Silver by Olivia Levez

THEIR LOVE WILL SET THE STARS ALIGHT . . .

Silver has been trained since birth for her mission: collect data on the humans to test if Earth is viable for her home ship, Charybdis, to colonise. The only rules are that she must feed back the data she collects to the ship, and at all times follow the Mantra: To touch is agony. To feel is pain.

So when Silver inhabits the body of a young woman and infiltrates the house she is staying in, she must learn to pass as a human without revealing her true identity. But she isn't prepared for how the humans will get under her skin. And she definitely isn't prepared for Finch, the boy she starts to fall for. Especially when he touches her - and it doesn't hurt.

It is not how Charybdis said it would be.

Have they been lying all along?

Conflicted by the war between her growing feelings for Finch and her allegiance to her ship, Silver must decide who to stand by and who to betray.

---

Silver by Olivia Levez is a fresh take on the alien-in-human-body trope, giving readers a thoughtful, introspective journey through the eyes of an alien girl grappling with human feelings and connections she was told to avoid. As Silver navigates life on Earth under strict orders from her home ship, Charybdis, she's torn between her mission to gather information for her ship's survival and her growing feelings for Finch, a boy who shatters her deeply ingrained beliefs. While romance with Finch takes the foreground, Silver’s whole experience of being human is delicately portrayed, capturing her discovery of emotions, loyalty, and freedom.

The story is filled with thought-provoking questions about humanity, trust, and the powerful pull of emotions that defy all logic. Silver’s inner conflict between her duty and newfound emotions—particularly as she wrestles with her desire to protect Earth instead of exploit it—keeps readers invested in her journey and uncertain whom she’ll ultimately choose to side with.

While a quieter, more reflective read, Silver will likely resonate with fans of character-driven sci-fi and romance. Its premise might remind readers of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, with a subtle but engaging examination of love, loyalty, and the unknown world of human connection. Meanwhile the movie Arrival makes a thoughtful companion, exploring an alien’s attempts to bridge the gap between worlds and the power of human connection.

Silver publishes on the 7th of November, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.