Epeolatry Book Review: Aliens vs. Predators: Rift War by Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro

Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro unleash a breathtaking collision of two iconic franchises in Aliens vs. Predators: Rift War. Set on the exotic and perilous planet LV-363, this action-packed novel brings fresh life to the age-old battle between Xenomorphs and Yautja, with humans caught in the deadly crossfire. It’s a must-read for fans of pulse-pounding sci-fi horror and anyone who has ever wondered what happens when the hunters and the hunted collide in spectacularly violent fashion.

The planet LV-363 is the perfect stage for chaos. Its deep rifts are home to a rare and highly addictive flower, Khatura, harvested under the ruthless control of a human drug cartel. When the Yautja arrive for a hunting ritual and seed the rifts with Xenomorph eggs, the already grim situation spirals into full-scale terror. The Xenomorph hybrids that emerge—some with the power of flight—become a force so deadly that neither the humans nor the Predators are prepared for the carnage to come.

The novel excels in its world-building, weaving together the familiar elements of both franchises with inventive twists. The introduction of the Riftwings—native creatures transformed into ferocious “Xenowings” by the Xenomorph infection—adds a new layer of danger and excitement. The resulting battles, including those between these hybrids, Predators, and hapless humans, are as thrilling as they are brutal.

What sets Rift War apart is the depth it brings to the Yautja culture. Ochse and Navarro dive into their military structure, rituals, and even their language, painting a vivid picture of these warriors beyond their roles as relentless hunters. Standout characters like the noble Predator Ca’toll bring surprising nuance and emotional weight to the narrative, making it impossible not to root for them—even as they clash with the Xenomorphs and humans.

The human side of the story, while occasionally overshadowed by the larger-than-life Predators and Xenomorphs, offers its own moments of horror and dark humor. The drug-addicted workers harvesting Khatura are a tragic reflection of humanity’s vulnerabilities, while characters like Shrapnel, a former Colonial Marine turned mercenary, provide flashes of resilience and defiance amid the carnage. Even so, some human choices—such as attempting to consume a Xenomorph body part—veer into absurd territory, adding an unintentionally dark comedic element.

The novel balances action with psychological horror, leaning into the graphic and gut-wrenching deaths that define both the Alien and Predator franchises. Ochse and Navarro’s writing immerses readers in the terror of LV-363, delivering a visceral experience reminiscent of Jurassic Park meets Guillermo del Toro. The body count is high, the stakes are higher, and no one—not even the Predators—is safe from the mayhem unleashed by the Xenomorph hybrids.

While the story doesn’t drastically expand the overarching Aliens vs. Predator universe, it doesn’t need to. Rift War thrives on its own merits as a standalone tale of survival, revenge, and the unrelenting brutality of nature. The novel’s ability to maintain the essence of its source material while adding unique twists makes it a worthy addition to the canon.

In the end, Aliens vs. Predators: Rift War is everything fans of the franchise could hope for: thrilling, inventive, and packed with non-stop action. Ochse and Navarro have crafted a novel that respects the lore while delivering something fresh, ensuring readers will be hooked from the first blood-soaked encounter to the final desperate showdown. If you’re ready to witness the ultimate clash of predators, prey, and the monsters that defy them both, don’t miss this gripping entry in the Alien vs. Predator saga.

/5

Available from Amazon.