Predator: Incursion (Rage War #1) is the latest novel written by Tim Lebbon and released by Titan Books. Covering one of my favourite franchises – Aliens/Predator – I knew that I was going to read it, especially after last year’s trilogy of Alien novels, Out of the Dark, Sea of Sorrows, and River of Pain, were entertaining despite the issues I had with them. With this being the first Predator novel since South China Sea back in 2008 I was very eager to jump into see what exactly Lebbon could bring to the table. The results, however, are very much a mixed bag…
From the publisher:
The first in an epic trilogy crossing between Predator, Alien, and AVP!
When huge Predator spacecraft begin entering human space in alarming numbers, the Colonial Marines assume an invasion and launch a full military response. Then they learn that the Predators are fleeing an invading force–an army of Xenomorphs! Someone has learned how to weaponize the Aliens, and their trajectory through Predator space has placed them on a path to Earth.
Beginning an epic three-book space war that will include: Predator: Incursion; Alien: Invasion; Alien vs. Predator: Armageddon.
The publisher’s synopsis does give a fair amount of the story away, particularly as most of it is learnt in the latter half of the novel. However, seen from a marketing perspective for the whole trilogy it’s easy to see why they have gone with this – touting it as a cross-franchise trilogy will certainly make for more interest. Putting that to one side and focusing on the story itself, we actually have a very interesting situation that Lebbon can explore.
Set in the 27th century, humanity has expanded out into the galaxy, colonising many worlds within their sphere of influence. In doing so they have encountered the Yautja – the Predators of the title – and fight a constant war as they attempt to stop the Yautja hunting parties that stalk vulnerable human settlements and ships. There is also a faction of humanity – the Founders – who have left human colonised space to do what they wish, unrestricted by laws. After a change in leadership, they become known as the Rage, and decide that all other aspects of humanity must be wiped out. It is from here that the story moves forward, with the Rage returning, a Yautja incursion into human space, and the revelation that xenomorphs are being employed in the fight.
Firstly, it’s very easy to get drawn into the story here. Lebbon has a distinct skill at describing the setting, building the tension, and dishing out the relevant information without slowing down the story. The marine squad known as the VoidLarks are entertaining and have a unique chemistry that is delivered and developed well, while other characters, such is the android Liliya and the Yautja-obsessed Isa Palant, bring plenty to the story in different ways. It makes the pages turn quickly while adding an emotional element to the novel.
However, the Yautja do not get the page time I would have expected. While they are at the fore of the story from page one, it is from a human point of view rather than their own. It does work to keep some mystery to them but, being honest, there is little mystery left after numerous films, novels, and comics. Having a thread from their point of view from early on would have benefitted the novel greatly.
The other issue I had was that the setting and date – multiple locations in space in the 27th century – about as far as you can get from the beginnings of the Predator. It’s not like this is completely new, but it does show that the fear and presence they have to a relatively low technology culture doesn’t translate well to being on a fairly even keel (despite many references to them deliberately keeping their technology at a reasonably matched level).
I find myself looking at Predator: Incursion much as I did the Alien trilogy from last year. It’s very well written with some interesting characters; it’s entertaining and raises questions about both Yautja, Alien, and Human alike; and the story and events at its centre really do make for compulsive reading. However, it just doesn’t feel quite right. If you took both of the headline creatures out of the question, this could make a massively interesting science fiction story, but unfortunately their inclusion detracts from the final product rather than enhancing it. I’m hoping that the promise shown here carries through to the next novel in the trilogy, Alien: Invasion, because I’d certainly love to see a successful series featuring these two iconic creatures.
Publisher: http://titanbooks.com/
Author: http://www.timlebbon.net/
October 2015, 368 Pages
Paperback, ISBN: 9781783298334
Review copy received from the publisher
© 2015 Mark Chitty
