Synopsis:
ALIENS IN MY GARDEN takes ALDITHA the witch and HARPER (the talking, though not terribly bright owl) from their usual business serving the residents of the Garden on a path that pits them against SKOROS. The would-be evil wizard is useless at magic, great at engineering, has a brass wand, a smart alec who plans to take over the Garden. When a giant teacup lands in their world, they are introduced to CELESTE, a teenaged alien girl (who’s really much older than she looks) and ALPHA, her bio-mechanoid co-pilot, who looks like a typical Grey alien.
The book contains themes of friendship, acceptance, social pressure and the power of community, but above all, it tells an exciting epic story through believable characterization within a fantastic universe, with fast pacing and the effective use of humour.
My Review
Firstly, I like to say thank you to Jude for introducing me to his wonderful creation. As always this doesn’t affect my review, I will always be 100% honest.
In the very first chapter Jude breaks the 4th wall (talks to us directly as a reader) this is something I haven’t experienced much in books, it worked really well. I enjoyed how it set up the concept of the garden. We go back to this periodically throughout the book and I loved how that draws us, as readers, even further into the garden.
The Story
What a story, in very brief summary because I don’t want to give anything away. Harper witnesses the flying teacup land and thinks the worst. Skoros the evil Wizard see’s it as an opportunity and Alditha sees it as her business to sort it all out. Along with ensuring their community doesn’t fall into utter chaos. Oh and the alien Celeste wants her orbs back.
The Characters
The early chapters introduce us to a vast cast of characters. I must admit I struggled a little to get them all straight in my head. Partly because there is also an array of different beings. The Green Man (a tree), a talking potato, a witch and wizards, goblins, birds, the list goes on.
Throw into the mix an alien landing in a teacup, flying orbs and sentient spell books and wow – mind blown. I worry I’ve made it sound complicated and it is, however, it does all settle out and you get to know all these people and how they interact. You are reading about a community and all the characters that make it.
Of course, in any community you have your favorites. Alditha the witch was brilliant. Something Jude has done really well, is writing strong, capable, well rounded female characters. Something I really appreciate; especially given the age range he is writing for. I loved how Alditha approached the situation with the aliens and the threat from the Wizard Skoros.
Harper, the little hero of this tale, is my anxiety ridden spirit animal. I got him on so many levels.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this read, in places I found Jude’s writing to be quite Pratchett esk, especially when he’s discussing how time passes. Is it a style of writing I really enjoy.
Aliens in My Garden is a very visual read, your imagination will be fired and you’ll catch yourself sneaking glances at your own garden. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll see a little owl flying through the bushes.
Author Bio
Jude Gwynaire is a UK based musician, composer and writer.
Jude was born in the UK and lives in Suffolk, where he combines a love of writing with that of music and composing. Drawing inspiration from history, folklore, and the natural world, Jude has written science-fiction and fantasy stories for children and adults.
Jude’s first published novel, ‘Aliens In My Garden’, a 12+ children’s sci-fi/fantasy novel set in ‘The Garden’, a micro-universe of magic and wonder, hidden in an ordinary suburban garden, is now available in paperback and on Kindle from USA publisher Prodigy Gold Books. The novel is also available from Amazon, Waterstones, and most online bookshops. Aliens In My Garden will shortly be published as an audio book, too.
As a self-taught musician, working from his own studio at the peripheries of the industry, Jude draws on his many interests and influences to create new and diverse soundscapes that span the genres of Electronica, Ambient, New Age and Rock.
Jude has been able to pursue his passion for music free from constraint, and indulge in an atmosphere of unbridled creativity. By embracing the Internet as a means of promotion, his maverick approach has enabled him to reach an audience through channels other than mainstream.
Favourite films: The Village, Bladerunner, The Wicker Man, Sunshine.
Favourite books: Le Grand Meaulnes (Alan Fournier), The Magic Toyshop (Angela Carter).
@judegwynaire
https://www.cdbaby.com/artist/judegwyn…
email: info@judegwynaire.comJude Gwynaire is a UK based musician, composer and writer.
Jude was born in the UK and lives in Suffolk, where he combines a love of
writing with that of music and composing. Drawing inspiration from history,
folklore, and the natural world, Jude has written science-fiction and fantasy
stories for children and adults.
Jude’s first published novel, ‘Aliens In My Garden’, a 12+ children’s
sci-fi/fantasy novel set in ‘The Garden’, a micro-universe of magic and wonder,
hidden in an ordinary suburban garden, is now available in paperback and on
Kindle from USA publisher Prodigy Gold Books. The novel is also available from
Amazon, Waterstones, and most online bookshops. Aliens In My Garden will
shortly be published as an audio book, too.
As a self-taught musician, working from his own studio at the peripheries of
the industry, Jude draws on his many interests and influences to create new and
diverse soundscapes that span the genres of Electronica, Ambient, New Age and
Rock.
Jude has been able to pursue his passion for music free from constraint, and
indulge in an atmosphere of unbridled creativity. By embracing the Internet as
a means of promotion, his maverick approach has enabled him to reach an
audience through channels other than mainstream.
Favourite films: The Village, Bladerunner, The Wicker Man, Sunshine.
Favourite books: Le Grand Meaulnes (Alan Fournier), The Magic Toyshop (Angela
Carter).
@judegwynaire
https://www.judegwynaire.com
https://www.cdbaby.com/artist/judegwyn…
email: info@judegwynaire.com
I would love to hear your thoughts, please leave me a comment