Others say...

"What should've been the script for the AvP movie"
This is a great book. I read it 6 years ago and still remember it as being the best introduction between the three species. Such a small book (er, well, I've been reading Peter F. Hamilton in the past few years) but action packed (cinematic scenes), introduced an alien culture, a plausible link between alien and predator species, and in the tradition of the Aliens movie series, a kickass heroine. This is a great book and if you're a fan of the series of books and movies centered around the two species, then go no further than this book for the best action packed introduction to the two species and an awesome heroine in between.

"Before there was the AvP movie..."
Before the AvP movie, there was the Alien/Predator crossover found in comics by Dark Horse and then brought to paperback form by Steve Perry. All the books in this series takes place in the future while humans are settling on new planets. Here we have Machiko Noguchi conducting her business on a hot wasteland world for the Coporation. Predators, the species called yuatja, have begun seeding the planet with alien eggs so they may perform a Hunt. The Hunt is a right of passage for young yuatja to join the warrior caste. Sure enough, the humans on the planet are caught in the middle when the facehuggers begin using their "cattle" beasts as hosts. During the Hunt, and older predator/yuatja is injured, found, and brought back to the settlement. This sets up the alliance formed by Broken Tusk (the predator) and Noguchi.

This book is the beginning of a fun series. We get to see into the predators' background and society in a way that doesn't make them look evil and nasty like the movies. They are honor-bound but still a warrior based society. We are further satitsfied by being able to learn various words of the yuatja language without going all Klingon-geekfest on it (no offense meant to those Trek fans out there reading this). It's a well done book and a great adventure that goes deeper than the comics. You can also pick up traces of the story that influenced the writing for the movie AvP set in modern day. Noguchi and Lex (from the movie) are very similar characters in these circumstances. Well done and the other books are just as enjoyable.

"What every Sci-Fi Action book should be!"
I just finished this book today and I've got to say that I really enjoyed it. True, it's not really a very complexly written piece, but this facet merely adds to the fast pace and unrelenting tension in the book. Steve Perry doesn't go to great pains to describe heavy detail, but this allows you to use your imagination more and ensures that you're always kept interested.

At the end of this book you feel a strong connection with each character, and what surprised me the most is the connection you feel for the main Predator, Dachande. Perry creates believable characters that all act according to their past experiences and beliefs - for example, Machiko Noguchi is trained in Karate and has obviously suffered great pain in her past (that Perry reveals early on in the book) that causes her to be seen as a steely, cold individual. Dachande is a noble and highly respected Predator, skilled in the ways of the hunt and is certainly wise, agile and knowledgeable. He too has suffered loss in the past; and we even get the impression that Dachande is very close to a human in terms of his thinking and even his feelings. Both characters are strong-willed and determined, and "Aliens Vs. Predator: Prey," we see how the two will ultimately have to depend on each other as their fates become inextricably intertwined.

We also learn alot more about the Predator culture: one thing we learn is that the Predator Society is built strongly around the concept of honour, bravery, strength, skill, wisdom and agility. We also see that some young Predators (such as Tichinde) are rather aggressive and head-strong; just as many human youths are. We learn that Predator females are much larger than the males and, according to the law of averages (and possibly a feminist movement on the Predator homeworld), that they are usually smarter than the males. The reader is also given a greater insight into the language of the Predator: here are some terms that you may want to use: (Skip this if you like)

1) Thwei - Blood.
2) Da'dtou-di - Small Knife (female form)
3) S'yuit-de! - *Some form of curse*
4) tarei hsan - Alien Drone
5) kainde amedha - Aliens or Xenomorphs
6) te'dqi - Alien Secretion or resin
7) z'skvy-de - A hosts convulsion before a chest-burster's birth.
8) ki'cti-pa - Wristblade

That's most of the terminology from the book. As you can see, the Predators have a very involved language involving many clicks and sharp sounds, much like that of the Khoi-Khoi people in my country, South Africa.

Many unpredictable things occur in this book, and many of the people you believe will die actually don't (although some deserve it, such as Ackland.) There are a few plot twists and you'll feel a sadness for those characters that perish, especially the ones you get to know well. Steve Perry is able to create attachments between the reader and his characters; and also manages to create some epic battle scenes. His technique gives you the idea of a frenzied, relentless and truly tiring battle; and as you read you'll feel that you too are in the battles between the 3 races.

There's action, irony, dark humour, sadness, adventure and an interesting plot with many twists and turns along the way. Steve Perry starts off this Saga excellently and that's why I give "Aliens Vs. Predator: Prey" a fat 95%. My only complaint is that a few more humans got their asses kicked, but it's minor. So if you like action-packed Science-Fiction with interesting characters and an inspired tale; then Steve Perry's "Aliens Vs. Predator: Prey" will be exactly what the doctor ordered. It's a must read for any Predator and Alien fan alike - so go on, get it out your local library or steal it or buy it, it's a good, exciting read and it won't disappoint! Long Live AVP!

"one of my favorate books"
its better than the movie. i was going to say something esle but i fear it would be a spoiler........zzzzzzzzzzip

"great "
it was one of the best books ive ever read it was very infomative and suspensful