Devlin Taylor works for the British Government Civil Service in the Ministry of Alien Relations and is head of Settlement and Relocation. As his family has passed on he used the inheritance to attend Oxford and was recruited immediately. At first, he did assignments that were filled with excitement, travel and danger. Now with the Ministry he really finds himself useful helping Aliens that come to London and need placement. He doesn’t handle any visiting diplomates that visit, he strictly deals with those who need a place to thrive on earth. He’s also facing a crisis with his self-confidence, his ex-boyfriend claimed him boring and has walked out.Now he’s been informed by his boss, Clarence Middleman, that he’s needed for the visiting Ambassador Scrialla Catenmir, husband Dharland and son Zal from Chroalian. Devlin really doesn’t want to deal with all the top brass and meet and greets. He just would rather do his job and help individual Aliens relocate and feel safe. Because the Ministry is short handed there’s no way out of the assignment. On top of that he will be dealing strictly with the son. Not having enough details on the Catenmir family, he can only assume that the son is twelve, until he does the age calculation.Zal is very intelligent. He does major research of other species and planets. But he hasn’t even stepped foot on a planet surface or interacted with resident species, not even to collect and preserve xenoartefacts. He’s been keeping himself secluded in his parents home since the hurtful break-up with Talgan. His loving mother, Scrialla, believes he’s hiding. She hopes this trip to Earth, will bring back his enthusiasm.When the Catenmir’s arrive, Devlin is immediately distracted by the stunning Zal and an iridescent, scaly, blue tail. Devlin can only imagine what else would intrigue him about Zal. The question is would Zal be as intrigued about Devlin? It’s only for two weeks can Devil find a way out of his comfort zone and will Zal get his enthusiasm back?Rebecca Cohen changes directions from historical Victorian era to modern space age. She makes that shift very well with “Ministry of Alien Relations” the first book in the new series “Devlin Taylor Earth Ambassador”. It’s intriguing with some aspects in the way of Earth humans and Alien relations. Those of Chroalia are much more advanced then Earth. They strive to show humans why diplomatic relations between Chroalian species would be beneficial. It also brings out how humans are considered not civilized enough as a species to engage in Alien interaction. How different humans got along with species from different Solar systems but could not get along with their neighbors of earth. All those involved with aliens, like those of the Ministry have an implant, that would activate, if they left earth without permission and they would face a tragic end.Besides all the seriousness, there’s a whole other side to this story with Zal and Devlin. They are a delightful and a sexy combination. Lot’s of fun, band and steam! Zal is hyper, loves Earth food and has to experience everything. Devlin is dealing with self-confidence and would just rather stay in his own secluded environment. Zal has his work cut out for him bringing Devlin out of his shell.Lot’s of fun characters that are in Devlin’s corner: The boss Clarence Middleman and the team: Majorie, Clive, Wendy, Trevor, and Simon. I really loved Zal’s mother, The Ambassador of Chroalian, Scrialla. She’s so understanding and caring and a strong character.Get ready for a new and imaginative vocabulary for expressive words and Alien species: katcheezle, pitwallock, kookalop, milkaleaky toad, Guhn, Galastia, Fritians, Ditursians and many more.I highly recommend “Ministry of Alien Relations” I was immersed from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. It’s entertaining, with a little heartbreak, sadness, lot’s of fun and love! Rebecca Cohen has done it again and peaked my interest with “Devlin Taylor Earth Ambassador”, another fantastic series. I’m sure there’s more up Ms. Cohen’s sleeve, so I’ll be watching for the next Zal and Devil journey.
