War of the Gods

Battlestar Galactica #7

by Glen A. Larson, Nicholas Yermakov

Vintage paperback

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Media Tie In

182 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Glen Albert Larson was an American television producer and writer best known as the creator of the television series Battlestar Galactica, Quincy, M.E., The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, B. J. and the Bear, The Fall Guy, Magnum, P.I. and Knight Rider.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read and a well done adaptation of the TV series. Recommended

[Ubiquitousbastard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, so probably one of my least favorite in the series. It was basically exactly the same as the episode, although there were a few key differences that made it better (and at the same time not better?) It's not that there was anything wrong, specifically, it's more that there wasn't anything impressive. I felt like the book was too short, but the plot wasn't? Perhaps I could have done with some side-plot is what I suppose I mean by that. Everything was straightforward and kind of...I don't know, anticlimactic after the previous book. Oh? And three page description of how to play Triad? Not even remotely interested. I watched the new BSG, and it's basically just basketball. That was my first impression and it isn't changing anytime soon, despite the um...strangeness that the original series had...

As always, I enjoyed the Adama ruminations that are largely absent from the show but really give the book series some soul.

[Cindy Black]

Cruising through a void of perilous cosmic forces and merciless marauders, the Galactica finds a miraculous superhuman to guide it through the endless night. His name is count Iblis. His powers are more awesome than any that humankind has ever encountered before.
The crew of the great Battlestar-exp. the beautiful Sheba-lives in thrall of Iblis until they discover that their godlike savior conceals a diabolical weapon in his arsenal is...themselves! Publisher

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was he a "god" or a "devil". But he sure knew how to talk to the people to sway or mesmerize them to his way of thinking. But why was he afraid of the bright light ships?

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novelization of two episodes of the series is not great literature by any means. Nevertheless, for what it is, it is surprisingly well written and exciting. The cover credits Glen A. Larson and Nicholas Yermakov for writing the book. I suspect Larson's name is there because he wrote the TV episode script, or directed that writing. The novelization shows no evidence that two people wrote it, no differences in pacing or style as one reads through. I therefore suspect it is entirely Yermakov's work.

The plot sets up a wonderful dilemma. A being with powers beyond human understanding is able to work miracles in the fleet and makes vast claims of being able to benefit the remnants of the twelve worlds of Kobol. All the people have to do is agree to put Adama aside and follow him instead. Undercurrents of hidden agendas, deception, and extreme arrogance accompany his offer. Should it be accepted? The premise set-up is beautiful, and the suspense is well maintained.

The ending, though again well written, was a letdown. In writer's terms a deus ex machina resolves the plot. I suspect Yermakov was aware of this problem, but was nevertheless constrained by Larson's script to finish the story the way he did. It is not difficult to imagine better alternative endings that could have arisen from the premises. However, none of these offered the reset button the next episode of the show would require. So this ending was settled for.

This early work of Yermakov's -- he would soon after writing this novel change his name and become a more well-known writer -- is an enjoyable read for what it is and serves as a harbinger of the greater writing soon to follow from this author.

[Holmes Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consider this a well done novelization. It's enough like the episode to keep it familiar, but has enough extra material & slight differences to keep it fresh.

Apollo, Starbuck, & Sheba discover a lone survivor of a horrendous crash. From the beginning, this man, Count Iblis is an enigma to the members of the fleet. With seemingly unlimited supernatural powers, he is both charming & dangerous; bringing both havoc & hope to the Galactica. The fleet is being pursued by strange, white lights or ships that move at incredible speeds. Only the Count knows who they are but will not share the information with Commander Adama.

Sheba is completely under his spell & agrees with the majority of the fleet that they should give complete allegiance to Count Iblis, while Apollo has complete distrust of him & his intentions. Will the Count bring deliverance or destruction? There is an exciting climax that answers everyone's questions. A very quick read, fun escapism