[kingfish]

Hi,
This novel was very different from the episode aired. First of all we learn that the replacement Vipers aren't as good as the original ones. It is only due to the skills of great pilots like Starbuck and Apollo that make them as formidable as the originals. The new Vipers are assembled on the foundry ship from and metal/materials that is salvaged from anywhere it can be found. Baltar isn't in the novel at all and it is the Imperious leader that orders both attacks on the Colonial Fleet. The Cylons have also come up with remote controlled Raiders that are controlled from a safe distance. The Cylons have brains after all. We also learn why Vulpa was sent to the ice planet. The Imperious Leader feared this Cylon would take over for him. The cover art for the book was used in TV guide for the premiere episode. People have speculated that the woman was supposed to be Athena. Look closely however and one can tell that she is none other than Leda.
There is also a part in the book in which the Imperious Leader interviews a hologram of Starbuck and asks it questions. Near the end of the book, Boxey is trapped in one of the remote control Raiders as it lifts off. Unfortunately I gave all my BSG books to my cousin and can't look up how he was eventually rescued. In the episode none of this took place with Boxey. This is also why the books were better than the episodes in providing more of a back story.

Regards,
Paul