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Heartland Aliens #2
Uprising
NOWHERE IS SAFE.
The survivors of Little Creek hope that salvation awaits them at Keystone, but it quickly becomes apparent that things are not as they seem.
As Len, Vera and Guppie grapple with the new reality on the base, Pammy and Cooper join forces with a sympathetic soldier to take the fight to the Clankers.
An unexpected lesson from an unlikely source might be the key to human survival.
But there is a greater enemy than even the Clankers afoot, and it will take all their ingenuity — and a little luck — to survive this time.
And time is running out.
The War of the Worlds gets turbocharged in this nonstop action-packed thriller about a group of survivors thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Uprising, the sequel to Invasion, continues the story of survival and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
The survivors of Little Creek hope that salvation awaits them at Keystone, but it quickly becomes apparent that things are not as they seem.
As Len, Vera and Guppie grapple with the new reality on the base, Pammy and Cooper join forces with a sympathetic soldier to take the fight to the Clankers.
An unexpected lesson from an unlikely source might be the key to human survival.
But there is a greater enemy than even the Clankers afoot, and it will take all their ingenuity — and a little luck — to survive this time.
And time is running out.
The War of the Worlds gets turbocharged in this nonstop action-packed thriller about a group of survivors thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Uprising, the sequel to Invasion, continues the story of survival and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
495 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 17, 2025
The middle of a trilogy is usually tricky, but I’m happy to find Joshua James has managed to stay above boredom and we meet more characters who join the gang. Yes, we have the traditional crazy person who’s lost their mind, become hungry with power, and we have all the tropes you’d expect in this kind of sci-fi, but (yahoo) we still have this group of survivors, this motley crew as I like to prefer to them. I still care and I still want them safe. That’s the best thing I could say. I want them to survive. The female characters are all over the board as they should be strong, crazy, delusional, powerful, smart, and determined to survive. Love it. I’m also loving the evolution of, if you will these aliens. Understanding more of their situation and their motivations. Grrrr…
So now I’m beginning to think about starting the next and last book in the trilogy and boy the pressure is on. If I get a crappy ending, it will be unforgivable because I’m so invested in these characters.
So now I’m beginning to think about starting the next and last book in the trilogy and boy the pressure is on. If I get a crappy ending, it will be unforgivable because I’m so invested in these characters.
December 4, 2022
It’s too late, man! The roaches are everywhere. It is what it is.
Hm. Just not sure. Not sure at all. Let's call it 3 1/2 stars, ok? Or 4. No maybe 3. Oh Monty, Monty, I just can't decide! Maybe I'm just tired as after all I've been reading this trilogy non-stop for the last 3 days. Tell you what: YOU read it and let me know what you think!
He wasn’t meant to save himself. He was meant to save the world…
My initial impression is that I didn't enjoy "Uprising" as much as I did the first book, "Invasion". To be honest, as I was reading, I found it to be a bit of a mixed bag of really good stuff and then some that wasn't what I would call up to par. James' writing still remains very, well, readable and I honestly never felt the urge at all to do anything other than push ahead! Very enjoyable but also lots of chances to stop and scratch your chin, too.
That’s all we’re doing here. Mutually assured destruction. None of us is going to make it out of this unscathed.
I will say though that the bits with the Army base and especially Pammy Mae's mother and uncle fell for the most part flat for me. Not only from a plot perspective but also how abrupt things seemed to just swirl down this pipeline! I mean, less than a day after the family reunion, unnamed family members have had their fill of same? However, to this, James' extremely unusual plot twists involving Pammy herself and also the extremely intriquing ending offset that to a large degree. So something tells me this 2nd chapter may wind up sticking with me longer than our introduction did.
The one time that it should be simple, where it should be them versus us, humanity can’t even work together to save our skins.
One thing I definitely did not like and am not sure why it happened but the editing took a pretty sharp nosedive in several spots in this book. I mean, yes, our heroes flight as they were escaping at the end of "Invasion" worked out. But it was obviously an extremely stressful experience, as it changed Cooper's hair from green to pink along the way. There were other editing mishaps or just plain mistakes - including pronoun confusion, mention of Guppie's non-existent wife, military ranking confusion, etc. - and more that really hurt the overall book. This in addition to some seemingly random plot points - Cooper is apparently bisexual (huh?), a parking lot is much later noted randomly to be a Walmart location (ok), and so on. Maybe not major defects - I've seen a lot worse trust me - but still distracting.
In the face of that enormous consciousness, she had been stripped bare, unmade. Outmanned.
Still, there are some outright bizarre yet deliciously rendered aspects of this tale that should satisfy about any scifi fan. The increasing otherworldly connection that Pammy … hm, what's a good word? … develops with the aliens is just crazy! And the fact that we still don't know if this will all wind up being a good thing - on her part or via unnamed "others" - or a true source of final catastrophe just makes things all the more delicious! This will definitely be the telling focus of the final chapter of this trilogy, which I look forward to starting immediately!
Hm. Just not sure. Not sure at all. Let's call it 3 1/2 stars, ok? Or 4. No maybe 3. Oh Monty, Monty, I just can't decide! Maybe I'm just tired as after all I've been reading this trilogy non-stop for the last 3 days. Tell you what: YOU read it and let me know what you think!
He wasn’t meant to save himself. He was meant to save the world…
My initial impression is that I didn't enjoy "Uprising" as much as I did the first book, "Invasion". To be honest, as I was reading, I found it to be a bit of a mixed bag of really good stuff and then some that wasn't what I would call up to par. James' writing still remains very, well, readable and I honestly never felt the urge at all to do anything other than push ahead! Very enjoyable but also lots of chances to stop and scratch your chin, too.
That’s all we’re doing here. Mutually assured destruction. None of us is going to make it out of this unscathed.
I will say though that the bits with the Army base and especially Pammy Mae's mother and uncle fell for the most part flat for me. Not only from a plot perspective but also how abrupt things seemed to just swirl down this pipeline! I mean, less than a day after the family reunion, unnamed family members have had their fill of same? However, to this, James' extremely unusual plot twists involving Pammy herself and also the extremely intriquing ending offset that to a large degree. So something tells me this 2nd chapter may wind up sticking with me longer than our introduction did.
The one time that it should be simple, where it should be them versus us, humanity can’t even work together to save our skins.
One thing I definitely did not like and am not sure why it happened but the editing took a pretty sharp nosedive in several spots in this book. I mean, yes, our heroes flight as they were escaping at the end of "Invasion" worked out. But it was obviously an extremely stressful experience, as it changed Cooper's hair from green to pink along the way. There were other editing mishaps or just plain mistakes - including pronoun confusion, mention of Guppie's non-existent wife, military ranking confusion, etc. - and more that really hurt the overall book. This in addition to some seemingly random plot points - Cooper is apparently bisexual (huh?), a parking lot is much later noted randomly to be a Walmart location (ok), and so on. Maybe not major defects - I've seen a lot worse trust me - but still distracting.
In the face of that enormous consciousness, she had been stripped bare, unmade. Outmanned.
Still, there are some outright bizarre yet deliciously rendered aspects of this tale that should satisfy about any scifi fan. The increasing otherworldly connection that Pammy … hm, what's a good word? … develops with the aliens is just crazy! And the fact that we still don't know if this will all wind up being a good thing - on her part or via unnamed "others" - or a true source of final catastrophe just makes things all the more delicious! This will definitely be the telling focus of the final chapter of this trilogy, which I look forward to starting immediately!
September 29, 2022
Couldn’t finish
I thought the first book was interesting, although it needed a little more editing, so I was excited to see the second book was released. I managed to slog through almost half before I had to give up, it’s just not enjoyable.
Also, I have a huge problem with authors who write about the military without seeming to understand the first thing about it. At a couple of points, Johnson was referred to as a Master Sergeant, then as a Staff Sergeant. Those are two very different ranks. Then, almost everyone calls him “sir,” but you NEVER call an NCO (Non-Commisioned Officer/Sergeant) sir. Ever.
Also, as a sergeant (of whatever type he actually is) he would not be in charge of the base unless there weren’t any officers left at all. The military doesn’t work that way (unfortunately). A 2nd Lieutenant with one day on the job outranks a Sergeant Major with 30 years (although the smart ones listen to their senior enlisted). I understand changing things a bit for plot purposes, but you should at least show a basic understanding of what you’re writing. If the author doesn’t have time to do a little simple research, then I don’t have time to read their stuff. Very disappointed.
I thought the first book was interesting, although it needed a little more editing, so I was excited to see the second book was released. I managed to slog through almost half before I had to give up, it’s just not enjoyable.
Also, I have a huge problem with authors who write about the military without seeming to understand the first thing about it. At a couple of points, Johnson was referred to as a Master Sergeant, then as a Staff Sergeant. Those are two very different ranks. Then, almost everyone calls him “sir,” but you NEVER call an NCO (Non-Commisioned Officer/Sergeant) sir. Ever.
Also, as a sergeant (of whatever type he actually is) he would not be in charge of the base unless there weren’t any officers left at all. The military doesn’t work that way (unfortunately). A 2nd Lieutenant with one day on the job outranks a Sergeant Major with 30 years (although the smart ones listen to their senior enlisted). I understand changing things a bit for plot purposes, but you should at least show a basic understanding of what you’re writing. If the author doesn’t have time to do a little simple research, then I don’t have time to read their stuff. Very disappointed.
September 28, 2022
I rarely read dystopian tales, but UPRISING (Heartland Aliens 2) grabbed me and won’t let go. Aliens are feeding on humans all over the world and, most horrifying of all, human political and military organizations have hidden away refusing to even fight. Resistance is left to a few regular folks who decide they have nothing left to lose. Such freedom brings hope, though, and hope threads gently throughout this story! Five stars all the way!
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
November 26, 2022
Camp Keystone was not what they expected.
Pammy and company had survived the invasion and made their way to Camp Keystone - an old DARPA facility run by her uncle, Captain Kevin Johnson. They found that there was an invader nest in the lake just outside the Camp. Some kind of arrangement had been made to keep the Clankers away from the walls. Johnson was losing his mind, unprepared for command during this alien invasion, but terrified that someone would take his command away.
In spite of a paranoid commander and the nearby roach nest of the invaders, Pammy, Estes and crew discovered that the invading Clankers were likely not the intelligence behind the invasion, but the foot soldiers. The real aliens running the show were elsewhere. That's where they had to be to stop them, if they could. Then Pammy made an amazing discovery that could change everything! She just had to survive.
Between the characters and the storyline, luck seems to be the one factor that decides the day's outcome. Will their luck hold? How many more will fall in the government's scheme? Is Pammy going to make it? I'll say it first - RAID! But honestly, this is an awesome read!
Pammy and company had survived the invasion and made their way to Camp Keystone - an old DARPA facility run by her uncle, Captain Kevin Johnson. They found that there was an invader nest in the lake just outside the Camp. Some kind of arrangement had been made to keep the Clankers away from the walls. Johnson was losing his mind, unprepared for command during this alien invasion, but terrified that someone would take his command away.
In spite of a paranoid commander and the nearby roach nest of the invaders, Pammy, Estes and crew discovered that the invading Clankers were likely not the intelligence behind the invasion, but the foot soldiers. The real aliens running the show were elsewhere. That's where they had to be to stop them, if they could. Then Pammy made an amazing discovery that could change everything! She just had to survive.
Between the characters and the storyline, luck seems to be the one factor that decides the day's outcome. Will their luck hold? How many more will fall in the government's scheme? Is Pammy going to make it? I'll say it first - RAID! But honestly, this is an awesome read!
September 24, 2023
What a story! The group from Little Creek has finally made it to Keystone and the hope that Pammy Mae's mothers and uncle are there and that they'll help them. Unfortunately, things are not as they seem. Are they ever? The Clankers are in the area here, too, of course. But watch what happens to Pammy Mae. I did not see this change coming. Len is having medical problems when they arrive, but can they trust the local doctor, Peachy, to help him? Joshua James has done another fantastic job in bringing us through the trials and tribulations of the Little Creek Five and what happens to humanity in this pocket of America. Still so much more to unravel in the next book in the series and I can't wait. Thank you, Joshua James, for another great read.
October 31, 2022
This second book of the series was a bit slow to start and took a while to get rolling, as it required a lot of information to set the stage. It did not reach out and grab me, as I’m accustomed to feeling with Mr. James’ books. The story was well-written, with strong characters who eventually came into their own and carried the action, with ordinary citizens having to supply a lot of the hutzpah to battle the invaders. I enjoyed the story, and I’m hoping the next book reaches Mr. James’ usual high-performance level. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion.
October 7, 2022
Not Quite Up To The First Installment...
Although I did enjoy the story, it didn't have the same 'grab you by the lapels' tenor of the first book. Although for every sci-fi/fantasy tale, you have to suspend belief somewhat, I felt this one called for a more than usual 'ask'. For me, it got a bit ludicrous at one point. I read the entire book, and will probably finish the series, I am hoping for better in the third installment.
Although I did enjoy the story, it didn't have the same 'grab you by the lapels' tenor of the first book. Although for every sci-fi/fantasy tale, you have to suspend belief somewhat, I felt this one called for a more than usual 'ask'. For me, it got a bit ludicrous at one point. I read the entire book, and will probably finish the series, I am hoping for better in the third installment.
September 28, 2022
Everyone in this madcap adventure heads to Keystone Camp and safety from everything. But of course they do not find safety and instead the crazy. But it made for a good story that made me laugh and groan. But I was glued to the end to see what would cause the most trouble, the human survivors or the aliens. Good new and old characters add in this fun adventure of everyday people.
October 15, 2022
Not nearly as good as the first book. Large portions of this book deal with the human aspect inside Keystone. Sadly, some of the characters are a little exaggerated, so I felt less inside the book than in the first one.
Having said all that, the plot is still interesting and I'll probably read the last book in the serie
Having said all that, the plot is still interesting and I'll probably read the last book in the serie
December 3, 2022
Interesting
This second book doesn't disappoint. The story flows seamlessly & I love the characters. The way they support each other, adjust to new challenges & make some mistakes along the way make you rout for them. Are the Clanckers bent on destroying all life on Earth? Read on for answers.
This second book doesn't disappoint. The story flows seamlessly & I love the characters. The way they support each other, adjust to new challenges & make some mistakes along the way make you rout for them. Are the Clanckers bent on destroying all life on Earth? Read on for answers.
December 11, 2022
Unsure
I liked the first episode better than this one. The story stays on one subject to long and then bounces to another to quickly. You have me stuck. I now have to see how this works out. So that means I have to get the next installment. Good thing I'm retired.
I liked the first episode better than this one. The story stays on one subject to long and then bounces to another to quickly. You have me stuck. I now have to see how this works out. So that means I have to get the next installment. Good thing I'm retired.
December 18, 2022
I did enjoy the second part to this alien invasion end of the world! A good twist, which I was not really waiting for added interest to the plot & overall story! A good fun read, in keeping with the storyline & this series!
July 29, 2023
A great series
The first book, “ Invasion “ of the Heartland Aliens series was good but the second book “ Uprising “ is even better. Good won’t say why because it would giveaway too much about the plot.
The first book, “ Invasion “ of the Heartland Aliens series was good but the second book “ Uprising “ is even better. Good won’t say why because it would giveaway too much about the plot.
September 29, 2024
The second book in this series, imho, did not live up to the promise of the first book. The characters did not seem as relatable or as believable and the story arc seems more forced. I will probably read the third book in the series but I will wait some time before I do.
October 6, 2022
great book takes you to the edge and back love his sci fi
October 9, 2022
Lots of Unexpected Twists and Turns
This second book keeps up all the action and drama. Some survive, some don't. Which ones will continue the fight to survive.
This second book keeps up all the action and drama. Some survive, some don't. Which ones will continue the fight to survive.
November 5, 2022
a fun series
This series of books has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. Even though it is an improbable storyline it is still worth reading.
This series of books has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. Even though it is an improbable storyline it is still worth reading.
November 15, 2022
What a second book. Aliens are a huge danger to mankind and there’s no stopping until the end and hoping there’s a way to stop them. Intense action as always. Loved it.
January 14, 2023
uprising: heartland aliens book 2
This book was extremely scary. It was very plausible for the politicians to have a plan that the book talks about.
This book was extremely scary. It was very plausible for the politicians to have a plan that the book talks about.
March 26, 2023
AMAZING
Joshua is one of the best writers in the genre, and I’ve been reading Sci Fi for decades. Incredible imagination and a knack for delivering credibility in complex scenarios.
Joshua is one of the best writers in the genre, and I’ve been reading Sci Fi for decades. Incredible imagination and a knack for delivering credibility in complex scenarios.
September 19, 2023
Entertaining
It's a far cry from becoming a classic, but as a study in how different people react to adversity and disaster....
It's a far cry from becoming a classic, but as a study in how different people react to adversity and disaster....
January 14, 2024
Awesome
Definitely a interesting take on aliens! I loved this series. I felt like I was seeing what was written. Exciting uprising from humanity. Cannot wait for next book.
Definitely a interesting take on aliens! I loved this series. I felt like I was seeing what was written. Exciting uprising from humanity. Cannot wait for next book.
February 9, 2024
I had a fun time with this one. also good to know that I was right about what was going on with the aliens in the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2024
great story
A really different type of Sci- Fi to me.
Really enjoying this series and will be downloading book 3 tomorrow.
A really different type of Sci- Fi to me.
Really enjoying this series and will be downloading book 3 tomorrow.
March 24, 2024
Five Stars
Really enjoying these books. I am very much looking forward to reading the third book in the series called Judgment.
Really enjoying these books. I am very much looking forward to reading the third book in the series called Judgment.
May 16, 2024
Uprising
Great second book. The Little Creek 5 have conquered Keystone. Pammie Mae has become the leader of the Clackers. She will go to Washington and see what is left.
Great second book. The Little Creek 5 have conquered Keystone. Pammie Mae has become the leader of the Clackers. She will go to Washington and see what is left.
October 18, 2024
4/5 Stars
January 24, 2023
epub from author - on Kobo: 283 pages
The bunker party reach Camp Keystone - but all is not well. Pammy Mae makes a breakthrough - but elsewhere long term plans are coming to fruition in a shocking betrayal.
This series continues to engage - while introducing some startlingly unusual elements to the mix. The concentration on the core characters is interspersed with snippets showing what else is going on around the world.
The bunker party reach Camp Keystone - but all is not well. Pammy Mae makes a breakthrough - but elsewhere long term plans are coming to fruition in a shocking betrayal.
This series continues to engage - while introducing some startlingly unusual elements to the mix. The concentration on the core characters is interspersed with snippets showing what else is going on around the world.
December 3, 2022
Pockets of resistance start to form all over the planet as our team flies to Keystone in their borrowed plane, to crash near the base.
The World leaders still keep everything under wraps while proceeding with the selection of a certain type of people meeting strict criteria to save the human species while sacrificing the millions left to fend for themselves.
In a small village named Little Creek, the resistance has started when Len, a former army tactician has built a bunker in order to survive after his wife Carla, warned him of what was coming. Len was gravely wounded in the last book of this series and is now in a coma. Pammy and Maddox face off with creatures on their own turf and, Pammy cannot resist the urge to study the Clankers having been kept in their cocoon for a period of time. Len, Guppie, Vera and Estes unite forces to defeat the enemy within the Keystone base.
However, this is not the only place where the aliens will encounter the human will to fight to survive. D.C. also plays a key role.
A cross between the movies :"V", "Independence Day" and "Red Dawn" the author appears to be inspired by all three and adds his own personal touch resulting in a well written, power grabbing and treachery filled thriller that is the sequel in this series. 4 Stars
The World leaders still keep everything under wraps while proceeding with the selection of a certain type of people meeting strict criteria to save the human species while sacrificing the millions left to fend for themselves.
In a small village named Little Creek, the resistance has started when Len, a former army tactician has built a bunker in order to survive after his wife Carla, warned him of what was coming. Len was gravely wounded in the last book of this series and is now in a coma. Pammy and Maddox face off with creatures on their own turf and, Pammy cannot resist the urge to study the Clankers having been kept in their cocoon for a period of time. Len, Guppie, Vera and Estes unite forces to defeat the enemy within the Keystone base.
However, this is not the only place where the aliens will encounter the human will to fight to survive. D.C. also plays a key role.
A cross between the movies :"V", "Independence Day" and "Red Dawn" the author appears to be inspired by all three and adds his own personal touch resulting in a well written, power grabbing and treachery filled thriller that is the sequel in this series. 4 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews