Found on BNC CataList a new Alien Tie In Book slated April 24th 2018.
Alien: The Cold Forge
https://bnccatalist.ca/ViewTitle.aspx?id=10990860
This is new to me. Anyone know more?
Cool find, but I wouldn't get too excited. That's the same site where we found that Predator book that got canned a while back.
Writer seems to be Alex White:
https://mobile.twitter.com/alexrwhite?lang=en (https://mobile.twitter.com/alexrwhite?lang=en)
Searched on Facebook and found a public post from Connor Goldsmith, who seems to be a literary agent:
Spoiler
QuoteThis was announced at DragonCon, but I'm excited to tell you more! Alex White is writing an ALIEN novel for Titan Books.
THE COLD FORGE is about Blue Marsalis, a scientist with ALS who hopes experiments on xenomorphs will lead to a cure. It goes... not well. With test subjects gone rogue and a Weyland-Yutani mercenary sent to kill her, her only defense is a robot she controls remotely with her mind. It's a tense psychological thriller with two compelling, morally complex leads (Blue and the hitman), and I'm very excited about it!
It's listed on Amazon as well.
Pre-ordered at warp speed. :laugh:
Spoiler
Looks like Titan is going back to smaller, more contained stories, which seems best after Covenant cast questions over the overall mythology.
I would prefer more Predator stories. Or other film properties instead.
We've not released it yet but according to our interview with Bryan, they're doing a novelization for The Predator. Can't recall if that's something we know or not yet.
Thanks for the finds felix and Ultra. Currently frontpaging this up now.
??? How can i buy the books???
Thanks.
I'm portuguese.
Amazon is the safest bet.
This one doesnt sound all that interesting. Really didnt like the ragewar series they did. Ill probably pick this one up, but the story sounds out of place
Awesome. I like that it sounds a bit more low-key and tense, rather than another action-packed
Aliens rip-off.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 14, 2017, 07:26:29 AMWe've not released it yet but according to our interview with Bryan, they're doing a novelization for The Predator.
Sweet!
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 14, 2017, 12:35:47 PM
Awesome. I like that it sounds a bit more low-key and tense, rather than another action-packed Aliens rip-off.
Yeah, I'm getting No Exit vibes. That book would have been amazing had it not descended into madness for the last third of the book. Hopefully Cold Forge will avoid that!
Still haven't got around to the DH Press books. Haven't even got to buying the Rage War yet lol.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 14, 2017, 01:03:23 PM
Still haven't got around to the DH Press books. Haven't even got to buying the Rage War yet lol.
What kind of Wikia editor are you?!
Hey, until you done finished my copy of Predator 2, you can shert the ferk erp.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 14, 2017, 01:53:53 PM
Hey, until you done finished my copy of Predator 2, you can shert the ferk erp.
:laugh: No comment.
Been having a couple of exchanges with Alex on Twitter. He says if you like Labryinth, you'll like Cold Forge!
QuoteIf you liked Labyrinth, this will definitely appeal.
https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/908324204998647809
If there's a Labyrinth vibe, i may have to get it
Very interesting!
What is
Spoiler
ALS
?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 14, 2017, 01:57:29 PMBeen having a couple of exchanges with Alex on Twitter. He says if you like Labryinth, you'll like Cold Forge!
This is becoming increasingly interesting.
I thought the bulk of the story in Labyrinth was disappointingly generic, but there's no denying that hive flashback is the single greatest thing to come out of the EU.
Now that sounds cool-
Quote from: The Alien Predator on Sep 14, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Very interesting!
What is Spoiler
ALS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis
QuoteAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) and Lou Gehrig's disease, is a specific disease that causes the death of neurons which control voluntary muscles.[5][3][10] Some also use the term motor neuron disease for a group of conditions of which ALS is the most common.[2] ALS is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size.[2] This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.[3][2]
Must. Purchase.New. Alien. Novel.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 15, 2017, 07:26:01 AM
Quote from: The Alien Predator on Sep 14, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Very interesting!
What is Spoiler
ALS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis
QuoteAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) and Lou Gehrig's disease, is a specific disease that causes the death of neurons which control voluntary muscles.[5][3][10] Some also use the term motor neuron disease for a group of conditions of which ALS is the most common.[2] ALS is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size.[2] This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.[3][2]
Thanks Hicks.
This is what Steven Hawking has.
Ridley Scott will only destroy it sooner or later.
Synopsis is up.
https://bnccatalist.ca/ViewTitle.aspx?id=10990860
QuoteA dramatic new Alien novel, as Weyland-Yutani seeks to recover from the failure of Hadley's Hope, and successfully weaponize the Xenomorphs.
With the failure of the Hadley's Hope, Weyland-Yutani has suffered a devastating defeat—the loss of the Aliens. Yet there's a reason the company rose to the top, and they have a redundancy already in place. Remote station RB-323 abruptly becomes their greatest hope for weaponizing the Xenomorph, but there's a spy aboard—someone who doesn't necessarily act in the company's best interests. If discovered, this person may have no choice but to destroy RB-323...and everyone on board. That is, if the Xenomorphs don't do the job first.
Quote from: The Alien Predator on Sep 14, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Very interesting!
What is Spoiler
ALS
It's why everyone was dumping buckets of icy water on their heads a couple of years back.
Quote from: felix on Sep 20, 2017, 11:45:17 AM
Synopsis is up.
https://bnccatalist.ca/ViewTitle.aspx?id=10990860
QuoteA dramatic new Alien novel, as Weyland-Yutani seeks to recover from the failure of Hadley's Hope, and successfully weaponize the Xenomorphs.
With the failure of the Hadley's Hope, Weyland-Yutani has suffered a devastating defeat—the loss of the Aliens. Yet there's a reason the company rose to the top, and they have a redundancy already in place. Remote station RB-323 abruptly becomes their greatest hope for weaponizing the Xenomorph, but there's a spy aboard—someone who doesn't necessarily act in the company's best interests. If discovered, this person may have no choice but to destroy RB-323...and everyone on board. That is, if the Xenomorphs don't do the job first.
Hmmm...I wonder if this is going to be following on from River of Pain in terms of Hadley's Hope being deliberately there to follow up on the Nostromo mystery?
I never really liked the idea of Wey-Yu establishing Hadley's Hope intentionally to find Aliens; the way the film presented it may have been a big coincidence, but I thought it played far better. That said, if it does link into River of Pain, it'll be nice seeing the books tying into each other like that.
Well, that answers when this is set. I'm really looking forward to this.
Sounds like a cool story
This is sounding interesting.
Ill Echo Huda's thoughts on Hadley's being a deliberate attempt to follow up on the Nostromo. I prefer that it's a coincidence. Although a big one at that
We've got the cover reveal up!
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/21122017_02.jpg)
A step up from some of the other Titan covers, for sure. I can't wait for this book!
I actually wouldnt mind if Titan lost the license, at least i wouldnt have to see anymore of their aweful covers.
I think I can deal with the covers as long as they continue to give me solid stories! As Ultra says, I think this is definitely one of their better covers but I still long to see Tristan Jones or Raymond Swanland or Dave Dorman back on these covers.
Not bad. I'm really hopping that this book is better than out of the shadows/sea of sorrows/river of pain. I've mentioned it before but they truly were awful. I really want this too be great and the labyrinth thing makes me hopeful.
Is it just me or does the alien have 5 back tube things???
Quote from: TheDerelict on Dec 21, 2017, 01:27:28 PM
Not bad. I'm really hopping that this book is better than out of the shadows/sea of sorrows/river of pain. I've mentioned it before but they truly were awful.
The Fox mandated inclusions aside (as I thought those were the bits that really served to hurt that particular series), I thought that initial trilogy was all pretty solid. I really enjoyed The Rage War too. Wasn't too fussed on Bug Hunt over all but thoroughly enjoyed If It Bleeds. And currently eager for more!
5 Back tubes?
God Awful cover.
I'd prefer that we got more Predator books instead.
The premise of the book sounds pretty cool. I like that it's set seemingly right after the second and third movies. It should be fun to see the fallout on WY's end.
Hey Hicks, if you loved those books,more power to you mate. Me personally as long as we don't get aliens that wear breathing apparatus when in space like in the rage war it will be a step in the right direction. I mean correct me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression the alien can survive in the vacuum of space. If it bleeds was fun and I'm definitely ready more too. The recent dead orbit has got me wanting more.
Not the worst cover I've seen. Is that 5 tubes I see? An odd looking xenomorph, a slight queen's crest too. I dig the name, but not too fond of the whole "spy" idea, it sounds alittle cheesy. Still, as long as it has Aliens doing their thing, I'll read it.
Quote from: skhellter on Dec 21, 2017, 02:13:38 PM
5 Back tubes?
God Awful cover.
I don't care about covers, so the previous ones haven't bothered me.
Those tubes though... :laugh: It's not even like one might be a spike. Two of them look like the same on, just mirrored on Photoshop.
I love me some good original cover art. Don't get me wrong though, the qaulity of the story is far more important.
Unfortunatley its been a long string of terrible covers from titan, the last qaulity cover was on Out of the Shadows.
There is just something to be said for a great book cover imo.
What the truck?!?!
I facepalm at the 5 back tubes.
So this is what constitutes cover art now days. Did the artist even see Alien?
Cool cover art.
Quote from: skhellter on Dec 21, 2017, 02:13:38 PM
5 Back tubes?
God Awful cover.
Holy shit I didn't even notice until you pointed it out. Yikes.
https://titanbooks.com/alien-the-cold-forge-8786/
This novel is fast becoming a beacon of something to look forward to this year. It's oretty cool that they're dealing with the immediate afternath of Hadley's Hope. That sort of world building is always cool.
Maybe the 5th tube is actually part of the story. Otherwise looking forward to it.
^Maybe they're irradiated xenos from LV-426. I'm interested to see where they say the xenos are from in this novel, since this is the period in time where they were hard to come by.
Quote from: Wweyland on Jan 14, 2018, 02:32:58 PM
Maybe the 5th tube is actually part of the story. Otherwise looking forward to it.
I imagine it's just a gaff. Could always try tweeting Alex to ask?
Whats interesting here is that we may be looking at an all-new approach to continuing a story post-Aliens, without using the usual suspects as characters.
To be fair, Rage Wars was new characters and Bug Hunt had a good variety in there too.
If someone really wanted to "milk it", it would be possible to write stories with the "leftover" characters and include Aliens in them:
Van Leuwen
Morse
Bishop II + his crew
Adventures of Jones
But that's about it.
The survivors of Alien: Resurrection already have their story continuation in Original Sin (it's actually quite good, they should write a sequel).
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 24, 2018, 08:26:28 AM
To be fair, Rage Wars was new characters and Bug Hunt had a good variety in there too.
Granted, but from what I gather, this follows fairly soon after the events of Aliens. I can't recall when Rege War took place. It left that sort of delible impression upon me.
In truth, one could expect that a situation similar to Alien Isolation's Amanda Ridley would happen. Every one of the Marines has family after all. They would all be trying to find out what happened. We got to see Vasquez's little sister in the original ACM comics if I remember correctly...
Think this book will come out on Audible as an Audio book?
Quote from: Nostromo on Jan 24, 2018, 05:09:44 PM
Think this book will come out on Audible as an Audio book?
I hope they all do. For the record I didn't really like Sea of Sorrows, but I think if we were to get an audio play where the characters have fairly distinguishing voices, it might work well. The problem with that book to me was that all the characters felt indistinguishable and generic. By contrast, the film Aliens made every marine a different flavor. (Except maybe those with smaller roles like Wierzbowski, Crowe, Dietrich). With very distinct voices, I suspect Sea of Sorrows might come out very good..
SoS could get very messy. There's around forty characters and a good portion of them have dialogue at some point.
Cold Forge has a slightly updated synopsis on Amazon, beware of spoilers:
Spoiler
QuoteA dramatic new Alien novel, as Weyland-Yutani seeks to recover from the failure of Hadley's Hope, and successfully weaponize the Xenomorphs.
With the failure of Hadley's Hope, Weyland-Yutani has suffered a devastating setback--the loss of the Aliens they aggressively sought to exploit. Yet there's a reason the Company has risen to the top of the food chain. True to form, they have a redundancy already in place... the facility known as The Cold Forge.
Remote station RB-232 has become their greatest asset in weaponizing the Xenomorphs. However, when Dorian Sudler is sent to RB-232 to assess their progress, he discovers that there's a spy aboard--someone who doesn't necessarily act in the company's best interests. For Dorian, this is the most unforgivable of sins. When found, the perpetrator will be eliminated with extreme prejudice. If unmasked, though, this person may be forced to destroy the entire station... and everyone on board. That is, if the Xenomorphs don't do the job first...
I'm digging the post-Hadley's Hope angle.
Quote from: Ultramorph on Mar 14, 2018, 11:53:20 PMI'm digging the post-Hadley's Hope angle.
Meh, I'm of two minds about it. I like that they're seemingly trying to tie the books into each other a little more closely, but on the other hand I thought setting up the colony specifically to try and find Aliens was pretty ridiculous.
Sounds like a run-of-the-mill Alien EU story.
You're both off the mark. ;)
Now that's got me intrigued... ;D
Synopsis does sound rather cliched...but it's all about execution.
Would it be possible to get an excerpt before the release?
It'd be up to Titan.
All the others have. I'd expect an ITUNES preview within the next few weeks.
Follow this link to read a preview
https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=26NTDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT354&dq=alien+cold+forge&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFtc-i2JjaAhXLpI8KHTtMDnsQ6wEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=alien%20cold%20forge&f=false
The preview is up on iTunes for those with Apple devices.
Thumbing through it now, there's a reference to
Spoiler
"old poetry-quoting Walter" androids. :laugh:
Also, they experiment trying to impregnate a chimp with a xeno, so maybe we'll get some animal hybrids.
I thought the writing tense might be irritating, but you get used to it very quickly.
Should have my review copy on the way now. Really looking forward to giving this one a read! Gotta hurry up and finish off Rogue.
Looks like your copy arrived. When can we expect a short recap?
Now that I've finished doing a bunch of Predator research, I actually started reading this on Friday. I'm about halfway through and so far I'm really enjoying it!
Told ya! ;)
You certainly did! :P If it stays this good, I think it's on its way to being the best of the Titan books.
As much as I enjoyed the other books - yeah I think this one is the best.
Glad to hear it's a good novel. Can't wait for this and Dust to Dust!
I read the preview and...
Spoiler
I take it there's an explanation as to why the company seemingly has Alien eggs at the cold forge facility in 2179 shortly after the events at Hadley's Hope?
Hicks, in the preview we see them
Spoiler
experimenting on a chimp. Do we get any animal hybrid xenos?
This is sounding good.
I was half off the Alien train till I read these positive reviews. Now I'm intreagued.. guess I'll have to get this..
Quote from: TheBATMAN on Apr 22, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
I read the preview and...
Spoiler
I take it there's an explanation as to why the company seemingly has Alien eggs at the cold forge facility in 2179 shortly after the events at Hadley's Hope?
Spoiler
Not so far but the characters do comment on them not knowing where the hell these things came from. That said, I'm that invested in the story that I've yet to really care about this.
Quote from: Ultramorph on Apr 22, 2018, 04:55:52 PM
Hicks, in the preview we see them Spoiler
experimenting on a chimp. Do we get any animal hybrid xenos?
Spoiler
Yeah, it's mentioned that they differ from the drawing/footage that they'd been sent with the eggs.
First review is up, a positive 8/10. No spoilers.
https://scifibulletin.com/books/tie-in-fiction/alien-review-4-the-cold-forge/ (https://scifibulletin.com/books/tie-in-fiction/alien-review-4-the-cold-forge/)
This is awesome news. Just went over and pre-ordered it. Can't wait to dive in.
Quote from: TheBATMAN on Apr 22, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
I read the preview and...
Spoiler
I take it there's an explanation as to why the company seemingly has Alien eggs at the cold forge facility in 2179 shortly after the events at Hadley's Hope?
Spoiler
There isn't. It's dealt with in an off hand way that surprisingly works.
So I woke up this morning to finish the book off before work. I already want to start rereading it. I really really enjoyed it. If you reduce it to its very basic plot it sounds like your typical Aliens mad scientist story. But Alex White just turns it all on its head. It's the most original Alien story for a long time.
The characters are all interesting - even if they're not likeable. His villain is just so f**king horrendous that I just wanted to reach into the page and smash his head in myself (in a way that his writing as so great at doing that). His "hero" is not so much a hero but also really interesting. What he does with the Alien is also a very nice twist and something actually new. I really loved this.
I'm so f*cking behind with the books, but it sounds like this is an essential buy.
Also of note - this book is present tense. I can't recall any others that are. Were any in Bug Hunt?
Started it this morning. Man. That dude at the beginning. What a c%#t lol.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. ;D
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 24, 2018, 08:48:13 AM
So I woke up this morning to finish the book off before work. I already want to start rereading it. I really really enjoyed it. If you reduce it to its very basic plot it sounds like your typical Aliens mad scientist story. But Alex White just turns it all on its head. It's the most original Alien story for a long time.
The characters are all interesting - even if they're not likeable. His villain is just so f**king horrendous that I just wanted to reach into the page and smash his head in myself (in a way that his writing as so great at doing that). His "hero" is not so much a hero but also really interesting. What he does with the Alien is also a very nice twist and something actually new. I really loved this.
Yeah I'm about half way through my second read and it's even better this time.
Spoilers - srsly...
Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Sudler is Burke dialled up to 11. The whole thing with the hugger injecting something very like black goo. Blue 'riding' Marcus. Marcus' reaction to killing Javier. There's a lot of fresh stuff in this.
http://www.michaelpatrickhicks.com/blog/review-alien-the-cold-forge-by-alex-white
Not read it yet.
^5/5 positive, definitely spoilers. I'm glad to see everyone is enjoying the book so much.
Spoiler
This protein the facehuggers release does sound suspiciously close to the black goo, so that's cool to see.
Just started this, actually shockingly enjoying so far.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/alien-the-cold-forge/
My review is up now.
I'll hopefully be chatting to Alex tomorrow night so any questions please throw them my way.
A 10/10? Things are looking good.
Is this actually out then? I thought it was an Alien Day release.
It came out the 24th apparently.
B.M.D posted a review up too.
http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2018/04/24/alien-the-cold-forge-book-review-solid-sci-fi-wrapped-in-pulp-franchise-tra
QuoteTo be entirely honest, I didn't have high hopes when I started on Alien: The Cold Forge. Franchise-perpetuating paperbacks are often underwritten exercises in nostalgia, pulling iconography from the film or video game franchise upon which they are based less to tell an engaging new story in that universe than to conjure good will from the sense memory of seeing those icons realized on screen. And after reading Wampler's review of last year's Aliens short story compilation, I just wasn't confident that the light novel treatment would do justice to the mythos of Ridley Scott's and James Cameron's future hellscape. Color me surprised, then, that author Alex White has his head in the right place with The Cold Forge, crafting a story that could almost be entirely divorced from the Alien franchise but still tonally feels consistent with the films that inspired it.
They also liked it.
Quick interview with White on Bloody Disgusting. He seems like a cool guy.
http://bloody-disgusting.com/books/3495268/alien-cold-forge-author-alex-white-takes-xenomorph-interview/ (http://bloody-disgusting.com/books/3495268/alien-cold-forge-author-alex-white-takes-xenomorph-interview/)
muthur9000 had a yack with Alex White too. (https://yutani.blog/2018/04/25/creatives-alex-white/)
My chat with him last night rescheduled to tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to turn that around quickly and release it Friday.
He had an interesting take on Ash.
Quote from: SM on Apr 26, 2018, 06:37:48 AM
muthur9000 had a yack with Alex White too. (https://yutani.blog/2018/04/25/creatives-alex-white/)
Just read it, interesting, nice to see a writer not hiding his opinions or trying to be political. I think ADF is another writer who isn't shy about his opinions on the franchise.
Whoa, glad I decided to pop back in today. Forgot it was Alien day, also forgot that this book came out. Coming in on Saturday and I'm excited to catch up and see what it's all about.
I just got off the blower with Alex. Really fun poddy! Really cool guy. Looking forward to getting this edited. :)
Just made it to chapter 12. So far I'm digging it. Sudler is my favorite character, as of this point. A cold, results oriented kind of dude. I'm rootin' for him.
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 27, 2018, 10:58:01 PM
Just made it to chapter 12. So far I'm digging it. Sudler is my favorite character, as of this point. A cold, results oriented kind of dude. I'm rootin' for him.
I'm about 40 pages in and I'm rooting for him... to get murdered. Holy goddamn is he a slimy asshole, he makes Burke seem like Mister Rogers.
Fun to read, mind you. But he still needs a facehugging post-haste.
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 28, 2018, 04:03:42 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 27, 2018, 10:58:01 PM
Just made it to chapter 12. So far I'm digging it. Sudler is my favorite character, as of this point. A cold, results oriented kind of dude. I'm rootin' for him.
I'm about 40 pages in and I'm rooting for him... to get murdered. Holy goddamn is he a slimy asshole, he makes Burke seem like Mister Rogers.
Fun to read, mind you. But he still needs a facehugging post-haste.
Which means the author did his job well. Whether you dig him or hate him, I'd say he's one of the better bad guys the novels have had.
Well said, you have not got a decent villain if you don't have opinions one way or the other about him. This guy sounds like a love to hate type.
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 28, 2018, 04:35:04 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 28, 2018, 04:03:42 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 27, 2018, 10:58:01 PM
Just made it to chapter 12. So far I'm digging it. Sudler is my favorite character, as of this point. A cold, results oriented kind of dude. I'm rootin' for him.
I'm about 40 pages in and I'm rooting for him... to get murdered. Holy goddamn is he a slimy asshole, he makes Burke seem like Mister Rogers.
Fun to read, mind you. But he still needs a facehugging post-haste.
Which means the author did his job well. Whether you dig him or hate him, I'd say he's one of the better bad guys the novels have had.
No disagreement there, I just wouldn't say I like the guy or that I'm rooting for him, haha. :P
Just finished the first chapter. Looking good so far. A lot of good tension planted in here. I'm probably going to end up detouring from my other book to finish this.
Finished it! Wow what a ride! Great balance between action, tension, and horror. Also, White added to the lore in a believable and unobtrusive manner with the praepotens. Lastly every character had their flaws and strengths which lent credibility to all. Yep this may be the BEST Alien novel. Highly recommend!
Was going to pick this up over the weekend, but didn't get around to it. Will grab a copy soon though!
Just finished. Not too bad. The story was okay. The ending felt somewhat uneventful. Sudler was by far my favorite character. Were this made into a movie, I think Cillian Murphy would rock that role. As for the aliens, they kind of seemed like they took a back seat in this one. But it worked for the story, and I thought it was handled well. Overall, I give it a 6/10.
Just finished this, was f**king great. I loved it :)
Interesting stuff with the facehugger implantation method. That, Marcus, and the medpods (that were also present in Out of the Shadows) go a long way towards making the series seem much more longform, and connected. Seegson keeps popping up as well.
If they end up adapting this to audio, I can't hear anyone as a character named "Dorian" than Alexander Vlahos. It just won't happen lol. Would be neat if they could get Fassbender in to play Marcus as well. Getting Lance Henriksen in to voice Rook there for a few liens at the end would also be a coup. Not sure who I'd want voicing Blue... or any of the other characters, for that matter...
All the characters are rather fascinating, the story could have been quite cliche and by the numbers but the interesting characters and their dynamics helped keep it fresh and interesting.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 02, 2018, 03:19:44 PM
Just finished this, was f**king great. I loved it :)
Interesting stuff with the facehugger implantation method. That, Marcus, and the medpods (that were also present in Out of the Shadows) go a long way towards making the series seem much more longform, and connected. Seegson keeps popping up as well.
If they end up adapting this to audio, I can't hear anyone as a character named "Dorian" than Alexander Vlahos. It just won't happen lol. Would be neat if they could get Fassbender in to play Marcus as well. Getting Lance Henriksen in to voice Rook there for a few liens at the end would also be a coup. Not sure who I'd want voicing Blue... or any of the other characters, for that matter...
All the characters are rather fascinating, the story could have been quite cliche and by the numbers but the interesting characters and their dynamics helped keep it fresh and interesting.
Does Seegson pop up in the earlier books?
Not that I recall. They were created for the Isolation game and have appeared in the Life & Death and Defiance comics.
They also got a mention in the Out of the Shadows audio drama (but not the original novel).
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 02, 2018, 08:40:30 PM
They also got a mention in the Out of the Shadows audio drama (but not the original novel).
That explains why I wasn't familiar with the other reference. I haven't heard the audio drama.
Also, speaking of Seegson, isn't there another company? Biotech or something, that pops up in Original Sin, DNA War, and maybe No Exit? Correct me if I'm wrong. Couldn't find it on the AvP wiki.
Original Sin had Loki, No Exit had Planetus, and DNA War had Plancom.
Bionational was in Earth Hive.
What was the Seegson reference in Defiance? I don't recall that one off the top of my head.
LV-44-40 was a Seegson station.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 02, 2018, 08:40:30 PM
They also got a mention in the Out of the Shadows audio drama (but not the original novel).
That was used to explain why Ash sounded different, if I remember right - it was his voice coming out of a Seegson synthesizer.
Seegson also gets a brief mention in the beginning of the River of Pain adaption, again in the context of tech on board Ripley's lifeboat.
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 03, 2018, 04:47:56 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 02, 2018, 08:40:30 PM
They also got a mention in the Out of the Shadows audio drama (but not the original novel).
That was used to explain why Ash sounded different, if I remember right - it was his voice coming out of a Seegson synthesizer.
Yeah, that's right. It's how they justified Ash having a voice role when he only communicated by text in the book. I think Seegsson also had a reference in the River of Pain audio drama too? I think the Grant Corporation carried through a little in the old EU but I'm loving that Seegson is being referenced more often.
Just two chapters in. I find it has a bit of a Saturn 3 feel with the creepy bad guy arriving on a space station. Pretty good so far...
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 03, 2018, 05:59:46 PMI think the Grant Corporation carried through a little in the old EU but I'm loving that Seegson is being referenced more often.
Am I crazy in thinking that Daniel Grant was based on Donald Trump?
Daniel Grant was capable of displaying courage and compassion though.
Does this novel get the SM seal of approval?
f**k yes.
Is it standalone or part of a series?
Standalone.
Any nitpicks?
There was one I sent to Fox some time ago, but it was very, very minor relating to interstellar travel times and distances. Not sure if they bothered to correct it.
In regards to where the eggs come from, I'm just taking the events of the narrative parts of the Colonial Marines Technical Manual into consideration...
Assuming they didn't change the dates, the relevant passages of the CMTM occur a couple of months after this.
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 06:47:57 AM
Assuming they didn't change the dates, the relevant passages of the CMTM occur a couple of months after this.
I actually just checked that. While Dorian's initial stuff begins in July of 2179, his arrival at The Cold Forge is slated for
one year later, meaning that the rest of the book takes place in July of
2180.
I originally thought that, but the dates aren't supposed to match with the first chapter. After the first chapter, everything takes place over the course of about a week towards the end of July 2179. The first chapter happens in 2178.
Hmm, okay, you appear to be correct on that count. Ah well, nevermind then.
Went to get this yesterday, sadly the bookshop didn't have it in. They're ordered it in for me though. Here's hoping I have more luck than I did with Dead Orbit :laugh:
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 04, 2018, 07:37:25 AM
Went to get this yesterday, sadly the bookshop didn't have it in. They're ordered it in for me though. Here's hoping I have more luck than I did with Dead Orbit :laugh:
I started reading the kindle version while I waited for my paperback to arrive :P
I'm a miserable old man, can't stand digital readers lol. Should be in by the start of next week and I'm actually in the middle of a book at the moment, so I can wait :)
I was a curmudgeon about e-readers for ages, mostly because what I was reading them on was rubbish, but I converted for good when Sea of Sorrows came out. The books are are less than half the cost, you can keep a stack on an Ipad or access them on other devices, and the indexing makes it easier for research purposes.
Quite.
I definitely get why they're far more convenient. I just don't like using them. I've read a couple of ebooks on my dad's Kindle (chiefly stuff that's a pain to get in physical form) and I much prefer holding an actual book.
It's time to let go of your silly books with their...paper...and join the 21st century.
I just like having a physical thing.
Same with music or films. Digital downloads are so much easier, but I like to have an actual CD/DVD/Blu-ray on my shelf that I can hold in my hand.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 04, 2018, 10:49:45 AM
I just like having a physical thing.
Same with music or films. Digital downloads are so much easier, but I like to have an actual CD/DVD/Blu-ray on my shelf that I can hold in my hand.
Nothing wrong with being a "Giles" :laugh: Sometimes a dusty old book is better as you will always have that copy (unless you destroy it), whereas things can get deleted unexpectedly from devices and they are prone to have problems.
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 04, 2018, 09:11:59 AM
It's time to let go of your silly books with their...paper...and join the 21st century.
And I guess this makes you the "Miss Calander" with the trying to convert others to the digital age and all :laugh:
Seriously though, I actually think both are good for their own reasons, whether its preference, convience and usefulness.
I use both. I like the books but if I am doing research or multitasking then having it digitally comes in handy and it does not take up any physical space, I can't count how many times I have run out of shelf room. :P
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 04, 2018, 10:49:45 AM
I just like having a physical thing.
Same with music or films. Digital downloads are so much easier, but I like to have an actual CD/DVD/Blu-ray on my shelf that I can hold in my hand.
I find music and movies are different. You can rip them to a computer and you still have the physical copy. I can't listen to digital music in my car so have to listen to a CD. And I'm a bit dubious about the quality of digital downloads. If I rip a CD I can pick the quality. Plus there's liner notes, extras, Blu-ray quality etc.
You can't easily rip a novel.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 04, 2018, 06:28:07 AM
In regards to where the eggs come from, I'm just taking the events of the narrative parts of the Colonial Marines Technical Manual into consideration...
I asked Alex about this during our chat and it was something he had thought about it. Just didn't know where to fit it into the book.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 04, 2018, 10:49:45 AM
I just like having a physical thing.
I'm the same. I can't stand reading on an e-reader. I get all the ways that they're really handy but for me, it just not the same without something actually in my hands, feeling the pages turn.
I'm so used to reading books on a Kindle and comic books on my PC that an actual hardcover book feels strange to me.
I suppose you don't have to worry about wear and tear with ebooks, but devices can suffer harddrive failures among other things and you can lose all your ebooks if something happens to the device.
I have all of my books backed up on at least two other devices.
I like comics on e-reader, but I don't think I'll ever make the jump with prose. I like feeling a book in my hands.
Quote from: The Cruentus on May 04, 2018, 12:21:38 PM
I suppose you don't have to worry about wear and tear with ebooks, but devices can suffer harddrive failures among other things and you can lose all your ebooks if something happens to the device.
If you have Kindle account or similar, all the books are on the cloud so you can't lose the soft copies.
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 04, 2018, 09:11:59 AM
It's time to let go of your silly books with their...paper...and join the 21st century.
Oh for goodness sakes. Alittle ink and parchment is good for the soul.
And besides, when "the grid" goes down, and the you-know-who's invade, we'll see who's asking to borrow a copy of earth hive. :D
Don't coming crying to us when the trees wake up. And find that they are strong.
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 10:22:25 PM
Don't coming crying to us when the trees wake up. And find that they are strong.
Fear not. We'll have plenty of useless kindles and exploding samsungs to throw at them. You know what they say, "sticks and stones may break my bones but kindles hurt like hell". ;)
(https://assets.cdn.moviepilot.de/files/762029011cca4fcc6bfdab57491ec63f0c29eb88b72770ad343e4d39dc8b/limit/960/600/der-herr-der-ringe-die-zwei-turme.jpg)
Come at me, bro.
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 10:39:33 PM
(https://assets.cdn.moviepilot.de/files/762029011cca4fcc6bfdab57491ec63f0c29eb88b72770ad343e4d39dc8b/limit/960/600/der-herr-der-ringe-die-zwei-turme.jpg)
Come at me, bro.
"Bah-weep-graaaaagnah wheep nini bong." :D
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 11:46:57 AM
You can't easily rip a novel.
Presumably all one would need to do is apply enough force to the pages.
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 04, 2018, 11:12:31 PM
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 11:46:57 AM
You can't easily rip a novel.
Presumably all one would need to do is apply enough force to the pages.
The trick is to bend it just so, and ease back slightly, creating a small air gap between the pages. Thus losing the cumulative strength that would've come from page unity, as it were. It'll rip like a veeny sausage. ;)
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 04, 2018, 11:12:31 PM
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 11:46:57 AM
You can't easily rip a novel.
Presumably all one would need to do is apply enough force to the pages.
Stop it. My sides.
Still not very far into the book yet due to other obligations, but the bit where they're talking about other WY projects
Spoiler
and they talk about some kind of computer virus that wreaks havok on computer systems and deletes everything, spreading throughout the network, sure reminded me of the Big Deletion.
Quote from: Huggs on May 04, 2018, 10:53:06 PM
Quote from: SM on May 04, 2018, 10:39:33 PM
(https://assets.cdn.moviepilot.de/files/762029011cca4fcc6bfdab57491ec63f0c29eb88b72770ad343e4d39dc8b/limit/960/600/der-herr-der-ringe-die-zwei-turme.jpg)
Come at me, bro.
"Bah-weep-graaaaagnah wheep nini bong." :D
Hhahahahahahahaha
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 05, 2018, 08:42:20 AM
Still not very far into the book yet due to other obligations, but the bit where they're talking about other WY projects Spoiler
and they talk about some kind of computer virus that wreaks havok on computer systems and deletes everything, spreading throughout the network, sure reminded me of the Big Deletion.
Do you feel vindicated?
I do have a giggle when creators give shout-outs to other works, like when AvP2010 name-dropped the Conestoga-class's successor at the start of the game, or Sea of Sorrows referencing Newt's Tale, or the WY Report mentioning the ox and dog hosts, or the Prometheus blu-ray name-dropping Tyrell.
I don't know that this instance was deliberate, but it seemed so specific and on-the-nose that it stuck out to me.
Just ordered this. Glad to hear everybody seems to be enjoying it.
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 06, 2018, 04:28:40 AMor the Prometheus blu-ray name-dropping Tyrell.
I recently learned that that's not the first Blade Runner reference in the series! An old Alien DVD (IIRC) had crew profiles which mention that Dallas did a stint at Tyrell before signing on with WY :)
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 06, 2018, 06:06:35 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 06, 2018, 04:28:40 AMor the Prometheus blu-ray name-dropping Tyrell.
I recently learned that that's not the first Blade Runner reference in the series! An old Alien DVD (IIRC) had crew profiles which mention that Dallas did a stint at Tyrell before signing on with WY :)
I know which DVD you're talking about - the "Alien Legacy" set from 1999 had crew profiles as an easter egg, but it's been years since I read them, and I didn't catch that reference, haha.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 06, 2018, 06:06:35 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 06, 2018, 04:28:40 AMor the Prometheus blu-ray name-dropping Tyrell.
I recently learned that that's not the first Blade Runner reference in the series! An old Alien DVD (IIRC) had crew profiles which mention that Dallas did a stint at Tyrell before signing on with WY :)
That was the Aliens crew profiles. He served on the USCS Shusett. Dallas also worked for Seymour-Cobb Genetics, on the USCS Anobile (the guy who did the Alien photonovel).
So they're the actual profiles shown during the hearing in Aliens, yeah? Not something created for the DVD in the same vein?
Yeah.
All those profiles are full of in jokes.
When are you going to craft dossiers for all of the characters that appeared in the movies and post them on your web page?
Maybe this week.
I expect a comprehensive and accurate list of all the bald poms as well.
That may take longer.
Finished it.
My fav aspect of this book was the slight expansion to the lore. Hope it is something that sticks.
Man, I absolutely abhor Dorian...... and I love it.
A well written villain.
Picked this up today. The OCD-bag in me is upset that these new paperbacks seem to come in two different sizes, meaning they aren't uniform on the shelf :laugh:
In the middle of some Philip K. Dick at the moment but will be starting this as soon as I'm done.
I prefer the smaller mass paperbacks myself. They're more compact and take up less space on my shelf.
I've found myself preferring the taller editions put out. I find them easier to read and they're not too big.
Quote from: felix on May 08, 2018, 10:06:27 PMI prefer the smaller mass paperbacks myself. They're more compact and take up less space on my shelf.
Yeah, likewise. They're also the same size as the older novels. Unfortunately, my copy of
The Cold Forge is the bigger size.
Still, not as frustrating as my copy of
Sea of Sorrows, which is the larger size when
Out of the Shadows and
River of Pain either side of it are small :laugh:
I've got a smaller copy of that to give you next time we see each other.
Yeah, I hadn't forgotten we were gonna do the swap :)
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 09, 2018, 07:18:27 AM
I've found myself preferring the taller editions put out. I find them easier to read and they're not too big.
You can change the font size on a Kindle, you know. 8)
Our interview is up! :) https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2018/05/09/interview-with-alex-white-author-of-alien-the-cold-forge-avpgalaxy-podcast-65/ I had great fun with this one! Hope you all enjoy!
Any spoilers?
I'd listen to after you've read it.
oh nice! will give that a listen while I'm doing my walking for the day :)
So, not all the way through the cast yet, but damn this has some good insight. I really appreciated his... digressions of the "payload" and the implications of that and similarities to real-world stuff and how that might explain various aspects of the aliens' biology that the films have kind of handwaved. I also really appreciate the amount of research and due diligence he's done for the book. Good stuff.
Excellent!
Here's some info for those playing at home https://yutani.blog/2018/05/09/plagiarus-praepotens/ and https://yutani.blog/2018/05/10/manumala-noxhydria/
Great podcast Hicks.
This is without doubt the best Alien novel ever written. 10 out 10 doesn't seem to do the novel justice. This novel has set the bar to what all other Alien should be in my opinion. When reading this book I felt excitement, intrigue, horror, tension.
Spoiler
If I had a complaint it would be Dorians demise felt a bit....meh. But that's because he is brilliantly written and such a pr*ck that I wanted something truly horrible to happen to him. But that is a minor niggle.
To Alex White I say bravo.
added spoiler tag. Hicks.
How 'bout them spoilers?
"Nothing better than throwing a noisemaker at a bunch of unsuspecting humans" ;D That was funny. Great podcast Hicks, I'm glad that Alex White wanted to get scientific input, I think the Aliens need to be brought down to some plausible level as AVP and Covenant made them over the top. Agree about the Ripley thing too, I think Alien 3 wrapped her story up.
"Hard work, don't know how they did it" ;D That is because the others stole their info, while you are being original, it is harder to be original, but its much better morally.
Quote from: SM on May 10, 2018, 11:19:43 AM
How 'bout them spoilers?
Do I even need to bother reading it now?
Sorry gents. I've added a spoiler tag.
Great podcast and a lot of awesome insight into the story! Alex White is hilarious. I really appreciate that he did his due diligence with the scientific theories/applications presented. As well as his familiarity with the franchise, complementing both Isolation and Covenant in a manner that really boosts the narrative. I would love it if he got to write a short story on the eggs! Cold Forge, Isolation and Dead Orbit are my top three alien stories at the moment.
Good to hear from a writer who is also a fan of the EU.
Spoiler
So glad he didn't detail where the eggs came from in the book. It doesn't really fit, and it serves the story way better to have it classified with all these silos of information that only certain segments of staff know certain things.
In fact in series where we're often left to wonder where the Aliens come from and where the story fits in the universe, White couldn't have handled it better.
Thanks all! I'm glad you're all enjoying this one. :) Alex really was a great guest.
Quote from: Xiggz456 on May 10, 2018, 11:59:28 PM
I would love it if he got to write a short story on the eggs! Cold Forge, Isolation and Dead Orbit are my top three alien stories at the moment.
I really hope we get to see Alex return! I don't really care what story he'd be back to tell, just want him back.
Quote from: SM on May 11, 2018, 04:19:49 AM
In fact in series where we're often left to wonder where the Aliens come from and where the story fits in the universe, White couldn't have handled it better.
It really was a non-issue within the story and I completely agree that it'd have detracted from the actual story. I do get why people have the question (obviously) so it's good to know that it was actually thought about by the author though.
Quote from: felix on May 08, 2018, 10:06:27 PM
I prefer the smaller mass paperbacks myself. They're more compact and take up less space on my shelf.
I hear you. I've been stung by that before. I use the USA ISBN on Amazon.com when ordering just to be sure.
QuoteIt really was a non-issue within the story and I completely agree that it'd have detracted from the actual story. I do get why people have the question (obviously) so it's good to know that it was actually thought about by the author though.
Spoiler
As far as I'm concerned the question is asked and answered in the story - it's classified.
As someone who nitpicks this stuff out the wazoo to the point of 'that ship was way too slow to cover the distance considering the time period of the story, and no one else will ever worry about this' - the source of the eggs wasn't even worth a nitpick.
I haven't read it yet, but what I'm gathering so far is that the company obtains some eggs shortly after the events of Aliens and it's all somehow lampshaded as "classified?"
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 11, 2018, 11:28:58 PM
I haven't read it yet, but what I'm gathering so far is that the company obtains some eggs shortly after the events of Aliens and it's all somehow lampshaded as "classified?"
It's unclear when or where the eggs came from, but the story is written so well that's it's really a non-issue. It is truly the pickiest of nits. And the author addresses it in the podcast if you're bothered enough to be curious.
It doesn't bother me. In fact, I can respect a good lampshade.
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 11, 2018, 11:28:58 PM
I haven't read it yet, but what I'm gathering so far is that the company obtains some eggs shortly after the events of Aliens and it's all somehow lampshaded as "classified?"
Pretty much.
And sorry - should've probably spoilered that. :(
Is it supposed to fit with A3 and AR or is it an alternate timeline?
There's nothing in it that contradicts Alien³ or Resurrection.
Does it end with The Big Deletion then?
YEeh but it's called the Big DeLOLtion.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 12, 2018, 03:15:21 AM
There's nothing in it that contradicts Alien³ or Resurrection.
Well other than
Spoiler
the existence of Alien eggs post-A3
which was SM's big sticking point on why the old EU "contradicted" Resurrection.
But I guess he's done a 180 on that position (and I couldn't be happier!). :P
What does SM usually say when he's accused of making a 180 about that?
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 12, 2018, 02:26:09 PM
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 12, 2018, 03:15:21 AM
There's nothing in it that contradicts Alien³ or Resurrection.
Well other than Spoiler
the existence of Alien eggs post-A3
But I guess he's done a 180 on that position (and I couldn't be happier!). :P
Well, not quite.
Spoiler
River of Pain puts Ripley and the Marines arriving at Hadley's Hope and finding Newt on July 27th. The dated transmissions in The Cold Forge have the events taking place pretty much concurrently to Aliens, ending on the 28th of July 2179. So this is still prior to Alien³.
For all we know
Spoiler
they imported them from Origae 6. :laugh:
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 12, 2018, 04:13:27 PM
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 12, 2018, 02:26:09 PM
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 12, 2018, 03:15:21 AM
There's nothing in it that contradicts Alien³ or Resurrection.
Well other than Spoiler
the existence of Alien eggs post-A3
But I guess he's done a 180 on that position (and I couldn't be happier!). :P
Well, not quite.
Spoiler
River of Pain puts Ripley and the Marines arriving at Hadley's Hope and finding Newt on July 27th. The dated transmissions in The Cold Forge have the events taking place pretty much concurrently to Aliens, ending on the 28th of July 2179. So this is still prior to Alien³.
That doesn't really change anything. If the only known eggs left in the galaxy were on LV426 (evidenced by Perez's line about Ripley succeeding in wiping the Aliens out), then by SM's long-standing logic, The Cold Forge still couldn't have happened. If The Cold Forge's eggs were sourced from somewhere else, that opens the door for vast swaths of the EU that were once "contradicted" by Alien Resurrection.
Keep in mind, I am totally okay with this. I'm just pointing out that SM seems to be finally coming around on this concept, and that's great. ;D
Looking at it subjectively, I just imagined Wey Yu already had a xenomorph. Thereby allowing them to either egg morph, or wait for the creature to evolve into a queen and begin producing. The source of the eggs never really seemed like an issue to me. It's the company, they have em, nuff said.
To go out in left field, and just for the fun of it, I'd say they have a company owned hive already, like I assumed it was in the fan film Alien: Special Order.
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 12, 2018, 03:26:01 PM
What does SM usually say when he's accused of making a 180 about that?
Something like this -> :laugh:
Quote from: SM on May 12, 2018, 09:37:17 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on May 12, 2018, 03:26:01 PM
What does SM usually say when he's accused of making a 180 about that?
Something like this -> :laugh:
I'm glad SM is as good-natured about the change as I am. Welcome to the fold, better late than never! :D
Quote from: Huggs on May 12, 2018, 07:03:48 PM
Looking at it subjectively, I just imagined Wey Yu already had a xenomorph. Thereby allowing them to either egg morph, or wait for the creature to evolve into a queen and begin producing. The source of the eggs never really seemed like an issue to me. It's the company, they have em, nuff said.
To go out in left field, and just for the fun of it, I'd say they have a company owned hive already, like I assumed it was in the fan film Alien: Special Order.
Don't get me wrong, I'm right there with you on that. I like the idea that the Aliens are always lurking out there in the dark.
Does this mean you're finally going to collaborate on the Grand Unification Project?
I've been down with that for years ;D
I never thought I'd live to see the day that SM finally succumbed to the allure of Xenomrphism.
Not even if you were lost in space for 57 years, then cloned 200 years later.
Alex talks about where he imagined the eggs to come from in the interview btw.
I had to turn it off when you said you'd start to talking about spoilers.
Quote from: SM on May 13, 2018, 10:54:37 AM
Not even if you were lost in space for 57 years, then cloned 200 years later.
He says this, and yet here we are.
In the immortal words of the prophet Goldblum.... life finds a way. ;D
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 13, 2018, 11:41:06 AM
Alex talks about where he imagined the eggs to come from in the interview btw.
I'm a bit of a Luddite who hasn't fully come around on listening to podcasts, do do you transcripts of the podcasts? I'm sure they're a ton of extra work, and this is just me being selfish, but I just personally find it a lot faster to skim a transcript than to listen to a podcast in real-time.
If you don't do transcripts, I'll just have to commit and listen to the podcasts. Can I get them through iTunes?
In what year is this novel suppose to take place?
Quote from: Xenomrph on May 13, 2018, 01:46:10 PM
I'm a bit of a Luddite who hasn't fully come around on listening to podcasts, do do you transcripts of the podcasts? I'm sure they're a ton of extra work, and this is just me being selfish, but I just personally find it a lot faster to skim a transcript than to listen to a podcast in real-time.
If you don't do transcripts, I'll just have to commit and listen to the podcasts. Can I get them through iTunes?
The last podcast was posted on avpgalaxy's youtube channel.
Quote from: Samhain13 on May 13, 2018, 04:12:43 PM
In what year is this novel suppose to take place?
It takes place in 2179, largely concurrently to Aliens; as in, the same half-week that Ripley and the Marines are at Hadley's Hope.
That date seems a little odd.
Where did the author said the aliens in this novel came from? I haven't listened to the podcast yet, since it has spoilers on the history. Can you answer it here on a spoiler tag or with a PM to me?
Quote from: Samhain13 on May 13, 2018, 05:56:13 PM
That date seems a little odd.
Where did the author said the aliens in this novel came from? I haven't listened to the podcast yet, since it has spoilers on the history. Can you answer it here on a spoiler tag or with a PM to me?
Spoiler
He reasons that WY most likely knew about the derelict prior to the colony being set up, either from the events of Isolation, or events prior to Alien itself (hence the ship taking a route past the planet) or some other thing (the point being, some time prior to Burke sending out the order to Hadley's to go investigate), and at some point sent people to fetch eggs, that eventually made their way to the cold forge research station.
He says he'd like to do a story about it if Titan does another anthology volume.
He also reasons that Burke was trying to pull a power play, and keeping things need-to-know, hence why he went himself instead of sending a disposable pawn.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on May 13, 2018, 06:08:15 PM
Quote from: Samhain13 on May 13, 2018, 05:56:13 PM
That date seems a little odd.
Where did the author said the aliens in this novel came from? I haven't listened to the podcast yet, since it has spoilers on the history. Can you answer it here on a spoiler tag or with a PM to me?
Spoiler
He reasons that WY most likely knew about the derelict prior to the colony being set up, either from the events of Isolation, or events prior to Alien itself (hence the ship taking a route past the planet) or some other thing (the point being, some time prior to Burke sending out the order to Hadley's to go investigate), and at some point sent people to fetch eggs, that eventually made their way to the cold forge research station.
He says he'd like to do a story about it if Titan does another anthology volume.
He also reasons that Burke was trying to pull a power play, and keeping things need-to-know, hence why he went himself instead of sending a disposable pawn.
Oh I see, thanks. Still it would be easier to just set the story much far into the future, that way we could just imagine the aliens came from the locations of any of the other EU stories out there.
Even though I've not read the book yet, that strikes me as something that would be really interesting.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 15, 2018, 07:57:59 AM
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If I were to do a chapter-by-chapter COLD FORGE commentary in my newsletter, would that interest you? (<a href="https://twitter.com/Yutani_Assets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yutani_Assets</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/_CorporalHicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_CorporalHicks</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/avpgalaxy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@avpgalaxy</a>)</p>— Alex White (@alexrwhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/996183452025311236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Yes, please.
I'm halfway through this amaizing book. Yes, I would so like to see that.
Quote from: SM on Apr 26, 2018, 06:37:48 AM
muthur9000 had a yack with Alex White too. (https://yutani.blog/2018/04/25/creatives-alex-white/)
Really enjoyed this one. I just love listening to Alex chat about the book and Alien. Loved his idea about mankind being the Engineer's ultimate bioweapon. Alex needs to return to this franchise.
Finally got started on this last night. Ripped through quite a few chapters for one sitting and already liking it a lot.
Especially liked
Spoiler
the "impregnation virus" angle. I've mentioned before how I liked the old idea that Facehuggers actually implant a tumour that forces the host's body to build the Chestburster from its own cells, and this seems to be tying in with that.
And yeah, Dorian is a c*nt and Blue is probably the most interesting hero I can recall in an
Alien novel, so kudos to White.
News on the audiobook reading
https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/997273787920977920
Finished reading this on Wednesday and decided to wait until I listen to the podcast before I comment. So I listened to the podcast last night.
This book really shows what the Aliens series can be if handled by the right person. It was epic! One of the best Alien books, if not the best Alien book ever written. Thanks for that Alex, and thanks for the really great podcast.
To me, Lucy was the Lambert of the novel. I wonder how intentional that was.
The proposed audio book really gives me cause for concern. If I don't get this as a full on Audible audio play, I will be disappointed. I don't recall ever hearing two audio books being made of the same book, so I hope this does not spell out the death of the proper Audible play. This book truly deserves it.
Oh, and I forgive the awkward flat headed Alien on the cover. Is there any way I can get my hands on a copy of the instantly classic version with the erroneous 5 tubes on the Alien's back? :D
But I do hope that Titan moves away from the artist doing their covers. It strikes me that it may be the same artist, because there is a feel of the same cheap photoshop technique.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on May 19, 2018, 01:16:53 PMThe proposed audio book really gives me cause for concern. If I don't get this as a full on Audible audio play, I will be disappointed. I don't recall ever hearing two audio books being made of the same book, so I hope this does not spell out the death of the proper Audible play. This book truly deserves it.
Both Out of the Shadows and River of Pain had normal readings prior to getting adaptations. Additionally, all the readings are now done by Blackstone Audio (and have been for some time) while the adaptations are done by Audible Originals.
I, too, hope to high heaven that this gets adapted because sweet jesus it deserves it.
Ok, that's great to hear. I never heard of those other books getting the direct reading audio version. Anyway, if there will be the direct reading AND an audio play, even better!
Has anyone had any issues with the podcast seeming to start over again about an hour in?
The one Clara did?
Mine, sorry.
No. It worked fine. Great podcast BTW. Thanks for that! I find this book is making me read some of the interviews that Alex White did. None of the other books really caused me to do that. That says something. I'm surprised more people are not discussing it here.
I usually don't like stories that push the central story along, but this one worked so well jus in terms of how well it was written, and the character building, that it doesn't matter. Of course this story could reconnect with Ripley's story assuming that A3 is retconned out of sequence.
Finished this off last night.
Absolutely excellent. I think the difference between this and the other Alien novels I've read is that this wasn't just a good Alien book, it was a damn good book full-stop. Great ideas, great characters and great writing from Alex White. I mean good God, Dorian was the single most exquisitely hateful villain I can recall reading about in a book, and his gradual descent from sociopath to complete and utter madman was both well-done and engrossing. Blue was also by far the most interesting protagonist of any Alien novel I've read before; her disability and the limitations it placed upon her added so much to the story, and the way she lives her life by commandeering synthetics was likewise refreshingly new and interesting.
Some superbly tense and scary sequences - in particular, Dorian hiding in the cupboard while another of the station's staff is attacked in front of him was heart-racing. I also really liked that the Aliens were almost incidental for a lot of the story - they were just kinda there doing their thing in the background, which was a refreshing change from the norm. Yet despite this, they lost none of their threat, menace and intelligence.
If I had any criticisms at all, it's that I thought the very end was a bit of a disappointing cliché, although it did at least leave room for a follow-up, which I'd welcome. In the grand scheme though, it's such a minor quibble it pales in comparison to everything I loved about the book.
Yeah, can't praise this enough.
Also, is it just me, or did some elements of this feel like they were very obviously inspired by Isolation?
I think Alex did say something about Isolation in the podcast I believe.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to giving that a listen when I get the chance! Was holding off until I finished the book.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 24, 2018, 09:55:09 AM
Finished this off last night.
Absolutely excellent. I think the difference between this and the other Alien novels I've read is that this wasn't just a good Alien book, it was a damn good book full-stop. Great ideas, great characters and great writing from Alex White. I mean good God, Dorian was the single most exquisitely hateful villain I can recall reading about in a book, and his gradual descent from sociopath to complete and utter madman was both well-done and engrossing. Blue was also by far the most interesting protagonist of any Alien novel I've read before; her disability and the limitations it placed upon her added so much to the story, and the way she lives her life by commandeering synthetics was likewise refreshingly new and interesting.
Some superbly tense and scary sequences - in particular, Dorian hiding in the cupboard while another of the station's staff is attacked in front of him was heart-racing. I also really liked that the Aliens were almost incidental for a lot of the story - they were just kinda there doing their thing in the background, which was a refreshing change from the norm. Yet despite this, they lost none of their threat, menace and intelligence.
If I had any criticisms at all, it's that I thought the very end was a bit of a disappointing cliché, although it did at least leave room for a follow-up, which I'd welcome. In the grand scheme though, it's such a minor quibble it pales in comparison to everything I loved about the book.
Yeah, can't praise this enough.
Also, is it just me, or did some elements of this feel like they were very obviously inspired by Isolation?
Yeah.
Spoiler
Once the Aliens get loose it just screams Isolation.
I thought the ideas of hiding in various compartments by certain characters was 100% inspired by Isolation, and to very good effect.
Spoiler
I felt that perhaps when Dorian bit the guy on the neck, the book jumped the shark a bit, but it illustrates how he was actually transitioning into becoming an alien. The culmination of which was when he gave birth..
I'm surprised more people aren't discussing this book. Just awesome.
*Added spoiler tags. Hicks.
Thanks for that assist in putting up the spoiler alert Hicks. I tried to do it but it did not go up right on the iPhone. I guess I have to type in between the spoiler warnings rather than clicking spoiler before and after the spoilery text...
Finished The Cold Forge
Now, it wasn't perfect.
That said;
Doctor Marsalis is someone I'm going to remember in the years to come, when I look back at the good Alien stories that have well defined protagonists and antagonists. Something that's started with Walter in Covenant for me personally and continues with Marcus in this is, a feeling that these Synthetics deserved better, they were more virtuous and humane than the humans they tried and failed to help.
I really didn't expect Seegson to play as large of a role as they did, whilst being totally compatible with the story being told- not feeling like a tie in or just a cameo, in this way it almost feels like a quasi-sequel to Alien Isolation.
If Alien Isolation is "closing the book" despite taking place between Alien and Aliens, is more appropriately viewed/played after Alien 3 is taken into context- then The Cold Forge is absolutely best read after the reader has at least experienced one of Ridley Scott's prequels.
It must be commended for really being a white-knuckle-type gripping book, especially near the end where it's using it's established use of POV changes to leave you on a never-ending stream of constant cliff hangers. Even though I have some contention with Dorian, namely the Alien admiration is becoming old hat with now individuals (David, Dr Church, Tribes Scientist-) and cults, although the latter is more tolerable, he still is excellently fleshed out and exquisitely despicable. Almost gets off too easy if you ask me, although I wouldn't rob that ending as it's written. The real gem of the story isn't really the Alien itself, but the way it causes tensions to turn to stampede and the Snatchers serve an excellent purpose in that regard, where in any moment they may shear their way through the paragraph to the character you've been following and unless you've got a magic matchstick up your sleeve, well...
The story ends satisfactorily on it's own terms and if it doesn't get a sequel, it at least deserves a hardback.
Quote from: The Old One on May 27, 2018, 05:54:55 PMThe Cold Forge is absolutely best read after the reader has at least experienced one of Ridley Scott's prequels.
Picking up that, this book really did feel like the first work to seamlessly blend stuff from the original tetralogy and the prequel duology, in addition to expanded material like Isolation. Marcus was, in my mind's eye, played by Michael Fassbender, the alien life cycle stuff was obviously
heavily influenced by Prometheus and Covenant, the premise built up on people and politics from Aliens, Seegson being there in such a prominent way (as opposed to the throwaway callouts in the audio dramas) and the descriptions of how the creatures moved and stomped and such was straight out of Isolation... I know the comics have payed lip service to drawing from Prometheus and integrating that into the wider A/P franchise, but all that's really amounted to is Engineers being about. This book, however, really does a masterful job of weaving influence together from everything, and that's on top of being a damn fine piece of literature in its own right.
Dark Horse, please negotiate the rights to adapt this into graphic novel form. Make it so.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on May 28, 2018, 02:26:29 AM
Dark Horse, please negotiate the rights to adapt this into graphic novel form. Make it so.
The problem with this is, unless they really plan it out well in advance, comics have a finite and usually specific number of pages, while a novel can be as long or short as the storytelling needs it to be. Do you cram the novel into 4 comic book issues, potentially abridging things or altering the pacing? Or do you extend it into 5 issues, and have to pad it out to fill all the pages in the issue? How do you convey characters' inner monologues from the novel in comic book form? A bunch of thought-bubbles?
There's a reason why the Dark Horse comics were adapted into novels and not the other way around - a novel's lack of page limitations allows for greater character depth, more time spent addressing plot/logic inconsistencies, etc. Yeah 'Alien: The Illustrated Story' is a great adaptation of the first movie, but it's the outlier - more often than not you end up with the 'Alien3' or 'Alien Resurrection' adaptations.
The Alien 3 adaptation was amazing! Loved it.
The graphic novel as a medium is still vastly untapped. It is possible to do amazing things with it. It really comes down to the skill of the artist and the writer. Do I think that it would be possible to do something amazing with this story in that format? Of course.
Can't really think of anything to recommend the Alien 3 adaptation, except maybe the Queen crawls out Newt's mouth. And the covers.
Very, very mediocre.
I haven't read the series in ages. I don't own any copies of A3 comics anymore, and am disappointed they were never compiled into a single volume. My recollection is that they were superb.
I always liked the A3 comics. Those covers were great and the alternate scenes threw me so much lol
I quite liked both the Alien 3 and Resurrection comics, but SM's right - they're pretty average all told, and if I wasn't such a fan of the films and interested in seeing how the adaptations differ from them, I wouldn't give them a second thought. In fact I doubt I would've bothered at all.
As Xenomrph says - the first film's comic is very much the exception when it comes to comics adapting pre-existing material. I can't see the novel working satisfactorily as a comic at all. Too much of it was internal.
The Alien adaptation was superb. There's no question.
I thought about the idea of thought bubbles in an Sliens comic. The idea rather turned me off actually, so I went to book one to see how the it was handled when Hicks was thinking. They didn't use thought bubbles. Instead, there was a box which was very similar to a narration text. It worked in Book One and it would work well for an adaptation of Cold Forge...
Quote from: SM on May 29, 2018, 08:48:22 PM
Can't really think of anything to recommend the Alien 3 adaptation, except maybe the Queen crawls out Newt's mouth. And the covers.
Very, very mediocre.
It also truncated the entire intro of the movie and completely omitted the egg.
(https://i.imgur.com/7YSRyKe.jpg)
Speaking of truncated, Resurrection managed to squeeze the whole film into two issues, but ended up being a better overall product.
That's because it lacked the kookiness and goofiness of the film.
Nah the kookiness of the Caro-esque art made it a better read.
Man I wish I had a chance to read Resurrection in Comic format. I guess I could try Ebay, though I do wish DH would just publish these as graphic novel compilations. SM? Any way this will ever happen? They could recolor and publish The Abyss while they're at it.
Ha! Just bought them both on ebay. Still wish I had a TPB or Graphic novel of this and Alien 3 on my book-shelf. Its more dignified...
Doubt it.
Not sure why they haven't re-issued them already to be honest. I'm guessing it's a license thing.
Quote from: SM on Jun 01, 2018, 02:40:30 AM
Nah the kookiness of the Caro-esque art made it a better read.
Kinda like Sam Kieth?
Not even remotely like Sam Keith.
Do you have fond memories of going from Denis Beauvais to Sam Kieth?
I have trauma and counselling.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jun 01, 2018, 01:51:15 AMIt also truncated the entire intro of the movie and completely omitted the egg.
If you want to be pedantic, the presence of the Facehugger on the Sulaco was actually covered at the end of
Newt's Tale...
(https://readcomics.io/images/manga/aliens-newts-tale/2/50.jpg)
Which was published after Alien 3, I believe?
Yeah shortly after.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2018, 08:30:15 AMWhich was published after Alien 3, I believe?
More or less simultaneous, according to Dark Horse's website.
Ya I thought they were released concurrently. I always kind of thought that the last line in "Newts Tale" about adventures that never will be was a total reference to the original trilogy. And that the original trilogy is probably a hypersleep dream lol.
Yes, of course that's what that reference was...
Quote from: SM on Jun 01, 2018, 03:36:51 AM
Not even remotely like Sam Keith.
Um, it's I before E. He was always really insistent about that. I believe there was even an article about him once entitled I before E.
Quote from: SM on Jun 01, 2018, 02:47:15 AM
Doubt it.
Not sure why they haven't re-issued them already to be honest. I'm guessing it's a license thing.
:'( That's sad-ish. I really liked those and a TPB format that ties everything together would really improve the experience I think. They should have done it as an anniversary thing...
I'll spell his name properly when he can draw properly.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/26AHvF2p5pridaSf6/giphy.gif)
I do think he totally works for Inhuman Condition, though.
(https://i.imgur.com/PBabrSb.jpg)
Quote from: SM on Jun 01, 2018, 11:40:02 AM
I'll spell his name properly when he can draw properly.
Forgot to add the tongue in cheek icon there SM.
:P
I propose going forward we only write EI here until the drawing improves... :laugh: Earth War did not work at all! On any level!
But do take a look at how Verheiden treated thoughts of characters in his Aliens novels. That would be perfect for Cold Forge. Come to think of it, this was one of the things that really worked well in the books. I didn't even realize how much it upped the maturity level...
Nah, just keep comics as comics and novels as novels. There's been decent adaptations in the past, but ultimately it's better to tell stories that suit a particular medium.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2018, 11:43:47 AM
https://media.giphy.com/media/26AHvF2p5pridaSf6/giphy.gif
I do think he totally works for Inhuman Condition, though.
Marginally better than Earth War - but that was a low base.
I just think his style completely suited the story - once you'd finished reading it and gone "oooohhh."
I want to see a comic book adaptation of SM's biography with art by Sam Kieth.
I want to see a Han Solo avatar by Sam Keith.
Hasn't Han been abused enough lately?
Finally finished The Cold Forge. Not caught up with this thread, but my thoughts in general:
I'm kind of surprised to see such rave reviews for this book. Not because I don't like it, but it seemed to be in a similar vein as Criminal Enterprise in that the Aliens were somewhat incidental. That makes the science-fiction aspect of the story feel interchangeable with other licensed properties, or just original ideas. The strong points for me were the entertaining characters. They were all essentially unlikable, but there was nothing boring that accompanied any of their interactions or personalities. For instance, I remember that there were a lot of characters in Steel Egg, but I don't remember any other than the ridiculous mad scientist and the captain. I think I'd even remember the character names in The Cold Forge for some time after reading it, if not indefinitely. The interjecting short chapters which brought in some walk-on narrators were also fun, and overall I did enjoy the dual viewpoint character setup of the book.
I thought most of the canonical tying-in came from the paratext on the back of the book, while mere name-drops within the novel of characters who appeared in Aliens were not satisfying. There was plenty of interesting stuff set up in the 2014 novel trilogy, ALL OF IT (or correct me if I'm wrong) going untapped in The Cold Forge, which felt like a weak copout.
Spoiler
Seemed like an appropriate origin point for the XX121 thing which I've now seen referenced in...Sea of Sorrows and The Weyland Yutani Report? So I guess they're not committing to it?
I guess I just felt the placement of this book within the film series to be mostly in name only, and not very substantial. References to Seegson were pretty superficial, and will only resonate with people who played Isolation. I still have questions about this as well (in spoilers below).
My other big complaint is that while the dialogue in certain situations was fine, any time there was a contentious interaction or someone got mad, the spoken dialogue from most characters came through as if an angry teenager was speaking.
Overall I'd place The Cold Forge in between Berserker and Sea of Sorrows. Out of the Shadows is still my favorite of the Alien novels/novelizations. Despite the fact that The Cold Forge is the longest of them all, I did find that it moved pretty quick and was never 'boring.' I would have had plenty more to say, but it took me a bit longer to read this than it should have considering I got burnt out with reading and took an extended break, so I don't have all my thoughts collected as I did when I first started it in April. For me, it was a fun read, but wasn't "as Alien" for me as I hope for as a fan, such as how I took Out of the Shadows. So yeah, I thought it was decent, but I wasn't enthralled.
Some other nitpicks:
Spoiler
- egregious reference to "USMC" instead of "USCM" at one point, don't have the page #
- characters sneaking past Aliens which were asleep? great way to cheapen the title property
- did Seegson get bought out by Weyland-Yutani in Isolation, or did they just buy Sevastapol?
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 05:14:15 PM
Main post;
Agreed on remembering the cast of the book, they're some of the best characters in the Alien series, in spite of Dorian Sulder veering off into insanity a little too much for my tastes, reminds me of the effect the Markers have on people in Dead Space on Aegis if I'm honest. I also believe that part of the strength of the book is from integrating a minority character and having it be part of her character, rather than what a lot of writers do which is "character is also gay" etc;
as surface detail rather than genuine representation of a person that's a minority.
I do honestly agree too that the connection to LV-426 feels unnecessary, as it could really be set after Alien Resurrection and it wouldn't have made a difference- this would have been a great place to re-establish W-Y after the events of AR. In this case Seegson would absolutely feel tacked on however, so I'm content with it's placement after the Alien Trilogy.
The question is now, what can be done with the Pathogen now that they have it.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 05:14:15 PM
There was plenty of interesting stuff set up in the 2014 novel trilogy.
Those books are garbage and I'm glad they were tossed under the bus.
I'll be waiting on a sequel to this- hopefully they don't ruin it by turning Blue Marsalis into a Ellen Ripley clone, figuratively.
I think it's a great little book that's ripe for adaptation and has opened up interesting avenues for the future of the series.
I'm not sure I'd be interested in a direct sequel. Perhaps a separate story in which Marsalis appears in some capacity. The other original Titan Alien novels are part of trilogies and I'd rather they just do something less predictable.
I certainly don't disagree that this book has potential to take the series down new and interesting avenues in the future.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 07:08:17 PM
I'm not sure I'd be interested in a direct sequel. Perhaps a separate story in which Marsalis appears in some capacity. The other original Titan Alien novels are part of trilogies and I'd rather they just do something less predictable.
I certainly don't disagree that this book has potential to take the series down new and interesting avenues in the future.
I was pointing out in another topic that they've sort of touched all the original Alien films with their novels now. Out of the Shadows is a sequel to Alien, River of Pain is a prequel to Aliens, Sea of Sorrows follows up Resurrection, and The Cold Forge has thematic ties to Alien³ with the converted prison complex and soft sequelization to Aliens. Throw in Origins, and they've done a prequel to Covenant as well. Pretty much the only film they haven't touched is Prometheus, and that's at least partially because they don't have the rights.
With all that in mind, it would be interesting if a new novel was wholly original, and doesn't use any of the films as a jumping off point.
Cold Forge was never actually a prison.
Quote from: SM on Jun 10, 2018, 10:15:31 PM
Cold Forge was never actually a prison.
It was for the Snatchers.
I think the first Titan trilogy is best enjoyed if you ignore its placement in the overall canon and just enjoy each story on its own merit. Out of the Shadows captured a vibe that I have not felt in the Alien series in a long while. Do I like slotting in a Ripley story in between Alien and Aliens? No. It's ridiculous. But it is well written, and it is fun, and even if shouldn't really be part of the canon, at the end of the day, getting a good Alien book is valuable and if you let it stand on its own two feet, independent of the overall canon, you will have a really cool, enjoyable story. And at the end of the day, this is all about enjoyment of good sci-fi horror.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jun 11, 2018, 12:36:50 AM
I think the first Titan trilogy is best enjoyed if you ignore its placement in the overall canon and just enjoy each story on its own merit. Out of the Shadows captured a vibe that I have not felt in the Alien series in a long while. Do I like slotting in a Ripley story in between Alien and Aliens? No. It's ridiculous. But it is well written, and it is fun, and even if shouldn't really be part of the canon, at the end of the day, getting a good Alien book is valuable and if you let it stand on its own two feet, independent of the overall canon, you will have a really cool, enjoyable story. And at the end of the day, this is all about enjoyment of good sci-fi horror.
This is a healthy way to look at "canon" regardless of what franchise it is.
Quote from: The Old One on Jun 10, 2018, 06:05:30 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 05:14:15 PM
There was plenty of interesting stuff set up in the 2014 novel trilogy.
Those books are garbage and I'm glad they were tossed under the bus.
Tell us how you REALLY feel. :P
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 05:14:15 PM
I'm kind of surprised to see such rave reviews for this book. Not because I don't like it, but it seemed to be in a similar vein as Criminal Enterprise in that the Aliens were somewhat incidental. That makes the science-fiction aspect of the story feel interchangeable with other licensed properties, or just original ideas. The strong points for me were the entertaining characters. They were all essentially unlikable, but there was nothing boring that accompanied any of their interactions or personalities. For instance, I remember that there were a lot of characters in Steel Egg, but I don't remember any other than the ridiculous mad scientist and the captain. I think I'd even remember the character names in The Cold Forge for some time after reading it, if not indefinitely. The interjecting short chapters which brought in some walk-on narrators were also fun, and overall I did enjoy the dual viewpoint character setup of the book.
From what I remember of Criminal Enterprises, not only were all its character unlikable, they were uninteresting and had no redeeming qualities. They weren't shades of grey which The Cold Forge's character were (well, aside from Dorian. The bastard).
Criminal Enterprise was probably the best of that batch.
It's been a good few years since I read them but I think I'd give No Exit the edge. Just that tiny little sliver of an edge, though.
Forgot to mention that I thought "snatchers" was probably the biggest eye roll.
The Cold Forge being tied to Alien 3 is maybe the biggest stretch. There's definitely no intent there whatsoever. The back cover references Hadley's Hope, and the main text refers directly to the film Aliens. I would love to see Titan actually tie something in to Alien 3, assuming that's a separate license. It would actually be really cool if an entity other than NECA was interested in all the licensing opportunities provided by the franchise. I get the impression, based on how I understand the 2014 trilogy (which isn't 'garbage') came to be. It sounds like Titan sits around and waits for authors/agents to pitch them something. The majority of their output has been reprints, so maybe when they've milked that dry they'll take more of an active interest? I don't claim to know everything about how that system works, but they seem awfully passive about the production of original content.
Quote from: SM on Jun 11, 2018, 10:46:04 AM
Criminal Enterprise was probably the best of that batch.
I agree, which is unfortunate because it's enabling for future editors & writers to point to it as a reference for what's doable in the future, in terms of at least one standard for success. The Cold Forge is an improvement, easily, but it's not the direction I want this going in. It makes me feel crazy seeing fans who are supportive of the Xenomorphs as incidental to the plot of an Alien narrative. This would
never fly with the Predator franchise. We really got to the point where Alien Covenant Origins contains literally no Aliens. So, why is this ok for Alien?
I'm completely stumped as to why the intent of the Alien extended universe is to achieve something that continuously drifts away from the spirit of Alien or Aliens. Out of the Shadows is still my favorite because it felt the most like Alien to me, at least in hindsight. It's been a while since I've read it.
QuoteForgot to mention that I thought "snatchers" was probably the biggest eye roll.
Which is acknowledged in the text.
QuoteThe Cold Forge being tied to Alien 3 is maybe the biggest stretch.
It's not even a stretch. It all takes place before Alien 3.
QuoteI would love to see Titan actually tie something in to Alien 3, assuming that's a separate license.
To the best of my knowledge, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection and Alien Covenant are all the same license.
QuoteIt sounds like Titan sits around and waits for authors/agents to pitch them something.
Novels concepts are generally initiated by Fox. Titan don't sit around and wait.
They reprinted the old stuff and old novelisations - and produced eight new novels, with more on the way.
QuoteIt makes me feel crazy seeing fans who are supportive of the Xenomorphs as incidental to the plot of an Alien narrative.
Incidental how?
Spoiler
Aliens are being studied right from the outset, then break out a third of the way into the book, then the characters spend the rest of the time trying to find a way to survive - with two of them trying to secure specimens.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2018, 05:14:15 PM- did Seegson get bought out by Weyland-Yutani in Isolation, or did they just buy Sevastapol?
They just bought the station from Seegson.
I suspect I'm having a brain-fart and have simply forgotten, but was it ever conclusively stated
Spoiler
who let the Aliens loose in this?
Spoiler
its implied that it was Anne, though I think there was some intent to make this ambiguous...
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 12, 2018, 03:42:55 PM
I suspect I'm having a brain-fart and have simply forgotten, but was it ever conclusively stated Spoiler
who let the Aliens loose in this?
Spoiler
I'm re-reading it at the moment, but I don't think it's ever revealed. Lucy effectively caused the whole mess with Silversmile because she was being blackmailed, but to the best of my knowledge neither she nor Blue opened the kennels, and it's stated a few times that it was impossible for Silversmile to have done it on its own. The Seegson comms mention a contingency - which is probably Lucy. At the end the Seegson HR people more or less fess up to being responsible for the whole shmear.
Quote from: SM on Jun 13, 2018, 03:59:03 AMSpoiler
I'm re-reading it at the moment, but I don't think it's ever revealed. Lucy effectively caused the whole mess with Silversmile because she was being blackmailed, but to the best of my knowledge neither she nor Blue opened the kennels, and it's stated a few times that it was impossible for Silversmile to have done it on its own. The Seegson comms mention a contingency - which is probably Lucy. At the end the Seegson HR people more or less fess up to being responsible for the whole shmear.
Spoiler
If I remember rightly, there's a section that makes it clear Lucy believes Blue was responsible for unleashing the Aliens - and it's internal thought, so she's not simply weaving white lies to cover herself. But I'm pretty certain Blue's actions at the time are accounted for, meaning it can't be her (plus I vaguely recall her also believing someone else was responsible, which like Lucy would put her out). Another agent then? I can't remember particularly liking anyone else for it.
Spoiler
Dorian accuses Blue at one point (when Blue isn't around) and Lucy is quick to agree. But I'm pretty sure both of them have alibis.
"Stealth mode" ;D
Spoiler
Alright so finished it again. The Aliens escaped because someone on the Seegson ship remotely piloted Marcus and opened the kennels. Someone also piloted the loader at the end to save Blue.
Quote from: SM on Jun 17, 2018, 10:42:42 PMSpoiler
Alright so finished it again. The Aliens escaped because someone on the Seegson ship remotely piloted Marcus and opened the kennels. Someone also piloted the loader at the end to save Blue.
Spoiler
Was it not impossible to access Marcus externally?
Also, I thought the loader went to Blue on auto-pilot, guided by Marcus' programming that was installed? That's why it wouldn't intervene when Dorian was trying to kill Blue - because it couldn't/wouldn't harm a human being - but was capable of saving her from the Aliens and taking her to the escape pod. At least, that's how I read it.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 18, 2018, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: SM on Jun 17, 2018, 10:42:42 PMSpoiler
Alright so finished it again. The Aliens escaped because someone on the Seegson ship remotely piloted Marcus and opened the kennels. Someone also piloted the loader at the end to save Blue.
Spoiler
Was it not impossible to access Marcus externally?
Also, I thought the loader went to Blue on auto-pilot, guided by Marcus' programming that was installed? That's why it wouldn't intervene when Dorian was trying to kill Blue - because it couldn't/wouldn't harm a human being - but was capable of saving her from the Aliens and taking her to the escape pod. At least, that's how I read it.
Spoiler
Blue surmises that because there's no wireless comms in the SCIF, someone must've taken over piloting him externally once Silversmile got loose - the people who'd contacted her about extracting her, meaning there was a ship nearby (the one that ultimately picks her up). She also sends the loader on auto to pick her up, but it attacks Dorian once it arrives. When Dorian is taken by the Aliens a voice comes out of the loader telling her to get in the empty egg crate.
When she blames the Seegson HR people for killing everyone on the station they respond that they were conducting illegal experiments.
First commentary from Alex has gone out -
QuoteChapter 1: Line Items
Welcome to my monthly short feature about the interesting bits of ALIEN: THE COLD FORGE! In this section, I'll be discussing any interesting bits of trivia about the individual chapters.
Up first: Line Items!
What's with the name Indigo Flag?
When governments name projects, they'll often use code names to refer to it. One of the problems with human-generated code names, however, is the unconscious bias we have to give things relevant monikers. So if you wanted to give an all-consuming cloud of nanites a code name, you might call it "Project Piranha."
That's a mistake.
Good code names are completely purpose-agnostic when viewed on a spreadsheet. You shouldn't be able to discern a single detail about them, whether it's staffing, scientific level of acumen, budget or end use. Most smart code name generators will pick two words at random--the stranger, the better.
You can see this pattern in all projects in THE COLD FORGE: Indigo Flag (the adversary's code for RB-232), Rose Eagle, Silver Smile and Glitter Edifice.
What does the RB stand for in "RB-232"?
You know, I could make something up here, but it stands for "Red Bull," because I am a huge Daniel Ricciardo fan. As for the numbers, I liked the verbal cadence of "two thirty-two."
Where did Dorian Sudler's name come from?
As you have all likely guessed, Dorian is a reference to Oscar Wilde's THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. It's such a beautiful, articulate name, and when it's linked to an amoral libertine, it works so well. It's also the reason he paints.
I've always felt that painting is a vaguely sinister thing for villains to do, because it represents the need to capture the world around oneself. Some people would celebrate those frozen moments. I think Dorian enjoys subduing the world and forcing it into his own order.
In the opening scene, I wanted to establish that it's not enough for Dorian to win (by getting laid, for example). Someone else has to lose.
Where did Blue Marsalis's name come from?
I've known a couple of women named Blue in my lifetime, and I always thought it was a fantastic name. Of course, when you couple that with her serious, depressing backstory, it's just as on-the-nose as Dorian's name.
Blue's last name comes from Wynton Marsalis, an ultra-famous jazz musician. I wanted readers to subconsciously imagine an ability to improvise, since that skill is what keeps her alive in the long run.
Why is Blue a queer, disabled woman of color?
Because I wanted to give her every possible disadvantage in a mindless, corporate system. Weyland-Yutani represents the ultimate soulless machination, and Dorian is a force for preserving entrenched power structures.
Characters like Blue are often buffeted by stifling workforce cultures. Because she is a woman, she is less likely to be taken seriously by her male counterparts. Because she is black, she is more likely to be seen as aggressive when she stands up for herself. Because she is disabled/dying, human resources will be eager to get rid of her, considering her a drain on the insurance pool.
Even in her introduction, Kambili Okoro tells her to "man up," a clear attack on her gender identity.
Why isn't Marcus more representative of Blue's identity?
When I think of the androids that have endured from the series--Ash, Bishop, David and Walter--they're male caregivers. I was never particularly drawn to Call (Alien: Resurrection), because I enjoyed the trope subversion of having empathetic male servants. We're all familiar with Blade Runner, and the roles that female replicants typically filled onscreen, and that's a bit... boring. In my mind, most androids from the Alien universe are male, and Joss Whedon's Call is the outlier.
It wasn't hard to tap into the spectacular performances by Ian Holm, Lance Henricksen and Michael Fassbender. Many readers responded to Marcus, and you can see a lot of love for him in the reviews. It delighted me to no end to see the synthetic referred to as, "the only sympathetic character."
Join me next month for more!
Nice!
Where's he sharing these?
Fantastic, where did you get this from?
It's on his mailing list. http://www.alexrwhite.com/
Inside Track, on the left.
Thanks. Subscribed.
Quote from: SM on Jun 11, 2018, 12:09:20 PM
It's not even a stretch. It all takes place before Alien 3.
So, besides appearing before Alien 3 in a chronological timeline, how else would you specifically and directly link it to the plot and/or characters of The Cold Forge considering the direct references in the book are to Aliens and Alien Isolation?
Also, 100 years ago I did an email interview with Lee Brimmicombe-Wood and remember him mentioning that content from Alien and Alien 3 was left out of the Technical Manual. Would this have been a separate conflict from a licensing issue? I just notice that if there's content from multiple films appearing in one piece, the copyrights are all listed separately for each film title.
It isn't linked to Alien 3 at all.
To the best of my knowledge (which is pretty limited) Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Resurrection and Covenant are all one license, and Prometheus is separate, and AvP is separate again.
Perhaps it was a different 20 odd years back when there was only 3 films.
Quote from: SM on Jun 25, 2018, 06:08:01 AM
It isn't linked to Alien 3 at all.
To the best of my knowledge (which is pretty limited) Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Resurrection and Covenant are all one license, and Prometheus is separate, and AvP is separate again.
Perhaps it was a different 20 odd years back when there was only 3 films.
Misunderstood to think you were suggesting there was a connection.
Ah, right. I think I might've worded that clumsily.
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 25, 2018, 05:59:26 AMAlso, 100 years ago I did an email interview with Lee Brimmicombe-Wood and remember him mentioning that content from Alien and Alien 3 was left out of the Technical Manual.
I've always questioned that.
There's stuff from
Alien in the book - the Nostromo, the Narcissus etc. The traditional explanation is that they were allowed because they were mentioned and/or appeared in the second film, and because of that they fell under that film's licence and could be included.
But there's also the piece about the escape pod from
Alien 3 in there, which clearly was never connected to the second film at all.
So I've never understood what is being referred to when people say stuff form the other films wasn't allowed. Because it was. It's in there. And off the top of my head I can't really think of anything from the first or third films that could go in there beyond what there already is.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 25, 2018, 10:45:24 AM
So I've never understood what is being referred to when people say stuff form the other films wasn't allowed. Because it was. It's in there. And off the top of my head I can't really think of anything from the first or third films that could go in there beyond what there already is.
All the specific legal stuff is too intricate and complicated for me.
Audiobook released yesterday!
https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/1019563233299099648
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Alien-The-Cold-Forge-Audiobook/B07FF7MDN8
Downpour - https://www.downpour.com/alien-the-cold-forge
MP3 CD - https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Cold-Forge-Alex-White/dp/1982544937/
Finally finished this, brilliant book indeed and that Sudler is a piece of work, Got to give him props for being more braver than Burke, to an extent.
Spoiler
So many interesting things in it such as the research they are doing and the fact that Seegson not only still exists but manages to pull one over on Weyland-Yutani. While Dorian Sudler is established as a major dick from the start as he likes have people fired for little to no reason. He becomes far worse after becoming obsessed with the Xenomorphs, it is interesting to see him spiraling and becoming more unhinged and dangerous as the story progress.
Blue is an interesting character too and a very strong survivor, as despite her condition putting her at all sorts of risks, she goes through hell to get what she wanted.
Her identity is interesting too as at the end of the book, Seegson offers to give her a female synthetic to use as an avatar but declines saying she prefers a male body to use.
Either this is because she doesn't want anything from Seegson, or she has used Marcus so long that she is used to that type of body and maybe enjoys feeling equal to colleagues who would otherwise treat her differently (as there is still some sexism in the story which I find odd since its the future, I would figure it be far more progressive than now.) or perhaps she may harbor some transgender traits, the latter won't make too much sense since we know that gender reassignment seems to be more perfected by the first film if Lambert is any indication so if Blue felt that way, she could have had a re-assignment years before going to the Cold forge, of course maybe the Bishara's syndrome prevented that.
I am not sure how to feel about Seegson, ever since Alien Isolation, every book has to either mention them, their products or have them in to varies success. Here, these "underdogs" have proven themselves to be worse than Weyland-Yutani ever was.
While the latter has had "crew as secondary priority" they never intentionally murdered people like Seegson did. In the first film, it is Ash interpreting the orders after the crew become a threat to the Alien, in the second film its Burke acting alone and in the third, they let Morse live even though Ripley thought they would kill witnesses. The games and comics tend to make them worse but the movie W-Y is ambiguous and morally gray at worst.
Spoiler
Seegson outright arranges for nearly everyone aboard to be killed, they released the Xenomorphs.
.
Dorian's fate is little too easy for him despite what it is.
Spoiler
Normally being impregnated is the worst fate you can have but due to his recent insanity and obsession with the Xenomorphs, he is pleased and happy to have a legacy.
One thing I didn't like was the once again sped up life-cycle, apparently the facehuggers immediately deposit the plagiarius stuff upon attaching to a host, though one tech guy does say it comes off in a day or two, but that still doesn't explain why we got Marachuk and some other colonist dead from successfully removing the hugger
before it deposited the mutagen. It also shows a Chimpanzee given birth to a chestburster not long after it had woken up, actually its almost instant. Too much Covenant influence methinks or perhaps Fox did actually add a few "suggestions".
Other than a few things like that,
this is easily one of the best Alien books, I highly recommend it to those who haven't read it.
This book was awesome. Riveting. I am surprised more people aren't discussing it here.
New commentary from Alex about Chapter 2 -
Quote
Chapter 2: Arrival
Welcome to my monthly short feature about the interesting bits of ALIEN: THE COLD FORGE! In this section, I'll be discussing any interesting bits of trivia about the individual chapters.
Show and tell
In the book, all the project managers line up to brief Dorian on their projects with boring presentations. In real life, that's exactly how it works. Going into classified labs, I was always struck by the cheesy posters and video screens, like it was some kind of science fair.
If you ever work in the defense industry, you can expect to sit through a lot of PowerPoints, and I assure you, they'll pack each slide with a full page of text.
For more information on SCIFs, click here!
Why does Dorian hate his family so much?
This isn't in the book, but Dorian comes from a family of high-minded academics. His father was instrumental in developing energy-efficient solutions and reducing industrial waste. Dorian, however, was never good at that stuff, and vastly preferred auditing for its political machinations. When he told his parents what he was doing for a living, it caused a (very polite, but tense) falling out.
Dorian and his father haven't spoken in ten years.
Where did the idea for the killbox come from?
I draw a lot from my defense contractor experience. During a military exercise, I visited the DMZ in South Korea, and there was a football field-long, chain-link corridor between two guard shacks. Anti-vehicle pylons dotted the road, preventing anyone from simply bashing through. I went to knock at the guard shack door on my side... and there was no one inside. I couldn't simply leave after poking around an abandoned guard shack--I'd be arrested on suspicion of sabotage/terrorism/espionage/whatever. Remember, this was the border of two nations who are still at war.
I had to walk across the 100-meter expanse to a man on the far side, who had an automatic rifle ready to mow me down. It was one of the most tense moments of my life!
On a side note, Alex's Big Ship was finally released in the UK and my copy is on the way. ;D
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 26, 2018, 11:33:00 AMNew commentary from Alex about Chapter 2 -
Huh, I could've sworn I signed up to the mailing list, but I didn't get that. Just tried subscribing again and got an email asking me to confirm, so I guess I should get the next one!
Just finished "Predator: If It Bleeds" so just starting Cold Forge now. Super excited about this one.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 25, 2018, 10:45:24 AM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 25, 2018, 05:59:26 AMAlso, 100 years ago I did an email interview with Lee Brimmicombe-Wood and remember him mentioning that content from Alien and Alien 3 was left out of the Technical Manual.
I've always questioned that.
There's stuff from Alien in the book - the Nostromo, the Narcissus etc. The traditional explanation is that they were allowed because they were mentioned and/or appeared in the second film, and because of that they fell under that film's licence and could be included.
But there's also the piece about the escape pod from Alien 3 in there, which clearly was never connected to the second film at all.
So I've never understood what is being referred to when people say stuff form the other films wasn't allowed. Because it was. It's in there. And off the top of my head I can't really think of anything from the first or third films that could go in there beyond what there already is.
It's true, it was legal limitations that prevented the stuff from Alien3 and Alien from being in the Tech Manual. The Nostromo and Narcissus were a loophole because of their inclusion in 'Aliens', and the EEV gets included because it's logical that the Sulaco would have an escape system - it's all genericized, though, the book doesn't describe the EEV's physical appearance or anything like that, and it doesn't have any pictures. It's also why the events of the movie aren't directly covered despite the final chapter of the book being set after Alien3. There's oblique references (Epsilon Eridani), but nothing specific.
Finally read the book. IMO, this is the best Alien book I've ever read. Blue was very engaging and Dorian was a treat for me because I always like bad guys fleshed out well. The characters in this book were fantastic, very believable, loved the dialog. Most of all, I loved how no character was bland or simply good or bad and everyone was complicated with lesser or greater flaws. They all felt very human. It would be so satisfying to dissect and analyze these characters for hours and hours and also, the aliens are shown to be smart and vicious. Those two things are what I want most in my Alien novel. Good and smart characters and smart and genuinely dangerous aliens. That's it. This guy gets it.
Spoiler
Even though we don't see the aliens all the time, I'm very happy with how they were treated in the book. They always felt like a threat and were not treated as fodder. Even when they're not there, the fear of them finding the characters was always present. I'd say they were used very effectively, with great love and respect for this monster.
Seegson did see a bit like a mustache twirling company for having killed all of those people just like that. Though, again, the explanation at the end I really liked, and they really had a good plan that they got away with. Cruel but smart and logical to some extent.
I wished Dorian died a crueler death by the alien, being ripped apart gruesomely with him screaming like a child, realizing he was not as fearless as he thought. I just wanted him to suffer more, but the sick bastard really liked how he kicked the bucket. Admittedly, his final scene was beautiful and poetic in a sort of way, so that made up for him not getting punished more.
I was really surprised by Marcus' passive-aggressive behavior, really enjoyed him! His "I'm not a killer like you" got me laughing a few times, yet disturbed me also. He really did feel like a synthetic, close to human, but not really, he felt somewhat unpredictable to me. Always was wondering if he'll betray Blue.
Really didn't expect Blue to survive knowing what she went through in the last few chapters.
What I mostly respect is that the author did his research and had input from all these different experts that really helped make this a special experience. I'm so glad somebody actually thought of a smart way to contain the aliens and their eggs, I was very pleased with the security.
I have only one question. Who let the aliens out of the cages? Cause it wasn't Lucy, that's made clear in the book.
Enjoyed this like few other books. I want to see the author back to write another book in the Alien universe more than any other author right now.
The funny thing is I made an Amazon account so I could buy this book on Kindle and now that I've read it and want to write a review to help the author and show how pleased I was with it, Amazon says I can't write reviews until I buy enough stuff from them! :laugh:
Spoiler
One of the Seegson saboteurs remotely piloted Marcus to open the cages.
Spoiler
Thanks! I forgot Dorian speculated about that. Poor Marcus, just another nice serving bot who didn't want to hurt anyone and thanks to Seegson his body was used to indirectly kill everyone on that station. Everyone except the one person who used him to kill someone with his own hands while Marcus was fully awake and watched. Damn that's dark. I feel more sorry for him than for anyone else on that station. He was just trying to do his job.
And Marcus is a good example why having remote controlled androids is not a good idea. :laugh:
So I finally got around to listening the to Alex White podcast last night, and it was an excellent interview. Really fascinating to hear how White used many of his personal experiences to inform the book. Seems like a genuinely nice bloke too. Probably going to track down more of his work off the back of it.
He mentioned how thrilled he is that the "hardcore fans" have praised the book so consistently; I really hope he's popped in here from time to time to read the glowing reviews that have been shared. I feel like he deserves to know just how highly many of us rate his effort.
Kudos for a great interview, Hicks!
Halfway through the book and lovin it.
Soooo goooood!
I dont want to put it down but I want to take my time and savor it. :laugh:
The hype is through the roof on this one. Just about to finish Rage War and start on this.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Jul 18, 2018, 05:40:51 PM
Audiobook released yesterday!
https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/1019563233299099648
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Alien-The-Cold-Forge-Audiobook/B07FF7MDN8
Downpour - https://www.downpour.com/alien-the-cold-forge
MP3 CD - https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Cold-Forge-Alex-White/dp/1982544937/
Thanks, just bought it.
Just finished the audiobook and man was this phenomenal. Also the narrator was amazing. He really made Sudler come to life.
Maybe not the best idea to be promoting that.
No, especially not if you want more work of this caliber. Buy it and support the author.
Chapter 7 on audiobooks really loving it, as good as River of Pain so far.
I was listening to/reading chapters on and off last time. I did really like the narrator too. Thought he did a great job.
I'm about halfway through Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe and I'm really enjoying that too. Can't say it's my usual bag but it's quite addictive.
I finished Cold Forge recently, and enjoyed it a fair bit. My only main gripe was Sudler towards the end. It felt like his "daddy issues" were a little out of place. Other than that, I'd definitely recommend it!
I would like there to be an audible drama version of Cold forge, it would be interesting to see that come to life but it might not work well for Sudler since one of the interesting things about him in the book is his thoughts and ways of thinking, which would unlikely to be included in a AD.
I finished the book yesterday.
Honestly its the best thing to come from the franchise since Isolation. Just a really fantastic alien story.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Aug 12, 2018, 04:20:12 PM
I would like there to be an audible drama version of Cold forge, it would be interesting to see that come to life but it might not work well for Sudler since one of the interesting things about him in the book is his thoughts and ways of thinking, which would unlikely to be included in a AD.
I second this motion. We need this as an audible version. Heck, make this a movie. But in terms of Sudler's thoughts being a problem on audible, I think that isn't an issue. The narrator was giving us the thoughts from an alien as they played out in Decker's mind in the last audio book, and it worked out just fine. It comes down to the director's talent.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Aug 12, 2018, 04:20:12 PM
I would like there to be an audible drama version of Cold forge, it would be interesting to see that come to life but it might not work well for Sudler since one of the interesting things about him in the book is his thoughts and ways of thinking, which would unlikely to be included in a AD.
I have an idea that the next Alien day will have an announcement if the Cold Forge audio drama. They've done all the other ones, so it makes sense that they'll do this one, too.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Aug 12, 2018, 04:35:05 PMHonestly its the best thing to come from the franchise since Isolation. Just a really fantastic alien story.
Yeah. I'm coming to the end of a re-read myself at the moment; I've literally never re-read a book so soon before. I was thinking yesterday that I've always found the first three films to be what I love most about the franchise, with probably only
Isolation from the EU really matching up to them in terms of how much I enjoy the overall product. I think this book might have joined that club though.
Something else I've really noticed second time around that I've not seen mentioned - I really dig how it's almost entirely presented from the points of view of Blue and Dorian, but with the occasional "interlude", as White calls them, from other characters. That's a neat stylistic touch.
With you on that. Although I do have a couple of Aliens comics on my list of 'Best Of The Franchise'
For me, this is the only Alien book I would re read. I own a digital copy but would purchase a hardcover copy if it saw a release.
While I think Isolation has a serviceable story, no nonsense- tonally in line with Alien, believable method for the Derelict to be revisited etc
It inhabits the world of Alien and feels very genuine doing so, but unfortunately the character writing while exceptional for background characters in particular, the main characters aren't all that well defined partially due to the runtime of the game spending most of its' time away from others.
That's where The Cold Forge really surpasses Alien Isolation, in it's writing of character and motivation.
Every character in The Cold Forge is more nuanced and layered than Amanda Ripley.
It's also essentially why when people say they'd like a sequel to Alien Isolation;
I question why they'd want Ripley back because she's followed through on what she set out to do.
Yet another thing The Cold Forge made me realise too, is that with the Derelict destroyed and the eggs gone.
The only remnant of the original Alien strain exists aboard the Torrens, unless the Plagiarus Praepotens obtained somehow brings it back.
I agree, but i wasnt really commenting on which one is better or why. Just that Cold Forge is the best thing since.
Its interesting that the general plot for Cold Forge isnt anything new, but the characters and the way things unfold really elevated the the story to something great. Also the Aliens were given great respect and written in in a way that made them feel like a scary and tangible threat to the rest of the characters.
Spoiler
Can anyone tell me where the eggs came from? I know they mentioned Burke in the beginning. I'm not sure when this book takes place in relation to the films.
I believe it takes place at the same time as Aliens or after.
The Cold Forge is definitely something new, there's no attempt to weaponize them - it's all about Plagiarus Praepotens and specifically I must say the protagonist and antagonists are also unlike any others I've seen before in Alien media.
The general outline might not be new, but I don't think it has any bearing on quality, positive or negative.
It's all in Alex White's excellent writing as you no doubt know.
Spoiler
I believe Alex White hinted at where the eggs came from, I don't remember off the top of my head.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Aug 13, 2018, 04:20:41 PM
I agree, but i wasnt really commenting on which one is better or why. Just that Cold Forge is the best thing since.
Its interesting that the general plot for Cold Forge isnt anything new, but the characters and the way things unfold really elevated the the story to something great. Also the Aliens were given great respect and written in in a way that made them feel like a scary and tangible threat to the rest of the characters.
Spoiler
Can anyone tell me where the eggs came from? I know they mentioned Burke in the beginning. I'm not sure when this book takes place in relation to the films.
Spoiler
White said he thought they came from the Derelict, which doesn't really wash. There's no indication in the book though - which works way better. It's above the classification of the characters to know.
Perhaps they found the Torrens.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Aug 13, 2018, 04:20:41 PMSpoiler
Can anyone tell me where the eggs came from? I know they mentioned Burke in the beginning. I'm not sure when this book takes place in relation to the films.
Per Alex White's podcast interview with Hicks:
Spoiler
He suggested someone at the company (other than Burke) found out about the derelict following Ripley's recovery, and a team was sent there to recover eggs some time between Ripley being picked up and the colonists finding it themselves. His reasoning was that it's never really made clear how much time elapses between Ripely being found by the salvagers and her attending the inquest aboard Gateway - it could be months, which would give somebody plenty of time to go and collect some samples.
I'm with SM though, I'm not really sold on that explanation and think the book's better without it.
The only thing I dislike about the book is the time setting. There's no need for it to be set around the same time as Aliens. For me it would have worked better as a post Alien 3 story, all the more so when the acquisition of the eggs is is purposefully left ambiguous.
That's the beauty of a canon that's undefined I suppose, you can set it after A3 yourself if you wish.
Spoiler
In my opinion there's two logical places the eggs came from that explains their limited quantity;
either it's post A3 and it's all they could retrieve from the ruin of the Derelict, or;
It's during/before Aliens and they found the Torrens, retrieving a number of eggs from it.
Well that's the thing isn't it? Before Isolation, there was no Sevastopol, no Torrens. Who knows how many other places that have yet to be created and brought into canon, that could more easily explain where the eggs came from?
On a side note, I'm having a very hard time believing that a company with such resources and a colony on LV-426 could have such a difficult time and constantly fail to gather specimens. Surely before or during the time the colony was being built, or during the early days of the colony, the company could've gotten their hands on something? Of course that would mean Burke was really out of the loop, but we didn't get to see the egg chamber. So who knows how many may have been missing by the time Newts parents got there?
I think they got what they needed, and have a company owned and operated Hive somewhere.
I doubt that, or there would be no reason for Michael Bishop to go to Fiorina 161,
nor would it work with his displayed desperation.
It makes much more sense in my mind that the chain of events went like this;
The Derelict is present on LV-426.
Nostromo touches down due to a distress beacon, they leave and the rest is history but they don't deactivate the beacon.
Years later the Anesidora deactivates the beacon, the events of Alien Isolation take place- Sevastopol station's
explosion propels the Torrens out of the system on an unknown trajectory.
The Torrens is found, with a limited number of eggs onboard and one deceased adult Alien.
The eggs are brought aboard The Cold Forge for study.
As far as they know these are the only ones in existence.
They have no knowledge on the Derelict until the time of Ripley's inquest,
or this takes place after Carter Burke failed and the Derelict was destroyed.
The reason I refer to Alien Isolation is due to the beacon, and the end of the events that emerged from it.
It ties into the original Alien in a legitimate way that no other EU story has other than The Cold Forge.
Eggs coming from anywhere else other than the Derelict to prompt the events of TCF
around the same time as Aliens/A3 would be too convenient in timing to be believable.
The trouble with them coming from the Torrens is there are something like 60-odd Aliens on the Cold Forge to start with, plus a bunch of eggs left over. And that's not even counting the ones that didn't survive to adulthood; I recall the novel mentioning Blue ends up terminating most of the specimens before they mature, because she's only interested in the Facehugger.
Seems like far too many to have come from Verlaine's ship.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Aug 14, 2018, 07:12:45 PM
The trouble with them coming from the Torrens is there are something like 60-odd Aliens on the Cold Forge to start with, plus a bunch of eggs left over. And that's not even counting the ones that didn't survive to adulthood; I recall the novel mentioning Blue ends up terminating most of the specimens before they mature, because she's only interested in the Facehugger.
Seems like far too many to have come from Verlaine's ship.
That leaves the only conclusion that they must have been all they could salvage from the wreckage of the Derelict then.
IMO
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 14, 2018, 06:52:24 PM
Sevastopol station's explosion propels the Torrens out of the system on an unknown trajectory.
The Torrens is found, with a limited number of eggs onboard and one deceased adult Alien.
I'd always assumed the Alien was propelled out into space along with Amanda when she opened the airlock. And the torrens didn't seem like it was out of control when she boarded it, immediately post Sevastopol explosion. Ad wasn't it basically destroyed in atmosphere?
You're right, it was destroyed in atmosphere.
As for being propelled elsewhere, that doesn't necessarily mean quickly but just enough so that the trajectory changes.
An object propelled in a vacuum will keep travelling until it hits something.
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 14, 2018, 08:21:12 PM
You're right, it was destroyed in atmosphere.
As for being propelled elsewhere, that doesn't necessarily mean quickly but just enough so that the trajectory changes.
An object propelled in a vacuum will keep travelling until it hits something.
Maybe it ran into Big Chap? Poor fella. Probably thought "Finally, after years of waiting...Food!"
Boards the Torrens
"aw dammit. Well, it beats being outside."
:D
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Aug 14, 2018, 07:12:45 PM
The trouble with them coming from the Torrens is there are something like 60-odd Aliens on the Cold Forge to start with, plus a bunch of eggs left over. And that's not even counting the ones that didn't survive to adulthood; I recall the novel mentioning Blue ends up terminating most of the specimens before they mature, because she's only interested in the Facehugger.
Seems like far too many to have come from Verlaine's ship.
Unless a Queen developed on the ship? I think I actually prefer the idea of the eggs coming from somewhere other than LV-426. The intent was that the eggs were procured before Aliens took place and it seems like it maybe a bit tight on continuity to pull that off. I do like the idea of it connecting to the lore elsewhere and have them coming from the Torrens.
Also, I'm currently halfway through another re-read/re-listen for this weekend's podcast and I am just so f**king annoyed at the staff of the Cold Forge for not having back-ups of everything on portable storage in a safe somewhere.
There were eggs on the Torrens?
We don't know, it's just a possible supposition.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 15, 2018, 07:14:34 AMAlso, I'm currently halfway through another re-read/re-listen for this weekend's podcast and I am just so f**king annoyed at the staff of the Cold Forge for not having back-ups of everywhere on portable storage in a safe somewhere.
:laugh:
Maybe they didn't want to risk someone leaving it in the back of a taxi.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Aug 15, 2018, 09:20:22 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 15, 2018, 07:14:34 AMAlso, I'm currently halfway through another re-read/re-listen for this weekend's podcast and I am just so f**king annoyed at the staff of the Cold Forge for not having back-ups of everywhere on portable storage in a safe somewhere.
:laugh:
Maybe they didn't want to risk someone leaving it in the back of a taxi.
I think it was mentioned that they were not allowed to have personal back ups or something like that. Blue had to keep hiding hers but that may have simply been because it was for personal use. Official back ups might have been allowed. Can't remember now. :P
Javier should have been doing that regularly as part of his damn preventative maintenance measures. I hate him so much now.
And just like, all your love for Mr. White and this book goes out the window :P
(https://media.giphy.com/media/l41lFU69ZXu03qWrK/giphy.gif)
(https://i0.wp.com/media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/08/24/67/082467e1067a02ae666061b8b3417f7d.jpg?resize=800%2C600)
Dorian @Blue.
"Javier's dead now, and he's left me in charge."
White admitting that Sudler's manipulative personality was partly based on himself in Hick's podcast makes that post so much better.
I wonder who Mr.White would cast as Dorian Sulder in a film/audiobook adaptation.
There were backups. Silversmile compromised Glitter Edifice and Rose Eagle when it crossed the air gap.
I'm talking portable storage that isn't plugged into a network somewhere. Just sat on a big ass removable hard-drive or storage box hidden away in a safe.
Kinda like how Cyberdyne should've had off-site backups in T2?
Quote from: SM on Aug 15, 2018, 08:17:26 AM
There were eggs on the Torrens?
I actually find this idea interesting! Verlaine and the copilot could have been eggmorphed and if one of them was a Queen, we get a bunch of eggs. Open for future tales.
I'm really glad interest for this book has picked up. I read it as soon as it came out and for a few weeks afterwards, it seemed like it dropped but nobody read it. Now virtually all reviews are glowing positive. This book has been one hell of an awesome ride!
Its a terrific book.
It really felt like it combined the universes of the prequel and the original series without ever being in your face about it.
I finally managed to finish this book and overall I loved it.
I actually think the best part of the book was the first third with all the great character work, scheming and rising tension.
When the Aliens escape, it kind of descends into an above average Alien novel.
While Dorian turning more and more villainous was interesting, I think it could have worked in reverse as well. I mean him actually turning into a decent person with all the hardship. Him starting to bite people at the end was a bit over the top.
Some questions left open:
What happened to the sentry guns? They are set up as a great way to contain the Aliens and never mentioned again later.
Why not use the escape pods immediately? I know most of them were destroyed later but just look at A:R with an efficient way to evacuate.
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 22, 2018, 08:30:31 AMWhat happened to the sentry guns? They are set up as a great way to contain the Aliens and never mentioned again later.
Presumably deactivated when Silversmile gets into Titus.
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 22, 2018, 08:30:31 AMWhy not use the escape pods immediately? I know most of them were destroyed later but just look at A:R with an efficient way to evacuate.
They pretty much did. They had no reason to suspect the Aliens would get out of the Glitter Edifice labs after they sealed them, at least not before they could jettison them, but as soon as they did everyone ran for the pods. The Aliens just beat them there.
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 22, 2018, 08:30:31 AM
I finally managed to finish this book and overall I loved it.
I actually think the best part of the book was the first third with all the great character work, scheming and rising tension.
When the Aliens escape, it kind of descends into an above average Alien novel.
While Dorian turning more and more villainous was interesting, I think it could have worked in reverse as well. I mean him actually turning into a decent person with all the hardship. Him starting to bite people at the end was a bit over the top.
Some questions left open:
What happened to the sentry guns? They are set up as a great way to contain the Aliens and never mentioned again later.
Why not use the escape pods immediately? I know most of them were destroyed later but just look at A:R with an efficient way to evacuate.
That has aleady been done though. Alien: Genocide with Daniel Grant, over the course of the story he becomes more moral and decent. I don't think it would work for Sudler since from the beginning he was evil and petty enough to get a doctor fired because she told him not to smoke.
I can't remember but maybe silversmile disabled the guns.
Daniel Grant Made Aliens Great Again.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Aug 22, 2018, 10:22:28 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 22, 2018, 08:30:31 AM
I finally managed to finish this book and overall I loved it.
I actually think the best part of the book was the first third with all the great character work, scheming and rising tension.
When the Aliens escape, it kind of descends into an above average Alien novel.
While Dorian turning more and more villainous was interesting, I think it could have worked in reverse as well. I mean him actually turning into a decent person with all the hardship. Him starting to bite people at the end was a bit over the top.
Some questions left open:
What happened to the sentry guns? They are set up as a great way to contain the Aliens and never mentioned again later.
Why not use the escape pods immediately? I know most of them were destroyed later but just look at A:R with an efficient way to evacuate.
That has aleady been done though. Alien: Genocide with Daniel Grant, over the course of the story he becomes more moral and decent. I don't think it would work for Sudler since from the beginning he was evil and petty enough to get a doctor fired because she told him not to smoke.
I can't remember but maybe silversmile disabled the guns.
Silversmile did deactivate the guns.
When the Aliens escape their cages, protocol is lockdown and eject their module. When that fails they have to evacuate - by which point the Athenian had destroyed them.
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 14, 2018, 08:03:57 AM
That's the beauty of a canon that's undefined I suppose, you can set it after A3 yourself if you wish.
Spoiler
In my opinion there's two logical places the eggs came from that explains their limited quantity;
either it's post A3 and it's all they could retrieve from the ruin of the Derelict, or;
It's during/before Aliens and they found the Torrens, retrieving a number of eggs from it.
Well, aren't you the clever one, teasing interesting things out of the dark corners? ;)
Is that flirting?
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 22, 2018, 08:25:05 PM
Is that flirting?
Coming from a fella married for over 30 years, sad to say, "No, ma'am." But in light of your response to the writing contest, I was pleasantly surprised to see you making some interesting connections across the storylines.
Does that answer your question?
Quote from: FenGiddel on Aug 23, 2018, 02:00:47 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 22, 2018, 08:25:05 PM
Is that flirting?
Coming from a fella married for over 30 years, sad to say, "No, ma'am."
REJECTED!! :D
I kid, I kid. ;)
I love how Alien: Isolation has become a strong part of the mythos, basically like a new movie.
Quote from: FenGiddel on Aug 23, 2018, 02:00:47 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 22, 2018, 08:25:05 PM
Is that flirting?
Coming from a fella married for over 30 years, sad to say, "No, ma'am." But in light of your response to the writing contest, I was pleasantly surprised to see you making some interesting connections across the storylines.
Does that answer your question?
I didn't think of the connections as anything other than my own hypothesis, no matter how plausible.
Thanks for the compliment though.
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 23, 2018, 09:54:35 AM
I love how Alien: Isolation has become a strong part of the mythos, basically like a new movie.
I wonder if a prequel would be worth it, like the fall of Sevastopol. You get to see what the station was like before things went to hell and how it slowly (or rapidly) goes to hell. This is one of the reasons why I like Cold Forge, it reminds me so much of Isolation.
I'm always wary of that sort of thing, like the many "Fall of Hadley's Hope" stories we already have- we know where this train stops.
It is all about execution though and unlike Hadley's hope. Sevastopol would be a more interesting place as it was already falling apart prior to the Alien arrival. There was smuggling and all sorts of underhanded behavior going on and then there is the working joes, which I think was a great addition to the franchise.
Knowing the end is not always a bad thing though, sometimes it adds some poignancy.
Well, Alien: Isolation has a prequel comic but it does not show that much. It has the right idea though.
Our podcast on the book is now up! https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2018/08/23/alien-the-cold-forge-avp-galaxy-podcast-71/
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 23, 2018, 11:15:29 AM
Our podcast on the book is now up! https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2018/08/23/alien-the-cold-forge-avp-galaxy-podcast-71/
Great podcast guys! Javier certainly won't be typing up another password (Hicks you cracked me up with that comment!). Hopefully Alex gets another crack at an Alien novel (or short story). I'm all for letting the talented writers return as I'm happy with Lebbon's 4 novels and 2 shorts (Out of the Shadows, The Rage War, Sprite, and Devil Dogs) also pleased with Dan Abnett's works (Isolation, Life and Death, and Reaper) and I'd add James Moore to the list with Sea of Sorrows, Distressed and the recently released Hunters and Hunted. I'm excited to see what Titan has lined up for 2019. I'd be interested to know how many copies sold of this book (or any of the other Alien novels for that matter).
Great podcast.
Androids breathing is an odd thing but David and Walter played the flute which would require some form of breath.
I think Marcus was described as having pheromones as well, I might be wrong but I remember that other than his inability to digest anything and inhuman abilities, he was made very close to human and had pain receptors as well though I think only Blue had that on when she was in control.
I'm going to listen today. Speaking of Marcus, who if anyone did you guys envision playing that role, just for imagination's sake?
Marcus is quite obviously Michael Fassbender inspired.
I don't know about that, he is described as blonde with high cheekbones or something like that. The fact he is too "perfect" is what tips Dorian off that he is a synthetic.
I envisioned Marcus to be buff, perhaps a big T-800 like body for some reason.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Aug 27, 2018, 04:25:41 PM
I don't know about that, he is described as blonde with high cheekbones or something like that. The fact he is too "perfect" is what tips Dorian off that he is a synthetic.
Yeah, she's wrong. Especially since the separate Walter model is also mentioned.
Prime Dolph Lundgren all the way.
Alex White talks about Marcus in one of the interviews, can't find it right now.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Aug 27, 2018, 01:29:15 PMAndroids breathing is an odd thing but David and Walter played the flute which would require some form of breath.
That's a good point that I don't remember crossing our minds!
They've always breathed.
Didn't Ash blow into his hand or fist to "keep warm"? I remember something like that, it is right after he did that jog thing.
Yeah kind of. It's also the kind of gesture you make to cover a burp. But you can see him breathing in other scenes. He sweats while in the science blister. He swallows after his head's chopped off. That plus Bishops breathing being the only sound when he's crawling down to the uplink tower would suggest these processes are programmed and involuntary. Ash doesn't have to sweat when there's no one around to suspect he's a robot. Everyone knows Bishop is a robot, so why bother with breathing? (Rhetorical).
Listening to the audible version of Aliens: Cold Forge, at chapter 27 now, this story is solid! The constant use of the words "long corridors" shows the writer knows the Alien world well. This is a fine Alien book!
What a great read.
Would this be set before or after Alien 3?
Before.
It's more or less concurrent with Aliens.
Not had a chance to listen to yet >>
https://soundcloud.com/quietearthus/alex-white-interview-alien-the-cold-forge-a-big-ship-at-the-edge-of-the-universe-and-more
Ooh nice, I'll have to give that a go at some point.
Gutted he stopped doing his chapter-by-chapter commentary :( I was really enjoying that.
Give him a prod on the old Tweeter.
One of these days I'm gonna have to give in and sign up to that.
Excellent. Another follower! You guys should get Xenopedia hooked up with social presence too.
I said "one of these days", bitch. They ain't got my ass yet :P
Yeah, we really should. I'm just a total goon when it comes to stuff like that :laugh:
Understandable
Personally I probably will never have twitter. I have a barely active Facebook and thats more than enough.
Thanks to forum members, such as SM, Samhain and Nightmare Asylum, who talked about Cold Forge in other threads, I learned about this novel. I was intrigued - I'm a sucker for good literary spin offs, such as Babylon 5's Psi Corps Trilogy or The Thing Zero Day - and since I'm in an Alien monomania phase these days, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book.
And by the Engineers, it is AWESOME! <3 <3 <3
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lPpLLFgFITw/maxresdefault.jpg)
Past the terrible cover (the novel really deserves better cover art... in fact, no novel deserves cover art this bad), everything is good. The style is elegant and efficient, the pacing harmonious, the atmosphere thick and repulsive. I don't think I've ever read an Alien text which grasped the horror and beauty of the Giger beast like this. Even Foster's super creepy novelization of the first movie pales in comparison to White's masterpiece.
The story is structured around two magnificent characters. Blue Marsalis is an almost paralyzed, dying queer black scientist, in love with a female coworker; she uses a male robotic body to interact with the environment. Dorian Sulder is a sociopathic rich cishet white man, auditor for the Company, a perfect social predator with an artistic side, who quickly understand his true call when facing the impossible creature. Both characters will be lead to do terrible things, for different reasons, and a strong tension will develop between them, leading to a powerful conclusion.
The support cast contains some interesting characters, namely Anne, Marcus and Kambili, while making it painfully obvious that the extras are not just canon fodder, but human beings whose end will be a tragedy. Each aspect of the story is well-thought and executed, and you finish the book even before realizing you've started it, happy but hungry for more, and still haunted by the idea of the plagiarus praepotens as the real face of the obsidian nightmare.
THANK YOU Alex White for such a great experience!
Well said. I hope we get a graphic novel of this soon, if not a film.
Or the recognition it deserves.
Quote from: Oasis Nadrama on Feb 28, 2019, 04:25:12 AM
Thanks to forum members, such as SM, Samhain and Nightmare Asylum, who talked about Cold Forge in other threads, I learned about this novel. I was intrigued - I'm a sucker for good literary spin offs, such as Babylon 5's Psi Corps Trilogy or The Thing Zero Day - and since I'm in an Alien monomania phase these days, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book.
And by the Engineers, it is AWESOME! <3 <3 <3
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lPpLLFgFITw/maxresdefault.jpg)
Past the terrible cover (the novel really deserves better cover art... in fact, no novel deserves cover art this bad), everything is good. The style is elegant and efficient, the pacing harmonious, the atmosphere thick and repulsive. I don't think I've ever read an Alien text which grasped the horror and beauty of the Giger beast like this. Even Foster's super creepy novelization of the first movie pales in comparison to White's masterpiece.
The story is structured around two magnificent characters. Blue Marsalis is an almost paralyzed, dying queer black scientist, in love with a female coworker; she uses a male robotic body to interact with the environment. Dorian Sulder is a sociopathic rich cishet white man, auditor for the Company, a perfect social predator with an artistic side, who quickly understand his true call when facing the impossible creature. Both characters will be lead to do terrible things, for different reasons, and a strong tension will develop between them, leading to a powerful conclusion.
The support cast contains some interesting characters, namely Anne, Marcus and Kambili, while making it painfully obvious that the extras are not just canon fodder, but human beings whose end will be a tragedy. Each aspect of the story is well-thought and executed, and you finish the book even before realizing you've started it, happy but hungry for more, and still haunted by the idea of the plagiarus praepotens as the real face of the obsidian nightmare.
THANK YOU Alex White for such a great experience!
Great review, you should join us in harassing Titan Books for another Novel or Sequel from Alex White. Follow us on twitter https://twitter.com/Engineer_LV426/status/1100945805605666816
Hardback and Sequel! Hardback and Sequel! Hardback and Sequel!
Hardback and Sequel! Hardback and Sequel! Hardback and Sequel!
Sequel or not. Just let White return to the alien universe in anyway shape or form. I'm definitely hungry for more. Though a direct sequel would be fantastic...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyseGipVAAA_o_U.jpg:large)
I'm not sure I particularly want a direct follow-up to the book - it stands so well on its own - but I'd be all up for Blue making a meaningful appearance in another, otherwise unrelated story, just to find out what happens to her next.
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 01, 2019, 10:35:54 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyseGipVAAA_o_U.jpg:large)
:laugh:
The truth! lol
Alien Cold Forge is great book indeed. But, you know, when you try to rush something it can turn out...not very great, i guess.
Spoiler
Alien 3, third act of Covenant and ending of The Predator as examples.
I'd say Aliens and Alien³ are both great, although the finale of the Trilogy is definitely rushed; but the production's people, the artists (David Fincher, both DPs, the cast) is the reason the film eclipses the original source.
The same can't be said for the others.
I always think that Alien 3 turned out as great movie despite its rushed production is some kind of magic or wonder, is the biggest exception from rule.
The one miracle film. IMO
Finished this over the course of three days this week. Loved it! Great story, a truly evil sack of crap antagonist in Dorian and a compelling and unique protagonist in Blue. The question of where the eggs come from isn't answered, but (in this case at least) it doesn't really need to be. Hope there's more to come from Alex White in the near future.
Finally got around to listening to the podcast interview on this. Really got the impression that Alex White was a true fan of the Alien franchise, where I find that in a lot of cases it's just an easy answer for many writers to simply say "I saw Alien when I was [whatever age] and it terrified me." Also, incidentally, White seemed pretty 'real' in that the interview was an organic conversation instead of a Q&A session. :)
Might have to check out their original work based on this interview alone. Has anyone else?
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 09, 2019, 05:58:21 PM
Might have to check out their original work based on this interview alone. Has anyone else?
I ordered his Big Ship while doing that interview (if it is our interview you're talking about) because of how much I enjoyed talking to him lol It such a fun book too. Really addictive. I've got his second in that series sat waiting next in line after my re-read of No Exit.
Excellent author, no doubt.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 09, 2019, 08:10:03 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 09, 2019, 05:58:21 PM
Might have to check out their original work based on this interview alone. Has anyone else?
Definitely your interview.
I ordered his Big Ship while doing that interview (if it is our interview you're talking about) because of how much I enjoyed talking to him lol It such a fun book too. Really addictive. I've got his second in that series sat waiting next in line after my re-read of No Exit.
Interested to hear your No Exit thoughts as well.
We still don't know exactly when this book is set right? Apart from it being in the Aliens-Alien 3 era.
Officially it's concurrent Aliens/Alien³
Post Alien Trilogy's my opinion though because of the Alien's unknown origin.
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 10, 2019, 03:07:49 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 09, 2019, 08:10:03 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 09, 2019, 05:58:21 PM
Might have to check out their original work based on this interview alone. Has anyone else?
Definitely your interview.
I ordered his Big Ship while doing that interview (if it is our interview you're talking about) because of how much I enjoyed talking to him lol It such a fun book too. Really addictive. I've got his second in that series sat waiting next in line after my re-read of No Exit.
Interested to hear your No Exit thoughts as well.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/aliens-no-exit/
Quote from: Frosty Venom on Mar 10, 2019, 03:10:06 PM
We still don't know exactly when this book is set right? Apart from it being in the Aliens-Alien 3 era.
There are dates on the start of some chapters. The main events happen around the last week of July/2179.
https://alientimeline.wordpress.com/2127-2179/the-cold-forge/
Ahhh, cheers. That's helpful.
So the main events happen between Aliens and Alien 3 (2179). But the Cold Forge was officially commissioned (2176) 17 years after the establishment of Hadley's Hope in 2159. Though the colony was only really fully operational in approximately 2165-2170.
Quote from: Samhain13 on Mar 10, 2019, 03:55:27 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 10, 2019, 03:07:49 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 09, 2019, 08:10:03 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 09, 2019, 05:58:21 PM
Might have to check out their original work based on this interview alone. Has anyone else?
Definitely your interview.
I ordered his Big Ship while doing that interview (if it is our interview you're talking about) because of how much I enjoyed talking to him lol It such a fun book too. Really addictive. I've got his second in that series sat waiting next in line after my re-read of No Exit.
Interested to hear your No Exit thoughts as well.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/aliens-no-exit/
Quote from: Frosty Venom on Mar 10, 2019, 03:10:06 PM
We still don't know exactly when this book is set right? Apart from it being in the Aliens-Alien 3 era.
There are dates on the start of some chapters. The main events happen around the last week of July/2179.
https://alientimeline.wordpress.com/2127-2179/the-cold-forge/
lol
His thoughts on his reread of No Exit.
This is actually the first time I've re-read No Exit since that review. I'm about 160 pages in, I'm not as enamoured with the earlier stuff as I was back then.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 11, 2019, 09:00:48 AM
This is actually the first time I've re-read No Exit since that review. I'm about 160 pages in, I'm not as enamoured with the earlier stuff as I was back then.
Ah, well post your retrospective thoughts in the novel reviews thread when you finish because I'm always curious about how our views evolve over time. I have my memories of that book being really interesting for the first 2/3, then kind of boring physical action with some red-shirts that wasn't all that interesting to read, and then also the ending that just kind of...stops.
I'm planning on reading Evenson's newest collection,
A Collapse of Horses here before too long. I really like his more well known collection
Fugue State, but really enjoyed his novella from a couple years back,
The Warren. It's too bad No Exit doesn't live up to its potential. Just shows how little time the writers of tie-in books are given.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 11, 2019, 09:00:48 AM
This is actually the first time I've re-read No Exit since that review. I'm about 160 pages in, I'm not as enamoured with the earlier stuff as I was back then.
I really liked the first half of that novel, it was on its way to become one of my favorites then the last act happened. In my headcanon the big guy had synthetic upgrades, that would explain how he able to get physical with the aliens a little, the story could be set further on the future where that's more common. Regardless it was still disappointing, suprised since its from the guy that wrote the Dead Space novels which I liked.
Agreed, the Dead Space novel Martyr is superb.
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 11, 2019, 05:22:43 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 11, 2019, 09:00:48 AM
This is actually the first time I've re-read No Exit since that review. I'm about 160 pages in, I'm not as enamoured with the earlier stuff as I was back then.
Ah, well post your retrospective thoughts in the novel reviews thread when you finish because I'm always curious about how our views evolve over time. I have my memories of that book being really interesting for the first 2/3, then kind of boring physical action with some red-shirts that wasn't all that interesting to read, and then also the ending that just kind of...stops.
Those were my memories of it too. And looking at my review, that's what I said before. I think I just loved those earlier segments a lot more the first time than I have done this time. Don't get me wrong, I'm still digging the first parts. Just not as much.
In regards to that last third:
QuoteAvPGalaxy – The main criticism regarding No Exit was the abrupt way you changed from psycho-thriller to an action piece. The best description I saw was that "you really get the feeling that it wasn't the last half the author wanted to write, that there was some kind of mandate passed down". Was that the way you always planned it or was it something DH asked you to include?
Brian Evenson – Well... I guess there are several things I could say about that. There's definitely a transition there that may be partly due to me and partly due to the desire for a certain amount of action on the part of the powers that be. I can't speak for the powers that be and what they were thinking. I think on my side of the equation there were two things that had an impact. First, at a certain point I was thinking a lot about the way in which "Alien" and "Aliens" are radically different (in the same way that the two parts of my Aliens novel are) but yet somehow still kind of work together.
Second, the action component of it was originally meant to be shorter and to be followed by a more claustrophobic thing going on on the moon base that would return us to the kind of psycho-thriller thing we'd begun with. But once I was writing, I realized that the section taking place on the planet needed to be developed a lot more and that if I wanted to do what I did with the end that I'd need another 100 or 150 pages, which wasn't possible in the confines of the series. At the same time I tried to write the two halves in such a way that they'd balance against themselves, like what happens when you do a back-to-back reading of "Alien" and "Aliens". Despite that abrupt shift, I've heard from a lot of people that it's their favourite Alien novel (but of course those that don't like it probably aren't writing to me...).
seeing a couple of my memes popping up on this thread... lol :)
About to catch up on a few years worth of books, audiobooks, podcasts etc that i've missed out on. Skimming this thread has got this novel and the periphery interviews to the top of my list for sure.
Good.
What i like about The Cold Forge the most is not the book itself but the fact that it was reason for 4 (!) podcasts (i'm f**king obsessed with podcasts)
Hey Kradan, can you post the links? With respect to AVPGalaxy whose podcast I truly enjoyed, I would like to listen to some more. Love that book.
No problem
https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PB94EC66IVGQR (https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PB94EC66IVGQR)
https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PB91331EK3JYJ (https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PB91331EK3JYJ)
Thanks for that!
Perfect-Organism podcast's great.
PO guys are really great indeed. They've really influenced my opinion about Alien universe. However, i've a little bit tired of Jamie constantly saying in regards to Covenant: "I'd like to love this movie. BUT I CAN'T."
So it's still kinda irritating then?
Not podcasts in whole, Only when Jamie talking about Covenant. However Patrik balances it pretty well.
So... with Alien Day around the corner, and with Audible participating in the festivities apparently, and with audio books released by Audible on Alien Day previously....
Are we getting the Cold Forge audio drama or what???!!
Judging by the praise this book gets is it worth a purchase? Also is it comparable at all to the craziness in lets say, Labyrinth?
Overall better than Labyrinth.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 15, 2019, 02:55:48 AMSo... with Alien Day around the corner, and with Audible participating in the festivities apparently, and with audio books released by Audible on Alien Day previously....
Are we getting the Cold Forge audio drama or what???!!
Whatever they decide to adapt, I'm really looking forward to more Audible drama.
Quote from: SM on Apr 15, 2019, 06:36:39 AM
Overall better than Labyrinth.
Hmmmm. Interesting question, though. Who is crazier Church or Dorian?
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 15, 2019, 07:51:09 AM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 15, 2019, 02:55:48 AMSo... with Alien Day around the corner, and with Audible participating in the festivities apparently, and with audio books released by Audible on Alien Day previously....
Are we getting the Cold Forge audio drama or what???!!
Whatever they decide to adapt, I'm really looking forward to more Audible drama.
Same. I'm not too fussed with what we get, just so f**king chuffed we get another! ;D
Church.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 15, 2019, 08:58:59 AM
Quote from: SM on Apr 15, 2019, 06:36:39 AM
Overall better than Labyrinth.
Hmmmm. Interesting question, though. Who is crazier Church or Dorian?
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 15, 2019, 07:51:09 AM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 15, 2019, 02:55:48 AMSo... with Alien Day around the corner, and with Audible participating in the festivities apparently, and with audio books released by Audible on Alien Day previously....
Are we getting the Cold Forge audio drama or what???!!
Whatever they decide to adapt, I'm really looking forward to more Audible drama.
Same. I'm not too fussed with what we get, just so f**king chuffed we get another! ;D
No question. These audio dramas have become one of my favourite things produced under the Alien banner. I think I prefer them to the comics now.
How many are there so far?
3 so far - the initial Titan relaunch trilogy.
Right, I'll have to get the extra one then. Only heard two.
Regardless of what the premises of the 3 books might be, the audio dramas are fantastic. They really bring those stories to life. I can't recommend them highly enough.
And the books are fun too.
Out of the Shadows was great.
River of Pain, not so much.
Quote from: SM on Apr 16, 2019, 03:48:33 AM
Out of the Shadows was great.
River of Pain, not so much.
Those are the only two I've heard. Out of the shadows is so good that I can forgive the fantastically stupid premise. River of pain is a chore and was heavily skipped on the second listening.
Sea of Sorrows had some great parts to it too.
Quote from: [CANCERBLACK] on Apr 16, 2019, 08:16:12 AM
Quote from: SM on Apr 16, 2019, 03:48:33 AM
Out of the Shadows was great.
River of Pain, not so much.
Those are the only two I've heard. Out of the shadows is so good that I can forgive the fantastically stupid premise. River of pain is a chore and was heavily skipped on the second listening.
A LOT of overacting in RoP.
I did enjoy the River of Pain drama, but I definitely left with the feeling the cast really hadn't lived up to what it promised on paper.
I've also never really cared about the fall of Hadleys Hope, so I didn't go in expecting much tbh. Still wasn't impressed :D
Book was far better.
Th English cast with dodgy American accents wasnt great in RoP, but it was still alright. Sea of Sorrows was much better.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 15, 2019, 02:55:48 AM
Are we getting the Cold Forge audio drama or what???!!!
One can only hope.
pour one out for the Cold Forge audio that wasn't
:-\
Indeed.
Wouldn't a sequel be preferable?
I mean, they did audio adaptations of the first three new novels, and Cold Forge is hands down the best Alien novel that's been yet put out, so, yeah, was kinda expecting that
^ & Another Alex White authored novel.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Apr 21, 2019, 09:55:45 PM
pour one out for the Cold Forge audio that wasn't
:-\
Just because we didn't get one this year doesn't mean we're not getting one ever.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Apr 22, 2019, 12:21:31 AM
Wouldn't a sequel be preferable?
No. A new story by White would be preferable.
Are you telling me you don't want "Cold Forge 2: Colder Forge" ?
Quote from: SM on Apr 22, 2019, 04:28:15 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Apr 22, 2019, 12:21:31 AM
Wouldn't a sequel be preferable?
No. A new story by White would be preferable.
When does it take place?
Whenevs.
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 22, 2019, 04:07:31 AMJust because we didn't get one this year doesn't mean we're not getting one ever.
Yeah, this.
With Biehn and Henriksen involved in the Gibson audio, I imagine they've been working on that one for some time, whereas
Cold Forge is still fairly recent.
Quote from: SM on Apr 22, 2019, 04:28:15 AMNo. A new story by White would be preferable.
Likewise. I never tend to want direct sequels to things I really love because the chance of them not living up is too great.
Wouldn't mind a cameo or something from Blue in a new story though, just so we know where she ended up.
A follow up of regarding the additions to the lore I'd like. But a new story with new characters.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 22, 2019, 08:21:53 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 22, 2019, 04:07:31 AMJust because we didn't get one this year doesn't mean we're not getting one ever.
Yeah, this.
There's always next year. They've been consistent with giving us one per year so far...but really, I don't care what we get from Audible and Maggs. They've all been enjoyable so far.
Quote from: Russ840 on Apr 22, 2019, 08:40:00 AM
A follow up of regarding the additions to the lore I'd like. But a new story with new characters.
As with the above, I don't care whether we get a new Alex White Alien novel or a sequel to The Cold Forge, I just want Alex back.
Ya as much as I wanted the audio drama to be "The Cold Forge" I kind of felt it was unrealistic as the book has only been out for a year (tomorrow actually 4/23). That may not be quite enough time to rewrite the script, hire actors, edit, etcetera. I will hold out hope for next year though!
Cold Forge is a somewhat longer novel than the other recently adapted novels. Moreover it is a modern sci-fi classic so it merits more time spent on converting it to an audio drama. I hope they take their time and do it well.
Now on the other hand, if they don't do if at all, ever,... I would be very disappointed.
Empathy.
Ludicrous.
We all know they look like this:
(https://d9nvuahg4xykp.cloudfront.net/5462758394872330360/2317243922526298398.jpg)
Nah it's this:
(https://th-live-01.slatic.net/original/20080841a399b77f6afcd7ded9be8c8b.jpg)
I view those Aliens as Resident Evil Aliens. Lol.
Favorite Audibles:
Cold Forge
Sea of Sorrows
River of Pain
Aliens Bug Hunt
Haven't listened to TCF's audible myself.
Good?
Quote from: The Old One on May 18, 2019, 04:43:40 PM
Haven't listened to TCF's audible myself.
Good?
One of the best, especially the entire beginning and middle parts, awesome, can't get more Alien then that in many scenes. Something was a bit dissapointing in the end, can't remember what, solid story though. River of Pain had that a lot too (Alien-s popping out of Ducts every so often and mutilating or capturing humans), Sea of Sorrows had a great middle part also, a huge mine with access to spots near the colonist base. Liked the characters and background in Sea of Sorrows most.
All 4 of these deserve a read or listen to.
Just got this a couple days ago. Been pretty engrossed into it -- currently right now I'm at the part where
Spoiler
Blue tricks the Facehugger to dump it's load into Marcus and afterwards reveals to him that he was used to kill Javier by proxy. The more sensible thing she should've done was lie to him. Could've saved them a whole heap of trouble that I'm predicting is going to happen in the future.
Thus far it's a good read, seems more focused on human drama than your typical murder-romp with Aliens.
So I'm about 1/4 of the way through the Audiobook. Loving this so far. The characters and their stories are quite engaging.
Though I must say as an Aussie I absolutely cringed at the Australian character, Dick Mackie's awful dialogue and accent on the audiobook ... HAHAHA. Bloody hell!
I totally expect him to come out with something along the lines of "Fair dinkum mate. Strike me pink. Struth cobber. Fair suck of the sap mate."
HAHAHA.
Overall though I can see why this book is so well spoken of amongst the Alien community.
I didn't think they made an audiodrama of it yet or do you mean that its someone narrating the book?
They did a regular audiobook (just one guy reading thew whole thing) but no multi-cast drama.
Wait so did the narrator put on an accent for Dick? :laugh:
Of all the books out there, this is the one I really hope gets dramatized. Heck, make the film!
Yes, please do!
Starring Cillian Murphy as Dorian Sudler :laugh:!
Quote from: The Cruentus on Jul 19, 2019, 06:26:20 PM
Starring Cillian Murphy as Dorian Sudler :laugh:!
Yes! That would be perfect.
Yes and yes, TFC could maybe work as a movie. And I'm certainly waiting for the announcement of the audio drama.
Say I'd been out in the wilderness for a decade and found non-pirated audiobooks a confusing situation to wade into, where would I go to legitimately acquire this at the best price with a minimum of hassle/sign up?
Audible.com is the way to go. AFAIK
Yeah, Audible.
You might even be able to get it for free with a trial.
Quote from: Prez on Jul 19, 2019, 01:09:53 PM
So I'm about 1/4 of the way through the Audiobook. Loving this so far. The characters and their stories are quite engaging.
Though I must say as an Aussie I absolutely cringed at the Australian character, Dick Mackie's awful dialogue and accent on the audiobook ... HAHAHA. Bloody hell!
I totally expect him to come out with something along the lines of "Fair dinkum mate. Strike me pink. Struth cobber. Fair suck of the sap mate."
HAHAHA.
Overall though I can see why this book is so well spoken of amongst the Alien community.
Yeah fun character, but he had a few bits of excrutiating dialogue.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Jul 19, 2019, 01:32:37 PM
Wait so did the narrator put on an accent for Dick? :laugh:
Yep. And it's terrible. That said it doesn't detract from what is a brilliant story and the narrator is actually excellent aside from Dickie.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jul 20, 2019, 08:16:03 AM
Yeah, Audible.
You might even be able to get it for free with a trial.
He can certainly get it with a free trial.
I'd love an audio dramatization, but I'd prefer a film or TV series- under Alex White's supervision of course.
Quote from: Still Collating... on Jul 20, 2019, 11:31:33 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jul 20, 2019, 08:16:03 AM
Yeah, Audible.
You might even be able to get it for free with a trial.
He can certainly get it with a free trial.
Good to know, thanks.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Lately due to some circumstances I've to stay awake at night till 5 am. So i decided it's perfect time to investigate TCF audiobook. And i must say that listening it was even more enjoyable than reading. Narrator was able to perrectly express.personalities of all characters. Of course Dorian was the most interesting one to look after. His mind and his attitude to world and other people - I love it.
I still put Nightmare Asylum and Music of the Spears above but it was very very enjoyable journey indeed.
I thought the book itself superior myself.
I honestly can't think of a better Alien book. It's a cut above.
Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Aug 09, 2019, 02:51:00 AM
I thought the book itself superior myself.
Well, I prefer audiobooks in general 'cause they leave my hands and eyes free to do something else.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Aug 09, 2019, 04:39:10 AMI honestly can't think of a better Alien book. It's a cut above.
Absolutely.
There are only two things I rank up there with the first three movies - this book, and
Isolation.
Might be a weird question, but did Titan release a larger version of the paperback?
All the other ones I have (OotS, RoP, SoS, A:I) are of the same size, but TCF is a smaller, more standard paperback size.
It irks me.
They do both sizes of all of them.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 09, 2019, 12:08:16 PM
They do both sizes of all of them.
Hmm. Amazon has failed me!
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 09, 2019, 12:08:16 PM
They do both sizes of all of them.
Bug hunt as well? Been looking for that...
I want a hardback.
The larger sizes are the nicer looking in my opinion. But the smaller trade paperback of ROP fixes the Derrek Russell error.
Finished the audiobook last week. Loved it. What a fantastic story. 5/5
Spoiler
Dorian and Blue are such fantastic, complex characters. Probably the first time I've read anything from the EU with characters as conflicting as those in the films. Thought Alex White nailed it. I really, really hated Dorian - such an evil, scheming bastard - like taking Burke and mixing him with Hannibal Lecter. Found his death particularly satisfying and also annoying as I wanted him to not have any satisfaction of fulfilment
I must admit that TCF grows on me with each reading. Maybe one day I'll call it the best Alien novel ever. But not now...
Christopher Waltz could also play a good Dorian...
Nah, I've always found Waltz too campy (although maybe that's just the roles I've seen him in).
Cillian Murphy is who I pictured while reading it. ;)
I imagined him as Patrick Bateman.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Aug 15, 2019, 08:19:34 PM
Cillian Murphy is who I pictured while reading it. ;)
He's been the bad guy in every alien novel I've ever read.
Never knew others thought the same until I joined up here.
Quote from: 426Buddy on Aug 15, 2019, 08:19:34 PM
Cillian Murphy is who I pictured while reading it. ;)
This would be my first choice. Christopher Waltz maybe a distant second.
A casting choice we agree upon.
I'm also throwing my hat in on Cillian Murphy. Fantastic choice.
I always had images of Christian Bales' Patrick Bateman from American Psycho whilst listening to the audiobook :D
I think when I read it I was imagining someone like Oded Fehr in Deuce Bigalow.
He is very Patrick Batemen -esque.
Finally going to pull finger and do the free trial to get the audiobook.
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Nov 03, 2019, 09:08:14 PM
Finally going to pull finger and do the free trial to get the audiobook.
Worth it!
Just ordered this book, a lot of good talk about it.
Can't wait to start reading it!
Hope you enjoy it!
I've read it three times since it came out.
There's probably only two or three other Alien novels I've ever read more than once, and I've certainly never read any of the other books three times.
But perhaps the highest praise I can offer it is the fact that even now, seeing people talking about it is making me want to read it yet again.
Time for another round.
Woah, 3 times?
I'll make sure to come back here to share my opinion once I'm done!
Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Nov 17, 2019, 09:56:33 AM
Time for another round.
You bought it again?
Spoiler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIUytVfDrDg
If that gurantees Alex White writes another one I'm sure she will .
I wish, but I don't re-buy unless it's necessary.
You could always use a digital copy.
I own this sucker 3 times. :laugh: Book, digital, audio.
Started reading yesterday, and later tonight I'll start chapter 16 of the book. Really enjoying it so far.
I do also own the audiobook CD.
Is it narrated by Cillian Murphy?
Quote from: Katanu on Nov 18, 2019, 10:26:00 PM
Started reading yesterday, and later tonight I'll start chapter 16 of the book. Really enjoying it so far.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CPMi9NV-LzU%2FTxkxlPPfrsI%2FAAAAAAAAJNg%2FZPv7F8c8blM%2Fs1600%2F2.png&hash=653d602de3cb5672c88d7495017a3f388d027ea5)
So... We're a fast reader...
Quote from: SM on Nov 18, 2019, 11:16:17 PM
Quote from: Katanu on Nov 18, 2019, 10:26:00 PM
Started reading yesterday, and later tonight I'll start chapter 16 of the book. Really enjoying it so far.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CPMi9NV-LzU%2FTxkxlPPfrsI%2FAAAAAAAAJNg%2FZPv7F8c8blM%2Fs1600%2F2.png&hash=653d602de3cb5672c88d7495017a3f388d027ea5)
So... We're a fast reader...
Well, I have a week off from work, and I'm not going anywhere, so right now I can afford to spend a few hours a day reading ;D
Also, the book is engaging, and it did not bore me, making it easier to keep reading.
To be fair, I beasted this over 2 days when it showed up. I honestly don't think I've been this engrossed in an Alien novel since my very first.
Ya, it's kind of a page turner. It plays on everyone's darkest fear.... the ruthless HR guy..
Best thing to come out of the franchise since the first three films.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 20, 2019, 01:18:43 AM
Ya, it's kind of a page turner. It plays on everyone's darkest fear.... the ruthless HR guy..
:laugh: That's so true.
Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Nov 20, 2019, 11:58:51 AMBest thing to come out of the franchise since the first three films.
This and
Isolation are the only two things I rate on the same level as the first three movies.
Reading it now...
When does this take place? Sudler makes reference to both Van Leuwen and Carter Burke so I assume it's shortly before Aliens.
I don't think an exact date is specified, I think I remember hearing that it takes place around the same time as Aliens.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 21, 2020, 09:37:22 PM
Reading it now...
When does this take place? Sudler makes reference to both Van Leuwen and Carter Burke so I assume it's shortly before Aliens.
Have I taught you nothing? (https://alientimeline.wordpress.com/2127-2179/the-cold-forge/)
Considering the nature of Carter Burke's involvement, it's my supposition that he informed someone else in the bioweapons division, who never returned the courtesy, acquiring specimens from the Derelict without his knowledge before Aliens. Or after Alien³ a team simply scavenged anything surviving from the Derelict. Then The Cold Forge happened.
Quote from: SM on Jan 21, 2020, 10:56:58 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 21, 2020, 09:37:22 PM
Reading it now...
When does this take place? Sudler makes reference to both Van Leuwen and Carter Burke so I assume it's shortly before Aliens.
Have I taught you nothing? (https://alientimeline.wordpress.com/2127-2179/the-cold-forge/)
I read that in Dorian's voice in my head ;)
;D
I'll probably have more questions as I read a bit further every day.
Spoiler
As long as I'm not constipated.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 22, 2020, 05:12:41 AM
I'll probably have more questions as I read a bit further every day.
Spoiler
As long as I'm not constipated.
Do you not...Metamucil?
I do not. Should I? Would I get a lot more reading done?
Never met anybody who wasn't crappin' like a teenager after a few doses.
Like...Gojira...it restores the balance.
Another question: why did it take Sudler a whole year to reach RB-232?
It's a long way.
But his inner monologue said that RB-232 was only ten parsecs from Earth. That's closer than LV-426.
QuoteIt'll be hard to get to an art store ten parsecs from Earth, but he'll figure something out.
I asked them to change that to 30 or 40 parsecs. It also throws up a couple of continuity errors. Dorian tells Anne at one point "One week and nap and you could be on Gateway Station", while earlier it says that it'd take a lifeboat 10 years to get back to Gateway. I'm guessing that didn't get addressed either.
Sudler also makes it clear that he likes the passage of time while he's in hypersleep, so maybe he told them to go slow on purpose? Although, that would seem to be at odds with his job as a company hatchetman. A job that he apparently relishes.
Yeah I wasn't sure what was going on with the timeframes. A small private ship like the Athenian may not have as powerful a hyperdrive and therefore be slower - but that was exceptionally slow.
For someone as eager to prove his worth to the company by cutting costs, I'd imagine that Sudler would try to get around as much as possible. Then again, maybe it's far more costly for the company to send a fast ship like the Patna than its auditors are likely to save with their various investigations.
I'm thinking cost savings for an installation would be greater than the expense of the faster ship.
I guess it just reminded me of this bit from the Alien 3 novelization:
QuoteAndrews sat back in his chair, his eyes cutting into his guest. 'At 0700 hours I received a reply to my report from the Network. I may point out that to the best of my knowledge this is the first high-level, priority communication this installation has ever received. Even when Fiorina was a working, functioning mining and refining operation it was never so honoured. You know why?'
Clemens sipped his tea. 'High-level priority communications have to go through subspace to beat the time problem. That costs plenty.'
Andrews was nodding. 'More than you or I'll ever see.'
Yeah, but that book's concept of space travel was whack. Like, Andrews' entire family was going to be dead by the time he got home, yet the Marines in Aliens could get to the colony in a few weeks.
Well the Nostomo was only worth 42 million. That's minus payload, of course.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 22, 2020, 08:11:04 PM
Yeah, but that book's concept of space travel was whack. Like, Andrews' entire family was going to be dead by the time he got home, yet the Marines in Aliens could get to the colony in a few weeks.
Yeah ADF got the time dilation things a bit mixed up in Alien 3. He said Jones would be long dead by the time Ripley got back from memory.
QuoteI guess it just reminded me of this bit from the Alien 3 novelization:
I was agreeing that spending money on a faster ship seems more sensible than an installation running for an extra 12 months if it's not cost effective.
Quote from: SM on Jan 22, 2020, 11:33:08 PMI was agreeing that spending money on a faster ship seems more sensible than an installation running for an extra 12 months if it's not cost effective.
That makes sense. I was just trying for a no-prize since this novel is held in such high regard.
Too bad they didn't listen about the ten parsecs. He just repeated it again! >:(
Too bad indeed.
"Glassy teeth?"
Yeah, that's more of a Queen or Praetorian's descriptor.
Why does Dick Mackie sound like SM in my head?
Dick Mackie sounds like no Australian I've ever heard. That was another thing I suggested they tweak. But on the other hand maybe it's what 200 years in the future Australians sound like after our entire continent is a burnt out, flooded, hail damaged shitheap.
But...
Quote"You're in the top ten for quality of life and medical care on the planet. You can spare me the tough Aussie routine."
"You're thinking of the cities, dag. Sydney and Brisbane in particular. Not Alice Springs. Certainly not Amoonguna. Those are places nobody wants. Mars is more f**king hospitable than my hometown. If you wanted to eat, you had to kill, and you could just as easily wind up on the menu."
Isn't that true? And what's a dag?
Dag is the bits of shit that cling to the wool around a sheeps bumhole.
But the phrasing is wrong. It should be "You're thinking of the cities, you dag." Or more correctly "ya dag".
Quote from: SM on Jan 31, 2020, 01:40:27 AM
Dag is the bits of shit that cling to the wool around a sheeps bumhole.
But the phrasing is wrong. It should be "You're thinking of the cities, you dag." Or more correctly "ya dag".
Correction should've been `You're thinking of the cities, ya c**t'... bit too bogan maybe?
Not terribly professional in a work situation.
And he called Blue "mate" more than once. Do Aussies typically address shielas that way? ???
Quote from: Prez on Jan 31, 2020, 04:28:21 AM
bit too bogan maybe?
Th-the dark side of... the Force? ???
Addressing women as mate isn't uncommon, but more common between males.
I'm just waiting for him to produce a big Bowie knife to complete the picture.
Quote from: Prez on Jan 31, 2020, 04:28:21 AMCorrection should've been `You're thinking of the cities, ya c**t'... bit too bogan maybe?
:laugh:
'Straya.
Quote from: SM on Jan 31, 2020, 05:14:50 AM
Not terribly professional in a work situation.
True though I remember my creative director at work dropping the C bomb in front of a client in a casual manner and laughing. She was quite nonchalant about that too.
Should it be troubling that I see some of myself in Dorian Sudler?
Yeah I can see that too :laugh:
Hope we get a comic or movie of this some day. It doesn't really move the core story forward, but it's a damn good story. Kind of like the last Judge Dredd film.
Alien's got no core story unless you mean the Derelict with the original three films that The Cold Forge is directly connected to, beyond that, it massively moves the universe forward if Plagarius Praepotens is harnessed.
New book!
I seriously can't believe it's happening so soon.
Is it more exciting than a third prequel?
Undeniably. Alex has demonstrated much more capability than Scott and co.
Started reading this today. Gonna go through this again before I pick up Phalanx, I think.
As also did I.
Just finished my reread. Hadn't read it since its initial release, and I forgot just how good it really is.
My only issue with it is,
Spoiler
the unexplained existence of the Eggs and Facehuggers
but considering, it's set concurrent to Aliens and Alien³ it's reasonable enough.
Also, as White said at the time,
Spoiler
it makes perfect sense that the characters wouldn't be told or otherwise have a clue where they came from.
I thought it would bother me going into it, but in the end I wound up not really caring.
It was a great way to deal with the potential continuity issues and ended up being the basis for how the Amanda and Zula story was handled.
I have finished.
and whatcha think?
All those specimens and not one queen? Is that maybe why Bishop II was obsessed with Ripley? The company found a cache of eggs somewhere, but they're unable to produce more and the aliens either can't or won't breed in captivity (e.g. a controlled environment like the Cold Forge).
Seems to me that a baby queen would be their ultimate golden goose.
Not all the captivity stories have a Queen. I don't think Labyrinth did either.
I'd imagine Church didn't need a queen given the abundance of wild aliens throughout known space in that continuity. He just needed enough adult aliens to serve as guinea pigs for his particular field of study.
That said I don't think they'd even be aware of the Queens by this point. It's pretty much concurrent to Aliens.
I'm sure they'd have at least theorized the existence of queens, even if they'd never seen one. After all, I highly doubt Ripley was the first person in the universe to ask "so who's laying these eggs?"
The question would then be how to test that theory and hopefully obtain one. It's possible that the researchers deemed the aliens too dangerous, too rare and/or too valuable to gamble on unleashing them within a less restrictive environment just to see what would happen. Thus, no queens.
What sayeth SM?
It's not a priority in Cold Forge. The Company wants to harness the hugger ejaculate to do more than just make Xenomorphs and Blue wants to find a cure for her condition.
It's been a while but I think it's assumed the Company - or at least this particular arm of the Company - has a supply of eggs. Given the events of Defiance and Rescue it's not also unreasonable to assume that one silo or another in Company knows about Queens. Possibly whoever is supplying Cold Forge with eggs actually has one.
Is it generally assumed that Bishop II was in the know?
Possibly not quite at that point, but he would be shortly after.
Just seems odd to me that he'd regard Ripley's queen as "the chance of a lifetime" only to learn a little while later that the company already had one of them for years.
IMO, it'd be better if Bishop II was a long-standing member of the cabal and the acquisition of a live queen had been their elusive Holy Grail for decades.
It may also be advantageous, continuity-wise, if the aliens turned out to be resistant to cloning via whatever means were available to the company at that time.
As hinted at in Cold Forge and something we ran with thereafter - many parts of the Company don't have the faintest idea about what other parts of the Company are doing. Burke had no idea what was happening on Cold Forge; nor did Bishop the Second. WY is very big and very siloed.
I can accept that Burke didn't know, but I find it hard to swallow that Bishop II didn't. He and his cohorts seemed much better informed and resourced than Burke was. Did TCF rule out the possibility that they were agents of whomever was pulling the strings at that point in time? If so, I must have missed that part.
He would've been better informed based on data transmitted back during Aliens and Alien 3.
Quote from: SM on Sep 22, 2016, 10:13:16 PMAs for the Patna, I always assumed someone got wind of Burke's plans after he left and they set off in pursuit, so by the time the EEV crashed, the Patna was already en route.
Do you no longer believe that?
It's a possibility. Should I not?
If I'm understanding your post correctly, it would seem to be at odds with the notion that Bishop II didn't know anything until the Sulaco reached LV-426 and confirmed that the aliens were real. Otherwise, why would he and the Patna set off in pursuit unless he already had knowledge of their existence?
Maybe someone else looked at the enquiry and Ripley's deposition and got the same result as Burke, then also found out contact had been lost with the colony. Confirmation in the form of data from the marines came en route.