Carl Roberts 
Carl checks out the compelling Alien Isolation tie-in novelization from Titan Books
I have written much about the Tie-In novel over the years. Some are good, some are cash grabs and some are worthy of a purchase. Alien Isolation is one that falls neatly into the worthy of a purchase tie-in category as it encompasses not only the Alien cinematic and book franchises but is also an adaptation of the events of the video game from a few years back and as such, serves as a wonderfully enjoyable tie-In as well as a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a novel that will enthrall the fans of the franchise but stands on its own feet as a novel to grip the reader by the collar and drag them along for one hell of a ride. The book follows the events of the game pretty well but to the readers who come into the book clean (i.e without playing or any knowledge of the game), it is a welcome and enjoyable surprise.
Alien Isolation | By Keith R.A. DeCandido
The main character of the game and the novel is Ripley’s daughter, Amanda. Fans of the franchise will know of her from the special edition of ‘Aliens‘ where she is mentioned and seen (Sigourney Weaver plays her own daughter with old-age makeup on) in a photograph when Ripley enquires about her upon her re-awakening from hypersleep after 57 years. We follow events as Amanda Ripley investigates the disappearance of her mother, Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley of the ship ‘Nostromo‘. The events are presented to us in a then and now perspective, Amanda’s memories of her mother as she embarked on her voyage aboard the ill-fated ‘Nostromo’, about her childhood and growing up without the answers she needed and how she has been trying to find information about her mother’s fate for years.
Of course, along the way, Amanda will discover some disturbing home truths, will realize what betrayal really is and will come face to face with the creature her mother fought 15 years previous and how she must follow in her mother’s footsteps by confronting the horror the alien presents as she battles for her life.
The novel covers quite a lot of ground throughout its 336 pages and not a single word is wasted. For an Alien fan like myself, the book is a completely welcome and insightful story that carries on the legacy of the Ripley character while non-fans or just the casual reader will get huge enjoyment of seeing what the next page will throw at them. The game was enjoyable enough but this novel takes the story that much further and is a great way to entertain yourself during those quiet moments during the lockdown.
In Space, no one can hear you scream. This book won’t make you scream but it will make your day.
Stay safe.
Alien Isolation by Keith R.A. DeCandido is published by Titan Books and is available to buy now!
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Carl Roberts is a Senior Staff Writer and Books and Literature Correspondent for The Future of the Force. Aside from being our horror genre aficionado, he is also passionate about Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and the Indiana Jones movies. Follow him on Twitter @CarlRoberts2 where he uses the force frequently!
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Future of the Force News Editor, Liverpool F.C fan, Halloween Movie Fan, Friday The 13th movies fan, Star Wars Fan, Star Trek Fan.
