Customer Reviews

Battlestar Galactica: Rebellion

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

If not for my total love of Galactica I probably wouldn't have purchased this book after that last fiasco. But I did and I'm quite sure it's the last collaborative book between Hatch and a relative unknown I buy. His first book was fantastic -- I just loved what he did with the characters. And the writing was quite good too. But since then the characters have become more skewed and is believable by most fans, and with this last book the writing was simply juvenile and horrible.

The Story:
Well it takes place immediately after the last book, and there is very little backstory. So if you didn't read the last one consider yourself lucky and cut your losses now. Otherwise, the escape from Kobol has taken the fleet into this nether-universe (Baltar tries to explain it, but comes off as rambling). They are trapped there when a rebellion breaks out and the rest of the story is about resistance and discovery. But the ending seemed a little rushed. A former enemy shows up to save the day, with absolutely no clue why.

The Writing:
It's clear to me that Hatch outlines the plot and story, and a hired gun writes the words. This is evident by the different writing styles across the last 3 books. I don't know if it's a problem recruiting top-shelf writers, or just a money issue (or both). But Hatch had something nice going with his first writer and it's a shame he can't land someone with a better grasp for written drama. I strongly believe Hatch is the man to tell a modern Galactica story and it is sad when the execution of his ideas are so flawed.
If I read "he cried!" or "she cried!" again I'll scream. There are more verbs to accomodate an exclaimation than just "cried." And what's up with Boomer calling everyone "man" about every third sentence? Is this some kind of Galactican-homeboy lingo? I was almost expecting Boomer to say something like "Yo bro, my Viper be illin' so I'm headin' back to da crib, you dig?" I positively hate political correctness but this was just bad characterization.

Over twenty yahrens since the original "Battlestar Galactica" TV series ended, the Colonials are still searching for the mysterious Thirteenth Tribe and planet Earth while being pursued by their mortal enemies, the Cylons. (The events of "Galactica 1980" have been thankfully ignored.)

Within this fourth novel, the battle-worn Colonial battlestar Galactica and her fugitive rag tag fleet have utilized advanced technologies to escape their Cylon foes (based on the events of the third novel, "Resurrection")... only to become trapped in null-space as every ship's powerful stardrive cease to function within this other-dimensional place. And the nearly depleted food, water and life support reserves fuel increasing tension and panic fleetwide.

Civil disorder breaks out; warring factions take arms; and opportunists set events into motion amidst the chaos. Patrols, seeking an exit point from the dimensional fold, are lost. Even characters find their personalities altering somewhat in this mysterious region of space. And as the unrest grows, the Colonials may yet destroy themselves even before pursuing Cylon and Chitain forces close on their location while a half-mad Baltar may - or may not - hold answers on how they can escape to safety.

Authors Richard Hatch and Alan Rodgers continue the adventures of Apollo, Starbuck, Boomer, Tigh, Cassiopeia, Athena, Sheba, Bojay, Baltar and others as they face new trials which threaten to destroy the rag tag fleet from within. And may yet succeed, no thanks to new and old foes alike.

Co-author -- and Bram Stoker award winner - Alan Rodgers fails miserably to ignite his literary gifts within this novel. He instead drafts a half-hearted effort from Hatch's story outlines. The story flow is lackluster; rushed in parts and far too lengthy in others. Instead of innovating, the story feels contrived at times... and this is where it loses most people. Rodgers would do best to return to the horror genre; science fiction is not his cup of tea.

The story isn't fluid. The overall problems within the fleet are dwelled upon far too long in the first half of the book; the last chapter quickly resolves various outstanding items. Opportunities to explore the characters in-depth, to delve into their past histories, even provide new insights about the Colonials in general are avoided. And worst of all, you can sense where Rodgers had issues during his writing... and where he didn't go back to edit/tighten his work.

The novel also heavily relies upon the reader's familiarity with the original series and Hatch's first 3 books. This isn't a starting point for new readers. (Try the first book, "Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon.")

Among the highlights, though:

SPOILERS: Among the standouts, though, is the revelation of Cassiopeia's pregnancy... and who the father is; Starbuck's arrival at the crossroads (yet again) regarding love and commitment; Apollo endeavoring to emerge from the shadow of his deceased father, Adama; life amongst the fleet - and multi-layered perceptions by the Colonial survivors about their Colonial Warrior protectors; Baltar's maneuverings and manipulations; Bojay's humor; Boomer's wit; Troy, Trays and Dalton's unfinished love triangle and strained friendships. Omega's (and Athena's) losses. Sheba's professions to Apollo; a surprising epilogue to the events of the previous book, "Battlestar Galactica: Resurrection" deep within this book; Apollo placed on trial by the Quorum of the Twelve; President Tigh's friendship and support of Apollo and Athena; watching desperate times demand desperate measures; seeing characters pushed to the brink of death... some surviving, and some dying; and witnessing the threat of homicidal Cylons in another epic struggle for survival.

Final note:
Please ignore the negative bashings of other reviewers. Series star Richard Hatch provides his vision of the Battlestar Galactica universe over twenty years since the show ended. People have had time to formulate their own take on the fate of the characters/circumstances. Hatch has done a remarkable job with his first three Battlestar Galactica books. While each book has its faults, ranging from canonical oversights to missed opportunities to flesh out certain story elements, they honor the intent of the original show with new, exciting and entertaining stories.

Hatch does focus on his character, Commander Apollo, much of the time. In the same sense that William Shatner's Star Trek novels focus on his Captain Kirk character, the same should be understood about the use of Apollo. Hatch was a star of the original Battlestar Galactica series, garnering top billing within the credits, as well as co-authoring the book. It is only natural that Apollo gets ample "screen time" within the book.

"Rebellion" is not as strong as Hatch's first 3 books, but it continues the saga - and contains insights which will be helpful when the fifth book is released next year. It IS worth purchasing.

I enjoyed the book. The bad reviews scared me at first, but I am glad I took the chance. Yes there are several typos and terminology mistakes (years for yahrens), but it didn't distract me from the story. I admit that I was disappointed that Apollo and Sheba didn't get together in the last book, but the new storyline does add interest. I have always been a huge fan of BSG and I have loved all Richard's books. If go to his website, he explains the problems with the books editing and publishing. If you are not sure about spending the money, buy it used.

Let me start by saying for the record, this book is horrible, it is awful, it is offensive, it is a blight upon the world of the written word. There are so many typos that it reads like a ninth grade writing assignment. There are countless lines of dialogue that are not attributed to any speaker so you never know who is supposed to be speaking. Also, much of the dialogue, especially when they are trying to explain "scientific stuff" is absurd, illogical, rambling, and very, very lame. On one page Starbuck just wonders around the room proclaiming "We're free!" over and over, that is all he says. And Baltar's dialogue and explanations about "null space" and that he was somehow present at the creation of the universe is laughable, inarticulate, rambling, and self-contradictory. He keeps saying that there is a God and then there is no God, over and over. Ridiculous!! I paid [money] for it, read the first 60 pages and then returned it and got myself a DVD. Do not bother with this drivel, and I love BSG. I liked the other 3 books very much. Richard Hatch has also made his Apollo character into a god and has almost written Starbuck out. Starbuck is everyone's favorite! I wish I could give this book 5 NEGATIVE stars. If you feel tempted to buy this book, slap yourself, get help, call a friend, but do not spend your hard-earned money here. Watch an old episode.

Not the best Richard Hatch Galactica novel but this would have made an interesting episode of the show. The characters are good and I loved the idea of the Galactica going into hyperspace and getting stranded there(!) while mutiny breaks out in the fleet!

The Galactica books switched publishing houses and errors in the books increased and negative criticisms were brutal. I agree that this one could have been improved before publishing, but I don't agree that this book doesn't still have it's merits. This one tries to deal with life and problems in the fleet. It also tries to present an adventure that takes place outside of space itself. Those two unusual elements combined with the errors have gained this one brutal criticisms which I don't think are fair. I thought this was a great read and was very surprised that many others didn't think so. Rebellion is a good story with great characters trapped inside a poorly edited book. The mistakes are a problem, but they also tried to do something different with Rebellion to make it a little unusual. It's not your typical Galactica novel and yet it stays true to the original spirit and characters of the TV program. I respect and appreciate that. Read this one for the story and characters.

As a longtime fan of Battlestar Galactica, I have appreciated Richard Hatch's attempts to continue the epic story of the "ragtag, fugitive fleet." And although his earlier books were not without their problems, I enjoyed them because they allowed me to catch up with some familiar characters. Not so for "Rebellion," which I found to be the worst yet. It was barely readable. It had the numerous typos typical of this series, but it also suffered from a lack of narrative that was truly staggering. The book felt rushed in many places, with incredibly weak dialogue. Also, the ability of Sire Aron to take over command, even to the brink of executing Apollo and the others, just wasn't credible. Additionally, Apollo's brutal beating of Jinkrat (not to mention his beating of Starbuck), simply wasn't within character. I'm too big a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica to not read the next book in the series, but I sincerely hope that Hatch improves his work, rather than turn out crap.

The scewed up thing about these BATTLESTAR books is that book 3 was put out in hard back as a ROUGH DRAFT! Things got slightly better with book 4 but that hard back also had mistakes and typos in it! At this point a lot of fans gave up the ghost.
BUT: They have promised to fix mistakes in the second printings so I've been hunting for the paper back versions. Book 3 in paper back is the revised and finished draft. IT ROCKS! Much much better.
I admit I liked REBELLION in hard back despite the goofs but after seeing the improved RESURRECTION I'd like to see the revised paper back of book 4 too. Until then I can only rate the first printing. First printing grade: Solid B for story and characters. I can't say enough good things about the TRUE version of RESURRECTION which has been printed in paper back.
I hope the same is true of REBELLION.

As a fan of the series, I have a bias and loyalty to the books, but I truly do think that anyone reading them will enjoy any of these. The characters are representative of their television counterparts, and the plot is good. Yes, there are a few editorial goofs, but those are easily overlooked since you know what is meant. All in all, a good fun read.

I love the BG series and am enjoying the books. The writing needs to be done more professionally. It helps if you know the TV series to know the charcters and I do recommend that they be read in sequence since it's a continuing story like the Star Wars New Jedi Order series (a great series). I'm disappointed that the writing or editing is not as good as it should be. In several of the books are misspellings, repeated words or missing words. (I even wrote to the publisher but never heard from them.) So when I run into one of these issues I lose the flow of the story and if I didn't enjoy BG I wouldn't continue reading it. Hopefully when the next book comes out they'll pay better attention to the final draft and correct these errors to allow the reading to go smoothly. I would recommend this book for people that enjoy BG and care about the characters and not care about the poor writing quality. It shouldn't take 5 books to get a good quality read.