LEFT

By Paul McGrath

Fiction / Satire / Humor

Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing

Pages: 232

Publication Date: March 14, 2025

Synopsis

A Sci-Fi Satire of Alien Espionage, Southern Charm & Chaos on Earth!

First-time novelist Paul McGrath delivers a sharp, witty, and wildly entertaining sci-fi satire that asks: What if an alien held up a mirror to America—and we didn’t like what we saw?

Anton-7—aka Roy McDonald—was supposed to observe Earth, not get stuck on it. But after missing his ride back to planet Xylodon, he decides to make the most of his exile in Hernando, Mississippi. Breaking the number-one rule of alien espionage—never interfere—he dives headfirst into human affairs, finding friendship, romance, and the simple joys of a good cup of coffee and a highly anticipated trip to Buc-ee’s.

But when tragedy strikes, Anton-7 takes matters into his own hands, setting off a whirlwind of chaos that shakes both Earth and Xylodon.

Amazon | B&N | Bookshop

Review

Are there aliens among us? What would they think of our country, actions, and people? This novel embodies small-town America and the diverse characters you find in those small towns, everything from lovable Ezra to red neck Johnie.

Anton-7, aka Roy McDonald, is a different sort of alien. He seems to enjoy living on Earth, meeting people, and discovering biological options that might help his people on Xyladon. It is by accident that he is left on Earth when his partners leave for the home planet. However, this sets Anton-7 down a path of love and redemption for himself and the American people.

While I usually don’t read satire or sci-fi, this novel might make me change my mind about those genres. The characters’ actions were similar to what we might see around us. Anton/Ray believes in helping people and does this multiple times. He builds friendships with those in this town. I loved his conversations with Ezra over coffee. When he meets Ellie, it is like sparks fly. Ok, maybe not quickly, but their relationship builds from simply having coffee to more.

The book addresses many issues we face in our country, including gun control. I enjoyed seeing an “alien’s” perspective on the situations and how they might act if put in the middle of things. It also reflected the government’s inaction in serious matters. That’s okay. Anton takes it into his own hands and attempts to resolve several issues. Another reviewer likened this to “The Prime Directive,” which Star Trek fans will understand. I hadn’t thought of that perspective until I read her review.

The story was witty, the characters engaging, and the characters had enough smarts to outwit the government as it sought out an impostor. There is a plot twist at the end, and the epilogue leaves it open for a sequel. I hope there is one because I want to discover how Anton and Ellie’s relationship fares, if Anton is found to be an alien, and what happens with the puppy named Gator. I love a dog in a book!

This is a light-hearted book with social issues that could be discussed. If you were an alien, how would you handle certain situations? I could see this as a good book club read.

I sped-read through the book, turning pages left and right, and gave this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Paul McGrath is an award-winning journalist and educator whose career spans five decades. He spent thirty-seven years working at the Houston Chronicle after stints in Conroe, Lubbock, and Lockhart, Texas. He currently teaches at Texas A&M University.

Blue Sky ◆ Instagram

LinkedIn ◆ Facebook

To learn more about the book, look for #LoneStarLitLeft on your preferred social media platform. 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Campaign Page

For direct links to each reviewer participating.