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If you have any interest in the Alien expanded universe, the odds are you’ve either read and share the overwhelming enthusiasm for Alex White and their novel Alien: The Cold Forge, or it’s been recommended to you! And it’s very well deserved. Fans have been clamoring for Alex’s return and Titan has kindly obliged!

Just announced via Bloody Disgusting, Alex White is returning to the Alien universe with Alien: Into Charybdis!

"Shy" Hunt and the tech team from McAllen Integrations thought they'd have an easy job—set up environmental systems for the brand new Hasanova Data Solutions colony, built on the abandoned ruins of a complex known as "Charybdis". There are just two problems: the colony belongs to the Iranian state, so diplomacy is strained at best, and the colony is located above a series of hidden caves that contain deadly secrets. When a bizarre ship lands on a nearby island, one of the workers is attacked by a taloned creature, and trust evaporates between the Iranians and Americans. The McAllen Integrations crew are imprisoned, accused as spies, but manage to send out a distress signal... to the Colonial Marines. 

For those curious, Charybdis was a sea monster in Greek mythology that was later thought to be inspired by a whirlpool in the Strait of Messina. Alien: Into Charybdis is currently slated for release on the 25th of February 2021. It’s not available to pre-order through Amazon yet, but it is being listed for pre-order on Forbidden Planet in the UK!

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Quotebizarre ship

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 03, 2020, 06:37:28 PM
Hell yes.

Don't tell me that that Dorman art is the cover ?

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 03, 2020, 06:41:48 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 03, 2020, 06:37:28 PM
Hell yes.

Don't tell me that that Dorman art is the cover ?

Nah that's a piece of art from "aliens: tribes"

Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Feb 03, 2020, 06:50:17 PM
I'll say anything with Alex White's name on it deserves that quality of presentation though.

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 03, 2020, 06:37:28 PM
Don't tell me that that Dorman art is the cover ?

Quote from: 426Buddy on Feb 03, 2020, 09:20:14 PM
I found the cover art that Titan wants to use for this!

Spoiler

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/czgy1CT-dkWIX6eK60wuSN7k4UAlUqMyB2OEcrsbifWxIOjTqXCtZ5eXVtWBTaivEVCm9VlUJITQMKUci3e5pCyhQuXk_llg-VmIIFwC91is5A)

[close]

:laugh:

Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Feb 03, 2020, 10:06:56 PM
Alien: The Cold Forge and Alien: Into Charybdis in gorgeous leather hardcover please.

Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Feb 03, 2020, 10:06:56 PM
Alien: The Cold Forge and Alien: Into Charybdis in gorgeous leather hardcover please.

Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Feb 03, 2020, 10:06:56 PMAlien: The Cold Forge and Alien: Into Charybdis in gorgeous leather hardcover please.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 04, 2020, 09:19:46 AM
What I'd really love is for someone to let Folio Society loose on them. Their illustrated Bond novels are amazing:

Sadly, as far as I'm aware, they only do classics :(

Quote from: SiL on Feb 04, 2020, 10:21:10 AMAnd I don't think most people would be down to pay over $100 for an Alien novel. Most fans wouldn't, let alone general public.

Quote from: The Cruentus on Feb 08, 2020, 11:44:33 AM
Dammit I misread the original post, I thought it said 25th feb 2020 but its another year yet!  :P

Quote from: scottsigler on Feb 14, 2020, 04:49:31 PM
Fantastic, I loved COLD FORGE.

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 14, 2020, 04:57:11 PM

Quote from: scottsigler on Feb 14, 2020, 04:49:31 PM
Fantastic, I loved COLD FORGE.

Scott Sigler? The same Sigler who wrote "phalanx?"

Quote from: SM on May 25, 2020, 10:03:19 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 14, 2020, 04:57:11 PM

Quote from: scottsigler on Feb 14, 2020, 04:49:31 PM
Fantastic, I loved COLD FORGE.

Scott Sigler? The same Sigler who wrote "phalanx?"

The 'Author of Aliens: Phalanx' under his name didn't give it away?  ;D

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jul 04, 2020, 01:45:55 AM
https://twitter.com/alexrwhite/status/1279228494073999362

Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jul 04, 2020, 02:31:56 PM
The laws of robotics are firmly planted in the series since Aliens with the speech Bishop gives to Ripley.

Quote from: Engineer on Jul 04, 2020, 02:41:29 PM

Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jul 04, 2020, 02:31:56 PM
The laws of robotics are firmly planted in the series since Aliens with the speech Bishop gives to Ripley.

Yea I think Alex is recognizing that. Perhaps what Alex means by "but no others" is some other book(s) they're currently writing, unrelated to Alien.

Quote from: skhellter on Nov 30, 2020, 05:45:26 AM
(please give it a good cover.. please give it a good cover...)

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Nov 30, 2020, 02:08:43 AM560 pages! That's longer than "Phalanx" which had 512.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 30, 2020, 09:28:16 AM

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Nov 30, 2020, 02:08:43 AM560 pages! That's longer than "Phalanx" which had 512.

I hope fully 25% of that is the villain being a delectable prick.

Quote from: [cancerblack] on Nov 30, 2020, 06:58:59 AM

Quote from: skhellter on Nov 30, 2020, 05:45:26 AM
(please give it a good cover.. please give it a good cover...)

Come on!  At least give us the one with 5 dorsal fins!
It will be this, but green.


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91Oz9gDnyhL.jpg

LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL COVER @TitanBooks gave me!

ALIEN: INTO CHARYBDIS drops in February! pic.twitter.com/CQeupuFyfQ

— Alex White (they/them) (@alexrwhite) December 7, 2020

Quote from: skhellter on Nov 30, 2020, 05:45:26 AM
(please give it a good cover.. please give it a good cover...)

Quote from: Kradan on Nov 30, 2020, 06:52:27 AM
no

Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Dec 08, 2020, 01:02:57 AM
Alien:  Into Niagara Falls.

Actually looks not bad.  Better than the recycling we've been getting.

Quote from: Gentleman Death on Dec 08, 2020, 03:13:17 AM
On Titans website it says the book will have 560 pages and on Amazon it says 340...

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Dec 08, 2020, 01:33:22 PM

Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Dec 08, 2020, 01:02:57 AM
Alien:  Into Niagara Falls.

Actually looks not bad.  Better than the recycling we've been getting.

Charybdis is a whirlpool from the Odyssey (hence the art) and is pronounced ka-rib-dis.

But I'm so pleased that Titan is actually hiring artists for cover art!

Quote from: Stitch on Dec 07, 2020, 11:44:31 PM
Are they supposed to be gigantic aliens or is the scale completely off?

Quote from: Kradan on Dec 08, 2020, 01:43:04 PM
So, is story gonna take place in some watery setting ? There's potential for some neat visuals. Alien coming out of waterfall or with droplets on its head, blood mixing with water etc. I know it's in words but I remember not having trouble imagining how Cold Forge looks

QuoteIt's not available to pre-order through Amazon yet, but it is being listed for <a href="https://forbiddenplanet.com/297273-alien-into-charybdis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre-order on Forbidden Planet in the UK</a>!</p>

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Feb 06, 2021, 08:43:59 PM
No previews of this available yet?

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 11, 2021, 06:27:09 AM
https://twitter.com/grimdark_dad/status/1359634741578911745

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 11, 2021, 10:54:42 AM
I'm not seeing a paperback listing for this on Amazon.

Assuming they're just leaving a delay between the hardcover and the paperback?

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 11, 2021, 10:54:42 AM
I'm not seeing a paperback listing for this on Amazon.

Assuming they're just leaving a delay between the hardcover and the paperback?

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 11, 2021, 02:51:11 PM

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 11, 2021, 10:54:42 AM
I'm not seeing a paperback listing for this on Amazon.

Assuming they're just leaving a delay between the hardcover and the paperback?

In the US Amazon has the paperback listed as February 22, 2022... so a year later.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 14, 2021, 09:33:41 PM
hardback 4 lyfe

Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 17, 2021, 05:04:32 PM
They should just re-release Alien The Cold Forge in Hardback with a good cover, to go with Alien Into Charybdis, oh and do the same for Aliens Phalanx.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 17, 2021, 12:02:31 PM
I'm probably gonna wait for the paperback because having books in a series of all different sizes on my shelf really grinds my shit :laugh:

Quote from: Katanu on Feb 17, 2021, 09:52:11 PM
Yeah, it's not very good. Predator: If it Bleeds did deserve a hardcover, but it didn't get one  :'(
I'm hoping the new AvP anthology will have a hardcover release along with a paperback one to keep everyone happy.

Quote from: Katanu on Feb 17, 2021, 09:44:30 PMWell, the hardcover will go just fine with the hardcover of Alien Echo

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Feb 18, 2021, 06:14:53 PM
How many pages? It is longer than Phalanx?

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 18, 2021, 05:11:09 PM
Mine has arrived. Nice book.

Damn thing is shorter than my over hardcovers though lol.

Nice having Alex's Signature inside it though. Can not wait to tuck in

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Feb 18, 2021, 08:46:23 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 18, 2021, 05:11:09 PM
Mine has arrived. Nice book.

Damn thing is shorter than my over hardcovers though lol.

Nice having Alex's Signature inside it though. Can not wait to tuck in

That's awesome Russ! Surprised (and jealous lol) that you received it before the release date!

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 19, 2021, 05:14:31 PM
My copy arrived! But it's for display only. Hope my review copy shows up soon.  :-\

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 19, 2021, 05:14:31 PM
My copy arrived! But it's for display only. Hope my review copy shows up soon.  :-\

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 19, 2021, 10:21:42 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 19, 2021, 05:14:31 PM
My copy arrived! But it's for display only. Hope my review copy shows up soon.  :-\

To keep it mint ?

Quote from: Local Trouble on Feb 19, 2021, 06:13:16 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 19, 2021, 05:14:31 PM
My copy arrived! But it's for display only. Hope my review copy shows up soon.  :-\

What about a digital copy?

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 20, 2021, 11:44:13 AM

Precisely. I like to keep my autographed copies as in good nick as possible. Unfortunately the book is too fat to fit on the little acrylic displays I have so I need to find a bigger one.  :laugh:

Quote from: Katanu on Feb 21, 2021, 09:52:22 PM
There's also the Aaron Percival in the Rage War trilogy    :D

Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 21, 2021, 09:56:54 PM
And one in Alien The RPG.

Quote from: Local Trouble on Feb 22, 2021, 12:18:01 AM
They should have an SM review too, but instead of a quote it can be a shovel to indicate that he dug it.

http://i.imgur.com/hPHVBPp.png

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 22, 2021, 05:30:52 PM
He really deserves a knighthood for his services to the Alien Queen and Country. "Sir" Percival really has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?  :P

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 22, 2021, 05:30:52 PM
I remember back when he got ACM, he took a shovel and buried it out in the Outback (Atari ET style).

He really dug that game.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 22, 2021, 05:30:52 PM

Quote from: Katanu on Feb 21, 2021, 09:52:22 PM
There's also the Aaron Percival in the Rage War trilogy    :D

Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 21, 2021, 09:56:54 PM
And one in Alien The RPG.

He really deserves a knighthood for his services to the Alien Queen and Country. "Sir" Percival really has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?  :P

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 22, 2021, 09:20:08 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 20, 2021, 11:44:13 AM

Precisely. I like to keep my autographed copies as in good nick as possible. Unfortunately the book is too fat to fit on the little acrylic displays I have so I need to find a bigger one.  :laugh:

Dude, you are of strong will to hold off while you have a copy to hand lol.

Only around 100 pages in so far but really digging it.

Some excellent character work in here.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 23, 2021, 09:03:47 AM
It's occurring to me (I'm slow) that waiting for the paperback is going to mean me sitting here for months having not read the story, so in all likelihood I'll be getting the hardback after all :laugh:

And in all likelihood it'll be signed, if they've got any left.

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 23, 2021, 09:12:33 AMThen read it quick so I can talk to someone about it lol

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2021, 06:32:46 AM

Uk release has been pushed back to until March 16th btw. It should be out in the States now.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 23, 2021, 03:24:04 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 23, 2021, 06:32:46 AM

Uk release has been pushed back to until March 16th btw. It should be out in the States now.

Yep, just waiting on good 'ol Amazon...
Good thing mine's in the mail already then.

Quote from: [cancerblack] on Feb 23, 2021, 05:36:00 PM
^quotes have seemed a bit f**ky, the last 24hrs.

Quote from: [cancerblack] on Feb 23, 2021, 05:36:00 PM
^quotes have seemed a bit f**ky, the last 24hrs.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 24, 2021, 01:15:53 PM
While I'm waiting for my copy to check out the final version, truth be told I was part of a little beta-read group on this one...so go on, throw it up in the spoilers so I know what you're talking about.  :P

Quote from: The Cruentus on Feb 24, 2021, 02:05:34 PM
Is it me or did the release date change? I could have sworn it was feburary, now its saying march.

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 24, 2021, 02:16:05 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 24, 2021, 01:15:53 PM
While I'm waiting for my copy to check out the final version, truth be told I was part of a little beta-read group on this one...so go on, throw it up in the spoilers so I know what you're talking about.  :P

Spoiler

Is Lieutenant Percival a shout out to you ?

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 24, 2021, 02:30:33 PM

Quote from: The Cruentus on Feb 24, 2021, 02:05:34 PM
Is it me or did the release date change? I could have sworn it was feburary, now its saying march.

March in the UK now. It's out in the States.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 24, 2021, 02:30:33 PM
It is. There's a few other peeps in there as well.

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Feb 24, 2021, 04:22:58 PM
I'm trying to finish a re-read of the Cold Forge before opening mine. Will a refresh enhance one's experience of Into Charybdis so to speak, without giving anything away?

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Feb 24, 2021, 08:30:16 PM
I see. Thanks both. Looking forward to it. The Cold Forge has been as good as ever.

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 24, 2021, 08:55:48 PM
Also in case anyone is interested, really good (and long) interview with Alex White here about Into Charybdis (spoiler-free)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqHkqRfIKx0

Quote from: The Cruentus on Feb 26, 2021, 10:30:12 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 24, 2021, 08:55:48 PM
Also in case anyone is interested, really good (and long) interview with Alex White here about Into Charybdis (spoiler-free)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqHkqRfIKx0

It is sad that this plagiarist is still getting enabled by the community. I won't be watching that interview on that channel.

19 days to go to get my copy.  :P

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 26, 2021, 09:23:46 PM
Edit: again, I dunno why the weird error, but the link works lol

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 26, 2021, 09:29:14 PM
You must delete the "?s=21" part of the link.

Quote from: Engineer on Feb 26, 2021, 09:33:36 PM

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 26, 2021, 09:29:14 PM
You must delete the "?s=21" part of the link.

Ah! Thank you for that! :-)

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 27, 2021, 11:39:13 AM
So I caved, ordered a signed copy and it arrived today. A few chapters in. As if it wasn't obvious enough already from Cold Forge, the author really gets Alien.

Quote from: Russ840 on Feb 27, 2021, 10:13:10 PM

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 27, 2021, 11:39:13 AM
So I caved, ordered a signed copy and it arrived today. A few chapters in. As if it wasn't obvious enough already from Cold Forge, the author really gets Alien.

It feels so authentic.

So much I wanna talk about with everyone.

Quote from: Local Trouble on Feb 27, 2021, 10:40:43 PM
How does it compare to TCF?

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 28, 2021, 12:52:22 AM
I'm about 150 pages into this so far and very into it. 8)

EDIT: Make that 200 pages, and though I'm not nearly at the halfway mark yet, I am far enough in to say that this is absolutely living up to the standard that Alex White had set with The Cold Forge.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 28, 2021, 07:12:29 PM
About two-thirds of the way through and people are spot on saying it's a very different beast to Cold Forge. In every way that felt like something of a revelation in this series, in a lot of ways this recalls the oldschool Alien books... but combined with the excellent prose and character work of White's previous book. It's great.

This is very spoiler but for anyone who's past the halfway point:

Spoiler

HOLY SHIT I DID NOT SEE SHY'S DEATH COMING!

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 28, 2021, 07:12:29 PM
About two-thirds of the way through and people are spot on saying it's a very different beast to Cold Forge. In every way that felt like something of a revelation in this series, in a lot of ways this recalls the oldschool Alien books... but combined with the excellent prose and character work of White's previous book. It's great.

This is very spoiler but for anyone who's past the halfway point:

Spoiler

HOLY SHIT I DID NOT SEE SHY'S DEATH COMING!

[close]

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 01, 2021, 12:25:42 AM
Alex White's just honest. I found myself rooting for Blue Marsalis in spite of their selfish motivation. I hope I find someone to gravitate towards in this.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 01, 2021, 12:54:44 AM
Real life stuff being invasive right now but I hope.

Quote from: AnthaiHero on Mar 01, 2021, 07:38:21 AMThe Easter eggs and throwbacks were a nice touch, not too excessive.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 09:11:07 AM

Spoiler

Blue is back! I was hoping she'd get a cameo, even if just a mention in passing, but she's a far more important player than that.

I'm also unduly thrilled by the return of the scientist from Alien 3, even if they spelt his name wrong (although I guess technically he was never named in the film, just one of the script drafts, so I'll give them a pass ;D)

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 01, 2021, 09:29:12 AMThat was actually a source of some discussion. It was a deliberate change because it was spelt wrong originally.

Spoiler

That wasn't an actual Japanese name, it was corrected for the book.

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 09:11:07 AM

Quote from: AnthaiHero on Mar 01, 2021, 07:38:21 AMThe Easter eggs and throwbacks were a nice touch, not too excessive.

A couple of the reused lines of dialogue have been a little on-the-nose, but generally all the little references are fantastic. I especially got a kick out of Balaji Imperial cigarettes (apparently we have our own Hicks to thank for that one, the big nerd).

Also, super stoked that

Spoiler

Blue is back! I was hoping she'd get a cameo, even if just a mention in passing, but she's a far more important player than that.

I'm also unduly thrilled by the return of the scientist from Alien 3, even if they spelt his name wrong (although I guess technically he was never named in the film, just one of the script drafts, so I'll give them a pass ;D)

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 06:41:47 PM
Also finished it today. As others have said, a cracking read and a lot of fun.

It's interesting that White mentioned in interviews around the release of The Cold Forge that he envisioned two versions of that book - one in the vein of Alien and another more in line with Aliens. That novel ended up aping the tone of the first movie, but this one is absolutely more Aliens in style. I'm not sure it quite captured the same feeling of supreme sophistication as Cold Forge for me, but in its place is a far greater sense of unbridled fun (albeit still with plenty of sophisticated - and indeed dark - moments).

Setting the story on an Iranian rather than just another American colony brought a lot to the story, as well as a refreshing sense of originality; while I can't personally speak to the veracity of all the Iranian details, it certainly felt pretty genuine to me. And I also have to give mention to the colony itself - possibly the most interesting and arresting interstellar location from any Alien story.

Now for the spoilery stuff:

Spoiler

• White certainly isn't precious about his characters :laugh: As if Shy dying halfway through didn't f**k me up enough, Becker didn't make it to the end either, and Blue is seemingly dead too. All of those were shocking, although the latter admittedly leaves clear scope for her to return.
• Speaking of Blue, not only is it great to have her back, I thought what White did with her was really interesting. The stuff about her being reduced to a disembodied head and a bunch of machines was truly harrowing, while her transformation into an Alien both opened up some really interesting doors and recalled some of the Xeno-synth fun of the oldschool comics.
• Matsushita and Duncan's deaths were f**king bitchin'.
• While I'm on the villains, I liked that Duncan was a lot more straightforward than Dorian Sudler. Dorian was such a tour de force character, I doubt White could've matched him and wisely didn't even try. Duncan may be less nuanced but she's still a great foil, especially when she really goes off the rails towards the end.
• How awesome was it to finally see a Dropship tearing shit up with its nosegun?
• That epilogue was surprisingly dark. I wonder if White has any tentative ideas for a follow-up?

[close]

So yeah. At a push, I'd say I marginally preferred Cold Forge - I honestly rank that alongside the first three movies, whereas I don't think I'd go quite that far with this one - but it's absolutely another winner from White and I recommend it 110%.

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 07:02:10 PM

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 06:41:47 PM
Also finished it today. As others have said, a cracking read and a lot of fun.

It's interesting that White mentioned in interviews around the release of The Cold Forge that he envisioned two versions of that book - one in the vein of Alien and another more in line with Aliens. That novel ended up aping the tone of the first movie, but this one is absolutely more Aliens in style. I'm not sure it quite captured the same feeling of supreme sophistication as Cold Forge for me, but in its place is a far greater sense of unbridled fun (albeit still with plenty of sophisticated - and indeed dark - moments).

Setting the story on an Iranian rather than just another American colony brought a lot to the story, as well as a refreshing sense of originality; while I can't personally speak to the veracity of all the Iranian details, it certainly felt pretty genuine to me. And I also have to give mention to the colony itself - possibly the most interesting and arresting interstellar location from any Alien story.

Now for the spoilery stuff:

Spoiler

• White certainly isn't precious about his characters :laugh: As if Shy dying halfway through didn't f**k me up enough, Becker didn't make it to the end either, and Blue is seemingly dead too. All of those were shocking, although the latter admittedly leaves clear scope for her to return.
• Speaking of Blue, not only is it great to have her back, I thought what White did with her was really interesting. The stuff about her being reduced to a disembodied head and a bunch of machines was truly harrowing, while her transformation into an Alien both opened up some really interesting doors and recalled some of the Xeno-synth fun of the oldschool comics.
• Matsushita and Duncan's deaths were f**king bitchin'.
• While I'm on the villains, I liked that Duncan was a lot more straightforward than Dorian Sudler. Dorian was such a tour de force character, I doubt White could've matched him and wisely didn't even try. Duncan may be less nuanced but she's still a great foil, especially when she really goes off the rails towards the end.
• How awesome was it to finally see a Dropship tearing shit up with its nosegun?
• That epilogue was surprisingly dark. I wonder if White has any tentative ideas for a follow-up?

[close]

So yeah. At a push, I'd say I marginally preferred Cold Forge - I honestly rank that alongside the first three movies, whereas I don't think I'd go quite that far with this one - but it's absolutely another winner from White and I recommend it 110%.

Spoiler

I loved Matsushita's death. So brutal. Would you say the Duncan gave birth to Neomorphs?

[close]

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Mar 01, 2021, 07:27:30 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 07:02:10 PM

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 06:41:47 PM
Also finished it today. As others have said, a cracking read and a lot of fun.

It's interesting that White mentioned in interviews around the release of The Cold Forge that he envisioned two versions of that book - one in the vein of Alien and another more in line with Aliens. That novel ended up aping the tone of the first movie, but this one is absolutely more Aliens in style. I'm not sure it quite captured the same feeling of supreme sophistication as Cold Forge for me, but in its place is a far greater sense of unbridled fun (albeit still with plenty of sophisticated - and indeed dark - moments).

Setting the story on an Iranian rather than just another American colony brought a lot to the story, as well as a refreshing sense of originality; while I can't personally speak to the veracity of all the Iranian details, it certainly felt pretty genuine to me. And I also have to give mention to the colony itself - possibly the most interesting and arresting interstellar location from any Alien story.

Now for the spoilery stuff:

Spoiler

• White certainly isn't precious about his characters :laugh: As if Shy dying halfway through didn't f**k me up enough, Becker didn't make it to the end either, and Blue is seemingly dead too. All of those were shocking, although the latter admittedly leaves clear scope for her to return.
• Speaking of Blue, not only is it great to have her back, I thought what White did with her was really interesting. The stuff about her being reduced to a disembodied head and a bunch of machines was truly harrowing, while her transformation into an Alien both opened up some really interesting doors and recalled some of the Xeno-synth fun of the oldschool comics.
• Matsushita and Duncan's deaths were f**king bitchin'.
• While I'm on the villains, I liked that Duncan was a lot more straightforward than Dorian Sudler. Dorian was such a tour de force character, I doubt White could've matched him and wisely didn't even try. Duncan may be less nuanced but she's still a great foil, especially when she really goes off the rails towards the end.
• How awesome was it to finally see a Dropship tearing shit up with its nosegun?
• That epilogue was surprisingly dark. I wonder if White has any tentative ideas for a follow-up?

[close]

So yeah. At a push, I'd say I marginally preferred Cold Forge - I honestly rank that alongside the first three movies, whereas I don't think I'd go quite that far with this one - but it's absolutely another winner from White and I recommend it 110%.

Spoiler

I loved Matsushita's death. So brutal. Would you say the Duncan gave birth to Neomorphs?

[close]

Spoiler

Pretty sure it was definitely Neomorphs which was f**king awesome. I personally thought Duncan was a fantastic antagonist and seemed modeled after that psycho Navy Seal that Trump pardoned in 2019. Actually, while reading it seemed that a lot of current events seemed to influence the narrative which made the story all the more realistic in my opinion.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 07:02:10 PM

Spoiler

Would you say the Duncan gave birth to Neomorphs?

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 07:39:55 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 07:02:10 PM

Spoiler

Would you say the Duncan gave birth to Neomorphs?

[close]

That's definitely what I took it to be.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 06:41:47 PM
Also finished it today. As others have said, a cracking read and a lot of fun.

It's interesting that White mentioned in interviews around the release of The Cold Forge that he envisioned two versions of that book - one in the vein of Alien and another more in line with Aliens. That novel ended up aping the tone of the first movie, but this one is absolutely more Aliens in style. I'm not sure it quite captured the same feeling of supreme sophistication as Cold Forge for me, but in its place is a far greater sense of unbridled fun (albeit still with plenty of sophisticated - and indeed dark - moments).

Setting the story on an Iranian rather than just another American colony brought a lot to the story, as well as a refreshing sense of originality; while I can't personally speak to the veracity of all the Iranian details, it certainly felt pretty genuine to me. And I also have to give mention to the colony itself - possibly the most interesting and arresting interstellar location from any Alien story.

Now for the spoilery stuff:

Spoiler

• White certainly isn't precious about his characters :laugh: As if Shy dying halfway through didn't f**k me up enough, Becker didn't make it to the end either, and Blue is seemingly dead too. All of those were shocking, although the latter admittedly leaves clear scope for her to return.
• Speaking of Blue, not only is it great to have her back, I thought what White did with her was really interesting. The stuff about her being reduced to a disembodied head and a bunch of machines was truly harrowing, while her transformation into an Alien both opened up some really interesting doors and recalled some of the Xeno-synth fun of the oldschool comics.
• Matsushita and Duncan's deaths were f**king bitchin'.
• While I'm on the villains, I liked that Duncan was a lot more straightforward than Dorian Sudler. Dorian was such a tour de force character, I doubt White could've matched him and wisely didn't even try. Duncan may be less nuanced but she's still a great foil, especially when she really goes off the rails towards the end.
• How awesome was it to finally see a Dropship tearing shit up with its nosegun?
• That epilogue was surprisingly dark. I wonder if White has any tentative ideas for a follow-up?

[close]

So yeah. At a push, I'd say I marginally preferred Cold Forge - I honestly rank that alongside the first three movies, whereas I don't think I'd go quite that far with this one - but it's absolutely another winner from White and I recommend it 110%.

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 01, 2021, 08:13:52 PM

Spoiler

the character that first got mowed down by the dropship was named "Suedbeck" right? That's one of the characters White named after a beta-reader.

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 08:27:44 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 01, 2021, 08:13:52 PM

Spoiler

the character that first got mowed down by the dropship was named "Suedbeck" right? That's one of the characters White named after a beta-reader.

[close]

Looking through the acknowledgements, it seems there are half a dozen or so characters named after people who helped him out. Nice touch.

Spoiler

I was laughing my arse off at "Not Percival. He failed the audition, so I'm sending that little bitch home." :laugh:

[close]

Quote from: Nazrel on Mar 01, 2021, 02:39:00 AM
I can get that but a lot of the characters didnt have many if any positive qualities, between being delusionally narcissistic, vile, greedy, or just repulsive. i could understand the characters but i didnt care what happened to most of them.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 08:27:44 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 01, 2021, 08:13:52 PM

Spoiler

the character that first got mowed down by the dropship was named "Suedbeck" right? That's one of the characters White named after a beta-reader.

[close]

Looking through the acknowledgements, it seems there are half a dozen or so characters named after people who helped him out. Nice touch.

Spoiler

I was laughing my arse off at "Not Percival. He failed the audition, so I'm sending that little bitch home." :laugh:

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 01, 2021, 09:34:19 PM

Spoiler

white added some nice personal touches for those characters too, like calling "Leger" maple syrup was a reference to the real life Leger being Canadian, and "Suedbeck" having a watery grave was a reference to the real life Suedbeck being a water treatment scientist.

[close]

Quote from: AnthaiHero on Mar 01, 2021, 10:10:19 PM
Am I the only one that wants to see

Spoiler

Rook becoming homicidal and wanting revenge for Blue.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 01, 2021, 10:38:41 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

I asked Alex if they had any specific ideas/plans for a continuation and the gist was a follow-up would chronicle the interstellar war, but they doubt we'll be seeing another Alien novel with their name on it in the near future so they just wanted to leave things as open as possible for anyone to move on from.

I made sure to express my sadness lol.

[close]

Quote from: [cancerblack] on Mar 01, 2021, 09:15:13 PM

Quote from: Nazrel on Mar 01, 2021, 02:39:00 AM
I can get that but a lot of the characters didnt have many if any positive qualities, between being delusionally narcissistic, vile, greedy, or just repulsive. i could understand the characters but i didnt care what happened to most of them.

I will never understand why so many people need fictional characters to be "good" or "likeable" to fully enjoy a narrative. The concept is, uh, alien to me.

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:57:35 PMI too must express my sadness at this  :'(

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:57:35 PMI may have to check out their Salvagers Trilogy.

Have you read it?

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:57:35 PM
I may have to check out their Salvagers Trilogy.

Have you read it? 

Hicks, am I correct in thinking you have?

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 02, 2021, 09:18:14 AM

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:57:35 PMI too must express my sadness at this  :'(

I'm assuming the uncertainty might relate to the Disney takeover. Does anyone know if/when Titan's deal runs out?

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 02, 2021, 12:42:32 PMI believe it was recently renegotiated so I think we're safe for a while on the Alien front. It's more likely to do with wanting to do more original work.

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 02, 2021, 02:20:37 PM
I'm close to halfway done. You ladies and gents are just too quick!

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 02, 2021, 02:34:53 PM

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 02, 2021, 02:20:37 PM
I'm close to halfway done. You ladies and gents are just too quick!

How are you finding it so far ?

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 02, 2021, 02:53:28 PM

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 02, 2021, 02:34:53 PM

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 02, 2021, 02:20:37 PM
I'm close to halfway done. You ladies and gents are just too quick!

How are you finding it so far ?

Quite enjoyable!  Not pleased with what occurred to my personal favorite character thus far, but alas, I must concede to the nature of such things!  :)

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 02, 2021, 05:55:43 PMI think it is pretty safe to say that this is the best take on the Colonial Marines since Aliens.

QuoteThere are so many elements of Alien: Into Charybdis that I could point to if I wanted to praise Alex White's ability to bring the Alien universe to life. But it was their understanding of the true, real world horrors underlying the series' nightmarish sci-fi plots that really sold me in the end. After all it isn't the xenomorphs that make the Alien franchise frightening. It's the people.

Quote from: SiL on Mar 02, 2021, 08:04:04 PM
.... No pretty sure it's the Aliens. ???

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 02, 2021, 07:05:34 PM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 02, 2021, 05:55:43 PMI think it is pretty safe to say that this is the best take on the Colonial Marines since Aliens.

As bad as some of the shorts were, I honestly think a couple of the stories in Bug Hunt might just edge it in that regard, but I certainly agree it's the best portrayal we've had in a full-length novel.

Quote from: Xenomorphine on Mar 02, 2021, 09:04:27 PM

Quote from: SiL on Mar 02, 2021, 08:04:04 PM
.... No pretty sure it's the Aliens. ???

Yeeeeeeeah...

Weyland-Yutani is emblematic of a system being heartless, but that's not the same as being deliberately evil. LV-426 was a tragedy because Burke was cutting corners, not because the company, as a whole, wanted to kill people for the heck of it.

Quote from: Xenomorphine on Mar 02, 2021, 09:04:27 PMYeeeeeeeah...

Weyland-Yutani is emblematic of a system being heartless, but that's not the same as being deliberately evil.

Quote from: SiL on Mar 02, 2021, 11:19:24 PMPretty sure my dad left the theater checking under his car for an Alien, not a faceless corporation. But you never know.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 03, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
For some reason I got a mental image of him bending down to find Paul Reiser hiding under there.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 06, 2021, 03:12:46 PM
I'm interested in hearing why exactly.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 06, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
I did think Duncan was over-the-top in a way Dorian never was, but I also thought that fit better with the more fun-focused tone the story was going for.

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Feb 28, 2021, 03:43:49 PM
Page 240... Harsh! 😅

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 08, 2021, 01:20:25 AM

Spoiler

I'm a little unsure of Blue becoming a weird rattlesnake xenomorph, I'll wait and see how it all plays out first though.

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 02:29:01 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Spoiler

Aye, that's a very good reference point there! In my mind I saw the head as very similar to that, though with the ridges more "layered" over/under one another (to account for the rattling), and the body structure more like that of a (partially formed) Queen.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:05:42 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 02:29:01 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Spoiler

Aye, that's a very good reference point there! In my mind I saw the head as very similar to that, though with the ridges more "layered" over/under one another (to account for the rattling), and the body structure more like that of a (partially formed) Queen.

[close]

Spoiler

the way the lips were described made me think of this unused design initially, but honestly, the rest of the creature's description made me doubt for a moment. Really happy that's what it turned out to be though. Such a cool reference/Easter egg!

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:15:10 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:05:42 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 02:29:01 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Spoiler

Aye, that's a very good reference point there! In my mind I saw the head as very similar to that, though with the ridges more "layered" over/under one another (to account for the rattling), and the body structure more like that of a (partially formed) Queen.

[close]

Spoiler

the way the lips were described made me think of this unused design initially, but honestly, the rest of the creature's description made me doubt for a moment. Really happy that's what it turned out to be though. Such a cool reference/Easter egg!

[close]

Spoiler

Yeah, the Michelle Pfeiffer lips definitely seem to be an inspiration here - Giger would (hopefully) be proud to see them finally getting used in some capacity!

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:21:01 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:15:10 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:05:42 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 02:29:01 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Spoiler

Aye, that's a very good reference point there! In my mind I saw the head as very similar to that, though with the ridges more "layered" over/under one another (to account for the rattling), and the body structure more like that of a (partially formed) Queen.

[close]

Spoiler

the way the lips were described made me think of this unused design initially, but honestly, the rest of the creature's description made me doubt for a moment. Really happy that's what it turned out to be though. Such a cool reference/Easter egg!

[close]

Spoiler

Yeah, the Michelle Pfeiffer lips definitely seem to be an inspiration here - Giger would (hopefully) be proud to see them finally getting used in some capacity!

[close]

Spoiler

blue's form and the scientist character returning from alien3 were both big surprises. Alex said the cold forge was their "alien" and  into charybdis was their "aliens" but it pulled a fair bit from alien3 too which is pretty freakin awesome IMO. That was a character I don't think I ever expected to see again.

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:26:42 AM

Spoiler

Yeah, it actually admittedly took me a little too long before I made the scientist connection. :D

I also love the way White so seamlessly weaves in concepts from Prometheus and Covenant into stories more based around the "traditional" films. Blue was a fascinating (and sure to be divisive) extension of that, and in no way was I expecting a literal Engineer installation – giant head statue and all! – in the bowls of the planet.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:34:25 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:26:42 AM

Spoiler

Yeah, it actually admittedly took me a little too long before I made the scientist connection. :D

I also love the way White so seamlessly weaves in concepts from Prometheus and Covenant into stories more based around the "traditional" films. Blue was a fascinating (and sure to be divisive) extension of that, and in no way was I expecting a literal Engineer installation – giant head statue and all! – in the bowls of the planet.

[close]

Spoiler

notice any other Easter eggs?

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 04:04:39 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:34:25 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:26:42 AM

Spoiler

Yeah, it actually admittedly took me a little too long before I made the scientist connection. :D

I also love the way White so seamlessly weaves in concepts from Prometheus and Covenant into stories more based around the "traditional" films. Blue was a fascinating (and sure to be divisive) extension of that, and in no way was I expecting a literal Engineer installation – giant head statue and all! – in the bowls of the planet.

[close]

Spoiler

notice any other Easter eggs?

[close]

Spoiler

Quite a few dialogue-based ones, some Gibson references (the UPP), and the Balaji Imperial cigarettes for starters.

Also, not an Easter Egg per say, but would you say that the critters that birthed from Duncan at the end were actual Neomorphs, or some other tangential creation of the pathogen? They read like full on Neomorphs to me in that moment.

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 03:15:10 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:05:42 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 02:29:01 AM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM
Finished. Thought this was excellent. Reading through spoiler posts now, but just want to say that I really loved this one and found it to be right on par with The Cold Forge. Out of the fair share of expanded universe stuff I've read, nobody gets the Alien universe quite the way Alex White does.

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

Hasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling. On that note, this is the best Colonial Marines focused story since Aliens, and by a WIDE margin.

So we have a pre-merger Weyland facility built over an ancient Engineer site... giant head room and all. That's... a pretty insanely massive detail ripe with so much potential. I absolutely love this kind of stuff, and it opens up a huge can of worms vase of black goo.

Also, I'd be remiss to not mention Shy's absolutely shocking death at the halfway point of the book.

[close]

Quote from: Russ840 on Mar 01, 2021, 10:24:37 PM

Spoiler

I could see Alex writing about the war and Rook starting a synthetic uprising against humanity during said war which could lead to things like Auton creation and what not. 

[close]

Spoiler

The epilogue had me speculating about this exact same thing. And I think Alex White would write a damn good book dealing with that subject matter. It would have to be set some time further in the future, but it would be interesting if it also dealt with the inevitable collapse of Weyland-Yutani that we know is coming at some point in the next 200 years.

[close]

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Spoiler

Aye, that's a very good reference point there! In my mind I saw the head as very similar to that, though with the ridges more "layered" over/under one another (to account for the rattling), and the body structure more like that of a (partially formed) Queen.

[close]

Spoiler

the way the lips were described made me think of this unused design initially, but honestly, the rest of the creature's description made me doubt for a moment. Really happy that's what it turned out to be though. Such a cool reference/Easter egg!

[close]

Spoiler

Yeah, the Michelle Pfeiffer lips definitely seem to be an inspiration here - Giger would (hopefully) be proud to see them finally getting used in some capacity!

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 01:25:03 AMQuestion for people that have finished the novel:

Spoiler

Maybe I missed a detail while reading, but do we know why exactly Blue chose this planet to come to in the Blackstar? If that was explained, I feel like I somehow missed that detail. I'd imagine Blue was drawn to the Engineer facility located here...

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM

Spoiler

I bet the fanbase is going to be pretty split on the Blue stuff (which took me by complete surprise) but I was really into it. I'd love to see a visual depiction of her as described in this book...

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PM

Spoiler

Duncan's death was f**king NUTS in the best possible way.

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 07, 2021, 11:41:00 PMHasanova/Charybdis Complex is easily my favorite location in an Alien story outside of the films, and I found the whole political climate here to be incredibly compelling.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Quote from: TheBATMAN on Mar 08, 2021, 11:29:04 AM

Spoiler

I'm going to have to read through again to digest all the finer details more closely, but the only thing that seemed out of place was the Weyland Industries facility over the engineer ruins. How does this work? I assume it was after Prometheus and pre-merger but that is a huge revelation that should really affect the rest of the series in a big way. If Weyland Industries had access to the pathogen all this time then what does that mean for the rest of the following films and plot? This feels like Charbydis' version of the 'where the eggs came from' mystery from the Cold Forge. Am I missing something here?

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:54:17 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks too; my mind starts to wander. One thing that helps me is to speed it up to 1.2x, so you blast through it a little faster lol
What I really want to do sometime though is try reading one of the books while listening to the audiobook.

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 08, 2021, 03:56:16 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:54:17 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks too; my mind starts to wander. One thing that helps me is to speed it up to 1.2x, so you blast through it a little faster lol
What I really want to do sometime though is try reading one of the books while listening to the audiobook.

RidgeTop has done that and seems to like it actually.

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 04:02:28 PM

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 08, 2021, 03:56:16 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:54:17 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks too; my mind starts to wander. One thing that helps me is to speed it up to 1.2x, so you blast through it a little faster lol
What I really want to do sometime though is try reading one of the books while listening to the audiobook.

RidgeTop has done that and seems to like it actually.

I've tried/planned on it a few times but the timing is always off. Lol. Like for phalanx, for example, my copy of the book didn't show up until like 2 months later and by then I had already listened to the audiobook because I couldn't wait lol

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 08, 2021, 03:56:16 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:54:17 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks too; my mind starts to wander. One thing that helps me is to speed it up to 1.2x, so you blast through it a little faster lol
What I really want to do sometime though is try reading one of the books while listening to the audiobook.

RidgeTop has done that and seems to like it actually.

Quote from: RidgeTop on Mar 09, 2021, 02:18:31 AM

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 08, 2021, 03:56:16 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 03:54:17 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2021, 08:47:13 AM
I'm looking forward to speaking to Alex on the show so they can go into more detail about all of this.

I am very excited for this! I've been through the spoiler-free interviews with Alex that I could find, but what I'm really itching for is your post-release one where they can properly dig into everything.

Still waiting for my actual book to show up. I can't really focus on audio books.  :'(

I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks too; my mind starts to wander. One thing that helps me is to speed it up to 1.2x, so you blast through it a little faster lol
What I really want to do sometime though is try reading one of the books while listening to the audiobook.

RidgeTop has done that and seems to like it actually.

Yep, it's become my novel reading method of choice, with the narration sped up 1.5x so it's about the speed I read in my head. Two sensory inputs gives me better focus and comprehension. Only issue is then you gotta buy the Audible version as well as the Kindle one, but I think one is discounted if you get both.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 11, 2021, 03:09:03 AM

Spoiler

Did anyone notice the lack of a traditional queen in the novel? 

[close]

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 11, 2021, 03:30:09 AM

Spoiler

I was a bit confused since this is post Aliens and it didn't sound like anyone had encountered a normal queen since. Something had to produce the 300 plus eggs needed in fairly short order. Not to mention all the other hives the Marines encountered. I'm still a bit confused here.  I thought for sure Blue would meet a queen especially after the aliens refused her control.

Maybe there was a queen but White just wasn't interested in mentioning them?

I do love how White weaves the prequels in so well

[close]

I'm desperate for some discussion of this book lol. Also I would love an actual visualization of

Spoiler

what Blue turned into.

[close]

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 11, 2021, 10:52:16 PM

Spoiler

Thanks Engineer! I did see that one you posted. I figured that was the inspiration but I really meant to say that want an actual visualization of the actual character in the book, not just the Alien3 concept art that inspired it.

[close]

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 12, 2021, 05:11:06 AM
I should read it.  I have it.  I'm at home because of covid 19 exposure.................but my fandom just isn't what it used to be.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 01:25:03 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 08, 2021, 01:20:25 AM

Spoiler

I'm a little unsure of Blue becoming a weird rattlesnake xenomorph, I'll wait and see how it all plays out first though.

[close]

I personally was really into this particular element, but I do think it is going to split a lot of people.

Question for people that have finished the novel:

Spoiler

Maybe I missed a detail while reading, but do we know why exactly Blue chose this planet to come to in the Blackstar? If that was explained, I feel like I somehow missed that detail. I'd imagine Blue was drawn to the Engineer facility located here...

Speaking of the facility, since it was a Weyland era installation over that (rather than WY), that must have been discovered not long after the events of Prometheus. I wonder if maybe another star map led Weyland Industries here in the first place?

Also, I imagine the Blackstar is a Bowie reference, and if so, love it. 8)

EDIT: Flipping through the book again, and it seems like  the Five Months Ago conversation between Marsalis and Thien at the start of "Part III: Revenant" is the context that slipped my mind about why Blue came to Hasanova.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 12, 2021, 05:19:18 AM

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 12, 2021, 05:11:06 AM
I should read it.  I have it.  I'm at home because of covid 19 exposure.................but my fandom just isn't what it used to be.

I say give it a go!
You've got the book, you've got the time. It may reinvigorate your fandom; I say what have ya got to lose?

---

Ps. Sorry about the Covid exposure :-/

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 12, 2021, 06:00:01 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 08, 2021, 02:26:47 AM

Spoiler

for that visual depiction of blue, think 'unused alien3' design:
https://i2.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/32.jpg

[close]

This was really helpful my friend. Even though it's from a different project and a different time, even after finishing this book, I really had a hard time visualizing this character in my head.  Not anymore, so this definitely helped! 👏

Quote from: muthur9000 on Mar 12, 2021, 07:49:39 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 01:25:03 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 08, 2021, 01:20:25 AM

Spoiler

I'm a little unsure of Blue becoming a weird rattlesnake xenomorph, I'll wait and see how it all plays out first though.

[close]

I personally was really into this particular element, but I do think it is going to split a lot of people.

Question for people that have finished the novel:

Spoiler

Maybe I missed a detail while reading, but do we know why exactly Blue chose this planet to come to in the Blackstar? If that was explained, I feel like I somehow missed that detail. I'd imagine Blue was drawn to the Engineer facility located here...

Speaking of the facility, since it was a Weyland era installation over that (rather than WY), that must have been discovered not long after the events of Prometheus. I wonder if maybe another star map led Weyland Industries here in the first place?

Also, I imagine the Blackstar is a Bowie reference, and if so, love it. 8)

EDIT: Flipping through the book again, and it seems like  the Five Months Ago conversation between Marsalis and Thien at the start of "Part III: Revenant" is the context that slipped my mind about why Blue came to Hasanova.

[close]

Spoiler

THIEN

[close]

is me! I sent the

Spoiler

GINZA Files  ;D

[close]

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 12, 2021, 09:36:59 PM
I honestly thought his involvement would literally end with...

Spoiler

Not Percival. He failed the audition, so I'm sending that little bitch home.

I was like.. Oh no! Poor Aaron! He'll never be able to live that down!

But alas, he redeemed himself!

[close]

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Mar 12, 2021, 09:01:44 PM
Everytime I read

Spoiler

your name Hicks

[close]

it took me a little out of the book!  :laugh:

Quote from: Concerned Bystander on Mar 13, 2021, 07:57:22 PM
I wasn't really a huge fan of The Cold Forge, but that doesn't mean for a second that I won't be getting a hold of Into Charybdis at the soonest opportunity.  There is a hunger that must be fed, and even the worst Alien book is better than starvation.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 13, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
Honestly I would have to say that TCF, Phalanx, and Charybdis are my favorite novels in the EU overall.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 13, 2021, 10:39:57 PM
I didn't dislike it.  It was solid.  I'm just not sure it was all it was hyped up to be.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 13, 2021, 10:59:33 PM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 13, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
Honestly I would have to say that TCF, Phalanx, and Charybdis are my favorite novels in the EU overall.

I'll agree with this, but with the caveat that they are also the only three Titan novels I've read (barring the Covenant novelization). :D None of the others sounded interesting, so I haven't bothered with them.

I will be reading the upcoming adaptation of Gibson's script, though.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 13, 2021, 10:59:33 PM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 13, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
Honestly I would have to say that TCF, Phalanx, and Charybdis are my favorite novels in the EU overall.

I'll agree with this, but with the caveat that they are also the only three Titan novels I've read (barring the Covenant novelization). :D None of the others sounded interesting, so I haven't bothered with them.

I will be reading the upcoming adaptation of Gibson's script, though.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 14, 2021, 02:56:13 AM
Some of this is my own brains doing.  I can watch movies about dickhead characters all day, but I hate reading about them.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 13, 2021, 08:53:52 PM

Quote from: Concerned Bystander on Mar 13, 2021, 07:57:22 PM
I wasn't really a huge fan of The Cold Forge, but that doesn't mean for a second that I won't be getting a hold of Into Charybdis at the soonest opportunity.  There is a hunger that must be fed, and even the worst Alien book is better than starvation.

Ah. I see we've welcomed a heathen into our ranks... :P

Quote from: SpaceKase on Mar 15, 2021, 06:16:47 AM
Hey guys,

Been away for a while because of some crazy life stuff, but I'm stoked about the new book and the sudden glut of material being announced lately. Anyway, I wanted to share something I threw together for the love of Charybdis.  Not sure how to embed the video direct but, crank it up to 720p or 1080p when you get there and check it out. It's still a work in progress but I've been having some fun periodically adding details and experimenting with some styles. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk (https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk)

See You Space Cowboys

Quote from: Kradan on Mar 15, 2021, 11:12:38 AM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 13, 2021, 08:53:52 PM

Quote from: Concerned Bystander on Mar 13, 2021, 07:57:22 PM
I wasn't really a huge fan of The Cold Forge, but that doesn't mean for a second that I won't be getting a hold of Into Charybdis at the soonest opportunity.  There is a hunger that must be fed, and even the worst Alien book is better than starvation.

Ah. I see we've welcomed a heathen into our ranks... :P

Make that two. TCF was a solid book but not mind-blowing in any way to me. The best thing about TCF for me was not the even a part of the book itself - but all the podcast interviews White did for it. He has a lovely, lovely personality

Quote from: SpaceKase on Mar 15, 2021, 06:16:47 AM
Hey guys,

Been away for a while because of some crazy life stuff, but I'm stoked about the new book and the sudden glut of material being announced lately. Anyway, I wanted to share something I threw together for the love of Charybdis.  Not sure how to embed the video direct but, crank it up to 720p or 1080p when you get there and check it out. It's still a work in progress but I've been having some fun periodically adding details and experimenting with some styles. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk (https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk)

See You Space Cowboys

Quote from: SpaceKase on Mar 15, 2021, 06:16:47 AM
Hey guys,

Been away for a while because of some crazy life stuff, but I'm stoked about the new book and the sudden glut of material being announced lately. Anyway, I wanted to share something I threw together for the love of Charybdis.  Not sure how to embed the video direct but, crank it up to 720p or 1080p when you get there and check it out. It's still a work in progress but I've been having some fun periodically adding details and experimenting with some styles. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk (https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk)

See You Space Cowboys

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 15, 2021, 02:35:38 PM
I'm not wrong on either count.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 15, 2021, 05:34:04 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 15, 2021, 02:35:38 PM
I'm not wrong on either count.

Word.

Cold Forge is da bomb. In fact you're a heathen for thinking Phalanx was better.

Quote from: Xiggz456 on Mar 15, 2021, 12:52:26 PM

Quote from: SpaceKase on Mar 15, 2021, 06:16:47 AM
Hey guys,

Been away for a while because of some crazy life stuff, but I'm stoked about the new book and the sudden glut of material being announced lately. Anyway, I wanted to share something I threw together for the love of Charybdis.  Not sure how to embed the video direct but, crank it up to 720p or 1080p when you get there and check it out. It's still a work in progress but I've been having some fun periodically adding details and experimenting with some styles. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk (https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk)

See You Space Cowboys

Great work SK!

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 15, 2021, 06:24:09 AM
Wow! Excellent!!!
Thank you so much!
This helps with visualisation for me a lot.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 15, 2021, 05:13:22 PM

Really cool work here! Love this. 8)

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 15, 2021, 04:26:54 PM
This is really cool!! Mind if I share it around at a few places?!

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 15, 2021, 05:34:04 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 15, 2021, 02:35:38 PM
I'm not wrong on either count.

Word.

Cold Forge is da bomb. In fact you're a heathen for thinking Phalanx was better.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 15, 2021, 05:34:04 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 15, 2021, 02:35:38 PM
I'm not wrong on either count.

Word.

Cold Forge is da bomb. In fact you're a heathen for thinking Phalanx was better.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 15, 2021, 05:34:04 PM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 15, 2021, 02:35:38 PM
I'm not wrong on either count.

Word.

Cold Forge is da bomb. In fact you're a heathen for thinking Phalanx was better.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 16, 2021, 05:40:06 AM
Might have a new number one.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 16, 2021, 05:17:22 AMLabyrinth is one of the best Alien stories ever made, and Berserker's novelization is one of the best Aliens ones.

Quote from: SpaceKase on Mar 15, 2021, 06:16:47 AM
Hey guys,

Been away for a while because of some crazy life stuff, but I'm stoked about the new book and the sudden glut of material being announced lately. Anyway, I wanted to share something I threw together for the love of Charybdis.  Not sure how to embed the video direct but, crank it up to 720p or 1080p when you get there and check it out. It's still a work in progress but I've been having some fun periodically adding details and experimenting with some styles. Hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk (https://youtu.be/s0-0gJULVnk)

See You Space Cowboys

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 19, 2021, 01:18:28 AM
Enjoying the podcast and I love the book. Bummer that Hicks got disconnected.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 18, 2021, 03:51:15 AM
https://twitter.com/wolfmuthur/status/1372394421686206464

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 19, 2021, 09:27:45 AM
I don't wanna dog-ear it!

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 13, 2021, 03:36:08 PM

Quote from: muthur9000 on Mar 12, 2021, 07:49:39 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 01:25:03 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 08, 2021, 01:20:25 AM

Spoiler

I'm a little unsure of Blue becoming a weird rattlesnake xenomorph, I'll wait and see how it all plays out first though.

[close]

I personally was really into this particular element, but I do think it is going to split a lot of people.

Question for people that have finished the novel:

Spoiler

Maybe I missed a detail while reading, but do we know why exactly Blue chose this planet to come to in the Blackstar? If that was explained, I feel like I somehow missed that detail. I'd imagine Blue was drawn to the Engineer facility located here...

Speaking of the facility, since it was a Weyland era installation over that (rather than WY), that must have been discovered not long after the events of Prometheus. I wonder if maybe another star map led Weyland Industries here in the first place?

Also, I imagine the Blackstar is a Bowie reference, and if so, love it. 8)

EDIT: Flipping through the book again, and it seems like  the Five Months Ago conversation between Marsalis and Thien at the start of "Part III: Revenant" is the context that slipped my mind about why Blue came to Hasanova.

[close]

Spoiler

THIEN

[close]

is me! I sent the

Spoiler

GINZA Files  ;D

[close]

Spoiler

hi THIEN! I'm the one who got the watery grave 😏

[close]

Quote from: muthur9000 on Mar 21, 2021, 06:57:50 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Mar 13, 2021, 03:36:08 PM

Quote from: muthur9000 on Mar 12, 2021, 07:49:39 AM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 08, 2021, 01:25:03 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 08, 2021, 01:20:25 AM

Spoiler

I'm a little unsure of Blue becoming a weird rattlesnake xenomorph, I'll wait and see how it all plays out first though.

[close]

I personally was really into this particular element, but I do think it is going to split a lot of people.

Question for people that have finished the novel:

Spoiler

Maybe I missed a detail while reading, but do we know why exactly Blue chose this planet to come to in the Blackstar? If that was explained, I feel like I somehow missed that detail. I'd imagine Blue was drawn to the Engineer facility located here...

Speaking of the facility, since it was a Weyland era installation over that (rather than WY), that must have been discovered not long after the events of Prometheus. I wonder if maybe another star map led Weyland Industries here in the first place?

Also, I imagine the Blackstar is a Bowie reference, and if so, love it. 8)

EDIT: Flipping through the book again, and it seems like  the Five Months Ago conversation between Marsalis and Thien at the start of "Part III: Revenant" is the context that slipped my mind about why Blue came to Hasanova.

[close]

Spoiler

THIEN

[close]

is me! I sent the

Spoiler

GINZA Files  ;D

[close]

Spoiler

hi THIEN! I'm the one who got the watery grave 😏

[close]

I know that :P I was there!

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 21, 2021, 11:04:07 PM

Spoiler

So it sounds like Alex meant Blue to look like Gigers alien 3 alien, specifically the one with the plates/segmented head that you pointed me to Engineer. But I could have sworn that blue had back pipes and more of a crest to her head as described in the book, also being larger than the normal Alien. Almost seemed like maybe she was changing into a full on queen? But I need to do a re-read. I need to reread TCF as well anyway.

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 24, 2021, 06:33:27 AM
Pushed back again until April! I've given up and ordered another autographed copy.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 24, 2021, 09:27:44 AM
:laugh:

BuT yOu'Ll DoG-eAr It!!1!

:P

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 24, 2021, 03:07:00 PM

Spoiler

It also works superbly on a number of thematic and narrative levels, Blue already existed in a form of biomechanical existence before their transformation, already living inside a body Alien to them.

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 24, 2021, 09:27:44 AM
:laugh:

BuT yOu'Ll DoG-eAr It!!1!

:P

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 24, 2021, 03:07:00 PM
Gosh I don't know where to start honestly, especially because I'm half awake having stayed up all night finishing it, I nearly loved it, not to the degree of Alien The Cold Forge anyway but close, as such this will not be as formal a review as my praise for the prior.

Spoiler

The facility itself's spectacular, nothing much more to say in this regard, but it will stay lodged in my memories.

I really liked Shy and perhaps hoped naively that we might get a genuine human and android relationship, that hope got erased, and I felt genuine sorrow at the way their story ultimately ended. 

But that relentlessly cruelty makes the story unpredictable in the best ways, but it comes across as genuine, as real, much like a car crash being totally apathetic, and it's fitting our first casualties of the book amounts to that in essence.

In that regard with Kamran and Reza's last interactions with each other, I have no doubt that I rushed through it in places and missed layers, like if you read back the event that lead to Reza's death in light of the email you wonder if he ignored Kamran or not because he did not respect him enough in a life or death situation or simply did not hear him.

I think Nightmare Asylum's already summarized my thoughts in a number of places and, I'd just be repeating much of what he's said in regards to this examination of the way the military industrial complex inherently causes harm as an expansionist force, and ultimately as we see in the epilogue forces friend against friend, never mind people like Duncan who actively exploit the power they hold over others, or the idealists manipulated into dying for others.

Blue Marsalis:
Such a perfect turning of our expectations on our heads, it is set up so classically, an Alien in a vent in an abandoned lab again? But with each descriptor we grow to understand that not only did it not always do what the Alien does, it saved this man, although with brutal efficiency.

But not only does it recall to me the visage of H.R Giger's abandoned concept in it's entirety with, the lips, rippling ridges, barbed tongue, and enormous bladed tail. But also with the robotic voice reminded me of the scrapped concept for the end of the original 1979 film. But perhaps that's just a coincidence.

As might surprise you I actually am fine with this being what it is, as the product of years research, and the specific circumstances of Blue's existence never to be replicated again.

It also works superbly on a number of thematic and narrative levels, Blue already existed in a form of biomechanical existence before their transformation, already living inside a body Alien to them.

The first doctor to acquire the Plagiarus Preapotens, who arguably knows it better than anyone else can ever hope to outside of a certain artificial intelligence, and even then after more funding than allotted. Blue can only barely manipulate it, with it inexorably reverting to it's default composition, apart from this once. So if this comes up again, I'm calling it nonsense, if it's not this set of specific circumstances.

I also basically did this reading of the brief but impactful return of my beloved Pathogen and Neomorph:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/da4e701401be6b3fa16d1eb1b57ff616/tumblr_oukleb8wE91t4wjzko6_r1_540.gif)

And this when Blue and Marcus touched through the glass:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/685303846eb10bc13784313763b02af9/tumblr_inline_ov56freH901ub4bpy_400.gif)

[close]

But yeah, I truly believe everyone's as grey as Alex White depicts deep down, in their own Charybdis:
#Bluedideverythingright

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 25, 2021, 12:23:18 AM

Spoiler

So does anyone have any ideas about where all the eggs came from? I believe the Marines fought their way into an egg chamber but there was no mention of a queen. Was AW just not interested in detailing the queens presence in the hive or maybe the aliens were going full eggmorphing? Was the hive deep in the abandoned WY facility new or was it just sealed and then opened up by the marines? Seems like their were more aliens that colonists? 🤔 maybe it's just meant to be mysterious.

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 25, 2021, 02:18:54 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 25, 2021, 12:23:18 AM

Spoiler

So does anyone have any ideas about where all the eggs came from? I believe the Marines fought their way into an egg chamber but there was no mention of a queen. Was AW just not interested in detailing the queens presence in the hive or maybe the aliens were going full eggmorphing? Was the hive deep in the abandoned WY facility new or was it just sealed and then opened up by the marines? Seems like their were more aliens that colonists? 🤔 maybe it's just meant to be mysterious.

[close]

Spoiler

It was unclear to me but I was almost wondering if Blue, what with her "Queenscode" and all, might be responsible for the eggs.

[close]

Quote from: 426Buddy on Mar 25, 2021, 12:23:18 AM

Spoiler

So does anyone have any ideas about where all the eggs came from? I believe the Marines fought their way into an egg chamber but there was no mention of a queen. Was AW just not interested in detailing the queens presence in the hive or maybe the aliens were going full eggmorphing? Was the hive deep in the abandoned WY facility new or was it just sealed and then opened up by the marines? Seems like their were more aliens that colonists? 🤔 maybe it's just meant to be mysterious.

[close]

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 30, 2021, 09:04:38 AM
Dunno, I'm a sucker for Dorian :) Guy was just such a c**t.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 28, 2021, 03:14:28 AM
I've just read the book once so there is quite possibly a passage I skimmed over and didn't register, but I always got the impression that the

Spoiler

first batch of Aliens arrived on the Darkstar and were brought there by Marsalis and that there never was an Alien presence on whatever the planet designation was beforehand.  Just the goo.  Then crazy woman sets the Aliens loose and they find away to reproduce Alien Isolation style (interesting that no queen is mentioned in Isolation, Cold Forge, or Charybdis yet it seems there are growing alien populations even without them)  I also always thought that those first Aliens were the rest of the crew on whatever station they tried to pull the plug on Marsalis.  HOWEVER, I'm not sure about that since Crazy woman falls into the goo and does not mutate into a drone.  So even though you have a common denominator in the goo being in both places, you get two totally different results Marsalis and what happened to Crazy Woman.  Too me it is kind of implied that the other drones were the initial lab crew because it seems Marsalis tries to go out of her way to avoid killing unless its necessary.  I'm guessing that some of the goo got some of the crewmates infected as well and they turned and followed Marsalis as being the most dominant praetorian/baby queen whatever you want to call her.  If they weren't goo infected crew members then maybe she does have queen functions and can't help herself and infected some refueling station people somewhere or something.

[close]

Quote from: Trash Queen on Mar 25, 2021, 11:59:36 AM

Spoiler

Am I totally crazy or did Blue not refer to them as their children?

Meaning this' the result of not just Plagiarus Preapotens that your standard Facehugger carries, but the variation that your Royal Facehugger carries, hence the other Aliens recognising Blue as an authority temporarily. (I presume until a Praetorian or Queen got brought into the equation.)

If so that means just like we see suggested elsewhere, under the right conditions the standard Facehugger's capable of turning it's standard Plagiarus Preapotens into Royal Plagiarus Preapotens or as dubbed by Blue Marsalis "the Queenscode" that right?

[close]

Quote from: Kimarhi on Apr 01, 2021, 10:07:42 AM

Spoiler

I thought that the facehugger stuff was just basically refined goo.  Like it was a finalized version that lead to the xenomorph series.  David used the goo to make the Aliens right, or do I need to watch Covenant again.  I guess I must have missed where facehugger jizz also has mutagenic properties on its own.
  Thought it had mutagenic properties because it was finalized black goo.

[close]

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 01, 2021, 09:49:29 AM

Spoiler

No Blue was working with the substance that the facehugger puts in your chest, only she modified it enough to become what she became.

She brought some aliens with her,  but I assume she laid a ton of eggs before the Marines arrived maybe? I think there was a couple weeks between Noah's distress signal and their arrival.

She was looking for the black goo because she thought it would be easier to work with than David's twisted version.

[close]

Quote from: Trash Queen on Apr 01, 2021, 04:48:24 PM
Thank you for the extensive breakdown.

Quote from: SpaceKase on Apr 01, 2021, 05:21:00 PM

Quote from: Trash Queen on Apr 01, 2021, 04:48:24 PM
Thank you for the extensive breakdown.

Oh thank you, that's very sweet. I'm just an obsessive nerd, but what good people around these parts aren't?

Not too extensive, I'm still not sure who's the puppet master yet, but I think it's

Spoiler

Thein, they provided the info to Haroun in mid July and they contacted Blue and lured her out to Hassanova. Given how fervent Haroun's cousin was about Thein's legitimacy, it made me wonder if they were a shadowy cult organization that Harouns cousin was a member of, but given that Mitchell told Matsushita that the CIA was about to make contact with Blue earlier in the year, I'm wondering if Thein was just the CIA's sockpuppet. But given the universe it could very well be both, there's a lot of culty weirdos out there obsessed with the Aliens.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Apr 01, 2021, 07:19:48 PM

The Esoteric Brotherhood of Tulitu compels you...

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 01, 2021, 07:53:13 PM
Thank you guys for clearing all this up! Lots of bits I must have missed.

Spoiler

Still finding the events around the eggs a little murky though.

[close]

Quote from: Engineer on Apr 01, 2021, 07:52:32 PM
Lol I love that little one-shot.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 02, 2021, 01:51:22 AM
Thanks! That does clear up a lot.. Maybe I shouldn't have read it so quickly lol

Need to dedicate some time to re-reading both TCF and IC.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 02, 2021, 02:00:21 AM
Aliens: Special is an old favorite of mine. I've always loved the cover and the short stories were really good. Elder Gods is probably one of my favorite DH alien stories

Quote from: Trash Queen on Apr 03, 2021, 01:20:04 PM

Spoiler

Definitely Blue Marsalis considering the way they speak later in the story.

[close]

Quote from: SpaceKase on Apr 02, 2021, 02:05:51 AM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 02, 2021, 01:51:22 AM
Thanks! That does clear up a lot.. Maybe I shouldn't have read it so quickly lol

Need to dedicate some time to re-reading both TCF and IC.

The book is Crazy dense. I've been kinda looping the audio while doing chores and exercising and what not, it's taken quite a bit to lay it all out. Plus Alex is really good at dropping super revelatory tidbits and then immediately having a distraction pop up so both the character and us get caught up in the ensuing action and forget the subtle little thing that was just discovered or mentioned. It's good narrative sleight of hand.

Spoiler

I'm still unclear on who sent Shy the spoofed Don't Trust email, though I'm pretty sure it was Blue, but how and why she chose Shy or Kamran as people of interest I'm less clear on, I've got to put together a timeline for Blue, I think she's been downstairs in the basement for months while she sent Father out on other missions, but I'm not sure how her ship escaped the colony's notice when it first arrived and then took off again. Maybe she hacked into the security system the first time and arranged a little outage. I almost thought for a moment she was up to her old tricks hacking into the Gardenia's Marcus before the crew woke up and Nouh shut off Marcus's WiFi connection. I also wondered for a hot minute if she was controlling the Marcus when he was putting his hand up to the glass and then caused his little disruption with Matsushita and the keycard. I've gotta retrace the action though. Always fun when there's mysteries to uncover.

[close]

---

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 02, 2021, 02:00:21 AM
Aliens: Special is an old favorite of mine. I've always loved the cover and the short stories were really good. Elder Gods is probably one of my favorite DH alien stories

Totally agreed. "45 Seconds" is great too, but with regards to b&w stories, me and the partner recently got hooked on Westworld so "Tourist Season" also plays a special place in our hearts. I appreciated that Clara put a WW homage into the RPG map, Delos has a bit of a legacy insofar as fictional star maps go.

Quote from: Engineer on Apr 03, 2021, 05:24:35 PM

You should checkout "countdown" not to be confused with 45 seconds. Countdown is another short B&W story. Incredible art imo. Ties in to the original 2 comic series too if I'm not mistaken.

Quote from: SpaceKase on Apr 03, 2021, 05:49:11 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Apr 03, 2021, 05:24:35 PM

You should checkout "countdown" not to be confused with 45 seconds. Countdown is another short B&W story. Incredible art imo. Ties in to the original 2 comic series too if I'm not mistaken.

I love Countdown! Smooth as Silk...  Didn't Mike Richardson the founder of Dark Horse himself write that one? Den Beauvais has some gorgeous panels in that one my favorite is the "...obstacles." reveal panel.

I have this ambition to do an audio drama adaptation someday and I put together this little comic remix with the 5 or so comic series that make up the whole Earth War saga just to properly lay out the narrative. The countdown story is dead center in it. I put it chronologically into the early panels of Nightmare Asylum where Hicks,Wilks, Hicks is agonizing over the random transmissions out of Earth.

I'm reeeeally hoping Marvel republishes that story in a decent format in one of their upcoming collections, Den's art is really gorgeous in black & white.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 03, 2021, 06:38:55 PM
I have my aliens magazine copies, took me forever to find the part that is separate from the magazine. When I bought that issue originally I was so bummed when the countdown mini issue wasn't included. When I finally acquired it though,, it was totally worth it, beautiful art.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 03, 2021, 06:38:55 PMI have my aliens magazine copies, took me forever to find the part that is separate from the magazine. When I bought that issue originally I was so bummed when the countdown mini issue wasn't included.

Quote from: SpaceKase on Apr 02, 2021, 02:05:51 AMThe book is Crazy dense. I've been kinda looping the audio while doing chores and exercising and what not, it's taken quite a bit to lay it all out. Plus Alex is really good at dropping super revelatory tidbits and then immediately having a distraction pop up so both the character and us get caught up in the ensuing action and forget the subtle little thing that was just discovered or mentioned. It's good narrative sleight of hand.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 05, 2021, 06:44:53 PM

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 03, 2021, 06:38:55 PMI have my aliens magazine copies, took me forever to find the part that is separate from the magazine. When I bought that issue originally I was so bummed when the countdown mini issue wasn't included.

Not only did I manage to get a copy of the issue with Countdown included, it still has the original cellophane belt that attaches it to the magazine.

f**king love Aliens mag.

Quote from: SpaceKase on Apr 02, 2021, 02:05:51 AMThe book is Crazy dense. I've been kinda looping the audio while doing chores and exercising and what not, it's taken quite a bit to lay it all out. Plus Alex is really good at dropping super revelatory tidbits and then immediately having a distraction pop up so both the character and us get caught up in the ensuing action and forget the subtle little thing that was just discovered or mentioned. It's good narrative sleight of hand.

No shit! I've read it three times and even on the third time I was twigging connections I hadn't made previously.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 05, 2021, 07:53:41 PM
Mine are definitely not in good condition  :laugh: they're not horrible but a long way from mint.  Found most of them on mycomicshop.com between 2016-2018.

I have still never been able to find issue 22 though  :-\

My white whale lol

Quote from: 426Buddy on Apr 05, 2021, 09:34:10 PMYeah I haven't even bothered with Volume 1, I've never seen them available anywhere.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2021, 05:42:25 AM
Another push back. Apparently the hard-back is April 23rd, and the paperback is Feb 2022 now. Wtf is going on with this book's release outside the States.  :o

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2021, 05:42:25 AM
Another push back. Apparently the hard-back is April 23rd, and the paperback is Feb 2022 now. Wtf is going on with this book's release outside the States.  :o

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 10, 2021, 03:26:08 PM
That's the thing. Doesn't look like Infiltrator is going to be effected. I've already got a copy on my shelf. Wonder if it's something to do with the hardback printers.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Apr 18, 2021, 09:10:00 PM
My main gripe was also that there are two primary characters, and both of them are pretty uninteresting. 

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 24, 2021, 06:32:45 AM
I'm going to be chatting to Alex next week. If you have any questions you'd like to submit, you know the drill!

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 25, 2021, 02:04:32 PM
Also, I finally finished my review.

https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/alien-into-charybdis/

Quote from: Kimarhi on Apr 25, 2021, 05:10:08 PM
After thinking about it, the introduction of the black goo in prometheus would actually be something that Marvel would eat up. 


Its like the super soldier serum in the rest of the marvel verse.  It can give you Captain America.  It can give you U.S. Agent ( a stronger but psychologically unstable Captain America) and it can give you Sentry.  A being with the power of 1,000,000 exploding suns. 

Because black goo has murky properties and effects, it actually fits the EU much better than just about anything else the franchise has brought with it.  I wouldn't be surprised if black goo infested supervillians make a cross over into the Marvel comics.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Apr 25, 2021, 05:34:48 PM
I was thinking that it wouldn't be a good fit for Marvel initially................but I am beggining to think I'm wrong.


Of course I doubt many novelist will go that route.  But comic book authors will eat that shit up.

Quote from: muthur9000 on Apr 25, 2021, 09:34:57 PM

Quote from: Kimarhi on Apr 25, 2021, 05:34:48 PM
I was thinking that it wouldn't be a good fit for Marvel initially................but I am beggining to think I'm wrong.


Of course I doubt many novelist will go that route.  But comic book authors will eat that shit up.

Royal Jelly/Xeno-Zip?

Quote from: Trash Queen on Apr 27, 2021, 04:50:50 PM
I don't have all the answers but here goes nothing:


Hope that cleared up things for you then.

Quote from: Prez on May 13, 2021, 06:45:03 AM
Alex White is the master at world and character building.

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on May 13, 2021, 01:17:29 PM

Quote from: Prez on May 13, 2021, 06:45:03 AM
Alex White is the master at world and character building.

The reason why I would probably have to say the first third might have been my favorite part of the book! :)

Quote from: Prez on May 18, 2021, 06:58:45 AM

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on May 13, 2021, 01:17:29 PM

Quote from: Prez on May 13, 2021, 06:45:03 AM
Alex White is the master at world and character building.

The reason why I would probably have to say the first third might have been my favorite part of the book! :)

Funny you say that Voodoo as here I am thinking that same thing - I'm so hooked on just finding out more about these characters and their lives that I almost forgot this was an Alien book.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 09, 2021, 05:42:25 AM
Another push back. Apparently the hard-back is April 23rd, and the paperback is Feb 2022 now. Wtf is going on with this book's release outside the States.  :o

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on May 19, 2021, 02:06:14 PM
Or I guess Noah can bounce back and forth in time to satisfy such a quota in the narrative.

Meaning he show some pulse-pounding Xeno scene, then cuts to a "12 Months Earlier" subtitle, and continues from there, etc.

Quote from: Prez on May 25, 2021, 06:19:37 AM

Spoiler

Wow. Just got up to the bit where Cheyenne just got knocked off. Alex sure doesn't mind killing off key characters ...

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 25, 2021, 01:09:30 PM
Honestly, I had a quite a few "oh shit" moments not related to

Spoiler

deaths!

[close]

Quote from: Prez on May 25, 2021, 01:39:03 PM

Spoiler

BLUE MARSALIS!!! HOLY SHIT!!! I need to stop coming to this thread until I finish this book ...  ;D

[close]

Quote from: Kimarhi on May 27, 2021, 02:55:18 AM
There are times when you think it is going to get political but then White kind of turns it on its head with a counterpoint. 

I'd say it is slightly left leaning but not super left that it is unreadable.

Quote from: guymelfe on May 27, 2021, 02:31:16 AM
How political is this book? I'm curious given that it clearly has modern parallels and frankly I'm so sick of politics I don't want it in my leisure activities whether I agree with it or not.

Quote from: Gentleman Death on May 27, 2021, 04:24:42 AM
"America, f**k yeah..."

Quote from: Gentleman Death on May 27, 2021, 04:24:42 AM
"America, f**k yeah..."

Quote from: guymelfe on May 27, 2021, 03:09:01 AMSo Iranians are the "good guys" and America bad, yes?

Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 27, 2021, 07:08:38 AM

Quote from: guymelfe on May 27, 2021, 03:09:01 AMSo Iranians are the "good guys" and America bad, yes?

There are decent people and pieces of shit on all sides.

Just like in real life.

This novel really isn't a political manifesto.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on May 27, 2021, 07:08:38 AM

Quote from: guymelfe on May 27, 2021, 03:09:01 AMSo Iranians are the "good guys" and America bad, yes?

There are decent people and pieces of shit on all sides.

Just like in real life.

This novel really isn't a political manifesto.

Quote from: guymelfe on May 27, 2021, 03:09:01 AM

Quote from: Kimarhi on May 27, 2021, 02:55:18 AM
There are times when you think it is going to get political but then White kind of turns it on its head with a counterpoint. 

I'd say it is slightly left leaning but not super left that it is unreadable.

So Iranians are the "good guys" and America bad, yes?

Quote from: GreybackElder on Jun 04, 2021, 11:34:43 PM
This was great. I had no idea you had a hand in the creation of this novel Hicks! Into Charybdis, The Cold Forge and Rogue are some of my favorite Alien novels.

Quote from: Trash Queen on Jun 18, 2021, 06:40:56 PM
Looking forward to listening to this whilst scanning planets in Mass Effect.

Quote from: Engineer on Jun 19, 2021, 03:51:51 PM
@Voodoo Magic
Glad I could help! 🙂 I've also been sharing the charybdis facility diagram with several people who started with the audiobook too. To be fair though, corporal Hicks didn't have the diagram when reading the first draft lol

Quote
Oh also, I assumed another reason to use charybdis for this facility wasn't just for the server cooling potential, but the renewable energy potential... turbines that generate electricity to help power the facility from the constant flow of water into the maw.

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jun 19, 2021, 10:01:01 PM

Quote from: Engineer on Jun 19, 2021, 03:51:51 PM
@Voodoo Magic
Glad I could help! 🙂 I've also been sharing the charybdis facility diagram with several people who started with the audiobook too. To be fair though, corporal Hicks didn't have the diagram when reading the first draft lol

I was running on an 85% understanding of how this complex looked, but it was definitely nice to have it and fill in those gaps!  :)

Quote
Oh also, I assumed another reason to use charybdis for this facility wasn't just for the server cooling potential, but the renewable energy potential... turbines that generate electricity to help power the facility from the constant flow of water into the maw.

It all still seems a bit volatile to me, but I like your thinking!

Quote from: Nukiemorph on Jun 21, 2021, 08:03:58 AM
IThe "Here piggy piggy" line that Voodoo can't let go of was the only part that got a tad cartoonish for me.

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 22, 2021, 04:55:27 PM

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

What show ?

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:58:23 PM

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 22, 2021, 04:55:27 PM

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

What show ?

His BFA art show.

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jun 22, 2021, 05:12:41 PM
:laugh: no

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:58:23 PM

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 22, 2021, 04:55:27 PM

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

What show ?

His BFA art show.

It already occurred, and successfully I believe! 👏

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
As usual, good work on the podcast. RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 22, 2021, 05:59:17 PM
f**k

Anyway, got a link ?

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM

Spoiler

Haroun's ending would have been better if his "second child" hit the mark.

[close]

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 23, 2021, 08:09:15 AM

Spoiler

I just don't think he deserved the kill either. Sure, everything with his kid was f**king brutal, but he'd spent the majority of the novel being one of the antagonists. He was such an arse to Kamran. And again, while I love all the duality and getting the stuff with him not being an antagonist, I just don't think I would have found it satisfying if he'd been the one to get the kill.

[close]

Quote from: RidgeTop on Jun 22, 2021, 08:24:01 PM

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 22, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
As usual, good work on the podcast. RidgeTop, good luck with your show.

Thanks! Show happened earlier this month at my University but it's in a gallery on the campus for a bit.

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 22, 2021, 05:59:17 PM
f**k

Anyway, got a link ?

Yep, here are the images I went with. The project was equestrian photography from last fall to this spring, specifically contrasting domestic and wild horses out here in Utah. This was a selection for the gallery from a number of different shoots I did:

https://adamzellerphotographer.pixieset.com/adamzellerbfashow2021/

And the gallery itself:

Spoiler

(https://i.imgur.com/dUZBdCk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4zm2WZf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gVKnhfu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Tyai9eL.jpg)

[close]

Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 24, 2021, 02:27:55 AM
It seems he is angling toward a major conflict in human space with the Aliens being overlooked and forgotten about in the conflict which I'm sure will raise its ugly head later. 

Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Jun 23, 2021, 03:45:40 AM
Good work, RidgeTop. Thanks for sharing :)

Yes, Duncan was definitely a "bellend villain." I had to look that up. Thanks Hicks! Learning British slang here. :D

Quote from: Kradan on Jun 25, 2021, 08:58:16 AM

Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 24, 2021, 02:27:55 AM
It seems he is angling toward a major conflict in human space with the Aliens being overlooked and forgotten about in the conflict which I'm sure will raise its ugly head later. 

I'm not sure what you mean here. Could you elaborate, please ?