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Roswell High #10
The Salvation
The ultimate battle. Max is out of control. He's lying to his friends, ignoring his family, and has even turned on Liz. Has Max completely lost his mind...or is Max not really Max at all? Liz hasn't felt connected to Max in a long time -- not the way she used to be. She knows he isn't the guy she fell in love with. There's something else controlling him. Something sinister. Can Liz help Max break free before he's lost forever?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2001
18 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Metz
118 books629 followersMelinda Metz grew up in San Jose, California. People sometimes ask if she knows the way there. She kinda does, but she has an off-kilter sense of direction, so to be confident of arriving, it's better to consult some kind of navigational device.
Her mother tried to teach her to read in kindergarten, but Melinda had no interest. She also had no interest in learning to write her name. (FYI, when Melinda was in kindergarten it was all about finger-painting, play time, and naps.) Eventually, she mastered both and even majored in English at San Jose State University.
After college, Melinda moved to Manhattan to seek her fortune, which involved learning to identify fruits and vegetables while working at a grocery store,
making $2.73 working backstage for an off-off Broadway play (her part of the box-office profits), and editing books.
Melinda and the lovely and talented Laura J. Burns pretty much became unofficial writing partners when they were editors at the same company. They teamed up to brainstorm story ideas, and at some point their brains fused in some key places. Later they worked on the Roswell High book series, Laura developing and editing the series, Melinda writing.
That series led to Melinda and Laura, now an official writing team, writing two TV pilots, moving to L.A. to work on the Roswell TV show, and briefly living in Toronto while on the writing staff of 1-800-Missing. They both continue to write books, together and separately.
Laura and Melinda's new book, Sanctuary Bay, a YA thriller, is coming out in January 2016. It's set at an ultra-exclusive private school on an island. Once a student is accepted to the school, they must stay until graduation. No visits home, no contact with the outside world at all. Find out why in January!
The first four books in Melinda's new middle-grade mystery series,S.M.A.R.T.S., are out now. The books involve a group of kids in a makerspace club and they all have lots of science info. For all the cool geeks out there!
Melinda lives in Concord, NC with her dog, Scully (yes, she loves the woo-woo so much she named her dog after a kickass X-Files character). She has never regretted learning to read and write her name.
Her mother tried to teach her to read in kindergarten, but Melinda had no interest. She also had no interest in learning to write her name. (FYI, when Melinda was in kindergarten it was all about finger-painting, play time, and naps.) Eventually, she mastered both and even majored in English at San Jose State University.
After college, Melinda moved to Manhattan to seek her fortune, which involved learning to identify fruits and vegetables while working at a grocery store,
making $2.73 working backstage for an off-off Broadway play (her part of the box-office profits), and editing books.
Melinda and the lovely and talented Laura J. Burns pretty much became unofficial writing partners when they were editors at the same company. They teamed up to brainstorm story ideas, and at some point their brains fused in some key places. Later they worked on the Roswell High book series, Laura developing and editing the series, Melinda writing.
That series led to Melinda and Laura, now an official writing team, writing two TV pilots, moving to L.A. to work on the Roswell TV show, and briefly living in Toronto while on the writing staff of 1-800-Missing. They both continue to write books, together and separately.
Laura and Melinda's new book, Sanctuary Bay, a YA thriller, is coming out in January 2016. It's set at an ultra-exclusive private school on an island. Once a student is accepted to the school, they must stay until graduation. No visits home, no contact with the outside world at all. Find out why in January!
The first four books in Melinda's new middle-grade mystery series,S.M.A.R.T.S., are out now. The books involve a group of kids in a makerspace club and they all have lots of science info. For all the cool geeks out there!
Melinda lives in Concord, NC with her dog, Scully (yes, she loves the woo-woo so much she named her dog after a kickass X-Files character). She has never regretted learning to read and write her name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 30, 2024
The Salvation is the last book in the Roswell High series of ten books, upon which the television series was based (a quarter of a century ago!) The television iteration didn't stick as closely to the plotline after the first book, so it can be seen as an interesting alternate history story. I thought it was commendable that the books that appeared after the debut of the show didn't go the retcon route. The book series was targeted for adolescent girls, and the main focus is on the angst of teen romance, but the science-fiction twists always added a bit of a fun twist. This volume focuses more on character developments than on alien adventures, as the various characters' storylines are wrapped up. Alex and Kyle get conclusions quite different from the show, the Max-Liz drama is sweet and predictable, and the Michael-Maria conclusion is the big triumph... and whatever happened to Cameron? It starts on a somber note at a funeral, Max is working on alien stuff, as always, and Liz is quite disconnected... there's quite a bit of soul-searching about family and friends and relationships. The tone is similar to the other books, but with a little less angst and no cliffhanger. I read the whole series in odd moments over a couple of weeks, and thought it was a fun time with a theme of happy innocence even though I was in a galaxy far, far away from the target audience. As the bumper sticker said, thanks for visiting.
August 1, 2012
Finishing a series is always a little sad but it's also cool. Cool because the author's tying everything together how they had in mind and good or bad, things are changing and concluding. Now, even though this is cool, it can fall into the depressing category very easily. Always a horrible thought! But this wasn't a finale that was a letdown at all! It tied everything up so right. I wouldn't have minded Alex and Isabel ending up together but I think they still might and I see why they didn't right then. It showed growth for Michael and Maria to end up together, it took strength for Max and Liz to stay together, and it took understanding for Isabel and Alex to not end up together. Not understanding like "geez that's horrible" but understanding like they got each other. Isabel came a long way from book 1 (The Outsider) and it was a huge show of growth that she didn't just date Alex to date him and I think Alex was cool with being friends for the time being as well. Although he'll always love her and I think she really loves him too. As more than a friend and I think they'll work it out one day.
Michael and Maria? So sweet. I was glad Michael finally got his head screwed on straight and I so admired Maria for sticking with him, for believing in him despite everything. That boy needs to work on communication! Luckily though Maria understood what he didn't say and what he really meant when he pushed her away. I did feel bad for Trevor and Michael being split up again but i could be happy for them too. Because they're both doing exactly what they should be and I think they'll see each other again. Who know maybe Alex, Isabel, Max, Liz, Michael, and Maria can go for a visit one day. I mean Alex was up there without any horrible repercussions physically so with the consciousness issue out of the way maybe they could drop by...
Now for Max and Liz. My favorite! Ah, it was perfect! They have one of the sweetest, truest, and strongest loves I've ever read. I don't even have words for how much I loved them!
This was a fantastic fantastic series and I'm so sad it's over but I'm so happy it ended as well as it did. I really wouldnt change anything!
These books have a place o honor on my bookshelf and I know I'll go back and read them many times. Roswell High encompasses what reading is all about. Just the right amount of light/intense and escape/real. The pacing was great and the books were fun fast reads. The romances were super super sweet and the character development and wonderful writing just pulled everything together and tied a pretty bow on tope. definitely one of my favorite serieses ever and books I would highly recommend! You don't want to miss out on these adventures with these amazing characters. Youll be wishing you lived in Roswell, New Mexico before you know it! I sure wouldn't mind! Id love for some aliens like Adam, Max, Trevor, or Michael to move to my town! ;)
Check these out! You won't be disappointed!
Michael and Maria? So sweet. I was glad Michael finally got his head screwed on straight and I so admired Maria for sticking with him, for believing in him despite everything. That boy needs to work on communication! Luckily though Maria understood what he didn't say and what he really meant when he pushed her away. I did feel bad for Trevor and Michael being split up again but i could be happy for them too. Because they're both doing exactly what they should be and I think they'll see each other again. Who know maybe Alex, Isabel, Max, Liz, Michael, and Maria can go for a visit one day. I mean Alex was up there without any horrible repercussions physically so with the consciousness issue out of the way maybe they could drop by...
Now for Max and Liz. My favorite! Ah, it was perfect! They have one of the sweetest, truest, and strongest loves I've ever read. I don't even have words for how much I loved them!
This was a fantastic fantastic series and I'm so sad it's over but I'm so happy it ended as well as it did. I really wouldnt change anything!
These books have a place o honor on my bookshelf and I know I'll go back and read them many times. Roswell High encompasses what reading is all about. Just the right amount of light/intense and escape/real. The pacing was great and the books were fun fast reads. The romances were super super sweet and the character development and wonderful writing just pulled everything together and tied a pretty bow on tope. definitely one of my favorite serieses ever and books I would highly recommend! You don't want to miss out on these adventures with these amazing characters. Youll be wishing you lived in Roswell, New Mexico before you know it! I sure wouldn't mind! Id love for some aliens like Adam, Max, Trevor, or Michael to move to my town! ;)
Check these out! You won't be disappointed!
September 19, 2023
In this final book of the series, the group of friends are looking for a way to free the people of their home planet. They team up with other aliens and use their powers in new ways to communicate with the home planet. Michael is considering returning to his home planet with his brother, so he tries to ignore his growing feelings for Maria.
Liz is completely focused on saving Max from the evil aliens that are threatening him. She keeps trying to reach him through any means, but it's difficult to get through to him. However, their connection is so strong that Liz believes nothing can separate them.
Isabel finds herself attracted to Michael's brother, but she feels more comfortable around Alex. She is torn between these two relationships, but ultimately has to choose a life for herself.
This book explores more of the relationships between people in the group. I especially loved the focus on Michael and Maria's relationship in this book. They have been dancing around each other for the entire series, and they finally have to decide what their love for each other really means.
We get to see how the loyalty of this group of friends is tested in the middle of difficult circumstances. They have to decide what they are willing to risk to help their home planet. I really liked this exploration of the group dynamic, and how individual characters grow.
I loved the Roswell TV show when I was a teenager, and it was so fun to rediscover this story through the books! I don't think I would have enjoyed the books now as an adult if I didn't already have the nostalgia of the TV show.
I like that the books are different than the TV show and have different plot lines. It keeps it interesting for me, and it's fun to see how the books differ from the show. The character's personalities are a little different too. Michael is way more funny and less brooding. Isabel is more haughty and proud. Alex is more confident. Max is way less calm than in the TV show. It's weird to see these different sides to their personalities.
The writing is really dorky like you would expect from a 90s teen novel. But I don't care! I love it anyway! Most people would probably roll their eyes at the teen angst, but it just makes me laugh because I already adore the characters.
Liz is completely focused on saving Max from the evil aliens that are threatening him. She keeps trying to reach him through any means, but it's difficult to get through to him. However, their connection is so strong that Liz believes nothing can separate them.
Isabel finds herself attracted to Michael's brother, but she feels more comfortable around Alex. She is torn between these two relationships, but ultimately has to choose a life for herself.
This book explores more of the relationships between people in the group. I especially loved the focus on Michael and Maria's relationship in this book. They have been dancing around each other for the entire series, and they finally have to decide what their love for each other really means.
We get to see how the loyalty of this group of friends is tested in the middle of difficult circumstances. They have to decide what they are willing to risk to help their home planet. I really liked this exploration of the group dynamic, and how individual characters grow.
I loved the Roswell TV show when I was a teenager, and it was so fun to rediscover this story through the books! I don't think I would have enjoyed the books now as an adult if I didn't already have the nostalgia of the TV show.
I like that the books are different than the TV show and have different plot lines. It keeps it interesting for me, and it's fun to see how the books differ from the show. The character's personalities are a little different too. Michael is way more funny and less brooding. Isabel is more haughty and proud. Alex is more confident. Max is way less calm than in the TV show. It's weird to see these different sides to their personalities.
The writing is really dorky like you would expect from a 90s teen novel. But I don't care! I love it anyway! Most people would probably roll their eyes at the teen angst, but it just makes me laugh because I already adore the characters.
Read
January 6, 2023Ok, after four I started skimming the the rest to get to the final book.
This series is crazy, in the best way. Like in this one Liz’s and Max’s molecules goes and eh, finds in each other in a ”conciousness”, … lol like what am I reading?
(I do know what ”the conciousness” is in the series)
But the love drama was a bit much for me and often came at the cost of the friendships.
Also, in this one Maria goes something like ”Michael is my oxygen, my sustenance”… and before that she sits in his car just to ”inhale” his scent, then listen to the radio because its the music he likes, and finally she just falls asleep there… ehm girl, we need to talk. You’re like creepy obsessive. This is getting disturbing.
It was nice that the six core characters were together at the end, but it was bittersweet knowing it cost Michael his lifelong dream.
I may read the series in full some day, but the poor ebook versions got me down. It was just tiresome when sometimes there were never any paragraph breaks, quoting errors, spelling errors, and then finally this depressive format of everything being almost completely unformatted, just a long series of short paragraphs with the occasional star inbetween. The paperbacks are hella expensive on eBay, so for now, I’m pleased with just knowing the original end to the series.
This series is crazy, in the best way. Like in this one Liz’s and Max’s molecules goes and eh, finds in each other in a ”conciousness”, … lol like what am I reading?
(I do know what ”the conciousness” is in the series)
But the love drama was a bit much for me and often came at the cost of the friendships.
Also, in this one Maria goes something like ”Michael is my oxygen, my sustenance”… and before that she sits in his car just to ”inhale” his scent, then listen to the radio because its the music he likes, and finally she just falls asleep there… ehm girl, we need to talk. You’re like creepy obsessive. This is getting disturbing.
It was nice that the six core characters were together at the end, but it was bittersweet knowing it cost Michael his lifelong dream.
I may read the series in full some day, but the poor ebook versions got me down. It was just tiresome when sometimes there were never any paragraph breaks, quoting errors, spelling errors, and then finally this depressive format of everything being almost completely unformatted, just a long series of short paragraphs with the occasional star inbetween. The paperbacks are hella expensive on eBay, so for now, I’m pleased with just knowing the original end to the series.
August 3, 2020
What a reading weekend!
I managed to read this series in a three day weekend, with no partner in the house and see friends and family! It's such a good series but I forgot how teenage lovey angsty it was! I was more focused on the storylines with all the aliens.
I finished all ten with 23 minutes too spare!
I managed to read this series in a three day weekend, with no partner in the house and see friends and family! It's such a good series but I forgot how teenage lovey angsty it was! I was more focused on the storylines with all the aliens.
I finished all ten with 23 minutes too spare!
September 11, 2025
I can't believe it's over :'(
I enjoyed this series way more than I thought I would!! I guess after 10 books you get attached lol. This book was great - the first chapter had me crying, and I was rooting so hard for all the characters to have a happy ending. I feel like this was the perfect conclusion to the series.
Now it's time to rewatch the show & read the books based on it!!
I enjoyed this series way more than I thought I would!! I guess after 10 books you get attached lol. This book was great - the first chapter had me crying, and I was rooting so hard for all the characters to have a happy ending. I feel like this was the perfect conclusion to the series.
Now it's time to rewatch the show & read the books based on it!!
September 21, 2012
Preliminary thoughts *SPOILERS*:
The Salvation is all of them: Michael, Isabel, Trevor, Liz, Maria, and Alex, to save Max.
We start with the group (sans Max) at the grave of one of their fallen, Adam, in the midst of his burial ceremony.
The group develops and executes the plan to shatter the consciousness by using the Stones of Midnight and the device (that Kyle had used on them previously) through the wormhole. In the meantime, the consciousness tries to separate Liz from Max by telling her he doesn't love her anymore while trying to get the group to tell it where the stones are.
Maria tries to deal with finding out that Michael is intent on going back to the home planet, and is still not trying to get her hopes up even when he ends up staying and telling her he loves her.
Isabel and Trevor start to form an attraction, while Michael is also dealing with trying to separate himself from Maria since he feels that will prepare them both for when he does have to leave.
Max comes back briefly and kisses Liz when she kisses him, but then the consciousness pulls him back again.
Michael and Maria go to the Albuquerque institute where Kyle is being held to try and find out where the device is, but with no luck. It takes Isabel to step into Kyle's dream and coax him into telling her for them all to find it; and then Trevor to modify it to send through the wormhole.
While in the process of shattering the consciousness, some of the beings from it such as Ray and Michael's and Trevor's parents, come to say goodbye to them. And even as Max comes back to Liz, Michael still considers going to the home planet and leaving all of them, including Maria, behind...that is, until he sees the "roots" of Maria that had formed in him. Trevor does go back to the home planet through the wormhole, but Michael of course stays behind. In the end, we see all of them: Max with Liz, Michael with Maria, Alex and Isabel, together and as close than ever before with them all reminiscing about the first time they ever felt connected like that by their auras as a group whole.
I reserve the right to edit, including add more to, this review in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
I feel bad saying I'm happy I'm done with the series. How the show ended was bittersweet, this was just flat. Maybe I'll try this again some day but for now it's done and crossed off.
December 7, 2008
started watching the tv series then found out about the book and i absolutely loved it..
September 26, 2021
It's finally done! I know its not something you should say when you love a series. But I'm relieved.
My review won't be as long as the others but it doesn't matter, so lets unpack it.
It started with the funeral of RIP Adam. For a character who I didn't like that much or questioned how he fit into the group after 6 characters, I shared Liz's grief for the loss of him. It does remind me that premature deaths in war are unneccessary and pointless and it was certaintely unexpected. But a part of me was also glad that he was out of the book because it pulled too much focus away from the Max and Liz romance which was one of the reasons why Roswell is so famous to the fans.
I enjoyed the build up with the group working to take down the consciousness and the beings trying to manipulate them into giving them the Stones of Midnight. However, I felt at the same time the consciousness wasn't really that threatening or scary. Its those moment where you're reminded the books isn't for Young Adults.
I got tired of the whole Michael and Maria will they or won't they ever make a move in this book. It was frustrating and I found myself sympathizing for Maria who has loved a man who would never be emotionally open to Maria. It also felt a bit too sudden that he would turn a 360 turn and be into Maria after holding a candle for Cameron for the last couple of books. So when they finally did make a move, it was nice and all but it was too rushed. Fans who has gone through the torture of 10 books waiting for something to happen would've liked to see them be an actual couple for a least one book before the end.
I also thought it was uncharacteristic of Michael to miss his opportunity to be reunited with his brother and his family on his planet. I can understand him staying for Isobel and Max but for Maria as well? It just felt rushed, sudden and didn't make sense for someone who has longed for family for the entire of the series. But I guess in the name of love, you do things that you wouldn't normally do.
It was nice to see Alex and Isobel get the closure they deserved. It was nice to see the realism that their personalities were too different to be compatible and Melinda didn't force them to be together just because he was the only other single human that knew of her secret. It made sense that Isobel being interested with Trevor since he was very much like Michael and the closet thing she had to being with another alien after the Nicholas fiscao.
Going back to my realism point, I do think the way Michael is written is accurate for the experience of being interested in men and not being able to know what they think or feel because its often ambigious to women.
Shattering the consciousness was an interesting plot story but the way it was done was too rushed. The problem with these books is that its so short that there's only so much you can unpack with 170 pages especially with 6 main characters and one regular main. I would've liked to see Michael and Trevor jump to their home planet with the rest of the gang and try to destroy the remaining stone that kept the consciousness intact. It would've been fun to see them explore their kind, battle their kindred, get to know the communities and see the consequence of a life without the consciousness. I did like how Max was restored. The molecures dissolving and forming with Liz was very corny in a romantic way which was cute. But as I said, too much to unpack in a limited sense of pages.
The ending was very harmonious and happy. Each character got to have the ending they deserve and in same way, it left it open for another book should Melinda decide to write more. But I'm satisfied that the aliens decided to stay in Roswell for it was the only home that they have ever known and loved.
I recommend this book series if you're a hopeless romantic and adore alien & human love stories or just adore Roswell TV series.
My review won't be as long as the others but it doesn't matter, so lets unpack it.
It started with the funeral of RIP Adam. For a character who I didn't like that much or questioned how he fit into the group after 6 characters, I shared Liz's grief for the loss of him. It does remind me that premature deaths in war are unneccessary and pointless and it was certaintely unexpected. But a part of me was also glad that he was out of the book because it pulled too much focus away from the Max and Liz romance which was one of the reasons why Roswell is so famous to the fans.
I enjoyed the build up with the group working to take down the consciousness and the beings trying to manipulate them into giving them the Stones of Midnight. However, I felt at the same time the consciousness wasn't really that threatening or scary. Its those moment where you're reminded the books isn't for Young Adults.
I got tired of the whole Michael and Maria will they or won't they ever make a move in this book. It was frustrating and I found myself sympathizing for Maria who has loved a man who would never be emotionally open to Maria. It also felt a bit too sudden that he would turn a 360 turn and be into Maria after holding a candle for Cameron for the last couple of books. So when they finally did make a move, it was nice and all but it was too rushed. Fans who has gone through the torture of 10 books waiting for something to happen would've liked to see them be an actual couple for a least one book before the end.
I also thought it was uncharacteristic of Michael to miss his opportunity to be reunited with his brother and his family on his planet. I can understand him staying for Isobel and Max but for Maria as well? It just felt rushed, sudden and didn't make sense for someone who has longed for family for the entire of the series. But I guess in the name of love, you do things that you wouldn't normally do.
It was nice to see Alex and Isobel get the closure they deserved. It was nice to see the realism that their personalities were too different to be compatible and Melinda didn't force them to be together just because he was the only other single human that knew of her secret. It made sense that Isobel being interested with Trevor since he was very much like Michael and the closet thing she had to being with another alien after the Nicholas fiscao.
Going back to my realism point, I do think the way Michael is written is accurate for the experience of being interested in men and not being able to know what they think or feel because its often ambigious to women.
Shattering the consciousness was an interesting plot story but the way it was done was too rushed. The problem with these books is that its so short that there's only so much you can unpack with 170 pages especially with 6 main characters and one regular main. I would've liked to see Michael and Trevor jump to their home planet with the rest of the gang and try to destroy the remaining stone that kept the consciousness intact. It would've been fun to see them explore their kind, battle their kindred, get to know the communities and see the consequence of a life without the consciousness. I did like how Max was restored. The molecures dissolving and forming with Liz was very corny in a romantic way which was cute. But as I said, too much to unpack in a limited sense of pages.
The ending was very harmonious and happy. Each character got to have the ending they deserve and in same way, it left it open for another book should Melinda decide to write more. But I'm satisfied that the aliens decided to stay in Roswell for it was the only home that they have ever known and loved.
I recommend this book series if you're a hopeless romantic and adore alien & human love stories or just adore Roswell TV series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Felt so good to revisit this series for the first time in so long. I initially read this book at 14, back when the tv show was in its final season, and I recently purchased the four books that take place in the show's canon after the show ended. Before reading those, I wanted to go back through the novels that captured my imagination during the show's original run. Goodness, there was so much I had forgotten.
For one, I had forgotten how much I adored the genuine friendships between the characters in these pre-show novels. The television series never made me feel like the majority of the characters liked each other very much, and that is a dynamic that I sincerely morn when I switch adaptations. I love that the pairings of Max/Liz and Maria/Michael are still a thing in the show (and I actually prefer Alex/Isabel in the show over the way these novels developed them), but I miss the friendships of Liz/Michael and Maria/Liz/Isabel. I will forever lament the fact that the show did not seem to deem those relationships as important enough to share. Instead, the show became focused on human vs. alien a good portion of the time. (Do I sound bitter? Maybe it's because I am.)
However, I am glad that in the show Valenti and Kyle are not bad guys or just completely thrown to the side. They deserved better and I'm glad the show gave them that.
All in all, a series I enjoyed reading through again. The books were short enough that it only took a couple of hours to read through each one and full of humor, adventure, romance, and plenty of drama. (Which is also why I have re-watched this infuriating show as many times as I have.)
For one, I had forgotten how much I adored the genuine friendships between the characters in these pre-show novels. The television series never made me feel like the majority of the characters liked each other very much, and that is a dynamic that I sincerely morn when I switch adaptations. I love that the pairings of Max/Liz and Maria/Michael are still a thing in the show (and I actually prefer Alex/Isabel in the show over the way these novels developed them), but I miss the friendships of Liz/Michael and Maria/Liz/Isabel. I will forever lament the fact that the show did not seem to deem those relationships as important enough to share. Instead, the show became focused on human vs. alien a good portion of the time. (Do I sound bitter? Maybe it's because I am.)
However, I am glad that in the show Valenti and Kyle are not bad guys or just completely thrown to the side. They deserved better and I'm glad the show gave them that.
All in all, a series I enjoyed reading through again. The books were short enough that it only took a couple of hours to read through each one and full of humor, adventure, romance, and plenty of drama. (Which is also why I have re-watched this infuriating show as many times as I have.)
March 15, 2017
When I began these books after learning that the TV series was based on them, I was somewhat disappointed at how cheesy they are compared to the series. The science fiction is terrible, there are so many plot holes and unresolved tangents (hello, Cameron?!?), and the repetitiveness is annoying, especially with describing the group's auras and colors and scents and don't get me started on dream orbs...
BUT, and a very big but - after finishing the book series, I have come to the conclusion that I prefer the books to the TV version. For at the heart of Roswell, the magic comes from each of the character's interactions with one another. I feel that the books do better justice to that dynamic than the show. Book Liz is way less annoying than TV Liz; they all get equal coverage in the books, as opposed to the show where most of the attention was focused on Liz and Max (and look how the show eventually destroyed that relationship!).
I do miss Sheriff Valenti and Kyle eventually being a part of the secret. And the idea that the aliens are royalty made a lot of sense in the show. But the HUGE factor between books vs show is THERE IS NO TESS. Ergo, ALEX IS ALIVE. Alex is as necessary a part of the group as the primary colors of the rainbow they make up together. I was so angry that he was killed off in the show, and even more so now that I have read how he fares in the books - he was improved by knowing the aliens, as opposed to the show where he was destroyed by them.
The books offer a tremendous sense of closure in the end, even with Trevor's leaving and Adam's death. The show just went downhill after the writers kept on pushing Max and Liz apart, inventing all kinds of ridiculous reasons for them not to be together, from Tess, to a future that means the End of the World.
Whereas in this final book installment, Liz manages to dissolve herself to seek out the essence of Max, and they find each other among the stars. How perfect is that?! How in keeping with the whole spirit of the story, with love finding a way despite all differences, against all odds.
I am convinced that if I had read the books first I would have hated the show passionately (more than I do now, lol). Still, the TV series has its own undeniable appeal - if only for the first 7 or so episodes.
BUT, and a very big but - after finishing the book series, I have come to the conclusion that I prefer the books to the TV version. For at the heart of Roswell, the magic comes from each of the character's interactions with one another. I feel that the books do better justice to that dynamic than the show. Book Liz is way less annoying than TV Liz; they all get equal coverage in the books, as opposed to the show where most of the attention was focused on Liz and Max (and look how the show eventually destroyed that relationship!).
I do miss Sheriff Valenti and Kyle eventually being a part of the secret. And the idea that the aliens are royalty made a lot of sense in the show. But the HUGE factor between books vs show is THERE IS NO TESS. Ergo, ALEX IS ALIVE. Alex is as necessary a part of the group as the primary colors of the rainbow they make up together. I was so angry that he was killed off in the show, and even more so now that I have read how he fares in the books - he was improved by knowing the aliens, as opposed to the show where he was destroyed by them.
The books offer a tremendous sense of closure in the end, even with Trevor's leaving and Adam's death. The show just went downhill after the writers kept on pushing Max and Liz apart, inventing all kinds of ridiculous reasons for them not to be together, from Tess, to a future that means the End of the World.
Whereas in this final book installment, Liz manages to dissolve herself to seek out the essence of Max, and they find each other among the stars. How perfect is that?! How in keeping with the whole spirit of the story, with love finding a way despite all differences, against all odds.
I am convinced that if I had read the books first I would have hated the show passionately (more than I do now, lol). Still, the TV series has its own undeniable appeal - if only for the first 7 or so episodes.
February 3, 2019
With the new Roswell, New Mexico series on The CW out, I realized I’d never watched the original show. After binging two seasons - and learning that it was based on a book series I just had to see what really happened. I was shocked at how far the show deviated from the source material and realize that was a good reason the series was cancelled.
These books are wicked short. Too short to get into much depth and the editing is terrible. I’ve never seen so many typos in a well published novel before but that could be the adaptation to Kindle. The story was good. The ending a bit unsatisfying. Liz/Max didn’t seem nearly as natural as it had in the series - though I wager that is more the actors pulling it off than a slight on the writers. I was a little struck by how much of the focus was on Michael. While an interesting character, he didn’t have the depth to be compelling and Isabel was really unlikeable for the majority of the series. The death of one of their own was empty. Sudden. Pointless. I still scratch my head because it didn’t further the plot. Overall, a quick and enjoyable series. A shame there wasn’t more depth to it.
These books are wicked short. Too short to get into much depth and the editing is terrible. I’ve never seen so many typos in a well published novel before but that could be the adaptation to Kindle. The story was good. The ending a bit unsatisfying. Liz/Max didn’t seem nearly as natural as it had in the series - though I wager that is more the actors pulling it off than a slight on the writers. I was a little struck by how much of the focus was on Michael. While an interesting character, he didn’t have the depth to be compelling and Isabel was really unlikeable for the majority of the series. The death of one of their own was empty. Sudden. Pointless. I still scratch my head because it didn’t further the plot. Overall, a quick and enjoyable series. A shame there wasn’t more depth to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
i have to ask, was alex... not a part of the tv show?
anyway, i'm glad his ending with isabel is left ambiguous; he deserves much better
i also want to laugh at the fact that a couple words from liz to a reporter can get kyle valenti institutionalised. AS IF
the michael/maria stuff FINALLY heats up
but i never could get enough of them, seriously. it was as if they were Romantic Pair E or something. (L/M is A and A/I is B. the next few are Michael and Isabel's shallowness and THEN we have M/M)
omg Adam, poor Adam. I know he died in the previous book but I just remembered he existed. Which he did, only for Liz to have a shoulder to cry on. Unfortunately he would have been a much better guy for Liz, which is why Metz had to kill him off. I get it.
anyway MICHAEL AND MARIA. i need some grovelling from Michael, but i will never get it. except in fanfiction, just as well-written as the books themselves.
anyway, i'm glad his ending with isabel is left ambiguous; he deserves much better
i also want to laugh at the fact that a couple words from liz to a reporter can get kyle valenti institutionalised. AS IF
the michael/maria stuff FINALLY heats up
but i never could get enough of them, seriously. it was as if they were Romantic Pair E or something. (L/M is A and A/I is B. the next few are Michael and Isabel's shallowness and THEN we have M/M)
omg Adam, poor Adam. I know he died in the previous book but I just remembered he existed. Which he did, only for Liz to have a shoulder to cry on. Unfortunately he would have been a much better guy for Liz, which is why Metz had to kill him off. I get it.
anyway MICHAEL AND MARIA. i need some grovelling from Michael, but i will never get it. except in fanfiction, just as well-written as the books themselves.
August 8, 2022
For being one of the shorter books, this is intense. The end--very last paragraph--is a bit over-the-top, but it's a book for teens, so there you go.
Max is enveloped by the consciousness and is struggling to get back. The others work to get him back.
Trevor is awesome, though it's absolutely ridiculous that his first kiss as a human leaves him tonguing Isabel and "he's so good at it." That was the worst part.
She and Alex get their friendship back together.
Trevor wants Michael and Isabel (and Max) to follow him back home to face all the Kindred and help their planet. Michael is determined to go with him and Maria's heartbreak is strongly felt.
Kyle is in an institution and has a cameo here.
Max is enveloped by the consciousness and is struggling to get back. The others work to get him back.
Trevor is awesome, though it's absolutely ridiculous that his first kiss as a human leaves him tonguing Isabel and "he's so good at it." That was the worst part.
She and Alex get their friendship back together.
Trevor wants Michael and Isabel (and Max) to follow him back home to face all the Kindred and help their planet. Michael is determined to go with him and Maria's heartbreak is strongly felt.
Kyle is in an institution and has a cameo here.
March 10, 2025
3/5 stars
This is disgusting Max being stuck in the consciousness and “sucking” Michael into it meaning Michael’s hand being glued to Max 🤢
Common Liz we know you love Max
Kyle being a mental institute after learning his dad his dead and was killed by aliens is sad… especially when you know in the series he is great help
All of them are still so so horny I am confused who is with who
Trevor is gone
I feel like it ends a bit roughly probably they were expecting for the series to continue
Anyway it was fun to read and super super quick but the series is so much better, less rushed and more chemistry inbewtween the characters
Maria is my fav❤️
This is disgusting Max being stuck in the consciousness and “sucking” Michael into it meaning Michael’s hand being glued to Max 🤢
Common Liz we know you love Max
Kyle being a mental institute after learning his dad his dead and was killed by aliens is sad… especially when you know in the series he is great help
All of them are still so so horny I am confused who is with who
Trevor is gone
I feel like it ends a bit roughly probably they were expecting for the series to continue
Anyway it was fun to read and super super quick but the series is so much better, less rushed and more chemistry inbewtween the characters
Maria is my fav❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2021
Written very clearly and smooth, this finale in the 10 book series felt wholesome and satisfying. Often I have read series finales and felt there was still so much left unanswered or undone, but this left me feeling warm and positive about the characters futures and lives. Characters who started off with evil-but-understanding positions ended with redemption, but unlike some books/tv shows it was done without the cheesy factor. Thoroughly enjoyed this series, and feel the ending was perfect. Almost perfect enough to make me forget the rushed ending of the Roswell show based upon these books.
September 19, 2025
Metz did a great job across the 10 books at building the crews relationships, building the villain progression, and ultimately ending the story in a way most fans would want.
I know that other writers have continued the story, but it seems gratuitous. Do I want to see these friends in more trouble? In more drama? These "kids" have just survived their apocalypse. Let them (and me 😄) rest.
BTW, a few books ago, I started to think,'I don't like the consciousness." Go figure, it turned out to be the main bad buy.
I know that other writers have continued the story, but it seems gratuitous. Do I want to see these friends in more trouble? In more drama? These "kids" have just survived their apocalypse. Let them (and me 😄) rest.
BTW, a few books ago, I started to think,'I don't like the consciousness." Go figure, it turned out to be the main bad buy.
January 31, 2019
I have been enchanted by the show ( WB) since I was a child, I expected a lot from this series.
I found the writing very poor, simplistic. I am use to reading large fantasy books filled with a lot of description that makes you connect more to the characters and their plight.
This series was .. dense. It feels like a pre-teen read.
I can honestly say the tv series from the 90s is much better than this.
I found the writing very poor, simplistic. I am use to reading large fantasy books filled with a lot of description that makes you connect more to the characters and their plight.
This series was .. dense. It feels like a pre-teen read.
I can honestly say the tv series from the 90s is much better than this.
August 8, 2018
Esta serie, aunque diferente a la de TV, me ha encantado mucho. Sobre todo me ha encantado ver que al menos aquí Alex no murió. Y me hizo querer más a Max Evans. Y por fin, después de todo los libros, Michael se dio cuenta que ama a Maria.
Este libro me ha dejado con una gran sonrisa.
Este libro me ha dejado con una gran sonrisa.
November 15, 2022
Finally and forever
Graduation should have been the ending, endings and beginnings, finding love on another world and the person you would become completely entwined with no matter what is thrown in the mix.
Graduation should have been the ending, endings and beginnings, finding love on another world and the person you would become completely entwined with no matter what is thrown in the mix.
January 26, 2019
3.5 Stars!
May 18, 2020
Awww! The last one! So much fun. As a big fan of Michael, this was a sweet ending for him, especially, which was nice.
April 17, 2022
A nice book to end (and conclude) the series. While some loss ends are dangling, I prefer an end where there's still some mystery to the story.
December 7, 2022
That ending???? I re-visited my childhood series, the one where my library didn't have the final books, hinged 15 years of hope, for this????? :(
November 16, 2025
The books definitely went a different way than either of the TV shows went. But these were quick and easy reads and I needed that at this moment
January 18, 2025
Now that I read the entire series (all 10 books), I fully enjoyed all of them. I am glad that I read all of them and found the the old TV series did not follow the books very well.
January 2, 2016
4.5-5
This was a great ending to the Roswell High Series. There originally were only supposed to be the ten and I think it wrapped up nicely in this installment.
This was a great ending to the Roswell High Series. There originally were only supposed to be the ten and I think it wrapped up nicely in this installment.
October 9, 2023
The Salvation gave me everything I need from the last book in a series. Now that most of the conflict (i.e., DuPris) had been resolved, the loose ends could be tied at the pace that they needed to be, without the ending feeling rushed. It also allowed enough time for the feelings and relationships of the characters to properly absorbed and processed.
I'm quite happy with how we left everything. Obviously, Max and Liz were destined to end up together but I was so happy when Michael, Alex and Isabel also had rewarding character growth throughout the series and I find it fitting that .
I feel sorry for Kyle though. Sure, he's a jerk but he just wants justice for his dad and he must be pretty traumatised. I also wish Tish Okabe had been developed more as a character. She's in every book, if I remember correctly, but never evolves further than Isabel's cheerleading friend. (Wouldn't it have been cool if she and Alex had ended up together instead? Or at least bonded over Isabel's... everything.)
Overall, I enjoyed the Roswell High series. Young adult novels have come a long way since then but the simplicity made me nostalgic for the 90s (even though I myself never experienced them lol). Now I can watch the TV show with a guilt-free conscience!
I'm quite happy with how we left everything. Obviously, Max and Liz were destined to end up together but I was so happy when Michael, Alex and Isabel also had rewarding character growth throughout the series and I find it fitting that .
I feel sorry for Kyle though. Sure, he's a jerk but he just wants justice for his dad and he must be pretty traumatised. I also wish Tish Okabe had been developed more as a character. She's in every book, if I remember correctly, but never evolves further than Isabel's cheerleading friend. (Wouldn't it have been cool if she and Alex had ended up together instead? Or at least bonded over Isabel's... everything.)
Overall, I enjoyed the Roswell High series. Young adult novels have come a long way since then but the simplicity made me nostalgic for the 90s (even though I myself never experienced them lol). Now I can watch the TV show with a guilt-free conscience!
January 6, 2017
Ich fand die Buchreihe sehr gut und bin ein wenig traurig, dass es schon zu Ende ist. Band 9 konnte mich ja nicht vom Hocker werfen, aber Band 10 war Gott sei Dank wieder richtig super. Die losen Enden haben sich alle mit einander verknüpft und alles ist gut ausgegangen. Es war ein Traumfinale.
Endlich haben die Pärchen zueinander gefunden und alle sind glücklich. Mein Michael und Maria Herz kann sich endlich beruhigen, sie haben ja auch lange genug gebraucht, eigentlich hat es ja auch nur an Michael gelegen. Max und Liz haben auch endlich den Absprung geschafft und ich freu mich sehr für sie.
Isabel mag ich immer noch nicht und ich bin der Meinung das sie niemanden verdient hat. Aber man kann ja nicht immer seinen Willen haben. Trevor fand ich so toll und ich freue mich das alles so gut für ihn ausgegangen ist. Alex hat mir mal wieder ein wenig leid getan. Er hat niemanden abbekommen, aber wenigstens ist er nicht gestorben.
Fazit: Das Buch war sehr spannend, voller Action und sehr witzig. Die Handlung, sowie die Figuren haben sich toll entwickelt. Ich fand nur schade, das die Reihe so kurz war und die Bücher so wenig Seiten hatten. Die Handlung hatte potenzial für so viel mehr!!
Endlich haben die Pärchen zueinander gefunden und alle sind glücklich. Mein Michael und Maria Herz kann sich endlich beruhigen, sie haben ja auch lange genug gebraucht, eigentlich hat es ja auch nur an Michael gelegen. Max und Liz haben auch endlich den Absprung geschafft und ich freu mich sehr für sie.
Isabel mag ich immer noch nicht und ich bin der Meinung das sie niemanden verdient hat. Aber man kann ja nicht immer seinen Willen haben. Trevor fand ich so toll und ich freue mich das alles so gut für ihn ausgegangen ist. Alex hat mir mal wieder ein wenig leid getan. Er hat niemanden abbekommen, aber wenigstens ist er nicht gestorben.
Fazit: Das Buch war sehr spannend, voller Action und sehr witzig. Die Handlung, sowie die Figuren haben sich toll entwickelt. Ich fand nur schade, das die Reihe so kurz war und die Bücher so wenig Seiten hatten. Die Handlung hatte potenzial für so viel mehr!!
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