Predator: Forever Midnight

Predator Novels

by John Shirley

The year is 2117, A.D. Humanity has seized the stars - using reverse-engineered alien technology to explore the far reaches of space. For 100 years the Predators, sadistic extraterrestrial hunters, have been a dim memory. For 100 years, we've been safe. That ends now.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Novels, Aliens

250 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 7, 2006

About the author

John Shirley won the Bram Stoker Award for his story collection Black Butterflies, and is the author of numerous novels, including the best-seller DEMONS, the cyberpunk classics CITY COME A-WALKIN', ECLIPSE, and BLACK GLASS, and his newest novels STORMLAND and A SORCERER OF ATLANTIS.

He is also a screenwriter, having written for television and movies; he was co-screenwriter of THE CROW. He has been several Year's Best anthologies including Prime Books' THE YEAR'S BEST DARK FANTASY AND HORROR anthology, and his nwest story collection is IN EXTREMIS: THE MOST EXTREME SHORT STORIES OF JOHN SHIRLEY. His novel BIOSHOCK: RAPTURE telling the story of the creation and undoing of Rapture, from the hit videogame BIOSHOCK is out from TOR books; his Halo novel, HALO: BROKEN CIRCLE is coming out from Pocket Books.

His most recent novels are STORMLAND and (forthcoming) AXLE BUST CREEK. His new story collection is THE FEVERISH STARS. STORMLAND and other John Shirley novels are available as audiobooks.

He is also a lyricist, having written lyrics for 18 songs recorded by the Blue Oyster Cult (especially on their albums Heaven Forbidden and Curse of the Hidden Mirror), and his own recordings.

John Shirley has written only one nonfiction book, GURDJIEFF: AN INTRODUCTION TO HIS LIFE AND IDEAS, published by Penguin/Jeremy Tarcher.

John Shirley story collections include BLACK BUTTERFLIES, IN EXTREMIS, REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY WEIRD STORIES, and LIVING SHADOWS.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Jean-Francois Boivin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book at all. In a 2012 interview, writer Shirley wrote "I enjoyed the Predator films and it was fun to write that book but one issue that comes up is, some fans are very possessive about the franchise they love. Some fans of the Predator comic book thought I ought to have followed its internal rules, its canon — but I didn’t read the comics, wasn’t required to. I just started with the movies and launched from there." But who else does he think will read this novel? fans of the movies or fans of the expanded universe materials?

Therein lies one of the problems, but also his unfamiliarity with the Predator movies and the Yautja culture previously established so adeptly by Steve and Stefani Perry. Here, Shirley decided to set the story in 2117 (probably had to end with "7" cause the first two movies were set in 1987 and 1997), a time period pretty well established in the ALIEN franchise (the first ALIEN takes place in 2122) so it also rules out his knowledge of that universe. But that last part is ok; PREDATOR is not necessarily set in the same universe as the ALIEN movies.

Also his "internal rules" that he follows from the PREDATOR movies is the planet it is set on is in perpetual sunlight, since the Preds like the heat. But his knowledge pretty much ends there!

Not knowing of previously established material, Shirley re-invented the wheel by naming the Preds the Hish-qu-Ten ("The People Who Take Territory"). Again this is not too bad. What is bad is her makes them almost comical: they talk amongst each other like Humans, they make a lot of jokes about genitalia, call Humans "Tall Monkeys" and are controlled by a "kill gland" that puts them in a constant berserk state where they kill each other but control it with some drugs or medicine. The leader of the expedition to the Human colony (which Humans have ironically named Midnight, while for the Preds it is Safari Planet #3998), whose name is Shesh-Kuk is always annoyed at the long, silly honorifics that his subordinates address him by. It seems like a recurring joke for the author with monikers like "Exquisitely Developped Ruthlessness" and "O He Who Makes Worlds Into Slaughterhouses." And worst of all, Preds are now hermaphrodites, their hormones can change their sex anytime creating another source of sexual jokes.

As far as technology, most of it was created by am insectoid race the Preds enslaved named the Amengi. And apparently the Humans appropriated their space-travel technology in the past and reverse-engineered it to explore space themselves (thus the incompability with the ALIEN universe). The Preds in this particular story carry some experimental technology of mind-control and mind-transferance. One of the soldiers crashing on the planet is taken prisoner, and indoctrinated with a machine that makes him believe he is become a Pred himself and when they send him back among his fellow Humans, he betrays them. Later he betrays the Preds, making them very careless and un-warrior-like. Which is the big problem with this book: the Preds (I can't bring myself to call them Hish) are protrayed almost as bumbling idiots. Another piece of technology they have is drones that shoot a dart into someone's neck, then that person is controlled remotely with joysticks by the Predator younglings as if they are playing a video game. I'm not making this up folks.

At the core, it's a story of one father named Commander Ness, a marine soldier who arranged to get assigned to a mission on a colony where his ex-wife and his kid are stationed. When he arrives there, his ship is attacked by Predators and the ship crashed in the jungle. The entire book portrays his and his remaining crew's trek across the jungles and plains of the planet, meeting strange, unoriginal plants and animals, a group of descendants of Humans that were brought here in 1804 and degenerated into their own culture, and a group of reptilian aliens. Meanwhile at the colony, the Preds begin their attack and kill everyone. By the time Ness gets to the colony, his ex-wife and kid reprensent half of the remaining survivors (how convenient), and Ness only has one remaining soldier with him.

The book is not very well executed at all. The dialogue is trite and sounds very 2000's (with expressions like "bro" and "like" repeated several times). The story is predictable and the ending is unsatisfactory. I do not recommend this.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel. I do understand that John Shirley took liberties with the Predator culture, and maybe even the physiology, but to me it was still a good read. If nothing else, just think of this as being set in the "multiverse" where the Predators are just a little different there than the ones we know.

The setting made the book. The various creatures inhabiting the planet were awesome, and perhaps even more dangerous than the Predators themselves. The story is standard Aliens/Predator fare for the most part. A group of colonists on a planet, Predators show up, etc.

This isn't Pulitzer material, but it's not meant to be. It's a fun read.

[Will Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
After over 100 pages of this I just could not get into it. The writing was very flat and uninspired . I don’t think the author really understood the Predators ether, they where written almost like a pack of mindless savages with the exception of their leader who was closer to a Saturday morning cartoon villain than anything.

[Zoe Furley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book for ages! Having , by this point in time read many of the dark horse comic and book adaptations. As well as being a big fan of the films ! I thought surly this will be another classic read delving in to the world of the Predators once again.... i was a little mistaken.

Prior to this book sitting on my shelf i was not aware that the author had seen the first predator film and then basically ran with the idea and made a lot of it up himself. Which, book aside is still quite an impressive feat! However with the sheer amount of lore and world building that has long been established it wasn't needed and a little disjointing to read, but i do applaud the effort.

This book had me gripped for the first , I'd say half. I wasn't aware of the above and dove in expecting another Dark horse style edition to the world! I struggled to care to much about the our main characters Ness, Georgie who are the main soldiers in this tale and then on the newly settled plant Midnight Derry and his mother. Who is Ness's estrange wife and son.
Ness had , had a fling and caused a breakdown of his marriage, Georgie was trying to get her Leg over with Ness but he showed no interest. He was Just focusing on getting across the star system to find his Wife and son again. To try and rebuild his family and in general survive the calamity the preds had caused.
I liked Georgie initially but without ruining the end her character gets abit dull and quiet with a shake up towards the end. I was sorta Meh about her in general by the final few pages.

So after getting all the background on the humans, i was eagerly awaiting the Preds to turn up, to give us some more juicy lore and insight in to their world!
These Preds, are very different from the ones I've become familiar with... they have enslaved races serving them, they are hermaphrodites, not quite as honourable or selective with kills, appear to bicker a lot, loathe each other and in general were quite inept ! Which is not the preds i know !

The whole premise of this book is very much like the Predators 2010 film, there is a safari planet where aliens & humans are abducted and dropped off. To keep it fully stocked for the preds to use as hunting grounds.
The initial few pages set hundreds of years back (1800-1900) was very interesting, i was hooked by this initially kick off and was hopeful we'd get some more details on these characters or descendants.
i wanted more but got very little, the descendants get a few chapters and mentions here and there. By far to me one of the most interesting aspects of this story that was not fully utilised i think.

By the end its all out chaos of war, explosions, trophies, sabotage, redeement and a loose closure on things.
I really struggled to read this beyond about half way, the author was quite intent on giving as much detail and world building on the planet and wildlife as possible and i feel a lot of things got lost in the process.

Not one of my favourite reads but I'm still glad its been moved off my to do shelf :)

[Chris The Lizard from Planet X · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Predator: Forever Midnight" by John Shirley is an action-packed and thrilling addition to the Predator franchise that takes readers on a wild ride through interstellar conflict and primal survival.

Set in the year 2117, the novel explores the treacherous world of Midnight, a distant planet where humans have established a mining colony. However, the colonists are not the only inhabitants of this hostile environment; they soon find themselves at the mercy of the deadly and relentless Predators. Shirley masterfully captures the essence of the Predators, maintaining their iconic brutality and cunning while introducing new dimensions to their culture and motivations.

The story follows an ensemble cast of characters, each with their own struggles and perspectives, which adds depth to the narrative. The protagonist, Captain Ness, stands out as a resilient and resourceful leader, determined to protect his people from the alien menace. Shirley's character development is commendable, creating individuals with relatable fears and aspirations amidst the chaos of survival.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its vivid descriptions and fast-paced action sequences. Shirley's writing immerses readers in the hostile landscapes of Midnight, painting a picture of a world where danger lurks around every corner. The tension and suspense are palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through intense battles and harrowing escapes.

"Predator: Forever Midnight" also delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Shirley effectively explores the moral complexities of war and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity when faced with extreme adversity.

However, some readers might find the abundance of action sequences overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing character development and plot progression. Additionally, the novel's reliance on established Predator lore may make it less accessible to newcomers unfamiliar with the franchise.

Overall, "Predator: Forever Midnight" is a gripping and exhilarating read that stays true to the spirit of the Predator series. John Shirley's skillful storytelling and immersive world-building make this novel a must-read for fans of science fiction and action-adventure. Whether you're a long-time Predator enthusiast or a newcomer to the franchise, this book offers a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED.

Is it good? NO.

Is it an amazing achievement of the literary form? Yes.

Gender Fluid Predators who are INCREDIBLY HORNY and are down to get wasted. This is Canon now.

Shirley commits the cardinal sin for keeping vague antagonists scary by telling us waaaay to much about them....but this is the one time that I love it, because there is not a single HINGED thought going on in his brain.

Does the alien human bromance better than Project Hail Mary (THE SALAMANDER MAN STARTS EVERY SENTENCE WITH BRO once they become friends) and as a whole it's still better than The Predator.

[Jigsocrates · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could rate it as zero star, I would. This book was an absolute insult to Predator fandom. First of all, the Predator characters read more like the Psychlos from the film adaptation of "Battlefield Earth" than the Yautja of the established canon. They are melodramatic, brutal, psychotic tyrants who are unaware of their own shortcomings while overcompensating for them via the enslavement of other species (some of whom the author claims are actually responsible for the development and maintenance of pred tech). There is far too much focus from both the characters and the narrative on the hermaphroditic sexuality of the so-called Hish (the author's name for the Predators). The author actually has the title characters stalking and killing women and children who are unarmed and cowering in an attic. It is at that point that any true Predhead should put down this rag and just move on.
I only purchased this book because it was unavailable at my local library. When I was done, I was so infuriated by this abysmal tome (and the unavoidable truth that I'd actually paid money for it), that I could find only one way to deal with it. No I didn't throw it away, though the idea had merit. No I didn't burn it, though that idea had a sick appeal for a moment. And I didn't sell it, as that would have made me guilty of passing on my shame to some other poor unsuspecting reader. Instead, I donated it to my local library. Now anyone who lives in the Denver area (or has the patience to use the interstate library loan systems) can call upon the Denver library to pick up and read a copy for free.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can i say about this book, there were a couple of things I didn't like but other than a few nit-picky details, I liked it. I'm glad my little book worm got it for me. :)

[Jayden de Raat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read all the comics and are very familiar with the Predator lore then you will hate this book.

If you've only seen the movies then you very well may enjoy this book

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was meh. It had rough edges, ok story, but honestly not really worth the read.
I loved the alien world in this, that's the coolest part of the story. I like that we, the readers, got to see through the predators presectium, but I felt a lot was messed with. For example, predators are well known as Yautja since 1994. Why the author decided to change that for this 2006 book was very confusing.
Also, I'm confused why they make a human a "predator" through mind control, the whole thing doesn't feel right at all to what predators do. Hunt, challenge, honorable kill or death. They more likely use him as bait, or free him to terrify the others. Mind control just seems against their honor code, cause it not a fight, it's not a challenge, it not a trophy that gives them honor in some way.
Also, I like that the author made the point of predators change genders, that was cool idea, but on the other hand I felt it defeat the purpose of the system. They gain honor through the hunt, for statues and rank. The higher the rank, the more privileges they gain such as breeding. If they could just switch genders that becomes pointless in retrospect. But I still thought the idea was cool, it just gave me mixed feelings.
I want evolution for these creatures but it still has to feel like something that specie would actually do. Slaves sure, mind-control slaves that fight for them? No... well, ok maybe for entertainment in an arena/gladiator fight, but not for the hunt.
Oh one more thing, there is no way that a group of five people are going to survive on an alien planet, reproduce creating a "native" tribe in 313 years. No way, you'd have so many inbreeding, genetic diseases. Species restoration theories, would indicate inbreed in one generation as the two woman are related mother and daughter. So wrong, so many levels.

[Donavon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had book on bucket list for years. I'm a little disappointed while reading it.

The good:
- Predators abducting and seeding hunting planet (prior to movie Predators)
- planet this takes place on is interesting
- some of human characters are relatable and interesting

The bad:
- seeded humans are not warriors and are kinda forgotten about for hundreds of years?
- Predators have subjacated many different species as slave labor on the ship and home world
- Predators are very focused on mind control using various methods, seem odd, and diminish the hunter type society movies portray
- Predators are physically unlike any other version, can chalk that up to being a sub-species/race (similar to Beaserker and Feral types from newer movies)

[Eager Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mm. I'm tempted to give this 3 stars, but I'll go 4. Good writing all the way through and a cool location for a predator story. Maybe inspired the movie Predators, I dunno. Too many characters to follow and too much insight into the predator culture spoiled it a little for me, I didn't like the taking away of the mystery of the Predator race but maybe the author was told to do that and maybe I should be prepared for that when I read one of these books. Probably won't read any other of the novels in this universe. But yeah, vicious and nasty and action from the get go so a solid Predator story.

[Lance Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Predators are kind of dumb and reckless. Unlike the Aliens vs. Predator books, the Predators in this book do not have an honor code when hunting humans. They kill anything and everything, including children, even if their “kill glands” is inactive. They are also not very cunning.

[William Warnecke · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the movies and sci fi/ military type stories in general you’ll like this. It’s not groundbreaking but an entertaining read. Certainly has enough violence and action to please fans.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, somewhere between 2 and 3 stars [but close to 2, I think]. It involves a colony established by humanity on what they do not realize is a Predator safari planet [think of the planet in the movie 'Predators'] and said colony being attacked. It had a good pace to it; it kept me interested enough to finish the book. However, it was not 'gripping' where I regretted having to put it down.

The most interesting thing about the book is that it provides cultural insight into the Predators - we actually get to read what they are thinking and discussing. Perhaps in other books this is done as well, but in the Dark Horse comics I have read [as well as the novelizations of the first two movies] we never get to delve into what the Hish [what the Predators call themselves] are speaking or thinking. So it was an interesting change of pace. We also learn more about their overall culture such as how they can change sexes at will, alternating between male and female genders [although I am not sure why this is the case]. We learn they have a 'kill gland' which secretes a hormone that turns them into mindless, violent, rampaging, killing berserkers as well as the fact that they are like violent Jawas or the Borg, scavenging technology off other races to blend in with their own technology. Furthermore, they make slaves of races deemed suitable and utilizable as slaves. . Perhaps much of this has been revealed in other books/novels - this is the second recent novel I have read and the first novel did not delve too deeply into the Predator culture.

The planet is a mishmash of various surviving races as well as native flora/fauna, and an incoming supply vessel is attacked by the Predators; the survivors of their attack make it to the surface and are in for the fight of their lives. [the planet reminded me of the planet described by David Drake in 'Redliners', to some extent]. It was interesting to read about the various interactions between plant-life and wildlife as the survivors tried to make it back to the human colony. Unbeknownst to the surviving soldiers, the Predators have infected some of the colonists with devices that allow the Predators to control the colonists like drones. In addition, one of the soldiers is infected and mind-controlled after being captured by the Predators.

The 'funniest' part of the book is the initial attack on the supply vessel - every soldier that dies is named after a science-fiction author. I think I recognized all of the authors named; the only ones not named were Heinlein and Asimov [might have been too heretical in nature]. It took me a few minutes as I was reading the computer listing off the name of each soldier at the moment of death to realize what was going on and who was dying.

The 'dumbest' part of the book was describing the terrible antics of 'Christian terrorists' and fanatics. It is always interesting to see how sci-fi authors try to write about religion in terms of sci-fi and encountering alien races. Some religions are more amenable to encountering alien races; Christianity, not so much [the same can be said of Judaism and Islam]. But blatantly lumping all Christians as 'fanatics' is such a stale, overused stereotype it is depressing when an author feels the need to fall back upon such trope in his or her writing.

On a side note - in this book, as I said earlier, the Predators call themselves 'the Hish' whereas in other, earlier, books, they call themselves something different [yautja, I think it was, as in the AvP novel, 'War'] [I started reading 'War' and may [or may not] finish it.]. It will be interesting to read the older 'AvP' novels [and maybe the early Predator novelizations of the Dark Horse comic series] and compare what they have to say about the Predators with this novel [assuming this novel is considered 'canon', especially in terms of describing Predator culture].

Anyway. I was sad to see some characters die; I wish more had lived. But it was still an enjoyable book, overall.

[Bryan Thomas Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fun military sf read for fans and non-fans alike. Marred only by one character's sudden turn at the end I couldn't buy. Otherwise, well paced and moves to an increasingly compelling conclusion with interesting new characters.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok na sana yung simula e...pero pagdating sa huli parang pinoy action movie! kung kelan tapos na ang laban saka nagdatingan ang reinforcements! ano ba yan!

[Rob]

I WANT IT

[David Agranoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tie-in, reads like a old school Heinlien Sci-fi adventure novel. With predators of course.

[Mathias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, lots of blood and violence.

[Jordan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5