Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre writing; too much dialogue; some interesting twists
Review: For the first Galactica book in a decade that is not a novelization of a previous teleplay, this book will likely be a disappointment to loyal fans
who have waited with anticipation for its arrival. I know that I, for one, checked out the bookstore each day until it came in, then quickly purchased it when it was available. It was worth the $20 to satisfy my burning curiosity, but that was about it. If Battlestar Galactica is ever to enjoy a comeback (as I really, really would like to see), writers such as Hatch and Golden will have to take a long, very serious look at how creative and tightly written the competition is these days. This book wouldn't make it to Michael Piller's desk for even a cursory perusal.
After reading the first chapter, I thought to myself, "this writing is terrible." The book is far too dependent on dialogue to convey the story line. When narrative is introduced, far too often it is third-person description of what a character is thinking. After a while, I got to feeling that I really didn't care what Starbuck, Apollo, Athena, or anyone else thought about something they were witnessing or reflecting upon. The reader is told everything, and as such the reader is disengaged as an active participant in the plot and character development. The reason being that the characters themselves are transparent as cellophane. Compared to the novelization of the original Battlestar Galactica, they only have meaning by what they do in the book, and through what they have done, as relayed awkwardly through brief descriptions of moments from the past, where the authors slip out of style and begin writing in parenthetical statements without the parentheses.
The writing itself is nothing short of pedestrian. There are instances where certain words are used over and over again: words that should be used sparingly. The one that comes to mind is the word "irised" as a verb for "opened." On two consecutive pages, I think the door "irised" open about five times. It got really old after the
second time. As for the timeline, the authors try to stick to references from the original series to explain some history. In some places, once again, this third-person omnipotent storytelling is awkwardly inserted into the middle of the thought
process of a character. However, despite the authors' attempt to "remind" readers of what happened during the series, there are obvious errors and inconsistencies. For example, the authors never explain how Baltar got back aboard a Base Star; we would assume that, indeed, he was set free as Adama promised he would do in exchange for information regarding the internal structure of the Base Star that Apollo and Starbuck sabotaged in "The Hand Of God," the very last episode of the series. Similarly, as Apollo and Starbuck are making their way around a Base Star in this book, there is no mention made of them ever having been on one before. In addition, the fact that Starbuck discovers what's under all that plating on a centurion doesn't conform with the series either. In the episode "Baltar's Escape," Dr. Wilker is charged with the task of piecing together one of the centurions who co-piloted Baltar's Cylon Raider when he surrendered to the Galactica in "War of the Gods." Dr. Wilker had been studying the centurions and, as far as I recall, found them to be all wires and electronics. After all, if they had been organic life forms, wouldn't Dr. Salik have been studying them? As much as the authors try to stick to Colonial time units, they missed a bunch of places where they use "year" for "yahren" and "day" for "cycle." Furthermore, I had always thought the spelling of one of their expletives was "felgercarb;" in fact, if you listen to
Starbuck on any of the episodes (he's the only one that ever says it), you can clearly hear the "c" in "...carb". Anyway, in the book it has become "feldergarb." Another problem that I have is the fact that every one of the familiar characters is now a very high-ranking military officer (Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel) yet they are still just pilots, not serving any other function other than that which they have always filled. Yes, while I will admit that after 18 years, Starbuck and Boomer shouldn't be Lieutenants anymore, the Colonial military looks a little top heavy. Of course, I've never understood the use of
army ranks on Galactica, when every other ship I've ever seen on a screen follows navy ranks. After all, they are on a ship, not in the Cavalry.
As for the story line itself, there is a lot crammed into this 12-point type on 16-point leading, 309-page book (there's lots of blank pages). Too much, I think. The synopsis: Apollo and Starbuck are on patrol; they run into Cylons whom they haven't seen in six years (it says "years" at one point); Starbuck's ship is clobbered and he crashes on a planet and is presumed by Apollo to be dead. Apollo returns to the fleet just as Adama dies; Apollo is named "acting" commander until the Quorum can assess other candidates for the position; a power struggle ensues, with Ambassador Puck leading the way; Apollo finds a secret room in Adama's chambers and finds out secrets about the Lords of Kobol, and the origins of the colonies and of his own family; he has a vision that Starbuck is still alive; he puts Athena in charge of the fleet and leaves to rescue Starbuck; there is a murder on
one of the Agro ships, but no one can identify the remains; insurrections begin on several ships regarding leadership of the fleet, with most of malcontents favoring Puck; on route to the planet where Starbuck crashed (yes, he is alive), Apollo runs into "new" Cylons with a cloaking device; he is saved at the last minute by one of the lightships from "War of the Gods;" he meets his dead brother Zak on the lightship, who gives him more details about the Lords of Kobol and about Count Iblis, who it appears is behind the trouble in the fleet; Apollo rescues Starbuck; there is major rebellion on a number of ships in the fleet; Starbuck and Apollo have discovered the Cylons' plan to attack the Galactica and the fleet; they decide to go after Baltar to get the last piece of the Kobol-Earth puzzle; Baltar helps them to escape after escaping execution himself; they return to the Galactica; Apollo and Starbuck
play some heroics and win the day despite overwhelming Cylon odds; Iblis is defeated. There's plenty of loose ends for the next book. There's lots of cutesy going on as well: Sheba and Apollo are going to get married; Starbuck still can't decide on Athena or Cassiopeia; Troy (Boxey) and Dalton (Starbuck and Cassiopeia's daughter) have the hots for each other. It's not exciting nor is it in the least bit dramatic. The tension between any one of the main characters is totally diffused by their allegiance to the Galactica and whomever's in charge. The hardest pill to swallow is the 180-degree turn-around in the relationship between Athena and Apollo, which is described early in the book as cautious, but which becomes as comfortable as a pair of old Chuck Taylors by the time Apollo returns from rescuing Starbuck. Not to sound totally negative, there are some things that are interesting, even compelling. But I'll leave that to the die-hards out there to find out for themselves. The book will only be for them in the end; I doubt if such mediocre writing and thin character development will ever appeal to the general reading public.
Rating: 
Summary:
The Epic Odyssey Reborn!
Review:
"An era has passed"
-- Commander Tigh (President of the Quorum) on the death of Adama, Galactica's commanding officer
Eighteen years since the battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of survivors began their journey, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: ARMAGEDDON lets fans resume the search for the legendary planet Earth with their favorite characters -- and formidable enemies -- from the classic Universal Television series created by Glen A. Larson.
In this spellbinding continuation of the epic saga, Adama, the Galactica's commanding officer, has died, and a series of crises jeopardizes Apollo's succession to command the fleet. While fighting internal accusations of treason, Apollo must defeat the deadly Cylons and their new secret weapon; find Starbuck, the fleet's best fighter pilot who has mysteriously disappeared; and battle the evil Count Iblis.
By series star Richard Hatch and best-selling author Christopher Golden (the X-MEN: MUTANT EMPIRE trilogy).
http://www9.pair.com/iwc/RichardHatch/armageddon.html
Rating: 
Summary: New novel -- updates the story of Galactica, 18 years later!
Review: This book is the first new Battlestar Galactica novel in years.
Much like Heir to the Empire revived Star Wars in 1991, this is going to be the novel to revive the BG franchise. The novel is very well-written and the story, while a bit slow getting started, is very good too.
The story ends leaving room for a sequel (and there is a note to expect one in 1998). Looks like we can look forward to many more Galactica novels in the future.
Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon is hardcover, approximately 310 pages, and includes a handy glossary of terms for the BG universe
Rating:
Summary: FRAK!!
Review: I DID NOT HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THESE GALACTICA BOOKS. I'M A BIG TIME BSG FAN FROM WAY BACK AND DIDN'T EXPECT ARMAGEDDON TO CAPTURE THE SPIRIT AND FUN OF THE SERIES... BUT IT DID! THE SPIRIT OF THE ORIGINAL IS ALIVE IN THIS NOVEL AND THEY'VE UPDATED THINGS TOO. THE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS HAVE GROWN OVER THE YEARS AND THERE'S NEW BLOOD ADDED WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW AND YOUNGER CHARACTERS. VERY IMPRESSIVE! ARMAGEDDON GIVE US THE BEST OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS.
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Follow-up to a great series
Review: Hach is truly a man of the fans. He isn't some number-crunching executive who sits at a desk wondering the best way to make a particular bottom-line longer. Instead he worries about what the fans WANT. He understands everything that made the original "Battlestar Galactica" great, and what's more he didn't turn into a hate monger against the New Series, but instead choose to reach out and embrace it's fanbase as well. It was a campy joyride, that, much like "Star Wars," drew on archetypes that were universal and represented the paragon of humanity.
Beyond simply that, he makes them grow, but within their archetypes. Apollo goes from simply a hero to a man bordering between the Earthly and the devine. Adama goes on to join the Lords of Kobol. Starbuck is still Starbuck. Tigh takes on new responsibility, and we truly feel for him. Boomer remains a brave warrior. And, most importantly ZAC'S BACK! You have no idea how much it always bugged me that his death didn't tie into the series very well (unless I missed an episode). What's more, he helps to reveal a great deal of information about the Lords of Kobol.
To be honest if any continuation is made that does not follow this storyline I will be furious. Hatch is a man who knows how to write a story for the fans, not for the number-crunchers. I would love to see what he could do if he got to write for the new series.
Rating:
Summary: this book started the series
Review: i've read three books in this series: armageddon, warhawk, and destiny. i've enjoyed all three. i would love to see these as t.v. movies or films.
Rating:
Summary: FRAK!!
Review: Over the past few months I have begun watching the Battlestar Galactica televison program for the first time. I was never much of a science fiction fan and had limited access to televison while growing up. I didn't see the Battlestar Galactica televison series until my husband purchased the complete series on DVD. I became an instant fan after Saga of a Star World. I then began reading my husbands collection of Battlestar Galactica books by Richard Hatch. Both the books and the series have flaws (what doesn't?), but they also have wonderful characters, heart, imagination, and warmth. There's a special charm to Battlestar Galactica. Watching the episodes and reading the books has been five star experience for me.
Rating:
Summary: Twenty yarens later...
Review: The Galactica and its fleet are still out there looking for earth. Adama has died and the people of the fleet are greatly divided as to who they want to take command causing the pitting of brother against sister. At first it seems there are too many things going on at once, Starbuck is missing, the nomen are plotting, Baltar is being his usual nasty self, could that sneaky thing lurking in the background have to do with Count Iblis?, the Cylons are back with a new twist, and a new lifeform is discovered. I wondered how Richard was going to tie these pieces together, but, having faith in Mr. Hatch's knowledge of the world of BSG, I was sure he'd find a way, and he did. The story flows and all pieces fall into place. I greatly enjoyed this story. I have read the three other BSG books Richard Hatch has co-authored and have tremendously enjoyed the return to the dear ole Galactica and its people--plus twenty yaren.
Rating: 
Summary: Armaggedon Will Blow You away!
Review: I didn't realize how good a writter Richard Hatch truly is until I read his first of three novels called Battestar Galactica: Armegddon. It's an action- packed chapter by chapter account of the remnends of the brothers and sisters searching the galaxies for the Lost Thirteenth Tribe who left for a planet called Earth a very long time ago. It is a hard exhistance trying to live in old hulls and cast iron compartments no larger than a mop closet, but they had to survive the hollocaust that wiped out their worlds, and everything the held dear. They took to the stars... those who could walk or crawl to a ship before it departed from the bleeding planets. They followed Commander Adama, who was a great and very wise man. They believed in him, and wanted - NO - they needed a leader for them to feel safe. Commander Adama stepped forward out of the shadows of the deaths of his son, his wife, and lastly, his daughter-in-law, who wed Adams' eldest son, Captain Apollo shortly after they began their trek in space.
Now, twenty years have past. Twenty years still on a course for Earth, but never finding it. The future is precarious for these people, tragically, Commander Adama is gone. He would not live to see the planet he longed so to bring his people to. Earth was out there, but Commander Adama was not meant to walk its sacred pathways. Instead, there is the need of new and capible Supreme Commander and their are plenty of choices bitting for the vaccancy. This is a troubling time for the Colonial Fleet. Just a spark matchlight a micron heigh could lead to destruction. Apollo knows what he should do...he also knows that there is someone out there somewhere waiting for him to save him..but were does he look? "TO THE STARS!"
Like the author, R.Hatch, the character Apollo begins a journey of growing up and of being proud of what they've all accomplished. Tormented and saddened, Apollo must keep faith not with Athena, or President Tigh, but with beings of a heigher order. He must find the courage to discover the voice that wants to be free. It is something as much of Apollo as air. Without that voice, the fleet is doomed and the missing warrior will never be found alive. Will Commander Apollo abandon the Galactica and her crew to chance after someting President Tigh and Athena cannon possibly understand, or will Apollo be willing to give his life to keep the fleet save from the Cylons?
Read Battlestar Galactica: Armegeddon. You'll be glad to did.
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