Customer Reviews

Dark Victory

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Spectre was a little shallow compared to the previous Shatner/Reeves-Stevens books, but Dark Victory more than makes up for it. The book sets a breakneck pace right from the start, and then you run SMACK into a brick wall cliffhanger at the end of the book. It's rare these days to read a book I cannot put down, but I didn't want to stop reading this book. I found the scenes with the 2 Spocks "fascinating" to say the least, and it's seems quite ironic when they nail down the actual event that caused history to diverge in the 2 different universes. You'll have to read the book to find it out. I refuse to spoil your fun! Buy it, and enjoy.

A fast read, non-stop thriller that leaves you on the edge from beginning to the end.. It's a must read for sci-fi readers.. I only wonder if shatner writes these stuff by himself or hires a ghost writer.. And one more thing.. when is the sequel coming out? I need to know~

I found Dark Victory startling for several reasons: 1. It continues the use of the savage characters from the original series episode "Mirror,Mirror", and Dark Victory's prequel, which introduces its readers with Kirk's double in the mirror universe named Emperor Tiberius. 2. It provides continuity with Kirk's rebirth in "Generations" and books such as "Vengence". 3. It uses characters from Star Trek-The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager in its plot line--Kirk's mirror universe counterpart seeks revenge from losing his bid to to conquer the Federation's universe by attempting to kill Kirk; failing that, he proceeds to attempt killing Kirk's new wife (A wife for ladies's man Kirk--incredible!). 4. We learn of ships staffed by holograms and a secret cabal w/in StarFleet called Project Sign.

Clearly, a great novel to read on a rainy day!

This being the second novel in what I'm guessing is a trilogy started off with a bang. I think that the climax/cliff hanger for the 1st in this series had everyone chomping to get to their hands on this one.

The action picks up right where the other left off, but after chapter 2 things slow down. There is some action, not a lot, but that's not what this story is about. This whole book is about character (especially and obviously Kirk's) motivation and how much of a mirror he is of the Tiberius (his counterpart in the mirror universe).

There is some old fashion detective work that makes this novel more like a mystery at times. Guessing on who is manipulating who, how things are done, a shadow Starfleet organization and what its purpose is, plus a few surprises kept my interest.

What is missing from this book is much about the Next Generation cast. They are here, but the primary role revolves around Kirk, then Spock (or Spock's) and the shadow Starfleet organization.

What was a nice surprise is to see that Garak (DS9) plays a role in the book, as does a few other mentionables from the various TV series and movies.

Nearing the end of the book the action picks up again, but ends not so much with an outstanding cliffhanger, but yet another plotline which promises to answer some big overall questions on the history of both universes from the beginning.

It also looks as if the next book will include much more Next Generation involvement. Looking forward to it!

Overall I enjoyed the book, but there is nothing on the cover or the anywhere else to let you know that it is one in a series. I was really ticked-off. I expected a conclusion to the various and interesting dilemas and storylines, and as the other reviewers have stated, the book has no ending! That is fine if the publisher makes it clear to the book buyers up-front (book 2 of a trilogy) or (book 9 of a series of 12) or whatever, but there was no indication at all that this book would not stand on its own, and I was very disappointed and even angry that I was not warned ahead of time. I don't mind series or trilogies, but I want to be told up front that is what I am buying.

Two other observations 1) I knew as soon as they were married that Tachini (sp) was a goner (Kirk can never be married. The times he was in the original series, his wife and/or beloved died that very episode); and 2) If Tiberius had that many children, Kirk must have them also. Hmmm, makes you wonder.

After reading Spectre and being so truly fascinated by the story, I purchased Dark Victory ASAP. I read it wanting to read the next even more! While the book doesn't flow quite as well as Spectre, the characters still have that realness and just when you think you've seen Shatner reach his peak, he throws you a 180! I strongly suggest this book, espcially if you want to continue the saga Shatner spins.

I can't believe these 5 star reviews. Try to summarize the book, guys, and you'll see it's an in-between-events type of book. A corridor. Sure, it reveals some possible secret or subversive group in Starfleet, but basically mr Shatner is refuelling here, bringing up new motivations for the two Kirks to combat eachother again, in what resembles an ego trip to much for comfort.

I feel embaressment for the unsubtle way the Kirk-centeredness in this book is not hidden. Janeway has a non speaking role in the background, Picard is an inferior officer in both universes, and the two Spocks are dragged around for no real purpuse other than for background coloring. The whole universe - no, even two universes - revolve around two Shatners.

This series was fun when we were surprised by the crossover visits of our other beloved characters. It gave the story extra dramactic and emotional impact. But now they are sort of abused as ideal extra's. Ideal, because since we all know who they are, they don't require shaping and descripion and development. I'm really disappointed in this book.

Beside all that, a fair warning: if you haven't read the book that came right before this one, you'll miss the clue of the first part entirely. So don't start here.

If you skip this book, you won't miss it. It ends just as it begins, a life and death struggle between Kirk and Anti-Kirk. I am not at all impressed with the conspiracy theories and hidden agendas that this book is peppered with. A secret organization in Starfeet, a hollographic crew on a star ship, and the dark yet sensitive side of Garak are just a few of the things that disappointed me. It is really beginning to amaze me just how many people from the original series have cheated death to survive in this era of Star Fleet. The Reeves duo may have given Shatner some suggestions on the writing of this book, but they sure didn't want their names on the cover and I don't blame them.

Continuing where DARK VICTORY left off, this book furthur continues the self-discovery of James T. Kirk, and the discovery of a mysterious "Project Sign." Our hero marries Teilani, but is soon back on the trail of the Mirror Universe duplicates. Returning to the Mirror Universe after 80 years, Kirk discovers the life he never had, and starts to make a deal with the Devil: Emperor Tiberius. While you don't get a good look at the Mirror Universe, it's a tale worth reading, so DO IT!

This book was awsome. William Shater knows how to tie in all kinds of situations, from desendants of Lily Sloane and Dr. M'Bega, to the annoying EMH Mark Two. Even Deep Space Nine characters showed up, like Garak and Dr. Bashir. However, little of the story actually takes place in the mirror universe! The scenes of a decimated mirror universe Earth were cool, but shater should have taken the concept into more detail! How do the Terran and Vulcan rebellions feel about the Federation's presence? or do they know? I hope Preserver, the next book, will answer these questions!