting it down. If it wasn’t for being a parent and things, I probably wouldn’t have! So much of this novel spoke directly to my soul.
Kokab is just my favorite, I absolutely loved her character arc. It was so powerful and genuine to me. I loved Ags heartfelt enthusiasm and her (sometimes misguided) drive to help others. I don’t want to give too much away, but the characters in this novel simply wouldn’t allow me to stay away for long! I just *had* to know what they were going to do next, and what happened to them!
The way the author has structured the chapters makes the stories of Ags, Kokab and Carter, flow so well. Although the novel is told from each of their perspectives, it’s written and structured so clearly, that it was easy for me to follow, which in and of itself is a display of her talent. She also has done an amazing job of creating beautiful scenes with her descriptions, perfectly transporting you into the minds of her characters.
The end of the novel gave me chills more than once, and made me tear up. At one point, it just really spoke to me, and I was ready to stand up and say, “YEAH! That’s right!!” I loved it. I seriously loved it. I can’t wait for the paperback. I’m going to be first in line to preorder it. I must have it on my shelf!!
December 18, 2020
I was blown away by this hilarious, heartfelt story of two alien teenage girls and a human boy trying to save the world.
Carter has spent his whole life ashamed of his nutty father who believes in aliens, until his dad brings home a gorgeous exchange student with superpowers. Kokab, with all her super strength, speed and knowledge, feels completely lost on this planet brimming with emotion and unlimited choices. She looks to Carter to help her accomplish her mission. Meanwhile, Ags the alien fangirl obsessed with the planet Earth and all its inhabitants, decides she must also go undercover to find out why Kokab was sent to Earth and if her arrival marks an imminent alien invasion.
These three teens (each from a different world) must fight their own prejudices as well as the leaders of their respective planets to save humanity.
Best described as The Giver meets Supergirl meets Freaky Friday, this YA book is full of exciting twists and turns that keep you guessing up until the very end. What I loved most was the humor. I especially enjoyed following Kokab as she tries to navigate high school without any understanding of human emotion. It's just as fun to see Carter awkwardly trying to date an alien. And then to watch Ags, who considers herself an expert on humans, try to pass as a teenage girl—a laugh out loud lesson on cultural humility.
Which brings me to my final point. While much of this book comes across as a simple story of boy meets alien girl, this quirky story has layers of depth and meaning. I had a few aha moments while reading this book that I'm dying to talk to someone about. I came away with so many insights about the human condition and, yes, what it means to be human.
Carter has spent his whole life ashamed of his nutty father who believes in aliens, until his dad brings home a gorgeous exchange student with superpowers. Kokab, with all her super strength, speed and knowledge, feels completely lost on this planet brimming with emotion and unlimited choices. She looks to Carter to help her accomplish her mission. Meanwhile, Ags the alien fangirl obsessed with the planet Earth and all its inhabitants, decides she must also go undercover to find out why Kokab was sent to Earth and if her arrival marks an imminent alien invasion.
These three teens (each from a different world) must fight their own prejudices as well as the leaders of their respective planets to save humanity.
Best described as The Giver meets Supergirl meets Freaky Friday, this YA book is full of exciting twists and turns that keep you guessing up until the very end. What I loved most was the humor. I especially enjoyed following Kokab as she tries to navigate high school without any understanding of human emotion. It's just as fun to see Carter awkwardly trying to date an alien. And then to watch Ags, who considers herself an expert on humans, try to pass as a teenage girl—a laugh out loud lesson on cultural humility.
Which brings me to my final point. While much of this book comes across as a simple story of boy meets alien girl, this quirky story has layers of depth and meaning. I had a few aha moments while reading this book that I'm dying to talk to someone about. I came away with so many insights about the human condition and, yes, what it means to be human.
Currently Reading
June 10, 2021I wrote this book, and I hope you enjoy it!
If you'd like to learn more about my book or my life, please visit my site: https://www.amymichellecarpenterwrite...
You mean the world to me!
If you'd like to learn more about my book or my life, please visit my site: https://www.amymichellecarpenterwrite...
You mean the world to me!
January 28, 2021
Stunning! The three POVs were perfectly balanced, distinct, and necessary. An intriguing concept that left me thinking about the story for days afterward. Highly recommended!
January 12, 2021
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter was a sci-fi novel that took my breath away and left me wanting more. Thank you so much for my gifted copy! It was incredible and I’m so grateful to have been introduced to it!
5/5 stars.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I feel so connected to the characters. I’m hoping there will be more books written in this world because this world building was so unique and so captivating!
We are introduced to our main character Charter. He is a human from earth. And a female writing from a male perspective is usually a bit iffy, but it was perfect, and I loved the change! We are then introduced to Kokab an almost robotic alien from Foxia. Kokab and Foxia were so interesting to learn about. They were very different from what I was expecting, and they were so interesting. And Angs a Yadian and a protector of earth.
This book was a quick and easy read that pulls you in from page 1. The transition we see Kakob go through was absolutely incredible. I did not see any of the twists coming, but the foreshadowing was definitely there, just so well done you don’t see the twists coming.
This book is beautiful. It is creative. You will cheer for these characters, scream for them, yell at them, and fall in love with them in just 300 pages. It is available on Kindle for 2.99 or kindle unlimited, or if you’d prefer paperback, that is an option as well. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend picking up this book. I want to reread it already and I just finished reading it!
5/5 stars.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I feel so connected to the characters. I’m hoping there will be more books written in this world because this world building was so unique and so captivating!
We are introduced to our main character Charter. He is a human from earth. And a female writing from a male perspective is usually a bit iffy, but it was perfect, and I loved the change! We are then introduced to Kokab an almost robotic alien from Foxia. Kokab and Foxia were so interesting to learn about. They were very different from what I was expecting, and they were so interesting. And Angs a Yadian and a protector of earth.
This book was a quick and easy read that pulls you in from page 1. The transition we see Kakob go through was absolutely incredible. I did not see any of the twists coming, but the foreshadowing was definitely there, just so well done you don’t see the twists coming.
This book is beautiful. It is creative. You will cheer for these characters, scream for them, yell at them, and fall in love with them in just 300 pages. It is available on Kindle for 2.99 or kindle unlimited, or if you’d prefer paperback, that is an option as well. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend picking up this book. I want to reread it already and I just finished reading it!
August 8, 2020
BECOMING HUMAN took me by surprise. For one, I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi, aliens, or space-in-fiction. And I wasn't sure I could empathize with Kokab because of her desire to not feel emotions. But that was the thing--she didn't want to feel anything, but she does, and fighting those emotions while trying to save her people made her into a heroine I could root for, especially with soft-hearted, all-American boy Carter by her side. But my favorite character was Ags, the human-obsessed alien who tries and fails spectacularly at almost everything she does. And maybe that's why I loved her so much--because being human (or alien?) means trying, failing, and picking yourself up and trying again.
I loved the world-building in this book. The vivid, fresh descriptions of life on three different planets were captured spectacularly, and I felt chills when I read about Kokab's planet. Carter's Georgia was familiar and warm, but sprinkled with stardust, giving it that hint of other-worldly happenings that you can't help but believe in.
Amy Michelle's ability to capture three distinct teenage voices in one novel allows readers to experience one story from three very different perspectives, showing how, in the process of becoming or being human, that there is never one right or one wrong, that we're all in this together with our different opinions, different moral codes, but all very much wanting what's best for those we love. I highly recommend this book!
I loved the world-building in this book. The vivid, fresh descriptions of life on three different planets were captured spectacularly, and I felt chills when I read about Kokab's planet. Carter's Georgia was familiar and warm, but sprinkled with stardust, giving it that hint of other-worldly happenings that you can't help but believe in.
Amy Michelle's ability to capture three distinct teenage voices in one novel allows readers to experience one story from three very different perspectives, showing how, in the process of becoming or being human, that there is never one right or one wrong, that we're all in this together with our different opinions, different moral codes, but all very much wanting what's best for those we love. I highly recommend this book!
November 23, 2021
Carpenter does a fantastic job of showing how our innate prejudices blind us from the truth. Her characters are realistic and flawed. They judge based on what they "know" and not the reality. But, they learn and grow.
This was a well-written novel that explores the best and worst characteristics of humans.
This was a well-written novel that explores the best and worst characteristics of humans.
January 7, 2021
Carpenter is a superb writer/storyteller. Uniquely creative novel with several fascinating scenes and interesting characters. My favorite character is Carter, the teenage earthling, a red-headed young man from Georgia—but I also thoroughly enjoyed the alien characters Kokab and Ags—and having these three narrate the entire novel in first person was both innovative and refreshing. My own teenage experience feels like ancient history, so I was surprised how well I could relate to these characters—and how realistic the descriptions were—I loved the fast-food stop (I don’t want to spoil anything, but someone driving away in someone else’s truck), enjoyed the descriptive high school lunch room scenes, the woods and house in Georgia came alive for me—and the imaginative experiences on other planets were intriguing—along with variation on a theme of battles between opposing forces in a universe where other intelligent beings dwell (about which humans are unaware). The centrality of emotions to what it truly means to be human—along with our innate need for freedom to choose our own way—are deeper themes all adults as well as youth should discuss and explore. Great read!!!
December 29, 2020
This was an interesting novel and I really found myself thinking real world problems even though this is very much sci-fi/fantasy. Becoming Human is my first experience with Amy Michelle Carpenter but will for sure be looking into her other published works in the near future.
In Becoming Human we get the unique story of three teenagers and their prospective worlds. Each world is working against the others and also have unique issues to each that enriches the story. I loved the way the characters and world building made me feel as if I could have been right there with them as the come of age and meet each of their adventures. I love that this is also a novel I can share with my teenage daughter and it will touch her just as much.
In Becoming Human we get the unique story of three teenagers and their prospective worlds. Each world is working against the others and also have unique issues to each that enriches the story. I loved the way the characters and world building made me feel as if I could have been right there with them as the come of age and meet each of their adventures. I love that this is also a novel I can share with my teenage daughter and it will touch her just as much.
March 10, 2021
One human boy dealing with unbelief and belief about the supernatural.
One alien seeking a new home for her people and, perhaps even more so, herself.
One guardian determined to protect earth and do it better than her mother before her.
Three compelling POV's that interweave to explore what is--and isn't--to be human.
I enjoyed this debut so much! It's creative, immersive, and a read you can easily devour. One thing that really stood out was how the distinct storylines came together to create a compelling climax.
I can't wait to see what Amy Michelle Carpenter writes next!!
One alien seeking a new home for her people and, perhaps even more so, herself.
One guardian determined to protect earth and do it better than her mother before her.
Three compelling POV's that interweave to explore what is--and isn't--to be human.
I enjoyed this debut so much! It's creative, immersive, and a read you can easily devour. One thing that really stood out was how the distinct storylines came together to create a compelling climax.
I can't wait to see what Amy Michelle Carpenter writes next!!
December 28, 2020
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a YA Sci Fi story and is a short story. Amy is very vivid in her descriptions of the characters and the worlds that she creates making it easy to imagine. The story is told from three very different perspectives which gives it more depth and humour. With Aliens, Robots, teen angst quirky characters and strange worlds and beliefs it makes for an interesting read. There were several facets of the story that annoyed me but overall, the story flows well and YA’s will love it.
October 18, 2020
A wonderful and moving story about a young man and two aliens growing up and learning what it means to be a human being. Carpenter does a great job of creating alien perspectives that are so different from ours and yet keeping those characters in a place where we can relate to them and understand what they're going through. I loved it.
December 17, 2020
This story combines two of my favourite themes: aliens and dystopia. There is nothing usual in this book about a typical male and extraterrestrial female. This story becomes more interesting as the pages turn to reveal a possible alien invasion of earth. The plot quickens as the characters try to save humanity. You won’t want to miss this
April 16, 2021
Becoming Human was a refreshing Sci-Fi read about three teenagers who must save earth from alien invasion. The book switches viewpoint between the three teens–two aliens and one human. Kokab is an alien whose planet is about to be destroyed and must convince humans to let her people come and cohabit earth. But her inability to feel or make choices on her own complicates her task. Carter is a human boy who doesn’t believe in aliens after his dad’s announcement about aliens on national television ruined his life. And Ags is the new defender of earth who fears that Kokab’s people are not as innocent as they claim to be.
This was a great read! I really felt connected to the characters and their struggles. The switching between viewpoints was smooth and entertaining. I also felt like all three of their personalities were distinct and unique. The book had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a lot of fun alien culture and technology!
It was great to see each of the characters dealing with their own struggles and how they grew throughout the book and the sacrifices they had to make in order to defend earth. The lessons were sweet and poignant. Altogether a very enjoyable read!
If you are into a coming of age, alien-based sci-fi with unexpected twists, check out Becoming Human!
This was a great read! I really felt connected to the characters and their struggles. The switching between viewpoints was smooth and entertaining. I also felt like all three of their personalities were distinct and unique. The book had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a lot of fun alien culture and technology!
It was great to see each of the characters dealing with their own struggles and how they grew throughout the book and the sacrifices they had to make in order to defend earth. The lessons were sweet and poignant. Altogether a very enjoyable read!
If you are into a coming of age, alien-based sci-fi with unexpected twists, check out Becoming Human!
July 27, 2021
Synopsis:
Kokab comes from a planet where you are told exactly what to do and you don’t question it. She has been tasked with coming to earth to learn behaviors and ultimately see if her people can escape impending doom and survive on earth. She ends up with Carter and his family, who don’t believe their dad when he says he has seen and talked with aliens. They believe Kokab is just a foreign exchange student. Ags is another alien who has been set up as protector of earth. She doesn’t trust Kokab or her people and does all in her power to keep them from taking over earth.
This was such a good book!! It’s like a mash up between Stephanie Meyers’ book The Host, and Guardians of the Galaxy. It deals with choice, and an alien race who doesn’t get the freedom of choice, and how that has impacted their species. There are twists and turns that keep it interesting the whole way through. I normally only listen to books on my commute, and while at work, but I just had to know what was going to happen so I listened to this while sewing, folding laundry, and taking a shower - literally any time I could listen. The narrator does such a fantastic job with different voices and speaking style between the three points of view - Carter, Kokab and Ags. Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves YA Sci-Fi!!
Kokab comes from a planet where you are told exactly what to do and you don’t question it. She has been tasked with coming to earth to learn behaviors and ultimately see if her people can escape impending doom and survive on earth. She ends up with Carter and his family, who don’t believe their dad when he says he has seen and talked with aliens. They believe Kokab is just a foreign exchange student. Ags is another alien who has been set up as protector of earth. She doesn’t trust Kokab or her people and does all in her power to keep them from taking over earth.
This was such a good book!! It’s like a mash up between Stephanie Meyers’ book The Host, and Guardians of the Galaxy. It deals with choice, and an alien race who doesn’t get the freedom of choice, and how that has impacted their species. There are twists and turns that keep it interesting the whole way through. I normally only listen to books on my commute, and while at work, but I just had to know what was going to happen so I listened to this while sewing, folding laundry, and taking a shower - literally any time I could listen. The narrator does such a fantastic job with different voices and speaking style between the three points of view - Carter, Kokab and Ags. Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves YA Sci-Fi!!
August 2, 2021
Becoming Human was so well written, so fun and intriguing and held all the story elements that are important to me. I loved how individual and unique each character was. Loved watching the lessons they learned. So many quality life lessons and morals packed into an engaging plot line. I loved the unique alien depictions, and the idea of what it means to really be human. It really made me think, and was fun to see what our world would seem like from another perspective.
She Kept me interested the whole time, never skipping a beat. ALSO the narration was perfect for the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves quality sci-fi and fantasy. Also just to anyone who loves fiction, because it was such a fun story.
She Kept me interested the whole time, never skipping a beat. ALSO the narration was perfect for the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves quality sci-fi and fantasy. Also just to anyone who loves fiction, because it was such a fun story.
May 2, 2021
This story is a YA Sci/Fi which is not a genre that I typically read or like so my expectations were not very high but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone with a clean read.
I was pleasantly surprised. I found it page turning with good characters struggles. I also enjoyed the exploration of what happens when people (or aliens in this case) have their free will taken away from them. Choices can be messy and they have consequences, but when it isn't there, life loses its luster. There were quite a few twists that I didn't see coming which also made it an enjoyable ride.
I was pleasantly surprised. I found it page turning with good characters struggles. I also enjoyed the exploration of what happens when people (or aliens in this case) have their free will taken away from them. Choices can be messy and they have consequences, but when it isn't there, life loses its luster. There were quite a few twists that I didn't see coming which also made it an enjoyable ride.
May 10, 2021
Aliens people, aliens. I've never read aliens done better. They have personality. They have culture, traditions, motivations. The author does a great job. I was rooting our main alien (with a name I cannot spell since I listened to this book) to become more human-like to help her people.
The resolution of this book was hard for me. And I did not believe the attraction between two of the characters. However all turns out just right in the end. Enjoyable book.
The resolution of this book was hard for me. And I did not believe the attraction between two of the characters. However all turns out just right in the end. Enjoyable book.
May 11, 2021
Okay okay officially one of my fav books!! Sounds cliche but I literally laughed and cried. Very well written. Great book for any age. It was clean, so fun to read, and made me think. What else can you ask for? I enjoyed talking to others about the characters and story line, great discussion topic. I would definitely recommend reading this book! I suggest reading it with friends or family members too, makes it even more fun #bookclub
May 15, 2021
Wow wow wow. For someone who's not normally into sci-fi and aliens, this was a wonderful surprise. I absolutely loved Kokab (hope I'm spelling it correctly, since I listened to the audiobook) and her journey to becoming human. Her inner monologue, reactions, and word choices made me believe in her "alienness," and I wanted to be her friend.
This book was a refreshing change from my usual genres and a reminder to branch out, because you'll be surprised how many great writers are out there.
This book was a refreshing change from my usual genres and a reminder to branch out, because you'll be surprised how many great writers are out there.
December 5, 2020
I was granted complimentary access to an eARC of Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter through Silver Dagger Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of my participation in the blog tour for this title. Thank you to both Amy Michelle Carpenter and Silver Dagger Book Tours for the opportunity! This has not swayed my opinion. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Carter is an American teenager trying to live a normal high school student life despite the fact that his father is the disgraced NASA scientist who told the whole world that aliens are real. Kokab, the new exchange student living with Carter, is quite literally an illegal alien. She’s a Foxian youngling sent ahead to prepare Earth for its new co-inhabitants, arriving in about a month’s time. Ags, a Yadian teenager, is Earth’s newest guardian and human culture enthusiast, and boy has she come into this position with impeccable timing…
I adore this book! This is a beautifully written three-way coming of age story packaged as a character-driven science fiction that’s just science enough to be sci-fi, but not so hard science that it’ll drive away readers who aren’t predisposed to like deep dives into science and technology. Fans of science fiction as a genre will absolutely find enough sci-fi in here to love it, but a prior love of sci-fi is not required. Fans of YA, in general, can still dive in and be swept away by this story. If you forget the fact that two-thirds of the main characters are quite literally aliens and have long-range space ships, it reads like a contemporary fiction novel.
The book is told from the points of view of all three main teenagers plus a few brief interludes by Mr. Aliens-Are-Real Turner (Carter’s father.) POV shifts happen sensibly, keeping the reader caught up on what each character is experiencing as the timeline progresses, and each POV shift is clearly labelled with the character’s name. Even if it weren’t, each teenager thinks, speaks and acts so differently it wouldn’t be difficult to keep track of. I expect if this becomes an audiobook it would be easy for a single narrator to make each narrative voice distinct, as the character are already written that way. I can practically hear their voices now! Carter is a typical 21st-century American teenager and he speaks with a southern drawl. Ags is bubbly and cheerfully intense. She knows enough about Earth’s myriad cultures that she probably strives to sound as mundanely American as possible when walking among Americans, but given a choice she’d probably adopt a French accent. Kokab speaks like a teenage Seven of Nine but with a bit of Nelix’s charming naiveté.
Kokab is by far my favourite character, and I love how woefully unprepared she is to understand the species she’s imitating. She has facts without context. She knows humans are a less advanced species than Foxians, but she doesn’t know what she shouldn’t be able to do, and she has absolutely none of the social experience required to correctly interpret the metaphors and slang being used around her. What’s up? 512 ceiling tiles. Give it a little heart? Well she only has one, that would kill her, but if ordered she must obey…
Can we also just appreciate the fact that pretty much no one questions what sort of a name Abedhakokab Trielldegerata is? She offers it every time she’s asked before providing Kokab as an acceptable abbreviation. Is this a Fes situation? Everybody just accepts that they don’t know where the weird kid came from and they can’t pronounce her name, so Kokab it is? I love it.
Normally I try to critique something, anything about the book in question when I write reviews, but I can’t find anything to critique here. This book is gold! I want to read a dozen more just like it. Read this book!
--
I read this title for a blog tour! To read the rest of the post and gain easy access to the rest of the tour, visit: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Carter is an American teenager trying to live a normal high school student life despite the fact that his father is the disgraced NASA scientist who told the whole world that aliens are real. Kokab, the new exchange student living with Carter, is quite literally an illegal alien. She’s a Foxian youngling sent ahead to prepare Earth for its new co-inhabitants, arriving in about a month’s time. Ags, a Yadian teenager, is Earth’s newest guardian and human culture enthusiast, and boy has she come into this position with impeccable timing…
I adore this book! This is a beautifully written three-way coming of age story packaged as a character-driven science fiction that’s just science enough to be sci-fi, but not so hard science that it’ll drive away readers who aren’t predisposed to like deep dives into science and technology. Fans of science fiction as a genre will absolutely find enough sci-fi in here to love it, but a prior love of sci-fi is not required. Fans of YA, in general, can still dive in and be swept away by this story. If you forget the fact that two-thirds of the main characters are quite literally aliens and have long-range space ships, it reads like a contemporary fiction novel.
The book is told from the points of view of all three main teenagers plus a few brief interludes by Mr. Aliens-Are-Real Turner (Carter’s father.) POV shifts happen sensibly, keeping the reader caught up on what each character is experiencing as the timeline progresses, and each POV shift is clearly labelled with the character’s name. Even if it weren’t, each teenager thinks, speaks and acts so differently it wouldn’t be difficult to keep track of. I expect if this becomes an audiobook it would be easy for a single narrator to make each narrative voice distinct, as the character are already written that way. I can practically hear their voices now! Carter is a typical 21st-century American teenager and he speaks with a southern drawl. Ags is bubbly and cheerfully intense. She knows enough about Earth’s myriad cultures that she probably strives to sound as mundanely American as possible when walking among Americans, but given a choice she’d probably adopt a French accent. Kokab speaks like a teenage Seven of Nine but with a bit of Nelix’s charming naiveté.
Kokab is by far my favourite character, and I love how woefully unprepared she is to understand the species she’s imitating. She has facts without context. She knows humans are a less advanced species than Foxians, but she doesn’t know what she shouldn’t be able to do, and she has absolutely none of the social experience required to correctly interpret the metaphors and slang being used around her. What’s up? 512 ceiling tiles. Give it a little heart? Well she only has one, that would kill her, but if ordered she must obey…
Can we also just appreciate the fact that pretty much no one questions what sort of a name Abedhakokab Trielldegerata is? She offers it every time she’s asked before providing Kokab as an acceptable abbreviation. Is this a Fes situation? Everybody just accepts that they don’t know where the weird kid came from and they can’t pronounce her name, so Kokab it is? I love it.
Normally I try to critique something, anything about the book in question when I write reviews, but I can’t find anything to critique here. This book is gold! I want to read a dozen more just like it. Read this book!
--
I read this title for a blog tour! To read the rest of the post and gain easy access to the rest of the tour, visit: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
December 31, 2020
This is a story of three teenagers working towards a common goal, even if it is something which nobody else will believe, they are a human and two aliens, they are from different planets and have very different ideals, Carter is a human boy who refuses to believe in aliens, even though his dad has met one before and announced it on national television, Kokab is an alien who is robotic in nature and only wants to belong on her home planet, but her emotions are getting in the way and now her planet is about to be destroyed and she is the only one who can go to Earth as an ambassador so that she can get the humans to agree to take her race in and Ags is another alien who is in love with Earth, even though she has only studied it from afar with her mother, but when she learns of the invasion, she wants to stop it in any way she can.
The story starts with Carter, he is at a pool party with his swimming team and is being needled by them about aliens and whether his father still believes in them, it bothers him so much that he struggles to enjoy himself and leaves the party in the end and goes for a walk in the woods with his cousin and dog, this is when he sees the UFO, or at least it would be if aliens were real.
Kokab has been summoned to the offices where she was tested as a Youngling and designated as an almost, but not a perfect, it is because she can feel emotions, even though she shouldn't do and as she enters the office of the Eldest One, he doesn’t look like any of the other perfects, but she shouldn't even be thinking these thoughts in the first place. As the meeting progresses, some information is loaded up to the chip implanted in her brain which she will need for the mission she has been chosen for, including the reason why it needs to happen and she can do nothing but obey the demands which are to go to Earth, learn how to experience and understand the emotions the people exhibit and and prepare them for her people’s arrival. When she arrives and meets Carter and his dad, none of them know how important it will be for Kokab to learn about the emotions she is feeling.
Ags is learning how to drive the family ship and decides to go and get ready for the ceremony to graduate and become a guardian of Earth, the dress is uncomfortable as she prefers her Earth clothing instead, but she will put up with it for this one time. Ags meets up with her friend Yas and they go inside the building where the ceremony is held, she can;t help admiring the view, even though it is her home planet, she feels like she is more of a visitor and after the ceremony is finished, she has shaken the hand of the elder giving her her certificate as she becomes an official guardian of Earth, she takes part in the celebrations until she finds out about the invasion that puts a damper on her evening.
When the worlds of these three young people collide, it is a tough call to know what decisions are the right ones and they are all still too young really for the responsibilities they hold, but when they do collide, what will happen and will they be able to pull together to keep Earth safe? The only way to find out is to read away and follow the adventure.
The story starts with Carter, he is at a pool party with his swimming team and is being needled by them about aliens and whether his father still believes in them, it bothers him so much that he struggles to enjoy himself and leaves the party in the end and goes for a walk in the woods with his cousin and dog, this is when he sees the UFO, or at least it would be if aliens were real.
Kokab has been summoned to the offices where she was tested as a Youngling and designated as an almost, but not a perfect, it is because she can feel emotions, even though she shouldn't do and as she enters the office of the Eldest One, he doesn’t look like any of the other perfects, but she shouldn't even be thinking these thoughts in the first place. As the meeting progresses, some information is loaded up to the chip implanted in her brain which she will need for the mission she has been chosen for, including the reason why it needs to happen and she can do nothing but obey the demands which are to go to Earth, learn how to experience and understand the emotions the people exhibit and and prepare them for her people’s arrival. When she arrives and meets Carter and his dad, none of them know how important it will be for Kokab to learn about the emotions she is feeling.
Ags is learning how to drive the family ship and decides to go and get ready for the ceremony to graduate and become a guardian of Earth, the dress is uncomfortable as she prefers her Earth clothing instead, but she will put up with it for this one time. Ags meets up with her friend Yas and they go inside the building where the ceremony is held, she can;t help admiring the view, even though it is her home planet, she feels like she is more of a visitor and after the ceremony is finished, she has shaken the hand of the elder giving her her certificate as she becomes an official guardian of Earth, she takes part in the celebrations until she finds out about the invasion that puts a damper on her evening.
When the worlds of these three young people collide, it is a tough call to know what decisions are the right ones and they are all still too young really for the responsibilities they hold, but when they do collide, what will happen and will they be able to pull together to keep Earth safe? The only way to find out is to read away and follow the adventure.
December 1, 2020
Becoming Human is told from three different points of view. One view is told from Carter’s point, a redneck boy from Georgia on the planet Earth, the next one is told from Kobab’s point, a robotic girl who dreams of being perfect and having feelings like humans, and then we have Ags, an alien girl who dreams of becoming a guardian of Earth-like her mother.
Carter’s father believes in aliens but not Carter. Carter thinks his Dad is nuts for believing in aliens. But then his father introduces him to an exchange student who starts to act strange and do strange, magical things that start to open his eyes to the fact that aliens just might be real.
Kobab’s planet is becoming extinct and in need of a new home. Kobab is sent to Earth to try and talk humans into letting them live/share their planet. If Kobab can’t bring peace between the two species then they will try to take the Earth from the humans.
When Ags learns that Kobab is from another planet she goes undercover to find out why she has come to Earth. Ags loves everything about Earth and humans and tries to be just like them in every way. Ags wants to be the best guardian that she can be even better than her mother. Ags loves helping people and doing the right thing.
I really enjoyed reading Becoming Human and learning how all their lives intertwined. I was hooked from the beginning as Carter’s, Kobab’s, and Ags’ stories were revealed, and wondering how all their stories were going to come together and how their story was going to end. I love the world that was created for Becoming Human.
I enjoyed watching as Kobab tried to figure out each feeling and wondering and wanting to know how it felt to be sad or happy etc... She reminded me of the alien in the movie Starman starring Jeff Bridges as he was learning to speak English and learn the names of things. I would love to see Becoming Human on the big screen. I would also like to read more about Carter, Kobab, and Ags and their worlds in future books.
Carter’s father believes in aliens but not Carter. Carter thinks his Dad is nuts for believing in aliens. But then his father introduces him to an exchange student who starts to act strange and do strange, magical things that start to open his eyes to the fact that aliens just might be real.
Kobab’s planet is becoming extinct and in need of a new home. Kobab is sent to Earth to try and talk humans into letting them live/share their planet. If Kobab can’t bring peace between the two species then they will try to take the Earth from the humans.
When Ags learns that Kobab is from another planet she goes undercover to find out why she has come to Earth. Ags loves everything about Earth and humans and tries to be just like them in every way. Ags wants to be the best guardian that she can be even better than her mother. Ags loves helping people and doing the right thing.
I really enjoyed reading Becoming Human and learning how all their lives intertwined. I was hooked from the beginning as Carter’s, Kobab’s, and Ags’ stories were revealed, and wondering how all their stories were going to come together and how their story was going to end. I love the world that was created for Becoming Human.
I enjoyed watching as Kobab tried to figure out each feeling and wondering and wanting to know how it felt to be sad or happy etc... She reminded me of the alien in the movie Starman starring Jeff Bridges as he was learning to speak English and learn the names of things. I would love to see Becoming Human on the big screen. I would also like to read more about Carter, Kobab, and Ags and their worlds in future books.
December 28, 2020
4 ½ Stars
Becoming Human is a fantastic YA sci-fi story by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I was hooked right from the moment I read the synopsis, immediately one-clicking and diving in. The story is so well written that I was engrossed the entire way through, and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting.
This appears to be Ms. Carpenters debut novel, and for that she really should be commended; as not only is this a wonderfully original story, with insightful messages, superb world building, and delightfully quirky and very likeable characters- it has the depth, complexity and polish I really wasn’t expecting from a debut novel.
I don’t want to spoil the story, and all the wonderful details- by giving too much away. I really think the blurb does a much better job than I could, being just enticing enough, without spoiling anything. So, I won’t go into the story here, except to say that I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story- including sci-fi elements, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, and insightful messages.
It would also translate to the screen beautifully and make a great movie or television series- and even the potential to make a wonderful game for PC, Xbox, PlayStation etc.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carpenter does next!
Fantastic!
Thank you, Amy Michelle Carpenter!
Becoming Human is a fantastic YA sci-fi story by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I was hooked right from the moment I read the synopsis, immediately one-clicking and diving in. The story is so well written that I was engrossed the entire way through, and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting.
This appears to be Ms. Carpenters debut novel, and for that she really should be commended; as not only is this a wonderfully original story, with insightful messages, superb world building, and delightfully quirky and very likeable characters- it has the depth, complexity and polish I really wasn’t expecting from a debut novel.
I don’t want to spoil the story, and all the wonderful details- by giving too much away. I really think the blurb does a much better job than I could, being just enticing enough, without spoiling anything. So, I won’t go into the story here, except to say that I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story- including sci-fi elements, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, and insightful messages.
It would also translate to the screen beautifully and make a great movie or television series- and even the potential to make a wonderful game for PC, Xbox, PlayStation etc.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carpenter does next!
Fantastic!
Thank you, Amy Michelle Carpenter!
December 23, 2020
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a unique and intriguing story that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it. I loved the whole concept of the three characters and how they interlinked with each other. Told from the three different perspectives the book had a depth and complexity about it that, for me, made it more interesting to read.
This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
September 18, 2020
Lovers of star-dusted aliens will rejoice reading this young adult novel. It had all of the teenage spirit, and highschool trials that remind you of elements from a 1980’s John Hughes movie, combined with an exciting sci-fi otherworldliness.💫
We follow three different characters in this novel. Carter- the red haired southern charmer, Ags- an earth loving alien who’s working towards becoming a guardian of the planet, and Kokab- an alien who has taken on human form and learning what it really means to become human.
It was fun to follow the different perspectives of the characters. What I really loved about them was their desire to do what was right. They all have good hearts and a selflessness that I really admire.
This is a novel that really shines in terms of the cleanliness of the content. It was sweet and appropriate for readers of all ages.💚
We follow three different characters in this novel. Carter- the red haired southern charmer, Ags- an earth loving alien who’s working towards becoming a guardian of the planet, and Kokab- an alien who has taken on human form and learning what it really means to become human.
It was fun to follow the different perspectives of the characters. What I really loved about them was their desire to do what was right. They all have good hearts and a selflessness that I really admire.
This is a novel that really shines in terms of the cleanliness of the content. It was sweet and appropriate for readers of all ages.💚
May 16, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Becoming Human is a fascinating sci-fi with a twisty plot that continues to surprise as three planets, one of which is Earth, struggle against each other. Each alien planet has unique capacities and weaknesses, but throughout the story, the author shows us what it means to be truly human with all its unpredictabilities and emotions.
Ms. Carpenter presents the story from the perspective of teenagers from each of these different worlds who are forced into leadership positions to help their people. Their interactions are genuine, and we follow them as they grow, fall in love and change while they confront the unknown.
As the danger amps up for the three protagonists, you cannot stop reading. I found myself thinking about these characters long after the end. That is a quite an achievement for any author.
Becoming Human is a fascinating sci-fi with a twisty plot that continues to surprise as three planets, one of which is Earth, struggle against each other. Each alien planet has unique capacities and weaknesses, but throughout the story, the author shows us what it means to be truly human with all its unpredictabilities and emotions.
Ms. Carpenter presents the story from the perspective of teenagers from each of these different worlds who are forced into leadership positions to help their people. Their interactions are genuine, and we follow them as they grow, fall in love and change while they confront the unknown.
As the danger amps up for the three protagonists, you cannot stop reading. I found myself thinking about these characters long after the end. That is a quite an achievement for any author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews