Predator: South China Sea

Quick chapters and a tough cast of characters make this novel stand out among the Predator canon. Author, Vandermeer wisely works the series formula, keeping in mind that the best Predator stories feature a cast of hard-core killers being picked off one by one. The little details like the crocodile Pol Pot and the idiosyncrasies of the Russian ice-queen Marikova (the scene where she watches the Predator sink all the boats is an eerie moment) makes this one quite captivating in its imagination. Humor creeps its way into the book too, especially through Horia with his never-ending list of old Romanian sayings. The Predator's gripping siege upon temple ruins showcases some terrifying tactics on the alien hunter's part. When the Predator show more starts playing back the voices of the dead and throwing their severed heads over the wall its quite chilling to read. With the finale of the book, Vandermeer manages to give us a twist on the typical Predator ending (yes, we do get someone self-destructing) but extra touches of something truly alien as well with the strange fate of Nikoai and the unexpected with Maxim and Marikova. Only the sub-story with the pirates seemed a bit like filler, but in the end serves some purpose. show less

Very impressed with the action and pace of the book. The characters were interesting enough, but a little overkill on the number of characters however that is typical Predator fare and Vandermeer juggled them all with skill.

I was very intrigued by the stand off between the Predator and the injured Russian sword fighting in the long-grass, while being spotted, and targeted by an army. It reminded me of the scene from "PREDATORS" the 2010 film. Such an amazing scenario, between quite a few of the main characters, and the chapters explaining in detail about were and what each character was thinking and feeling during a badass duel! Also the FUNGAL invasion!!! Oh man. If you know Vandermeers work it is worth buying this book for that scene show more alone. show less

Ok technically not my sort of thing but I am a Jeff VanderMeer fan and whilst I didn't see much of him in this novel it's still a quick, fun easy read. The plot is tight and moves at a fair old pace, the characters are a good mix and there's enough for a high body count, plus (shock horror) there are few strong female characters. Ok I do harp on about such things but it's so rare. The end is satisfyingly over the top and having seen the latest Predators movie I deeply wish someone had filmed this version instead.