Alien - River of Pain (Book 3)

Christopher Golden

Nov 2014 · Alien Book 3 · Titan Books (US, CA)

About this ebook

When Ellen Ripley finally returns to Earth, she learns that the planet LV-426—now called Acheron—has been colonized. But LV-426 is where Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo found the original Xenomorph—the killing machine known as the Alien.

Protected by the Colonial Marines, the colonists seek to terraform the storm-swept planet. Two such residents are Anne and Russell Jorden, seeking a fortune that eluded them on Earth. On Acheron, Anne gives birth to the colony’s first newborn. Rebecca Jordan, also known as Newt.

The wildcatters discover a vast, decaying spaceship. The horseshoe-shaped vessel is of particular interest to Weyland-Yutani, and may be the answer to their dreams. But what Anne and Russ find on board proves to be the stuff, not of dreams, but of nightmares.


Alien TM & © 1979, 2013 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

I don't often review many things, but this called for it... I have read a lot of Aliens media. I'm used to revisionist writing, but this I found disappointing. I have already read Aliens novelization, and I was familiar with Newt's Tale, but this goes even further. Firstly, I was confused why the author revised Ripley's script during the inquiry with W-Y. All the fans will be familiar that she said "goddammit" and "Jesus" when talking with them, but it's blatent and obvious he omits this. Is he religious and trying to be respectful to God, or is he trying to remove religion from the work? ..because the script was clear cut. I also don't remember any mention of a marine contingent being on Acheron. I think this is also an addition by the author. It adds way more food for the aliens, but again, they are wasted, because the author, like Newt's Tale, seems to envision a veritable blood bath that is not accounted for in the movie. Books should fit established canon, or do something new.

A story I've been dying to see since Aliens. Does well but still can't put my finger on why it felt so disappointing. Maybe it took too long to get to the action or didn't focus enough on Newt / Rebecca.

It's good; enjoyable and briskly paced. You're gonna get more out of it if you've seen either of the original films, especially Aliens, but I'd wager it's still good as a stand-alone

About the author

Christopher Golden is a well-known and prolific sci fi and fantasy author of many adult and YA novels, including Ghosts of Albion (with Amber Benson), Hidden Cities (with Tim Lebbon), and the forthcoming The Secret Journeysof Jack London, (also with Lebbon). He is also known for his many media tie-in works, including novels, comics, and video games, in such worlds as Buffy, Hellboy, and X-Men.