Bauer does a great job at keeping me wanting to turn the page. The transitions from one character's perspective to another are fantastically good. I'm always amazed how much a good author can do with just a double line break. These transitions would often start using pronouns without identify the talker allow the image to slowly fade in. While normally I would hate have such uncouth representation, Bauer does it in a way that it just felt right.

Survival of the fittest results around a mission between the SGC and a team of US Marines. O'Neil thinks he may have to retire when a training mission would have seen his team pass. Even showing the other side cheated isn't enough, because O'Neil feels in battle the enemy never plays by the rules.

How they cheated is even more disheartening than you could ever imagine. Simmons won't let the USAF run the SGC, and wants some NID to control even if it means signing a deal with the devil herself.

The only sub plot I didn't quite feel was necessary was Hammond having to run all over the USA eventually being saved by our disgraced Cornel. Also I don't quite get how Bra'tec just happens to have shown up just when he was needed to. ( )

An OK read. But felt there were too many characters shoehorned into the story. And I was never a big fan of the US politics aspect of Stargate. ( )

Survival of the Fittest takes our heroes into dangerous territory as Frank Simmons of the NID conspires with a certain notorious Goa'uld to manufacture an army of Jaffa Marines. But the NID underestimated their Goa'uld ally, Nirrti, who is plotting behind Simmons' back to clone herself a new attack force.

Ultimately, after a good deal of hardship and pain, it's SG-1 to the rescue.

All in all, I was a bit disappointed by the book. The characters are somewhat off and their dialog frequently feels forced and awkward. I'll admit, the plot kept me interested and, while it did take me somewhat longer than most books this size, I did finish it. All in all, I'd say if you love Stargate and Nirrti, it's worth a read. I'd give it a 6 out of 10. ( )