This was the most fun I've ever had reading a novel. As a fan of the 5 original Planet of the Apes films, this spoke to me. Every page is like a love letter to fans of the franchise. Conspiracy does something that is truly marvelous. It not only does well in recapping the original films but manages to expand upon them. It shows more of the characters, of the plot, and even succeeds in fixing some of the plot holes found in the films.



I suppose the most unique aspect of this novel is the roster of characters. Many of them are characters that, while being in the films, only played minor roles. Seeing characters like Galen, Dr. Milo, and Landon be the main focus was a genius decision by the author. These characters range to being anywhere from enduring to tragic. While all are interesting, the most compelling of all of them is Landon. In the film, it is made quite clear that him and Taylor were opposites. Luckily, the author was well aware of this. The '68 film was a story of a pessimist to an optimist in the case of Taylor. This novel brilliantly tells the story of an optimist becoming beastly and non-human in the case of Landon. Seeing him stoop to the level he does at the end is really heartbreaking.



Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes is genius. My only complaint is it hasn't had a sequel, yet. I heard rumors of a sequel that would tell what happened to Taylor during Beneath the Planet of the Apes. I think that would be a brilliant idea! I really hope the author, Andrew Gaska, makes this novel someday. It's clear he is a fantastic writer that has lots of talent and passion for the Apes franchise.