The novel “Invasion Earth” by Don Vodka was published for the first time in 2021 and with a new, expanded and illustrated edition in 2025.

Ross Shelton is in the Nevada desert when he sees a strange, clearly artificial object. Nearby, he discovers a woman wandering in the desert, seemingly lost. When he rescues her, he discovers she doesn’t speak a word of English and appears to be in a state of confusion. He takes her to the local doctor, who finds her in perfect health, in a way that would be impossible even for a woman who hasn’t been in the desert for who knows how long.

Intrigued but also attracted to the woman, Ross offers to help her and gradually manages to communicate with her, as she seems to be learning new words at a remarkable speed. This isn’t the only extraordinary ability she demonstrates, as she reveals superhuman physical prowess. Once she learns enough English to communicate complex concepts, she explains that she has come from another planet to warn Earthlings that aliens are heading for Earth and intend to literally devour humans.

“Invasion Earth” is the prequel to the main series written by Don Vodka and recounts the events leading to the birth of Dazzle Shelton, hence the subtitle “The Origin Story.” It begins in 2021, with the arrival of Dazensha “Daz” on Earth to warn Earthlings of the arrival of the alien Ckizz. It begins a long series of novels containing some very classic science fiction elements that Don Vodka develops in her own way, with a deliberately over-the-top style and broad use of humor.

The initial part of the novel is set in Nevada, near the notorious Area 51. Don Vodka lives in the area and claims to have seen a lot of weird things, especially after the fifth shot of tequila. This raises the suspicion that Don Vodka is a pseudonym, and it fits well with her style. The series isn’t centered on UFO folklore, but some elements have been incorporated into this prequel’s plot.

The over-the-top style also means that certain clichés, not only specific to science fiction, aren’t avoided, but Don Vodka plays with them and makes them central. For example, the Ckizz aliens are giant insectoids like many aliens in pulp-era stories, and in this novel, they seek Earth because human flesh is a delicacy to them.

Daz reveals that humanity originated on another planet, which was invaded about 20.000 years earlier by the Ckizz. The Earthlings are the descendants of a group of survivors, but they lost their technology after arriving on Earth. The story that develops between Ross and Daz is a cliché that transcends genre and is developed in a way that is often comical and probably not common in romance novels.

The comedic undertones also emerge from other moments, such as the mutual teasing between Ross and his old friends. As the plot progresses, the danger to Earth emerges and various authorities become involved, but the initial part focuses mainly on ordinary people. This means there are moments of everyday life, even silly ones, that reflect the novel’s style well.

Despite the style, the danger posed by aliens who stole powerful technologies for millennia is very clear. The Earthlings have no hope of repelling the Ckizz alien invasion attempt with weapons alone, not even with Daz’s help. What follows is a battle fought largely through subterfuge, necessary to reverse the tide of what might seem an unavoidable invasion.

“Invasion Earth” is a novel that features narrative elements of very classic science fiction without taking itself too seriously. It’s a prequel that tells a story that has its own ending, so you can read it as a standalone story and decide if you like the style before starting the main series, which is set several years later. You can find it on Amazon USA, UK, and Canada.