My Alien Life - J. Martain - ★★★★.½

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Author: J. Martain

Genre: Speculative Fiction novellette
Rating: 4.5 stars.

In a Nutshell: An unusual novella that took me by surprise! Don’t let the ‘Speculative Fiction’ tag scare you away.

Narrated in the first person perspective of Lynette, the story tells us of how she is sent to live with her Aunt Magnolia aka Mags at the age of nine after her father’s death. Mags is quite old but this doesnt make her weak. Her idea of parenting is very different from the one Lynette is used to, but soon, the child relishes the different lifestyle, full of firm care and concern for nature and holistic living. How will this unusual relationship develop?

Note that the titular ‘alien’ is both relative and literal here. You’ll know more only when you read the book.

First things first. The genre. While the story contains elements of speculative fiction, it is not typical of the genre. So if you like good old ordinary fiction and don’t mind a few sprinklings of spec-fic thrown in, you will still love this story.


What clicked with me:
👌 Memorable, well-developed characters, which is quite a rarity for this length. Mags and Lynette are excellent and their shoulders carry the story well.

👌 Within the first few lines, I went "Wait, what?" The ending made me go “What?” yet again. Both in good ways.

👌 Short and quick-paced.

👌 Unusually descriptive for this genre. Excellent imagery.

👌 The focus on the importance of nature and its bounty.

👌 The unconventional yet remarkable friendship between a centenarian and a tween.

👌 Realistic and grounded. Not at all OTT.

👌 Can’t believe it covered so much within just 4 chapters.

👌 Covers a lot of emotions. Heartwarming and sweet.

👌 Gorgeous cover.  

⚠ The blurb promises this to be a great Southern experience. If that works for you, it’s yet another positive. I am on the wrong continent to be passing remarks on the authenticity of this claim. All I know is, if this is Southern fiction, I enjoyed it.


What could have clicked better:
👎 Wanted more at the end.

👎 Not as “speculative fiction” as the title and the blurb promised. Assumed more “alien” stuff to be present in the content.

👎 Leaves the otherworldly elements unexplained and undetailed.


All in all, while I did expect more ‘alien’ content, I was still blown away by what I got. This is a wholesome story that creates a massive impact within 38 pages. Definitely recommended when you are looking for a quick and impactful read with excellently sketched characters. A well-written and worthwhile indie effort.

My thanks to author J. Martain and BookSirens for the DRC of “My Alien Life”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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