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Stargate Atlantis #16
Homecoming
The first of a six book series set after the end of Stargate Atlantis's final season, Homecoming sees Atlantis return to the Pegasus Galaxy. But the situation in Pegasus has changed. The Wraith are on the verge of unification under the new and powerful Queen Death. She stages a daring raid with one goal: the capture of the only man able to give their ships hyperdrive and lead them to Earth Dr. Rodney McKay.
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 7, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 18, 2017
Horrible novelization of a great television series. This piece should have been posted on a fan fiction page and not as a published piece of work.
The plot contained so many holes it detracted from any possible story. The first issue was the fact that the characters seem to be fighting a losing battle for government permission to return Atlantis to the Pegasus galaxy. When all seems lost the people in charge suddenly tell the crew they are leaving in 48 hours... For no apparent reason and not considering the fact that the ZPM's powering Atlantis are almost drained. Then during the trip back they experience a catastrophic power loss, come out of hyperspace on the edge of the galaxy and determine the nearest planet is going to be their new home. No mention is made of trying to restore power and attempting to find a more advantageous planet.
Once Atlantis lands they decide to reestablish contact with their allies and learn some new Wraith queen has taken charge. "Queen Death" (which the author could have done better coming up with a name) is consolidating power and applying a slash and burn technique of killing all humans.
During a climactic battle scene, the Wraith are thwarted by a few soldiers and some flares. The author apparently expects little of the person reading this book. So the reader is supposed to accept that a race of beings who defeated the Ancients and dominate a galaxy are scared away by a bunch of flares? Plus, no mention is made that the Wraith would simply come back in overwhelming numbers. Instead, everyone celebrates as if the war is over. And where were the Puddle Jumpers? One of the major tactical advantages of Atlantis is nowhere to be found in most of the book.
The author does not understand the Atlantis characters. John Sheppard comes across as a emasculated babysitter in most of the book, not as his cocky, self-confident character in the series. And this brings me to the question of why is every major character in Atlantis at some point a babysitter? Teyla's child did not factor much into the series. Why change that? The baby shouldn't be a major plot piece.
Rodney McKay is in touch with his feelings and is a kind and caring boyfriend. This is not even close to the super intelligent television character. One of my favorite parts is when Ronon Dex quotes poetry. I thought this scene crossed the boundary of ludicrous and entered the realm of the asinine.
These excerpts are just a few of the many elements that served to make this such a bad novel. The author's subpar use of grammar also detracted from the novel. The liberal use of "was" made the novel read like something a high school student would write. Formulaic sentence structures of "this was... or that was..." dominated much of the book, which is passive writing and detracts from good writing.
I could continue, but felt this novel has wasted enough of my time.
The plot contained so many holes it detracted from any possible story. The first issue was the fact that the characters seem to be fighting a losing battle for government permission to return Atlantis to the Pegasus galaxy. When all seems lost the people in charge suddenly tell the crew they are leaving in 48 hours... For no apparent reason and not considering the fact that the ZPM's powering Atlantis are almost drained. Then during the trip back they experience a catastrophic power loss, come out of hyperspace on the edge of the galaxy and determine the nearest planet is going to be their new home. No mention is made of trying to restore power and attempting to find a more advantageous planet.
Once Atlantis lands they decide to reestablish contact with their allies and learn some new Wraith queen has taken charge. "Queen Death" (which the author could have done better coming up with a name) is consolidating power and applying a slash and burn technique of killing all humans.
During a climactic battle scene, the Wraith are thwarted by a few soldiers and some flares. The author apparently expects little of the person reading this book. So the reader is supposed to accept that a race of beings who defeated the Ancients and dominate a galaxy are scared away by a bunch of flares? Plus, no mention is made that the Wraith would simply come back in overwhelming numbers. Instead, everyone celebrates as if the war is over. And where were the Puddle Jumpers? One of the major tactical advantages of Atlantis is nowhere to be found in most of the book.
The author does not understand the Atlantis characters. John Sheppard comes across as a emasculated babysitter in most of the book, not as his cocky, self-confident character in the series. And this brings me to the question of why is every major character in Atlantis at some point a babysitter? Teyla's child did not factor much into the series. Why change that? The baby shouldn't be a major plot piece.
Rodney McKay is in touch with his feelings and is a kind and caring boyfriend. This is not even close to the super intelligent television character. One of my favorite parts is when Ronon Dex quotes poetry. I thought this scene crossed the boundary of ludicrous and entered the realm of the asinine.
These excerpts are just a few of the many elements that served to make this such a bad novel. The author's subpar use of grammar also detracted from the novel. The liberal use of "was" made the novel read like something a high school student would write. Formulaic sentence structures of "this was... or that was..." dominated much of the book, which is passive writing and detracts from good writing.
I could continue, but felt this novel has wasted enough of my time.
June 3, 2017
First book in the Stargate Atlantis "Legacy" e-series, derivative of the television series Stargate Atlantis, which concluded with lots of loose ends. I wanted to know the rest of the story, especially about Todd / Guide the ancient Wraith, and his uneasy alliance (brotherhood) with Colonol John Sheppard. This book was good, with lots of Todd + Sheppard moments. I liked that. Todd — starving near death — won't feed on someone who looks like John Sheppard, and John won't let the scientists on Earth use Todd as a lab rat.
It ends on a major cliffhanger, with an essential character captured by the Wraith. An entertaining story, but slow to get off the ground. The first half is set on Earth, with all the politics of intergalactic policy and governance. The writing quality is okay, however, the authors have included too many inner thoughts, memories of TV episode plots, feelings, etc. Also, they are creating a thing between Sheppard and Teyla, and ending her affair with Kanaan, Torren's father. I'd rather not go there. Too soapy.
This book feels quite different from the television series, yet it belongs within the same space, if that makes sense.
It ends on a major cliffhanger, with an essential character captured by the Wraith. An entertaining story, but slow to get off the ground. The first half is set on Earth, with all the politics of intergalactic policy and governance. The writing quality is okay, however, the authors have included too many inner thoughts, memories of TV episode plots, feelings, etc. Also, they are creating a thing between Sheppard and Teyla, and ending her affair with Kanaan, Torren's father. I'd rather not go there. Too soapy.
This book feels quite different from the television series, yet it belongs within the same space, if that makes sense.
October 6, 2017
6% dnf
Unrecognizable characters.
Bad stupid writing in general.
Examples:
"There’s nothing like wearing a baby as a necktie to make women ovulate when they see you".
“Who’s the guy checking out Teyla’s butt?”
Sam rolled her eyes. “You know he’s hitting on you, right? And that you can punch him in the chops, IOA member or not?”
Unrecognizable characters.
Bad stupid writing in general.
Examples:
"There’s nothing like wearing a baby as a necktie to make women ovulate when they see you".
“Who’s the guy checking out Teyla’s butt?”
Sam rolled her eyes. “You know he’s hitting on you, right? And that you can punch him in the chops, IOA member or not?”
March 17, 2011
2.5 stars
Why the sanctification of Elizabeth Weir? "Elizabeth had been their moral compass, their guiding star, and the expedition had never really recovered from her loss." Really!? Who ever thought that? Elizabeth was about as morally bankrupt as they come (and with no sense of humor). Still, it was not a constant thing being brought up...
The general quality of the writing and plotting was decent, though it certainly never captured the feel of the series to me. I liked their approach to the Wraith, fleshing out their culture and their side of the story, giving us Todd's POV and the introduction of the new villain in uber-Wraith Queen Death. And sections had a somewhat lyrical, sparse type of writing that was interesting.
My main issue was that this story just was not SGA. So many characters were out of character. John, McKay, even Teyla and Beckett, seemed like people I did not know. They did not resemble the characters I had watched for five years. Ronon and Woolsey were the closest (as were Sam and Jack). I just find it difficult to believe that it is that difficult to portray the show and character dynamics.
The continuous politics and posturing grew tiresome and distracting. The five months spent dealing with the IOA and government officials while the team fractured and faced an uncertain future was not terribly interesting, but once we get back in space and headed for Pegasus the story picks up. Sadly that is well over half way into the story. I am still very willing to see where they take the story next, so I'll be picking up Stargate Atlantis: The Lost: SGA-17, Book Two in the Legacy Series.
Regardless of whether this story appeals to me of fits my view of the show, I appreciate the authors' creativity in envisioning this continuation....
Why the sanctification of Elizabeth Weir? "Elizabeth had been their moral compass, their guiding star, and the expedition had never really recovered from her loss." Really!? Who ever thought that? Elizabeth was about as morally bankrupt as they come (and with no sense of humor). Still, it was not a constant thing being brought up...
The general quality of the writing and plotting was decent, though it certainly never captured the feel of the series to me. I liked their approach to the Wraith, fleshing out their culture and their side of the story, giving us Todd's POV and the introduction of the new villain in uber-Wraith Queen Death. And sections had a somewhat lyrical, sparse type of writing that was interesting.
My main issue was that this story just was not SGA. So many characters were out of character. John, McKay, even Teyla and Beckett, seemed like people I did not know. They did not resemble the characters I had watched for five years. Ronon and Woolsey were the closest (as were Sam and Jack). I just find it difficult to believe that it is that difficult to portray the show and character dynamics.
The continuous politics and posturing grew tiresome and distracting. The five months spent dealing with the IOA and government officials while the team fractured and faced an uncertain future was not terribly interesting, but once we get back in space and headed for Pegasus the story picks up. Sadly that is well over half way into the story. I am still very willing to see where they take the story next, so I'll be picking up Stargate Atlantis: The Lost: SGA-17, Book Two in the Legacy Series.
Regardless of whether this story appeals to me of fits my view of the show, I appreciate the authors' creativity in envisioning this continuation....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2014
I enjoyed this book. The quality is what I generally get in fanfic, which is not a point against this author. I think that’s more proof that the Atlantis fandom has some very good authors. So let me start with what I liked. I really liked how she developed Todd’s character and Wraith society as a whole. I thought Queen Death was an idiot, but she was also an interesting character using a technique that other leaders have in the past. You burn your current fortification down to force your troops into more dangerous territory. Yep, been done so I won’t call her an idiot, although I will say she’s a bigger risk taker than I ever saw in canon Wraith. Yeah, I’m not ever going to think of this as canon. It’s just good fanfic that was lucky enough to get the producer’s blessing. I also like her characterization of Rodney. Yes, Jennifer is still around, but Rodney gets to be the bumbling, arrogant Rodney who tries to show that he cares and can’t quite manage. I really like her Rodney.
Now on to what I didn’t like. Some of the prose could be smoothed out a little when it came to descriptions, particularly early on. I see that in most fanfiction, so it didn’t bother me and the story was good enough that once I got pulled in the oddly placed phrase didn’t detract from the plot. A bigger problem for me was the characterization of Teyla. This Teyla was more timid and seemed to rely on miscommunication most common in Harlequin romance. I like Teyla because she is the sort of woman who comes out and says what she means. If she’s pissed at Ronon, she says it. I imagine that if she was sexually interested in anyone, she would show up at their door and say, “I’m sexually interested,” and that would be the end of the miscommunication. I don’t like Teyla being turned into something more familiar to romance readers because I like Teyla’s alienness. So I will keep reading, but I can’t give this one an unqualified ‘yes.’
Now on to what I didn’t like. Some of the prose could be smoothed out a little when it came to descriptions, particularly early on. I see that in most fanfiction, so it didn’t bother me and the story was good enough that once I got pulled in the oddly placed phrase didn’t detract from the plot. A bigger problem for me was the characterization of Teyla. This Teyla was more timid and seemed to rely on miscommunication most common in Harlequin romance. I like Teyla because she is the sort of woman who comes out and says what she means. If she’s pissed at Ronon, she says it. I imagine that if she was sexually interested in anyone, she would show up at their door and say, “I’m sexually interested,” and that would be the end of the miscommunication. I don’t like Teyla being turned into something more familiar to romance readers because I like Teyla’s alienness. So I will keep reading, but I can’t give this one an unqualified ‘yes.’
October 18, 2012
At the end of the Stargate: Atlantis’ run, the city-ship of the Ancients was parked off the coast of San Francisco doing no one any good. After a great deal of tedious political wrangling, the team flies it back to the Pegasus galaxy, a process that ends in the moderate disaster depicted in the flashforward that begins the novel. Thus, the novel is halfway over before anything approaching action occurs. The plot will hold zero interest for non-fans, since it is 80% continued character development, some of it a bit weird (what’s up with Teyla and Sheppard?).
June 29, 2021
**Edit**
Changed to a 2 star….
Not impressed, characters are not from the TV show.
Changing relationships with certain characters is just wrong, sorry.
A cat?????
So far a 1 star
Only on page 92 and I’m cringing at the inaccuracies of all the characters and the what seems like a MarySue addition.
It’s Richard…..not Dick!!!
Changed to a 2 star….
Not impressed, characters are not from the TV show.
Changing relationships with certain characters is just wrong, sorry.
A cat?????
So far a 1 star
Only on page 92 and I’m cringing at the inaccuracies of all the characters and the what seems like a MarySue addition.
It’s Richard…..not Dick!!!
August 2, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the sixteenth book in the Stargate Atlantis series; and the first book in a six book series that takes place after the end of the final season of the tv series. An epic battle was fought with the Wraith and now Atlantis is safely home on earth parked not far outside of San Francisco in the ocean.
Things on Earth are at a standstill concerning Atlantis. The IOA and the government don’t want Atlantis to go back to the Pegasus galaxy. They want to retain all her equipment and weaponry if such a threat were to ever come to Earth again. Then the staff starts to break up. Rodney McKay resigns to take a position at Area 51 as does his girlfriend Jennifer. Both Teyla and Ronan reluctantly decide to accompany the new star vessel called the George Hammond. And John Sheppard is undecided. He can’t go on the Hammond because he and Col. Sam Carter are of such similar rank. He fears his only hope is to completely resign from the military. But the only place that has ever felt like home has been when he was on Atlantis.
That is about as far as I want to go with the description because you know a whole heck of a lot more happens in the meantime. Everyone is crazy angry at General O’Neill which I find humorous and the fact that he is the master of red tape even more funny. That is so not Jack.
There are encounters with the people Teyla came from as well as the Genii and of course, the Wraith where a new much younger Queen is in town. She embraces the old ways and calls herself Death. Catchy, right? She’s got them all running in circles.
I kind of miss Elizabeth Weir because she would be down for all the crap they put Richard Woolsey through trying to get Atlantis back to the Pegasus galaxy. The little twist that happens right in there is pretty cool and would have most SGC fans cheering.
While Teyla struggles with continuing her relationship with Torren’s father, her heart still longs for another. While no names are mentioned, my money is on Col. John Sheppard because… he would be my choice too.
The book ends on a pretty good cliffhanger which will lead us into the next book of this six book series called THE LOST.
I enjoyed getting to know the Atlantis cast again. They are some of my favorite characters of all time. I think there are 24 total books in the Stargate Atlantis series and I look forward into diving anew into this spectacular world.
This is the sixteenth book in the Stargate Atlantis series; and the first book in a six book series that takes place after the end of the final season of the tv series. An epic battle was fought with the Wraith and now Atlantis is safely home on earth parked not far outside of San Francisco in the ocean.
Things on Earth are at a standstill concerning Atlantis. The IOA and the government don’t want Atlantis to go back to the Pegasus galaxy. They want to retain all her equipment and weaponry if such a threat were to ever come to Earth again. Then the staff starts to break up. Rodney McKay resigns to take a position at Area 51 as does his girlfriend Jennifer. Both Teyla and Ronan reluctantly decide to accompany the new star vessel called the George Hammond. And John Sheppard is undecided. He can’t go on the Hammond because he and Col. Sam Carter are of such similar rank. He fears his only hope is to completely resign from the military. But the only place that has ever felt like home has been when he was on Atlantis.
That is about as far as I want to go with the description because you know a whole heck of a lot more happens in the meantime. Everyone is crazy angry at General O’Neill which I find humorous and the fact that he is the master of red tape even more funny. That is so not Jack.
There are encounters with the people Teyla came from as well as the Genii and of course, the Wraith where a new much younger Queen is in town. She embraces the old ways and calls herself Death. Catchy, right? She’s got them all running in circles.
I kind of miss Elizabeth Weir because she would be down for all the crap they put Richard Woolsey through trying to get Atlantis back to the Pegasus galaxy. The little twist that happens right in there is pretty cool and would have most SGC fans cheering.
While Teyla struggles with continuing her relationship with Torren’s father, her heart still longs for another. While no names are mentioned, my money is on Col. John Sheppard because… he would be my choice too.
The book ends on a pretty good cliffhanger which will lead us into the next book of this six book series called THE LOST.
I enjoyed getting to know the Atlantis cast again. They are some of my favorite characters of all time. I think there are 24 total books in the Stargate Atlantis series and I look forward into diving anew into this spectacular world.
could-not-finish
February 9, 2023I had tried a couple of Stargate novels and was disappointed in their quality. But this series seemed to be generally lauded as really good.
It started out badly, with the author clearly not having the slightest clue as to how many people on Atlantis had either the Atlantean gene or the treatment. Either not doing your research or deciding to change things to make a simple forced plot element is... weak at best.
I realize that, to some degree, the success of replicating personalities is subjective. And the other novels did worse, in most cases. But still... Carson seeming to be a sex hound, at least in his head. And whenever the author goes inside someone's head, I'm left thinking, "Do you even know who this character IS?"
And I only got about 17 pages in. That's why I didn't give it 2 stars. Wouldn't be fair, if I only read a few pages.
It started out badly, with the author clearly not having the slightest clue as to how many people on Atlantis had either the Atlantean gene or the treatment. Either not doing your research or deciding to change things to make a simple forced plot element is... weak at best.
I realize that, to some degree, the success of replicating personalities is subjective. And the other novels did worse, in most cases. But still... Carson seeming to be a sex hound, at least in his head. And whenever the author goes inside someone's head, I'm left thinking, "Do you even know who this character IS?"
And I only got about 17 pages in. That's why I didn't give it 2 stars. Wouldn't be fair, if I only read a few pages.
October 23, 2020
Surprisingly better than you'd expect, for a TV-to-novel adaptation. A fun and congruent adaptation from where the TV series left off - recommended for Stargate Atlantis fans.
Strengths:
- The narrations from the Wraith's perspectives are fascinating.
- The pacing of the story is easy to follow.
Flaws:
- characters don't seem completely consistent with their original portrayal, and there are some moments of awkwardness when it comes to relationships between characters.
- Clearly grammatical / proofreading mistakes that weren't picked up by an editor.
Strengths:
- The narrations from the Wraith's perspectives are fascinating.
- The pacing of the story is easy to follow.
Flaws:
- characters don't seem completely consistent with their original portrayal, and there are some moments of awkwardness when it comes to relationships between characters.
- Clearly grammatical / proofreading mistakes that weren't picked up by an editor.
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this officially sanctioned fanfiction.
March 26, 2018
Filled a gaping hole...Loved it...hunger to feed again
Recommend this book to anyone who loved Stargate, SG1 or Atlantis and for those pining for a Universe novel while there isn’t one yet, feast on this.
Recommend this book to anyone who loved Stargate, SG1 or Atlantis and for those pining for a Universe novel while there isn’t one yet, feast on this.
August 12, 2019
Did Sheppard just mock the size of a woman's breasts on page 223!? o_o *gag*
Take two.
This one was very hard to rate. After I DNF'd & 1 starred on my first reading attempt (original review below) I decided to pick it back up & trudge on to the finish. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a lot of the second half of this book deserves 5 stars. The writing gets SO MUCH better & the gang slowly morph back into the characters we know & love. Rodney even gets some laugh out loud worthy lines. And we see the return of my favourite sometimes enemy.
It still has a lot of major flaws & I disappointingly didn't enjoy the writing of the wraith perspective at all. There are far too many 'misses' overall for me to be able to rate this one any higher (unfortunately). But because of my giant need for nostalgia - I ended up giving this book a pass.
-------------------------------------------------------
DNF'd after 100 pages. Bad, just really bad :(
It's as if the writers know nothing of Atlantis and it's characters. John, Ronon & especially Teyla, are so poorly written it makes you want to cry! The writing for Radek, McKay & Carson is passable, but it isn't barely enough.
The awkward scene between Rodney & Teyla in chapter 4 was beyond cringeworthy. I thought her reveal of the truth about her relationship with Kanaan was bad enough, then we get hit with her words to McKay, "Would it be so strange for us to walk apart together & find in one another what comfort we might?"
What the HELL did I just read? Delete, DELETE!
An almost equally cringe-able scene follows in chapter 5 between Teyla & John. No, just no.
And I refuse to believe that the expedition team would have reacted with even half the amount of animosity, towards General O'Neill from chapter 8.
If you're going to change up the characters and make them virtually unrecognisable, you could have AT LEAST given us some courtesy and found a way to get rid of Keller!!!
I wanted to love this, but it just doesn't feel anything like the Atlantis I know & adore. This would work better as an 'alternate reality' scenario & I might one day try to read it again treating it as such.
November 29, 2011
I was so disappointed when Stargate Atlantis got canceled and now there is not much chance that there will be a movie to continue the story. Needless to say when I found out there would be books set after the last season I was psyched. Much of the first half of the book is spent trying to get Atlantis back to the Pegasus galaxy. The rest of the story is spent trying to reconnect with their allies and find out the state of affairs. Things aren’t looking too good. The wraith are mostly unified under a new powerful queen intent on finding the way to earth. This is the first in a six part series so it ends with a cliff hanger. [return][return]I’ve read most of the other SGA novels and this is one of the best. The characters were spot on. From the bickering between Rodney and John, to the machinations of the IOA, to the cleverness of O’Neill and Carter it felt like an episode. I personally loved the hints of possibility for John and Teyla, (sorry all other shippers). All of the great secondary characters like Lorne and Radek made appearances, and Todd got some really interesting snippets. There was not a lot of action, since it’s setting things up for the rest of the story arc, but wow it looks like this story could be fantastic once it gets rolling. I can’t wait to start the next one.
January 31, 2022
If there was a movie after Stargate Atlantis ended, this would have been a great script. Exciting all the way through and......what a cliffhanger. Loved it. On to the the second book in the series.
Second Time Read: Just as good the second time 'round.
Second Time Read: Just as good the second time 'round.
November 17, 2012
Reading a TV novelisation and enjoying it. Never thought I'd see the day. This was so easy to read and fun!
September 19, 2018
Treatment of Teyla is pretty demeaning. Starting from the blatant sexism in the very first chapter is not very encouraging of the beginnings. And all of it, for what?
If I read the phrase "mitochondrial DNA" one more time, I will hurt something.
I refuse to believe anyone will be assigned to Atlantis without knowing or being tested what ATA gene is, or not knowing what the cloak is several days after being in the city, considering that the city itself is cloaked at the time.
Atlantis is remaining on Earth, fine, sure, whatever. But they are closing it down, dismantling it, even? Shouldn't it effectively take over the SGC since the Pegasus gates have a priority?
"Air force has taken control of Atlantis" - what else is new? I mean, when wasn't it effectively under the control of the air force? I suppose there was IOA oversight, and two Atlantis leaders were technically civilians, but Carter wasn't, and John himself isn't, so why do they treat Jack like he is the devil incarnate? How is that different from before?
Poor pacing - if you open up in between Pegasus an the Milky Way, but then spend half the book flashing back to the time you weren't sure if you would be able to fly back, well, that shoots that conflict out of the water. And, it stays like that throughout the rest of the book - the characters move locales at least twice a chapter, they introduce points of conflict (sometimes resurrecting the points of conflict that have long since resolved) only to immediately discard them barely a chapter later. They introduce characters about whom I know nothing and care even less, only to immediately make their presence irrelevant.
Queen Death and everything she represents makes me want to facepalm. The authors wanted to make the wraith behave as humans as much as possible, starting from giving them names that are somehow in public use among humans (since when? I get some need to point who is talking to whom in a written medium, but the series itself always managed just fine, and even if I could accept that wraith might have their own names, they have never bothered giving them to humans even when politely asked). And a name like "Queen Death" is certainly very reminiscent of baby's first OC. Hi my name is Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way. Not to mention her actions are stupid, the way the wraith interactions are portrayed are nonsensical, and while I am at it, the human politics as they were portrayed were are just as cringeworthy.
I could certainly go on.
If I read the phrase "mitochondrial DNA" one more time, I will hurt something.
I refuse to believe anyone will be assigned to Atlantis without knowing or being tested what ATA gene is, or not knowing what the cloak is several days after being in the city, considering that the city itself is cloaked at the time.
Atlantis is remaining on Earth, fine, sure, whatever. But they are closing it down, dismantling it, even? Shouldn't it effectively take over the SGC since the Pegasus gates have a priority?
"Air force has taken control of Atlantis" - what else is new? I mean, when wasn't it effectively under the control of the air force? I suppose there was IOA oversight, and two Atlantis leaders were technically civilians, but Carter wasn't, and John himself isn't, so why do they treat Jack like he is the devil incarnate? How is that different from before?
Poor pacing - if you open up in between Pegasus an the Milky Way, but then spend half the book flashing back to the time you weren't sure if you would be able to fly back, well, that shoots that conflict out of the water. And, it stays like that throughout the rest of the book - the characters move locales at least twice a chapter, they introduce points of conflict (sometimes resurrecting the points of conflict that have long since resolved) only to immediately discard them barely a chapter later. They introduce characters about whom I know nothing and care even less, only to immediately make their presence irrelevant.
Queen Death and everything she represents makes me want to facepalm. The authors wanted to make the wraith behave as humans as much as possible, starting from giving them names that are somehow in public use among humans (since when? I get some need to point who is talking to whom in a written medium, but the series itself always managed just fine, and even if I could accept that wraith might have their own names, they have never bothered giving them to humans even when politely asked). And a name like "Queen Death" is certainly very reminiscent of baby's first OC. Hi my name is Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way. Not to mention her actions are stupid, the way the wraith interactions are portrayed are nonsensical, and while I am at it, the human politics as they were portrayed were are just as cringeworthy.
I could certainly go on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
Here's the thing. I LOVE Stargate Atlantis. It is probably my all-time favorite series. I could almost just check 5 stars and be done with it, JUST because someone wrote a book to keep things going. I would LOVE to see the movie based on this book. Even better, I would LOVE to see a new series that starts with these books.
Parts of the book itself were just strange, though. I do not understand the organization. There were chapters, but in the middle of most chapters, without any kind of break or warning, one paragraph would jump to a COMPLETELY different scene with different characters. It was jarring and confusing. At least give us a couple spaces to set things off, or a "Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy..." This happened CONSTANTLY. Jarring is the right word. I'm not sure if this is what the writers intended. If it is, I have no idea why they would do something like this. Start a new chapter, perhaps!
The characters were also a bit different. Their personalities were altered from the characters in the series, just a bit. It was not so bad that it ruined the story. It was just odd that things were a bit "off." I got the impression that the authors were either British or perhaps Canadian. Some of the expressions used were very different. For instance, <<>> I really have no clue what this means. I have never heard this expression used in real life. It may be a very common phrase in some parts of the world. It did not ruin the book for me. But I did find myself perplexed, several times, just because of the language that was used.
Overall, good story. A little weirdly presented.
Parts of the book itself were just strange, though. I do not understand the organization. There were chapters, but in the middle of most chapters, without any kind of break or warning, one paragraph would jump to a COMPLETELY different scene with different characters. It was jarring and confusing. At least give us a couple spaces to set things off, or a "Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy..." This happened CONSTANTLY. Jarring is the right word. I'm not sure if this is what the writers intended. If it is, I have no idea why they would do something like this. Start a new chapter, perhaps!
The characters were also a bit different. Their personalities were altered from the characters in the series, just a bit. It was not so bad that it ruined the story. It was just odd that things were a bit "off." I got the impression that the authors were either British or perhaps Canadian. Some of the expressions used were very different. For instance, <<>> I really have no clue what this means. I have never heard this expression used in real life. It may be a very common phrase in some parts of the world. It did not ruin the book for me. But I did find myself perplexed, several times, just because of the language that was used.
Overall, good story. A little weirdly presented.
November 22, 2017
I finally finished this book. It's not perfect, but it takes the SGA story towards a much better direction than the television series' finale.
This story focuses on the Atlantis crew's readjustment to Earth living (particularly Rodney and Keller), but SURPRISE, they don't stay for long. Hence the title, Homecoming (to the Pegasus galaxy, after schlepping all this way...)!
The book hints a lot at "Sheyla". I'm not complaining. :p Additionally, an expansion to Todd the Wraith's backstory is alluded to - he was an intriguing character in the show.
I've heard some complaints that some of the characters, particularly Ronon, seem out of character. Personally, in my mind, I was able to read the dialogue in everyone's voices, so no issues there either.
The introduction of a new character (whose name is escaping me at the moment) struck me as a bit of a self-insertion tactic, but I suppose I'll learn to like her as the series progresses.
I think what was the most offputting to me, perhaps, was how much more colorfully they're allowed to swear on-page versus the generally PG-rated television show.
Overall, as official fanfictions go, this one isn't bad. I'm going to try to go through the sequel more quickly.
This story focuses on the Atlantis crew's readjustment to Earth living (particularly Rodney and Keller), but SURPRISE, they don't stay for long. Hence the title, Homecoming (to the Pegasus galaxy, after schlepping all this way...)!
The book hints a lot at "Sheyla". I'm not complaining. :p Additionally, an expansion to Todd the Wraith's backstory is alluded to - he was an intriguing character in the show.
I've heard some complaints that some of the characters, particularly Ronon, seem out of character. Personally, in my mind, I was able to read the dialogue in everyone's voices, so no issues there either.
The introduction of a new character (whose name is escaping me at the moment) struck me as a bit of a self-insertion tactic, but I suppose I'll learn to like her as the series progresses.
I think what was the most offputting to me, perhaps, was how much more colorfully they're allowed to swear on-page versus the generally PG-rated television show.
Overall, as official fanfictions go, this one isn't bad. I'm going to try to go through the sequel more quickly.
November 26, 2023
For the good:
I enjoyed it, for sure, and was pleased with the general direction the plot took as a continuation of the series. I especially enjoyed their time on earth and the efforts, drama, and character interactions during their quest to get home. I read the book quickly, and there were many moments I was grinning because of character interactions that were delightful! I will certainly be reading the next one.
For the bad:
It definitely read like fanfiction, at times, and needed a more thorough round of edits for grammatical errors. There were a handful of sentence structure errors that were constantly recurring.
As for people doing and saying things that felt in-character, it was hit or miss. Sometimes, it was perfect and sometimes very much not.
Content Guide:
There seemed to be a little bit more language than in the show itself, but no f-bombs and, for that, I was grateful.
Side note:
I really enjoyed the moments from Todd's POV. They really provided a lot more depth to Wraith social structure and customs. However, I do wonder if the original showrunners and writers meant for the Wraith to have names or if that was simply a necessity dictated by the transition to written media from visual media?
I enjoyed it, for sure, and was pleased with the general direction the plot took as a continuation of the series. I especially enjoyed their time on earth and the efforts, drama, and character interactions during their quest to get home. I read the book quickly, and there were many moments I was grinning because of character interactions that were delightful! I will certainly be reading the next one.
For the bad:
It definitely read like fanfiction, at times, and needed a more thorough round of edits for grammatical errors. There were a handful of sentence structure errors that were constantly recurring.
As for people doing and saying things that felt in-character, it was hit or miss. Sometimes, it was perfect and sometimes very much not.
Content Guide:
There seemed to be a little bit more language than in the show itself, but no f-bombs and, for that, I was grateful.
Side note:
I really enjoyed the moments from Todd's POV. They really provided a lot more depth to Wraith social structure and customs. However, I do wonder if the original showrunners and writers meant for the Wraith to have names or if that was simply a necessity dictated by the transition to written media from visual media?
December 28, 2020
Excellent Atlantis Novel
This is the very first Atlantis novel I have read, and I was impressed. I could hear the characters voices in my head, and they rang true. It had to be enormously difficult to work that many well known and well loved characters effectively into the book.
I would have like to see more of their time on Earth. Did they visit family, go shopping, get some of the things they had missed so much on Atlantis? And what were they missed the must during their time in Pegasus? How would they have packed differently? It would have bet fun to see. I would also have liked to see more is O’Neill and what he was up to. It came too suddenly and out of the blue. No clues no lead ups.
Otherwise good read and I will be starting the next book in the series immediately. After all, can’t leave Rodney in trouble.
This is the very first Atlantis novel I have read, and I was impressed. I could hear the characters voices in my head, and they rang true. It had to be enormously difficult to work that many well known and well loved characters effectively into the book.
I would have like to see more of their time on Earth. Did they visit family, go shopping, get some of the things they had missed so much on Atlantis? And what were they missed the must during their time in Pegasus? How would they have packed differently? It would have bet fun to see. I would also have liked to see more is O’Neill and what he was up to. It came too suddenly and out of the blue. No clues no lead ups.
Otherwise good read and I will be starting the next book in the series immediately. After all, can’t leave Rodney in trouble.
October 6, 2023
It could have been worse.
Stargate atlantis was one of my favorite sci fi series, and I was rather upset by the cancellation. Years later, I find out about the series and how it finally concluded the series, and... was disappointed? The story is perfectly functional, if a bit bland. It wraps up the stuff about the Wraith, it brings the character arcs to a conclusion.
The real sin I find regarding this series it absolutely screams to me that there was some sort of word count that needed to be reached with each book. Lots of new characters with little subplots that go nowhere and don't develop. Lots of things stated and explained several times over. I read most of this when I was on a flight and only got as far as I did because I didn't have anything else downloaded.
Stargate atlantis was one of my favorite sci fi series, and I was rather upset by the cancellation. Years later, I find out about the series and how it finally concluded the series, and... was disappointed? The story is perfectly functional, if a bit bland. It wraps up the stuff about the Wraith, it brings the character arcs to a conclusion.
The real sin I find regarding this series it absolutely screams to me that there was some sort of word count that needed to be reached with each book. Lots of new characters with little subplots that go nowhere and don't develop. Lots of things stated and explained several times over. I read most of this when I was on a flight and only got as far as I did because I didn't have anything else downloaded.
September 17, 2018
I have to admit that when Stargate Atlantis was cancelled/not reviewed I was very unhappy. I held out hope for a movie as I'm sure many of the other fans did as well. More unhappiness when that fell through as well.
This book? This would have been an amazing sixth season plot line and if the rest of the books in the Legacy series are even half as good I will be a very happy fangirl! I don't even mind the cliffhanger ending because I can dive straight into the next book with out the maddening season hiatus!
Jo Graham and Melissa Scott, you make beautiful beautiful new connon. <3!
This book? This would have been an amazing sixth season plot line and if the rest of the books in the Legacy series are even half as good I will be a very happy fangirl! I don't even mind the cliffhanger ending because I can dive straight into the next book with out the maddening season hiatus!
Jo Graham and Melissa Scott, you make beautiful beautiful new connon. <3!
May 9, 2018
A fan
I only recently found out that a series of books was written taking place just after Atlantis returned to Earth. I stayed up all night to read it! I laughed, I cried. I have only one complaint: the transitions between characters needs to be handled better! I would be reading and then I'd be lost because without starting a new chapter or even having space another character would take over it was confusing.
I only recently found out that a series of books was written taking place just after Atlantis returned to Earth. I stayed up all night to read it! I laughed, I cried. I have only one complaint: the transitions between characters needs to be handled better! I would be reading and then I'd be lost because without starting a new chapter or even having space another character would take over it was confusing.
January 20, 2024
Look, I don't know what it is about this ridiculous C-level sci fi show, itself spun off of a B level sci fi show that was spun off in the first place from a movie with the most bonkers plot outside of Doctor Who, that spurs both its professional tie-in authors and its fanwriters to feats of greatness the show could never have achieved in its wildest dreams, but I'm not complaining. Keep it coming.
July 2, 2018
While probably not the best written book, I was incredibly happy to have a continuation of the Stargate Atlantis story. I feel that some of the negative comments about how characters were handled, especially Sheppard, were probably well-founded, however I didn't feel that it ruined the story overall.
May 9, 2020
Overall Good
I felt the book was good overall. I liked that it picked up right where the show left off and on a logical way. I did notice some typos, which is why I knocked a star off. I also felt that sometimes the characters would be acting a little out of character. Otherwise a fun read and I look forward to reading the next one.
I felt the book was good overall. I liked that it picked up right where the show left off and on a logical way. I did notice some typos, which is why I knocked a star off. I also felt that sometimes the characters would be acting a little out of character. Otherwise a fun read and I look forward to reading the next one.
February 8, 2022
Like myself, many Stargate Atlantis viewers were disappointed that the Atlantis tv show ended without a definitive conclusion. This being book 1 in the Legacy series is great continuation to the Atlantis story, that Stargate fans have been looking for. I am excited to read the rest of the books in this series
January 15, 2023
This is the first Stargate tie-in book that I have read and whilst some of the characterisation seems a little off in places, there's enough good stuff to carry you through. It's got all of the usual business: strange new worlds, politics, scheming, fighting, the Wraith, and it did make me want to read the next one. And possibly go back and read some of the earlier novels.
September 2, 2024
Unfortunately disappointing
I was really excited to find out what happened after Atlantis arrived on Earth. And after reading this first book in the series, it's disappointing.
The overall story was acceptable. However, the interpersonal relationships between some of the characters was terrible! I honestly can't bring myself to read the rest of the books in the series.
I was really excited to find out what happened after Atlantis arrived on Earth. And after reading this first book in the series, it's disappointing.
The overall story was acceptable. However, the interpersonal relationships between some of the characters was terrible! I honestly can't bring myself to read the rest of the books in the series.
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