Book Review- Invasion (A C.H.A.O.S. Novel)

By Jon S. Lewis

Published by Thomas Nelson

Released on January 4th, 2011

Source- The Publisher

4 stars- I Really Liked It

Colt McAllister is drawn into a war against things he thought only existed in comic books.After a car wreck takes the lives of his parents, Colt moves to Arizona to stay with his grandfather. There, an informant tells him that his parents were actually murdered because his mom, a journalist, was getting ready to write a story exposing Trident Industries. Along with Oz and Danielle, his new comrades at Chandler High, Colt vows to uncover the truth. But the more they learn, the more bizarre reality becomes. Mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles only scratch the surface of what they discover. Colt is recruited by a secret organization called the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural. But the battle isn't just against an out-of-control giant corporation. A gateway to another world is opening, and the invasion has already begun (quoted from Goodreads).

Jon S. Lewis has done a fantastic job at introducing a new Sci-Fi book that both YA and adult readers will enjoy. I've never read anything quite like this before, as Invasion is a really fun read with it's shape shifting aliens, mind control technology, a secret government agency, flying jet packs, flying motorcycles, out of this world adventures, danger and even a little romance.

Invasion took me by surprise as I really enjoyed all that happens on this wild ride. There's so much I'd like to say, but I don't want to risk giving away any spoilers. I enjoyed how the plot twists are uncovered and the characters. Sixteen year old Colt McAlister is a very intelligent teen, who hails from a highly respected family, who's also part of a secret government agency.

When Colt's parents are killed, Colt is sent to live with his Grandfather in AZ and if dealing with his life being turned upside down wasn't hard enough, Colt's quest for truth will lead him on adventure of his life as uncovers the clues into what and who killed his parents.

Mixed into this sci-fi adventure are to sidekicks and friends Colt relies on to help him. Dani, whom he grew up and Oz, someone he knows is familiar, but can't remember from where. I really liked the three of them, as they are all very realistic, relatable teens living in a brilliantly creative, yet real world. Each of them offers something different to the story- Oz is the good looking fearless, secretive know it all (I mean that in a good way) who knows everyone, and everything. Colt is the typical surfer boy from CA who's a little bit more laid back, and who has intelligence to possibly be the next leader of C.H.A.O.S., and help rid the world of killer aliens. Dani is the brains of the group, and there isn't anything she can't hack into. She's also the only one of the group who doesn't know about CHAOS, the secret government agency, and I love that she can be all girly and yet still act like one of the guys. The romance was written perfectly for the book, as Lily and Colt's chemistry is great. Lily is a beautiful student he meets on his first day at his new school. No, there's no kissy scenes, just a sweet romance that will hopefully grow into something more in the sequel.

I liked how Jon brings a bit of WWII history via a great war hero in Colt's grandfather, and put his own spin on what many thought/think were secret government cover ups. He brings to life comic book heros from the story, mixes that with aliens, gateways, and adds in some pretty amazing characters, high tech gadgets, cover ups, secrets and a lot of adventure. What I enjoyed most about reading Invasion, was how engaging it is. I really enjoyed being apart of a world where everything going on seemed believable. I credit that to Jon's writing and being able to mold together a unique Sci-Fi story with a realistic setting and main characters.

Invasion is a book I recommend picking up if you're a fan of adventure, Sci-Fi or just want to enjoy reading a fun, fast paced, engaging story. I'm looking forward to reading more this series, when Jon's sequel is released next year. You can find out more about the Chaos Novels by visiting http://www.chaosnovels.com/