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Battlestar Galactica Miniseries #3
Sagittarius Is Bleeding: Battlestar Galactica 3
An untold story of Battlestar Galactica by bestselling author Peter David. President Laura Roslin bears a heavy burden. Since becoming the president of the twelve human colonies when the Cylons brutally attacked and destroyed all but a small remnant of humanity's billions, she has been the voice of civil authority, counterbalancing the military leadership of Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. President Roslin has been a source of inspiration to the tens of thousands who survive on Galactica and the other colonial ships. They look to her for honesty, integrity, and courage. For fairness and an evenhanded rule. And most importantly, for the prophecy she has shared with them. Earth, the fabled home of the lost colony, can be found. She has seen this in a vision which has the power of truth.
Recently, though, her dreams have been darker, of a galaxy overrun by Cylons. . . . Is she having visions of an inevitable future? Or are these terrible dreams caused by powerful medication she's been taking ?
More dangerously, the Midguardians, radicals who believe that the end of humanity is coming soon, have learned of Roslin's dreams and taken them as a sign. Now, the Midguardians prepare to act.
President Roslin faces the most important decision of her life, Should she tell Commander Adama about the Midguardians, and risk being imprisoned again as a traitor, or dare she keep her secret, and possibly endanger the future of the entire fleet . . .
Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, and a cast of talented newcomers star in Battlestar Galactica . The 1978 series, re-imagined by Ronald D. Moore as a suspenseful series of taut human drama, has taken viewers by storm with compelling stories of humanity on the brink. The talented cast and intense stories have fired the imagination of the largest audience for any Sci-Fi Channel series in its history. Galactica is back, better than ever.
Recently, though, her dreams have been darker, of a galaxy overrun by Cylons. . . . Is she having visions of an inevitable future? Or are these terrible dreams caused by powerful medication she's been taking ?
More dangerously, the Midguardians, radicals who believe that the end of humanity is coming soon, have learned of Roslin's dreams and taken them as a sign. Now, the Midguardians prepare to act.
President Roslin faces the most important decision of her life, Should she tell Commander Adama about the Midguardians, and risk being imprisoned again as a traitor, or dare she keep her secret, and possibly endanger the future of the entire fleet . . .
Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, and a cast of talented newcomers star in Battlestar Galactica . The 1978 series, re-imagined by Ronald D. Moore as a suspenseful series of taut human drama, has taken viewers by storm with compelling stories of humanity on the brink. The talented cast and intense stories have fired the imagination of the largest audience for any Sci-Fi Channel series in its history. Galactica is back, better than ever.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,568 books1,363 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2007
Sagittarius is Bleeding falls in the timeline of Battlestar Galactica season 2 episodes of "Black Market" and "Scar." Unlike The Cylons' Secret, all of the current characters make an appearance and it reads more like an episode (or perhaps miniseries) than book number 2. Of these two most recently published books, Sagittarius is Bleeding is more faithful to the series but The Cylons' Secret is the more interesting of the two because it dares to stray from canon.
It takes a while for the book to get started. The first two or three chapters are rather sloppily written and come off as being big budget fan-fiction. The meat of the story doesn't start until about chapter seven.
The book's weakest point is its inclusion of Boxey (who is given two different first names: Andrew and Alexander). He was probably chosen to be one of the main characters to avoid interference with any future story arc because Boxey hasn't been a part of the series beyond the initial miniseries (thank goodness!) Boxey is by far the series' weakest character. The Boxey in this book read like a strange amalgam of the original Boxey and the one from the miniseries. He cycles between asking naive questions ala "Saga of a Starworld" and while being an angst ridden teenager.
Having Boxey accused of being a Cylon was fun but the book should have gone one step further and have Boxey found to be a Cylon agent just to write him out of any future books. Of course with the series premise that there are only twelve models for the Cylon spies it isn't likely that Boxey could be one. Those twelve slots are probably reserved for more important characters.
Beyond the silliness of Boxey being one of the protagonists of the story and getting to interact with all the major characters there are two interesting mysteries: how did the latest hyperspace jump end up almost putting the fleet into a sun and why is the president having visions? Neither of the flogged possible answers ends up being true, making for a fun mystery tucked in amongst the characters making sure they speak their standard lines and perform their standard actions.
This book could have been a lot better than it is. It suffers from fan-boy dialogue, poor editing (note Boxey's changing name), and some laughably bad descriptive paragraphs early on. With all of its flaws, it is still good enough that I ultimately enjoyed the story and would probably read future books in the series.
It takes a while for the book to get started. The first two or three chapters are rather sloppily written and come off as being big budget fan-fiction. The meat of the story doesn't start until about chapter seven.
The book's weakest point is its inclusion of Boxey (who is given two different first names: Andrew and Alexander). He was probably chosen to be one of the main characters to avoid interference with any future story arc because Boxey hasn't been a part of the series beyond the initial miniseries (thank goodness!) Boxey is by far the series' weakest character. The Boxey in this book read like a strange amalgam of the original Boxey and the one from the miniseries. He cycles between asking naive questions ala "Saga of a Starworld" and while being an angst ridden teenager.
Having Boxey accused of being a Cylon was fun but the book should have gone one step further and have Boxey found to be a Cylon agent just to write him out of any future books. Of course with the series premise that there are only twelve models for the Cylon spies it isn't likely that Boxey could be one. Those twelve slots are probably reserved for more important characters.
Beyond the silliness of Boxey being one of the protagonists of the story and getting to interact with all the major characters there are two interesting mysteries: how did the latest hyperspace jump end up almost putting the fleet into a sun and why is the president having visions? Neither of the flogged possible answers ends up being true, making for a fun mystery tucked in amongst the characters making sure they speak their standard lines and perform their standard actions.
This book could have been a lot better than it is. It suffers from fan-boy dialogue, poor editing (note Boxey's changing name), and some laughably bad descriptive paragraphs early on. With all of its flaws, it is still good enough that I ultimately enjoyed the story and would probably read future books in the series.
February 17, 2008
Being a Battlestar Gallactica fan and all, this was a fun book to read. Simple and fast. Unlike the T.V. show, when you read,you get a much deeper look into the characters feelings and thoughts. I like that. Now on to more serious books...
November 20, 2018
Great book, gives extra depth to the TV Series, gripping right to the end.
August 19, 2021
Battlestar Galactica: Sagittarius Is Bleeding by Peter David, is a media tie-in novel based of the Sci-fi Channel’s Battlestar Galactica reboot TV series, and the third book of the Battlestar Galactica book trilogy.
Telling a original story set during the second season of BSG, Recently cured of cancer, President Laura Roslin is having disturbing nightmares that begin to plague her while awake. In each alarming vision, she sees someone saying the cryptic message, “Sagittarius Is Bleeding.” Meanwhile, a religious cult is claiming to be a separate colony and demanding the rights that come with it. Suspicions grow into overdrive as Battlestar Galactica is attacked and followed to coordinates that the Cylons shouldn’t have known. Is someone on the Galactica a Cylon or traitor? And Baltar continues to lie about his Cylon detector, putting doubt on young teenage boys origins. This results in a conflict between the colonial military forces and religious Midguradians which are some how linked to President’s Roslin’s nightmares.
With the novel picking up mid season 2 after President Roslin was cured of cancer in "Epiphanies", and explores the aftermath of that episode. David takes the opportunity to look into just what the cure means to Roslin. In the show, the cure is taken as given; here we get an in-depth exploration of the ramifications of it on her character, and on Cylon Sharon Valerii who provided it. In the process, David also explores one of the more noticeable dropped plot lines from the series: that of young teenager Boxey. A character from the original miniseries pilot, not seen after the first season, we get to see how he's coping with the changes in his life after his rescuer turned out to be a Cylon. But even for someone who's not interested in exploring these tidbits from the series,
As most TV tie-in novels, this one makes more sense if you watched the show. If don’t keep up with it or haven’t watched BSG. Some of the characters and plots can be confusing. And it’s such a large cast; it gets a bit confusing with such short descriptions of some of the characters, and various plot lines.
Despite the problems I see in it, I think that David's novel deals with some important issues in the BSG universe. For example, the questions about the "side effects" from the miraculous blood transfusion (from Sharon's Cylon-human hybrid baby) that saved President Roslin's life. The "human rights" questions about Sharon's "secret" confinement aboard Galactica were also important to address. A scene near the end of the novel between Roslin and Sharon (in a dangerous yet idyllic setting) was long overdue in regards to dicussing the transfusion.
Sadly, Of the three main plots lines the plot involving the Midguardians is the weakest area of the novel. The Midguardians and their conspiracy take over the fleet isn't a terrible idea, but it's one that never seems to gel with the existing plotlines from the TV show that David delves into. Without the Midguardians, a much shorter and better novel would have resulted.
Overall, while it’s not an action packed space thriller. Rather more of a character drama. Peter David gets the characters and the universe right, giving us an adventure that is enjoyable on its own terms as well as having deeper meaning for those intimately familiar with the TV show. BSG: Sagittarius is Bleeding tells a very exciting story with a few fun twists with plenty of action and suspense abound. Peter David writes a fresh tale for the Battlestar Galactica universe that is definitely a enjoyable read for any fan of the series.
Telling a original story set during the second season of BSG, Recently cured of cancer, President Laura Roslin is having disturbing nightmares that begin to plague her while awake. In each alarming vision, she sees someone saying the cryptic message, “Sagittarius Is Bleeding.” Meanwhile, a religious cult is claiming to be a separate colony and demanding the rights that come with it. Suspicions grow into overdrive as Battlestar Galactica is attacked and followed to coordinates that the Cylons shouldn’t have known. Is someone on the Galactica a Cylon or traitor? And Baltar continues to lie about his Cylon detector, putting doubt on young teenage boys origins. This results in a conflict between the colonial military forces and religious Midguradians which are some how linked to President’s Roslin’s nightmares.
With the novel picking up mid season 2 after President Roslin was cured of cancer in "Epiphanies", and explores the aftermath of that episode. David takes the opportunity to look into just what the cure means to Roslin. In the show, the cure is taken as given; here we get an in-depth exploration of the ramifications of it on her character, and on Cylon Sharon Valerii who provided it. In the process, David also explores one of the more noticeable dropped plot lines from the series: that of young teenager Boxey. A character from the original miniseries pilot, not seen after the first season, we get to see how he's coping with the changes in his life after his rescuer turned out to be a Cylon. But even for someone who's not interested in exploring these tidbits from the series,
As most TV tie-in novels, this one makes more sense if you watched the show. If don’t keep up with it or haven’t watched BSG. Some of the characters and plots can be confusing. And it’s such a large cast; it gets a bit confusing with such short descriptions of some of the characters, and various plot lines.
Despite the problems I see in it, I think that David's novel deals with some important issues in the BSG universe. For example, the questions about the "side effects" from the miraculous blood transfusion (from Sharon's Cylon-human hybrid baby) that saved President Roslin's life. The "human rights" questions about Sharon's "secret" confinement aboard Galactica were also important to address. A scene near the end of the novel between Roslin and Sharon (in a dangerous yet idyllic setting) was long overdue in regards to dicussing the transfusion.
Sadly, Of the three main plots lines the plot involving the Midguardians is the weakest area of the novel. The Midguardians and their conspiracy take over the fleet isn't a terrible idea, but it's one that never seems to gel with the existing plotlines from the TV show that David delves into. Without the Midguardians, a much shorter and better novel would have resulted.
Overall, while it’s not an action packed space thriller. Rather more of a character drama. Peter David gets the characters and the universe right, giving us an adventure that is enjoyable on its own terms as well as having deeper meaning for those intimately familiar with the TV show. BSG: Sagittarius is Bleeding tells a very exciting story with a few fun twists with plenty of action and suspense abound. Peter David writes a fresh tale for the Battlestar Galactica universe that is definitely a enjoyable read for any fan of the series.
July 8, 2020
While loosely tied to the tv series, this book was just ok. I found the addition of the extra colony to be clunky at best and couldn't help but reference other materials every time they were mentioned. As others have said the story is weak and poorly written. With the entire BSG universe at your fingertips to write about, why write don't throw away fluff. While I was looking forward to expanding the universe with stories, this did not do it for me. The action and suspense in the series was key and this book lacked it....BADLY.
August 27, 2018
A most useless excuse for a a media tie-in. It isn't allowed to change the status quo at all, so it ponders into becoming a political thriller. However, based on the limitations, it falls fall short of the series, where even at its worst it handles the politics with aplomb. And the one real action scene is poorly written.
January 7, 2019
Did not finish, p. 50
did-not-finish-or-start
July 15, 2021DNS 7/15/2021
January 13, 2011
I am a fan of Peter David's writing (particularly his "Babylon 5" novels) and of the new "Battlestar Galactica." I think "Sagittarius Is Bleeding" is the best novel about the "new" Galactica crew so far. But there isn't much competition for that honor. As a fan, though, I didn't feel that this novel was up to David's usual standards or the very high standards seen in most of the episodes of the new BSG.
The novel is set in the latter half of season 2 of the new "Battlestar Galactica," after the death of Pegasus' Commander Fisk (in "Black Market") but before the death of Pegasus' Commander Garner (in "The Captain's Hand"). A group calling themselves the Midguardians, whose religion is based in what we call Norse mythology, want seperate status as a colony. They petition their representative, Tom Zarek, to speak to the President on their behalf. Then a lawyer, also a Midguardian, attempts to represent the pregnant Cylon (Sharon "Boomer" Valerii) in Galactica's brig and obtain her freedom.
I found some inconsistencies and outright errors in the text (which may be the editor's fault more than anyone else's). For example, Baltar's Cylon detector is referred to by Number Six as being a sham. Yet that same detector clearly identified Cylon Sharon in season one. I thought some of the characterizations were dead on--like President Roslin--and others--like Doctor Baltar--were a bit heavy-handed and overdone. I agree with some of the other reviewers that this novel takes a very long time to get to the point and is often repetitive along the way.
"Sagittarius Is Bleeding" also makes two large dents in the continuity of the show. The first regards someone else "seeing" the vision of Number Six that torments/arouses Dr. Baltar. Since the creators of the show haven't revealed exactly why Baltar sees her, having someone else comfirm her presence as something other than a delusion is not a good idea. The second regards the (rather lame) ending, where it is implied that a certain character is actually a Cylon. While this person may eventually be revealed as a Cylon on the show (though I can't imagine why), it seems premature to do so in a tie-in novel.
I was not thrilled about the return of Boxey. I'm aware he was much beloved in the original series, but I wasn't sad to see him disappear after the first couple of episodes in season one of the new BSG. I'm not a fan of kids in sci-fi in general. Having them in a gritty drama like what BSG has become seems to be asking for trouble.
I'd say one of the best scenes in the novel is Sharon "obtaining information" from her lawyer when things with the Midguardians reach a boiling point. We don't get to see the Cylons cut loose very often, especially one as "human" as Sharon seems to be.
Watch for a fun allusion by Admiral Adama to the character Edward James Olmos (who plays Adama on the TV show) played in the sci-fi classic "Blade Runner."
Tom Zarek (since he's played by Richard Hatch, the "original" Apollo) will always be a popular character in the show's mythology. He has appeared in both original "new" BSG novels so far. In this case, he acts much as we have seen him--as a shady yet charismatic leader with enough decency to keep him from being an outright villain. And, speaking of villains, D'anna Biers (the Cylon played by Lucy Lawless) makes a welcome appearance as an instigator who nearly dooms the fleet without the help of the distraction provided by the Midguardians.
Despite the problems I see in it, I think that David's novel deals with some important issues in the BSG universe. For example, the questions about the "side effects" from the miraculous blood transfusion (from Sharon's Cylon-human hybrid baby) that saved President Roslin's life. The "human rights" questions about Sharon's "secret" confinement aboard Galactica were also important to address. A scene near the end of the novel between Roslin and Sharon (in a dangerous yet idyllic setting) was long overdue in regards to dicussing the transfusion.
Sadly, the plot involving the Midguardians is the weakest area of the novel. The Midguardians and their conspiracy isn't a terrible idea, but it's one that never seems to gel with the existing plotlines from the TV show that David delves into. Without the Midguardians, a much shorter and better novel would have resulted.
"Sagittarius Is Bleeding" is not a bad novel. There are good scenes and plotlines in it. Yet there are enough bad (or at least unnecessary) scenes and plotlines to somewhat bury the good ones. This novel was a decent read and didn't disappoint me the way "The Cylons' Secret" did. But I suspect people who are avid fans of the show won't find "Sagittarius Is Bleeding" anywhere near as satisfying as the series itself. Then again, those who find the TV show too grim and dark might prefer this lighter fare.
The novel is set in the latter half of season 2 of the new "Battlestar Galactica," after the death of Pegasus' Commander Fisk (in "Black Market") but before the death of Pegasus' Commander Garner (in "The Captain's Hand"). A group calling themselves the Midguardians, whose religion is based in what we call Norse mythology, want seperate status as a colony. They petition their representative, Tom Zarek, to speak to the President on their behalf. Then a lawyer, also a Midguardian, attempts to represent the pregnant Cylon (Sharon "Boomer" Valerii) in Galactica's brig and obtain her freedom.
I found some inconsistencies and outright errors in the text (which may be the editor's fault more than anyone else's). For example, Baltar's Cylon detector is referred to by Number Six as being a sham. Yet that same detector clearly identified Cylon Sharon in season one. I thought some of the characterizations were dead on--like President Roslin--and others--like Doctor Baltar--were a bit heavy-handed and overdone. I agree with some of the other reviewers that this novel takes a very long time to get to the point and is often repetitive along the way.
"Sagittarius Is Bleeding" also makes two large dents in the continuity of the show. The first regards someone else "seeing" the vision of Number Six that torments/arouses Dr. Baltar. Since the creators of the show haven't revealed exactly why Baltar sees her, having someone else comfirm her presence as something other than a delusion is not a good idea. The second regards the (rather lame) ending, where it is implied that a certain character is actually a Cylon. While this person may eventually be revealed as a Cylon on the show (though I can't imagine why), it seems premature to do so in a tie-in novel.
I was not thrilled about the return of Boxey. I'm aware he was much beloved in the original series, but I wasn't sad to see him disappear after the first couple of episodes in season one of the new BSG. I'm not a fan of kids in sci-fi in general. Having them in a gritty drama like what BSG has become seems to be asking for trouble.
I'd say one of the best scenes in the novel is Sharon "obtaining information" from her lawyer when things with the Midguardians reach a boiling point. We don't get to see the Cylons cut loose very often, especially one as "human" as Sharon seems to be.
Watch for a fun allusion by Admiral Adama to the character Edward James Olmos (who plays Adama on the TV show) played in the sci-fi classic "Blade Runner."
Tom Zarek (since he's played by Richard Hatch, the "original" Apollo) will always be a popular character in the show's mythology. He has appeared in both original "new" BSG novels so far. In this case, he acts much as we have seen him--as a shady yet charismatic leader with enough decency to keep him from being an outright villain. And, speaking of villains, D'anna Biers (the Cylon played by Lucy Lawless) makes a welcome appearance as an instigator who nearly dooms the fleet without the help of the distraction provided by the Midguardians.
Despite the problems I see in it, I think that David's novel deals with some important issues in the BSG universe. For example, the questions about the "side effects" from the miraculous blood transfusion (from Sharon's Cylon-human hybrid baby) that saved President Roslin's life. The "human rights" questions about Sharon's "secret" confinement aboard Galactica were also important to address. A scene near the end of the novel between Roslin and Sharon (in a dangerous yet idyllic setting) was long overdue in regards to dicussing the transfusion.
Sadly, the plot involving the Midguardians is the weakest area of the novel. The Midguardians and their conspiracy isn't a terrible idea, but it's one that never seems to gel with the existing plotlines from the TV show that David delves into. Without the Midguardians, a much shorter and better novel would have resulted.
"Sagittarius Is Bleeding" is not a bad novel. There are good scenes and plotlines in it. Yet there are enough bad (or at least unnecessary) scenes and plotlines to somewhat bury the good ones. This novel was a decent read and didn't disappoint me the way "The Cylons' Secret" did. But I suspect people who are avid fans of the show won't find "Sagittarius Is Bleeding" anywhere near as satisfying as the series itself. Then again, those who find the TV show too grim and dark might prefer this lighter fare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2014
To say the truth, Sagittarius Is Bleeding was a great deal better than the Unity I read previously. As a fan of re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, I've kept up with all those characters easily, watching their every (mis)step.
I've tended to even adore the Old Man. Adama is one of the strongest characters I've encountered in sci-fi so far (still, I'm just a rook when it comes to science fiction - there are so many books I'd like to read but I'm currently occupied by other more pressing matters, unfortunately). I've heard that people are referring to Adama and Roslin as to "space parents" which I could relate to, maybe, because they actually are the "parents" - or rather leaders - of humanity and the Fleet. Adama may not be a good father to his two sons (one of them already dead by that time), yet he's more than unimpressed face with hard look, standing there in CIC an watching everyone and everything carefully. He cares. And although he doesn't show that - tries not to - everybody knows the truth hiding behind his mask.
Well, part of the truth, because it could be nasty. And shitty at the end.
I don't know (and don't want to know) whether Peter David just wrote the paragraphs about Admiral Adama with original script of Syfy series in his other hand. But I must congratulate him that the portrayal of him is one... piece of work.
President Roslin's "hallucinations", that's another story for itself. Not only she was shown to the fans as someone willing to ease her pain with drugs (I undrestood that Chamalla is an equivalent of our marijuana, and it is also used as an equivalent to medical painkillers). We know her from series as a strong woman who does have the same problems as any ordinary person. She underwent treatment of the breast cancer (which also shows us that even in so advanced world, the cancer is still a taboo and a big skeleton in a wardrobe), and the timing of this novel is set well after she is miraculously cured.
The storyline may not be entirely original, but it's certainly a hundred percent more fun than the Unity.
I've tended to even adore the Old Man. Adama is one of the strongest characters I've encountered in sci-fi so far (still, I'm just a rook when it comes to science fiction - there are so many books I'd like to read but I'm currently occupied by other more pressing matters, unfortunately). I've heard that people are referring to Adama and Roslin as to "space parents" which I could relate to, maybe, because they actually are the "parents" - or rather leaders - of humanity and the Fleet. Adama may not be a good father to his two sons (one of them already dead by that time), yet he's more than unimpressed face with hard look, standing there in CIC an watching everyone and everything carefully. He cares. And although he doesn't show that - tries not to - everybody knows the truth hiding behind his mask.
Well, part of the truth, because it could be nasty. And shitty at the end.
I don't know (and don't want to know) whether Peter David just wrote the paragraphs about Admiral Adama with original script of Syfy series in his other hand. But I must congratulate him that the portrayal of him is one... piece of work.
President Roslin's "hallucinations", that's another story for itself. Not only she was shown to the fans as someone willing to ease her pain with drugs (I undrestood that Chamalla is an equivalent of our marijuana, and it is also used as an equivalent to medical painkillers). We know her from series as a strong woman who does have the same problems as any ordinary person. She underwent treatment of the breast cancer (which also shows us that even in so advanced world, the cancer is still a taboo and a big skeleton in a wardrobe), and the timing of this novel is set well after she is miraculously cured.
The storyline may not be entirely original, but it's certainly a hundred percent more fun than the Unity.
July 31, 2013
So I tried another BSG novel. This author had a too-familiar style for me, like someone trying to imitate Tolkien's but with an adult audience. It annoyed me.
The story was interesting, with several blanks left from the series filled in; what about the other pantheons of gods, who was the thirteenth Cylon, why was Gaeta itching his hand so much during the episode where the Cylon fleet was always after them. I found the author's interpretation of Boomer's attack, and his use of her replacement as a torturer to be intriguing. Best of all, the characters remained intact, adding a little bit but never altering their personalities. I have read that there were inconsistencies, but I must argue that the subtleties of the series have eluded them. After Baltar discovers Sharon is a Cylon, he decides that everyone will pass his exam. Which means the test itself must be bogus, whether he will bother to carry out all the work (kinda dumb) or not. Also, the president seeing Number Six does not hurt the mystery of her identity. She has already had visions of her and Baltar together, it would be natural for her to hallucinate Six with Baltar just as easily as if she were capable of seeing an otherwise invisible supernatural being.
Considering the constraints of writing within a series this was a pretty good job. Personally, though, I just had a hard time getting passed the style thing.
The story was interesting, with several blanks left from the series filled in; what about the other pantheons of gods, who was the thirteenth Cylon, why was Gaeta itching his hand so much during the episode where the Cylon fleet was always after them. I found the author's interpretation of Boomer's attack, and his use of her replacement as a torturer to be intriguing. Best of all, the characters remained intact, adding a little bit but never altering their personalities. I have read that there were inconsistencies, but I must argue that the subtleties of the series have eluded them. After Baltar discovers Sharon is a Cylon, he decides that everyone will pass his exam. Which means the test itself must be bogus, whether he will bother to carry out all the work (kinda dumb) or not. Also, the president seeing Number Six does not hurt the mystery of her identity. She has already had visions of her and Baltar together, it would be natural for her to hallucinate Six with Baltar just as easily as if she were capable of seeing an otherwise invisible supernatural being.
Considering the constraints of writing within a series this was a pretty good job. Personally, though, I just had a hard time getting passed the style thing.
November 29, 2012
I bought this cause I found it in a charity shop, and thought as it was the "Laura novel" I'd give it a go. I remember reading Peter David's ST:TNG novel Imzadi, so thought it wouldn't be that bad. One of the biggest problems with it was that it was clearly written before some of the things being talked about had been filmed, and so one or two things had changed. (eg, they talked about the Temple of Athena instead of the Tomb). The other biggest problem was there really wasn't that much Laura, Gaius had just as many scenes. The premise was kinda interesting but I felt like it just didn't have enough follow through. My favourite thing in this book was Boxy, yes actually Boxy, he was 13 and asking all the questions you wanted asked. I loved him telling Gaius that he thought Gaius was evil cause he was all twitchy. Another nice thing was even back when this was written (early season 2 - set between Black Market and Scar) Peter David was VERY much an A/R shipper! They were both thinking about how much they cared but how they had to be "responsible". Though only one (or possibly two) scene(s) where the two of them were together!!! There was also A LOT of discussion about how the cylon babies blood was affecting Laura. So it wasn't quite as dire as I was expecting, but then again it wasn't good. The characterisation was quite patchy, and I've read much better fan fiction.
May 31, 2014
As a BSG fan, I give this book 4 stars. As a book on its own, I"d probably give it 2 stars. So why not an average of 3? Because this book finally satisfied my craving for BSG that has been missing for a long time. The characters were true to the television program and this "side story" fit perfectly into the world that was created in the show. The previous book in the trilogy, "The Cylons' Secret," was pretty thin in comparison to this. If don't love the show, or never have seen it...skip.
October 23, 2009
Picked up randomly when I went to the library near my house (five minute walk; I'm so doomed) and saw Mary McDonnell's face on one of the shelves. I needed to read it.
Loved the story, loved the suspense, loved the multiple POVs. Thought all of the characters were captured very well--although I haven't watched the whole series, just random episodes here and there.
Mainly I loved getting into a version of Laura Roslin's head, no matter how frakked up it was during the duration. Loved being in a teacher-turned-diplomatic-president's head.
Jubbly, as Jo would say!
Loved the story, loved the suspense, loved the multiple POVs. Thought all of the characters were captured very well--although I haven't watched the whole series, just random episodes here and there.
Mainly I loved getting into a version of Laura Roslin's head, no matter how frakked up it was during the duration. Loved being in a teacher-turned-diplomatic-president's head.
Jubbly, as Jo would say!
November 3, 2011
Fuck it, I'm just going to own this one, dudes. Yeah, I read a novel that is essentially BSG fan fiction. And I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down. This would have been a super awesome two-parter episode. It takes place after Roslin's cure but before Hera is born/New Caprica. The characters are faithfully handled and it's pretty suspenseful. I still was not comfortable being seen reading this, so I sort of wrapped it in a tshirt in my bag and only read it when no one could see me. So maybe I'm not 100% owning it.
March 6, 2023
I originally had this as 3 stars, probably bc I'm such a BSG fan. Downgraded a few weeks later when I realized I'd forgotten pretty much everything about the book-- which reveals how unmemorable the book is.
September 26, 2010
For a tv-tie in it was pretty good. I was initially attracted to it because it had Mary on the cover. Laura is my favourite character on BSG so I was intrigued to read more about her. This was unique because the book took place from her point-of-view. On the show, Mary is such a fabulous actor that we rarely know what Laura is thinking (always has her politician face on).
It was fun, dark and definitely captured the spirit of the show and could easily be considered part of the canon.
It was fun, dark and definitely captured the spirit of the show and could easily be considered part of the canon.
September 2, 2007
[mid-book comment] Every once in a while I pick up a piece of professional fanfic, and just about every time I regret it. Still, withholding judgment until the end.
[post-book comment] ...and it turned out just about as I expected, which is a little sad; Peter David's surprised me sometimes. This is not one of those times.
[post-book comment] ...and it turned out just about as I expected, which is a little sad; Peter David's surprised me sometimes. This is not one of those times.
September 17, 2007
I actually read this awhile back. I am fan of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica. I actually thought this book did really well following the universe of Battlestar Galactica and the characterizations were really well done but the book plot left a little something to be desired...if it was too predictable or not that original. Still a good, quick read for a fan of the series.
August 6, 2011
Of the 3 novels based on tv shows I've read over the last 3 months (the other 2 based on "Babylon 5" and "The X-Files"), this is the best. Even so, it's not stunning, simply an enjoyable read for those who know the characters and show.
August 25, 2015
It's nice to go inside the minds of the characters I so love I the television show. It's like... Professional fan fiction. And it was pretty good! Also it tied up the loose end of the Boxey character who was in the miniseries and never resurfaced.
February 25, 2008
Not a bad book, though you have a be an up to date Battlestar fan to know who all the characters are, to really enjoy the story.
October 15, 2008
Although I enjoyed reading this book, I struggled through the middle section of it. I would recommend this book to fans of the series but not to a casual viewer.
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May 17, 2012Although I had problems with the writing, this book was a pleasant surprise. The plot caught my interest, and most of the character dialogue was spot-on.
July 5, 2012
I enjoyed the book because I was aware of most of the characters from the TV show. I thought it played well with what they all were enduring at that time so I enjoyed the extra storyline.
September 17, 2013
A fun read for a Battlestar Galactica fan. I have enjoyed many of David's Star Trek novels and some of his non-series science fiction. This is up to his usual standards.
December 19, 2015
Enjoyable story and a quick read featuring familiar characters.
February 2, 2016
A good story with a lot of characters involved. I liked all the stuff with Laura Roslin and all the parts with Sharon Valerii. Some humor, and some things to think about; overall a good book.
January 4, 2021
this would have made a great episode in the TV series.
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