Flash Gordon: War of the Citadels

David Hagberg's Flash Gordon #2

by David Hagberg

Sent on a rescue mission by the leaders of the planet Earth, Flash Gordon and his companions Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov find themselves involved in an intricate war plan which threatens the existence of the entire universe. Each step they take propels them further into the complex plots and counterplots of two warring worlds.

Genres: Science Fiction

203 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

aka David Bannerman, Sean Flannery, David James, Robert Pell, Eric Ramsey

David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...

Reviews

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Flash Gordon: Citadels series picks up right after the events of the first book (Flash Gordon Book One: Massacre in the 22nd Century. Flash, Dale and Dr Zarkov find themselves caught up in a war between two super-advanced machine worlds that have been at war with each other for many thousands of years. When they acquire knowledge of a weapon named “Ultimus” that seems likely to tip the balance, the trio travel to a communications center planet to retrieve it.

David Hagberg once again pens this entry in the series. He’s known for his techno-thrillers featuring super-spy Kirk McGarvey and has also written numerous thrillers under the pseudonym Sean Flannery. That writing style is on full display here, combining lots of technical detail with a plot that leads the main characters through one harrowing escape after another. In fact, the middle two thirds of this novel is practically nothing but running and escaping various pitfalls as they fight their way through enemy androids.

I was pleased to see Dale briefly leave her damsel-in-distress role for a moment when she assumed a warrior persona and bravely sliced two androids in two. Unfortunately, she immediately resumed her former approach to life by bursting into tears and throwing herself into Flash’s arms. Oh well. This was published in 1980 but perhaps the author felt this was one area in which he could emulate the more traditional story from the 1930s.

Once again, the book spends the final few paragraphs setting up the next volume. It’s one long hi-tech adventure throughout the series so don’t expect much resolution to the plot elements in each book. One can't help but wonder if our heroes are truly fighting for the right side or if that might be a revelation still to come. I'm enjoying these books so far though, in spite of minor annoyances. It's not exactly a traditional take on the Flash Gordon mythos but as long as readers can live with that, it's a decent action-oriented space opera story.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd instalment in the series by David Hagberg. In the 1st instalment we learned of reappearance of the Interstellar Exploration ship GOODHOPE.. with it’s crew all found dead. The ship had been launched 200 years prior and Zarkov was tasked with discovering what had happened aboard ship when suddenly the drive spools and our heroes are whisked away across the galaxy to a distant planet.

We soon learned of a war that has raged for thousands of years that could impact everyone..Flash, Zarkov and Dale decide to help.

While on the planet a ship from Citadel II appears and all hell breaks loose.. the enemy are more advanced than first thought and this could mean the end of Citadel I and our heroes.

One hope remains.. The creators of Citadel I came from a planet called Centrus. The location of this planet has remained secret.. for everyone’s sake.. but they may still be alive, or at the very least have technology that can save them. Zarkov soon finds a way to locate Centrus and sets off in search of something to help them in their quest.

As with the previous instalment the author throws in some great twists alone the way leaving the reader wondering what the hell is going on.. gripped.. and excited..It’s not all smooth sailing and sometimes you can be left wondering you actually are the good guys in this? Is Flash backing the right team?

Overall a really exciting read..I’m really enjoying the series. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get around to reading them.

If you can pick up a copy I highly recommend you do..old school SyFy.. what’s not to love!

[Robert D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would say this is a tweener book as it is book two, but I know there are six books in the series. This is a continuation from book 1, but it does recap briefly what went before.

Having been on the planet Citadel 1 for a few months Flash, Dale, and Zarkov, are impelled to go on a new mission to find the planet Centrus, home of the galactic civilization that built Citadel. Citadel has been discovered by the enemies that caused the galactic war that lasted thousands of years and destroyed this ancient civilization. Supposedly Centrus was destroyed but as the story progresses it's revealed that the computer on Citadel projects that just possibly the ultimate weapon was built after many of the scientists left to build Citadel.

It's a point in the author's favor that he points out that even the characters realize they are being manipulated in a game of galactic chess but unfortunately can't see any other options but to continue on their course. It is more a story of complete the journey. Flash is again gripped by his blind rages, which gives him strength but really is out of character for Flash Gordon. There are numerous instances where Zarkov, instead of being the fellow adventurer of Flash Gordon is too often portrayed as a frail old man unable to keep up. The action sequences are short and lack a sense of hooking the reader in.

[Duane Olds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read.
The first half of this book seemed a lot like the first book, new planet, strange city, let's explore, oh no! Robots are coming after us, now we need to get away.

My my main problem is Zarkof and Dale.
Zarkof is constantly tired, or winded or being pulled, dragged or carried so he's dead weight. And Dale, she's constantly crying, screaming or fainting so she's useless. Neither of them could do anything without asking Flash first. How do they manage everyday without him?

I get that Flash is the he man hero and all but it's like the other two are still stuck in the 50s. I understand updating the story for modern times but if you're going to do that then update everyone so they all can be heroes.

[Jim Ordolis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick fun read. A 1980s updated version of Flash Gordon. You will enjoy it if you like classic Star Trek and Doctor Who.

[Keller Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up right where the first book left off. Not a lot really happened overall but it is building a story. I will continue the series.

[Bradley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flat and one-dimensional. I did not really care much for this story. =(

[colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

read 12.18.85