Audio Review // Alien: Invasion: The Rage War, Book 2

We’re jumping straight back into the war, but first, a quick recap.

In Predator: Incursion, we were introduced to the Rage: a group of early colonists who set out aboard Fine Colony ships to find new worlds. Instead of paradise, they discovered a monstrous wormlike species that bonded with their ships, boosting their technology far beyond humanity’s current limits. Along the way, the Rage also learned how to control Xenomorphs and extend their own lifespans. Once strong enough, they turned back toward the inner sphere, and so began the Rage War…

Details

Title: Alien: Invasion (The Rage War, Book 2)
Author: Tim Lebbon
Narrator: John Chancer
Length: 10h 29m

Publisher’s Description

The second novel in the Alien vs. Predator: Rage War trilogy continues directly from Predator: Incursion. Colonial Marine units are being wiped out, not by Predators, but by an organised army of Aliens.

Review

Even though this story is set far into the future, Tim Lebbon makes it feel brutally realistic. The terror is palpable as Colonial Marines and rim colonies are slowly overrun by hordes of Xenomorphs, creatures that are now not only controlled but strategically deployed. The book takes us across a variety of settings, each vividly imagined. My favourite arc was the one set on “Hell,” a former company space station that’s now completely independent. It feels like a lawless frontier town in space, full of brothels, bars, and drug dens, a perfect backdrop for chaos. I also enjoyed exploring more about the Fine ships and life inside the Rage, which added depth to their menace.

That said, the story isn’t flawless. With so many characters spread across so many locations, the narrative can feel fragmented and sometimes disjointed. Another frustration was the opening chapter: a heavy-handed “save” was used that leaned too hard on plot armour. It almost derailed the book for me before it even got going. Finally, there’s one particularly bleak subplot following a duo through relentless misery; it’s effective, but tough to listen to at times.

Still, despite these bumps, Alien: Invasion is a strong follow-up to Incursion. Lebbon continues to expand the scope of the Rage War while keeping the action intense and the atmosphere grim. I’m excited to dive into the final book as soon as my next Audible credit becomes available.

Do you agree with my take? Let me know in the comments. As always cheers for reading.