Rating: 
Summary: A taste I can get used to!
Review: "Ukiah Oregon isn't your average man. He's not even your average human.." reads the quote on the back of the book, and this is not your average SciFi read!
Wen Spencer's debut novel is a thought provoking, twisting, page-turner with fully developed characters, family ties of assorted sorts, friendship, duty, and desire all expertly woven together in a tale that moves rapidly (the whole book covers 10 days) and leaves the reader fully satisfied and begging for more!
The Pittsburgh location is great...I'm familiar with the city so it gave the novel even more of a reality punch for me (especially the traffic!). An excellent debut novel with hopefully the possibility of sequels?!? I liked Ukiah and Max and wouldn't mind another howl with the pack!
Rating:
Summary: AuthorZone.Com Book Review
Review: A Sci-Fi fan's dream book! Look for this book to be made into a movie on the sci-fi channel.Very awsome futuristic science fiction!
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, quick paced read
Review: A wonderful book that explores the nature of what makes us human without getting preachy about it. Fast paced, with appealing characters and a smooth, crisp writing style. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Great characters and fast-paced action
Review: Alien Taste is a stunning debut novel- a fresh and original twist on a classic SF theme. From the very opening you find yourself drawn to these characters, especially to the narrator Ukiah Oregon, who is more than he seems and more than even he realizes. The author blends SF with mystery/action adventure, and throws in a dash of romance for good measure. Easily one of the best science fiction novels of 2001. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, with a unique author's voice, then look no farther. You'll be glad you read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Start of an appealing series
Review: Alien Taste is one of the better science fiction I have read in the last two years. The story has depth. It has an appealing protagonist, a riveting plot and a colourful supporting cast. I am glad there are more to come. I wanted to give 5 stars but I am just irked by the writing style which has much to be desired. I hope Spencer would strive to improve her English. I am not asking for classic literature standard but the flow of words could be much better. Will definitely follow the series.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting Read!
Review: Alien Taste nicely combined tight writing form with an excellent story. There is mystery and adventure with each piece fitting slowly into place revealing a complex design. The main character is likeable although slightly on the too sweet side but not over the edge. The supporting cast is well developed although the romance is hastily drawn. The book draws you through and keeps you hooked until the last page. I am looking forward to any possible sequel.
Rating:
Summary: This writer is jealous
Review: As a writer myself, I am quite impressed with Alien Taste. Especially as a first novel. Spencer has the gift of storytelling, and transcends the genre boxes that publishers try so hard to seal readers into. The characters pop off the page (which is a rare thing in adventure/thriller-type fiction), and I will remember them clearly when the denizens of books read afterward have long faded. The situations stand out, and they, too, will stick in my memory. Most notable, from a technical standpoint, is that though there is an amazing amount of sheer weirdness in this book, Spencer manages to introduce it seamlessly; in such a way that one goes "Okay, I'll buy that for now" through every twist and turn. Most importantly, this book is a page-turner. I will not be surprised to see Wen Spencer becoming one of the standard names in beach book reading in coming years (not to mention TV or movie fodder). There is a real spark here.
Rating:
Summary: Expectations
Review: Every time you think you know what is happening in this novel, it changes. It's rare to have a book surprise me with its twists and Alien Taste remains a surprise throughout. In a novel of this length, you don't normally expect to find as many details as Spencer has written, or as much characterization. This is well-written, intricately detailed, and despite one or two "speed moments" (the romance did feel a bit rushed), it is well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Alien Taste
Review: Fantastic!!! It is always nice to find an new writer who can write a story that seems to flow off the pages. Wen Spencer is one of these people.
Alien Taste has everything needed to keep your attention riveted to the story. A great story line, wonderful characters and fantastic action.
This is a KEEPER.
Don't miss the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: authentic, original, refreshing new voice
Review: Food and fiction have a lot in common: what distinguishes delightful offerings are often not the ingredients, but the way they are arranged. Wen Spencer's Alien Taste takes four motifs -- feral child, private eye, DNA manipulation, alien invasion -- and whips up a high-voltage, splash-in-your-face, original, really endearing novel with a pace, and sensibility, and voice all its own. Plus, this almost all takes place in Pittsburgh, with pinpoint spot-on gritty locale. A gratifying new novel by a new author for a new decade unfurling in science fiction.
| 
