Audio Review 47 // Aliens: Phalanx by Scott Sigler

Will I ever move on from the Alien franchise? Who knows? What I do know is that the following audio drama was epic. So read on!

Title: Aliens: Phalanx
Author: Scott Sigler
Fluff:
Its Medieval carnage meets Alien as a pre-industrial society fights against extinction brought about by a massive infestation of Xenomorphs.

Ataegina was an isolated world of medieval castles, varied cultures, and conquests, vibrant until the demons rose and spread relentless destruction. Swarms of lethal creatures with black husks, murderous claws, barbed tails and dreaded "tooth-tongues" raged through the lowlands, killing ninety percent of the planet's population. Terrified survivors fled to hidden mountain keeps where they eke out a meagre existence. When a trio of young warriors discovers a new weapon, they see a chance to end this curse. To save humanity, the trio must fight their way to the tunnels of Black Smoke Mountain--the lair of the mythical Demon Mother.

GET A COPY via Amazon Associates link: Aliens: Phalanx 

Style: Audio Drama

Review

First, up the author, Scott Sigler requests no spoilers in the reviews given about this book. I respect that and really understand why. If you could please reframe from spoilers in the comments thank you. If you want to discuss the plot with me reach out privately through email or on social media and we can chat.

The story's biggest and most interesting feature is the setting, no Corps, no spaceships, no lasers, pulse carbines or incinerators. This is a hack and slash novel almost hitting fantasy over sci-fi. Set on a part of the world barely explored, which we know is possibly an Island, made up of mountain holds dug into the landscape and hidden away. We also know of Northern Raiders from another Island but that arc is not really explored.

The world, in general, is at a feudal/pre-medieval level in my opinion. They understand bronze working, crossbow production and basic military warfare like the phalanx. They have some medical knowledge, but most of this seems to be handed down from generation to generation. There is this overwhelming feeling that more has been forgotten than remembered, and each hold seems to have unique personalities and traits along with religions. It also seems each hold specializes in one thing, be it a certain medical crop, mineral or manufacturing process. In theory, they should work together to create a better world, but isolation and fear reign supreme instead.

Into this interesting world comes the "Black Demons" aka the xenomorph. Our poor citizens, don't have the knowledge or true understanding to know what they really are, and instead of fear them almost like a boogie monster. Expect to read terms like demons, spiders and tooth tongues throughout the book. This really brings it all to life as they are exactly those things when you look at them. 

The book's main focus is Ahiliyah, and what a great character. She is easy to relate to, be it her struggles in a male-dominated society, or her forward-thinking viewpoints. You quickly grow to love her. Also, the other two main characters are enjoyable after a while, whilst the villains/other casts all play an important role.

The story as a pre-warning is more about the humans than the aliens, it deals with their struggles which have been shaped by the alien presents on their society and as a book it contains, plenty of twists, turns and shock value. Great listen and was more than I expected. I highly recommend it!

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Book Review 143 // Bug Hunt: Distressed by James A. Moore, Dangerous Prey by Scott Sigler and Spite by Tim Lebbon.

Just like that, we have reached the end of Bug Hunt. It was quite an amazing read if I am honest. I always worry about short stories, but so far I have had no real complaints. Some outperformed others but overall I have zero regrets about reading this title. I hope the final three tales hold up.

Distressed by James A. Moore. Moore kicks us off with a Colonial Marine story. A team of Marines lead by Captain Ogambe receive a distress call and head off to investigate. The ship in question has been struck by an object that is leaking a powerful light. Soon boarding party is on the stricken craft and discovers survivors sealed away in the rear of the craft, along with the bodies of those not lucky enough to make it to safety. It turns out the object is a mechanical sentient machine, that is actually consuming the ship! What a great opening story for the final three, featuring zero Xenomorphs. This left me with so many unanswered questions. What was it? Where did it come from?

edit: I did some research and the alien may have been based on the creature featured in Virus (a dark horse comic). Expect a comic review soon.

Next up is; Dangerous Prey by Scott Sigler. A rare story here as we experience a tale from the viewpoint of a Xenomorph! No idea what planet it is set (as why would the alien care?). All we know is, that a group of colonial marines have come in and killed nine of its kin. Lurking away to avoid further confrontation, it manages to grab an injured marine to drag back to the hive. Having completed its goal the drone starts to succumb to its wound. In this state, it is uncontrollably drawn to the Queen, which also seems to be on death's door. At the same time, the marine is getting treated to a face-hugger special. At this point, the story speeds up as we join a large group of Drones tasked with killing the marines. Which they do in style! This part shows how the aliens collectively work together and was a great interaction. This story ends with the birth of a new Queen, who is feed by the old Queen to pass on her collective knowledge.

Overall a solid story, not sure how canon it is story-wise? But was definitely fun to read from a Xenomorph viewpoint.

Argh! The last tale, I'm sad. Plus side it is written by Tim Lebbon, who has produced a few Alien or Predator titles. I have high hopes for his final tale.

So the final tale does not have any Xenomorphs! A sad time indeed. We are introduced to a group of Colonial Marines known as the Devil Dogs, their mission, to discover why the research colony of Weller's Well has gone quit. After landfall is made it is soon discovered the research team is all dead. Killed by extremely localized heat (little to no damage to the building). The cause, a small, fist-sized insect that can fly and spit thick lava-style flames. As casualties mount the Marines elect to ignore their orders, choosing to retreat and blast the site from orbit. Unfortunately for them, nothing goes to plan, with one of the marines actually having been bribed to secure a sample. Chaos ensues and one of the characters is left behind in error due to suit malfunction. As she scrambles to reach the squad she realizes they are leaving without her, with only one hope of communication she attempts to reach the communication station, only to discover a swarm of bugs blocks her path. Here ends the final tale.

I'm of two thoughts on this last tale.

1. Great Sci-fi story following the marines, very enjoyable.
2. No Xenomorphs. I wanted to finish on some Xenomorph action.

Have to restate this is a great story, if this was located in the middle of the book I would imagine myself raving in joy over it. But due to the urge to finish with some Xenomorphs, I am left feeling hollow.

This was a great fun series and I am so glad I took a risk on this book. I hope you have enjoyed the journey and will grab a copy yourself. As always, I thank you for reading. I hope you will take a moment to use one of the links, and help support the blog. Thank you.

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Buy the kindle edition. Aliens: Bug Hunt