Spacekid iLK: Invasion 101
by Andrew Hammond (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

iLK is a normal alien boy, flying around with his parents in a spaceship and invading planets. But when iLK’s father conquers Earth, he gets tired of being the supreme ruler of such a boring planet, and gives the job to iLK to teach him some responsibility. Earth is soon in danger, and it’s up to iLK to save the planet with the help of some friendly Earthlings!

Spacekid iLK: Stranded! (Spacekid iLK, #2)
by Andrew Hammond (Goodreads Author), Imogen Russell Williams (Editor)

4 out of 5 stars

Spacekid iLK is stranded on Earth, where Emilio is now in charge and has started a contest to be declared king of the world. iLK is forced to attend a boarding school. He tries to “make friends” by “recruiting” his fellow students to fight back against the evil Emilio, who has taken over the planet. When a mysterious bubble-shaped alien race show up, they seem friendly so iLK asks them to help him win the election to become king of the world.

I thought these books were hilarious! The writing is so clever and silly, and the plot is really imaginative. I loved the world-building with the aliens, and their culture of invasion and world domination. I especially enjoyed the complex family dynamics between iLK and his parents.

iLK himself is a wonderful main character. He’s sassy and grumpy and repressed, until he finds freedom and friends on Earth. He has such a disgruntled teen attitude, and it’s wonderfully ridiculous. First, he never wants to leave his room on the spaceship, and tries to get out of his lessons. Then when he’s grounded, he changes his mind, and is desperate to get out of his room. He’s a lovely complex character, who is selfish and generous by turns, always changing and growing.

I loved the whimsical illustrations and cartoon drawings. It’s not set up in panels like a comic or graphic novel, but more like a continuous stream of text and pictures down the page. It’s very easy to follow, and I loved the dialogue and action within the artwork.

These are such entertaining books! I enjoyed the positive messages about taking responsibility and doing the right thing even when there are obstacles.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.