For kids feeling overwhelmed by unexpected burdens, this story follows a reluctant teen developing alien-killing powers who might be Earth's only hope for survival.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is wrestling with impostor syndrome or feels crushed by expectations. In a world decimated by polite, homicidal aliens, sarcastic teen Jesse accidentally kills one of their leaders. Now, he's hailed as a prophesied savior, a role he feels completely unqualified for, even as he develops strange new powers. This action-packed and surprisingly funny sci-fi adventure explores themes of self-doubt, responsibility, and finding courage when you feel like a fraud. It’s a great choice for teens 12-15 who appreciate humor mixed with their high-stakes, world-ending action.
Post-apocalyptic setting with powerful, deadly aliens creates a constant sense of peril and dread.
Sad ThemesModerate
Deals with themes of grief, loss of family, and the end of the world.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the aftermath of a global genocide. Death is a constant, ambient presence, and major characters are killed. The approach is secular and focused on survival and human connection in the face of overwhelming loss. The overall resolution is hopeful about humanity's spirit but realistic about the immense cost of the fight, avoiding a simple, clean victory.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 13-15, who loves fast-paced sci-fi and dystopian adventures but might also be struggling with feelings of inadequacy. This book is perfect for a reader who uses sarcasm as a shield and feels overwhelmed by the expectations of others, whether at school, at home, or in their social life.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for significant science-fiction violence and a high body count. The title is an accurate descriptor. The book doesn't require specific context to be read, but a post-reading conversation about how humor can be a coping mechanism for trauma could be valuable. No specific scenes need previewing, but the overall tone is mature for the age range. A parent overhears their child expressing feelings of being a fraud: "Everyone thinks I'm good at this, but I'm just faking it," or "There's no way I can actually do what they're asking me to do." The child is buckling under pressure and doesn't believe in their own abilities.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely be captivated by the action, the alien-killing powers, and the witty dialogue. An older teen (14-15) will connect more deeply with the themes of impostor syndrome, the weight of leadership, and the psychological toll of survival.
What Makes It Special
Among a sea of grim dystopian novels, this book's standout feature is its genuine, laugh-out-loud humor. The protagonist's sarcastic, self-deprecating voice provides a unique and relatable lens through which to view the apocalypse, making heavy themes of destiny and self-belief more accessible and entertaining.
Read plot summary
In the aftermath of a devastating alien invasion, slacker Jesse is one of the few human survivors. When he accidentally kills an alien Vroon lord, the remaining pockets of humanity hail him as their prophesied savior. Jesse is highly skeptical of his own abilities, but as he begins to develop powerful and dangerous psychic talents, he is forced to confront his new reality. With the help of a few other survivors, Jesse must learn to control his powers and embrace his unwanted destiny to fight back against the Vroon before they wipe out what's left of humanity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jesse is constantly called the 'Chosen One,' but he spends most of the book feeling like a fraud. Why do you think it was so hard for him to believe in himself, even with his new powers?
2
The alien Vroon are extremely polite while they are conquering Earth. How did this trait make them more or less frightening to you as a reader?
3
Near the end, Jesse has to make a choice that he knows will lead to the deaths of some of his friends to save everyone else. Do you think he made the right decision? What would you have done?
4
How did Jesse's relationships with Cate, Marcus, and Mr. Hobson help him change from the person he was at the beginning of the story to the leader he becomes at the end?
