War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations

Planet of the Apes #4

by Greg Keyes

Driven from their woodland home, Caesar and his apes are still recovering from the takeover by renegade ape Koba. Caesar is desperate to avoid war with the humans, but this is a faint hope, as his enemies are about to receive military reinforcements headed by the ruthless Colonel McCullough. While trying to hold off McCullough's soldiers, Caesar sends his son Blue Eyes on a mission to the south to try to find a safe haven for the apes, despite rumors of terrible things happening there. Meanwhile supporters of Koba's revolt are spreading dissent among Caesar's rank.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Thriller

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Gregory Keyes is a writer of science fiction and fantasy who has written both original and media-related novels under both the names J. Gregory Keyes and "Greg Keyes".

Greg Keyes was born in to a large, diverse, storytelling family. He received degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia before becoming a fulltime writer.
He lives in Savannah, Georgia.

Reviews

[AMEERA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow 👏🏼'

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a nice bridge between Dawn and War, but I found it odd that Malcolm, Ellie, and Alexander are still with the apes in the days following Dawn, given that the end of the film seemed to imply that they would leave right away. There are easter eggs here and there for fans of the classic films, such as a gorilla named Ursus and a human named Armand. And while Caesar's baby being named Cornelius mirrors Caesar having a son of the same name in Battle for the Planet of the Apes, I still think that Cornelia should have been named Lisa so that the names are not too similar. There is some heady stuff, such as Tinker's discussion with Cornelia about how, prior to becoming intelligent, she would have thought that she was supposed to desire Caesar once he dethroned Rocket as the alpha in Rise. I really feel some sympathy for characters like Rocket and Blue Eyes after they lost Ash in the previous film. I also noticed that Blue Eyes says he is ten years old, yet he was born in the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes comics that take place eight years prior. This could be chalked up to him lying about his age, but I think that the people running this franchise should be a bit more careful with continuity. There is not as much content set within this continuity as there is for a giant like Star Wars, so it should be comparatively easy to keep track of these things. But getting past that, I loved getting to know characters like Winter and Colonel McCullough before the upcoming film. The Colonel brought more intertextuality via references to Beowulf, which was a nice touch since the Apes movies have referenced literary works like those of Shakespeare.

[Hameed Muhammadian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Watched the movie..

[Natt Cham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original publish มิถุนายน 2017 ฉบับแปลไทย พิมพ์ กันยายน 2017 ไวมากเลย

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent followup to Dawn, introducing characters for War.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel did a great job of connecting the two films and helped flesh out characters. Also, this book helps to set up the environment that we will encounter in the new film. I am ready to see it now! I need to pick up Firestorm as well. I am only just hearing of it!

[Jethro Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that this book isn't long enough! I wouldn't mind if it was over 1000 pages. Obviously, I've been dying to read this book and it did not disappoint! The Planet of the Apes franchise and the similarity between humans and other animals, particularly apes, have always fascinated me. So, I might be a little biased about this book. But, like the movies, this book continue to explore this theme to the point where the apes would sometimes seem even more human than well... humans. On the other hand, I wished Dawn could spend more time on Blue Eyes, Caesar's oldest son, but this rebooted franchise is ultimately Caesar's story. Thankfully, this book solves that. Picking up shortly after the end of Dawn, the repercussions of its events can be felt. Military reinforcements has come down from the North, Koba's surviving followers attempt to stage another coup, and Blue Eyes is sent to the south to find a new home for the apes. This is a perfect book for anyone desperate wanting to find out what happens after Dawn. If you're a big fan of this rebooted franchise, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

[Dann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling prequel to the climatic Twentieth Century Fox film, War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations delivers an exciting, action-packed adventure. Picking up several days after the end of Dawn, Caesar mobilizes the apes to stop a coming battleship from docking in San Francisco and establishing a foothold in the city; meanwhile Blues Eyes and Rocket are sent to escort Malcolm and his family to a human colony in the mountains and scout for possible threats in the South. Author Greg Keyes does an excellent job at balancing the three or four primary plotlines and at developing the characters. And like the films, he tries to tell most of the story through the point of view of the apes; who have limited understanding of human civilization and are facing war and death for the first time. However, the book is really more of a sequel to Dawn than a prequel to War, as its focus is more on dealing with the consequences of Koba’s coup than setting up the new film. But minor quibbles aside, War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations is a riveting movie tie-in with a compelling story about survival.

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice link between the two movies. Highly enjoyable.

[Siwabhorn Anothaisintawee · Rating 4 out of 5]

สงครามระหว่างมนุษย์และวานรมาถึงจุดเปลี่ยน เมื่อผู้พันแมคคัลลัฟตัดสินใจรวบรวมกำลังพลทั้งหมดเดินหน้าเพื่อบุกยึดพื้นที่บริเวณสะพานโกลเด้นเกตจากพวกวานร

ซีซาร์ ผู้ที่ต้องการเพียงอิสระ และความสงบสุขจึงต้องรวบรวมเหล่าวานรตัวผู้ลุกขึ้นมาต้านกองทัพที่รุกคืบเข้ามาเรื่อยๆ เพื่อซื้อเวลาให้พวกตัวเมียและเด็กหลบหนีไปยังที่ปลอดภัย

บลูอายส์ ร็อคเก็ต และเรย์ ถูกส่งให้ออกเดินทางล่วงหน้าเพื่อหาที่พักแห่งใหม่ แต่เรย์กลับพลาดท่าถูกมนุษย์จับนำไปทรมาณจนพลั้งปากบอกแผนของซีซาร์ ทำให้มนุษย์ตัดสินใจนำแก๊สพิษมาจบสงครามในครั้งนี้

พวกบลูอายส์จึงต้องพยายามช่วยเหลือเรย์กลับมา และนำแผนชั่วของเหล่ามนุษย์กลับไปเตือนเหล่าวานร

กราฟตกอ่ะ

เล่มนี้เป็นเหมือนส่วนเสริมก่อนจะดูหนังภาคสาม เน้นการต่อสู้ การรบเยอะมาก ไม่ว่าระหว่างวานรกับวานร มนุษย์กับมนุษย์ และมนุษย์กับวานร

วานรภาคนี้มีความใกล้เคียงมนุษย์มากขึ้น มีรัก โลภ โกรธ หลง พูดได้ เริ่มใช้อาวุธปืน และอาวุธหนักประเภทอื่นๆ ทำให้ความเห็นใจของเราที่มีให้กับวานรมันลดลงไปเยอะ

เพราะเหตุผลข้างต้นรวมๆ กัน เลยทำให้ไม่ค่อยปลื้มเท่าไหร่

Goodreads ให้ 3.7 เราให้ 3.9

[Richard Radgoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel picks up immediately after the last movie (Rise). The Apes find themselves in San Francisco and are worried about attacks from other humans that were contacted previously. They hunker down at key points, including the Bay Bridge and wait for the humans to arrive. Sure enough, a large ship comes into the Bay and conflict starts.

In this novel, we meeting the Human Commander, McCollugh, and his team. Among his team is his son and several other key members who we get to know a bit. The Commander is focused on eliminating the threat of these 'talking apes' understanding that there is a pivot in history that must be stopped.

Caesar knows that he is about to be in a vice, so he sends the females and children of the tribe back to the woods and then sends his son, Blue Eyes and Rocket to the south in order to find a possible new location for everyone.

Caesar's plans are disrupted from within, however and he finds himself on the defensive for most of the novel. He continually brings new challenges to his human foes, however and the novel sets several story lines in motion that are played out in the movie War for the Planet of the Apes.

In all, I really enjoyed the novel as it provides insights into characters and ideas that the movies don't have time to address. Specifically we get to know Blue Eyes, Rocket and Caesar's wife along with answering the question 'Why are there Apes on both sides of the conflict as it is portrayed on the Movie posters.'

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the other bridge novel 'Firestorm', this book offers new insight and perspective on both sides of the conflict and acts as an entertaining fresher in prep for this summer's big blockbuster.

While I wouldn't call this high literature, it's no mindless action romp either. It focuses more heavily in ethics and philosophy than Firestorm did, but does it subtly enough that it doesn't feel preachy or detract from the drama.

Andy Serkis said it well when he said that the Apes act as a powerful mirror to reflect the human condition, which I believe contributed to Dawn being such an unexpected success.
This novel certainly explores that idea in some detail. As, in this novel, some apes and humans come in contact, away from the city's raging battleground, their preconceived notions are forced to change as the world reveals itself to be more than just black and white. Amazing what a little communication can do.

As times harrowing and sometimes comical, some passages give a bit to chew on, philosophically. It earns a strong 4stars for being both entertaining and thoughtful. It also adds a splash of colour to a world bent on spiraling into a gray, dreary mist of death and destruction.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Events that Lead to the Film

This book is the prequel to the War for the Planet of the Apes film. It tells the interim story of Blue Eyes and Rocket's journey and of the division in the ape community following the death of Koba. The author, Greg Keyes wrote the prequel to the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes book, Firestorm as well. His characterizations are spot on and I appreciated learning about the women in the community as well. We also are introduced to the colonel and his son. The colonel features prominently in the film and you are given some background here, though I didn't feel like I really got to know him. There are twists and turns and it is a great suspenseful read. A must read for fans of the film, so you can meet some of the new apes you will encounter in the movie.

[Brittani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Firestorm, I found the human stories to be very dull, but the Ape ones absolutely fascinating. I loved getting to know Blue Eyes, Rocket, and Cornelia more. It touches up on how Blue Eyes and Rocket feel after the death of Ash, and the weight he feels being Caesar's son. Cornelia also gets to show why she's such a beloved queen and not some damsel. Especially since they're underused in the films. I know War is going to be the last film, but I hope Keyes writes more stories about the Apes leading up to it or afterwards somehow.

[Justin F Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good if you like it. I'm a huge Planet of the Apes fan so of course I enjoyed this new material prior to the upcoming release! It was fun and has great insight into the current struggle on both sides of the war. Check it out!

[C.J. Bunce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published online at BORG.com.

Three years ago this month we last saw the wise ape leader Caesar and his army in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Next week Caesar brings the war to mankind in the theatrical release of War for the Planet of the Apes. Titan Books has released the prequel to the film that bridges Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, Greg Keyes’ War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations. And the title is quite appropriate as secrets are learned by both sides in the man vs. ape battle that has spanned the franchise’s 50-year history.

Author Greg Keyes, who provided us with the wonderfully detailed account of the apes and the virus that strikes in his prequel to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Firestorm, a borg.com Best of 2014 book reviewed here, returns with an equally compelling account of the characters as they have matured and begin to grow battle weary. No longer is Caesar–the great ape leader played in the films by Andy Serkis–or his followers and an opposing faction of apes struggling with communication. Now the key conflict is ape vs. ape as Caesar attempts to direct the apes toward a peaceful compromise with the humans.

We at last meet the character to be played in the new film by Woody Harrelson, Colonel McCullough, hell-bent on destroying the apes at any cost. But Keyes pulls from history to develop both a Shakespearean tale and an ancient one. In Ancient Roman history, when rule was passed upon death from father to son, frequently the empire would learn that sons of great leaders are rarely so great. Keyes creates a parallel study of the Colonel and his unseasoned soldier of a son, John, and of Caesar and Caesar’s son, proven to have been weak on the battlefield, too. Each of the son of the Colonel, and the son of Caesar, called Blue Eyes (played in the films by Nick Thurston), have impactful character arcs here. And both the Colonel and Caesar must face opposition of their own–the Colonel from what fragment of the government is left, and Caesar from the remaining loyalists to the great tragic figure of Koba, who was dropped from a cliff by Caesar at the end of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Koba loyalists Gray and Red attempt to seize control of the apes from Caesar, sending a contingent to eliminate Caesar’s wife Cornelia and her newborn son, and another to subdue Blue Eyes, sent off to search for new territory, as McCullough concocts a plan to decimate the apes at the Golden Gate Bridge. But the humans aren’t all horrible, we meet a compassionate human, a translator named Armand, and a girl named Feliz, both instrumental to the outcome of the apes as we will find them at the beginning of War for the Planet of the Apes.

As with Keyes’ prequel to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the author shows a great understanding of animal behavior. These apes are fully realized characters, their development and relationships easy to follow, their motivations are understandable, and it is easy to empathize with them. Keyes also shows his understanding of the evolution of thought and behavior–echoing writings of ancient man as man began to document his own understanding of the world–in the words and actions of the newly evolved apes, as they learn to understand their dreams, to reason, and to grow.

War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations is a must-read for Planet of the Apes fans. It’s on par with the best of the novelizations and tie-ins produced for the series over the past fifty years.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

In preparation for this reading, I went back and watched Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. In my 3rd viewing of the movie, it still held my interest and it was the first time my wife had seen it so that was a bonus (minus the obligatory "Why are we watching a movie with talking monkeys?"). I had also been familiar with several of Keyes' tie-in books from the Elder Scrolls to the X-Com series.

In this prequel to the third movie, we are treated to three stories that tie together. The principle story deals with Blue Eyes, Caesar's son who is sent on a mission to find safe haven for the apes. His comrade, an orangutan named Ray finds himself in a tight situation with another chimp named Fox who sided with Koba, the one that opposed Caesar in the previous movie. The final story involves the rise of Colonel McCullough and his platoon of soldiers who are determined to obliterate the apes off the face of the planet.

Except the three stories aren't very interesting or exciting for about three quarters of the book. It meanders around a bit jumping from scenario to scenario. The characters do evolve a bit which is sorely needed for Blue Eyes as he becomes a principle character for the third film and not just Caesar's son. I also felt the characterization of McCullough was unnecessary. The apes need an evil force to fight against and not one that is so "human".

Thankfully, the book picks up about 200% in the final 50 to 75 pages. At this point I am very excited to see the third movie, War for the Planet of the Apes which to this point I had not seen. In my opinion, this would have worked much better as a novella (about 100 to 125 pages) with the three interlocking stories and maybe a few odds and ends short stories to round it out.

However, those who do appreciate the Ape movies and stories will certainly want to read this book to better understand the events between the 2nd and 3rd movie. It does have a few nuggets that I would have been scratching my head over. But the book is a bit of a slog until the very end. For the casual reader, this is going to be one big ball of confusion and you are better off watching Rise and Dawn. Enjoy.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit, this book came off a bit on the 'fanfiction' side to me, who reads a lot that stuff. BUT, it's not bad in the slightest, its very good ( and honestly, a lot of novels for movie franchises fell this way, in my opinion ). The story is very nice in setting up for War For The Planet of The Apes, one obvious example Blue Eye's character, who is the main character here. Greg Keyes adds these little scenes and thoughts between plot points that not only advance the story, but gives us a better insight on characters, whether it be Cornelia's, Blue Eyes, Ray's, Caesar's, or The Colonel's POVs. What they think also gives us information on the other characters as well, and how their lives have been. Even minor characters we only see a glance of in the films, who may or may not even be mentioned in them no less, are given development in small ways that a lover of lore like myself enjoys; Rocket's wife, Tinker, is one. I sorely wish there had been more pages, more books, and all by Greg Keyes, because he really makes these characters feel real and human -- whether that be the truth, or they be ape. I think my favorite parts were Cornelia's, because we never got a enough of her in the movies, and how the female apes have bonded and helped in keeping their colony safe and running.

Definitely a must read if you want to learn more on the apes and their society, Alpha Omega's soldiers and leader, and of what has happened to California since the outbreak in San Francisco.Greg Keyes

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn't think I'd enjoy this book more than Firestorm, but I did. What an incredible book. The writing was so beautiful and vivid, and the character development! My heart can't take it! I was so happy to learn more about Blue Eyes and Cornelia, and I absolutely fell in love with Ray. Keyes writes with such care and reverence for this world and its inhabitants - it's lovely to read about a world you care about so much knowing the person on the other side of the novel cares just as much as you do. Once again, didn't care much for the human plot lines, but they were fewer and I felt were much more important and impactful than in Firestorm, so I didn't mind it much. I did quibble with the lack of italics for the signed dialogue, but no other complaints besides that. I hope Keyes continues to write prequels/in between books for this franchise - they are truly wondrous.

[J O'Toole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yar. One of the rare DNFs on my shelves, and one of the main reasons I don't like listening to novels on audio. The whole atmosphere can be destroyed by narration and this guy's voice just annoys me.

I love all the PotA films (excepting the Tim Burton one, which I hate worse than Conquest) and though the most recent two had major flaws, and the last one especially had such slim, and odd, character evolution and random acts of unjustified violence that it almost annoyed me.

This book, however, added nothing for me. Nothing at all, and I had no interest whatsoever in the characters, not even what Caesar was up to, and had very little interest in returning to it (I got about 2 hours in over the course of 6 months) and so like Rocky 5 I will eject from the canon and pretend it never existed.

[Verónica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My GOOOOD! I just want to curl up in a ball and cry, also I am PISSED, pissed that this books are not more popular, more known, they’re so good. I wouldn’t have ever believe that this trilogy of movies so dear to my heart could get any better but a last, books can make everything better if they’re done with care and love for the source material.

I love all the new characters that I got to meet, I loved getting to know more the ones that I already saw in the movies, I loved everything, and knowing how the history actually ends, it breaks my heart to let this series go, I really don’t want to read the last book, that is basically War for the Planet of the Apes in novel form, I don’t think I can stand Caesar’s death a second time, it still makes my heart break.

Apes, together, strong!

[Joe Kessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a major off-screen status quo shift in the Planet of the Apes film series between the end of Dawn (2014) and the start of War (2017), and although this tie-in novel is intended to bridge that gap, it never quite justifies itself as essential. Largely this is a problem of focus; author Greg Keyes is juggling eleven different viewpoint characters, which is probably a few too many for a 300-page paperback like this. As a result readers see some effective moving of plot pieces, but we don't really get a sense of any cohesive character arcs. (And no particularly noteworthy revelations either, despite the title.) It's a fine story, but not especially memorable.

[Neil McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I surprised myself to discover that I have NEVER actually ever watched a Planet of the Apes movies, that is even more surprising to me as I believe Mark Wahlberg stared in on or multiple of them and I like Walberg movies, although I can not name a single one off the top of my head.

Not a big movie guy.

This book, wasn't a big fan, kind of feel good, can't we all get along.

Has not encouraged me to read any other Planet of the Apes books, and as I didn't enjoy novel, it is extremely unlikely that I would enjoy the movie so I'll skip that time Ellipsising event as there is so many other uses of hour limited time upon this rock.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these adaptations. This one really captured the feel of the characters and how they would slowly establish their society and how it would feel to suddenly be sentient and thrust into a world that doesn’t want you alive. They discuss neat topics like religion, what happens when you die, what happens to loved ones, what’s it like to dream and what they mean. Unfortunately it’s also quite dry at times and downright boring. If you can get through those passages it is worth the introspective that the apes have.

Although Caesar isn’t really a main character it mostly focuses on the humans, a betraying ape faction, and the ape queen being a bad ass.

[Melissa C. Nower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great prequel to the official film War. I just couldn’t stop reading it! I only wish that Malcolm, Ellie and Alex had stayed in the story a lot longer and not having to depart so early. Ugh. Overall, the conflict between Caesar’s colony and the soldiers is well depicted. And the subterfuge behind Red’s diabolical scheme was despicable. Well done on this, Greg Keyes!

[Nate Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book not great I really enjoyed the characters on this Blue eyes and Ray were really cool characters so was Blue eyes mom Cornelia it showed more character growth than the movie did I would still recommend this book to any planet of the apes fan though.

[Paul Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

APES TOGETHER STRONG

[Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Explores the internal emotions Blur Eyes feels at the loss of his friend Ash. And the rise of Red who joins the humans against Caesar.

[Mathew Benham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 9hr long audiobook. I was looking forward to this book series but now that I am near the ending, I never want to read nor will encourage others to read this series.

[David Cavaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Planet of the Apes series.