The Night People: A Young Adult Sci Fi Coming-of-Age Novel

by C.S. Hand

Are aliens real--and here on Earth? Sam doesn't want to believe it, but if they're visiting him at night, what choice does he have?

The Night People have been visiting Sam for ten years, since he was five.

Sam is the definition of a teen loner. Jade is smart and outgoing. She wants a boy-girl friendship with Sam. Just a simple friendship. But Sam is afraid to have friends, because of the Night People. They appear to be aliens, and if people know he sees them, they'll think he's crazy. Jade convinces him they should become partners and investigate these mysterious beings.

The Night People's actions are straight out of a sci-fi mystery. But what are they doing in a small Midwestern town? What do they want with Sam and Jade? And how do two ordinary teens end up being harassed by an army officer? Or stranded in an underground military base? Or in Area 51?

Sam and Jade are already dealing with teen issues--anger, bullying, abuse, and trust (or lack of it). Will their new friendship survive these challenges and lead to something more? Will they discover who the aliens are and what they want?

*Trigger warning: This book contains several instances of child (teen) abuse.

Genres: Young Adult

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2022

About the author

C. S. Hand is a threadbare graduate student fond of British and German Romanticism and moonlit perambulations through soft European countrysides.

He believes that great fantasy books are the same thing as great literature.

Reviews

[Reese Halden · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. S. Hand's first book in this series is a good, solid Sci-fi read, especially for the targeted audience of pre-teens, teenagers and young adults. It makes the reader want to turn the pages to learn just what it is that Sam and his new-found friend, Jade, have unearthed as a result of some curious visitations by "The Night People."

While the storyline includes expected tropes -- loner protagonist, abusive household, self-centered, bigoted antagonist -- it blends them into a straightforward and interesting tale that makes me anxious to read the next installment in Sam and Jade's Alien Adventures. I think you will want to as well, and thus I recommend this series as a "must read" for any avid YA Sci-fi fan!

[Carol Amorosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into the story immediately when Sam, the loner, and Jade, the new kid, met by accident. Or was it?
The visions began when Sam was five. He fears being labeled as crazy and resists Jade's offer of friendship. Jade wants a friend in this new school and gets pulled into Sam's world, where they encounter aliens, as well as those working with them and those against them.

The story is a gripping adventure with characters we can relate to while we cheer for smart, sassy Jade and ache for Sam. A definite page-turning novel.

[Janine Garth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Night People. This book ticks a lot of boxes for me - empathetic main character, bit of an underdog; interesting setting; suspense and adventure. I felt a lot of empathy for Sam, living with abusive and uncaring parents, and feeling terrible fear, as he struggles to understand his alien encounters. I felt like I really got to know him. The Night People is an intense and exciting story. The author skilfully crafts Sam and Jade’s world, and the secret world they find themselves in as part of their experience with the aliens. I’m looking forward to the next instalment!

[Hyman Paserman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in tales about an underground shadow government and ethereal aliens invading our minds will love this. A very compassionate story about a needy teenage boy caught up in an unworldly struggle between rogue military and the pervasive influence of the "Visitors" who have an environmental agenda. Ms. Hand has created a sympathetic portrait of "Sam", his girlfriend " Jade" and the adults around them. If you never heard about the "DUMBS" you are in for a startling education (Hint: they really exist).

[Sara A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute story.

C.S Hand is amazing at taking you on the journey with Sam and Jade. You feel like you're in the room with the characters. I love how each chapter felt like a TV episode.

I don't like to give away spoilers. Instead, I'll just recommend anyone who loves those sweet teenager, Sci-fi novels to pick up a copy of this book.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguingly different take on aliens and alien abductions. What if abductions followed family lines? How young would aliens take notice of the new generation? As young as five?

In this tale, the aliens have a plan for two teens. But is it in their best interest? And when will the plan become clear?

[Vanessa Thurgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

an engaging read that leaves the reader wanting more

I was pulled into the story from the first chapter. I loved the mystery of the Night People and how Sam grows as a character. A great read for any who love interstellar action.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackles some difficult topics, but was a fun read all the same. I really enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the story, and the heartwarming ending left me smiling. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 when it comes out!

[Amy Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

it started off quite good but maybe a little too young adult for me. a cute idea but not executed very well, i love the idea of the protagonist starting off feeling like hes crazy and not knowing if its aliens or not. but i think it lost its purpose along the way

[Emily Rountree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, heartwarming sci-fi adventure for middle school/early high school readers!

[C.R. Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never thought I would classify a sci-fi book as heartwarming. Sam and Jade's adventure is thrilling, but their personal journey, especially Sam's, is heartwarming. I read this book with my ten-year-old daughter, who is a fan of sci-fi, and we enjoyed every bit of it. Now, we’re off to book 2!