Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson * * *
My rating: 3 of 5 stars Columbus Day by Craig Alanson is a sci-fi novel that explores a sudden alien invasion and the subsequent alliance between humans and aliens. While the concept is intriguing, my feelings about the book are mixed. The story revolves around an unexpected alien invasion and humanity's efforts to ally with the aliens. This premise, as revealed in the book's synopsis, initially drew me in. However, certain parts, especially the detailed military descriptions, felt tedious and detracted from my overall enjoyment. These sections about procedures and preparations were uninteresting to me, perhaps because I don't have a particular interest in military topics. The characters are where I have the most mixed feelings. The protagonist, Joe, is an average American with a strong moral compass but otherwise quite ordinary. His nonchalant attitude towards many situations felt off and difficult to relate to. Additionally, there's a character named Skippy who, while...