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’How?’ I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
’I ate it.’
Nope. Shouldn’t have asked."
The novel follows fifteen-year-old Macy Steward, a seemingly normal high schooler who helps her parents with a retreat center. However, while Macy and her family are supposedly "simple" humans, they may be much more. They work with five "exchangers" who come to this center from other places in the universe to experience the pleasures of Earth life through the retreat center's offerings—yoga, nature walks, good food, the beach, art, and music—all while living within human bodies they've invaded. Gigi, the center and grounds, is a sentient being as well. There is also a talking crow who protects them. But then they're invaded by various beasts, including body snatchers, tall orange furry beasts with tusks, stinging vicious bees, and a "purple-eyed flying crocodile," resulting in "alien goo." The Veil has opened into the "True Nature of Things," and a variety of strange things will be encountered.
Although the book is written for young adults, many adults will also love the sci-fi, mystical, magical, mysterious, creepy, funny, and ever-changing weirdness of the worlds that collide between the various types of beings. And while all this oddness is happening, what is Macy finding out about herself? It is truly an exciting examination regarding a strong female protagonist as Macy grows as a "human being." Engaging from the first chapter, this is a book that readers won't be able to put down. It will make them laugh aloud at times and aid in their wonderment about the universe that surrounds them. The descriptions are beautifully detailed and cause the audience to feel as if they are experiencing the drama, horrors, and craziness in person. Overall, this tale is excellently done in its plot, written word, and style.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review