By Michael Stephens
© August 29, 2025
File size: 1.0 MB
317 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8992980516
Fifteen-year-old Lexi Ames is smart. No, really. Like, super-duper smart. In fact, she’s the only one who successfully decodes a mysterious message coming from outer space. Unfortunately, decoding it also unlocks it, and sets it loose on humanity’s Earth-bound infrastructure. From there, hilarity ensues as Lexi and the scientists scramble to undo what she/they have done, and all the while, Lexi’s mother is chiding her to clean her room when, seriously, the fate of the world is at stake.
This was a fun, comedic romp aimed at readers aged 13-18—not my usual reading fare. But it was light, entertaining, and definitely a step outside my norm! Puns—such as hacker groups named MoxyOron, Lord MoldyWart, and BreadPirateRoberts–abound, as well as plenty of teen angst and drama. I also couldn’t stop laughing over the fact that the “bad guys” are, in part, robots who all look like Elvis.
Another thing I loved about this book is the fact that the author made the main character a super-smart girl. We don’t see nearly enough of heroes like that, especially in books directed at that age group, and we need more of them. Not only that, but the story emphasizes the importance of working together, despite differences, to solve problems that are bigger than any one person, as well as standing up for what you think is right, even when—no, especially when—it’s hard to do.
Lexi isn’t the only POV character, though. Her mom Vivian, and her mom’s best friend Rolo (who happens to have an Elvis phobia), pepper the pages and drink many Cosmopolitans. But don’t let them fool you. Sometimes, big help comes from unexpected sources. (No spoilers!)
Definitely worth a read, especially if you’re looking for something light, upbeat, and a bit on the wacky side to make you laugh. Recommended.