This book was the closure we (loyal X-Philes) deserved.

This story fits so seamlessly into the show’s arc that if you’d told me that Darin Morgan or Frank Spotnitz had written it, I’d believe you. This author clearly has an understanding of the show that only a deeply, obsessively nerdy fan can possess and I LOVED it.

Right from the jump, this book nails the vibe. The beginning scene is the perfect pre-credit opening. I could almost hear the cords of the theme start as the scene concluded.

The ability to not only flawlessly write the main characters, but to invent both single characters and whole groups of characters that were clearly meant to be in the Carter-verse is unparalleled. I’ve read an embarrassing amount of fan fiction and x-files books but this one is just brilliant. I cant say enough about the masterful understanding of the characters. So many times while I was reading this I just thought “Damn, that is perfection”. Specifically the very tense scene when Mulder & Scully are speaking with a Doctor and she leaves abruptly and then Mulder makes some comment about the funnel cake she left; I could hear it. The scene concerning the Cigarette Smoking Man? I could hear it. As for the secondary characters, also brilliant. The character called the Avatar, the new informant, is female and unassuming looking which is the total opposite of her predecessors (Deep Throat, Well Manicured Man, ect) and yet it’s SPOT. ON. The characters in the Arizona setting—- definite “Arcadia” vibes. Calling the new version of The Syndicate “The Inheritors”- perfection. It’s just so. Good.

The settings were also in keeping with the original series. I could immediately picture the retreat with the white text location tag as the episode starts. The whole situation with the podcast gave me “Hollywood AD” vibes and I could vividly picture it as the podcast filming ends and the lights come up. The little details were just as perfect. There’s one scene that includes a detail about porcelain Chinese cat waiving at people at the Thai place and it immediately reminded me of the scenes in “All Things” where Scully is taking in the details and time seems to slow.

My favorite thing about this book is difficult to explain without spoilers, but I’ll say that the way both of Scully’s pregnancies were addressed was a crazy impressive go at addressing (and correcting, IMO) the ridiculous explaination for Scully’s pregnancy with William. It did so in a way that was so much more satisfying for fans than what we were given in the reboot *without* changing what was said in series right ignoring it. It confronted a terrible plot twist and saved it in the best possible way. It also addressed the pregnancy at the end of the reboot in a much more realistic way and that, too, is what fans deserved.

This book was just perfection. I so sincerely hope, as I’m sure ANY original series fan reading this will, that this gets picked up as a final installment in the Mulder/Scully saga so that fans get the closure we so desperately wanted. We didn’t need a happily ever after ending, but we needed a hopeful one and this book delivered.

X-Files fans rejoice!! The X-Files is back, better and more out there than ever!! Claudia Gray’s writing is absolute perfection. She so fully understands these characters and this universe. It is such a delight to read. It’s like coming home again. Oddly enough I had just finished a full rewatch of the series when this ARC landed in my lap thanks to Netgalley. It was wonderful to finally get continuation of the story after such a crazy cliffhanger ending in season 11. This book picks up from where that season left off and Claudia Gray takes us in a bold new direction while still feeling 100 percent like the X-files you know and love. While it makes me sad that we will never get anymore episodes, after reading this I’m totally fine with giving Claudia Gray the reins and letting her write a hundred new xfiles books!

Where are my X-File lovers at?! If this wasn’t THE quintessential X-Files book of my dreams, I don’t know what is. If you were looking for the nostalgia of The X-Files, I’ll be dam*** if Claudia Gray didn’t hit the nail on the head with this one.

This was such a well written book! This book picks up after the eleventh season and the series ended and I loved how she created this story to add on to the original plot line and development. We are given a new mystery, more conspiracy, and more “alien” information as the plot thickens in this book.

The book I think starts off with a bang in intrigue and while the story does develop nicely with a pace that’s decent, I did find some parts that were a bit repetitive. Nevertheless, my love for how much this books resembles my initial love for the series when it started trumps that. We have familiar and new characters, classic Scully and Mulder interactions but with more emotion, tidbits of Dana Scully’s journal but more modern (like she did in the show), a bat sign cut out for the window as a signal (like he did with the “X” in the show), AND mention of a past case, and the creepiest one as a child for me. I loved it! There’s some new stuff that had me thinking “No way!” AND “I knew it!” There’s a bit of a twist and new development that I think any sci-fi lover will enjoy. Fully recommend if you love and have watched all of The X-Files because there are spoilers if you haven’t watched/ finished the TV series.

Huge thanks to @netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced digital galley!

The X-Files: Perihelion, was written by bestselling author, Claudia Gray.

SUMMARY
Dana Scully and Fox Mulder are back! The FBI has called upon the two seasoned agents, who were previously suspended from the bureau. The duo have been asked to investigate an unusual murder by the hands of a Washington, DC serial killer; with the latest crime scene appearing to have ties to the supernatural. This new X-File case appeals to Scully, as the serial killer's victims are pregnant women; like herself.

Mulder and Scully still mourn the loss of their son, William. Yet, a rekindling of their relationship is sparked by the mysterious pregnancy of Scully. The couple dust off their guns and badges to report back to the FBI headquarters to find new X-Files piled high on their desks.

The Inheritors, a mysterious group lingering in the shadows have intentions of altering the course of humanity! The members are cautions of Mulder and Scully and keep a watchful eye on the duo. As Dana Scully's pregnancy progresses and through her and Mulder's investigation, the massive threat to humanity is revealed.

This novel is a story of self discovery in a world of constant change, violence, and mystery!

OVERALL THOUGHTS
I must clarify, before getting into the review, that my knowledge of all that happens in the X-Files show is limited. I am a new fan of the series and have only watched the first two seasons as of this book review. However, I have read just about all of the X-Files novels. It's exciting to get new material in the world of the X-Files!

This story is a continuation of the X-Files timeline, so if you are not familiar with the material that came before this novel, such as the later seasons of the show, you may be scratching your head many times trying to piece together what all had happened leading up to this novel. I would have appreciated the story more if there was a dedicated chapter or even a prologue that summarized the history that ties into this story. Previous books were simple X-Files adventures that didn't require foreknowledge that linked to the show to understand what was happening or who characters were.

It's easy to see that the author has a genuine attachment to the characters and source material. There are many moments where the story feels like an episode of the show, which is fantastic. However, there are also many moments that feel completely disjointed, as though the material was written by someone else entirely. The mention of William and the emotional state of Dana and Fox regarding him, is repeated so many times it just becomes filler, to expand the word count.

Yet, when it comes to the meat of the story, the investigations and the explorations of the unexplained, Claudia Gray did a fantastic job. Chunks of the book feel like an older episode that really grabbed my attention. I could have done without the unnecessary pop culture references to Star Wars and a few other franchises; it went too far, giving someone the name, Starwarski. Those were the moments that brought in the cheese factor... so cringey at times.

I did enjoy this book overall, but there were many times I questioned the decisions made in the direction of the story. My experience with this book would jump from love it to hate it to like it. I am curious to know how some of the content/writing style could be so great, while some of it seemed to have been scrapped from the bottom of a dumpster. In the end though, there were more pros than cons.

RATING
I will give The X-Files: Perihelion a B.

(YouTube Video of this review to follow)

Picking up where The X Files Season 11 left off, Perihelion is a novel with a huge task: resolve and make sense of the alien DNA myth-arc from the end of the series on both the large scale (world-wide events) and individual level (for Mulder & Scully). We find them together but still working out exactly what kind of relationship they will have moving forward while also re-re-opening the X Files amid a boom of newly evolved mutants. There are mentions of old favorites like AD Walter Skinner and CSM plus a range of interesting and well-written new characters who could easily pop up in future novels should the story continue.

The two X File cases in the novel keep Mulder & Scully busy while also moving them through their transition back into the FBI. The more disturbing and graphic “monster of the week” case quickly becomes secondary and serves to reveal some new information about one of our heroes. The larger myth-arc story leans heavily into alien DNA mutations from previous X Files episodes where humans (and non-humans) have evolved special powers. The new developments leave much less room for interpretation or the sense of wonder and mystery inherent in the original X Files stories, perhaps taking the story too far into the sci-fi world of X Men and making it hard to imagine *this* version of Mulder & Scully on our big screens, unless of course Mulder, Scully, and their new friends successfully find a way to reverse the mutations.

However, Claudia Grey does a beautiful job capturing Mulder and Scully as characters we know and love. Grey has done her research with mentions of many plot points from previous episodes, and both characters get the much needed opportunity to confront and work through their individual feelings about William/Jackson, their impending parenthood, and each other. The story’s strongest moments center their individual journeys through their past traumas and experiences that brought them to this point in their stories, and in the end their partnership is at the heart of the story, as it should be.

The X-Files: Perihelion was absolutely amazing! Being a die hard fan of the original X-Files I was incredibly delighted to see this book and read it with great anticipation and enthusiasm. I have to say it was as excellent and enjoyable as I had hoped it definitely exceeded my expectations. I truly hope to see a continuation of this as a series and I will eagerly be watching for another book. Scully and Mulder helped define science fiction and motivate lovers of the show and true believers everywhere creating a huge nearly unparalleled universe and fandom. I still can’t help but think of the X-Files every time I hear “The Truth is Out There”. If you are a fan of the the X-Files I highly recommend it and I know you will love it as much as I did and to that end I may now have to binge the tv series again.

So great to return to two of my most favorite characters!!! So well done. Get the book and always remember that you can use the Bat signal if you need help. Hahahaha the humor and the ability to bring to life dude characters in this book was awesome and so fun.

The X-Files: Perihelion
by Claudia Gray
Pub Date: July 30, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#1 New York Times best-selling author Claudia Gray extends the story of The X-Files beyond its eleventh season into thrilling new territory!
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William, but cautiously joyous about Scully’s unexpected pregnancy. Determined to raise this child together, Mulder and Scully struggle to find meaning away from the X-Files as they navigate the uncertain waters of their relationship. Then the FBI asks for their help tracking down two mysterious serial killers: one who seems to be able to control electricity, and another who disappears from the scene of the crime in what witnesses describe as a puff of smoke. It’s enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing.
Great book!

The X-Files: Perihelion ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

I loved diving back into the world of Scully, Mulder, and the X-Files, especially the way Gray wrote it. The plot had all the elements of what made the X-Files such a compelling watch - it was emotional, funny, intriguing, and a little dangerous. The stakes are high this time around, putting Scully and Mulder right back in their element. I loved that the novel tackled both the serial crime-solving aspect we’ve come to know and love from two of the FBI’s most unwanted, and weaved in a greater conspiracy plot line, making it fit right into the classic X-Files canon recipe.

It was a nostalgic read, having callbacks and easter eggs for any longtime fan to smile at, while not feeling too formulaic or unoriginal.

I, like many other fans of the show, was dismayed with how the series ended, and I really appreciate the direction in which Gray took what we were left with and turned it into something better. I would keep reading more installments if Gray decides to continue the story in the future.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book. Long time a fan (still have the Grand Rapids Press clipping announcing local actress Gillian Anderson was starring in a UFO show) but the first time I've read any X-Files book. Claudia Gray did a great job and you can tell she's a fan of the show. My memory of some of the plot from so long ago episodes didn't hinder me in any way, though.

Scully = Life. I mean she literally can’t die, lol. But this book was great. While I hated certain plot points, they were of no fault of the author. I enjoyed the ride the author took us on, with lots of throwbacks and all the feels. Without spoilers, I want to see more, and hope we get a book series out of this.

Oh, how to write this review without giving too much away!? The X-Files has been my favorite show since 1994, so I was excited & a bit nervous when I heard we were getting a book that picks up where the show ended in 2018.

I assume most who will read Perihelion are already familiar with the show, but even if you’re not, the author gives enough backstory for the reader to understand the basic history of the characters & world of The X-Files. Both Mulder & Scully have been through A LOT and the book does a good job of conveying that, a testament to Claudia Grey being a longtime fan herself. We pick up with them just a few months after the series finale, where the big reveal was that Scully is pregnant. It’s also revealed in the finale season that their teenage son William was not truly theirs, but an “experiment” by their longtime adversary the Cigarette Smoking Man. What a creep, and I was not a fan of that decision by the showrunners. But this isn’t a review of season 11, I digress!

Minor spoilers ahead!

I felt cautiously optimistic at the start: Mulder & Scully are together and the baby is still on the way. But things quickly get characteristically strange because this is The X-Files after all! Neither are working for the FBI when the story begins, but they are soon called back to investigate two seemingly unconnected cases with that “certain paranormal bouquet” Muder can’t resist. They also find that the old basement office is filled with boxes of more recent unexplainable, unsolved cases. And since I don’t want to give away any major plot twists, I will stop the spoilers here.

Some of the X-File elements feel derivative of things that have been done already, but that’s true of almost all new media. We just get variations on existing themes here in the 21st century. I wasn’t sure how the story would end, and it took a lot of willpower not to peek at the last few pages, but I did enjoy Perihelion. It ended in a better place than the last television episode, in my opinion. Noromos beware, and shippers rejoice, it has a lot of MSR moments. And in true X-Files fashion, there are still a lot of questions at the end. But that could be addressed in the next season, um, I mean book.

Thank you to Netgalley & Hyperion Avenue for sending me an advance copy.

Mulder and Scully are back but no longer in the FBI at least not until the FBI needs them to be agents again. They are brought on board to track down a two serial killers, one that disappears in a cloud of smoke, the other is praying on pregnant women, which Scully is in that group now. Can the two agents get the guys before they kill to many more, or even Scully herself?
As a lover of the TV show this was a must read, and it did not disappoint. I really like this book a lot it has everything the TV show had and more. I hope these books keep coming until the truth is finally learned by all, because the truth is out there.

I loved The X-Files: Perihelion. As a huge fan of this Science Fiction TV series I can truly say this book was amazing. A great story about Mulder and Scully, a serial killer and a clandestine organization. I really enjoyed these characters, Robin Vane was a favorite along with the mysterious retreat. A great ending with a twist. Looking forward to reading more of this Authors work.
#TheX-Files:Perihelion #NetGalley

I give The X-Files: Perihelion 5 stars for its interesting story.
I would recommend this book to Science Fiction Fans.

When The X-Files originally aired in the Fall of 1993, I was 12 years old. My grandfather was living with us at the time, and he was a big believer in all things alien. I remember in vivid detail sitting with my grandfather and siblings to watch this new show on Fox. After the first episode ended, I knew I had discovered my new favorite show. I became a die-hard fan. Every Friday night, like clock-work, I was in my living room watching the latest episode. The X-Files saw me through a lot of life! I’ve read every X-File novel, too. They were always so fun. While perusing NetGalley the other day, I saw that Claudia Gray is releasing a new X-File novel in July. To say I was overjoyed would be an understatement. I immediately requested a copy and Hyperion Avenue graciously granted my request. Of course, I had to read this book immediately. LOL!

The X-Files: Perihelion is an excellent story. Fans of The X-Files will be delighted by this book. I, personally, was hooked from page one and never wanted to stop reading. It is a beautiful mix of nostalgia and new. This story picks up where season 11 ended. Scully is shockingly pregnant in her 50s, a serial killer is hunting pregnant women, unexplained phenomena is happening all over the world, there is a new mysterious cabal on the rise, and the FBI want Mulder and Scully back. I absolutely loved everything about this story — Scully and Mulder’s internal musings, the constant action, the mystery, the strange and unusual, and the conspiracy. I loved remembering all the previous stories and rehashing characters from the past — it was so much fun! I also really enjoyed the new mystery. This story kept me up way past my bedtime several nights this past week as I furiously turned pages attempting to figure out whodunit. The mystery is multifaceted, creepy, and suspenseful. For me, the absolute best part of this novel is the continued relationship between Scully and Mulder. I loved revisiting their complex dance between deep friendship, romance, and trust. I also got a kick out of watching Scully and Mulder maneuver through all the unique and ambivalent feelings and emotions associated with impending parenthood in their fifties. All in all, this story has everything a true X-File fan will love.

Claudia Gray is a fantastic storyteller. She did an outstanding job with this novel, and I hope she writes many more X-File stories in the future. If you are a Sci-Fi and/or X-File fan, then I highly recommend this story. You will not want to miss it!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Hyperion Avenue, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book early.

This book picks up where the finale of The X Files left off. Scully announces her pregnancy and The X Files future hangs in the balance. This book was so freaking good! I felt it captured the show and the characters so well. I could hear what the actors would sound like speaking the words. The novel essentially follows two cases that appear to be linked while Mulder and Scully navigate what their relationship is and their fears about the baby she is carrying and addressing their feelings and the loss of William. I think the novel was well written and paced and it was so much fun being back with Mulder and Scully. I hope that the author writes more X Files novels so we can see where she plans on taking the characters and the mythos of the show.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray!!! Such a great story. I had so much fun reading up on Mulder and Scully and seeing where their story was headed next. I am loving the storylines being set up and can't wait to read more - if there are more books on the horizon that is (I'm not sure). All in all, Gray has written a terrific followup to the series ending and captured the essence of the characters and the show perfectly. I would happily recommend this to fans of the show - you are going to LOVE this book!

I loved watching the X-Files and this book picks up right after the finale of the eleventh season. Scully and Mulder are tasked with finding a serial murderer who's targeting pregnant women. This case is especially important because Scully is pregnant. The FBI also asks them to look into an odd case of a man who disappears into a cloud of smoke after committing his crimes. There are many mentions to other X-Files cases and characters. This book was also written with the X-Files creator Chris Carter's help.

The X-Files: Perihelion is a book scheduled for release in July 2024. written by Claudia Gray with Chris Carter's approval. It is published by Hyperion Avenue. I want to thank the author and publisher for an advanced digital copy of the book for review
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For my actual review please see the link below.

A long time X-Files fan here. Happy to report, The X-Files: Perihelion does not disappoint! The story picks up shortly after the 2018 finale. Without spoiling too much, I loved many of the choices Claudia Gray made with characters and plot. Enjoyed this more than the 2018 finale. I honestly didn’t want it to end

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

It's a slow starter. I was waiting to jump in and it was a bit of a wade, and that's just about the worst thing I can say about it. It's THAT good.
(Spoilers ahead: Mulder and Scully are gradually finding their ways back to each other, with Scully's new pregnancy, when the FBI calls again. Spoilers done) The X-Files are reopened and there's a bit of a backlog. From that point on our intrepid heros are facing serial killers, disappearing assassins and the remains of the Syndicate.
I highly recommend for nostalgia points, if nothing else, but it's great to see in the days of smartphones and Alexa that the truth is still out there.