‘Jack Palmer had seen the movies: when aliens invade, humans will come together to save the world.’
Unfortunately for Jack, when a superior alien race decide to invade earth, it seems the films are wrong: cowed by their brutally dispassionate taskmasters, whose punishment for every infarction, however minor, is instant death, most humans rapidly learn to submit to their new masters. But why, wonders Jack, did this happen?
What’s it about?
As the title suggests, although the intentions of the visiting aliens are initially unclear, their arrival ultimately changes life on earth almost beyond recognition, establishing ‘a new order’. Jack and his family are survivors in a world where a strange new normal has been established and there seems no hope of any rebellion.
After an initially calm start (the announcement that aliens have made contact is made in a school assembly and the students are told that lessons will continue after a slightly extended lunchbreak!) the tension escalates until a shocking event leads to dramatic consequences.
What’s it like?
Enjoyably dramatic. Light on world building, with details revealed as required. Ultimately satisfying, despite the lack of resolution.
Batchelor focuses on daily life and Jack’s feelings, which are simply expressed and contrast effectively with those of his friends. The plot developed in an exciting way and I enjoyed the twists, especially the epilogue (which did exactly what I hoped it might!)
Although this storyline definitely sets the main character, Jack Palmer, up for starring in a sequel, it definitely felt like a complete and satisfying storyline within itself.
Final thoughts
I rarely read science fiction but enjoyed this debut novel. It’s an exciting YA story, a quick, easy and satisfying read.