Extinction: Invaders Blade (Book 2 of 3 – The Extinction Trilogy) by Neel Latchman

With the HAPTIC MONOLITH vanishing from the earth, Val and Kay make great strides in their new life. This newfound happiness quickly turns to horror when Val begins to experience the grim fate that befalls those corrupted by the MONOLITH. While they search for answers, a new threat approaches. Commander Ryker’s prodigy initiates Project M.O.T.H, putting the powers that be on high alert. Val and Kay soon cross paths with a group of people who could help him avoid his fate. Things get complicated when Val is saved from a creature by his new friends and learns that they are not alone in the universe.