Book Review: The Circle by K.M. Montemayor

Rating:

An intriguing take on extra terrestrials, “The Circle” introduces us to Sentrians, a humanoid race who are from two galaxies away. They can time travel and they have been visiting Earth for some time with one mission – hide their existence from us.

Set in 1988, “The Circle” follows Lilly Garcia, a shy high school senior who plays the French horn and Charlie Gray, an undercover Sentrian who plays the trumpet and also a senior. Both are members of their high school’s marching band.

Against all odds, these two fell in love. And though it did not come as surprise to Charlie, Lilly turned out to be his “One”, the person whom he will spend his whole life with, according to his beliefs and religion.

There is only one problem though. Interracial marriage is unheard of among the Sentrans. And though Lilly and Charlie beat the odds, they have more obstacles to overcome to find their happily ever after.

As a novel, “The Circle” is a pleasant read. Charlie and Lilly are lovable enough, but they are not your typical hero and heroine. Lilly is barely 5 feet tall, and Charlie is not even a head taller than her. Both have very retiring personalities and they are the last two people who will create waves.

But, Charlie and Lilly unexpectedly challenge the status quo. And somehow, their need to be together starts a series of events that they did not even know about.

“The Circle” is a love story inasmuch as it is a metaphor for religious freedom and race relations.

The book is Rated PG 13 due to some adult situations. There are no sex scenes in this book.