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Adopted By Humans
A fresh take on science fiction and a glimpse at humanity through the eyes of an alien who doesn't know what 'family' is, until he finds one!
"Humans are the only known intelligent species to actively create 'Found Families' in the form of parents, children, siblings, and more.
If a human starts spending more time with you and initiating physical contact, they have probably adopted you."
These were the words that caught my ears when attending the most prestigious university in my quadrant as a minor in alien studies.
My intrigue led me to major in the study of humans, a new race to emerge into the galactic political scene, and one that had already in a mere fifty years, captured the imaginations of numerous races.
So when the chance came to go to Earth to study them up close, to live with a human host family known to our professor, I took it.
Inside the pages of these journals, you will find the record of my observations and experiences with human beings.
More than that, you will find how what began as a curiosity that would make for an easy career in a narrow field, changed my life forever, in all the very best of ways.
That's what happens I suppose, when you're adopted by humans.
"Humans are the only known intelligent species to actively create 'Found Families' in the form of parents, children, siblings, and more.
If a human starts spending more time with you and initiating physical contact, they have probably adopted you."
These were the words that caught my ears when attending the most prestigious university in my quadrant as a minor in alien studies.
My intrigue led me to major in the study of humans, a new race to emerge into the galactic political scene, and one that had already in a mere fifty years, captured the imaginations of numerous races.
So when the chance came to go to Earth to study them up close, to live with a human host family known to our professor, I took it.
Inside the pages of these journals, you will find the record of my observations and experiences with human beings.
More than that, you will find how what began as a curiosity that would make for an easy career in a narrow field, changed my life forever, in all the very best of ways.
That's what happens I suppose, when you're adopted by humans.
- GenresScience Fiction
283 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2023
wow
Found on a free site, i didnt know what to expect but it wasn't this! Humor, and emotion, in a slightly dry but very clinical manner, without losing its "feel"... very entertaining, with a great ending.
Found on a free site, i didnt know what to expect but it wasn't this! Humor, and emotion, in a slightly dry but very clinical manner, without losing its "feel"... very entertaining, with a great ending.
November 5, 2022
Anthropological fiction can sometimes come across a little didactic and I felt that here. An interesting idea, though -I’d read more, but not if I had something I knew would be more exciting.
April 24, 2024
Adopted by Humans is an odd, but interesting tale about a group of aliens that come to earth, to live with a family for 50 years. This particular alien has three hearts, eight ears, and (generally) walks on two legs. But, the problem is, he looks really close to a rather large german shephard, and the family he is staying with has a baby that thinks he is a dog, and a teen who wants to see if he reacts like one. I won't put in any spoilers, but suffice it to say the alien (and the humans) are surprised by his reactions. But, that's not the central story in this one. The story is a rather odd reflection of humans, and how they act toward one another, and aliens. I don't know anything about the author, but if he isn't a psychologist, psychiatrist, or something similar, I'd be very surprised. The point of view that the alien puts on human behaviors is a poinent one, and one that I think most scifi readers can benefit from. I generally don't like preachy books, but I can't find any fault with the way this book delivers it's message to it's readers. In a nutshell, humans are not really a bunch of self absorbed islands that want only what's best for themselves. That's definitely a message I can get behind.
So, what happens when an alien with the intelligence of a human has the instincts of a dog for it's master, and said master gets attacked? Read the book, and find out. I'm fairly confident most scifi readers will find this one a refreshing take on how humanity looks.
So, what happens when an alien with the intelligence of a human has the instincts of a dog for it's master, and said master gets attacked? Read the book, and find out. I'm fairly confident most scifi readers will find this one a refreshing take on how humanity looks.
May 27, 2023
This was an interesting premise that I actually quite liked a lot.
It's a mix of two themes that I really like, one of them is someone trying to learn and understand humans and human things and being rather confused about it. And the other being protagonist that does science.
My main problem with it, and the reason it had such a low score is that it was just a little boring at times. The same jokes was repeated a lot, the scientist misunderstanding human nature is funny at times but in other times it would be easy to clear said misunderstanding up if they had only shared their insights with the humans they're studying. (And it was annoying that said scientist didn't seem to do much asking in their study of humans.)
I also quite didn't like just how unique humans was in the grand scheme of things. Only species that does family? It sounds like a rather cold universe out there. But then again, I'm human so maybe I'm biased?
It's my understanding that this started off as a webnovel, and I famously dislike Book 1s in Webnovels just to fall madly in love with it later on. So, I'll be checking out book 2 in the near future.
It's a mix of two themes that I really like, one of them is someone trying to learn and understand humans and human things and being rather confused about it. And the other being protagonist that does science.
My main problem with it, and the reason it had such a low score is that it was just a little boring at times. The same jokes was repeated a lot, the scientist misunderstanding human nature is funny at times but in other times it would be easy to clear said misunderstanding up if they had only shared their insights with the humans they're studying. (And it was annoying that said scientist didn't seem to do much asking in their study of humans.)
I also quite didn't like just how unique humans was in the grand scheme of things. Only species that does family? It sounds like a rather cold universe out there. But then again, I'm human so maybe I'm biased?
It's my understanding that this started off as a webnovel, and I famously dislike Book 1s in Webnovels just to fall madly in love with it later on. So, I'll be checking out book 2 in the near future.
March 26, 2023
Nothing Like Expected
The primary focus here appears to be bragging about how noble, virtuous, welcoming, industrious, generous, brave, intelligent ad infinitum the human species is. All of the negative attitudes come from the extraterrestrials, and the humans repeatedly easily overcome all objections.
It’s a really bizarre storyline, which is sci-fi only because of the technology and extraterrestrials. There is little else to support that genre. I quit about halfway through as I was unable to discern any plot or reasoning behind the narrative.
The primary focus here appears to be bragging about how noble, virtuous, welcoming, industrious, generous, brave, intelligent ad infinitum the human species is. All of the negative attitudes come from the extraterrestrials, and the humans repeatedly easily overcome all objections.
It’s a really bizarre storyline, which is sci-fi only because of the technology and extraterrestrials. There is little else to support that genre. I quit about halfway through as I was unable to discern any plot or reasoning behind the narrative.
September 9, 2023
I just have to say this is a cool story and AFAICT is a unique idea. I do have a vague memory of a pulp short story I read way too long ago that had a similar idea. I honestly can’t figure out what to write other than:
READ THIS BOOK!!!!
It’s well written, the character development is well done and the plot has enough twists to keep it a hoot!
Do not hesitate buy it and read it. Then you can read the rest of the series along with me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!
It’s well written, the character development is well done and the plot has enough twists to keep it a hoot!
Do not hesitate buy it and read it. Then you can read the rest of the series along with me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2023
An excellent and very different sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is amazing, since everything is seen through a non-human's eyes. Bailey is an awesome narrator: believable, loveable, insightful, and not human. The bad things that happen on the trip to Earth are seen through his eyes, and the non-humans don't view tragedy the way humans do. So, I will only briefly mention an unexpected body count. In a genre full of doom and destruction, Adopted is a breath of fresh air.
The worldbuilding is amazing, since everything is seen through a non-human's eyes. Bailey is an awesome narrator: believable, loveable, insightful, and not human. The bad things that happen on the trip to Earth are seen through his eyes, and the non-humans don't view tragedy the way humans do. So, I will only briefly mention an unexpected body count. In a genre full of doom and destruction, Adopted is a breath of fresh air.
January 13, 2023
Absolutely delightful!
The alien, being much like an earth-dog was in for a real ride when he volunteered to live with a family of humans. He learned about them in surprising circumstances and found they thought of him as family. This he truly appreciated in more ways than one. Especially the tennis ball
The alien, being much like an earth-dog was in for a real ride when he volunteered to live with a family of humans. He learned about them in surprising circumstances and found they thought of him as family. This he truly appreciated in more ways than one. Especially the tennis ball
February 23, 2023
A well written tale from an unusual aource
I originally read this before it was published and had to get it once it was.
The characters and descriptions of every day things we don't think about makes this a unique and beautiful story
The writers draws you in so well you are concerned for the families and relationships that are introduced while still having a good laugh or two
I originally read this before it was published and had to get it once it was.
The characters and descriptions of every day things we don't think about makes this a unique and beautiful story
The writers draws you in so well you are concerned for the families and relationships that are introduced while still having a good laugh or two
August 16, 2023
Adopted By Humans
This was a great book. It was extremely spot on to the good/ bright and dark side of humanity. This one of the few books I would read again to uplift my spirit when I’m down.
This was a great book. It was extremely spot on to the good/ bright and dark side of humanity. This one of the few books I would read again to uplift my spirit when I’m down.
January 10, 2023
Must read
This is amazing book. I have always wondered what would people from another planet think of us. The people in this book are what I hope they find.
This is amazing book. I have always wondered what would people from another planet think of us. The people in this book are what I hope they find.
January 10, 2023
Couldn't put it down!
A true storyteller makes you want to hear more and that is what Robert Butler has done here. I want to read more about "Bailey" and the Walkers!
A true storyteller makes you want to hear more and that is what Robert Butler has done here. I want to read more about "Bailey" and the Walkers!
January 10, 2023
Interesting and entertaining take
This was an enjoyable read of a sort of first contact from the view of the main character. I look forward to the rest of the series.
This was an enjoyable read of a sort of first contact from the view of the main character. I look forward to the rest of the series.
July 1, 2023
Interesting concept
The characters are likeable and provide for a good story. Just a little slow moving and goes into too much detail.
The characters are likeable and provide for a good story. Just a little slow moving and goes into too much detail.
February 27, 2024
At times terrifying but ultimately a highly satisfying exploration of human nature. I saved almost too many highlights.
December 20, 2025
The virtual narrator was interesting. Some pronouncing and consistency issues. Honestly, I've heard worse! liked that this story was friendly. It's the only adjective I can think of that fits.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews