This is set at the very beginning of the series and has quite a large helping of "fanon" type influence. That is only a problem in spots. I found this to be an ok novel but a bit light on the characterization - which makes some sense as it is placed just after the pilot and before Emancipation. However since most readers would be familiar with the series a little more filling in of the characters instead of such a blank slate would have made more sense. Teal'c is left as a large blank page that only utters affirmatives or is in action - he has no true depth in this novel. Actually other than a slight emphasis on O'Neill's motivations there isn't any character depth to any character. I found this annoying. Like I said fanon focus and possibly series placement restrictions.

Now that I've gone on about the faults I should say something about the plot. The plot is actually quite good. It plays out a little oddly and could have been done with a lot more panache and etc. I got the feeling that the premise started out really great and then the author got caught up in her fandom and lost the plot slightly and then had to wrap it all up without thinking of all the threads that had been laid out. I could go on but I didn't write it and obviously I wasn't the editor.. :D

(truthfully I'd like to have seen something like this done in the series because the premise is just that good)

Things I really liked (a handful of highlights only!)
"Airport"
When they work out how they are being understood via the Stargate.
SG2 to the rescue!

in the end I think fans will enjoy this as long as they get from the outset it has a fandom writing feel and is set extremely early in the series. There is a lot made of Sam's dancing on the table in the prologue and author's notes which are mentioned in an episode. Thing is is is only obliquely referred to in the book - I was expecting more if only for the fun factor. ( )

Julie Fortune contributes an account of SG-1′s first mission through the stargate. The highlight of this tale is a bloodthirsty, hot and sweaty Carter. What more could you ask for?

Published in mass-market paperback by Fandemonium Books. ( )