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Terminator Movie Novelisation #4
Terminator Salvation: The Official Movie Novelization
The eagerly awaited fourth Terminator movie, Terminator Salvation , starring Christian Bale and directed by McG, reaches cinemas on 22 May 2009.
In a brand-new chapter in the Terminator chronicles, Judgment Day has come to pass and Skynet has destroyed much of the world’s population. In this post-apocalyptic world, the resistance, led by John Connor, continues its brutal fight for survival.
The official novelisation will provide readers with the full story of this much-anticipated movie - a must for all Terminator fans!
In a brand-new chapter in the Terminator chronicles, Judgment Day has come to pass and Skynet has destroyed much of the world’s population. In this post-apocalyptic world, the resistance, led by John Connor, continues its brutal fight for survival.
The official novelisation will provide readers with the full story of this much-anticipated movie - a must for all Terminator fans!
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
24 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Alan Dean Foster
513 books2,056 followersBestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2012
Alan Dean Foster has been doing movie novelizations for numerous years; he even wrote the original Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope novel, though George Lucas put his own name on the cover. His writing has improved over time, although some of his movie-based works don't deliver as much content as you'd expect; compare the paltry two extra pages of his version of J. J. Abrams' Star Trek to the over six additional chapters in R. A. Salvatore's literary adaptation of Attack of the Clones, and you'll see what I mean. Mr. Foster's written interpretation of Terminator: Salvation isn't perfect, but it does shed a light on some parts of the story that can't be seen in celluloid form. If you liked the movie, and you enjoy reading, this is worth checking out, but those who didn't care for the movie and/or aren't bibliophiles should just stay away.
July 12, 2025
ehhhhhhhhhh
February 15, 2025
A thoroughly mediocre read.
Want to Read
October 1, 2022The only salvation is that they didn't use the original ending.
In a departure from the previous installments, Salvation is a post-apocalyptic film set in the year 2016. It focuses on the war between Skynet's machine network and humanity, as the remnants of the world's militaries have united to form the Resistance to fight against Skynet's killing machines.
The film tries to have heartwarming reflections about the human beings becoming worse than Skynet on their struggle for survival, but it fails miserably because nothing of this subplot is properly developed.
Nonsensical, barely existing and convoluted plot:
If you actually think about it, the entire reason why Skynet would send Marcus, who isn't under its control and doesn't even know what mission it was for him to carry out, in order to lure John Connor into a trap, is nonsensical.
On top of that, the story arc of the film is about John rising to become the leader of the Resistance — even though that was the story arc of the previous film.
The film essentially creates several plot holes that break the canon and story of the Terminator series. A notable example of is that for some reason, Skynet uses the young Kyle Reese as bait in order lure John Connor into a trap instead of just killing Kyle right there and then to prevent him from travelling back in time to get Sarah Connor pregnant.
Mediocre and dull acting from most of the cast, except for Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, and Anton Yelchin (and even the latter is under-used in his role as Kyle Reese).
As a result of Arnold Schwarzenegger retiring from acting for a while and being elected as Governor of California at the time it came out, he did not make any appearance in the film, unless you count the computer-animated Arnold at the end, and even then he barely appears.
Christian Bale's lack of commitment and behavior both on-and off-screen.
Lack of focus on the characters, besides Marcus, as most of the characters are underutilized and not in the film for long.
The PG-13 rating for this film and Genisys means that the violence gets more toned down than in Rise of the Machines, while the first three films and the sixth film were rated R.
Characters like Barnes and Kate are extremely underdeveloped, uninteresting, and/or annoying, especially Barnes.
John Connor is at his worst here, he keeps reminding everyone that he will lead the resistance every 5 minutes.
Loads of padding and bad pacing that makes the film seem longer than it actually is.
Despite being set in the future, there isn't laser shootings like in the previous movies.
While visually impressive, the designs for the giant-sized Terminators feel too derivative of the Transformers from the film series of the same name, it also creates lots of plot-holes since that giant Terminator can defeat the resistance easily but didn't because of the plot.
Parts of the ending feel really contrived, most notably John surviving a wound right through the heart that should have killed him near-instantly, and then the resistance somehow carrying out a heart transplant (using Marcus as the donor) despite not having anything close to the medical facilities that you'd need for such an operation.
This is because in the original ending, John died from his injury, and the Resistance cut his face off and placed it on Marcus's body so that the remains of humanity wouldn't lose hope. This ending got overwhelmingly negative feedback from test audiences, however, it caused it to be reshot so that John survived.
Marcus turning out to be a Terminator was spoiled by trailers.
They were going to set up some sequels as part of a trilogy, but due to The Halcyon Company shutting down and this film didn't do that well, they didn't make any proper sequels to this film.
Unlike other installments like Genisys and Dark Fate, this film at least tried to be different and do something new, and this is a main reason why some fans in recent years have considered it to be a decent film.
The action scenes and the special effects are well done.
The ending is good and it ties up some loose ends.
The score by Danny Elfman is okay.
Marcus Wright is a very cool character, with many seeing him as the best thing about the movie.
Despite the flaws in the reshot ending, the fact that the producers changed it after a poor reaction from test audiences shows that they (eventually) understood that the series is supposed to be about John Connor, and that fans wouldn't accept him being killed off without a very good reason.
Some good acting. For example:
The late Anton Yelchin gives a good performance as Kyle Reese.
Sam Worthington's performance as Marcus Wright was passable.
Christian Bale as John Connor was pretty decent despite being an annoying character.
There are some nice callbacks and references to the first two films, especially the former.
Like the first three films and the next installments, the famous phrase "I'll be back." is still re-used as said by John Connor.
Pretty solid direction from McG.
The cinematography isn't too bad.
The director's cut is an improvement over the theatrical cut.
Seriously, how is it that the producers of this franchise seem to show less and less understanding of what it's supposed to be about with each sequel?
Terminator 3: "Alright, this series has been building up to Judgment Day and showing John Connor becoming the savior of humanity, so let's finally show these things happening. But we'll copy the whole plot of Terminator 2 first, just to be on the safe side."
Terminator Salvation: "Let's show John Connor fighting the war against the machines, working to save humanity... and then have him completely murderized by a T-800 and reveal that this new character was actually John all along! Oh, wait, you mean our test audience thinks that's a completely stupid and insulting twist? Okay, guess we'd better reshoot the ending so that John survives after all."
Terminator Genisys: "Hey, remember the ending we rejected from Salvation because of how incredibly stupid it was? Let's actually use it this time! Better yet, why don't we turn John into a Terminator, because I'm sure we haven't done that yet, right?!"
Terminator Dark Fate: "Okay, I know where we went wrong with Genisys. We had John killed off too late in the storyline! Quick, let's make a movie where he gets shot dead after two minutes!"
This was the last good Terminator film in my honest opinion. It’s the only one that does something different.
In a departure from the previous installments, Salvation is a post-apocalyptic film set in the year 2016. It focuses on the war between Skynet's machine network and humanity, as the remnants of the world's militaries have united to form the Resistance to fight against Skynet's killing machines.
The film tries to have heartwarming reflections about the human beings becoming worse than Skynet on their struggle for survival, but it fails miserably because nothing of this subplot is properly developed.
Nonsensical, barely existing and convoluted plot:
If you actually think about it, the entire reason why Skynet would send Marcus, who isn't under its control and doesn't even know what mission it was for him to carry out, in order to lure John Connor into a trap, is nonsensical.
On top of that, the story arc of the film is about John rising to become the leader of the Resistance — even though that was the story arc of the previous film.
The film essentially creates several plot holes that break the canon and story of the Terminator series. A notable example of is that for some reason, Skynet uses the young Kyle Reese as bait in order lure John Connor into a trap instead of just killing Kyle right there and then to prevent him from travelling back in time to get Sarah Connor pregnant.
Mediocre and dull acting from most of the cast, except for Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, and Anton Yelchin (and even the latter is under-used in his role as Kyle Reese).
As a result of Arnold Schwarzenegger retiring from acting for a while and being elected as Governor of California at the time it came out, he did not make any appearance in the film, unless you count the computer-animated Arnold at the end, and even then he barely appears.
Christian Bale's lack of commitment and behavior both on-and off-screen.
Lack of focus on the characters, besides Marcus, as most of the characters are underutilized and not in the film for long.
The PG-13 rating for this film and Genisys means that the violence gets more toned down than in Rise of the Machines, while the first three films and the sixth film were rated R.
Characters like Barnes and Kate are extremely underdeveloped, uninteresting, and/or annoying, especially Barnes.
John Connor is at his worst here, he keeps reminding everyone that he will lead the resistance every 5 minutes.
Loads of padding and bad pacing that makes the film seem longer than it actually is.
Despite being set in the future, there isn't laser shootings like in the previous movies.
While visually impressive, the designs for the giant-sized Terminators feel too derivative of the Transformers from the film series of the same name, it also creates lots of plot-holes since that giant Terminator can defeat the resistance easily but didn't because of the plot.
Parts of the ending feel really contrived, most notably John surviving a wound right through the heart that should have killed him near-instantly, and then the resistance somehow carrying out a heart transplant (using Marcus as the donor) despite not having anything close to the medical facilities that you'd need for such an operation.
This is because in the original ending, John died from his injury, and the Resistance cut his face off and placed it on Marcus's body so that the remains of humanity wouldn't lose hope. This ending got overwhelmingly negative feedback from test audiences, however, it caused it to be reshot so that John survived.
Marcus turning out to be a Terminator was spoiled by trailers.
They were going to set up some sequels as part of a trilogy, but due to The Halcyon Company shutting down and this film didn't do that well, they didn't make any proper sequels to this film.
Unlike other installments like Genisys and Dark Fate, this film at least tried to be different and do something new, and this is a main reason why some fans in recent years have considered it to be a decent film.
The action scenes and the special effects are well done.
The ending is good and it ties up some loose ends.
The score by Danny Elfman is okay.
Marcus Wright is a very cool character, with many seeing him as the best thing about the movie.
Despite the flaws in the reshot ending, the fact that the producers changed it after a poor reaction from test audiences shows that they (eventually) understood that the series is supposed to be about John Connor, and that fans wouldn't accept him being killed off without a very good reason.
Some good acting. For example:
The late Anton Yelchin gives a good performance as Kyle Reese.
Sam Worthington's performance as Marcus Wright was passable.
Christian Bale as John Connor was pretty decent despite being an annoying character.
There are some nice callbacks and references to the first two films, especially the former.
Like the first three films and the next installments, the famous phrase "I'll be back." is still re-used as said by John Connor.
Pretty solid direction from McG.
The cinematography isn't too bad.
The director's cut is an improvement over the theatrical cut.
Seriously, how is it that the producers of this franchise seem to show less and less understanding of what it's supposed to be about with each sequel?
Terminator 3: "Alright, this series has been building up to Judgment Day and showing John Connor becoming the savior of humanity, so let's finally show these things happening. But we'll copy the whole plot of Terminator 2 first, just to be on the safe side."
Terminator Salvation: "Let's show John Connor fighting the war against the machines, working to save humanity... and then have him completely murderized by a T-800 and reveal that this new character was actually John all along! Oh, wait, you mean our test audience thinks that's a completely stupid and insulting twist? Okay, guess we'd better reshoot the ending so that John survives after all."
Terminator Genisys: "Hey, remember the ending we rejected from Salvation because of how incredibly stupid it was? Let's actually use it this time! Better yet, why don't we turn John into a Terminator, because I'm sure we haven't done that yet, right?!"
Terminator Dark Fate: "Okay, I know where we went wrong with Genisys. We had John killed off too late in the storyline! Quick, let's make a movie where he gets shot dead after two minutes!"
This was the last good Terminator film in my honest opinion. It’s the only one that does something different.
June 29, 2009
See? there are these killer machines 'cause a computer's wicked smart, and they hate mankind and like to step on skulls until they break. then some people find a time-machine and go back to make sure their leader is born. But the Termintors go back to kill him instead. then the humans go back again, but then the terminators go back, so the humans go back and so do the terminators until finally everyone's so unhappy that Christian Bale has to play the leader in the new movie. Which has terminators.
November 18, 2024
A short story by Alan Dean Foster
Alan Dean Foster, a recognized master of science fiction novelizations, once again proved his skills in the book "Terminator: May the Savior Come." This novel, based on the film of the same name, successfully complements and expands the story presented on the screen, making it even more intense and fascinating.
First of all, it is worth noting that Foster does an excellent job of conveying the atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world, which was so impressively visualized in the film. His description of destroyed cities, ruthless killing machines and the gloomy future of humanity makes you feel the hopelessness and danger of a world where there is an endless struggle for survival.
One of the key advantages of the novelization is that Foster skillfully reveals the inner world of the characters, adding depth to their motivations and experiences. For example, John Connor appears in the book not only as a future leader of the resistance, but also as a man torn by doubts and fears for humanity. His struggle becomes not only physical, but also emotional, which adds drama to the story. Marcus Wright, a character whose nature in the film raises many questions, takes on clearer outlines in the book, and his internal conflicts become more understandable and tragic.
The author also successfully complements the storylines that could not be fully disclosed in the film due to time constraints. This allows the reader to delve deeper into the story, understand the motivations of minor characters, and better understand the complex relationship between humans and machines. New scenes and dialogues added by the author not only decorate the plot, but also give it additional meaning and emotional weight.
I would especially like to mention Foster's narrative style. His language is simple, but at the same time expressive. He skillfully balances between dynamic action scenes and quieter episodes of reflection, which makes reading fascinating and interesting. In tense moments, the author easily keeps the reader in a state of expectation and does not let go until the very last page.
"Terminator: May the Savior Come" is not just a worthy novelization, but also an independent work that can captivate both fans of the film and those who are getting acquainted with this story for the first time. Foster successfully expands and complements the film, creating a rich and multi-layered picture that not only holds attention, but also makes you think about deeper questions of human nature and destiny. Sometimes you catch yourself thinking that some moments could have been written more interesting, but I understand for myself that this is transferring the film to paper, to a different format, which still leaves its mark on the final product.
In general, if you love science fiction and appreciate well-written stories, this book from Alan Dean Foster will be a good read for you. This is a book that not only follows the film, but also adds new colors to it, making the familiar story more exciting and multifaceted.
7 out of 10
Alan Dean Foster, a recognized master of science fiction novelizations, once again proved his skills in the book "Terminator: May the Savior Come." This novel, based on the film of the same name, successfully complements and expands the story presented on the screen, making it even more intense and fascinating.
First of all, it is worth noting that Foster does an excellent job of conveying the atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world, which was so impressively visualized in the film. His description of destroyed cities, ruthless killing machines and the gloomy future of humanity makes you feel the hopelessness and danger of a world where there is an endless struggle for survival.
One of the key advantages of the novelization is that Foster skillfully reveals the inner world of the characters, adding depth to their motivations and experiences. For example, John Connor appears in the book not only as a future leader of the resistance, but also as a man torn by doubts and fears for humanity. His struggle becomes not only physical, but also emotional, which adds drama to the story. Marcus Wright, a character whose nature in the film raises many questions, takes on clearer outlines in the book, and his internal conflicts become more understandable and tragic.
The author also successfully complements the storylines that could not be fully disclosed in the film due to time constraints. This allows the reader to delve deeper into the story, understand the motivations of minor characters, and better understand the complex relationship between humans and machines. New scenes and dialogues added by the author not only decorate the plot, but also give it additional meaning and emotional weight.
I would especially like to mention Foster's narrative style. His language is simple, but at the same time expressive. He skillfully balances between dynamic action scenes and quieter episodes of reflection, which makes reading fascinating and interesting. In tense moments, the author easily keeps the reader in a state of expectation and does not let go until the very last page.
"Terminator: May the Savior Come" is not just a worthy novelization, but also an independent work that can captivate both fans of the film and those who are getting acquainted with this story for the first time. Foster successfully expands and complements the film, creating a rich and multi-layered picture that not only holds attention, but also makes you think about deeper questions of human nature and destiny. Sometimes you catch yourself thinking that some moments could have been written more interesting, but I understand for myself that this is transferring the film to paper, to a different format, which still leaves its mark on the final product.
In general, if you love science fiction and appreciate well-written stories, this book from Alan Dean Foster will be a good read for you. This is a book that not only follows the film, but also adds new colors to it, making the familiar story more exciting and multifaceted.
7 out of 10
June 10, 2022
It all ends here... Practically.
After two great movies and magnificent literary adaptations, two decent movies and their equivalent adaptations followed. James Cameron made a great film set with Jonathan Mostow and McG having done an adequate job continuing it. Sadly, not enough to give it the send-off it deserved because make no mistake, Terminator Rise of the Machines and Terminator Salvation are decent m0vies. Because we all know now that this story and its predecessor were better compared to what followed afterward, two absurd reboots.
This story continues some time after the events of Terminator Rise of the Machines with a short prologue dedicated to a brand new character in Marcus Wright. Marcus is a death row inmate sentenced to death as he signs his soon-to-be-executed body to the Cyberdyne Systems Corporation, the eventual makers of Skynet. Even after all the events of Terminator 2 and Terminator Rise of the Machines this man somehow emerges in the future having not aged a day since his execution as he endures what appears to be a hell on earth.
Because this is the Rise of the Machines with Skynet finally free and self-aware, having initiated Judgement Day. Despite the T-X's failure to kill John Connor, Skynet knows that its loyal servant had ensured Judgement Day arrived and the knowledge that in another time and place of its defeat. All this happens as John Connor uses the skills his mother taught him to create a resistance movement with others around the world. But he is only one of many leaders who have heard of the stories that his mother had taught him about this dark present and while many do believe him others do not. John is a commander but not the supreme commander of the Resistance. Add to the fact that his previous protector the T-800 has warned him that though triumphant, he is destined to die leading humanity into its Salvation.
Marcus Wright is caught up in this all the while the Resistance not led by John Connor appears to have found a way to destroy Skynet a decade before John Connor claims it should end. As Skynet is preparing to destroy not just John Connor but it all comes full circle as Skynet's primary target is none other than the young Kyle Reese, John's father. All this as Kyle is found by Marcus as the Resistance learns the truth about Marcus as it leads to an epic confrontation.
This book much like the movie it is based is exemplary and a worthy chapter in the Terminator franchise. Not as much detail is given as there was in the first two books or even in the third book, but this is a well-written story, loyal to the film. Except for the ending, which is not as groundbreaking as the movie but it is still good. My guess is the author used the penultimate script to adapt this book, as Alan Dean Foster has done many great sci-fi stories in his time and he does a satisfactory job in adapting this novelization.
Hasta La Vista, Terminator franchise. It was a truly amazing run.
After two great movies and magnificent literary adaptations, two decent movies and their equivalent adaptations followed. James Cameron made a great film set with Jonathan Mostow and McG having done an adequate job continuing it. Sadly, not enough to give it the send-off it deserved because make no mistake, Terminator Rise of the Machines and Terminator Salvation are decent m0vies. Because we all know now that this story and its predecessor were better compared to what followed afterward, two absurd reboots.
This story continues some time after the events of Terminator Rise of the Machines with a short prologue dedicated to a brand new character in Marcus Wright. Marcus is a death row inmate sentenced to death as he signs his soon-to-be-executed body to the Cyberdyne Systems Corporation, the eventual makers of Skynet. Even after all the events of Terminator 2 and Terminator Rise of the Machines this man somehow emerges in the future having not aged a day since his execution as he endures what appears to be a hell on earth.
Because this is the Rise of the Machines with Skynet finally free and self-aware, having initiated Judgement Day. Despite the T-X's failure to kill John Connor, Skynet knows that its loyal servant had ensured Judgement Day arrived and the knowledge that in another time and place of its defeat. All this happens as John Connor uses the skills his mother taught him to create a resistance movement with others around the world. But he is only one of many leaders who have heard of the stories that his mother had taught him about this dark present and while many do believe him others do not. John is a commander but not the supreme commander of the Resistance. Add to the fact that his previous protector the T-800 has warned him that though triumphant, he is destined to die leading humanity into its Salvation.
Marcus Wright is caught up in this all the while the Resistance not led by John Connor appears to have found a way to destroy Skynet a decade before John Connor claims it should end. As Skynet is preparing to destroy not just John Connor but it all comes full circle as Skynet's primary target is none other than the young Kyle Reese, John's father. All this as Kyle is found by Marcus as the Resistance learns the truth about Marcus as it leads to an epic confrontation.
This book much like the movie it is based is exemplary and a worthy chapter in the Terminator franchise. Not as much detail is given as there was in the first two books or even in the third book, but this is a well-written story, loyal to the film. Except for the ending, which is not as groundbreaking as the movie but it is still good. My guess is the author used the penultimate script to adapt this book, as Alan Dean Foster has done many great sci-fi stories in his time and he does a satisfactory job in adapting this novelization.
Hasta La Vista, Terminator franchise. It was a truly amazing run.
May 25, 2018
A good, swift read that is a must for fans of the film. Follows the basics of the film but adds many little tidbits that were cut from the film, some are trivial while others are pretty cool (such as Connor ditching his hijacked Moto off the Golden Gate bridge). Easily recommended.
January 22, 2018
Another excellent book followed by an excellent movie.
September 8, 2009
In Book 4 and movie 4 of this intensifying series the date is 2018. The resistance is losing to Skynet, and the T-600 is under way. John Connor is searching for Kyle Rhys, his father who came back from the future to warn John's mother, Sarah Connor. Now the resistance has a machine that can shut down Skynet once and for all but John needs to save Kyle Rhys from Skynet headquarters before they blow it up.
I can make a world connection because in the book machines took over the world because they were feeling neglected and abused. They didn't want to be taken for granted anymore so when skynet was uploaded they took control. This connects to our use of electronics because we use thousands of them every day and when we damage one we threw it aside and buy a new cell phone or ipod.
I'd give this book 5 stars because it shows the ending to a beautiful series. It has lots of action, violence and wraps up all of the questions being asked in previous terminators. It's a great final to a book and I hope they make more movies to come.
I can make a world connection because in the book machines took over the world because they were feeling neglected and abused. They didn't want to be taken for granted anymore so when skynet was uploaded they took control. This connects to our use of electronics because we use thousands of them every day and when we damage one we threw it aside and buy a new cell phone or ipod.
I'd give this book 5 stars because it shows the ending to a beautiful series. It has lots of action, violence and wraps up all of the questions being asked in previous terminators. It's a great final to a book and I hope they make more movies to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2009
If you liked the movie then you'll probably like this one as well. ;)
It doesn't dwell too much in the action scenes (which I had feared, since they are a major part of the movie), but rather takes time for the 'quieter' scenes and goes into some of the characters' motivations and thoughts.
Having read the prequel novel before, I still felt like it was neglecting some characters and at some points I caught myself thinking that the actions were OCC. But you can't really expect the movie novelization to stick to the characterisations of the prequel novel.
As for the plot: there are some differences throughout the novel, the biggest being the ending. I won't comment now on whether or not I would prefer the movie or novel version, because that would obviously mean I have to go into details and that would spoil all the fun for you.
It doesn't dwell too much in the action scenes (which I had feared, since they are a major part of the movie), but rather takes time for the 'quieter' scenes and goes into some of the characters' motivations and thoughts.
Having read the prequel novel before, I still felt like it was neglecting some characters and at some points I caught myself thinking that the actions were OCC. But you can't really expect the movie novelization to stick to the characterisations of the prequel novel.
As for the plot: there are some differences throughout the novel, the biggest being the ending. I won't comment now on whether or not I would prefer the movie or novel version, because that would obviously mean I have to go into details and that would spoil all the fun for you.
July 13, 2009
Mr. Foster does reliable movie novelizations and this is no different. Having seen the movie, I found it interesting that you get just a bit more out of the internal dialogue of Marcus Wright in the novel (and a bit more out of John Connor too). Obviously, some thoughts and emotions are hard to express and the movie didn't go for any internal dialogue by the actors so the novel exceeds it on that point. It is interesting that the novel was obviously written on the written script but not the script that was shot as the movie and novel have completely different endings. I think both endings have merit and maybe the movie ending is even a bit more sympathetic towards the Marcus Wright character and delivers a stronger emotional payoff.
August 17, 2022
** spoiler alert ** I thought that this was a pretty good novelization, and I enjoyed the changed ending more than the one from the actual movie. I was always so confused with the logistics of the heart transplant, this one's hint of mystery was by far more interesting and makes more sense with Marcus's character. Though I must say reading Timothy Zahn's prequel novel From the Ashes, before reading this one made me a little disappointed in Terminator Salvation, due to there being differences between the two authors in the world building, backstories, and characterization. Regardless this novel was alright and I would recommend, though I'd suggest reading this one prior to From the Ashes.
August 11, 2011
I'd recomend watching the film before reading the book as the scenes don't go into much detail so it's therefore hard to visualise the scene if you haven't seen the movie. But on the other hand you also get a sense of character interaction and personal thoughts of the characters that the film is un-able to show. The ending was different to that of the film and to be honest I prefered this ending. I've read Alan Dean Foster's novelisations of the first 3 Alien films and this book was just as good as those and now plan to read some of his independant work.
June 22, 2009
I read this book in the hopes that it would offer more in-depth insight into the characters' backgrounds than the film. Although it did provide more detail, it was basically "what you see is what you get" as far as its comparison with the movie is concerned. The book did have a different ending, with both John Connor and Marcus escaping their hand-to-hand combat with the T800 without the requirement of a heart transplant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2010
A fantastic companion after watching the film. It's post Judgement-Day, the war against the machines is on...and John Connor, is simply a solider in the resistance...not yet as the "Destined" leader his mother told him he'd be. While many believe strongly in Connor, the Resistance Leadership isn't buying into the prophetic statements. Connor is shaken to the core when he comes across Marcus Wright...
February 5, 2013
Of all the Terminator books I've read so far I like this one the least. Why? I don't know, I can't put my finger on it. Maybe because there are walls which the book confinded whereas in the other books the plot could go in any direction? I don't know.
I like the changes in the book compared to the movie and I also love that we get to "look" into the head of Marcus and John and therefore get some of the decisions they made in the movie.
An enjoyable read.
I like the changes in the book compared to the movie and I also love that we get to "look" into the head of Marcus and John and therefore get some of the decisions they made in the movie.
An enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2010
The book itself is fairly mundane and follows closely to what I know of the movie. It's a fun popcorn read and will keep you entertained. Meeting up with some more familiar characters was great but I grew to not really care for much of them as it just didn't feel as if the writer was invested. Given that this is was adapted from script, it's understandable.
May 11, 2009
Easy read. Entertaining and compelling at the same time. You won't be giving it any awards but the author keeps you captivated for the entire ride. But then, I wouldn't have expected less of Alan Dean Foster.
May 31, 2009
Far better than the movie. The media it was presented on forced more focus on the characters than poorly thoughtout action.
June 2, 2009
Pretty damn good so far - Alan hasn't lost anything over the years!
April 24, 2011
As always, Foster takes a script and turns it into a novel worthy of an SF writer. He does this sort of thing so well. Gives nuances to the story that wasn't in evidence in the film.
December 9, 2009
Really disappointing offering from the otherwise fantastic Alan Dean Foster.
January 22, 2013
Excellent, really made the movie come alive for me by adding more background and the characters' thoughts.
May 18, 2013
since "the official movie novelization" to i expect as in pareho sa movie, but i was wrong. e medyo iba yung ending e. but ok lang
July 27, 2014
I might have liked it had McG not murdered Cameron's legacy only a few months before.
November 19, 2014
Loved it! Great read, excellent detail, extra discussion and character development that made the movie that much more awesome to watch. Loved all the military descriptions.
December 12, 2014
A good tale but I thought connor seemed very two dimensional in this story, still the pace was good and it was told well.
April 23, 2017
I didn't watch the movie and I was never a fan of the terminator franchise. I chose this book because it's by Alan Dean Foster. The beginning was a bit slow but the plot overall turned out really great. I like the fact that Marcus Wright is so much human even though he is actually a hybrid human machine. In another time, he was considered a disease to society and a criminal but here he is transformed into a hero and hope for the human's war against machines. Wow! He has Blair Williams and Star looking up to him because they have their hopes in him. John Connor is a recurring character in the franchise. I don't have much rooting for this main character though. I feel more for Marcus Wright in the plot. I was so curious about the movie that I decided to watch the trailer on YouTube to make my reading experience more engaged. I loved this book overall. A good read indeed.
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