I would recommend this book to any sci-fi fan or to fans of the movie. For the firsts, it will give them a very good story, written by someone who is competent as a writer and as a scientists. The novel feels like it’s been very well researched. Everything is logical and holds up. The way the “aliens” are presented (through the monoliths and the star-gate) is very well inserted and works better than in most stories I’ve read.

For the movie fans, it will certainly give you more details about the story. The movie is fantastic, a landmark, and I love it. But it is a very different animal. It leaves much to interpretation, it’s very poetic. Especially the ending. The novel is more functional. I can’t blame anyone for not understanding the appearance of the Star Child at the end of the movie (one must watch this film a few times, ideally a few years apart). But with the book, it’s all a lot clearer.

Definitely a must read.