I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com Summary, Characters and Themes

I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming is a genre-blending sci-fi romantic comedy that takes absurdity and emotion to delightful new heights.

The novel follows Dorothy “Dory” Valentine, a no-nonsense wildlife biologist who dies by lion mauling, only to wake up mid-abduction aboard an alien spaceship. What unfolds from there is a hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed romp through an alien jungle full of prehistoric monsters, snarky talking animals, and one dangerously attractive horned alien man. With razor-sharp wit and unexpected emotional depth, Kimberly Lemming delivers a rom-com that’s equal parts parody and genuine adventure.

Summary

Dory Valentine, a grounded, Black wildlife biologist studying meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, meets an ironic end when she’s killed by a lion.

But death doesn’t stick: she wakes up mid-abduction on an alien spaceship, surrounded by strange birdlike beings and other unconscious human women.

In the chaos that follows, Dory escapes—alongside the very lion that killed her, who’s now inexplicably sentient and calls himself Toto.

They crash-land on a lush, dinosaur-riddled alien planet.

Survival is immediately a challenge, but things get stranger when a mysterious horned alien man saves them using fireballs.

He doesn’t speak English, but Dory dubs him “Sol” and insists on following him.

After an accidental kiss sparks magical translation, they begin to understand each other—both literally and emotionally.

As Dory struggles with the surreal situation—talking lions, a jungle full of extinct creatures, and ancient cars mysteriously rusting in the forest—she also starts to bond with her two companions.

Sol, a member of the Sankado species, reveals that he and his people were also abducted by the same bird-like aliens who seem to be experimenting on multiple races.

Dory, always the scientist, notices the anachronistic mix of technologies and species, pointing to a manufactured planet rather than a natural one.

Sol leads Dory and Toto to a Sankado village, where Dory learns she’s not the only human here—other abductees exist, and all of them are women.

Cultural tensions run high, especially since Dory’s presence as a bold, modern woman threatens conservative norms in the village.

She also begins training in combat and survival, growing into a new, more powerful version of herself.

Romantic sparks begin to fly between Sol and Dory, culminating in a steamy night together after a near-death encounter with a mutant beast.

But the romance doesn’t come without baggage.

Sol is still haunted by the “Calamity” that destroyed his homeworld, and Dory wrestles with imposter syndrome, especially as a Black woman trying to assert authority in an alien society.

The trio uncovers disturbing truths during a stealth mission to an abandoned alien facility.

The birdlike Owlish aliens are harvesting women for genetic experiments.

This revelation spurs them to act.

When the village is attacked by a mutated beast sent by the overlords, Dory and Toto prove themselves by defending their new home using ingenuity and grit.

The final chapters see Dory and Sol lead a strike team to destroy one of the alien bases.

They succeed, retrieving technology and maps that might help them locate more survivors—or even a way back to Earth.

Though she could chase a return home, Dory decides to stay, realizing she’s found a new purpose.

In the epilogue, we find Dory settled into her role as protector, teacher, and scientist.

The village has grown, and plans are underway to rescue more women.

Sol honors Dory by carving her name into a monument, while Toto finds a lioness companion of his own.

The book closes on a mysterious signal echoing from space—hinting that the story is far from over.

With a grin, Dory gears up for whatever comes next.

Characters

Dorothy “Dory” Valentine

Dory Valentine, the protagonist of I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com, is a wildlife biologist whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she is abducted by aliens. Initially, she is depicted as a competent and passionate scientist, working in the Kalahari Desert studying meerkats, which showcases her strong sense of curiosity and dedication.

After her death and subsequent abduction by aliens, Dory’s journey becomes one of survival and adaptation. In the alien world, she struggles to accept her new reality, but her intelligence and resourcefulness shine through as she tries to understand her surroundings.

Her scientific mind constantly challenges the bizarre new ecosystem she finds herself in, and this adds a layer of depth to her character. Over time, Dory transforms from a confused, emotionally fragile woman into a leader, embracing the challenges of survival and romance.

As her relationship with Sol, the horned alien, deepens, Dory navigates her growing feelings and her sense of purpose in this strange world. She evolves into a strong, strategic thinker and protector, balancing her scientific curiosity with emotional growth.

Dory’s journey is not just one of external survival, but also an internal transformation as she learns to accept herself and her role in a new, uncertain world.

Sol

Sol, the horned alien with fire-breathing abilities, initially appears as a mysterious and stoic figure who helps Dory and Toto survive on the alien planet. His imposing physical presence—complete with hooves, a tail, and a muscular build—sets him apart from others and adds to the mystique surrounding his character.

Sol’s backstory, rooted in the devastation of his own world due to a cataclysmic event (the Calamity), shapes much of his personality and motivations. He is a survivor, much like Dory, and carries the trauma of his past with him.

His people, the Sankado, have been stranded on the planet for years, and Sol has taken on the responsibility of protecting his fellow survivors, including Dory. Despite his tough exterior, Sol is revealed to have a deep, emotional side that connects with Dory, particularly after their accidental kiss, which unlocks a form of communication between them.

Sol’s growth over the course of the story reflects his shift from a solitary, hardened warrior to someone capable of forming meaningful connections. His relationship with Dory blossoms as they share both the hardships of survival and moments of emotional vulnerability, ultimately leading to a romantic and strategic partnership that is integral to the plot.

Sol’s character represents themes of healing, resilience, and the capacity to love despite deep trauma.

Toto

Toto, the lion who Dory initially encountered in the Kalahari Desert and who later becomes her unlikely companion on the alien planet, is one of the more humorous and surprising characters. After his death and resurrection on the alien ship, he is given the ability to speak, making him an essential part of the story’s comic relief and emotional core.

Despite his terrifying origins as Dory’s killer, Toto’s personality is warm, endearing, and often goofy, providing lighthearted moments amidst the more intense situations. His name, taken from The Wizard of Oz, highlights the surreal nature of the story and the unlikely bond that forms between Dory and her killer-turned-companion.

Toto also plays a vital role in Dory’s emotional journey. Through their shared experiences, Toto becomes not just a companion, but a friend, showing the capacity for forgiveness and the unexpected ways relationships can evolve.

Toto’s character represents loyalty, humor, and the idea of redemption, as he goes from being an antagonist to a trusted ally in the fight for survival.

The Sankado

The Sankado are an alien species who have been stranded on the same planet as Dory. Sol is one of the few Sankado survivors, and throughout the story, they form a close-knit group with their own complex societal structures.

Initially, the Sankado view Dory with a mix of curiosity and fear, as her presence challenges their expectations and customs. As Dory becomes more integrated into their community, the Sankado begin to accept her, recognizing her strength, intelligence, and unique perspective as an outsider.

This group dynamic showcases themes of cultural exchange, adaptation, and the breaking down of preconceived notions. The Sankado, while depicted as a strong and resilient people, also have their own struggles, particularly in dealing with the trauma from their own lost world and the ongoing threat posed by the alien bird overlords.

Their relationship with Dory evolves from suspicion to mutual respect, as they see her not just as a survivor, but as a leader capable of helping them navigate the challenges of their new reality.

The Alien Bird Overlords

The alien bird overlords are the antagonistic force in the story, responsible for the abductions of women, including Dory. They are mysterious and terrifying, with a clear interest in human genetic material, which they harvest for experimentation.

Their presence in the story is a constant threat, driving the action and motivating the characters to fight for survival and freedom. While their direct involvement is limited, their influence is felt throughout the narrative as the cause of the calamity that has befallen both the Sankado and the human women.

They represent an invasive force that threatens the autonomy of the characters, and their eventual defeat becomes a central goal for Dory and her allies. The bird overlords are an external manifestation of the dangers posed by unchecked power and the exploitation of weaker species for scientific gain.

Themes

The Transformation of Self From Survivor to Leader

One of the themes explored in the narrative is the transformation of the protagonist, Dory, from a simple survivor to a strong and influential leader. In the early chapters, Dory is overwhelmed by the alien world, struggling to comprehend her place in this chaotic situation.

However, through perseverance, growing connections, and a series of emotional breakthroughs, Dory gradually steps into her role as a leader. Her internal battle with self-doubt, especially as a Black woman in a foreign and male-dominated society, is a key aspect of this development.

By Chapter 16, Dory reaches a point where she realizes that her ability to guide and protect others is not just a matter of survival but an act of defiance and empowerment. This theme is not merely about survival in an alien world, but also about embracing leadership roles and overcoming the feelings of being an outsider.

Her emotional growth, catalyzed by her relationship with Sol and Toto, showcases the strength found in vulnerability and the powerful arc of self-empowerment.

The Intersection of Trauma and Healing in a Hostile Environment

Another central theme in the book is the intersection of trauma and healing. Both Dory and Sol carry the scars of their respective pasts—Dory with her traumatic death and abduction and Sol with the devastation of his home planet.

The theme of trauma is explored in depth, particularly in how both characters process their painful histories. Sol’s people, the Sankado, are victims of a calamity that destroyed their home world, and the emotional baggage they carry is a critical element that shapes the dynamics of the novel.

Dory, on the other hand, must come to terms with her abduction and the reality of her new life, constantly battling feelings of being out of place. The survival and the eventual healing of these characters, both emotionally and physically, occur through their relationships with each other and the forming of a new community.

The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the struggles inherent in trauma but suggests that true healing comes from connection, purpose, and agency. This theme resonates with the idea that trauma, while formative, can be transformed into a source of strength.

Romance and Interpersonal Dynamics Across Species and Cultures

The book also delves into a unique and complex exploration of romance and interpersonal dynamics, particularly across species and cultures. The romantic tension between Dory and Sol is central to the narrative, as their relationship evolves from an awkward survival partnership to a deeply emotional and physical bond.

Their connection is not just one of attraction but also of mutual understanding and respect. The alien and human dynamic presents challenges but also offers an intriguing lens through which to explore cross-cultural differences.

The awkwardness that initially defines their interactions gives way to genuine affection, as they navigate not only the survival of their physical bodies but the emotional and cultural divides that separate them. This theme, while primarily romantic, also serves as a commentary on the ways in which relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—require understanding and compromise.

Love can bloom even in the most unconventional circumstances, as seen in their growing relationship.

The Power of Community and Collective Action

As Dory, Sol, and Toto move deeper into their journey, they begin to form bonds with other survivors. The theme of community and collective action becomes more prominent, especially as the group starts to organize and strategize against the alien bird overlords.

The village that Dory joins plays a significant role in her transformation, as it becomes a place of safety, solidarity, and mutual support. This theme illustrates that in times of crisis, the power of a cohesive community is vital for survival and progress.

Dory’s initial isolation, both as a human and as an outsider in the alien world, evolves into a sense of belonging as she connects with others who share similar struggles. The idea that collective action can lead to change, especially in a hostile environment, resonates deeply throughout the narrative.

Unity and shared purpose can transform an otherwise oppressive situation into an opportunity for growth and resistance.

The Conflict Between Survival and Ethical Responsibility

The book also addresses the ethical dilemmas of survival in a hostile, alien environment, particularly as Dory begins to understand the larger forces at play. The Sankado people, along with Dory and Toto, face the alien bird overlords, who are responsible for the abductions and exploitation of women.

The moral quandaries that arise from survival in such a setting are deeply explored, as the characters must balance their immediate need to survive with the larger ethical responsibility to protect others and resist tyranny. Dory’s growing awareness of the exploitation and suffering of other abductees leads her to take on a mission not just to save herself but to liberate others from the oppressive forces that control the planet.

This theme underscores the tension between personal survival and the moral obligation to fight for a greater good. It is a theme that resonates with readers facing their own challenges of navigating personal gain and collective welfare.

The Nature of Identity and Belonging

Finally, a deeply philosophical theme in the book revolves around identity and belonging. As Dory navigates this alien world, she struggles with the question of what it means to belong. Her identity as a human on a foreign planet challenges her sense of self, especially in relation to the Sankado people, whose cultural and biological makeup is entirely different from hers.

Throughout the novel, Dory grapples with questions of whether she will ever truly belong in this new world and what parts of her identity can adapt or remain unchanged. Her evolving relationship with Sol and the other survivors becomes a key mechanism through which she discovers new aspects of her identity.

Dory recognizes that belonging does not always require conformity. Instead, it can be shaped by love, shared purpose, and acceptance, even in the most alien of circumstances.

This theme highlights the universal human need for connection and the realization that belonging is not necessarily tied to one’s origins but to the relationships and communities one creates.