Customer Reviews

Cardassia and Andor (Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Vol. 1)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" are intended to immerse the reader in the cultures of the chosen planets and allow the reader to experience those societies from a familiar characters point of view. At the same time the Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine advances the post-finale storylines. Both stories in volume one definitely succeeded in doing both of those things in spectacular fashion.

Una McCormack transports us to Cardassia in "The Lotus Flower" where Keiko O'Brien has accepted a position to head up an important agricultural renewal project. The recovery and reconstruction efforts are continuing slowly when the O'Brien family, Vedek Yevir and other innocents become pawns in a dangerous political game instigated by those on Cardassia who are opposed to the leadership of Ghemor. Garak, an old hand at playing such games, must call on all of his skills to avert a tragedy that could spell the end of hope of a democratic future for Cardassia.

In many respects Una McCormack has the more difficult job in this first volume of Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and she definitely rises to the occasion. Life on Cardassia has been portrayed before, while Andor is another kettle of fish entirely, it's more of a clean slate. McCormack builds on what has already been established about Cardassia and does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to catch glimpses of what Cardassian society had been like before the Dominion War, while at the same time portraying what they are experiencing now.

The short chapters really kept the story moving along at a very fast pace and make it seem a bit shorter than it actually was. McCormack does a very good job of illustrating her theme: the idea that major change can be very frightening and that fear can leave people, particularly children, vulnerable to manipulation. She also succeeds in driving home the point that politics can be a very dangerous and cold-blooded game.

What I enjoyed the most about "The Lotus Flower" was McCormack's characterization of Garak. It is outstanding. She's got him down cold and I found myself missing the character very much indeed when I finished. There are also several sweet and effective character moments for the O'Brien's.

The prose is a pleasure to read and very straight forward. Most of the time the narrative is quite evocative but it's a bit uneven. The Garak scenes were the strongest. You can clearly tell she loves the character and understands him well. There is a whole `men in the shadows' element to the story that allows a sense of mystery and menace to creep in and McCormack does an excellent job of using that to build suspense.

In the second story, "Paradigm", Heather Jarman paints a portrait of Andor that you won't soon forget. Shar, Ensign Thirishar ch'Thane, returns home to Andor to face the consequences of his choices but he doesn't travel alone. Ensign Prynn Tenmei and Lieutenant Commander Phillipa Matthias accompany Shar and the trio arrives on Andor as the society stands on the edge of an abyss. To save their species, the Andorians may be forced to make tough choices, choices that may save them as a race but destroy their culture.

"Paradigm" is a very impressive piece of fiction. Heather Jarman's narrative is so rich and vivid that it's quite easy to become lost in the story. As the story unfolds the tension builds continuously providing moments of satisfying release before it builds again. It is like being on a thrill ride that gives you moments to catch your breath before it races off again.

World building is something Jarman excels at and in "Paradigm" she provides a duel look at Andor and Andorian society that works perfectly by giving the reader both the point of view of a native of the planet and a visitor. Shar, in his role as tour guide provides one perspective, but we also get to see Andorian society from Prynn's outsider looking in position as she struggles to understand the complex culture.

There are also moments of lightness and clever inclusions, for example Jarman's way of handling the name of the planet issue and those curious about Andorian sexuality will certainly be satisfied. The issue is handled very tastefully. A glossary of Andorian terms at the end of the book comes in quite handy if all the alien pronouns confuse you as much as they do me.

Although "The Lotus Flower" comes first in "Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", it doesn't matter what order you read the two novellas. Chronologically "Paradigm" is set before "The Lotus Flower". Each story stands on it's own merits and each is outstanding in its own way.

I haven't finished Una McCormack's "Cardassia: The Lotus Flower" yet, but as a diehard Andorian fan, I turned to Heather Jarman's "Andor: Paradigm" first...

I'm floating on air. Overall I'm am thrilled and fulfilled by "Paradigm", not only an exciting continuation of "Deep Space Nine" after its so-called "eighth season" (see "Mission: Gamma", "Unity", etc) but this is an Andorian-rich Star Trek story - at last. "Paradigm" drew me in and kept me there. I had a ball; always trying to second guess the action and motivations and being thwarted by Jarman's clever plotting all the way.

In "Paradigm", Andorian DS9 crewman Shar returns to his home planet in disgrace. He has disappointed his birth mother (a UFP councillor) and his two surviving bondmates by shirking his responsibilities to start a family. It was almost hypnotic reading at times. The alien atmosphere is captivating. Shar, and two human DS9 characters introduced in this series of novels set after the TV series, are metaphorically moving backward in time (with the reader) as more and more about ancient Andor is revealed.

Prynn Tenmei's interest in Ensign Shar was also developed well, even though I wasn't sure it was a good idea when suggested in "Unity", but it was a plot complication that helped to keep me guessing right till the end. Thantis was a particularly great character - she's the "zhavey" (birth mother) of Thriss, Shar's deceased bondmate.

We learn quite a bit more about four-partnered Andorian marriages (first mentioned by Data in an episode of TNG). For avid fans, there are some fun cameos: the inclusion of Shran's monument (Enterprise), TOS Andorian chainmail, Therin Park, mention of "The Battle of Betazed" novel - and even the planet Dramia (from TAS).

A truly magnificent effort - and I still have the Cardassian story to read.

I'm rather split on this book. You have two seperate stories, one that truly is a short story and another that I feel could have been it's own novel. If this review was based only on Una McCormack's "The Lotus Flower," I may have given it an average rating. Yet, there's a lot more to this first volume. Not only do you have DS9's staple alien foe, the Cardassians, taking the spotlight, but you also have the mysterious Andorians, only touched on by the Original Series, Enterprise and this relaunch of Deep Space Nine.

First, McCormack's "The Lotus Flower." While Robinson's look at the Cardassians post-DS9 series finale was engaging and in depth, I felt this story was just weak. It didn't get my interest until the ending, then I was left having to review the entire story in order to understand all the outcomes. It took me forever to get through this book simply because of this story. Here, the O'Briens make their move to Cardassia, which is letting in the Federation to help rebuild it after being decimated by the war. The entire plot seems to hinge on if Keiko's new position and project are going to be well received. By the second chapter or so, the outcome is rather predictable. You have a touch of Cardassian religion, which I found interesting since the series never touched on it.

There are a lot of characters involved here as well. I felt as if a review of the Cardassians in the government could have benefited the story some. I contiually paused and asked "who's this?" or looked up the episode reference to see where all of these characters appeared and how they fit into the plot. You'd have to have read Andrew Robinson's "A Stitch in Time" to get a proper introduction to all of these characters and the current political situation on Cardassia. Not only that, but you'd have to have all the information from that novel pretty well memorized in order to make all the connections in this story.

The plot seemed to go quickly in some parts and drag on it others. To me, Keiko's characterization was also a bit off. I mean, I never took her as being a chippy, hyper, continually optimistic person all the time. The last few seasons of Deep Space Nine portrayed her differently, perhaps a little more pessimistic and moodier than she was here. She continually was yelling or having a whine-type feel to her with too many exclamation points that simply made my eyes role. O'Brien seemed to be on mark, but he was reduced to being rather angry or tense. The Cardassians for the most part were the most interesting of the bunch. Garak less so than those Keiko is working with.

The Andorian story, "Paradigm," by Heather Jarman is a different story. It's much more engaging and plays between different emotions and subject matters. While "The Lotus Flower" seems to be more of an allegory for the world situation today where politics and religion can't seem to find a way to meet in the middle with one another, "Paradigm" takes Ensign Shar's story even further. He returns to Andor at the request of his mother. Her career is on the line, Andor's future is also threatened.

It reads like a romance novel at some places. The weakness of the story comes from the inclusion of Prynn Tenemi and how sappy and juvenile she's portrayed. The added bonus of this story is that the new character, Counselor Phillipa Matthis. She's not the usual counselor, not what we've come to expect from such a character. Seeing her interact with Shar, Prynn and the other Andorians is the best part of the story. Also, it's easy to follow all the plot threads. It starts off slow, picks up and keeps your interest throughout.

Even though some of this novel conflicts with Andorians as they were seen in the series Enterprise, it's a great read. I'd pick up the novel just for Jarman's story. Perhaps others will find the Cardassian story more engaging and interesting than I did. Regardless, it's worth your money and attention.

Like another reviewer, Ian McLean, I started with ANDOR first- it was great! I found out a lot I never heard before and hope to see more in the future!

I bought this for two reasons: One, I really enjoyed Heather Jarman's work on the character of Shar (the Andorian) and wanted to continue his tale in her voice. Two, I needed mind-candy. Bad.

This delivers on both fronts. McCormack's 'Cardassia' story is a bit thin, a straightfoward hostage taking, though it has the virtue of including Keiko and Miles O'Brien (who have been missing mostly from the relaunch of DS9 given that they retired to Earth at the end of the series - but Keiko moved to Caradassia to help rebuild its ecology). Also present, of course, is Garak, but I find that without Doctor Bashir, his character just sort of degrades into a base manipulator with no real redeeming qualities. The inclusing of Vedek Yevir, a character introduced earlier in the DS9 relaunch, however, was a stroke of genius, and well appreciated by me.

'Andor' is where this book shines, however. Jarman delivers yet another superb telling of the Andorian four-gendered culture, the fallout thereof, and some really interesting ethical genetic dilemmas that face the people since Shar's discovery a few books back. Shar and Prynn make an interesting couple - without bordering overmuch on the "Will they or won't they?" crap of most romance in Science Fiction. Definitely worthwhile for the relaunch, or DS9 fans of any stripe (of interesting note is that none of the original series characters pop up in 'Andor,' only the newbies to the DS9 station are involved).

High-calorie mind candy.

'Nathan

(2 stars for Cardassia / 4 stars for Andor)

The Worlds of Star Trek series, of which this is the first of three, is a very good idea. Using characters from the series and those that have been established in the preceding novels, each book pairs two stories that take place on, of course, important worlds from the Star Trek universe.

Readers are already more familiar with Cardassia, and the Cardassian story here doesn't add much. I don't think McCormick did a particularly good job presenting new insights into Cardassia, and the overall crisis did not seem inspired. Giving Keiko the chance to be front and center in a story could have yielded more, but ultimately it just didn't add up to much.

More interesting is the Andor story. Here, Heather Jarman (despite a clichéd kidnapping-and-rescue plot device) at least makes an attempt to present Andor and its culture in a way that both furthers the story and teaches us something new. Like many other Star Trek worlds, Andor has a deep appreciation for ritual and are somewhat put off by what our starfleet personnel would consider normal. The main interest of Andor is their four-sex nature and the reproductive crisis that has been central to Shar's plot-line throughout the novels. Also handled well is the continuation of Prynn and Shar's love story. It's interesting to note that these characters were all established in the novels and not the television series.

It's not as well-written as the Star Trek novels by S.D. Perry, but Jarman in particular acquits herself nicely. Despite some weakness (like saying "the wash washed" or frequently describing things as "smallish"), the writing is crisp and moves at a good pace. I'm glad these stories aren't merely isolated tales, but do draw from the ongoing plotlines from the post-finale (a.k.a., relaunch) novels. For those who have been enjoying these books, I think this is a worthwhile read, and you'll find yourself eager for volume 2.

Cardassia Story: The DS9 Relaunch has had a very high standard of writing, and this keeps right up. The characterisations are excellent. The descriptions are extremely emotive and mood-setting. The writing in general is just wonderfully witty. The author perfectly captures Garak's perpetual wit, sarcasm and love of a well-crafted phrase. The only near problem I could find in this story was that the most crucial action in the book is virtually told at second-hand. During the final resolution, most of the writing is a long introspection by Keiko O'Brien. It ends exactly one paragraph short of being too long. It is a good and effective method, at least when the author obviously knows what she is doing, but it also came right to the edge of fading out. Great as it is, it gives the impression that it could somehow have been better. Still, it also meets my most important criteria: I really enjoyed it. This is how Trek should be written.

Andor Story: this story is firmly in the teen soap-opera genre. It really does not work for me. The descriptions are generally good, but they often become so word dense they are hard to take in. the characterisations are vivid, but that actually becomes part of the problem. To start with, Shar evaluates his friendship with Prynn and its possibilities in extremely technical terms. Passion and anthropological terminology just do not go together. He spends most of the rest of the story acting straight from his emotions, which is an odd contrast. Prynn, until the obvious sob-story ending, is hyper-emotional as well and also self-centred. The characters are too wrapped up in themselves and their relationship status to generate a lot of sympathy. One of the other major characters even complained about it. That should be a big warning sign to authors: if you have to make the characters complain, why do you think the readers will like it? Originally, this plot was a sub-plot of the major stories in Mission: Gamma. It should have stayed that way, because it was not strong enough to stand on its own.

All in all, the Cardassia story was for me well worth the price of the book. The Andor story was a let down, but it might be a good story for people that like the genre.

This book is wonderful!! Kudos to whomever is developing the plot of the DS9 post tv show books. This feels like the beginning of Season 9. Season 8 was all of the books from A Stitch in Time until Unity. Wonderful character development. Engaging stories that grabbed my interest immediately. With all of the mediocre stuff out there today, it's nice to have something that consistently satisfies. Two thumbs up for Ms. McCormack and Ms. Jarman.

I want to keep this short and to the point.I have watched all the 7 seasons of DS9 and found it to be a experience i would never trade.What is so great about this book is that it involves you into the worlds especialy Cardasia one of my favorite worlds in the Star Trek universe. Awesome story the author realy brings out the characters especialy Garek which is a very colorful character.This book is just great worth every penny (especialy if you go to Walmart for $4.80!).If you like Star Trek this book is a buy no doubt about it....go BUY IT! NOW! (So much for short and to the point huh?).

When I got this book, i thought i would enjoy the Andorian part better, but it turned out to be the oppisite. I really like how Cardassia was brought to life and I got a kick out of Miles and Garak's characters. Ah, Andor was okay. There were some really great moments, some boring, some annoying, but mostly good. The last scene with Shar and Prynn didn't make any sense to me...not the decision he made, but how fast he changed his mind. Seemed a bit rushed to me, but whatever. Hope they continue with these storylines.