Coming April 2019.
https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Original-Young-Adult-Universe/dp/1250306299/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KEWJ2VEGYFG7DTX3B5YJ
QuoteAn original young adult novel of the Alien universe
Olivia and her twin sister Viola have been dragged around the universe for as long as they can remember. Their parents, both xenobiologists, are always in high demand for their research into obscure alien biology.
Just settled on a new colony world, they discover an alien threat unlike anything they've ever seen. And suddenly the sisters' world is ripped apart.
On the run from terrifying aliens, Olivia's knowledge of xenobiology and determination to protect her sister are her only weapons as the colony collapses into chaos. But then a shocking family secret bursts open―one that's as horrifying to Olivia as the aliens surrounding them.
The creatures infiltrate the rich wildlife on this virgin colony world―and quickly start adapting. Olivia's going to have to adapt, too, if she's going to survive...
Nice. Wasn't expecting this to be announced so soon.
Pardon my ignorance, but does "young adult novel" equate to "toned down for younger readers?"
Yes.
Everything in alien is perfect for young adults. Loved this stuff as a kid. :P
This is cool in my book - anything that gets kids reading is a good thing, and if it gets them interested in the Alien series, then even better.
I would have been all over this in my early AvPWorld days! I know I'm not really the target audience for this but I'll have to give it a go anyway. Always eager to see more Alien stories and if this helps younger fans, that's all fine by me!
Really? Aliens attack yet another colony?
How many novels and comic books has this been the premise of?
Almost all of them. It's "Aliens attack space ship" or "Aliens attack colony". Where the hell else are they going to find people in space?
While it may not necessarily be a bad thing as gore isn't everything, I don't see the point in making a toned down version. Alien and Predator was meant for adults and it should stay that way, I mean look at AVP, out of its many faults one of them (to some) was that it was pg13, Alien and Predator come from an R rated background and a lot of the kills are horrific, taking them away from their elements doesn't really work.
Also, why specifically aim it at young adults? The only thing that springs to mind is that its going to contain some cheesy horrible romance arc. :laugh:
Quote from: SiL on Jul 19, 2018, 12:09:41 PM
Almost all of them. It's "Aliens attack space ship" or "Aliens attack colony". Where the hell else are they going to find people in space?
C'mon, you can be more creative than that.
Dead Space 3 has a mysteriously abandoned flotilla, frozen moon, underground labs, alien city and there's the still as yet unused wooden monastery idea you could make a variation on.
Stating the obvious but there's only the limit of your imagination. There's also all the elements that are established in the Alien universe other than the creature itself that could be explored, with the Alien as an element rather than entire focus like in The Cold Forge. I can only hope there's more to this book than the synopsis is letting on.
Probably not something I'm likely to check out, but fair enough. Some of the comics have read more like teen fiction anyway.
Interesting! I'll certainly be giving this a read. I've read some of the Star Wars young adult novels some good some meh. At the end of the day it just depends on the author. We've never really seen a teenager protagonist face off against the Xenomorphs so at least that's something different. (Edit: except AVPR but....)
I'll pick it up. Always good to get new content.
I read the first Aliens comic series circa 1988 when I was in grade 8. Those were not young adult, and yet they dealt with young adult topics if you think about it, in a twisted way. Anyway, I turned out fine I think. Not sure what the point of this is, but it does not bode well..
It bodes nothing if it doesn't sell well, it'll be a one-off.
Let's not bring out the pitchforks just yet until we know what the book actually entails.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jul 19, 2018, 08:08:57 PM
I read the first Aliens comic series circa 1988 when I was in grade 8. Those were not young adult, and yet they dealt with young adult topics if you think about it, in a twisted way. Anyway, I turned out fine I think. Not sure what the point of this is, but it does not bode well..
So - 'those books that dealt with young adult topics turned okay - but this young adult book doesn't sound any good'...?
The point is to tell different kinds of stories to draw in different demographics.
Are you intentionally missing the point SM? There is a difference between a young adult topic and a young adult presentation. A young adult topic may be handled in a way which should be for mature adults like the first Aliens series from DH. There were no holds barred, but it was a story of a young lady turning into an adult.
Conversely there is a way to present a topic in a young adult way, such as the first AVP film, where it wasn't a story about young adults but it was presented in a young adult fashion, avoiding excessive blood, gore, etc. Effectively PG13.
QuoteAre you intentionally missing the point SM?
Were you intentionally being vague?
Since you've actually explained what you meant now - thank you - I guess, yes?
I'm not sure why it doesn't bode well though.
I haven't read an Alien-centric novel before, but I think I might actually pick this one up merely out of curiosity. I'm interested to see how they present this as a "young adult book".
It's primarily to do with who the protagonists are and dialling down the explicit language and gore (I believe). Obviously there is still violence, but you're unlikely to get as descriptive as White gets in Cold Forge in a passage about the vivisection of a chimp.
This is my opinion only, but I personally prefer the Aliens franchise to be of a more mature nature, geared towards adults. I mentioned this before, elsewhere, that I consider the Aliens film to be a sort of adult fairy tale, sort of like Pan's Labyrinth. Yes, it is the story of a child, but it is not a story for children. When I was in grade 7, it was precocious of me to read the Aliens comics, and my parents never saw what was in them. I wouldn't let them. I liked that feeling that I was reading something more mature that wasn't patronizing me, or trying to turn it into a junior subject. As an adult, I feel less geeky about my Aliens books on my bookshelf because there is a certain maturity there. They're not children's comics or stories like Avengers or Spider-Man.
Taking these mature subjects, and turning them into something that engages a younger audience will inevitably whitewash much of the horror of this series to make it palatable to younger viewers. This is a trend, that from my perspective as an adult who enjoys the series for its adult nature, does not bode well for the series. The disturbing horror of the series is at its core. When you take it out, what is left?
I have spent 20 years designing toys, and I understand the logic of what is happening. There is an incentive to make the Aliens brand accessible to a younger crowd. There are millions to be made there selling toys, gadgets and all sorts of goodies. I am not privy to your demographic research, but would expect the Alien fan base to be consistently adults, and as a consumer, I would hope it remains so, and perhaps from an ethical perspective, it should remain an adults-only property. If young adults or teens are to access this material, it should be because they are mature enough to want to read adult material, not because they are fed drivel without essence.
I'd expect (though I don't know) the Aliens audience to have a large amount of teenagers. I saw Aliens when I was 13, which is the lower end for Young Adult. And we are talking Young Adult; not children.
I would wager that many of us became fans as kids.
I know I've been interested in aliens since i was too young to really remember. I do remember getting my parents to buy Alien when I was 9 and had already been terrified by and in love with Aliens. I went on that movie ride with the Alien section at disney land when I was 9. At that time my parents were already well aware of my immense interest in the series.
Perhaps I was unduly harsh calling the work drivel. I haven't read it so what do I know? But the basic premise of taking the adult themes and somehow sugar-coating them for a younger audience doesn't sit well with me.
I was 11 or 12 when I saw Aliens for the first time. I started reading the comics with issue 2 of Aliens, so probably at 13 or 14. Would I give these comics to my children (if I had them) at 12 or 13? I'm not sure. But I definitely felt they were the right fit for me as I was reading them back then. It was the bleak, realistic, horror which I found appealing. I can't speak for anyone else, but if those comics I read back then were toned down, with no chest bursting, hard-core violence, etc., I would have felt my intelligence insulted.
I've seen some young-adult Star Wars books. If this is what becomes of Aliens, I don't think it will attract teenagers, but it may alienate adults.
It's one book - so far. It's not a child-centric apocalypse of licensed content. When Star Wars did books aimed a younger crowd, they didn't stop with the more mature stuff.
I've read a couple of treatments for this. Neither were remotely "sugar coated".
I also believe Star Wars' young adult novel "Lost Stars" was received extremely well, I wouldn't judge a book by it's cover.
You know what? I'm big enough that I can say I judged a book by its cover. I probably shouldn't have. I am skeptical of the premise, but maybe the author did a good job of walking a fine line. As I said, I haven't read it so what do I know? All I can say is as a young adult, and even in entering my teenage years, I enjoyed Aliens as it was, dirty, gritty, dark & bloody.
Could be good, but the tag disgusts me, i dont like the idea at all, but we will see what comes out of it.
I can hardly remember a moment of blood in Aliens, other than on the inside of the dropship with Dietrich.
There's a bit with the chestburster too. Probably the most violent bit has only white blood.
Still the best chestburster in the series in terms of getting a "horrifying your audience reaction" to me, which is peculiar because I find much of the rest of the film to be quite safe with it's violence. More implication than what is shown.
I think that choosing to omit the skeletons was a mistake though.
There's a nice chunky one in Resurrection.
The AR chestburster has stubby teeth and it's face seems stretched out- it's design makes it less effective, at least to me.
I nice chunky skeleton I mean.
Oh, I'll look out for that next time then.
Quote from: The Old One on Jul 20, 2018, 02:12:08 AM
I can hardly remember a moment of blood in Aliens, other than on the inside of the dropship with Dietrich.
I can't believe SM let that slide.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jul 20, 2018, 05:20:40 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Jul 20, 2018, 02:12:08 AM
I can hardly remember a moment of blood in Aliens, other than on the inside of the dropship with Dietrich.
I can't believe SM let that slide.
And it's a twofer.
No need to be a dick about it.
Quote from: SM on Jul 20, 2018, 05:27:34 AM
No need to be a dick about it.
Why stop NNNOWWW?!!
I kid,
I kid.
More Alien books is a good thing.
Getting older has made me more reluctant to violence, will be interesting how they try to go around that here.
Some of the stuff in recent books has made me squirm - ie. a Predator using a whip with small blades with insect eggs that hatch in the wounds - WTF.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Jul 20, 2018, 01:05:49 AM
I would wager that many of us became fans as kids.
But would we have become fans if the movie was a young adult type ala twilight? :laugh:
Quote from: SM on Jul 20, 2018, 01:00:11 AM
I'd expect (though I don't know) the Aliens audience to have a large amount of teenagers. I saw Aliens when I was 13, which is the lower end for Young Adult. And we are talking Young Adult; not children.
True but the films they are watching is the full on mature ones we have, would the franchise have fans if it was toned down? its like that novelization of Aliens, all the swearing is gone.
Obviously there may be some, since everyone's tastes are different.
I might give this book a chance, since its not fair to judge it without reading it first.
It's a single book, guys. I'm sure many of us would have been all over this as teenagers. Just because it's less graphic or less sweary, doesn't equate to it becoming Twilight or something. It's not aimed at us, at the end of the day. Let the younger fans have something for them. Hopefully it's good.
Last thing we need is gatekeeping.
Quote from: SM on Jul 20, 2018, 12:03:37 PM
Last thing we need is gatekeeping.
Don't I know it.
YA Aliens fiction....now I've seen it all
Next step: the lucrative children's market
You're nearly 40 years late for that one.
Zing! There is some real over-reactions going off in response to this.
Yeah, as if Kenner didn't produce an entire line of children's Aliens toys in the 90s :laugh:
Also, there was that Cyberantics thing... Wasn't that a kids' book?
Within the Alien universe, not sure how it was marketed in RL. Still haven't gotten around to reading that yet but it's sat on the bookshelf.
I always found that odd really. Both Predator and Aliens had toys made and both movies were R-rated :laugh:
It is like these companies are actively expecting parents to let their children watch movies that they shouldn't watch so they sell some toys.
I can't say too much on that matter as I watched horror films as child but that was due to my father, who found it funny to put on the scariest or goriest film he could find. :laugh:
There's nothing wrong with kids watching R rated, or even just "scary" movies.
My ex let her daughers watch Godzilla 2014, Cloverfield, The Exorcist, Alien, and Halloween.
Kids love that shit.
If you take away the R-Rated aspect of the Alien and Predator series and just look at the raw details, there's a lot there to exploit and market to kids. You have wonderful set pieces, cool monster designs, gadgets and gizmos. Ideal for playsets, figures, dress up.
About the time I saw the first ALIEN (On TV, brought you by Tylenol.) I also saw the movie "Spaced Invaders" which is a fun little b-movie, in it the little girl is actually wearing a home-made Alien costume for Haloween. I loved that as a kid. I wanted one.
Quote from: SM on Jul 19, 2018, 01:26:26 AM
Nice. Wasn't expecting this to be announced so soon.
That's what happens when you make the calls. Looks good I'll pick it up, although would prefer all these novels in an audio format on Audiobooks. Except for Covenant Origins of course, that took about 50 nights to finish since it was so great
After finishing James Moore's "The Predator: Hunters and Hunted" the "About the Author" section mentions he wrote a Y.A. Series. This is an example of an "adult" author that has dabbled in Y.A. Just sayin this upcoming novel has the potential to still be an intense story assuming the author handles it well. It most likely won't be gratuitously gory but I highly doubt that characters will be automatically safe either. Also this book isn't being published by Titan so hopefully we'll be getting a new novel from them as well.
Here's the Cover.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91CZ6o1eggL.jpg
Good to see something a bit different.
Indeed, the ACM renders are painful in blandness- although then at least the game was useful in an instance.
Hot damn, what a great cover! :o
The Alien poster egg in the eyes looks pretty bad. Otherwise, nice. Better than the crap Titan's been using.
The egg makes it more apparent it's related to the Alien franchise. The way the typeface is presented it might be unclear to the average punter.
I think I would have felt better about the eggs if the one in the upside down face was also upside down.
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 25, 2018, 05:14:21 AM
I think I would have felt better about the eggs if the one in the upside down face was also upside down.
Agreed, otherwise I like the egg in the eye. Looks pretty cool. I'm really curious to see how this one comes out.
Quote from: felix on Sep 25, 2018, 01:32:58 AMHere's the Cover.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91CZ6o1eggL.jpg
Nice, now get original art like this on all the novels, please! Getting really sick of the terrible
ACM renders.
"The creatures infiltrate the rich wildlife on this virgin colony world ― and quickly start adapting. Olivia's going to have to adapt, too, if she's going to survive..."
This is kind of reminding me of the old Kenner Dark Horse comics. I'm open to this idea of the Alien universe targeting a teenage audience. That cover is also pretty decent, I'm intrigued and will check this one out.
I'm unironically looking forward to this.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 25, 2018, 08:30:58 AM
Quote from: felix on Sep 25, 2018, 01:32:58 AMHere's the Cover.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91CZ6o1eggL.jpg
Nice, now get original art like this on all the novels, please! Getting really sick of the terrible ACM renders.
I agree 100%.
Honestly I hate the acm renders.
Trying to put my groaning aside. Considering the old Kenner series makes me think I could enjoy this on a lark. The cover seems like a positive new step in the right direction. It's original enough to make me think this could be good... if I were to judge the book by the cover..
In truth, Aliens was a children's tale. It was a dark Disney movie, right down to the corny music at the right moment. Some call this style of film an "adult fairy tale".
What's it got to do with Kenner...?
Quote from: SM on Sep 27, 2018, 01:52:08 AM
What's it got to do with Kenner...?
Just the fact that it's aimed at a younger audience and because there's likely going to be some unique Xenos birthed from 'The rich wildlife on this virgin colony world'.
The toys were aimed at children; this is aimed at young adults.
I'm really curious to see how it turns out actually. It's not like YA is fluffy - Hunger Games certainly wasn't.
Quite.
It's not like people are going to be captured by Queen facehuggers, but left otherwise unharmed.
I certainly hope there's nothing as blatantly influenced by it's host as the Kenner Aliens in this.
If the wildlife is infested that is.
I'd actually like to see it used - as long as it's not over the top, mind.
I prefer to see the Alien as a creature that dominates it's host genetics.
Uncompromised by them. Perfect each time.
What are your thoughts on the DNA Reflex and the Runner Alien from Alien 3?
I see the "DNA reflex" as a survival mechanism, so the body structure in development is formed to be analogous for survival but not identical.
The "Runner" is a beautiful design and an example of this.
It has no protrusions to compromise it's aerodynamics.
It inherits a quadrupedal stance rather than bipedal, but this doesn't compromise it's efficient nature.
This is the logical conclusion from an animal in my opinion, to maintain what it is.
Do you believe that the Kenner Aliens' efficiency is compromised by the traits they've taken on from their hosts?
In aesthetics and efficient nature. Yes.
Non-flexible protrusions can be caught in tight spaces for instance.
The Alien gains no benefit from being anything other than as it's depicted- it is perfect.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 27, 2018, 03:18:10 PM
In aesthetics and efficient nature. Yes.
Non-flexible protrusions can be caught in tight spaces for instance.
The Alien gains no benefit from being anything other than as it's depicted- it is perfect.
Alien sneaking down a shaft without any issues from its dorsal tubes in Alien Covenant not-withstanding...
The Alien head is probably its worst problem in truth. It would take good strength to turn that thing in the direction of prey, fit in tight spaces, or even camouflage I would think. I bet if you were to wear that as a Halloween costume, you would have such a neck-ache afterwards...
The dorsal tubes are flexible though, so I don't see the problem.
As Isolation shows the entire Alien form is malleable, traversing through areas much smaller than itself.
Man, those dorsal tubes must have been like sponges! :laugh:
So surely if the entire Alien form is malleable it cannot be compromised by extra protrusion gained from certain hosts?
Then there's no point in the protrusion if it's a defensive mechanism, because if it's malleable it's by definition, not sharp.
It already has the tail, claws and inner jaw regardless- so such a feature would serve no purpose.
April 9th release date via the publisher
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250306296
Audiobook: https://bnccatalist.ca/viewtitle.aspx?ean=9781250223111
Low-key excited for this one.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Audiobook: https://bnccatalist.ca/viewtitle.aspx?ean=9781250223111
$51.99 CAD wowie zowie. :o
Quote from: Xenomrph on Feb 23, 2019, 12:31:06 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Audiobook: https://bnccatalist.ca/viewtitle.aspx?ean=9781250223111
$51.99 CAD wowie zowie. :o
Ha! For rich kids! That's got to be erroneous...
Audio books are usually more expensive.
As good as some of the recent audio books have been I prefer to read the book.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2019, 04:28:58 PM
Audio books are usually more expensive.
Oh right. Missed the whole audio book part there. Speed reading!
But seriously, they're really that expensive? That's bananas. Got to go with Audible instead.
Quote from: Frosty Venom on Feb 23, 2019, 05:28:40 PM
As good as some of the recent audio books have been I prefer to read the book.
I'm the same but I've picked up a few to listen to while I'm driving to and from work. I can get through a chapter or two during that time and just move ahead in the book.
Audiobook for $23.75 AUD (https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/alien-echo-1).
I don't imagine the $50+ is the final price.
The price on Chapters.ca is over $50 as well. Chapters - Indigo - Coles is Canada's biggest retail chain for books. It means people can already order the audio book at that price. Very odd. That's not even an audio drama. It's just a reading.
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/alien-echo/9781250223111-item.html?ikwid=alien+echo&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1
AUD and CAD are almost on parity so $50 sounds extremely excessive.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2019, 04:28:58 PM
Audio books are usually more expensive.
That much more expensive, though?
Quote from: Xenomrph on Feb 24, 2019, 01:40:50 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2019, 04:28:58 PM
Audio books are usually more expensive.
That much more expensive, though?
If it was read by a celebrity, maybe.
Hopefully Sean Connery :laugh:
Sigourney Weaver.
No, no, Ridley Scott.
Comedy option: Paul WS Anderson
Comedy option 2: Paul Reiser...
I think the marketing team sent out the wrong info to the retailers by mistake. Anybody capable of informing the publisher may wish to do so, otherwise the audio book will flounder in the marketplace.
$50 seems ridiculous when the Audbile audio dramas, which clearly took a lot more work, were only £14.99 over here.
I might be mistaking that for the physical releases. I remember seeing those huge prices and going "no thanks."
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Feb 24, 2019, 02:17:56 PM
Comedy option 2: Paul Reiser...
I think the marketing team sent out the wrong info to the retailers by mistake. Anybody capable of informing the publisher may wish to do so, otherwise the audio book will flounder in the marketplace.
Paul Reiser would be great to read an audiobook.
Looks like this has been pushed back to May 1st.
Sonovabiiiiitch!
Down with deadlines! Up with good quality, well written books!
Agreed.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 12, 2019, 09:01:40 AM
Looks like this has been pushed back to May 1st.
Most likely to better coincide with Alien Day.
Amazon just shipped my pre-order for delivery on April 9th.
:-\ It's not due until May over here. Lucky git.
It's worth the wait.
Quote from: David's Creation on Apr 07, 2019, 03:18:39 AM
Amazon just shipped my pre-order for delivery on April 9th.
Oh shit, i didn't realize this comes out in, like, 2 days. For some reason I thought it was a lot later in the year.
Had completly forgotten about this one. Pre-ordered now. Expected to arrive this month.
The Kindle version is available for me on the 9th, so I'll suffer through that until the physical is released. I'm gonna see if I can get a preview from Imprint too (probably not though).
Seems like only the hardcover will be released for now? Amazon has a release date for the paperback in April 2020.
More likely a snafu on Amazon's part. I can't see it being hardback-only.
Hardcover is always released first when they do a hardcover edition. Softcover comes later.
Even with younger edition novels? :-\
Yup! Paperbacks used to be released up to a year later, but these days it's only 6 months.
Star Wars used to release hardcovers all the time, followed later by soft covers. Murdered the bank balance...
Quote from: David's Creation on Apr 07, 2019, 03:18:39 AM
Amazon just shipped my pre-order for delivery on April 9th.
Same here! Looking forward to it.
I'm 70 pages in. Just taking a break to do something else for a bit. It's very much a young adult novel in terms of the protagonist's concerns in life. I might think I'm still kind of around 18 in my head but it's not translating into a connection with the main character. Not saying that's a bad thing, it's just she's not written for me, so I'm struggling a little there.
That said, it seems to be steering into a more Alien direction now. I'm enjoying it well enough though. It's just a bit of a strange experience.
She's no written for me either but I didn't really have any problems connecting.
But then I have daughters...
That's fair enough. Those concerns might still be in your life through your daughters.
That said, I'm not disliking Olivia at all.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2019, 10:39:34 AM
I'm 70 pages in. Just taking a break to do something else for a bit. It's very much a young adult novel in terms of the protagonist's concerns in life. I might think I'm still kind of around 18 in my head but it's not translating into a connection with the main character. Not saying that's a bad thing, it's just she's not written for me, so I'm struggling a little there.
That said, it seems to be steering into a more Alien direction now. I'm enjoying it well enough though. It's just a bit of a strange experience.
You make it seems like they wrote an alien novel targeted at teenager girls. That's new.
It's a YA novel, so...
Exactly...it is a Young Adult novel. It's written for Young Adults (not just females). I knew what I was getting into going into this.
I'm very interested to see how this one turns out.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2019, 01:03:58 PM
Exactly...it is a Young Adult novel. It's written for Young Adults (not just females). I knew what I was getting into going into this.
Hmm... let us know if the aliens' portayal ends up weird.
Quote from: Samhain13 on Apr 09, 2019, 01:17:42 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2019, 01:03:58 PM
Exactly...it is a Young Adult novel. It's written for Young Adults (not just females). I knew what I was getting into going into this.
Hmm... let us know if the aliens' portayal ends up weird.
Twilight's vampire\werewolf potrayal weird?
Quote from: Samhain13 on Apr 09, 2019, 01:17:42 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2019, 01:03:58 PM
Exactly...it is a Young Adult novel. It's written for Young Adults (not just females). I knew what I was getting into going into this.
Hmm... let us know if the aliens' portayal ends up weird.
The synopsis alone sounded like it was ripe for fanfiction sites, and not in a good way. I have a feeling it's going to mildly respect the source material, but it'll still contain everything we don't like about the YA genre.
If I wanted to get someone my age into the franchise, I'd hand them the novelizations of the first two films (but not my copies, because I don't let people borrow my stuff).
Quote from: The Kurgan on Apr 09, 2019, 01:32:33 PM
Twilight's vampire\werewolf potrayal weird?
Haha, that did came to my mind.
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Apr 09, 2019, 01:42:15 PM
The synopsis alone sounded like it was ripe for fanfiction sites, and not in a good way. I have a feeling it's going to mildly respect the source material, but it'll still contain everything we don't like about the YA genre.
If the author still handles the aliens well it can work, not sure if in the genre she had to limit some of the alien behavior, their R rated behavior.
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Apr 09, 2019, 01:42:15 PM
If I wanted to get someone my age into the franchise, I'd hand them the novelizations of the first two films (but not my copies, because I don't let people borrow my stuff).
I got into the series as a teen and yeah I agree. The original novels would probably have attracted me more than a YA one.
Quote from: The Kurgan on Apr 09, 2019, 01:32:33 PM
Quote from: Samhain13 on Apr 09, 2019, 01:17:42 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2019, 01:03:58 PM
Exactly...it is a Young Adult novel. It's written for Young Adults (not just females). I knew what I was getting into going into this.
Hmm... let us know if the aliens' portayal ends up weird.
Twilight's vampire\werewolf potrayal weird?
Not even remotely close.
Aliens are doing what Aliens do, killing people.
And one particularly nastily, for those worried about this being 'for kids'.
Having not read the novel yet I can't say if it takes this route, but tying Alien's inherent psycho-sexual subtext into young adult angst/puberty would be a pretty novel way to take things.
I'm reading If it Bleeds and just read her short story. Twins main characters too, maybe its a trend for her? I liked the story, creature's portrayal was fine. Interested on her take on the aliens.
Quote from: Samhain13 on Apr 11, 2019, 12:44:31 AM
I'm reading If it Bleeds and just read her short story. Twins main characters too, maybe its a trend for her? I liked the story, creature's portrayal was fine. Interested on her take on the aliens.
Come to think of it, the protagonists in her "Deadline" series were twins, as well.
Just finished it and I had a good time with this one.
Spoiler
I was certainly feeling a false sense of security with teenagers being teenagers when shit hit the fan and I loved that. Also the synthetic reveal was really well done and completely surprised me. The aliens were ruthless and powerful as they should be and the ending wasn't exactly happy (which I always like). The YA aspect only came into play via the first person narrative from a hormonal 17 year old girl's perspective but everything else was pretty much R-rated, deadly and high stakes. My minor critique would be that sometimes the first person sections were a bit superfluous but not enough so to ruin the story.
All in all a tense and unforgiving solid book (and speaking of solid I'm glad it got the Hardback treatment as I prefer hardback covers over paperback books).
Does this mention anywhere when it's set?
No, but it will become clear in the future.
Intriguing!
had a bit of a hard time powering through the opening which is very much in line with young adult fiction I've experienced over in the Star Wars neck of the woods, but once the shit hits the fan it rapidly becomes much more to taste. About halfway through the book, enjoying it thus far.
Competition to win a copy -
And a review - https://wordofthenerdonline.com/review-alien-echo-by-mira-grant/
I think they're missing YA from their introduction paragraph but they liked it.
I've got the last chapter left to read and I've finished this.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Feb 23, 2019, 06:15:15 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2019, 04:28:58 PM
Audio books are usually more expensive.
Oh right. Missed the whole audio book part there. Speed reading!
But seriously, they're really that expensive? That's bananas. Got to go with Audible instead.
Just resubscribed to Amazon's Audible again, they actualy gave it to me for free, it would have costed 14.95 instead which is very decent for an audiobook.
I received a shipping notice for my physical edition.
I bought a physical copy a couple of days ago :)
Thoughts anyone?
Honestly, it was okay. It just didn't really do much for me. There's some really sweet (in a twisted way) moments -
Spoiler
was rather fond of Olivia having to cut her sister's head off
- but I just struggled to really connect with the main character. Too much distraction with romantic concerns that just felt out of place.
I flew through the first half but then slowed down and couldn't really get into it again.
Spoiler
So, it tried to respect the source material, but was dragged below the floor grates by the YA tropes anyway?
I'll probably order it soon, but for anyone who doesn't want to, almost the entire thing is readable for free on Amazon by just clicking on the cover and scrolling down.
So what makes this a Junior Novel? Is it much easier to read with a bigger font or something?
Young adult protagonists, with violence and language dialled down a notch.
Chapter 1 and already words such as Xenobiologists are flying around. This should get interesting quickly.
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on May 01, 2019, 04:18:30 PM
Spoiler
So, it tried to respect the source material, but was dragged below the floor grates by the YA tropes anyway?
I wouldn't put it that way. I don't think it was dragged down. I just couldn't engage with her because while I know I was obsessed with my attractions at that age, I don't know if that'd keep cropping up again during an Alien invasion.
Quote from: Wweyland on May 01, 2019, 08:52:22 PM
So what makes this a Junior Novel? Is it much easier to read with a bigger font or something?
From my flick through the hardback it did actually have a bigger font in above to SM's point.
I didn't find any problems engaging with her. It all made sense to me.
Recently got this to see if it stands up to more adult alien material, I just rushed through for now as I wanted to see if there was any real tension, gore, twists and anything that keeps it "alien".
Spoiler
So far, the first person format keeps everything personal but (in)conveniently means that there no "visible" character deaths or events happening outside of the Protagonists perspective.
The alien killing a lame chestburster was interesting, they usually protective of their kind and will refrain from killing hosts, this does not happen here. Another interesting thing is that we have another lgbt character/protagonist. The Alien franchise seems to be consistent in this. There was the avp novel with same sex married couple (ommited from the comic version) another married couple in Fire and Stone/Life and Death, another married couple in Dust to Dust. Then we have Blue in Cold forge. Makes sense of course, it is the future and logically there shouldn't be any inequality or different treatment and it least it keeps things consistent that the alien franchise has pushed boundaries before, Ripley being one of the first female action hereos and tthe second film getting awards for a genre that rarely did before.
The character of Micheal was it? was a bit too obvious in his character type and it clearly set up to have his comeuppance. The twist regarding the twins is interesting too. All in all, I will give this a more closer read and give proper and more informed thoughts at later time.
Spoiler
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 02, 2019, 07:43:29 AM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on May 01, 2019, 04:18:30 PM
Spoiler
So, it tried to respect the source material, but was dragged below the floor grates by the YA tropes anyway?
I wouldn't put it that way. I don't think it was dragged down. I just couldn't engage with her because while I know I was obsessed with my attractions at that age, I don't know if that'd keep cropping up again during an Alien invasion.
Quote from: Wweyland on May 01, 2019, 08:52:22 PM
So what makes this a Junior Novel? Is it much easier to read with a bigger font or something?
From my flick through the hardback it did actually have a bigger font in above to SM's point.
I saw it as the character attempting to obtain/feel a brief respite from all the horror and mayhem going on around her.
Spoiler
It was the only positive thing going for her
Quote from: SM on May 02, 2019, 11:12:00 AM
I didn't find any problems engaging with her. It all made sense to me.
Same
Might just be me. I'll give it another go at some point now I've got the actual book in hand. Like I said, I certainly didn't dislike it.
What did you think about
Spoiler
what happened to Kora's mum?
Spoiler
Them just leaving her hived up? Loved it! Love me some guilt and angst.
Nah
Spoiler
Kora (the girlfriends) mum. The woman who got torn in half.
Spoiler
Both mothers had horrific ends :D
Quote from: Hudson on May 01, 2019, 08:28:15 PM
I'll probably order it soon, but for anyone who doesn't want to, almost the entire thing is readable for free on Amazon by just clicking on the cover and scrolling down.
That's usually just a sample that changes chapters every few pages.
Quote from: SM on May 01, 2019, 08:57:25 PM
Young adult protagonists, with violence and language dialled down a notch.
That sounds about right.
I'll be skipping this.
I'll wait for a price change, or the AVPG review.
Danggg, chapters 3-8 have been a snooze fest, hoping it starts talking about something else other than 2 girls playing with flowers.
It does. Very soon.
Quote from: SM on May 03, 2019, 09:10:31 PM
Nah
Spoiler
Kora (the girlfriends) mum. The woman who got torn in half.
Ah, yes! Got the names mixed around. Yeah, that was f**king brutal! I'm not sure how into
Spoiler
the whole being hostile to other host/hybrids I am but that's mostly because I just love the visuals in my head of seeing different kinds of Aliens interacting/working together.
Quote from: The Old One on May 04, 2019, 01:59:46 AM
I'll wait for a price change, or the AVPG review.
I'm not sure I'm going to do one. It wasn't written for me. Doesn't seem like it'd be honest for me to attempt to review it.
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2019, 09:11:41 PM
It does. Very soon.
I spoke too soon, must have fallen asleep in the middle of the 8th chapter during some teenie party. But boy things changed quickly towards the ending of the 8th. It looks promising! Trying not to read any spoilers lol.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 05, 2019, 09:17:29 AM
I'm not sure I'm going to do one. It wasn't written for me. Doesn't seem like it'd be honest for me to attempt to review it.
That can also be part of the ethos of the review.
Many (if not most) of us here are adults.
You'd be telling us what we could expect from the book, as adult fans.
That sounds honest enough to me.
I had a cursory look for this in the shops while I was away, but didn't come across a copy.
At chapter 15 now, besides the endless repetition of small details (We kissed, she smelled so good, did I mention that 10 times already in the last 5 chapters, sorry if I did?), I'm really liking this one. Chapter 8-14 in the audiodbook have been pretty good.
Quote from: Nostromo on May 13, 2019, 05:23:23 PM
At chapter 15 now, besides the endless repetition of small details (We kissed, she smelled so good, did I mention that 10 times already in the last 5 chapters, sorry if I did?), I'm really liking this one. Chapter 8-14 in the audiodbook have been pretty good.
I'm only 2 chapters in, but it's about what I expected so far. Obviously a long way to go though. I'm looking forward to see where it's headed, but damn, the exposition is laid on THICK at the beginning. I feel like I'm being prepared for a quiz. Give me some more damn scenes already.
I'm intrigued by the descriptions of some of the byzantine colony ordinances, etc. Like children can't speak when they're in the presence of their superiors or something along those lines, and other regulations. Kind of creepy.
Space has never really been portrayed with a realistic sense in the Alien franchise EU as far as I can discern, other than in Out of the Shadows when there's concern about how long people will have to survive aboard an escape pod. You really have to suspend your disbelief on this one though. Olivia mentions that she's already lived on 15 different colony worlds...and she's only 17! As if moving from planet to planet is just as simple as moving from house to house in the same neighborhood. :laugh: The teenage boredom with this aspect is a bit cliche I think, but again, I'm interested to see where this is headed.
At Chapter 18..really liking it, seems to be getting better and better every chapter. Really impressed so far.
Chapter 16 is awesome from start to finish.
I'm about halfway. Finally got to a point where the tension started ratcheting up and the Aliens appeared. Definitely have some pacing questions but it's well done so far.
This has been subprime
Quote from: Wweyland on May 24, 2019, 05:07:44 PM
This has been subprime
What didn't you guys like though?
At chapter 20 or 21 now, call me crazy but I think this is one of the best novels ever written. Especially from chapter 8 to 21. Not sure what's coming next. This is what I thought would happen to that exoplanet colony in Sea of Sorrows.
Only thing I'm not liking is these lion worm hybrids that are starting to appear.
Quote from: Nostromo on May 26, 2019, 07:04:54 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on May 24, 2019, 05:07:44 PM
This has been subprime
What didn't you guys like though?
At chapter 20 or 21 now, call me crazy but I think this is one of the best novels ever written. Especially from chapter 8 to 21. Not sure what's coming next. This is what I thought would happen to that exoplanet colony in Sea of Sorrows.
Only thing I'm not liking is these lion worm hybrids that are starting to appear.
Actually, I was just quoting the book itself, with Olivia using "subprime" for everything.
I am currently half way through and it certainly has gotten better after the slow start.
Quote from: Wweyland on May 26, 2019, 09:39:09 PM
Quote from: Nostromo on May 26, 2019, 07:04:54 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on May 24, 2019, 05:07:44 PM
This has been subprime
What didn't you guys like though?
At chapter 20 or 21 now, call me crazy but I think this is one of the best novels ever written. Especially from chapter 8 to 21. Not sure what's coming next. This is what I thought would happen to that exoplanet colony in Sea of Sorrows.
Only thing I'm not liking is these lion worm hybrids that are starting to appear.
Actually, I was just quoting the book itself, with Olivia using "subprime" for everything.
I am currently half way through and it certainly has gotten better after the slow start.
Second half is way more prime ;)
Oh :), cool, true.
Reached chapter 18. This book is taking me forever. I thought it would pick up some more but has turned out to be kind of insufferable, and very boring. There's not a complex or dynamic character in the entire thing, except perhaps Viola. I get how the YA genre works, but the adult characters are all just a bunch of jerks or incompetent morons, except the mom to some degree. The Michel character is just designed to piss the reader off, reminds me a lot of the antagonist in DNA War. He's just a device of the author and not a fleshed out character. None of them are though. The narrator isn't much better. You'd think during the heat of the moment that she'd have a motivation beyond yearning for romantic desire, but I guess this is as complex as 17-year-old girls get. Wanting to be kissed. Couldn't be more cliche. Wanting to save her sister is really her only other goal, so the plot ends up being a simple rescue mission.
The book also seems to target a very narrow demographic, rather than "opening up" to a larger YA reader base. Men are certainly excluded from this book's audience. That's kind of interesting because David Giler is quoted as saying no matter how hard they tried to get women to see the Alien movies, it never really worked. So I'm not really sure why there's a big push here to alienate (pun intended) the already existing fan base in favor of drawing in adolescent LGBTQ females. I felt Alex White's novel made some serious strides in opening up Alien to LGBTQ identity politics while remaining satisfying to fans who were already into the franchise. This book is doing the opposite.
So far it's really not a satisfying experience for a fan either. A couple utterances of Weyland-Yutani to check the boxes. Nothing really unique about the portrayal of the Xenomorphs. Nothing tied into the mythology of the series yet. And before I get called out for not being the ideal reader of the book based on my subject position, I have to say I highly doubt the YA market is profitable because only adolescents are reading these books. It's because adults read them. And on that note, the Harry Potter books I've read (I know those are middle grade, but it's the same principle) are truly great. Very good writing. Very tense narrative storytelling. A lot of complexity in terms of character development and negotiation of plot. This isn't any of those things. Super one-dimensional and boring and I'm ready for it to be done.
TL;DR: It's a slog.
That's the review I agree with you the most Hudson. You summarized my feelings on this well. I'm at the last 40 pages.
Michel and Olivia felt even younger than 17 by the way they behaved and thinked. It was the only novel I was begging for the aliens to just pop up and start their thing. Like a F13 movie where the teenagers are so cringe and annoying I just want Jason to get to work already. I liked some the alien stuff on it, the violence and behavior was fine but until they show up its just a bad teenager love story.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 03, 2019, 09:44:14 PM
The book also seems to target a very narrow demographic, rather than "opening up" to a larger YA reader base. Men are certainly excluded from this book's audience. That's kind of interesting because David Giler is quoted as saying no matter how hard they tried to get women to see the Alien movies, it never really worked. So I'm not really sure why there's a big push here to alienate (pun intended) the already existing fan base in favor of drawing in adolescent LGBTQ females.
Indeed. Doesn't seem like a very profitable move.
Alien isn't like Star Wars or Marvel, its not much of a mainstream franchise, at least in my country it truly isn't, so the demographic that is into it is already quite limited. I don't think limiting things more is smart, not many in the intended target audience are going to be interested on buying this novel, the people who will be drawn to it will be mostly existing aliens fans or Mira Grant fans. And teenagers that are into Alien would probably enjoy more the other adult novels than this one, well I would back then.
Quote from: Samhain13 on Jun 03, 2019, 11:02:59 PM
Doesn't seem like a very profitable move.
Who knows. Mira Grant is really Seanan McGuire, who has a very large following in her own right. But even under Mira Grant she's won awards and a good deal of notoriety and has published several high-profile books, either original works or media tie-ins. I guess we'll find out whether or not we see a string of more YA Alien novels. *shrugs*
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 04, 2019, 12:14:42 AM
Who knows. Mira Grant is really Seanan McGuire, who has a very large following in her own right. But even under Mira Grant she's won awards and a good deal of notoriety and has published several high-profile books, either original works or media tie-ins.
Maybe she focused on writing something that would please her existing fanbase.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 04, 2019, 12:14:42 AM
I guess we'll find out whether or not we see a string of more YA Alien novels. *shrugs*
Ha I doubt that. Her returning for another is also unlikely. Its rare to see someone that wrote a standalone alien novel returning to make a second one.
Still at chapter 22 but jumped on board Alien 3 by Gibson. Not sure why you guys hate this one lol. For an invasion, or infestation, on an exoplanet, I think it's really well done. 9/10 on Echo, 9.5/10 Alien 3 by Gibson. Can't wait to come back to this audible, hope it doesn't dissapoint. Don't mind the 2 girl lovers...
It's not even like it's that novel. Fire & Stone had a Chris and Jill and Covenant had Lope and Hallett. Not sure why anyone would feel so threatened as to be alienated by it.
If you Google reviews for Echo, it's pretty positive.
Yeah, as much as I struggled with all the romantic asides, her orientation and focus on it wasn't a bother at all for me. Did it even really focus on them being same sex? I don't think it really did it?
Besides, like SM said above, it's been a thing in Alien for a long time. Going even further back to AvP: Prey. And it was something Scott had considered for Alien too.
I think in one of the commentaries he mentions something about casual sex, and not necessarily heterosexual. And it wasn't a focus in Echo either. From memory Olivia just starts talking about how attracted she is to Kora, rather than going into details about her own orientation. I figured that a teenage lesbian romance with a brown skinned girl in an Alien title would give a few people an attack of the vapours at some point.
Lol.
Reeee! The gays!
I might actually pick it up now, although I'm sure Nostromo is being hyperbolic with "one of the best novels ever written" now, c'mon.
Get the audible dude! :)
Listen to it at night, they come out at night, mostly.
QuoteI figured that a teenage lesbian romance with a brown skinned girl in an Alien title would give a few people an attack of the vapours at some point.
Ah, here you are again to call me out on overreacting to something without really responding to what I was saying, as you've pretty much done in my interactions with you on boards for the past 15+ years.
QuoteI'm not really sure why there's a big push here to alienate (pun intended) the already existing fan base in favor of drawing in adolescent LGBTQ females. I felt Alex White's novel made some serious strides in opening up Alien to LGBTQ identity politics while remaining satisfying to fans who were already into the franchise. This book is doing the opposite.
^That's me, having an "attack of the vapours."
My main gripe is that it's boring and the characters are one-dimensional, regardless of their sexual orientation. I couldn't give two shits about that. As cliche as it is for a teenager to obsess over being kissed, it would obviously be more cliche if it was Olivia and Michel. But the book doesn't take any real risks other than a mere introduction of a progressive romance among adolescents. If this book wants to pretend like it's the first YA novel to lean into LGBTQ+ territory... LOL. Boring is about as bad a transgression as a piece of writing can commit. One-dimensional is about as bad a transgression as a writer can commit when creating characters. Flat characters are needed, as are foils. But it's a bit overboard when basically every character, again save Viola, has no dynamism or complexity. I couldn't care less about their orientation, but if you think my argument is homophobic, keep building a straw man. I predicted that response as soon as I sent the post.
Quote from: The Old One on Jun 04, 2019, 10:13:24 AM
Reeee! The gays!
I might actually pick it up now, although I'm sure Nostromo is being hyperbolic with "one of the best novels ever written" now, c'mon.
In the thousands of years of human writing, it's not even close. I'm not saying people aren't allowed to like it. But yeah, c'mon.
Quote from: The Old One on Jun 04, 2019, 10:13:24 AM
I might actually pick it up now, although I'm sure Nostromo is being hyperbolic with "one of the best novels ever written" now, c'mon.
I finished it and can't give Echo more than a 5/10. TCF is a 8.5-9/10 to me for comparison.
Quote from: SM on Jun 04, 2019, 08:41:23 AM
I think in one of the commentaries he mentions something about casual sex, and not necessarily heterosexual.
Wat, Lambert and Ripley?
Quote
My main gripe is that it's boring and the characters are one-dimensional, regardless of their sexual orientation. I couldn't give two shits about that. As cliche as it is for a teenager to obsess over being kissed, it would obviously be more cliche if it was Olivia and Michel. But the book doesn't take any real risks other than a mere introduction of a progressive romance among adolescents. If this book wants to pretend like it's the first YA novel to lean into LGBTQ+ territory... LOL. Boring is about as bad a transgression as a piece of writing can commit. One-dimensional is about as bad a transgression as a writer can commit when creating characters. Flat characters are needed, as are foils. But it's a bit overboard when basically every character, again save Viola, has no dynamism or complexity. I couldn't care less about their orientation, but if you think my argument is homophobic, keep building a straw man. I predicted that response as soon as I sent the post.
Then construct better posts.
Thirty-plus years of Alien comics and novels, but apparently one single YA novel with a teenage lesbian protagonist is a "big push here to alienate ... the already existing fan base in favor of drawing in adolescent LGBTQ females".
'Big push to alienate'.
Oh, but apparently you "couldn't give two shits about that". One shit was plenty.
Finished it.
Spoiler
After all that, it didn't even end with a kiss?
As The Old One would say, this book was white bread. Didn't realize YA books were written for parents to be comfortable buying them for their sheltered kids. Nothing about this book took any risks, especially if there's nothing new or unique about the target audience.
Here's a review on Goodreads which
echoes many of my thoughts:
QuoteI wanted to love this. I really did. From the moment I found out about this book before its release I waited in anticipation and bought it the moment it came out. I am a hardcore Aliens fan and settled in for a horror story of a teenager trying to protect her sister. That is what I expected. That is not what I got. I got a YA romance novel with a dash of aliens for seasoning. The MC was much more concerned about her "maybe girlfriend" to care about anything else going on in the book. Deaths don't effect her, she doesn't care, so long as it isn't the "maybe girlfriend". Adults are useless. There is one scene where an adult is present and as soon as anything starts happening seems to vanish. Then after everything it says the person kind of shakes themselves awake. Really!? An adult just stood there and did nothing! This book seems to have very low opinions of teenagers. Maybe the author forgot what it was like to be a teenager. But I'm pretty sure that even the flakiest teenager would stop mooning over the person they like in order to survive an alien attack. I did not find the characters believable. Everyone is useless except the main character, there is no urgency for survival, no tension, no fear. Forget marines they just need to send in this girl. As I said I wanted to love it but it wasn't what I expected at all. Want a good alien read then go read Alien: Out of Shadows.
Quote from: SM on Jun 04, 2019, 08:57:09 PM
Quote
My main gripe is that it's boring and the characters are one-dimensional, regardless of their sexual orientation. I couldn't give two shits about that. As cliche as it is for a teenager to obsess over being kissed, it would obviously be more cliche if it was Olivia and Michel. But the book doesn't take any real risks other than a mere introduction of a progressive romance among adolescents. If this book wants to pretend like it's the first YA novel to lean into LGBTQ+ territory... LOL. Boring is about as bad a transgression as a piece of writing can commit. One-dimensional is about as bad a transgression as a writer can commit when creating characters. Flat characters are needed, as are foils. But it's a bit overboard when basically every character, again save Viola, has no dynamism or complexity. I couldn't care less about their orientation, but if you think my argument is homophobic, keep building a straw man. I predicted that response as soon as I sent the post.
Then construct better posts.
Thirty-plus years of Alien comics and novels, but apparently one single YA novel with a teenage lesbian protagonist is a "big push here to alienate ... the already existing fan base in favor of drawing in adolescent LGBTQ females".
'Big push to alienate'.
Oh, but apparently you "couldn't give two shits about that". One shit was plenty.
Oh, what a hero you are. :laugh: My posts are fine. You pick and choose what you want to respond to out of my posts to misrepresent my position while never really offering your own, which is typical. Nothing new there since you've become the shadow trustee of the Alien franchise EU.
If you hadn't been a consultant on this project, I doubt you would've cared to begin with. Hence why you're so comfortable calling out Cauldron, but refuse to engage in any opinion-based, subjective discussion on anything which you participated in yourself. No one's aloud to dislike Blackout, The WY Report, or now Echo when you're around. I wonder why?
As long as you see praise, you remain silent. The first sign of a dissenting opinion and you spring out of the woodwork to explain why a fan is wrong.
Quote
Everyone is useless except the main character, there is no urgency for survival, no tension, no fear. Forget marines they just need to send in this girl. As I said I wanted to love it but it wasn't what I expected at all.
Huh. Thinking now, Olivia had some of a Mary Sue.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 04, 2019, 09:06:40 PM
If you hadn't been a consultant on this project, I doubt you would've cared to begin with. Hence why you're so comfortable calling out Cauldron, but refuse to engage in any opinion-based, subjective discussion on anything which you participated in yourself. No one's aloud to dislike Blackout, The WY Report, or now Echo when you're around. I wonder why?
As long as you see praise, you remain silent. The first sign of a dissenting opinion and you spring out of the woodwork to explain why a fan is wrong.
Don't forget Alien: Isolation Digital Series. We are just toxic fans after all. :P
QuoteOh, what a hero you are. :laugh: My posts are fine. You pick and choose what you want to respond to out of my posts to misrepresent my position while never really offering your own, which is typical. Nothing new there since you've become the shadow trustee of the Alien franchise EU.
I picked and chose one dumb thing to respond to because it was dumb. I quoted your words in the context you posted them. I didn't mention anything else you've said, because it was your opinion which doesn't need attacking nor defending.
QuoteIf you hadn't been a consultant on this project, I doubt you would've cared to begin with. Hence why you're so comfortable calling out Cauldron, but refuse to engage in any opinion-based, subjective discussion on anything which you participated in yourself. No one's aloud to dislike Blackout, The WY Report, or now Echo when you're around. I wonder why?
Consultant is overstating it. I read a draft, I liked it, offered a couple of very minor thoughts, and I don't even know were enacted or not. Even if I did participate in it, it would be disingenuous for me to participate in opinion based discussion.
I had nothing to do with Blackout, so you're just making yourself look silly here.
QuoteAs long as you see praise, you remain silent. The first sign of a dissenting opinion and you spring out of the woodwork to explain why a fan is wrong.
Once again, I pointed out a stupid thing you said about 'a big push to alienate fans in favour of LGBTQI teenage girls', because it was utterly baseless. Which you've not mentioned again in favour of little rant that comes across as rather personal. I 'remained silent' on the rest of your negative opinion - because that's your opinion and it's not my job to change it.
Quote from: The Old One on Jun 04, 2019, 10:13:24 AM
Reeee! The gays!
I might actually pick it up now, although I'm sure Nostromo is being hyperbolic with "one of the best novels ever written" now, c'mon.
Chapters 1-8, 4/10, chapters 8.5-22 great, say 8.5/10, to me anyways. It's pretty adventurous from bases to caves etc.. and it has an interesting aspect of a future colonist out in space. If this were a comic it'd be pretty good actually It reminds me of Aliens: More than Human. Without the forced upon pincers, lol. And with a much better story.
https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/16-781/Aliens-More-Than-Human-TPB (https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/16-781/Aliens-More-Than-Human-TPB)
But again, I'm still at chapter 22, if it completely bombs now, than yeah it may reach your 5/10.
Just finished the book and it was fine. Surprisingly gory and tense for a book aimed at youths, although haven't read much else to compare.
Any chances for a sequel?
"Alien fans" and "LGBTQ girls" are not mutually exclusive, and I'm getting pretty goddamn tired of seeing nonsense like this every time the subject is brought up.
Since I'm not really into YA novels, I thought I'd give this a pass, but from what I'm hearing here, it seems interesting. Now knowing it's not watered down, I'm really tempted to get this.
For some reason, people assume YA = Twilight, and that's like.... Really dumb. Hunger Games is YA, after all, and that features children being forced to murder each other in gladiatorial combat for the sake of political repression.
Quote from: Naginata on Jun 06, 2019, 08:58:27 PM
For some reason, people assume YA = Twilight, and that's like.... Really dumb. Hunger Games is YA, after all, and that features children being forced to murder each other in gladiatorial combat for the sake of political repression.
And this book contains nowhere near that level of violence so the comparison makes no sense.
I dunno, I thought things like
Spoiler
people being literally ripped in half and having their guts and baby Aliens spill onto the floor and having to cut your sister's head off
was pretty violent.
It's one of the more memorably graphic sequences in a book in recent memory.
Just finished it, was stuck at chapter 22 and was thinking it would have
Spoiler
30+ chapters. Loved chapters 8-22 just didn't dig the lion worm-alien hybrids. I'm a hybrid hater, anyhow...I think it was a very decent Exoplanet colony type of story. 7.5/10, much higher if there was only Aliens in it and if the story a bit longer.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 07, 2019, 04:13:20 AM
Quote from: Naginata on Jun 06, 2019, 08:58:27 PM
For some reason, people assume YA = Twilight, and that's like.... Really dumb. Hunger Games is YA, after all, and that features children being forced to murder each other in gladiatorial combat for the sake of political repression.
And this book contains nowhere near that level of violence so the comparison makes no sense.
My point was that 'YA' doesn't mean Lisa Frank-level content.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 07, 2019, 07:12:15 AM
I dunno, I thought things like
Spoiler
people being literally ripped in half and having their guts and baby Aliens spill onto the floor and having to cut your sister's head off
was pretty violent.
Most of that is described either indirectly or in a vanilla way. When I think of Steel Egg, I think about more graphic descriptions of violence. Maybe even Out of the Shadows, but I haven't read either in a while. The concept of this isn't anywhere near the potentially objectionable idea of adolescents murdering each other, though, and
Spoiler
The sister was a robot, so that doesn't really fit with the same type of violence.
Quote from: SM on Jun 07, 2019, 09:42:25 AM
It's one of the more memorably graphic sequences in a book in recent memory.
You're talking about
Alien books, right? Because if you mean all books, and your statement was objectively true, then this book would probably be getting quite a bit of press.
Right, but, like... My point was that YA books don't have to be sappy cheese-fests. This book is more similar content-wise to Hunger Games than to Twilight, yes?
Yes.
I've not read either, but from what I do know - imma go with 'Yes'.
Got the audiobook and after about an hour the main characters inner monologue love struckness is really annoying
Finally got around to reading this. Or should I say, listening to the audiobook.
Now this... was good. Really good. I really felt a connection with Olivia. I usually don't like the main character this much in Alien novels, I just don't get so emotionally attached to them even when they're written well. I get more immersed in the world and eagerly await to see which character becomes fodder for the horrible carnage the aliens bring forth.
Olivia was quite charming and felt "human". I didn't know at first why I cared so much for her as I'm a mid twenties straight white guy, but then I figured out that she acted like real teens do. Like I and my friends behaved and would've behaved. Her constant lovesick state was written, at times, a bit clumsily. It does get on the verge of being annoying, as well as her frequent thought tangents even in high risk situations. But I'll be damned if I don't admit that I wouldn't act the same way if I were in her shoes. I was just as obsessive when I was a teen in love, and the tangents are frequent when you're out of your depth and your mind tries to sway your thoughts away from horrific and painful events. For me, everything felt all too real. When normal everyday life in the Alien universe is interrupted by space horrors. Felt real, got me more engaged cause of that and everything had more weight to it when things happened.
I liked that we spent good time getting to know the characters before we get to the action. If done right, that's always needed. The character deaths were impactful, I was frequently worried who would go next. The world, the characters, the story, everything felt immersive, it got me attached to it all.
Won't go into spoilers, but IMO, the aliens were done well. I always get super aggro when the beast isn't handled correctly. I applaud the author in the way she treated them, I was more than satisfied. The Alien felt real and horrific.
I personally loved this book. Wasn't written as well as The Cold Forge and since I'm comparing it to a book I also adore, I can say that maybe the characters in Echo weren't as intriguing as the ones in The Cold Forge, but in Echo they were a lot more likable and I got more emotionally attached to them. Though that's maybe a given since the books have very different goals in portraying their characters and both achieve what they were aiming for, I'd say.
I like Olivia as much as Amanda, honestly, so I'm glad we'll be seeing more of her in the upcoming comic and game. Of course, I hope she isn't milked to death, less is more...
Not a perfect novel by any means, but quite a pleasant surprise! My score? Prime. :laugh:
;D
When is this set in relation to The Cold Forge and Resistance ?
Closer to the former than the latter.
Would this order be correct? - Resistance, Rescue, Aliens, The Cold Forge, Echo and Colonial Marines: Rising Threat
Resistance, Rescue, Echo, Aliens, Cold Forge, CM - Rising Threat.
Interesting.
Did I miss something or did
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Olivia just assume the Aliens would be in the caves near the mountains?
I can't recall any reasoning behind that.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 11, 2019, 04:57:48 PM
Did I miss something or did
Spoiler
Olivia just assume the Aliens would be in the caves near the mountains?
I can't recall any reasoning behind that.
Spoiler
if I'm remembering correctly the mountains are where the Wey-Yu derelict ship crashed
That's right. But one didnt equal the other as far as I can remember.
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Now that I'm thinking about it I believe she went to look for her Mom and she figured that's where her mom would have headed towards.
lol
Spoiler
Derelicts, Derelicts everywhere!
Quote from: SM on Jul 03, 2019, 12:29:35 PM
Resistance, Rescue, Echo, Aliens, Cold Forge, CM - Rising Threat.
Another alien story set between Alien and Aliens huh. Is CM-RT set before Alien 3?
Quote from: Xiggz456 on Jul 11, 2019, 08:39:30 PM
Spoiler
Now that I'm thinking about it I believe she went to look for her Mom and she figured that's where her mom would have headed towards.
I'm talking about after that. When she's
Spoiler
looking for her sister
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 12, 2019, 05:43:12 AM
Quote from: Xiggz456 on Jul 11, 2019, 08:39:30 PM
Spoiler
Now that I'm thinking about it I believe she went to look for her Mom and she figured that's where her mom would have headed towards.
I'm talking about after that. When she's Spoiler
looking for her sister
Oh okay
Spoiler
then I think it was a combination of where the ship crashed down and the direction the xenos were carrying off their victims
May have to give this another read before the new comic comes out.
Spoiler
Olivia guesses the Aliens will be in or near the caves where the shuttle crashed, and on the way they find a dead lion-worm that effectively confirms they're going in the right direction.
Good book, not great- but good.
Going to be interviewing Mira Grant next week. You know the drill. Any questions, throw them up.
I enjoyed this one a lot (as stated in my previous review), so I'll really be looking forward to this interview.
Who from (the writer or Fox) and how did the idea come to write an Alien novel in the YA genre? How easy or difficult was it to write such a story, making the characters believable and relatable whilst at the same time being respectable to the deadliness of the Aliens? And does the writer know that the character of Olivia is going to be used in the new comic and game, was that the plan right from the start? Is the writer involved, has a say in how Olivia is portrayed in the comic and game, or is it all up to Fox what they do with her?
Unrelated to the upcoming interview, but did anyone else notice how this was published by Macmillan and not Titan?
I listened to the audiobook, so I didn't notice that. Wow, nice catch, that's weird. Now how did that happen?
QuoteIs the writer involved, has a say in how Olivia is portrayed in the comic and game, or is it all up to Fox what they do with her?
She's not involved with the comic.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jul 24, 2019, 04:41:40 PM
Unrelated to the upcoming interview, but did anyone else notice how this was published by Macmillan and not Titan?
Yeah I noticed before the book even came out. Guessing that YA is a whole other licensing agreement. Probably similar to Star Wars where Del Rey publishes the "adult" novels and Lucasfilm Press handles the YA novels.
@Hicks I'd be interested in knowing if she's familiar with any of the EU.
Imprint is the child/ young adult arm of Macmillan. I don't think YA is really in Titan's wheelhouse.
Looking forward to reading Echo soon.
Mira Grant Interview with Studio Yutani. (https://yutani.studio/2019/08/01/creative-mira-grant-author-of-alien-echo/)
5 Stars * * * * *
Thanks for sharing.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2019/08/05/alien-echo-review-avp-galaxy-podcast-91/
Podcast review is now up. :) Will get a written one up shortly.
Next podcast is going to be an interview with the author. :)
Prime review :P really wanted to see what you guys thought about this. Glad you liked it as well. All the things that bothered you I noticed too, but I got over it quickly cause it just felt realistic to me as to how the characters acted, at least compared to my teen years and my friends at the time.
And yeah, screw Michael.
Really great review guys - I wasn't overly fussed about reading this but after listening to this episode I've just ordered my copy 👍
I think I must give it a look.
Thank you guys. It is always great to liston to you guys. I downloaded the Audiobook today. Im looking forward for the Commentary of you.
Very comprehensive podcast! Great job! RidgeTop taking me back to 6th grade with the Paul Zindel reference (I not only read "Raptor", but also "Loch", and "The Doom Stone" haha). Looking forward to the interview with Mira Grant.
Thanks all! I'm glad everyone is enjoying (and convinced some of you to actually pick up a copy).
Was Raptor the one where a kid finds a dinosaur egg in Utah or something? I think I may have actually read that when I started secondary school.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 08, 2019, 08:21:58 AM
Thanks all! I'm glad everyone is enjoying (and convinced some of you to actually pick up a copy).
Was Raptor the one where a kid finds a dinosaur egg in Utah or something? I think I may have actually read that when I started secondary school.
Yep that's the one!
Quote from: Xiggz456 on Aug 08, 2019, 01:23:33 AM
Very comprehensive podcast! Great job! RidgeTop taking me back to 6th grade with the Paul Zindel reference (I not only read "Raptor", but also "Loch", and "The Doom Stone" haha). Looking forward to the interview with Mira Grant.
Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoyed that book. Haven't read any of Zindel's others but I really should. Glad you enjoyed the episode.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 08, 2019, 08:21:58 AM
Thanks all! I'm glad everyone is enjoying (and convinced some of you to actually pick up a copy).
Was Raptor the one where a kid finds a dinosaur egg in Utah or something? I think I may have actually read that when I started secondary school.
Yep, takes place in my home state. I need to read it again as I remember it being a really engaging one.
Thank you.
Great episode guys, I also loved the cold forge but this book was still well done and think you guys were very fair in talking about it. To me it felt like Dawson's Creek meets Aliens haha, but if it's done well, then what's wrong with that. Let many flowers bloom.
Absolutely, best way to look at it.
As usual, quality podcast. Well worth the listen.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.
Assuming I finish the second pass this weekend, our interview with Mira/Seanan will be up next Monday. :)
Excellent! I look forward to it.
Ditto!
In the meantime... ;D
Quote from: SM on Aug 02, 2019, 11:16:15 AM
Mira Grant Interview with Studio Yutani. (https://yutani.studio/2019/08/01/creative-mira-grant-author-of-alien-echo/)
Ah, a good read.
In which year (or years) is the novel chronologically located? I don't know if it appears somewhere and I would like to know more or less before reading it. Thanks!
PS: Avoid spoilers, please.
After Amanda's Isolation adventures and before Aliens.
Quote from: SM on Aug 17, 2019, 09:59:17 PM
After Amanda's Isolation adventures and before Aliens.
Thanks!
Good to know, wasn't certain myself.
I've decided to postpone the interview release until tomorrow. I fear it getting lost in the Hunting Grounds news later today.
Sensible. Tomorrow is good :)
And the interview is up! Enjoy! :)
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2019/08/20/poking-things-in-the-jungle-interview-with-alien-echo-author-seanan-mcguire-avp-galaxy-podcast-92/
Quote from: SM on Aug 17, 2019, 09:59:17 PM
After Amanda's Isolation adventures and before Aliens.
Where is it chronologically located compared to Defiance, Resistance, Rescue and Out of the Shadows?
Rising Threat will provide a more specific timeframe.
Written review is now up: https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/alien-echo/
Interview was a treat. Thank you everyone!
What Predator book had she written? And what game were you referring to when you mentioned a tie-in or something?
She wrote the short story Blood and Sand in Predator: If It Bleeds.
Do you mean the tie-in with Olivia? Talking about the Cold Iron game.
Quote from: Frosty Venom on Aug 20, 2019, 03:52:57 PM
Interview was a treat. Thank you everyone!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Really enjoyed the interview, thanks guys for making it happen. The author seems great, liked her approach and attitude about all of this. I'd definitely want to see her again and write a sequel. I do feel bad that she got no input into Olivia's later appearances. Whatever plans Fox has for Olivia, the first impression and likability of a character was thanks to the author. I really hope she get's a chance to return. For a character that's going to be in so many entries, her author that made a great first impression with Olivia's portrayal, shouldn't be just a one-off.
And yeah, I would take issue with an Alien that came from an android, though I wouldn't flip out over it if it was a very organic android leaning more towards replicants, but I did like how she fought Fox when it came to biology. Aliens MAYBE don't need to eat to survive when they're adults, but Olivia doesn't know that and for any crazy growth a creature needs to consume matter to do it.
Quote from: Still Collating... on Aug 22, 2019, 02:54:06 PM
And yeah, I would take issue with an Alien that came from an android, though I wouldn't flip out over it if it was a very organic android leaning more towards replicants,
Because of how much I fear Ridey having an Alien burst out of David, and that being where the classic design comes from, I was glad it didn't end up in here as a precedence. But I'm also a little scared it didn't end up in here because that's what they want to do!
Quote from: Still Collating... on Aug 22, 2019, 02:54:06 PM
Really enjoyed the interview, thanks guys for making it happen. The author seems great, liked her approach and attitude about all of this. I'd definitely want to see her again and write a sequel.
Thanks, Collating! Glad you're enjoying! I'd love to see Seanan back and pick up those threads she laid down.
Hicks, it remains the outcome I expect if/when Ridley brings us another prequel installment.
QuoteBut I'm also a little scared it didn't end up in here because that's what they want to do!
Not that I know of. I read one treatment with the xenodroid, said 'yeah, I'm not sure about this', then the next thing 'don't worry about it we're not going with it'.
It's another quality podcast. McGuire gives a good interview.
Nice interview on the podcast.
Quote from: SM on Aug 24, 2019, 09:31:13 PM
QuoteBut I'm also a little scared it didn't end up in here because that's what they want to do!
Not that I know of. I read one treatment with the xenodroid, said 'yeah, I'm not sure about this', then the next thing 'don't worry about it we're not going with it'.
I'm not going to say it's the worst idea I've ever heard of in the franchise, because worse ideas have already been executed, but her enthusiasm for this android xenomorph was kind of hilarious when she was also insistent on the verisimilitude of animal biology w/r/t this franchise because she studied reptiles and amphibians. Seemed to be quite a double standard. "The Aliens don't eat" is a pretty stupid remark for an Fox exec/editor to make at this point, considering Alien 3 and AvPR directly show scenes of it happening (as does the EU on multiple occasions), but like...Prometheus and Covenant have made it pretty clear that this franchise is not concerned with the science of real biology.
Indeed, certainly in today's hemisphere of the franchise. Although TCF is the one counter I would offer.
Glad to see the comments from those who enjoyed the interview, seeing that kind of feedback is what keeps us motivated.
Really enjoyed talking with McGuire and I hope she gets more gigs for the franchises in the future.
Finished reading the book now. Bearing in mind, I've never read young adult or even an alien novel before.
I thought it was alright. Some things felt odd to me. How could Olivia not know that Viola was an android all this time? The whole kissing felt like motor oil thing - I thought it was going to be revealed that Kora was going to be an android or something. I'd probably have liked some more perspectives like what went on, with her father and the vessel and what happened in the colony before Olivia got back. Maybe some more friends could have tagged along with her. But it was okay. I liked the teen sort of perspective.
Quote from: Darkness on Sep 12, 2019, 06:17:28 PM
Finished reading the book now. Bearing in mind, I've never read young adult or even an alien novel before.
If you even liked this one, you should try some fan favorites like Cold Forge, Labyrinth, Berserker.
I definitely recommend highly The Cold Forge.
Nice.
Not sure if it's been mentioned here yet, but there's apparently a paperback edition on the way in April.
Did you find it on Amazon in the end?
No, but there's a listing for it on goodreads.
Good to hear, I'll read it soon digitally though.
Be nice to actually have a softback of this. The hardback doesn't fit on my shelf with the other books.
I'm holding out for the paperback for exactly that reason.
I need to get around to buying myself a hard copy, those books are so sexy.
I finally gave this a read and listened to the podcast, which was great. (Every time I was about to type up a comment, one of you brought up the point I was about to make.) :P
I enjoyed it overall. I appreciated seeing things from a teenage perspective for something different. I liked the setting and native life. I liked the finale too.
I don't really mind the romance. Most of it is just dumb thoughts popping into Olivia's head and she acknowledges how stupid it is to be thinking about it during all of the carnage.
I liked how Olivia's knowledge of xenobiology played into the action and let her figure out the xenomorph life-cycle out on the fly.
The dynamic between Olivia and Viola became pretty interesting,
Spoiler
especially once we learned the twist. Olivia's attachment and determination to save Viola despite learning she was an android was something new & interesting for the franchise. It provided something weird for us to chew on.
I did have the following gripes:
The Michel character was hateable, but not in the way he was supposed to be. He's cartoonishly over-the-top. His level of dickishness should have been gradually built-up instead of just turned up to 11 from beginning to end. I didn't think he was believable for most of the book.
I didn't really like how every single person who's been facehugged had telltale rips around their mouths, which we've never seen in any other media. I was hoping this meant a new kind of creature that forces people's mouths open and impregnates them - kind of like Chet from AVP:R. But no, one of the victims describes the eggs and it sounds like they were just facehugged. (I guess it's possible that there's something different about these facehuggers - either because of spawning from the Zagreus wildlife or experiments on the research vessel.)
Spoiler
The ending was a bit of a downer and felt a bit too open for my taste, but I was reading this with the knowledge that Olivia was supposed to show up in the cancelled Rising Threat comic, so I assume somebody rescues them.
Now that we've had this, could there be more YA Alien books in the future? How about some dealing with Predator?
Quote from: David's Creation on May 08, 2020, 10:31:38 PM
I did have the following gripes:
The Michel character was hateable, but not in the way he was supposed to be. He's cartoonishly over-the-top. His level of dickishness should have been gradually built-up instead of just turned up to 11 from beginning to end. I didn't think he was believable for most of the book.
i found that on one hand, it was really effective in making me truly hate his character, but on the other, i thought it was pretty absurd how other characters let him act the way he did 99 percent of the time
Spoiler
i also think his demise was a disappointment; he deserved far worse, or we at least should have read about his last living moments
I would have liked that myself. But I suppose they didn't want to get too vindictive in a YA book. lol
haha fair point!
let's instead focus on how much olivia wants to kiss kora amidst this outbreak of chitinous monsters :P
It's more on brand for YA apparently. Which I suppose it is. A large part of Hunger Games was the love-triange amidst all the death.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 23, 2020, 10:49:46 AM
I would have liked that myself. But I suppose they didn't want to get too vindictive in a YA book. lol
Yeah but Kora's mum. :o
I'm not sure I'd have called that vindictive though. They were certainly disappointed her, but not to the same extent it would have been satisfying had Michel had his face ripped off in a gory fashion. Though that sequence was fantastic!
it was! kora's mom wasn't too likable, but michel was in a league of his own
Spoiler
on the novel: would have liked a little more in the conclusion, specifically how they went about repairing viola, but i guess we'll leave that up to our imagination :laugh:
Yeah, I'm not sure how much closure we'll get on that with Rising Threat gone. Just depends how much the Cold Iron game digs into her.
do we have confirmation that the sisters are supposed to appear in cold iron's game, or are we thinking this based on what would have been olivia's involvement in rising threat?
perhaps they're on pala station during the events we'll see unravel in aliens: infiltrator ???
Olivia was mooted to appear, but the game was set a fair amount of time after Rising Threat.
maybe we'd be more likely to see viola in the game then
Quote from: SM on Jun 24, 2020, 09:58:19 PM
Olivia was mooted to appear, but the game was set a fair amount of time after Rising Threat.
There are no news about a hypothetical reprinting of Aliens: Colonial Marines - Rising Threat, aren't?
Not that I've heard. Wood didn't finished writing the whole series to the best of my knowledge and it would need a page 1 re-write.
Still haven't read the novel but podcast review you guys did is among my favourites. I especially enjoyed "android battery" jokes
Quote from: SM on Jun 25, 2020, 11:18:37 PM
Not that I've heard. Wood didn't finished writing the whole series to the best of my knowledge and it would need a page 1 re-write.
What a pity. The comic looked good. Since Mira Grant created the character of Olivia, it would be nice if she re-wrote the comic.
I suggested that to Fox at the time.
I keep waiting on a paperback edition of this, having seen mention of one being on the way, but so far they don't seem to have produced one.
could give the ebook a shot? that's how i read all my novels, since i'm pretty minimalist
Not a fan of digital myself, there is far to much I enjoy about actually owning things physically.
There are no news about the paperback edition, aren't?
Nope. I did see one listed on Goodreads, but the release date they gave was back at the start of this year and obviously it didn't come out.
EDIT: I've just done a bit of hunting and I have found a paperback version, but only on Amazon Canada and not yet available. The release date is also listed as January 2022, so make of that what you will.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Jun 26, 2020, 03:21:59 PM
Not a fan of digital myself, there is far too many things I enjoy about actually owning things physically.
A paperback version of this finally went up for pre-order on Amazon UK (with a release date of Jan 2022, possibly just a placeholder), so I put an order in.
However, looking again now, the paperback edition seems to have been removed again - now I can only find the listing through the link in my confirmation email. The order itself seems to still be live.
Quote from: SM on Jun 26, 2020, 09:31:43 AM
I suggested that to Fox at the time.
I wish they went with that
With the comic cancelled I would be thrilled if they would hire Mira Grant to do an (possibly not YA) novel follow-up to this novel.
Just had an email from Amazon telling me that my long-standing order for the paperback has been cancelled because they won't be getting it.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 21, 2021, 10:56:08 AM
Just had an email from Amazon telling me that my long-standing order for the paperback has been cancelled because they won't be getting it.
Me too :(
In the U.S. the hardcover is a overstock remainder.
Although it was nice to see Olivia in Aliens: Fireteam Elite, I never felt she would be a person to become a soldier.
Also, the game really needed to do something with the characters just standing around and talking (with the mouth not moving!), even if it was a starting/ending cinematic or a mission on the Endeavor where they join the fight.
A take on the lionworm by Justtwise, commissioned by Michael Vanhevel. Was done for the RPG and shared on an RPG group but I'm sure I'll be forgiven for sharing here. :)