Under Alien Stars

by Pamela F. Service

Ten years ago, the Earth was conquered by the Tsorians. The Tsorians used the Earth as a military base, allowing life to go on much as before. But some could not stomach the idea of living under alien rule, however benevolent. These were the Resisters, whose purpose was to sabotage the Tsorians any way they could.

Jason Sikes dreamed of becoming a Resister -- even though his mother worked side by side with the hated Tsorians. Aryl, as daughter of a Tsorian commander, couldn't understand how her father could work with primitive beings like Earthlings.

But dangerous forces were at work, and soon Jason and Aryl would be forced to put their hatred aside and become partners on an impossible mission, fighting a foe that threatened Tsorian and Earthling alike!

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Young Adult, Middle Grade

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Born in Berkeley, California, Pamela F. Service grew up loving to hear, read, and tell stories - particularly about weird stuff. Pamela earned a BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley followed by an MA in history and archaeology from the University of London.

She spent many years living in Bloomington, Indiana, writing, serving on the city council, and being curator of a history museum. She has a grown daughter, Alex, who is also a museum curator. Pamela is now living in Eureka, California, where she writes, works as a museum curator, and acts in community theater.

Reviews

[Darci Meadville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the first time when I was about 10 years old, and read it many, many times after that (until I graduated elementary school and left the school library behind). Every once in a while I'd find myself thinking of the book, but around my last years in university I lost the title of the book. The horrors!

Recently I decided to track it down again (remembering very little about it except that it was something like the Crest of the Stars anime... haha), and I must thinking "TV Tropes: Benevolent Alien Invasion" for finally helping me track it down.

It says something, I think, that almost 20 years later I can remember reading and enjoying this book. When we had to turn books into plays in the 6th grade, this was the book I chose (casting myself as Aryl, of course, in fantastic green leggings!). I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on this little gem once more, and I'd recommend it to any child with a passion for scifi (or anyone period!).

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of aliens invades Earth. Later, an even worse group invades, forcing some of the humans and aliens into an unlikely alliance. This is a fast-paced and unique story. I imagine many middle school students would enjoy it.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about choices and changes and what it means to be independent and responsible all in the context of a high adventure sci fi story.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this does not live up to my childhood memories. I did not recall that the overarching message is imperialism is great actually and all hail our alien overlords.

[Winterstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. It is written from two different teenagers' perspectives, teenagers from two different planets. I read this when I was younger and still enjoy it for a fun read now-a-days. It's well written, I think and does a good job of showing the differences in the perspectives of the teenage 'alien,' since to each the other is an an alien. There's also some fun twists as the plot progresses.

In the beginning of the book Earth has already been conquered by 'aliens' and takes place in the 'well what happens now?' where the aliens are trying to deal with earthlings and earthlings are taking sides as to whether they want to play nice with their alien captors or fight to the death and how earthlings deal with other earthlings who are 'alien sympathizers'.

Overall, if you're looking for a light enjoyable sci-fi read, it's a fun book to take in.

[Alspitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this book in years but back in middle school I did a book report on this book! We acted out the prologue! It was such a fun intro to a book! I remembered liking the story. Maybe I should re read it now.

[Rad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should really get my hands on some more 80s/90s sci-fi. (PS: The other cover is crap.)