8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
The slippery slope continues, July 15, 2002
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.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
The continuation of the original Battlestar Galactica series, July 16, 2002
By A Customer
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.
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