Xander Caine and the Alien Prophecy

Alexander Scruggs

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

Xander, the only son of world-renowned scientists Inara and Malcolm Caine, has lived a life full of wealth and privilege. And, as one might expect, everything he's ever desired has been handed to him on a silver platter. However, behind closed doors he yearns for something more - a greater purpose to his existence. Little does he know, the life he's come to call normal is about to be turned upside-down. There's something strange going on in Aveh and Xander is determined to find out who's behind it. He soon discovers secrets that forever alter his perception of the world. But, more importantly, he learns that his destiny is far bigger than he ever could've dreamed. Join Xander Caine as he relives the whirlwind adventure that leads to his final mission and the terrible decision that awaits him.

Book One of the Chronicles of Expel.

Content Warning: Some adult language and scenes of graphic violence.

Review by Paul Lappen (311013) Rating (8/10)

Review by Paul Lappen
Rating 8/10
This young adult novel is about a person's physical and emotional journey. Xander has lived a life of wealth and privilege. It has taken him a long time to realize that people are living in the slums outside the city walls, including his friends, Kai and Priya. Xander's home planet has recently finished a century-long war between the two civilizations that inhabit it, forcing them to work together.

Xander asks his father why he never talks about his family, and receives a really sickening answer. Despite the "peace" between the two civilizations, there are those who really don't like what Xander's father represents (he is more than just a world-famous scientist). They plan to do something about it, forcing the families (Kai, Priya and their mother are now included) to flee, several times. Along the way, Xander learns that his destiny is to get very involved in what is to come, and not just be a spectator.

This is a solid, well done piece of writing, in which the author has left room for a sequel. Teens will enjoy it. Content Warning: Some adult language and scenes of graphic violence.
Paul Lappen (31st October 2013)