This is the story of two underdogs, a girl in juvenile detention and an enslaved alien.

It is the story of a biotech hive mind alien invasion.

As usual with Gehrke's work, it is both familiar and different. There are many familiar tropes but enough difference to keep you interested. It's a hive mind but with religious overtones. People are selfish but also kind and trusting. Being kind and trusting doesn't come with narrative armor. There are friendships and rivalries, but despite the teenage cast, there's no love interest.

It is also very much the first book in a trilogy. Sadly only Refuge is available in audio. At least the e-book is available as a box set.