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Inheritance

Malinda Lo - Author

A science-fiction thriller about two teens caught between human institutions and aliens, alongside Reese’s unresolved feelings for her ex-girlfriend and David.

More about this book

Reese and David are not normal teens-not since they were adapted with alien DNA by the Imria, an extraterrestrial race that has been secretly visiting Earth for decades. Now everyone is trying to get to them: the government, the Imria, and a mysterious corporation that would do anything for the upper hand against the aliens. Beyond the web of conspiracies, Reese can't reconcile her love for David with her feelings for her ex-girlfriend, Amber, an Imrian. But Reese's choice between two worlds will play a critical role in determining the future of humanity, the Imria's place in it, and the inheritance she and David will bring to the universe. In this gripping sequel to Adaptation, Malinda Lo brings a thoughtful exploration of adolescence, sexuality, and "the other" to a science-fiction thriller that is impossible to put down.

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Book Analysis

At a Glance

Discover

Science fiction· ExplainedConspiracy· ExplainedSuspense· Explained

Consider

Fear and suspenseRelationships and intimacyFrightening scenes

Personalised Fit

Beyond the Cover

science fictionconspiracysuspenseromancesexualitybelonging

Fiction

Themes in Context

A thriller built around pursuit and conspiracy

Reese and David are pursued by the government, the Imria and a corporation seeking an advantage against the aliens.Exploratory / explanatory

How the book presents it: The premise sets personal stakes inside a science-fiction thriller involving several competing powers.

Talk about: How does the story balance the pursuit plot with Reese’s personal choices?

Love and identity across two worlds

Reese loves David but also has feelings for her ex-girlfriend Amber, who is Imrian; Reese’s choice is tied to two worlds.Provisional reading

Talk about: If Reese’s feelings pull in different directions, how does she decide what matters to her?

Why It May Be Worth Reading

The story puts intimate questions of love, identity and belonging alongside a larger conflict over humanity’s future and the Imria’s place in it.

What Deserves Attention

Pay particular attention to fear and suspense.

A Conversation Worth Having

How does Reese weigh her feelings for David and Amber against the consequences her choices may have for the two worlds?

Reading Approach

As the second part of the Adaptation series, it may work best for readers who already know the earlier story.

Confidence & Basis

Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.

What remains unconfirmed

A thriller built around pursuit and conspiracy: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Love and identity across two worlds: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.

Inheritance - Malinda Lo - Google Books

Limited information

Checked: 1 October 2026.

Relevant to: A thriller built around pursuit and conspiracy; Love and identity across two worlds

Inheritance by Malinda Lo | Open Library