Book Review: Ninety-Five Percent Human
Summary
Joe Kendrick, a teenager, believes he has more than his share of problems. After his father’s suicide, the farm he’s cared for is failing, his brother wants to sell it, and his girlfriend has broken up with him. On top of everything, his normally practical grandmother starts talking about seeing UFOs. Joe longs for a normal life. Then, he saves Sarah, a stranger, from drowning, only to discover she’s a human-alien hybrid sent to test life on Earth. Since she survived, hostile aliens are already planning an invasion. “Ninety-Five Percent Human” is the first book in a two-part sci-fi adventure set in the Welsh mountains.
Review
If you’re into classic alien romances, “Ninety-Five Percent Human” is a great pick for YA readers. The book has its flaws but still managed to pull me into its love story, set against the picturesque backdrop of Wales. I was drawn to Joe and his charming Welsh farm, which even has a secret cave with quartz stones. Sarah, the alien hybrid Joe rescues, adds a fascinating twist to the story. Joe deals with the possibility of selling the farm, while also being ostracized by the community due to his mother’s alien conspiracy theories.
Joe’s encounter with Sarah is far from a typical meet-cute—he saves her from drowning. I’m not entirely sold on the suicide element, reminiscent of Mirah in “Daniel Deronda,” but it effectively brings Joe and Sarah together in a believable way. This sets up Joe’s urgent need to help Sarah and bring her into his home, especially with a creepy guy pursuing her and a tracking device in her arm.
As the narrative progresses, the characters grow nicely. Joe stands out as a well-rounded, mature teenager who does what needs to be done for his family. His flaws, like letting his friends think Sarah is his girlfriend, make him feel more real. There are other interesting characters who I hope will be further developed in the second book of this series.
The romance between Joe and Sarah is the strongest part of the story. Their innocent relationship feels genuine and beautiful as it unfolds against the quaint Welsh setting. As Joe learns the truth about Sarah and her connection to the mysterious sightings in town, the love story gains excitement as the action picks up. While the plot occasionally jumps from one issue to another too quickly, leaving some villains underdeveloped, I never found myself bored. Though there were some grammar issues that were a bit distracting, overall, it’s a sweet, clean, and engaging love story with some good coming-of-age drama.
Adaptation Recommendation
This story would make an excellent TV series. A show would give writers the time to flesh out each plot point and character more thoroughly. The quirky Welsh town with its strange alien sightings offers endless possibilities for interesting characters, making it great television. Add in an alien-human love story, and you’d have a hit show, especially for fans of series like “Roswell.”
Overall Rating
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Beresford Publishing House
Page Count: 273 pages
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