Customer Reviews
Great start to a continuing Trek
DS9 was the richest and most textured of any of the modern Trek shows, so the idea that it could continue long beyond our television screens and in a series of novels wasn't exactly a huge stretch. But the fact that it would continue and continue as well as it has is nothing short of a miracle. The DS9 saga continues on the printed page and if you're a fan of DS9 or just looking for a good Trek saga, you can't really go wrong with Twilight.
Twilight is the first of a four-book arc that delves into the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. The story builds slowly, continuing the events of the last time we saw the DS9 crew in the Gateways saga. It then is content to move into the build-up to and exploration of the Gamma Quadrant by the Defiant. But there's a lot more being explored here than just space itself. The relationships between characters are also being explored--from Vaughn and his daughter Prynn to Quark and Ro to Bashir and Ezri to Kira and her relationship with Bajor and the Federation now that she's been Attained. It's the character exploration that really powers the story and keeps the pages turning. And there are a good number of pages to be turned--this book checks in at just over 500 pages. But it's worth it.
There are some major surprises in here and some things that will have great interest to the on-going DS9 storyline. I won't ruin them here for you--it takes out part of the fun. David R. George also takes on the length of the Star Trek universe by bringing in some old friends and new some races as well. It all adds up to what may be one of the most enjoyable Treks published this year--and with Greg Cox's latest Khan masterpiece, In the Name of Honor and Immortal Coil all lurking out there, that is saying a great deal.
I will say this--if you've not read any of the other DS9 re-launch novels, I'd sugget picking them up first. It will make this reading experience that much more rich and enjoyable. This is the kind of book that makes me anxious for the next installment and restores my faith in Trek publishing.
It Doesn't Get Any Better
David R George III is by far the best Star Trek writer out there today. He first book written with Armin Shimmerman just blew me away and this book is even better. Twilight continues the successful relaunch of the DS9 series. The authors attention to detail and descriptive writing style enriches the story. His characterizations are wonderfully drawn. This book is a character driven story rather than plot driven and thats fine with me because its the characters who make the story. We learn a good bit more about Vaughn and why he and his daughter are not on speaking terms and this thread plays out in a most successful manner. Then there is Ezri and Bashiers continuing relationship. Ro Laren and Quark develop an amazing relationship. Kira Has never been a favorite character of mine but the relaunch has changed that. Kira has to deal with a character who is an admiral who first appeared in one episode of TOS. As mentioned before this is a character driven story that is rich in discription and character development that moves at a fast pace and doesnt disappoint. I highly recommend this book to any Star Trek fan. It is one of my top favorites off all the Star Trek novels. I am looking forward to the authors next Star Trek novel.
the best I've read so far
Upto this point, mission Gamma part 1 is this best I've read in the relaunch series.
Although like the series in general, this book is mostly character driven, it still has all of the elements of a good sci fi novel. Stumbling upon strange new worlds and beings, making new discoveries and learning of infinite possibilities beyond the realm of what we experience every day is the stuff of good science fiction. This book has all of that
The Mission Gamma part 1 revolves around three main plots which are:
Vaughn and a crew from DS9 go on a mission of exploration into the Gamma quadrant.
The crew stumbles upon two new worlds and three different kinds of alien species. One of these species communicates by changing epidermal colors and patterns. The other two species are not not of corporeal form and live in a different realm. Not much is known about them (or it) other than something called the thoughtscape is the most prominent part of its existence and has the ability to establish communion with others rather then to communicate.
Quark's relationship with Ro (security officer)
A Romance develops between the two. I was a bit skeptical that anything would come of it at first and did not like the idea. As I read more about their relationship however, I've become more interested in seeing how far it would go.
Elias Vaughn's relationship with his daughter
Before this story a was puzzled as the way Prynn resented her father. This story clarifies everything nicely
Bajor's future as it moves closer to joining the United Federation of Planets and how this may effect Ro and Quark's future as well.
Quark is concerned that when the federation takes over the station, he will be out of a job because the Federation is essentially a moneyless organization. Ro is concerned because she and starfleet don't have good relations. So what will be her new place on a federation controlled space station (assuming she is even allowed to stay)?
While new relations are forged, others face an uncertain future, and some explore uncharted territory in the Gamma Quadrant; Taranatar continues to explore and observe humanity on the space station. Some parts involving Taranatar are very funny. A Jemhadar would be the last I would think to be in a holosuite studying partial differential equations. That's the beauty to this entire genre, just when you think you've read it all you find something that takes you by surprise. Star Trek is so full of surprises.
I also would like to add that the writer (David R. George III) is one of the best I've read so far. The character development is superp and he brings things together well with no inconsistentcies while writing a relatively complex plot.
