One day, near the end of summer, in what seemed like a normal day like any other, a teenage boy fell out of a crack in reality, into the home of a girl named Lifey. Not long after his arrival everything changed, as an alien race showed up, offering all the technology and knowledge mankind could want, for free, just to help. Thankfully not all humans are that gullible, but many are, and Lifey quickly finds herself in a position to quietly push back, just enough to know for sure that there is a much darker side to the new alien race and their intentions for Earth.
This is a nicely sophisticated fantasy/science fiction novel for middle-grade readers, introducing all sorts of critical thinking skills along with some great characters. I especially loved the side characters that show up during the action scene to help, and hopefully they will continue to make appearances as this series develops. The main character's name, Lifey, bugged me a bit because I never really did figure out how she pronounces her name (short for Olivia, so maybe 'liff-ee' to rhyme with gift? or maybe a long i to rhyme with wife?). Maybe some kids can tease her in the next book in a way that demonstrates the correct pronunciation? Minor quibble, I know, but I am probably not the only reader who is unsure. Otherwise, fun book and I look forward to the next one.

One day an alien boy named Van lands in a human teenager’s kitchen through a sliver of light. He realizes that he has gone back in time to the day his people first appeared in the sky. The day that amazing, glittering promises were given with nothing asked in return. Only, this is not the right year, and freedom fighter he was searching for is not the right age. Why was he drawn to this day, to this year? How will this help them both save Earth? Or is Van doomed to watch freedom slip through his hands...again?

This book is amazing! The illustrations are beautiful and help to engross you in the intrigue and factions before you even read the first page. You are drawn in as a reader from the very first page and not let go until the last. The only bad thing I can say about this book is that I want the entire chronicles released today, so I can continue Van and Lifey’s story.

I cannot believe that this the author's first foray into writing. I will definitely be purchasing this for my classroom library and adding it our school library.