The X-Files Fight the Future

The X-Files #7

by Elizabeth Hand, Chris Carter

When The X-Files Movie releases this summer, interest in FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully will reach an all-time high. For the legions of young X-philes, this novelization, based on the film's super-secret plot, will reveal the truth behind the show's mysteries and conspiracies.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Audiobook

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

A New York Times notable and multiple award– winning author, Elizabeth Hand has written seven novels, including the cult classic Waking the Moon, and short-story collections. She is a longtime contributor to numerous publications, including the Washington Post Book World and the Village Voice Literary Supplement. She and her two children divide their time between the coast of Maine and North London.

Reviews

[Sandra Deaconu · Rating 3 out of 5]

E foarte slab ca roman, dar nici nu cred autoarea și-a propus să fie unul, mai ales că a fost adaptat după scenariul filmului, ci doar o modalitate de a câștiga bani de pe urma fanilor serialului Dosarele X. Și a reușit. Pe mine sigur m-a făcut nostalgică.

,,Dacă nu reușim să anticipăm neprevăzutul sau să ne așteptăm la lucruri neașteptate, într-un univers al posibilităților neprevăzute, ne trezim la cheremul oricărei persoanei sau al oricărui lucru ce nu poate fi programata, categorisit sau discutat cu ușurință..."

,,Atunci când războiul e zadarnic, victoria constă în a rămâne în viață."

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I admit it I really enjoyed this book - yes I was an x-files fan when the series was on (though I did lose it a bit when the changed the main characters) and I read (and still have) all the novels but I never got round to reading this one.
I remember seeing the film at the cinema and thinking though it was good fun it didn't really push the boundaries or provide the big reveals it was being promoted as - yes I was naive but I guess so were we all.
Anyway move on some years - and after countless replacement series trying to recapture the mystery and suspense and not to mention the books - and suddenly I find the book at a local charity store (they must dread seeing me turning up).
Anyway what can I say about the book - the book is surprisingly short and easy to read although I do not think it was aimed at the short attention spanned or juvenile reader but its a quick read all the same. That said the book makes a lot more sense than the film does and I think explains a lot more about what is going on. I think the reason its so easy and fast to read is that a lot of descriptions were missed out but if anything once the story was up to and running you don't notice its not there. So all in all it was book I never expected to find but really enjoyed it and to be honest it actually helps me understand what is going on.

[Aleksandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ta książka to opisanie filmu językiem sześciolatka. Straszne

[George K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Μυθιστόρημα που βασίζεται στην πασίγνωστη ομότιτλη ταινία του 1998 και το σενάριο του Κρις Κάρτερ. Ένα μακάβριο μυστικό που κρυβόταν για χιλιάδες χρόνια κάτω από τα εδάφη του Τέξας, ξαφνικά αφυπνίστηκε και μια μυστηριώδης ομάδα κάνει την εμφάνισή της για να αναλάβει την υπόθεση. Η ανθρωπότητα κινδυνεύει από έναν εξωγήινο ιό, άκρως επικίνδυνο... Το γνωστό δίδυμο του FBI, οι πράκτορες Μόλντερ και Σκάλι, εμπλέκονται απρόσμενα στην υπόθεση. Από κει και πέρα βλέπουμε συνωμοσίες και κυνηγητό με τον χρόνο. Θα μας σώσουν οι Μόλντερ και Σκάλι από τον επερχόμενο Αρμαγεδδώνα;

Το βιβλίο ακολουθεί πιστά την ταινία (απ'όσο θυμάμαι τουλάχιστον) και δεν έχει να δώσει κάτι παραπάνω στην όλη ιστορία. Η πλοκή δεν έχει ιδιαίτερο βάθος και οι χαρακτήρες είναι λίγο επίπεδοι, παρ'όλα αυτά η γραφή είναι ικανοποιητική (αν και απλή), ενώ η ατμόσφαιρα σίγουρα αγγίζει αυτήν της ταινίας.

Η Ελίζαμπεθ Χαντ είναι αρκετά γνωστή συγγραφέας στο εξωτερικό, έχει γράψει κάμποσα novelizations αλλά και δικά της βιβλία (τα οποία μου φαίνονται ενδιαφέροντα), αλλά μόλις άλλο ένα βιβλίο της έχει μεταφραστεί στα ελληνικά, το Ο Φραντσέζος, της σειράς Millennium, το οποίο βασίζεται επίσης σε σενάριο του Κρις Κάρτερ.

[Shayla Morgansen]

I read this on the plane to New Zealand and had it done by the time we landed. It's very dry; word for word to the movie script, which is good, because I don't like it when there are discrepancies, and which makes it an easy read when you've seen the film a few times. But it was also disappointing because there was no attempt to explore anything further than what would have been visible onscreen. I mean, the hallway scene? Where were the feels? So much opportunity for feels. There were MORE feels in the movie than in the book where we could have had internal monologue. This book completely lacked all feels and read like a recount rather than a narrative. "Then Mulder said..." "Scully followed." "Mulder saw Scully's little gold cross. He picked it up and kept going." Verb, verb, verb.

Watch the film, don't bother with the book; though if your electricity is out and you still have a candle, I guess you could read it. It would take about the same length of time.

[erika · Rating 1 out of 5]

No quiero hacer esto sin ti. No sé si podré. Y si abandono ahora, ellos ganan.

no puedo creer que me ponga emotiva por una historia de investigación alienígena. pero fox mulder ganó mi corazón por su amor por dana scully, y viceversa. aunque mulder sea el fanático obsesionado por lo extraterrestre, lo fuera de este mundo, nada de eso se compara con, y parafraseo: Lo que considera más preciado. La única cosa del mundo sin la que no puede vivir. en uno de los descubrimientos más significativos hasta ahora, si ella está en peligro, nunca habrá tiempo para recoger evidencia o nada parecido, él sólo seguirá su camino sin prestar atención a nada más que no fuera Scully. porque ...un centenar de veces, un millar de veces, me has ayudado a sobrevivir.

y después chris carter me quiere venir a decir que su relación es ''una amistad platónica.''

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Listened to audiobook*

I don't know why it's called Fight the Future. It's basically word for word the X Files movie from 1998. I still enjoyed it, I'm a huge X Files fan.. but.. 🤷.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cumpre bem o papel de adaptação de um filme.

[Evelien · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was slightly better than I expected, but it's dry and completely without feeling. Even the movie script probably has more information about why a character does or says something.

The near-kiss..."a sudden tension flared"...dude, there's been 5 years of tension at that point. I'd rather read fanfic.

[Mario Pimental · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while, a great book will fall into your lap and turn your world upside down. Pulling you into their world for just a moment and connecting with you on such a personal level that it makes you become a better person. Characters that live and breathe, events that transpire and resonate. Some books mold you into the person you are. The classics, the instructional lifelines, the religions, the ramblings of a teacher or role model, there are such books as these.

This was not that book.

It's just X Files.

And I fucking love X Files.

[Lauren Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Elizabeth Hand wrote a novelization of every X-Files episode, I would read all of them. It is my dearest hope that in some dingy, forgotten corner of the internet, Elizabeth Hand has written MSR fanfic under an unidentifiable screen name, and one day I will stumble across it.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

new summary: me and the bad bitch i pulled by being weird and offputting
UGH I KNOW THIS IS LITERALLY JUST THE MOVIE IN BOOK FORM BUT TOOOOO GOOD!! i love how certain things are described that we obviously don’t get to hear in the movie.
fav part word for word. “and putting his mouth to hers (FINALLY!), breathing his life into her”. For context, she currently can’t breathe. We had a fangirl write this book and I’m not complaining.
Something very silly and whimsical about this. Put me in a good mood. 🦊👽✨

[Rodrigo Mares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahora terminé esta adaptación "para jóvenes lectores" de la primera película de los Expedientes X. Se trata de una "transcripción narrada", es decir, tal cual la trama de la cinta pero con menos diálogo y con algunos detalles bastante curiosos que sirven para comprender un poco mejor los eventos que suceden. Sin embargo, con todo, no resulta nada extraordinario ni aporta de manera significativa al mythos de la franquicia.

A pesar de que la pasé bien mientras la leía, no se trata de una lectura que recomiende. Y, a menos que sean fans fieles aún después de tantos años, lo cierto es que no es indispensable en la mayoría de las colecciones.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked for where in the series cannon this book would be placed, huge thanks to a fellow GoodReads reader person for clarifying it is technically, a novelisation of the 1998 X-Files movie. Hence the Elizabeth Hand based on the Chris Carter label. It's all coming together!

I am quite old so it did take me a while to work out what was going on, also the narrator was very chaotic and quite loud, and as he does the majority of the X-Files audiobooks, I am unsure whether this was reserved just for this title or he does it all the time.

I think Elizabeth Hand did a grand job noting the quirks and peccadillos of the Mulder and Scully partnership, occasionally it was over explained in the respect of too many details were put in over long sentences.

So Mulder eating a sunflower seed became a whole scene, the way they walked was highly detailed and whilst it made for a very visual read, most people wanting to listen to this audiobook/read the e-book or paperback edition, would have been aware of Mulder and Scully prior to picking it up.

Therefore it felt a little over egged in terms of 'Remember these guys? We are talking about these guys! You know, Mulder and Scully!

This didn't necessarily spoil my enjoyment of the audiobook, however, because I am totally there for anything which recalls my misbegotten teen years!

There were no added extras, therefore what is on the screen is in the book, no frills or fancy things here so if you like the movie, there is a fair chance you will enjoy the book.

As a huge fan of Elizabeth Hand, this might not be my favourite of her novels, however, it is still worth reading/listening to for the nostalgia value alone.

I miss the X-Files and still, after all this time, want to believe.

[The Void Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The X-Files: Fight the Future" by Elizabeth Hand and Chris Carter is a must-read for any fan of the iconic sci-fi series. Building on the rich lore and complex characters of the TV show, the novel delivers a gripping narrative that plunges Mulder and Scully into a high-stakes conspiracy with global ramifications.

Hand's writing captures the eerie, suspenseful tone that fans have come to love, while Carter's creative vision ensures the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and thriller, maintaining the atmospheric tension that defines The X-Files.

In "Fight the Future," Mulder and Scully are faced with uncovering the truth behind a deadly virus and a shadowy government conspiracy. The stakes are higher than ever, and the story's pace never falters. The characters' development is particularly noteworthy, as their partnership and individual arcs are explored with depth and nuance.

For those who enjoyed the film, the novel adds layers of detail and background that enhance the overall experience. It serves not only as an excellent companion to the movie but also as a standalone adventure that captivates from start to finish.

In summary, "The X-Files: Fight the Future" is a thrilling addition to the series that delivers everything fans expect and more: suspense, intrigue, and the unyielding quest for the truth. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to The X-Files, this book is a rewarding read that will leave you eager for more paranormal investigations with Mulder and Scully.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beneath the surface of North Texas, something has been sleeping for more than thirty-five thousand years, since the last ice age until the present, when a group of young boys stumble upon something unspeakable deep inside a cavern. Their discovery draws the attention of the mysterious group known only as the syndicate--but will the syndicate save humanity, or bring on a viral Armageddon? In nearby Dallas, FBI special agents Fox Mulder And Dana Scully save hundreds of lives from a terrorist attack on a federal building. But in the government investigation that follows, their careers--and lives--are on the line, as the bureau attempts to pin the blame on them.
Why? Mulder and Scully's search for answers takes them from FBI headquarters in Washington, D. C., to a hidden laboratory on the Texas border and finally to a frozen wilderness, where their worst suspicions about a global conspiracy are confirmed. And when Scully is kidnapped and infected with an extraterrestrial virus, Mulder has only hours to find the antidote and his partner before it s too late--for all of us. Will one man be able to fight the future? "

An enthralling adventure leading to science fiction and yet with what all we’ve learned through the years technology wise maybe some truth is finally coming about! A really quick fast, can’t put down read!

[Edyta D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polski opis:
"Od ostatniej epoki lodowcowej głęboko w jaskini spało coś horrendalnego, co przypadkowo zbudzili mali chłopcy. Ich odkrycie zwróciło uwagę tajemniczej grupy ludzi, zwanej Syndykatem.
W pobliskim Dallas agenci FBI Fox Mulder i Dana Scully ratują życie setkom ludzi zagrożonych wybuchem bobmy podłożonej przez anonimowego terrorystę w gmachu władz federalnych. Niemniej po eksplozji rząd próbuje obarczyć ich winą za śmierć kilku osób. Dlaczego?
W poszukiwaniu odpowiedzi na to pytanie Mulder i Scully przemierzają kraj, by potwierdzić swe podejrzenia o istnieniu światowego spisku. I kiedy Scully zostaje uprowadzona i zainfekowana pozaziemskim wirusem, Mulder ma ledwie kilkadziesiąt godzin na to, żeby odnaleźć partnerkę i wstrzyknąć jej antidotum - zanim będzie za późno dla nas wszystkich.
Czy jeden człowiek zdoła stawić czoło przyszłości?"
Książka przeczytana na fali oglądania przeze mnie serialu i filmów ;) lekka i szybko mi się czytało, podobała mi się i miała jedną znaczącą różnicę w porównaniu z filmem ;)

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked:
* It’s the X-Files 🙂
* The author captured the characters and their mannerisms very well
* It was a quick read but not lacking in plot.

Didn’t like:
* It’s the book version of the movie, but I think if it was its own thing it might have been five stars.

Safe for Gram?
Yes. There were not cursing and the action was explained but not graphic. I don’t think Gram ever watched the X-files but this could have been a fun one to delve into, especially since she was alive during a lot of the USA ufo Roswell things.

Final thoughts:
I read this because I couldn’t find the movie. It went along with the series but I didn’t watch it in the correct spot with the show. I wish I had, slightly, because many of the characters and issues in the book had already been resolved or explained by the end of the regular season (which I just finished). The writing felt simple, although the mannerisms and language used by the characters was on point. I’m not sure how verbatim it was from the movie though, which would give more props to screen writers instead of the author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars out of 5)

[Tiberiu Baranyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of X-Files - it is the series that I've been watching as teenager , I loved the strange chemistry that the 2 main characters Fox Mulder - the man who wanted to believe - and Dana Scully the voice of reason and critical thinking, were creating on screen.
When some books were published ( either based on the work of Chris Carter either separately) I had to read them ...
This week I picked up X-Files: Fight the Future episode ... and even that back in a day I saw the movie, still it was a very good ready for this weekend.
A bit fast paced - just like reading through an action movies, but also having enough mystery to keep you there in the "flow".
For the fans of X-Files or for those into the genre ... I recommend it.

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

— Bomba aceea din Dallas a fost lăsată să explodeze, ca să se ascundă nişte cadavre infestate cu un virus. Un virus pe care l-ai detectat tu însăţi, Scully.

— În autocisterne se transportă benzină, se transportă petrol, dar nu viruşi.

Mulder privi cu încăpăţânare în întuneric.

— Ei bine, s-ar putea ca de data asta să fie altfel.

— Ce vrei să spui?

Pentru prima oară, Scully se uită direct la el, cu chipul întunecat de furie şi de o suspiciune crescândă.

— Ce nu mi-ai spus?

— Acest virus… spuse el, întorcându-i spatele şi temându-se să continue.

— Mulder…

— S-ar putea să fie extraterestru.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I normally enjoy about movie novelizations, is that you get to delve deeper into the inner dialogue of characters. Their thoughts and feelings reveal more of the story than you see on screen in the movie. Normally… Sadly, this book added nothing that wasn’t already in the movie’s dialog. It read like an abbreviated version of the movie even. Fun to read once, but the movie holds the more detailed version of the story.

[Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid adaptation of a solid X-Files movie. It has some typos and small errors, which struck me as a little odd, and it doesn't do much to smooth over any gaps in the story that the film had (like, come on, why did that bee wait to sting Scully until it was a prime cockblocking opportunity lol). But if you're a fan of the series and the film, then you'll probably enjoy this. It just didn't really stand out as anything super special.

[regina ferarri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love The X Files, and always support novelizations of film. Still, I hoped the book adaptation would help me look back on the movie with a new perspective, or at least help bring to life hard-to-film sensory or emotive details, but the prose was too bland for that. It also didn't help that the voice actor for the auto book made Scully come across as whiny instead of skeptical. I guess you can't always expect hidden gems.

[Carlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a pretty good retelling of the movie, though i wish there was some more insight (a lot of other novelizations i've read have more introspective details about the main and even the side characters; the alien series novelizations are a good example of this) or will add things from the script that were ultimately deleted from the final movie.

[Fabio Escudero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro sobre la película de Expedientes X (X Files), recomendado para amantes de la serie, y si se quiere pasar un buen rato con un libro muy liviano y entretenido.

Si fuera una película, sería de esas que no dejan mucho cuando se terminan de ver pero que en el transcurso divierten, y se ve que es justamente lo que buscaron los escritores cuando pensaron el libro.

[Becky-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is pretty much word for word the same as the film. It doesn’t really add any extra insights but it also doesn’t change things around. It’s a quick read. If you like the X-Files you’ll like this enough to read at least once (although if your like me you probably know all the weird already anyway!!)

[Sora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short read based almost precisely on the movie. So basically it’s if one doesn’t like watching tv? If my memory serves me it’s almost exactly the movie and doesn’t really add anything to the story- to be fair- it doesn’t subtract or change it any. I listened to the audio and the most annoying part was how the narrator and/or author read and wrote Scully. The movie is better.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guion adaptado de la clásica película de 1998. El libro es muy simple y no ahonda en los personajes, no aporta nada nuevo que no se haya visto en la película . Fue un viaje nostálgico ya que cuando era más joven estaba obsesionada con esta serie de televisión <3

[goopster · Rating 4 out of 5]

it really is just all the bits from the movie like i knew what was going on but that is what made it good and i think better for a book experience but will not give it a fiver bc it was missing the zest of adding something special

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Just like the movie.