We love a good cross-over for IPs that we enjoy – whether it’s between genres or even completely different formats. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are great examples that we’ve enjoyed in many forms, from board games to films and from books to video games. Our interview with Andrew E.C. Gaska on Alien RPG – Colonial Marines opened our eyes to the world of novels set in the Alien universe that we first saw through Ridley Scott’s film, and we thought we’d share our thoughts on two examples with you. Here’s a closer look at Alien – Into Charybdis and Alien vs Predator: Ultimate Prey.
Alien – Into Charybdis
“Alien – Into Charybdis”, written by Alex White, is a thrilling addition to the Alien franchise that will keep fans on the edge of their seats through writing that captures the tense nature and atmosphere of the cinematic universe. Into Charybdis takes readers on a harrowing journey through space as a group of humans and androids team up to face off against the iconic xenomorphs.
The story itself follows the crew of the Wayfarer, a vessel on a mission to explore a mysterious black hole called Charybdis. But when they stumble upon a derelict ship containing the remains of an unknown civilization, they unwittingly unleash a horde of deadly creatures that threaten their very existence.
White’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the tension and horror of the Alien universe with aplomb. The characters are well-drawn and complex, each with their own motivations and flaws that add depth to the narrative – you’ll feel echoes of the cinematic adventures and characters you’ve seen before, but you never get a copy/paste sense from it.
One of the strengths of “Alien – Into Charybdis” is its ability to weave together different threads of the franchise’s lore into a cohesive whole. Fans will appreciate the nods to previous films and media, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in the fast-paced action and suspenseful set pieces.
Overall, “Alien – Into Charybdis” is a must-read for fans of the franchise, as well as anyone who loves a good sci-fi thriller. With its masterful storytelling, memorable characters, and heart-pumping action, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
Alien vs Predator: Ultimate Prey
“Aliens vs Predator: Ultimate Prey” is a thrilling anthology that pits two of sci-fi’s most iconic species against each other in a battle for supremacy – fifteen times! Edited by Jonathan Maberry and Bryan Thomas Schmidt, this collection of short stories features some of the genre’s top writers, including Steve Perry, David Bischoff, and Tim Lebbon.
The stories take place in various locations and time periods, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of both the aliens and predators. From a team of marines stranded on an infested planet to a group of predators on a hunting expedition in a remote jungle, each story offers a unique take on the deadly conflict between these two species. And for a spin-off that originally started as a high concept video game, there’s a surprising amount of depth here – enriching your enjoyment of other AVP projects.
What sets “Ultimate Prey” apart from other Alien vs Predator media is its focus on character development. Each story features well-drawn and complex characters, adding depth and emotional weight to the action-packed battles. The stories also explore the cultural and societal aspects of the aliens and (to a larger extent) predators, shedding light on their motivations and beliefs.
Another standout feature of the anthology is the quality of the writing. Each story is expertly crafted, with vivid descriptions and suspenseful pacing that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or a newcomer looking for a thrilling read, “Aliens vs Predator: Ultimate Prey” is a great read and easy to digest due to the shorter format of the individual stories.
In conclusion, “Aliens vs Predator: Ultimate Prey” is a superb anthology that delivers on its promise of thrilling, action-packed stories featuring two of sci-fi’s most iconic species. With its strong character development, expertly crafted writing, and imaginative storytelling, this collection is sure to satisfy fans of both the aliens and predators, and comes as a pleasant surprise in a franchise that’s generally not known for its storytelling.
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