Customer Reviews

The 34th Rule (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, No. 23)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have been a Ferengi fan from their very first appearance. This book gives depth to the characters of Quark and Rom. The scenes in the prison camp are quite chilling. This book has a beginning, a middle and an ending. Hurrah! A writer who knows the English language and who has actually put it to good use. This is certainly a MUST read. Looking forward to more books by these authors.

A thought-provoking book, this was obviously meant to be an example of the effects of predjudice, and the way one race or civilization can so quickly forget the way it was oppressed by others, and become the oppressors themselves. Who elso would be able to write so well about Quark than Mr. Shimmerman, and this book gives us insights into the relationships between Quark, Rom, and the other characters on Deep Space Nine.

This is well written in that not only is it driven by plot, but also by character and moral values. Write on, Mr. Shimmerman, write on!

In the 34TH RULE, Armin Shimermann and David George have crafted the finest DS9 story ever told in any medium, be it television or novels. This is the novel that, even if you hate DS9, you will love to read; it works at a frantic pace and deals with deep matters in a rational way. This is the ultimate Quark story; here Quark isn't the bumbling fool he's been portrayed as for so long on the series, instead we see him as a character with real dramatic potential who is put into the middle of an explosive situation and has to find a way to survive and overcome. Simultaneously, the novel returns us to the political maneuverings on Bajor which have fallen by the wayside on the series and deal with the political climate adroitly. If you haven't bought this book yet, you'd be well-served if you did, and you'll thank me for it later.

This book would make an excellent espionage/thriller. In many ways, the plot reminds me of something Frederick Forsyth would write. Perhaps the authors may have read some books by him. The twists and surprising revelations at the end of this novel would satisfy any fan of intrigue and espionage. I honesty had no idea what was going to happen from chapter to chapter.

A highly valued religious artifact (the 9th orb of the prophets) which originated on the planet Bajor gets into the hands of the head of the Faringi Alliance (grand Negus Zek). Bajor then asks for it back since it belongs to them and Negus purchased it on the black market. Negus then places the item in an auction. Unsatisfied with the amount Bejor would be willing to pay for the orb, Negus bars them from the auction. This angers the head of Bejor (Shakaar) and causes friction between Faringis and Bejorans. The Bejorans and Faringis then start to trade blows with one another. Relations between the Faringi and Bejorans get worse and it affects Quark's relations with Kira as well as with others on DS9.

Quark plays a significant role in this story because he knows Negus Zek very well. Rom, Quark's brother also plays a significant part. In watching DS9, I remember Rom as a very simple-minded Faringi but this story shows a different side of him. Rom's character in this book is very consistent with the way I remember him on the TV show, but he is portrayed as a very courageous individual who has intelligent things to say. Also, this is the first time I've witnessed anger from Rom.

The 34th Rule is simply one of the best Trek books ever written. Pocket books made a mistake with this one, in that it should not have been a numbered paperback. This one clearly should've been a hardback. Once again, another example of DS9 not getting the respect it's due! That being said, if you're a Star Trek fan and a Deep Space Nine fan in particular, this is a must read. This book has everything a reader want's in a book, mystery, suspense and a really good plot line that moves with fluidic perfection.
Of course, the author's captured Quark perfectly, given the circumstances of the plot. They really captured Rom and his reactions to the circumstances.
I would recommend this book to any and all Star Trek fans. Overall an excellent read and thank you very much to the author's for this one. Hopefully they will be teaming up in the future for another!

We all know ferengi in ST are meant to be despised.
This presents them in a new light and brings out the best of them.
The brilliance of Grand Nagus is kept a suspense until the end and even regular readers are kept in dark.
The 34th rule which "Peace/War is good for business" is enacted out in the most glorious way.
A good, emotional read if one wants a non-funny look at Ferengi.
My respect for Ferengi and Quark grew by leaps after reading this.

I have read a few Star Trek books. I usually read them as "bubble gum" entertainment, a light read with no depth. The 34th Rule is not bubble gum. It is a book with excellent character development, an intriguing plot, and chilling realism. If there were ever a DS9 movie, this would be an excellent storyline!

Publishers, take note: I regret it is only in paperback; I would have purchased it in hardbound for my fiction collection.

I certainly hope Mr. Shimerman and Mr. George are writing even as I write this. Be Prolific!

I almost didn't buy this, Quark being my least favorite DS9 character, but am now glad I did! This is the ultimate Quark story, it contains humor, action, drama, etc. It's too bad the novels aren't official Star Trek canon; the events that take place in this novel would have long lasting effects on both Quark and Rom; not to mention Bajor and Ferenginar. Armin Shimerman and David George should really consider another book. It could be about anyone, not just Quark. Their characterizations of all the crew were right on target! I give this book the highest of recommendations!

I don't generally read the DS9 novels, but read this one based on the overwhelming number of positive reviews I had heard. The reviews were right - this was a great Trek book, not just a wonderful DS9 book. I particularly liked how the authors got deep inside the characters' heads, so if you're into detailed characterizations, this book is for you! I was also glad the the Ferengi weren't portrayed as bumbling idiots, as they often are on the show.

Ferengi and Bajorans on the brink of intersteller war with the crew of DS9 caught in the middle, and Quark and Rom interned in a prison camp. Suspense, action, excellent pacing, and well drawn characters. This is an extremely well written and thoroughly engrossing book.