Rodney discovers a planet that has changed trajectory and is heading toward the sun. The team heads in to help rescue anyone that’s left. They discover a group of ancients that have chosen to spend their days in entertainment and decadence instead of ascending. New people are an opportunity for new amusements and so they have the gate rigged so that no visitors can leave. The team doesn't want to burn up with the planet (obviously) so they must figure a way off the planet before it burns.

I am not a big fan of the discovering ancients plot line, but I was willing to put that aside. Unfortunately, it is not executed very well. I didn’t buy the maniac leader and the completely passive followers routine. The team characterizations are pretty basic; Sheppard as the ladies man, McKay as the arrogant scientist, Ronon as the muscle, and Teyla as the diplomat. The team banter is stilted at best. There are some memorable moments for McKay that I really enjoyed. However, it frustrates me when the author is not very familiar with the actual Atlantis episodes. SPOILER: In this case the author ruined it by including the personal shield device, which as viewers know McKay burned out at the end of the episode Hide and Seek. Overall this book bears passing resemblance to the show, but don’t expect much more than that. ( )