Aliens: Phalanx

Aliens set on a planet that has pre-industrial technology? Count me in. I was shocked that I’d never heard of Aliens: Phalanx before when I saw someone on social media mention the concept. It’s such an obviously cool idea and Scott Sigler did a brilliant job of bringing the idea to life. Set on the planet of Ataegina, where Xenomorphs have taken over and humanity huddles in isolated forts dotted along a mountain range. The worldbuilding is exceedingly well done, especially in the words they use for the Xenomorphs. They are called demons by the citizens of Ataegina and the Xenomorph Queen is the Demon Mother. As the story progresses, it’s clear that the humans are on their last legs, and this sense of hopelessness is well handled by Sigler. Humanity, as they are want to do, are in the throes of infighting between forts. The presence of the demons is blamed on the sins of those in the other forts by the leadership and when Ahiliyah, one of the main characters, discovers a way to defeat them, she is blocked by superstition and fear. Aliens: Phalanx is filled with suspense and action and some of the best world building I’ve seen in a sci-fi novel. If I was going to make any criticisms, I would say that the story solves itself in Ahiliyah’s favour a little too easily sometimes. Just when it seems as though she’s going to come up against an impassable barrier, the novel has a sudden bout of deus ex machina. But this doesn’t detract from just how good the novel is. Aliens: Phalanx is worth the read even if you aren’t a fan of the Alien franchise.