Aliens: Original Sin

Aliens Novels: Book 10, Original Sin / 1-59582-015-9 In my review of Berserker (Aliens), I lamented the fact that none of the aliens novels so far have strayed from the two basic plot lines of (1) mad scientist lets experiments get out of hand and (2) trained troops infiltrate hive in search of MacGuffin. I noted that in both these cases, it's difficult to sympathize with the victims because no matter how likable they are, they really should have known better than to muck with aliens. I've actually, in fact, been pretty surprised that none of the novels so far have taken place from an "innocent colony infiltrated by unexpected alien/egg" perspective, which would seem to practically write itself. Fortunately, along comes "Original Sin" to answer my request and in a thoroughly original and compelling manner. "Original Sin" is the first of the aliens novels to key directly off of the film series, and it does so by following the survivors of Alien Resurrection. Now, I liked the "Alien Resurrection" movie far more than most (although I did not think highly of the novelization of the same), but I would be the first to note that some of the characters in the film were not fleshed out thoroughly beyond basic, familiar stereotypes. Freidman has addressed that particular problem right out of the gate and wastes no time fleshing out the characters and motivations of the survivors, all against a backdrop of interesting action and constant narrative movement. This deserves a mention: "Original Sin" is one of the best written aliens novels from a perspective of exposition-versus-action. Friedman seems to instinctively understand how to start with a bang, where to insert quick characterization within the action, and when to pull back the throttle slightly and feed a little more exposition to the reader. And after over thirteen of these novels (nine novels and four film novelizations), I deeply appreciate this talent. The motivations of the survivors are elegantly simple - Ripley and Call are driven to protect humans and eradicate aliens; the rest of them are simply hoping that an eradication of the alien race will allow them to sleep well again at night. In order to provide a more deadly antagonist, Friedman has invented a shadowy organization (a bit more subtle than the usual W/Y setup) intent on growing and utilizing the aliens for their own nefarious ends. How much the reader will go along with this will depend, I think, on how much you need the aliens novels to fit a canon, but again, after thirteen of these novels, the series seems badly in need of 'mixing it up' a bit. Similarly, the alien species in "Original Sin" have been genetically tampered with, largely to provide a bigger challenge to Ripley/Eight. Despite it unorthodox plot elements, I regard "Original Sin" as one of the best in the series, and certainly one of the best written.

This makes for a very interesting read for what may have happened after Aliens: Resurrection. I wouldn't pay much attention to the naysayers. None of the Aliens books are going to stretch your brain but as long as they are enjoyable.....

Original takes place where Alien: Resurrection left off: Ripley, Call, Johner, and Vriess are on Earth, then in next chapters they're in space looking to make sure no more Aliens are near Earth. But as it turns out the Government sends an egg to a floating garden place within the Egg is a newer breed of Alien. This was a Very good book.

Great read for any scifi/horror fan, a very decent storyline and continuation from where Alien Resurrection left off. Excellent story, characters were perfect. More books like this should be written.

I have read Alien books that had more gore than this. I have read them with more chills and action too. However, I am thrilled at the fact that this book continues the plight of Ripley and the crew of survivors from "Alien Resurrection". I was also surprised at some of the explanations of things that we all thought we knew or had never been told. I am looking forward to the next installment. The crew are as colorful as ever and I am interested in more revelations. My only knock is that in the book, a lot of people died without the gory details. That is all part of the fun, so it should never be left out. Can't wait for the next one!