BOOK
Stargate SG-1
The Morpheus Factor


Author: Ashley Mcconnell
Pan Macmillan
£5.99
ISBN 0 52 27198 9
Available now


On planet P4V-837, SG-1 encounter the Kayeechi, a seemingly friendly race until the Kayeechi literally start pulling weapons out of the dreams of the SG-1 team.

The main strength of The Morpheus Factor is how Ashley McConnell has captured perfectly the personalities and inter-relationships of the series' characters. It is also interesting to note that the author has inserted a new layer into the relationships between some of the characters by introducing a romantic element, exposing thoughts and feelings that go beyond the television series. There is also more than a hint of sexuality, but a sequence depicting a nude Carter seems more for the sake of cheap titillation rather than genuine story advancement.

The story itself has a ring of originality about it and features a fascinating and imaginative central concept. However, the pacing is quite measured, so fans expecting a Stargate story packed with action will be disappointed. The majority of the novel is taken up by lengthy descriptions of the dreams of the SG-1 members, which, whilst offering interesting insights into the minds of the characters, are not going to set the heart pounding with excitement.

All in all, this is a reasonably well-written novel that has the 'feel' of a Stargate story. However, it is not exactly a thrilling read and so perhaps not the best example of literary Stargate.

Jeff Watson