What do you think?
Rate this book
Stargate Atlantis #7
Casualties of War
Lt. Col. John Sheppard submits his resignation following a mission in which two of his team members were lost, while Elizabeth Weir negotiates with two warring tribes who have traces of the Ancient ATA gene.
351 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 16, 2007
21 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 5, 2025
2020 52 Book Challenge - 26) A Strong Friendship Theme
I feel like I read a different book to everybody else. I didn't care for the conflict between the two nations as it just felt like a waste of time, and the characters, particularly Sheppard, felt so out of character that it didn't feel like a Stargate Atlantis novel.
I feel like I read a different book to everybody else. I didn't care for the conflict between the two nations as it just felt like a waste of time, and the characters, particularly Sheppard, felt so out of character that it didn't feel like a Stargate Atlantis novel.
September 1, 2019
Casualties of War reads like an episode, a 2-parter or even a 3-parter.
Everyone is involved. All the main players are there, including Lieutenant Laura Cadman and Major Evan Lorne.
Elizabeth is being the diplomat. The Colonel and his team get in the appropriate amount of trouble. Teyla and Ronon make new friends and new enemies. The Lanteans too make new friends and new enemies, but all turns out great in the end.
Not gonna give the story away, but it's a damn fine read so definitely would reccommend it when you're a fan of the season 1 to 3 expedition team of Stargate Atlantis.
Everyone is involved. All the main players are there, including Lieutenant Laura Cadman and Major Evan Lorne.
Elizabeth is being the diplomat. The Colonel and his team get in the appropriate amount of trouble. Teyla and Ronon make new friends and new enemies. The Lanteans too make new friends and new enemies, but all turns out great in the end.
Not gonna give the story away, but it's a damn fine read so definitely would reccommend it when you're a fan of the season 1 to 3 expedition team of Stargate Atlantis.
April 27, 2020
Casualties of War is an incredible Stargate story that feels exactly like an episode of Atlantis. Each of the main characters has their moment to shine, and there are plenty of team moments too. I especially enjoyed Ronon's role in this novel. He's much more than brute strength. This is easily one of the best novels in this tie-in series.
August 30, 2019
3.75
The author nailed the most important thing - the characterisation was absolutely spot on. From the very first few pages I had no trouble believing I reading the thoughts and actions of Weir and Shep, and that continued throughout with everyone else. The author definitely understood the world and the people in it and was able to bring everything to life.
Though, I did have several qualms pertaining to the story which kept this one just shy of reaching the 4 star mark.
It felt a little disjointed. It felt like this was a book containing 4 or so different stories jumbled into one, and I found myself imagining how great they could've been if they were indeed separate. There was so much going on but at the same time not enough. I felt that the 3 subplots could have stood very well on their own, but squashing them altogether into one didn't feel right.
I don't feel enough time was spent on many of the key side stories. The loss of the team members and everything relating to it felt so rushed. I also thought there was some very questionable actions and dialog exchanged during that time. The space station deserved many more pages and definitely could've held its own as a stand alone. I would've preferred to have read an entire book revolving around either of those storylines instead of what we were given with the Nistra and Falnori.
Still, a very solid attempt and Elizabeth more than exceeded my expectations bringing my favourite universe to life.
The author nailed the most important thing - the characterisation was absolutely spot on. From the very first few pages I had no trouble believing I reading the thoughts and actions of Weir and Shep, and that continued throughout with everyone else. The author definitely understood the world and the people in it and was able to bring everything to life.
Though, I did have several qualms pertaining to the story which kept this one just shy of reaching the 4 star mark.
It felt a little disjointed. It felt like this was a book containing 4 or so different stories jumbled into one, and I found myself imagining how great they could've been if they were indeed separate. There was so much going on but at the same time not enough. I felt that the 3 subplots could have stood very well on their own, but squashing them altogether into one didn't feel right.
I don't feel enough time was spent on many of the key side stories. The loss of the team members and everything relating to it felt so rushed. I also thought there was some very questionable actions and dialog exchanged during that time. The space station deserved many more pages and definitely could've held its own as a stand alone. I would've preferred to have read an entire book revolving around either of those storylines instead of what we were given with the Nistra and Falnori.
Still, a very solid attempt and Elizabeth more than exceeded my expectations bringing my favourite universe to life.
June 19, 2020
It's like a read a different book to the other reviewers.
I thought the characterisations were bad. John in particular was just not John. The John I know wouldn't have let Rodney talk him out of attempting to recover his friends' bodies. He'd have been going all out to get to them, confident in his politing ability to dodge debris and do what it took.
And because of that I couldn't get into the rest of it. I found the conflict between peoples I didn't care about tedious and while there were brief moments of excitement, it wasn't enough to lift the story.
This book felt like the author was paid to write a book about a program she'd only seen a few times and wasn't invested in.
Overall, disappointing.
I thought the characterisations were bad. John in particular was just not John. The John I know wouldn't have let Rodney talk him out of attempting to recover his friends' bodies. He'd have been going all out to get to them, confident in his politing ability to dodge debris and do what it took.
And because of that I couldn't get into the rest of it. I found the conflict between peoples I didn't care about tedious and while there were brief moments of excitement, it wasn't enough to lift the story.
This book felt like the author was paid to write a book about a program she'd only seen a few times and wasn't invested in.
Overall, disappointing.
May 14, 2018
What drew me to this book was the internal conflict within John Sheppard; he is confronting himself over the lives that have been lost under his command, the most poignant being Aiden Ford, the as-yet AWOL lieutenant (after Atlantis season 2).
I also liked seeing the Cold War-style politics playing out as we've seen occasionally in the Stargate TV episodes; Elizabeth Weir really gets the chance to shine in an environment which is both familiar and foreign to her!
I also liked seeing the Cold War-style politics playing out as we've seen occasionally in the Stargate TV episodes; Elizabeth Weir really gets the chance to shine in an environment which is both familiar and foreign to her!
February 21, 2020
I cried.
This book delves into a bit more of the emotional and psychological aspect of being a leader. Sheppard takes every loss hard and this book takes a harder look at it than the others. He even hands in his resignation and thinks about how he got to the point of being the leader and whether that actually meant he should be one.
I loved it!
Plenty of action and heart-pounding moments tempered with emotional decisions made on the fly make this SO good!!
This book delves into a bit more of the emotional and psychological aspect of being a leader. Sheppard takes every loss hard and this book takes a harder look at it than the others. He even hands in his resignation and thinks about how he got to the point of being the leader and whether that actually meant he should be one.
I loved it!
Plenty of action and heart-pounding moments tempered with emotional decisions made on the fly make this SO good!!
January 11, 2018
Awesome
I loved it every book series is great because it takes me back what I loved about stargate the series franchise I would recommend to any one who love sci-fi and the stargate novels
I loved it every book series is great because it takes me back what I loved about stargate the series franchise I would recommend to any one who love sci-fi and the stargate novels
January 25, 2018
Such a good story!
As always, the thing I love about reading these books is that I get to dive back into this universe with new adventures and discover even more hidden depths about these wonderful characters.
As always, the thing I love about reading these books is that I get to dive back into this universe with new adventures and discover even more hidden depths about these wonderful characters.
April 17, 2023
YES!!! This was amazing! All the characters felt authentic, I loved some of the deeper emotional stuff. The plot was really interesting and I'm really keen to read more from this author in the series. Everything about this was just so good!!!
August 8, 2018
Unique perspective on Lt. Col. Sheppard and Dr. Weir. Love how the story begins. (Please see extended review of this series under my "read" book, Stargate Atlantis #2, Reliquary.)
April 8, 2019
56% dnf
July 27, 2020
Not my fave, but still well written and an interesting story.
July 30, 2022
I felt as though I was watching an episode of Atlantis. The author had the personalities of each character and the essence of the show down to a t.
May 20, 2023
Very well written with lots of character building, especially for Sheppard and Weir
May 20, 2024
Not one of the better ones , only interesting thing in this was Elizabeth being more prominent
August 26, 2025
great plot
I enjoyed reading this book. I’ve seen every episode of the tv show dozens of times.
It’s refreshing to have a new plot.
I enjoyed reading this book. I’ve seen every episode of the tv show dozens of times.
It’s refreshing to have a new plot.
October 12, 2013
A Stellar Story
There is no denying that Elizabeth Christensen knows her Stargate Atlantis. From the first page the characters we know and love come to life with their usual personality quarks and intricacies. Given that the book is based in a time frame shortly after the events of the season one finale it is amazing that Elizabeth was able to not only capture the characters well but the settings and the overall feeling of the show as well.
For me the first 100 pages were a little rough. Although the writing was stellar and the story was progressing well, I found that the author was trying a little to hard to convey that she knew the characters. Also, I found the use of curse words, that can be found within the show, were a little over used and took away any impact of their use later in the story when that kind of language was needed. After the first 100 pages the story and the authors comfort with writing started to take shape and from that point on the stories brilliance began to come forward.
]]]Some vague and unspecific spoilers ahead[[[
As explorers do the gang set out to find the treasures of the Pegasus galaxy. While finding a structure with unusual power signatures the team set forth to discover possible weapons or technology to help in their battle against the Replicators. Unbeknownst to them their quest to discover advanced technology will cross the locals strict policy on trespassing.
Although the team are able to settle their differences with the local population in the beginning, as the story progresses their relationship with their new found friends quickly dissolves in to a threat of warfare. In order to advert hostilities between two local groups falling into battle and dragging the Atlantis expedition into conflict it will take the talents and sheer determination to prevent the inevitable bloodshed.
Dr. Elizabeth Weir will be dispatched to the planet in order to negotiate both a peaceable solution to the coming conflict and to, hopefully, garner the new technology discovered on the planet. The author does a fantastic job conveying Weir's abilities as a negotiator and as a leader. As the events of the story tailspin, it is Weir that acts as a stop gap to all out war.
Rodney McKay and John Sheppard, the dynamic duo, continue their usual superhero antics throughout the story. Faced with an enemy as powerful as the Wraith themselves, it is up to both Rodney and the Colonel to find a solution to the coming hostilities while making an attempt keep the rest of the team alive and well. The story surrounding John and Rodney is both compelling and entertaining. The author keeps with the action pact and suspenseful threads commonly found within the show and does so with humor and an epic range of events that will stun the reader.
Ronan and Teyla also have compelling storylines too. Elizabeth nails both Ronan's and Teyla's personalities and uses their talents to write a smaller, but as entertaining, story arc within the larger stories scope.
Overall the book is both entertaining and fun. The story is filled with action and is presented on a grand scale with smaller threads coming together to form an epic tale.
Highly Recommended for Atlantis fans and recommended for franchise fans as well. Good book.
There is no denying that Elizabeth Christensen knows her Stargate Atlantis. From the first page the characters we know and love come to life with their usual personality quarks and intricacies. Given that the book is based in a time frame shortly after the events of the season one finale it is amazing that Elizabeth was able to not only capture the characters well but the settings and the overall feeling of the show as well.
For me the first 100 pages were a little rough. Although the writing was stellar and the story was progressing well, I found that the author was trying a little to hard to convey that she knew the characters. Also, I found the use of curse words, that can be found within the show, were a little over used and took away any impact of their use later in the story when that kind of language was needed. After the first 100 pages the story and the authors comfort with writing started to take shape and from that point on the stories brilliance began to come forward.
]]]Some vague and unspecific spoilers ahead[[[
As explorers do the gang set out to find the treasures of the Pegasus galaxy. While finding a structure with unusual power signatures the team set forth to discover possible weapons or technology to help in their battle against the Replicators. Unbeknownst to them their quest to discover advanced technology will cross the locals strict policy on trespassing.
Although the team are able to settle their differences with the local population in the beginning, as the story progresses their relationship with their new found friends quickly dissolves in to a threat of warfare. In order to advert hostilities between two local groups falling into battle and dragging the Atlantis expedition into conflict it will take the talents and sheer determination to prevent the inevitable bloodshed.
Dr. Elizabeth Weir will be dispatched to the planet in order to negotiate both a peaceable solution to the coming conflict and to, hopefully, garner the new technology discovered on the planet. The author does a fantastic job conveying Weir's abilities as a negotiator and as a leader. As the events of the story tailspin, it is Weir that acts as a stop gap to all out war.
Rodney McKay and John Sheppard, the dynamic duo, continue their usual superhero antics throughout the story. Faced with an enemy as powerful as the Wraith themselves, it is up to both Rodney and the Colonel to find a solution to the coming hostilities while making an attempt keep the rest of the team alive and well. The story surrounding John and Rodney is both compelling and entertaining. The author keeps with the action pact and suspenseful threads commonly found within the show and does so with humor and an epic range of events that will stun the reader.
Ronan and Teyla also have compelling storylines too. Elizabeth nails both Ronan's and Teyla's personalities and uses their talents to write a smaller, but as entertaining, story arc within the larger stories scope.
Overall the book is both entertaining and fun. The story is filled with action and is presented on a grand scale with smaller threads coming together to form an epic tale.
Highly Recommended for Atlantis fans and recommended for franchise fans as well. Good book.
June 4, 2012
This book was another try to never leave the Stargate Atlantis universe. Like the predecessors I felt something by reading it but at the same It felt incomplete. The one thing the author could do is get inside the heads of our main characters mainly McKay and Sheppard. With Sheppard we get to know more that the series didn't present like his constant battles with the burder of command. Everytime someone under his command dies he crumbles a little more. This book he just reach the top of his capacity and he wants to quit. This of course he thinks that he has lost both Teyla and Ronnon.
Now for the main plot. After discovering an ancient battleground of the Wraith vs Ancient they find it inhabitted by two querelling tribes.. With ancient facilities came the possibilty of finding new weapons to battle against the Replicators.After a brief encounter with one of the tribes they find something that could use but that material comes with a price. They must help them destroy the other tribe. After some ill encounter with salvagers Teyla and Ronnon are considered dead but the peace mission between both tribes continue with the help of Weir. We also get glimpses of Lorne and Zelenka both secondary chapters. I would like to know more of Zelenka. I think he could have given a bigger part on the series. Not a major character because he couldn't defeat McKay role but nevertheless a bigger part. The end was quite good and end up the story nicely. I think it is a good addition to the main series.
Now for the main plot. After discovering an ancient battleground of the Wraith vs Ancient they find it inhabitted by two querelling tribes.. With ancient facilities came the possibilty of finding new weapons to battle against the Replicators.After a brief encounter with one of the tribes they find something that could use but that material comes with a price. They must help them destroy the other tribe. After some ill encounter with salvagers Teyla and Ronnon are considered dead but the peace mission between both tribes continue with the help of Weir. We also get glimpses of Lorne and Zelenka both secondary chapters. I would like to know more of Zelenka. I think he could have given a bigger part on the series. Not a major character because he couldn't defeat McKay role but nevertheless a bigger part. The end was quite good and end up the story nicely. I think it is a good addition to the main series.
October 28, 2013
I miss Elizabeth Weir! And this show back when it was still worth watching, too. This story is a very good one from those earlier days - set sometime among the second half of season 2 and first half of season 3 of SGA, from all I can tell, as we have the central team of John, Rodney, Teyla and Ronon all set up and comfortable with each other, and still have Elizabeth as leader of Atlantis. That's the period of time I enjoy reading about the best when it comes to this show and its offshoot fiction and fanfiction. This book illustrates well how good these five people were together in the heyday of the show. I miss that, but this helps.
February 25, 2016
Only three stars for the story maybe a bit harsh. It's actually more like 3.5 stars but it was definitely not good enough for four stars.
The story wasn't exactly bad but not the best. It was not so enthralling as it could have been. Far too many coincidences and the happy end was a bit too unlikely for my taste.
But the story had some good points, too. The characters were good and I liked the little fights between John and Rodney. Especially that one in the infirmary after they learned about the side effects of adarite.
The story wasn't exactly bad but not the best. It was not so enthralling as it could have been. Far too many coincidences and the happy end was a bit too unlikely for my taste.
But the story had some good points, too. The characters were good and I liked the little fights between John and Rodney. Especially that one in the infirmary after they learned about the side effects of adarite.
November 5, 2007
The story was alright, one of the more mediocre plots just for the fact that you could tell what was really going on pretty quickly. Then there's the lovely fact that the Sparky and Spanky bits were richocheting off the walls.
Teyla and Ronon were hanging out most of the book while John and Elizabeth had some really sweet moments. The book ended with a Sheppard/Weir moment, and it doesn't get much better than that.
Teyla and Ronon were hanging out most of the book while John and Elizabeth had some really sweet moments. The book ended with a Sheppard/Weir moment, and it doesn't get much better than that.
February 7, 2014
I was a little leery of this one at first, even though the reviews were pretty good, so I didn't read it as soon as I got it. Mistake! This is one of the good ones, with excellent use of the characters and their relationships, plus lots of little touches that indicate that the author is definitely a fan of the show and not just writing to the corporate outline. If you like Stargate Atlantis, I definitely recommend you read this book.
September 11, 2013
The team go to a planet to find ancient technology, instead they find people on the brink of war. This is a real team book, and that made it fun. There is a technological problem, a diplomatic problem, and an action orientated problem. This makes a well rounded story and would have made a good tv show. A good read.
July 12, 2014
Elizabeth tries to forge a peace treaty between two factions that have been long in conflict while Sheppard hands in his resignation after two members of his team are lost and presumed dead following an unforeseen attack during the negotiations. Another entertaining read for fans of the series.
December 19, 2015
A fun, typical SGA story. The author did very well at capturing the personalities of the major characters that we've all grown to love in this series, and did a wonderful job of taking Sheppard and Ronan to deeper levels that we rarely get to see in the show. Enjoy the journey fellow Gaters!
December 30, 2016
The thing was a series of tie-in novels is they're written buy lots of different authors so the quality of book varies. This is a good one. It captures the essence of what I loved about the TV series.
November 25, 2008
Another mediocre installment.
January 24, 2009
My favorite, favorite, FAVORITE thing about this book was the Princess Bride quote from Sheppard. :) But I loved the rest of it, too--great detail and great character banter.
July 27, 2011
Fantastic book, definitely the best Stargate novel I've read so far. A really good plot, interesting story, plenty of action and great characterisation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews