ALIEN: Out of the Shadows: An Audible Original Drama, by Tim Lebbon and Dirk Maggs

Narrated by Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Laurel Leftkow and others

     Brilliant Drama between A L I E N and ALIENS

The first thing that struck me when I began listening to this drama is that the sound effects were great; never intrusive, never over the top. The effects add a great deal to the dramatic impact of the story. Now, I really like the ALIEN series and found this addition to be done with the attention to detail that only a fan could have managed. This story takes place in the time between the first movie A L I E N and the ALIENS. But, you say, how can that be since Ripley wakes up in ALIENS still in her sleep pod thirty-plus years after the events in A L I E N. Just let me tell you that this is a careful attempt to fit into the framework of the original series. It is to be considered canonical within the constraints of the movie story elements.

The actors in this drama are all very well cast and give the story a tremendous boost. The stand out here is Laurel Leftkow as Ripley. I am still not convinced that is not actually Sigourney Weaver incognito, but that is the story the publisher is putting out there so I will have to agree with them. Leftkow, if not Weaver in disguise, does the best possible impersonation of Sigourney Weaver doing Ripley that you can imagine. When she speaks, you get an image of Ripley in your mind every time. Any fan of the ALIEN series will be absolutely  enthralled with this dramatic performance. 

ALIEN Resurrection: : The Official Movie Novelization, by A.C. Crispin

Narrated by William Hope

     Ripley is More Alien Than The Xenomorphs—And That’s a Good Thing

This is the most unique installment of the series. I always thought that the most alien thing in the movie was Sigourney Weaver’s resurrected Ripley character. This A.C. Crispin novelization is faithful to the director’s cut of the movie and gives much more detail than any of the other novelizations.

William Hope must have had fun performing this book because his performance is wonderfully engaging and dramatic.

ALIEN 3: The Official Movie Novelization, by Alan Dean Foster

Narrated by Peter Guinness

     Gotta Love Those Double-Y Chromo Boys

This is the least popular movie in the series but I, for one, always found it to be a stand out and a worthy component. It brings to the table a return to the gothic horror of the first movie and introduces the fans to a bizarre planetary prison setting and quirky characters. It is the Science Fiction equivalent of a closed-door mystery; smaller in scale to raise the suspense. This novelization closely follows the director’s cut of the movie, and will have some differences to those not familiar with that alternate version.

Peter Guinness reprises his efforts from the first book in the series and submits a passable performance.

ALIENS: The Official Movie Novelization, by Alan Dean Foster

Narrated by William Hope

     Colonial Marines and Xenomorphs, What More Could You Want?

With this book the novelization book series hits its stride. This book goes beyond even the expanded edition of the movie directed by James Cameron. Alan Dean Foster gives even more character background and Wayland-Yutani corporate manipulation that you could possibly know from merely watching the movie.

William Hope had a tough job trying to top the brilliant and engaging characters in the movie. But he rises to the challenge and delivers a funny Hudson and a fleshed-out Hicks. All the Colonial Marines are well done; funny and gung-ho. 

A L I E N: The Official Movie Novelization, by Alan Dean Foster

Narrated by Peter Guinness

     Gothic Horror Sci-Fi

The A L I E N saga has been my favorite movie series ever since the second installment.  This book follows the plot of the extended version of the novel including scenes not seen in the theatrical realease. Apart from that, the writing is clear and easy to follow. Of course there are no surprises since we’ve all seen the movie. I recommend this for those—like me—who are fans of the Ridley Scott movie. Memories of the mivie will be triggered when listening to this novelization.

Peter Guinness handles the narration and does a yeoman’s job. 

DAWN OF WONDER, The Wakening Book 1, by Jonathan Renshaw

Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

       Rights of Passage—Ominous Portents

I acquired Renshaw’s book based on the reviews of my fellow Audible listeners; who seldom steer me wrong. This was no exception. This book has what I usually look for in an audiobook Noble characters who strive to right the wrongs done to those they love and plenty of exciting action is offered up in healthy doses.

Tim Gerard Reynolds is a good choice for this material. He is great at depicting young Aiden and the other boys at the Academy. Fortunately for us all, there are few female characters. Voicing the fairer sex is not his forte. 

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Narrated by Ray Porter

Liberalism is a Different Religion

J. Gresham Machen has given us an invaluable treatise on just what Christianity is—and is not. He wants us to know that the historic Christian faith of Paul and the apostles is not what masquerades itself as Christianity these days.

Machen states his premise in the first chapter:

“The most serious concern of the Church: that is—the relation between Christianity and modern culture. May Christianity be maintained in a scientific age? It is this problem which modern Liberalism attempts to solve. Admitting that scientific objections against the particularities of the Christian religion, against the Christian doctrines of the person of Christ, and of redemption through His death and resurrection. The Liberal theologian seeks to rescue certain of the general principles of religion, of which these particularities are thought to be mere temporary symbols. And these general principles he regards of constituting the essence of Christianity.“

As defined by Machen, in true Christianity, Jesus is more than a good example of Christian living; he must be the very object of our worship. Machen goes so far as to define the modern liberal expression of Christianity as, not only a different religion, but is a completely different category of religions from true Christianity. This is an important book and will help make a distinction between true Biblical Christianity based on the person and work of Jesus Christ—who saves us from judgment to come—and from the liberal religion of the same name that directs its efforts toward saving society through social justice.

Pay Porter handles the narration and presents the text in a clear and easy to understand style.