The Lesson

by Cadwell Turnbull
The Lesson cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 7792
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9781538584668
  • Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
  • Published: 2019-06-18
  • Reviews: 3

For five years, the people of the US Virgin Islands have lived under the watchful eye of the Ynaa, a superadvanced alien race on a mysterious research mission. While the Ynaa have brought many benefits, their disproportionate responses to aggression have created a fragile peace that cannot last. A year after a tragic incident involving a young boy, tensions rise, and three families become central to the unfolding events that will touch everyone and teach a terrible lesson. As the story unfolds, the novel explores themes of conflict, cultural misunderstanding, and the consequences of aggression. The Ynaa's advanced technology and enigmatic behavior add layers of intrigue, making this a gripping tale of first contact and its repercussions.

Reviews
Equal Opportunity Reader · 2020-07-23
good 3.50

The book is described as a simple alien invasion story with a subplot involving interspecies love gone wrong, set in the US Virgin Islands. The reviewer found it to be an engaging read.

This review describes 'The Lesson' as a straightforward alien invasion story with a twist involving interspecies love that doesn't go as planned. Set in the US Virgin Islands, the book offers a unique backdrop for the sci-fi narrative. The reviewer appreciated the setting and the way the story unfolded, finding it to be an engaging and thought-provoking read. They noted that the book's strengths lie in its ability to blend science fiction with a compelling human story.

Quick quotes

    This book seems like a simple alien invasion with a little interspecies love gone wrong subplot

    set in author Cadwell Turnbull's native US Virgin Islands

    The Lesson is a solid entry in the reliable genre of novels telling the story of humanity's first contact with extraterrestrials

Book of Cinz · 2019-09-18
great 4.00

The reviewer loved how the book gave a communal look at the invasion's impact on the islanders and then focused on specific community members. They found the narrative approach to be particularly effective.

This reviewer was particularly impressed with how 'The Lesson' portrayed the impact of an alien invasion on the islanders. They appreciated the communal perspective, which provided a broad view of the event, and then the focus on individual community members, which added depth and personalization to the story. This approach made the narrative more relatable and engaging. The reviewer found the book to be a thoughtful and provocative read, excelling in its literary prose and thematic depth.

Quick quotes

    I loved that the book gave a communal look at how the invasion affected the Islanders

    then focused on specific members of the community

    The Lesson is a thoughtful and provocative novel that excels in literary prose and thematic depth

Goodreads · 2019-06-19
excellent 4.50

The reviewer loved this book, particularly its Caribbean setting, and reached out to the publishers and author immediately. They were thrilled with the story and its execution.

This reviewer absolutely adored 'The Lesson' and was thrilled to find a book set in the Caribbean. They were so excited about the story that they immediately reached out to the publishers and the author. The reviewer found the book to be a fantastic read, highlighting the unique setting and the engaging narrative. They were particularly impressed with how the author brought the story to life, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely LOVED this book!

    I was so thrilled that The Lesson was set in the Caribbean

    I immediately reached out to the Publishers and author

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