Looks like my SG-1 media tie-in novel, Four Dragons, just might make its August 16th release date.  MGM has happily signed off and galley proofs should be ready for my final read-through in the next 24 hours.

For those who haven’t been keeping score (and yes, there’ll be a test at the end… or rather a contest (once we have a definite date for books-in-hand)… the storyline for Four Dragons goes something likes this:

Shortly after Daniel Jackson returns from his time among the ascended Ancients, he volunteers to join an archaeological survey of Chinese ruins on P3Y-702. But after accidentally activating a Goa’uld transport ring, Daniel finds himself the prisoner of the Goa’uld Lord Yu. Blaming himself for Daniel’s capture, Jack O’Neill vows to go to any lengths to get him back – even if it means taking matters into his own hands.

A key question in the book is WHY does Lord Yu capture Daniel?  And why has Yu always seemed to have his own agenda when it comes to the Tau’ri? You’ll have to read the book to find out though I can promise you the story gives us an opportunity to explore Yu’s past before and since being Goa’ulded.  In turn, we get a chance to look at ancient Chinese history and some of the archaeological breadcrumbs left behind on Earth… and elsewhere.

With MGM’s sign-off, I thought it might be a good idea to start sharing some bits and pieces about the story. Once the galleys are put to bed, I’ll post the book’s prelude – the opening pages for the book.  In the meantime, let me introduce you to this fellow:

This is a ZHENMUSHOU – otherwise known as a Tomb Guardian. In Chinese archaeological writings, the Zhenmushou is identified as a mythological creature, a spirit that has the power to keep the spirit of the dead from roaming. While mostly popular in the sixth century and onward, they can be traced back to the Western Jin dynasty (265-317 AD) and earlier.

And the SGC finds one on another planet…along with a variety of ruins containing a mix of Goa’uld, ancient Chinese, and ancient Ancient writing. Clearly, Daniel’s interest is peaked. Hopefully, yours, too.

Now of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out a certain similarity to another creature born of the Stargate mythology:
Recognize him?  You should – he’s the Primordial UNAS who tangled with Jack and Teal’c down in the dank caves of Cimmeria.   He’s a craggy, less refined version of Chaka (Daniel’s Unas buddy) with more horns, more jagged teeth, and a lousy temper.  And yes, he does bear a resemblance to the Zhenmushou.

Gotta wonder… does Lord Yu has anything to do with that?