OPERATION EARTH
by Maria Hammarblad
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing (Aug 2013)
Genre: Sci-Fi, YA/NA/Adult
Format: eBook (240 pages)
Source: Free book from blog tour for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
Seven billion people on Earth go about their daily lives, and no one is prepared when a global EMP slows the world to a crawl. With all our technology incapacitated, everything changes. Within days alien soldiers line the streets, and life will never be the same. Rachael struggles to adapt to the new order, doing her best to keep herself and her cat alive.
Rachael’s neighbor Ryan hounds her to join a brewing resistance movement and make a stand against the newcomers. She still befriends Peter, enthralled by his enigmatic personality and hypnotic golden eyes. Would falling in love with an alien be treason against humanity? When the rebellion gains momentum and open conflict with the newcomers is a fact, Rachael’s personal insurrection might be her doom, or bring salvation to us all.
At A Glance
This is a very soft and slow sci-fi but I kind of liked it that way. Nothing huge happens, just a cute romance with a little alienish happenings.
The Good
For some reason I felt like an easygoing sci-fi book, and that’s just what I got. I was surprised by how excited I was to get back to Operation Earth every time I had to put it down. It wasn’t like it had lots of action and drama, it was just a fun story they kept me entertained.
My favorite part was how odd Rachael and Peter were. They just were weird characters with weird thoughts making weird decisions. It was different, quirky. Rachael didn’t let the alien invasion get her down. She lived her life as best she could. And her inner thoughts often had me cracking up. Peter didn’t let his duties get in the way of finding companionship and joy in his dismal existence. I loved his fascination with earthly things. I want my very own alien now!
There was a sense of foreboding throughout the novel. We never really know for sure what the aliens were going to do with the humans, how far they were willing to go, and what their real plans were. But overall, Operation Earth was a good mixture of light and darkness.
The Bad
Don’t go into this book expecting a full blown sci-fi novel with tons of action and probing *snickers*. Operation Earth was on the verge of being too slow and uneventful. I happened to of liked the laidback feel, but a lot of people wont.
With the focus being on romance, I wish there was more detail when it came to the bow chica bow wow. I think this book should have read more like an adult or new adult book with a more even mixture of romance and sex. That would have oomphed it up a bit.
There really isn’t a climax per se. Operation Earth reads like “this is what happened to Rachel today.” Not much build up or excitement.
The Snuggly
I liked how sweet the romance was. Rachael and Peter are an adorable couple. They built their relationship around awkward circumstances, but it all worked out perfectly.
No sex scenes to worry about. So this is suitable for a YA, NA, and adult audience. Though there is a sexual assault but it doesn’t go too far.
Final Thoughts
This book will not be for everyone. Hard core sci-fi fans probably will find Operation Earth lacking. But if you are looking for a quick, fun read, then give this one a chance. Recommended.
“If today is the last day of my life I’d like to have a glass of wine and a vat of ice cream. No harm in dying content.”
He lifted a snow globe and tilted it a little, raising an eyebrow as the fake snow slid from side to side.
“Let me…” She took it away from him, shook it, and put it back in his hands. “Now it’s snowing on all the little animals.”
Peter shook it again, this time “properly.”
You are cute.
“You know what? You can have it if you want. No matter where you go you can look at it and remember Earth and lasagna.”
Author Bio
Born in Sweden in the early 1970’s, Maria showed a large interest for books at an early age. Even before she was able to read or write, she made her mom staple papers together into booklets she filled with drawings of suns and planets. She proudly declared them, “The Sun Book.” They were all about the sun. She also claimed, to her mother’s horror, that her being on Earth was a big mistake and that her alien family would come and bring her home at any moment. This never happened, but both the interest in space and the passion for bookmaking stayed with her.
Besides writing and playing bass, Maria enjoys driving off-road, archery, and Tameshigiri.
Quotes: “Full Speed Ahead” and “Caffeine is good for you”
Chene Sterckx
I agree, sometimes its nice to read a different book from what you are used too and for it to be light and easy reading. Great review 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer Bielman
Exactly! I am very happy I read it.
kimbacaffeinate
No probing huh? LOL Rachel and Peter sound wonderful, and I think it’s cool that it kept you anxious to get back to it. Wonderful review Jennifer:)
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks. I love when a book makes it hard to put down.
Sarah Elizabeth
I’ve actually found that I really like sci-fi now, where as before I would have said I didn’t. This sounds like quiet an easy read so I might try it 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I was never into sci-fi before either, but I have found a few I really liked.
Jaclyn Canada
Sci-fi can certainly be hit or miss with me so it’s the genre that I go into a little more cautiously. It sounds like a cute story. I definitely get in moods for books that are more laid back and fun. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I am very nervous anytime I read a sci-fi. This one just hit me right, and I am glad.
Brandi Kosiner
An easy going scifi with good romance makes me happy
Jennifer Bielman
It definitely made me happy. 😀
Book Swoon
I like the way Rachael and Peter sound – pretty unique and fun. Sometime I’m like you and just need a easy Sci-fi with a easy going pace. Thanks for the great review Jennifer.
Jennifer Bielman
Happy to see that I am not the only one. easy-going reads are a must sometimes.
Braine TS
I think I might like this because I’m not big on sci-fi. My brain freezes when I try to read one.
Jennifer Bielman
Your brain wont freeze with this one. So easy and fun.
emaginette
Sounds like this book is for me. I love a fun read. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Jennifer Bielman
Fun books really hit the spot. Thanks so much for stopping by.