The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull
Available June 18, 2019

The Lesson is a dark and twisting novel about how those that are most powerful can so easily justify putting their desires ahead of those less powerful than them. The island of St. Thomas has a long history of groups invading and conquering but none have been as deadly or feared as the Ynaa. Trading advanced technology and medicines for the right to live on St. Thomas, the Ynaa don’t see themselves as invaders. Coming from a dangerous and war-torn world, the Ynaa want only to study the humans on the island and live amongst the people. But when the Ynaa officials excuse the violent and deadly outbursts of their fellow Ynaa, the humans have had enough. The human governments are unconcerned about the deaths of a few islanders, there has been far too many medical and engineering advancements to justify fighting against the Ynaa. But there is evidence that the Ynaa have been on this earth for far longer than they claimed. Photographs and folktales of incredible strength and miracle cures are more common than people realize.
When another interaction with the Ynaa leads to the death of an islander, conflicts begin all over the island and no one is safe.
Dark, gripping, and powerfully written, The Lesson is a page turning thriller of violence and hope. I found it to be an interesting and engaging take on alien invasion. This is the first novel I’ve read about an alien invasion taking place on an island. Usually it’s New York City or Los Angeles-some major American city. It was quite refreshing to have the setting as St. Thomas and to see the difference a place makes in how the characters interact with the opposing force.
Highly enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good sci-fi thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

The Ynaa, an alien species, arrive on The Virgin Islands to teach its inhabitants “a lesson.” They shower their new neighbors with advanced technology but their generosity is tempered by a violence we humans fail to understand, or forgive.

It is also thirst-quenching to hear from people of color about people of color, especially in the speculative fiction community. Through The Lesson we hear the cadence and spirit of the VI natives while the story touches on issues of racism, classism, and gender roles.

The Lesson combines the ambiance of Rosewater by Tade Thompson with the eerie dread of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey while tensions mount between the humans and the Ynaa. This book is refreshingly difficult to classify with elements of historical fiction, science fiction, romance, and political thrillers.

Looking at humanity through the eyes of these aliens brings forth our strengths and weaknesses in stark relief, making us ask ourselves, did we learn The Lesson or will there be a sequel to tell us what happens next? This is a piece you can add to your book discussion lists as the content is ripe for debate. Suitable for grades 8+.

3+ stars -- You don’t have to be a sci fi fan to appreciate this intriguing look at the good & bad sides of humanity. The Lesson is thought provoking and easy to believe.

Low key character driven scifi about an alien invasion that centers on the Virgin Islands. Turnbull focuses on the effects of two big incidents on the islanders, sidestepping a lot of plot-driven drama for the slow sleeping of consequences.

Absolutely loved this perspective on invasion, especially comparisons to colonialism and the focus on people of colour-based. But not in a stark contrast to the human stories. It gave me all the feelings of Arrival, but more in-depth and with a deeper insight into the aliens. Mera's perspective was especially haunting in that it too was understandably human.

It's okay and fairly entertaining for a Sci-Fi but there are so many undeveloped characters and I am still trying to figure out what the actual Lesson is.

This is the 3rd book I got approved by Blackstone Publishing and I expected more. I guess this is not the kind of Sci-Fi I was expecting.

This was an anticipated read for me and so thankful to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC! I am interested in seeing more from this author in the future.

A fairly entertaining book. I liked the story overall, but I thought the character development could have been better and that would have made the story more engaging.

I wasn't sure what to expect from The Lesson. Alien invasion I suppose? Regardless, I was lost from the beginning. I couldn't relate to the characters or the plot. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Starts with a whole lot of back story, the usual human drama elements, etc. Very hard to get into (for me) because of that. Most science fiction isn't written that way and I guess I"m more of a traditionalist in that regard.