Review: “Alien Education”
Gini Koch’s most recent installment of her Alien series, Alien Education, is the fifteenth book. At this point, some authors beginning losing their touch, begin to go stale or lose touch with what brought fans to their series in the first place. Not Gini Koch. Her writing gets better and better with each book. Alien Education follows on the heels of Alien In Chief which without spoiling anything for readers has major changes and a major plot element resolved. Some authors might flounder at that point, grabble to find a new plot to develop but Gini jumps right back into her world without missing a beat, backtracking to plot hooks from early in the series and manages to do so in a natural way that makes sense for Kitty and crew.
Alien Education begins with Kitty dealing with the alien visitors from Alien In Chief and settling into life as the First Lady or Flotus. And one of the jobs of the Flotus is doing television shows, even morning shows. Kitty might not deal well with mornings but she’s willing to do her part to educate the American people about their new friends from the stars. But things don’t go as planned, which as we all know is normal for Kitty. Soon, Kitty is dealing with Kittybots, androids, and a new type of robotic lifeform, cyborgs. On top of trying to figure out who’s creating the cyborgs, Kitty must also deal with getting her children enrolled in a new school and encountering the mother of all bullies, the head of the PTA for the school.
One of the elements that Gini does well is having her characters work for information and discover what’s going on just like you would in real life. She keeps the the situations and the characters authentic and true to life. One example of this in Alien Education is that Kitty doesn’t just walk on stage knowing what’s going on. During the course of figuring out the next plot, she realizes that she and her friends have missed information and failed to figure out that there is another mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes. While they figure out that there is someone else out there, they still have to figure out who it might be and who else is involved.
This leads to the next point. Gini Koch doesn’t always tie everything up in a nice neat bow. I happen to like this style. I like that while she resolves the major plot points, including the education angle, the mystery of the identity of the new mastermind is left for the reader to try and figure out and leaves material for the next few books.
So I do love Gini and I love the Alien series but there were some small factors that didn’t work as well for me, especially with this book. First, I always look forward to the sound track that is incorporated into Kitty’s life, especially the songs she listens to for hints to the problem at hand. The soundtrack was once again a winner but only after you get past the first couple chapters. At the beginning of the novel, Kitty is making a lot of quotes about songs. First, I didn’t get all the quotes and second, there were too many. I felt that they could have been pared down and I would have been fine.
The other issue for me as a reader was while the story does begin with action, like all the Alien books, this one felt slower. I’m not sure if that was because there were many new elements that had to be woven into the story or because we had such a big resolution in the last book but it took me a bit longer to jump into the novel than normal. The prologue was catchy and had a great opening line that immediately drew me into the story but the beginning with the morning show wasn’t as exciting for me. Analytically, I can figure out that Gini is setting the readers up for what comes next, introducing new characters and managing to give us a synopsis of the previous books. Most authors would flounder a lot more with the level of detail she packs into those first few chapters.
So even though it is slower, there are reasons and if you can enjoy the humorous depiction of perky morning show hosts and use the recap to remember all the details of previous books, you’ll enjoy the book. Plus, once you’re past the beginning, you’re right back into the action and the story, in love with both old and new characters. The story is exactly what I want from a Gini Koch Alien book, tons of action, tons of characters and tons of mystery with fantastic worldbuilding.
One of the reasons I love the series is because of the world, the caring that Kitty has for all the people in her life. Not only is she a warrior at heart, a protector, but she wants to take care of not only the people she loves but anyone innocent. The other half of that is that the character is willing to give others a second a chance, an opportunity to redeem themselves. One of the best parts of Alien Education was watching this in action with new characters, as Kitty builds her family ever larger. While this wouldn’t work with every character, for Kitty this works because it’s been her modus operandi since the first book. She is the one who recruits and sees the best in everyone, whether they’ve done bad in the past or they are a super scary looking alien. While not everyone is redeemable, while there will always be those that hate what is different, Kitty is all about embracing the different, the weird, the smart, the good in the people and aliens she meets and this is what makes the books so good, what makes Alien Education work for me.
Alien Education is all about Kitty at her best, finding the bad guys, figuring out what the bad guys are up to so she can save the day and along the way, she makes new friends, saves the innocent, and kicks ass. She is one of the best female characters out there, making mistakes but learning from them and loving her husband, her children, her family, and her friends, making the most of her talents and taking down the big bads. If you like kick ass heroines, and action packed stories, I recommend Alien Education. If you haven’t read the series, I do suggest starting with Touched by an Alien. The plot for each book is interlocked and connected so while you can enjoy the latest, you’ll bet much more out of Alien Education if you’ve read the preceding books. That said, go read the rest and catch up with those of us in the know. These are some of the best heroes out there and is one of the funniest, pop-culture, action packed series available.

Kitty and crew are still going at it. This is another great adventure full of imaginative action and characters. Keep it up Gini. Great to see what kind of trouble Kitty and friends can still get into.

Kitty, how I love you. This latest adventure with Kitty Katt keeps me rolling in laughter and snarky fun. I nearly missed this book coming out. Ms. Koch write so quickly and in hi-def humour. For those who have never picked up a book in this series, start from the beginning. This is not a standalone even if Ms. Koch recaps certain past experiences very well. It is best to read this series from beginning to end in order.

I loved this latest book. I have yet to read a slice into the life of Kitty that I doesn't keep me laughing and enjoying myself. What I love most about Ms. Koch is how she takes the realities of life and takes them to an incredulous level. What happens to Kitty is not too different than what most parents face. She worries about her kids. She has to work with the Parent Teacher Association. What is different is how out of control it can become when she is the wife of the President and other aliens think of her as their saviour. How does a woman find work life balance? This is a universal theme for the working woman who also wants to be a mother. This makes Kitty quite relate-able. When she is trying her best at a job which is beyond stressful with life and death situations, there are Queen Bee mean girls trying to take her down.

Not sure how Ms. Koch does it, but she perfectly blends being a mom protecting her kids with being a superhero, protecting the weak. Aliens all over are coming to Earth, hoping for the last stance against the evil oppressors. Whilst this is going on, an out of control parent with control issues decides to set Kitty up for failure. The way Kitty handles the PTA bake sale is impressive. Especially as we all know, Kitty does not really have a domestic bone in her body. I loved how she handles everything with a can do attitude and a healthy dose of snark.

This book is yet another page turning and action packed. It never stops. I would say this is the same old stuff just a different day, but somehow, Ms. Koch makes it feel different, each time the villains show up. Each twist makes it a variation of a riveting action/suspense theme. Of all the authors who are receiving movie or tv series deals, I really wish Ms. Koch would receive one. This series is perfect for a TV series or Movie. The characters are rich, the plots are well thought out and the world building is out of this world. I highly recommend this book to ev

Alien Education by Gini Koch

* Provided by NetGalley for Review

My Favorite Quotes/Lines:

“It’s not easy saving the world.”

“In other words, I’m an Earth Girl, but I’ll never make it easy.”

“As I well know, everyone’s a critic. As long as you’re doing the best you can, for the right reasons, no one else’s opinion should matter.”

“Oh, never think that, Missus Executive Chief. That’s pretty much you daring the universe, and we all know that the universe loves to take your dares.”

“You don’t know us.”

“Just be yourself. That’s always the best advice I or anyone else can ever give you.”

“It’s called seeing the best in people, and some of you could freaking try it.”


4 out of 5 gnomes

This is one of my go to series. I love all the characters and the story always pulls me in aka almost makes me late to work a lot because I just don’t want to stop reading.

Yes, the mastermind was taken care of but as always there are plenty of enemies out there and a plethora of surprises.

There was danger in this book yes, but it didn’t feel as dangerous as the last one did. I liked the drama and family aspects of everything, especially what Siler and Lizzie bring to everything. Plus the politics of it all are always intriguing.

I think the talents of all the kids though could mean big trouble in the future. To use a modified song lyric let’s just say, “Mommy’s alright, daddy’s alright the kids are a little weird...” This trouble might show up when their helping goes too far.

The ending of this one seems like the calm before a very big storm.

ALIEN EDUCATION is the fifteenth book in the Kitty Katt series by Gini Koch. That being said, I think it’s important to read the series in order. Not only is there a ton of world politics in this book, I simply think readers would have a better time if they started the book from the beginning. As always Koch delivers an interesting story. However, I did feel like the beginning of this one stalled slightly. It takes a couple of chapters to set the book up but once that’s completed, I do think the book finds it’s stride.

Kitty is always a treat to read. Not only if she bursting with personality, but she always provides readers with a fresh look into the world. I love the fact that although her character has progressed over the series that she still remains the same heroine we’ve loved from the beginning of the series.

The same thing goes for Jeff who obviously plays an important role in the series. Yet through the eyes of Kitty he’s still the down-to-earth, kind person she fell in love with. Despite the developments in their relationship, I still think there’s so much room to grow. That being said, I feel like Koch can write plenty more books set in this series.

If you’re looking for a Sci Fi read that’s full of personality, then you absolutely need to meet Kitty and the gang.

Alien Education is the (15th) installment in author Gini Koch's Katherine "Kitty" Katt series. After the tumultuous
events of Operation Immigration, aka as Alien Nation, where a massive alien arrival on Earth was handled with Kitty's usual flare, twisted brilliance, and antics, President Jeff Martini, First Lady Kitty Katt-Martini, and the rest of the Scooby Gang are gearing up for what will be an eventful series of events. The first day of school for Jamie-Katt and the rest of the kids

From Kitty's humorous appearance on Good Day USA, to helping Earth join the Galactic Council & becoming Earth's representative to the rest of the known galaxy, to having to deal with the fact that people are actually turning themselves into cyborgs as a way of living forever. Kitty even has her own school bully in the PTA who puts Kitty in her sights right from the onset, and doesn't let up no matter how hard Kitty tries to use her sarcasm and humor to break the ice. Thankfully, Kitty has Team Tough Guys (Buchanan, Siler, Wreck) and Lizzie as backups.

This is a story that once again shows Kitty's depth as a character. As a parent of two amazing children, as a wife & lover to Jeff, and as First Lady who kicks ass, takes names, and doesn't let alone mess what is hers. Kitty knows no limits when it comes to keeping her cubs and the people she loves safe from the True Believers, Death Dealers, The Tinkerer, and Fembots who have been created to steal Jamie from Kitty, Kill Kitty's mother, and interrupt Kitty's streak of very public wins that has set back Team Villains back to the beginning, and asking for a truce.

Koch is a masterful storyteller who uses sarcasm, humor, action, romance, and plenty of twists to keep readers happy and satisfied. After 15 books, the cast of characters once again grows. Along with those who have chosen to become Kitty's allies rather than enemies, are a group of newly arrived aliens who help her out in a particularly tough spot. Love me some turtles! You would think that Koch would find coming up with fresh and entertaining storylines hard. But, that isn't the case with Gini Koch and her Kitty Katt series. I am seriously impressed with her world building, her use of music that I have, and haven't heard before, and characters who are both lovable, relatable, and fun to read about. The good news for readers is that Koch plans on writing 5 more books! Yippee!

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
Another wonderful adventure with Kitty and crew! I think my favorite part of this story is Christopher on the ice! Speedy and ice don’t always mix! Awe, but I still love my Christopher. It is always fun to see Kitty in action. She has a way of thinking that at times has me scratching my head. Along with her ability to decipher musically clues makes her pretty much unstoppable.
In Alien Education Kitty has to deal with the PTA!! Yes, she is thrown into battle with the president of the PTA. There is a bake sale involved, a food fight and one very well aimed roll. We have an enemy that tries to bury the hatch and a new enemy show it’s hands. We also get to see how Jamie and baby Charlie are developing. These kids are going to run the universe very very soon!! And we get some Jeff & Kitty time!! Only thing better would be more Christopher!
I can’t wait to see what comes next for Kitty and crew!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Gini Koch continues Alien Nation series with Alien Education, the fifteenth story in the series. Kitty has to save the nation again as First Lady and get her daughter started in daycare. Non stop action and sideways humour. Aliens with attitude and noxious humans keep the reader guessing. Excellent science fiction action story.

Kitty and Jeff are back with all the usual characters, including my favorites Team Tough Guy. I loved Koch's newest installment. I have eagerly anticipated each release and Alien Education doesn't disappoint. The usual snark and humor are prevalent and the action is exciting. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

It's hard to believe that we're 15 books into this series now but I'm very happy to say that its still just as much fun to read as it was in the very beginning. Gini Koch has created such a unique world populated with a giant cast of regular characters and an ever growing variety of alien species always ready to either cause trouble or save the day. Picking up one of these books is like going to visit old friends and it always amazes me how easily I'm able to slip back into this world and remember exactly who all the main players are.

As usual the story is full of action pretty much from the first page and there is plenty of Gini's trademark humour to make you giggle alone the way. Kitty and Jeff are trying to help the various alien refugees settle into their new home on earth while trying to figure out who is behind the latest robot doubles that keep crawling out of the woodwork. As if running a country and trying to help smooth Earth's entry into the Galactic Council wasn't enough they're also facing every parent's biggest nightmare when Jamie and some of the other embassy kids have their first day at school - the parent-teacher association. Truly if you thought the superbeings from the early books were bad just wait until you come across the head of the PTA!

We're back to the good old days where Kitty is right there in the middle of all the action, from food fights at the school bake sale to dance-fighting on ice at a fundraising hockey match Kitty is fighting to protect her family and friends from their enemies. It's no wonder Hollywood are so excited about the idea of turning her life story into movie "Code Name: First Lady", along the lines of mission impossible it has box office hit written all over it! Of course Kitty has never been one to crave the limelight and she'd much rather be left in peace to get on with her life but the public have never been so keen to see more of the First Lady and the President.

I don't want to say too much more but if you're a fan of this series then you're in for a real treat with Alien Education. It's everything you could want and then some and I'm so happy that the series is still going strong. I can't get hold of the next five books fast enough!

Source: Received from DAW books in exchange for an honest review

Going back into the Kitty Katt-Martini world is like going back home after a long stretch away.
I love going back into this world and seeing all these characters that feel like part of my family already.
In Alien Education Kitty and the gang have to deal with not only the different types of bots, droids and borgs that keep popping up, but also with with the kids' first day of school... I bet you don't know which of those is the most complicated ;)

Alien Education is a fast-paced thrill from start to finish and a joy to read. Fifteen books in and I cannot imagine not having this world and people to connect with.

Yes, Alien Education will be better enjoyed if you have read the rest of the series. A lot has gone on and I bet you won't want to miss every single adventure Gini Koch has concocted. As usual it took me a little bit to get into things and remember what had happened, but Gini does the recap so expertly that is practically unnoticeable and even enjoyable at times.

Alien Education is a joy ride that I absolutely adored. Koch has done it again and I am utterly ecstatic that the series is confirmed until book 20 already... I cannot accept a world without more Kitty and co.'s adventures.

If you love this world, Alien Education is a must-read... If you have yet to meet Kitty and the gang, what the h*ll are you waiting for? You won't regret it!

(This review will go up on Amazon as soon as the book is out)

I really enjoyed this book, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. If I had one complaint, it would be that I wished Hacker International had showed up, at least on a phone call with Kitty. Other than that, it was great!

OMG I can't believe it, this series keeps getting funnier and funnier and staying just as engaging and interesting!!

I absolutely loved this book! And it was even better getting an ARC of this book, more than Alien Nation, because this time, I've read the series, and I know how awesome it is! And yeah, I read it the day that I was approved, because I've needed to read this book since I finished Alien Nation!

Compared to Alien Nation, this book is smaller in scope. No new aliens, no threat to the whole world, no facing off against all the religious leaders of the world. It can't be that big, because Alien Nation dealt with that. Instead, it starts something that we kinda knew, but was mostly hidden! And I can't wait to explore this new bad guy!

So all the bots and androids and those with wiring are a big part of this book. Like, those that have wires in their bodies have the name cyborgs! And Kitty has the most interesting dream that helps her make the connections that she's known for!

About half of this book takes place over the course of 2 days. And a lot happened in that time, starting with a morning show interview, and ends with a party fundraiser. Of course, since it's Kitty, things don't quite go as planned, which was as always, fantastic to read!

Also, Algar has to get creative with his musical cues, given that Kitty's in places where she can't have her music plugged in. But yeah, he found ways to work around that! Especially given that music beats help them fight multiple times in this book!

The leader of the mean girls, of the PTA, was pretty horrible! Basically, she acts like she never grew up, and yeah, of course Kitty's going to fight the bully! Plus all the other things she has to do, but of course, that's just what things are like for them!

This book was just absolutely amazing, and I can't wait for the next book!

Gini Koch definitely deserves the title of "Big Queenie" of the Sci Fi & Fantasy genre she is able to create books that mix over-the-top humor, crazy characters, romance and plenty of action that produces books that are addictive and hard to put down.

All of Gini Koch's books should come with a warning label "Do not start to read just before bed unless you don't need to sleep"

This one was HILARIOUS and made me want to watch a hocky game, hopefully YouTube will have something since I don't know how I would explain my laughing at the action (I don't think most people react that when watching hockey). I have a pretty high bar for comedy in a book since I think it take a lot of talent to perfectly mix action, comedy and romance but this book exceeded it by leaps and bounds.