Olivia and her twin sister Viola have been dragged around the universe for as long as they can remember. Their parents, both xenobiologists, are always in high demand for their research into obscure alien biology.

Just settled on a new colony world, they discover an alien threat unlike anything they’ve ever seen. And suddenly the sisters’ world is ripped apart.

On the run from terrifying aliens, Olivia’s knowledge of xenobiology and determination to protect her sister are her only weapons as the colony collapses into chaos. But then a shocking family secret bursts open―one that’s as horrifying to Olivia as the aliens surrounding them.

The creatures infiltrate the rich wildlife on this untouched colony world―and quickly start adapting. Olivia’s going to have to adapt, too, if she’s going to survive…

If you take away the Star Wars books I’ve read (please don’t take away the Star Wars books I’ve read), I can’t claim to have read a shit-ton of tie-in fiction. One of the new Firefly novels, another Alien book, and a handful of X-Files titles over the years. And that’s about it, as far as I can recall. But I feel pretty fucking confident saying Alien: Echo is an amazing example of an author bringing something completely fresh & original to a beloved franchise, while 100% maintaining their unique voice. Mira Grant killed it with this book, and I loved every single moment of reading it!

The Alien films are some of my very favorites (Prometheus is my most favorite AND I WILL DIE ON THAT FUCKING HILL…*ahem*)…it’s just such a badass & expansive world. I really need to check out some of the other books! Alien: Echo has the distinction of being the first young adult novel in this world, which will hopefully help lots of folks find their way into this franchise!

This is the story of Olivia & Viola Schipp, twin sisters living on a remote world called Zagreus. Their parents are behavioral xenobiologists who take contracts to travel to different planets that humans have inhabited, to help people better understand the natural world around them. Basically, they study really creepy alien life forms. The constant moving around leaves Olivia & Viola feeling a bit like outsiders, never settling for long in any one place. On top of which, Viola has an auto-immune disease that leaves her essentially housebound.

Olivia is adventurous by nature, and seemingly on a trajectory that would land her in a similar field to her parents. She spends time studying (from a safe distance…usually) creatures outside, and sketching them. Of course, this is an Alien book, and that means Xenomorphs. And when the Xenomorphs show up, throw all the science & the fucking sketches out the windows, and run.

Things get even stranger than they already were for Olivia & Viola, as they find themselves looking out for some of the kids native to Zagreus (who have grown up incredibly sheltered), while everyone tries to stay alive.

But…oh, they don’t. Stay alive. Not everyone, for sure. Like…much death. So violence. Gnashing & snarling & dripping & chasing & dismembering & & &….this shit is INTENSE!!!

There’s just something so unique & identifiable about Mira Grant/Seanan McGuire’s writing, and I’m not even sure I can articulate what it is. It’s like she puts a bit of quirkiness & wonder & magic & great adventure into every page…I just love her writing so fucking much. Like everything of her’s I’ve read, there’s no small amount of heartache & gut-punchy emotional moments in this one, mostly stemming from Olivia’s relationship with Kora. The crush that Olivia has on Kora is just…oof…she’s got it bad for this girl, and watching the evolution of their relationship over the course of this novel was fucking delightful.

Goddamn, I want everyone to read this. Olivia Schipp absolutely NEEDS to be in the same conversation as Ellen Ripley or Elizabeth Shaw (don’t @ me). Olivia is an absolute BOSS!! Fiercely devoted to her sister above all else, there is no quit in Olivia, whatsoever.

I can’t recommend this enough! An absolute blast to read, cover to cover! I REALLY hope we get to see another Alien novel by Mira Grant, because it’s a perfect fit. Oh, and I really don’t think you need any prior knowledge of this franchise to read & love this book! It’s completely its own thing.