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Aliens Omnibus #6
The Complete Aliens Omnibus: Volume Six
The sixth book in The Complete Aliens Omnibus, an essential collection for fans of Twentieth Century Fox's iconic blockbuster action-packed science fiction film Aliens, comprised of Cauldron and Steel Egg.In Cauldron, on the spaceship Umiak, an elite troupe of cadets is forced into servitude by an unscrupulous captain taking the ship to a smuggler's rendezvous. During the transaction aboard the eerily silent Virginia, the cadets unwittingly transport an unexpected a hive of hibernating aliens. As the aliens begin to awake, a terrifying battle erupts between the cadets, the smugglers, the captain, and the emergent monsters. The cadets soon realize that in space, no one can hear them scream.Steel Egg tells the story of the first encounter - someone battled them, and survived. Aliens and humans have fought before! When a human spaceship discovers a vast egg-shaped vessel in Saturn's orbit, the crew powers in to investigate. Thinking the ship might contain usable metal for Earth, they force their way aboard. Three teams split up to explore the ship. Already the aliens have awoken. The first of all the battles unfolds.
587 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2018
46 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Diane Carey
80 books122 followersDiane Carey also wrote the Distress Call 911 young adult series under the name D.L. Carey.
Diane Carey is primarily a science fiction author best known for her work in the Star Trek franchise. She has been the lead-off writer for two Star Trek spin-off book series: Star Trek The Next Generation with Star Trek: Ghost Ship, and the novelization of the Star Trek: Enterprise pilot, Broken Bow.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Carey
Diane Carey is primarily a science fiction author best known for her work in the Star Trek franchise. She has been the lead-off writer for two Star Trek spin-off book series: Star Trek The Next Generation with Star Trek: Ghost Ship, and the novelization of the Star Trek: Enterprise pilot, Broken Bow.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Carey
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 2, 2018
The first story was a bit of a mess really, it had some good bits but it was a real slow starter and the aliens just seemed odd in the story. The characters were a mish mash of dis likeable people, oddballs and knowledgeable bumpkins mixed in with hardened spacers and double dealing captains. It just felt flawed right through.
The second story was a bit more familiar, it has obviously been superseded somewhat by the Prometheus/Covenant story lines but it tries to tell the tale of how 'The Company' knew about aliens. Its an entertaining yarn that's part Alien and part Prometheus but somehow fails to capture that spark that the good Alien stories have. It tries to fill in some gaps and expand on the Aliens fast growth rate and just seems to muddy the waters some more. Better than the first story but still felt lacking.
The second story was a bit more familiar, it has obviously been superseded somewhat by the Prometheus/Covenant story lines but it tries to tell the tale of how 'The Company' knew about aliens. Its an entertaining yarn that's part Alien and part Prometheus but somehow fails to capture that spark that the good Alien stories have. It tries to fill in some gaps and expand on the Aliens fast growth rate and just seems to muddy the waters some more. Better than the first story but still felt lacking.
January 6, 2021
Cauldron
I really hope that Diane Carey (the author of this and DNA War) never again returns to the Alien universe. I noticed she wrote a few Star Trek books and after learning that, makes a lot of sense.
Cauldron felt like a few different books, mixed together and then realized she forgot the main ingredient, Aliens.
This book was hit and miss. I surprisingly liked the scene where the alien made the human scream, but did not like when it appeared with another human who the alien made talk...Rather confusing.
The kids were beyond annoying, though I didn’t mind one or two of them. Some of them are overly smart like Leigh and Pearl...oh yes, Pearl. So she makes a comment at the end that she was supposed to be one of Aliens because her DNA is all messed up....and then that was that. And the whole Adam drugging the grownups to take over the ship was beyond ridiculous and I thought he would’ve given a good reason why, he doesn’t, period. Plus the kids don’t really even fight Adam on releasing the captain and all watch as he’s made to see his family heirloom melted down to nothing...
The reasoning the aliens escaped, for chickens to be cooked, was pretty ridiculous as well and after there released, take over the ship in a matter of an hour, from what I read. Also, the ship they were originally released on (the Virginia) docked with the Umiak (the kids ship), is never mentioned again after more than half the crew of the Umiak departs. What happened to the rest of the crew and aliens, left on the Virginia?
I did like the releasing of all the animals throughout the cargo hold to mess with the aliens. That part was pretty cool and an alien going up against a saber tooth and mammoth was a neat idea. Plus I feel she described the aliens as more horror and brutal than she did in DNA War, so there’s that.
The random pirates/smugglers that showed up delivers absolutely nothing to the story other than a baby getting ripped out of one of the female pirates and Robin taking care of it, which is even hardly mentioned.
It ends with the remaining kids splashing and swimming around in a container which was filled with aquatic life...yeah...
Once again, I don’t mind authors taking the aliens in a different direction and trying new things, but this author misses more than hits.
Maybe because I was warned previously about the novel but I think I still hold DNA War as the worst, followed right behind this one.
Steel Egg
I got to say that this last run of novels haven’t met up to the previous Bantam ones.
I’m still digesting it but it had moments I didn’t mind and started to lose me the more the author introduced the Giff species and their flying Diamond shaped hover boards...ugh...
Reynolds was a rather interesting character for being a piece of shit ha. I wouldn’t have minded more insight from his point of view.
The UNIC, CANC and the company description were interesting in setting up what earth was going through in regards to planetary exploration and settlements. I also really liked how the author described the facehuggers attack on the humans, I felt he made the most descriptive explanation on how they attack ones face.
Other than that, it was a mess. Each time they were in the steel egg spaceship I just rolled my eyes and hoping they’d move on. The description of the Giff species was kinda confusing to me and the author really focused on them, it took it from a horror type of novel to fantasy, and not in a good way.
Maybe if he left out the Giff and diamond skateboards it would’ve grabbed me more, who knows.
Other than that there really isn’t much more to say about it, honestly. It was kinda just bland, blah...
I really hope that Diane Carey (the author of this and DNA War) never again returns to the Alien universe. I noticed she wrote a few Star Trek books and after learning that, makes a lot of sense.
Cauldron felt like a few different books, mixed together and then realized she forgot the main ingredient, Aliens.
This book was hit and miss. I surprisingly liked the scene where the alien made the human scream, but did not like when it appeared with another human who the alien made talk...Rather confusing.
The kids were beyond annoying, though I didn’t mind one or two of them. Some of them are overly smart like Leigh and Pearl...oh yes, Pearl. So she makes a comment at the end that she was supposed to be one of Aliens because her DNA is all messed up....and then that was that. And the whole Adam drugging the grownups to take over the ship was beyond ridiculous and I thought he would’ve given a good reason why, he doesn’t, period. Plus the kids don’t really even fight Adam on releasing the captain and all watch as he’s made to see his family heirloom melted down to nothing...
The reasoning the aliens escaped, for chickens to be cooked, was pretty ridiculous as well and after there released, take over the ship in a matter of an hour, from what I read. Also, the ship they were originally released on (the Virginia) docked with the Umiak (the kids ship), is never mentioned again after more than half the crew of the Umiak departs. What happened to the rest of the crew and aliens, left on the Virginia?
I did like the releasing of all the animals throughout the cargo hold to mess with the aliens. That part was pretty cool and an alien going up against a saber tooth and mammoth was a neat idea. Plus I feel she described the aliens as more horror and brutal than she did in DNA War, so there’s that.
The random pirates/smugglers that showed up delivers absolutely nothing to the story other than a baby getting ripped out of one of the female pirates and Robin taking care of it, which is even hardly mentioned.
It ends with the remaining kids splashing and swimming around in a container which was filled with aquatic life...yeah...
Once again, I don’t mind authors taking the aliens in a different direction and trying new things, but this author misses more than hits.
Maybe because I was warned previously about the novel but I think I still hold DNA War as the worst, followed right behind this one.
Steel Egg
I got to say that this last run of novels haven’t met up to the previous Bantam ones.
I’m still digesting it but it had moments I didn’t mind and started to lose me the more the author introduced the Giff species and their flying Diamond shaped hover boards...ugh...
Reynolds was a rather interesting character for being a piece of shit ha. I wouldn’t have minded more insight from his point of view.
The UNIC, CANC and the company description were interesting in setting up what earth was going through in regards to planetary exploration and settlements. I also really liked how the author described the facehuggers attack on the humans, I felt he made the most descriptive explanation on how they attack ones face.
Other than that, it was a mess. Each time they were in the steel egg spaceship I just rolled my eyes and hoping they’d move on. The description of the Giff species was kinda confusing to me and the author really focused on them, it took it from a horror type of novel to fantasy, and not in a good way.
Maybe if he left out the Giff and diamond skateboards it would’ve grabbed me more, who knows.
Other than that there really isn’t much more to say about it, honestly. It was kinda just bland, blah...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
Aliens: Omnibus Volume 6 - A Thrilling Exploration of Deep-Space Horror
Aliens: Omnibus Volume 6, which compiles two gripping novels, *Aliens: Cauldron* by Diane Carey and *Aliens: Steel Egg* by John Shirley, takes readers on an intense journey into the vast and terrifying world of the Alien universe. Both novels offer unique perspectives on the iconic Xenomorph threat, yet share the same spine-tingling tension and claustrophobic dread that fans of the franchise have come to expect.
### **Aliens: Cauldron by Diane Carey**
In *Aliens: Cauldron*, Diane Carey crafts a tense and action-packed narrative set aboard the cargo ship *Virginia*. The story revolves around a stolen weapon that triggers a deadly game of survival as the crew becomes trapped with a nest of Xenomorphs. Carey’s ability to build suspense is evident as she weaves a story of betrayal, corporate greed, and space-faring horror. She delves into the psyches of her characters, particularly the two sisters at the heart of the narrative, adding an emotional dimension to the high-stakes conflict. The pacing is relentless, with scenes of intense combat and chilling terror as the Xenomorphs wreak havoc in the confined spaces of the ship. Carey’s prose is sharp and immersive, making the reader feel every moment of fear and desperation as the crew fights for survival.
**Aliens: Steel Egg by John Shirley**
John Shirley’s *Aliens: Steel Egg* takes the reader back to the early days of humanity’s encounter with the Xenomorphs. Set aboard the derelict alien vessel *Steel Egg*, Shirley presents a thrilling origin story, exploring the curiosity and naivety of the first humans to come face-to-face with the terrifying creatures. His approach is more philosophical, focusing on the existential dread of encountering an unknown, incomprehensible species. The novel is a fascinating mix of sci-fi and horror, emphasizing the sheer alienness of the Xenomorphs and the folly of humanity’s hubris. Shirley excels at creating an atmosphere of escalating dread, and his depiction of the discovery of the alien ship feels like a love letter to the original *Alien* film, capturing the eerie sense of isolation and impending doom.
**Overall Impressions**
Together, *Aliens: Cauldron* and *Aliens: Steel Egg* provide a rich, layered experience for fans of the *Alien* franchise. Each novel complements the other, one offering a high-octane survival story and the other a more reflective exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos when faced with the unknown. The anthology showcases the versatility of the *Aliens* universe, where there is room for both brutal action and philosophical inquiry. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the depth and detail both authors bring to the lore, while newcomers will find a chilling introduction to the horror and wonder of the *Aliens* mythos.
*Aliens: Omnibus Volume 6* is a must-read for any fan of deep-space horror, blending intense action with psychological tension in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this anthology is sure to deliver the thrills and chills synonymous with the *Alien* name.
Aliens: Omnibus Volume 6, which compiles two gripping novels, *Aliens: Cauldron* by Diane Carey and *Aliens: Steel Egg* by John Shirley, takes readers on an intense journey into the vast and terrifying world of the Alien universe. Both novels offer unique perspectives on the iconic Xenomorph threat, yet share the same spine-tingling tension and claustrophobic dread that fans of the franchise have come to expect.
### **Aliens: Cauldron by Diane Carey**
In *Aliens: Cauldron*, Diane Carey crafts a tense and action-packed narrative set aboard the cargo ship *Virginia*. The story revolves around a stolen weapon that triggers a deadly game of survival as the crew becomes trapped with a nest of Xenomorphs. Carey’s ability to build suspense is evident as she weaves a story of betrayal, corporate greed, and space-faring horror. She delves into the psyches of her characters, particularly the two sisters at the heart of the narrative, adding an emotional dimension to the high-stakes conflict. The pacing is relentless, with scenes of intense combat and chilling terror as the Xenomorphs wreak havoc in the confined spaces of the ship. Carey’s prose is sharp and immersive, making the reader feel every moment of fear and desperation as the crew fights for survival.
**Aliens: Steel Egg by John Shirley**
John Shirley’s *Aliens: Steel Egg* takes the reader back to the early days of humanity’s encounter with the Xenomorphs. Set aboard the derelict alien vessel *Steel Egg*, Shirley presents a thrilling origin story, exploring the curiosity and naivety of the first humans to come face-to-face with the terrifying creatures. His approach is more philosophical, focusing on the existential dread of encountering an unknown, incomprehensible species. The novel is a fascinating mix of sci-fi and horror, emphasizing the sheer alienness of the Xenomorphs and the folly of humanity’s hubris. Shirley excels at creating an atmosphere of escalating dread, and his depiction of the discovery of the alien ship feels like a love letter to the original *Alien* film, capturing the eerie sense of isolation and impending doom.
**Overall Impressions**
Together, *Aliens: Cauldron* and *Aliens: Steel Egg* provide a rich, layered experience for fans of the *Alien* franchise. Each novel complements the other, one offering a high-octane survival story and the other a more reflective exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos when faced with the unknown. The anthology showcases the versatility of the *Aliens* universe, where there is room for both brutal action and philosophical inquiry. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the depth and detail both authors bring to the lore, while newcomers will find a chilling introduction to the horror and wonder of the *Aliens* mythos.
*Aliens: Omnibus Volume 6* is a must-read for any fan of deep-space horror, blending intense action with psychological tension in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this anthology is sure to deliver the thrills and chills synonymous with the *Alien* name.
September 28, 2024
Another mixed bag.
In book one, Cauldron, the Aliens are almost an afterthought to the main story. The Aliens feel just there in the background to push the narrative along. It's okay overall, but whole plotlines just end with a, "well the aliens killed them all, while you were reading this other plotline, so...no time to describe it. Anyway, back to that plotline now."
Book two, Steel Egg, was great. This would have made for a great prequel movie describing how Earth/The Company discovered the Aliens, at first, and led into the first movie revelation of why the Nostromo ended up where it did.
One publishing error with this paperback edition was every 20 or so pages entire lines were smashed together without an spacing between words. Itwasannoyingbutyoucanstillreadthetext.
In book one, Cauldron, the Aliens are almost an afterthought to the main story. The Aliens feel just there in the background to push the narrative along. It's okay overall, but whole plotlines just end with a, "well the aliens killed them all, while you were reading this other plotline, so...no time to describe it. Anyway, back to that plotline now."
Book two, Steel Egg, was great. This would have made for a great prequel movie describing how Earth/The Company discovered the Aliens, at first, and led into the first movie revelation of why the Nostromo ended up where it did.
One publishing error with this paperback edition was every 20 or so pages entire lines were smashed together without an spacing between words. Itwasannoyingbutyoucanstillreadthetext.
December 21, 2019
Aliens: Cauldron-2/5 stars. If you want to know what Jason X would be like if it was Aliens instead of Jason, this is about as clone as you get, with annoying slasher teenage victims as our main cast
Aliens: Steel Egg-4/5 stars. It's similar to Alien in a lot of ways, but if you want to read an actually good prequel to Alien to get the taste of Covenant out of your mouth, it's as good a place as any, though the part after the company intervenes is the weakest part of the whole novel.
Aliens: Steel Egg-4/5 stars. It's similar to Alien in a lot of ways, but if you want to read an actually good prequel to Alien to get the taste of Covenant out of your mouth, it's as good a place as any, though the part after the company intervenes is the weakest part of the whole novel.
July 3, 2018
i enjoyed, waiting for the omnibus 7
this was a good all round book I enjoy when other aliens are added into it, gives it a unique view rather than the same old same old, I think it's time different versions of aliens are added I mean completely wild variations would be entertaining. both of these books were good but I feel they ended rather quickly and aosy adrupt.
this was a good all round book I enjoy when other aliens are added into it, gives it a unique view rather than the same old same old, I think it's time different versions of aliens are added I mean completely wild variations would be entertaining. both of these books were good but I feel they ended rather quickly and aosy adrupt.
June 27, 2020
A good premise
I am glad to have found the Alien Omnibus series because it continues a very interesting creature and their stories. This one has proved to me the series has much more lives to it.
I am glad to have found the Alien Omnibus series because it continues a very interesting creature and their stories. This one has proved to me the series has much more lives to it.
July 3, 2018
NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON ANYONE IT IS.....
Hello, these stories were good. Better than the last ones. The authors do seem to be hitting a bit of writer's block. Thanks.
Hello, these stories were good. Better than the last ones. The authors do seem to be hitting a bit of writer's block. Thanks.
October 21, 2019
Cauldron was a very mixed mess but got better toward the end.
Steel Egg was a solid one.
Steel Egg was a solid one.
April 13, 2022
Worst of all the Omnibus serie, a lot in black and white and some so-so stories.
July 3, 2022
The two stories were not fine literature, and I almost gave up partway through the first one, but I kept going. And was rewarded with two very fun stories by the end.
July 23, 2024
This book contains two stories; I read both. I would have given this book five stars, but the second story was so gory that I had to stop reading it. As a result, the book gets four stars.
December 9, 2025
Book one? Ummm yeah...
Book two? My gawds...
The line in the author's notes of the second story says "this is my version of the Aliens universe", so if you don't like it, tough. Well, did not like it.
Book two? My gawds...
The line in the author's notes of the second story says "this is my version of the Aliens universe", so if you don't like it, tough. Well, did not like it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews