Customer Reviews

Section 31: Abyss (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Section 31: Abyss is a novel by David Weddle and Jeffrey Lang. Weddle helped write the DS9 episode "Inquisition," which introduced Section 31. I haven't read the other books in this series, so I don't know if they are connected in any way except by theme, but I do know that this novel is outstanding. Is it because Weddle was involved with the creation of Section 31? Who knows? Whatever it is, it's the perfect combination of the old and the new that I love in a good Trek novel.

This is the Trek novel I've been waiting for. It has wonderful character examinations, a very interesting plot, and best of all, consequences. The Deep Space Nine novels take place after the end of the television series, so things can happen to the characters. You don't necessarily know if everything is going to turn out all right. And even when they do, characters can be irreversibly changed by the events in them. Weddle and Lang have crafted together what I would call a masterpiece of Trek novels.

One major thing I have to mention right off the bat is the use of continuity. If you're familiar with my Trek novel reviews, you know that heavy continuity references are not my favourite thing. So many times, a book has been weighted down with reference after reference, with the explanations of these references taking up way too much room and killing the pace of the book. This time, though, we are completely spared that problem. To my recollection, there is not one continuity reference in this book that slows the pace of the book. Usually, if a reference is made, it's just left there. If you are familiar with the events in question, then you understand it totally. If you're not, then there is just enough information so that you get the feel for what the reference means in the scheme of this plot. I almost screamed in joy when I read my first reference.

This book is mainly a character study of Bashir, and as such it works wonders. Bashir has always been one of the more interesting characters on the show, and I found this analysis of his character very interesting. He's always been on the outside looking in, especially once his enhancement became public and people looked at him differently. None of that seemed to happen in the series itself, but you can understand that people would start treating him differently and that he would start to resent it. In this book, that resentment explodes as Locken tries to convince Bashir that they should work together for the betterment of the entire Federation. They are almost perfect people. Why shouldn't they try to shape the galaxy into what they think is best? But the key word is "almost," and that word becomes very important as Locken starts to go increasingly insane. You do start to wonder, however, whether Bashir will come to his senses in time, and the suspense is palpable.

Dax makes a good sounding board for Bashir in the book, but she also has other things to do that have to do with the series as a whole. Dax is still coming into her own as she is getting used to having the symbiote inside her. She is a Trill, and she is just getting used to being able to access the memories and, at times, skills of her predecessors. She learns some more in this novel, and it's the continuation of character development for her that I'm sure will continue in subsequent novels. It's part of what brings the series closer together, but casual readers who pick up this book will not be mystified by what is going on with her.

The other characters are good as well. Ro and Taran'atar have a lot to do as they try to get access to the base where Bashir and Dax are being held captive. They get some solid character development as well. The characters back at the station get less, and they probably could have been left out of the book entirely, except at the beginning. There is some development that, again, is geared more toward future books. Commander Vaughn, the new first officer of the station, gets some more mystery added on to his past. I find him an interesting character but I wish they would finally do something with him. I think that in the next series of books he does get some character development, so the little teases in this book do their job well. We'll have to see if it continues.

The plot is very tension-filled, with some action in the parts with Ro and Taran'atar, and a lot of philosophical discussion in the parts with Bashir and Locken. Weddle and Lang to a wonderful job of juggling the two plot lines, always leaving one at an interesting turning point when they go to the other. As I said above, though, I could have done without the side-trips to the station. But they weren't too bad and I find those characters interesting, so I didn't mind too much. If you're not a Trek fan, these side-trips might be more annoying. The dialogue between Bashir and Locken is outstanding, with both sides doing their utmost to convince the other of the rightness of his position. Dax is suitably skeptical of Locken's, and the tension in the room is palpable.

This novel is a must-have if you're a DS9 fan. Section 31 is an interesting concept, and you're always wondering about ulterior motives. I haven't read the other Section 31 books, so I don't know if there is an over-arching plot. I do know that this book sits by itself very well. If you like DS9, you owe it to yourself to follow the series of post-television novels. If you don't feel like doing that, you still must check this one out. It's a keeper.

David Roy

This book fits in as both #3 of the DS9 Relaunch series and the Section 31 quartet. It mainly focusses on Julian Bashir, everyone's favourite genetically-enhanced Section-31-battling doctor, and his significant other, the simultaneously cute, quirky and intelligent Ezri Dax. In my mind these are two of the most interesting characters in the DS9 universe, and getting a whole book about them is a lovely treat. Fans of DS9 who haven't read the Avatar books yet can happily skip through the parts featuring Ro, Taran'atar, et al, but for those who have, the subplots are fascinating too.

Dr Locken is the villain, a genetically enhanced being who has decided to follow in the ways of Khan and create a race of superhumans. Section 31 recruit Bashir to stop this man, but as usual, things are not quite that simple. The characterisation of both Bashir and Dax is excellent and true-to-the-series.

My favourite of the four Section 31 books (the only one I'd read again) and ideal for all DS9 fans.

Don't be decieved. Though this book falls under the SECTION 31 umbrella, it's more a continuation of the new DS-9 timeline begun in Avatar. The books main story finds Dr. Bashir, Ezri, and Lt. Ro in the Badlands facing off against a Khan-esque villian. Thankfully, the story doesn't spend too much time on the moral or ethical implications of Section 31. In fact, Section 31 only serves to set Bashir off on this adventure. Action and phaser-fire abound, but the characters are the real focus here. Bashir has some well-written exchanges with both Ezri and Ethan Locken, the story's villian. Their exchanges reveal new insights into both Ezri and Bashir's personalities. Lt. Ro and the station's new Jem'Hadar 'ambassador' also play prominate parts in the story, with Taran'atar recieving some much-needed characterization. Events on DS-9 are also explored, with particular focus on the station's mysterious new first officer, Elias Vaughn. All-in-all, this book is wonderful continuation of the new Deep Space Nine relaunch, and a decent stand-alone story to boot.

While I concede that the plot line for this story is good, it's not entirely well thought out and the writing is very blatant and a trifle forced. Interactions from certain characters are highly over-characterized (i.e. Kira and Shul, most scenes between Dax and Bashir, and even ones between Vaugn and PrynnMei.) Nothing in this book is subtle, at all.

Ro Laren, while nicely written, is thrust into a horrible plot device used to make the story go faster. While the Ingavi are an interesting and somewhat well developed race, they are used only as a foil to help speed along the plot. There is very little mention of Ro's reluctance to go to Sindorin and there really should have been an emphasis on this fact in order for the reader to thoroughly believe that the Ingavi race was more than a mcguffin used by the authors when they needed something to fall back on.

There is also the idea that Vaugn would have a secretly hidden ship that he so happened to steal from Section 31. Ever wonder why Section 31 would allow anything to be stolen from them? I mean, taking my information I know from the series, it would appear that even if it looked like the protagonist was ahead of Section 31, the ending still revealed that he was still a step or two behind. So why would Vaugn have this ship and why would he be allowed to keep the ship? You don't learn anything about the ship until the end and you really don't see how it plays any point in being in the book except for to serve as a deus ex machina.

I have to say, I've read fan fiction that's been alot better than the writing in this book. You know it's a bad read when you can guess the next lines of what a character is going to say. This feels especially true for the interaction between Kira and Shul, where the entire conversation does not really serve any point in the book. It gives little insight into Kira's state of mind, especially considering that we already understand that not every Bajoran sees her as the black sheep of their faith (i.e. Ro Laren.) And I would assume Leeta would not either; a conversation between Leeta and Kira would have made for a better scenario.

On the other hand, there was Dax and Bashir. First of all, let me say that I am a big proponent of the Dax/Bashir pairing. Having said that: I don't believe that Ezri had any business being in the major plot of this book. And I mean this. Sometimes, too many crew members in the main plot is just that. Everything Ezri did, Ro could have done. The ONLY purpose Ezri served was that she was a foil to make Locken believe that Bashir was going to follow him. Everything else, Ro could have done, then there would be no need to include the horrible subplot of the Ingavi(those poor Ingavi) or Vaugn's Magical Mystery Ship. Even to a point, Ro should have been able to cause much more agitation between Bashir and Locken which, I think, would have built a better turning-point foundation.

As for the interactions between Vaugn and PrynnMei, I can't even say how disgusted I am with the character developement. I think the authors did not take into consideration that neither of these characters were in the series so readers would not have episodes and episodes of character information to form an opinion on either character. Vaugn to some extent has been fairly well developed, but not enough to understand the overzealous hatred that arises from PrynnMei or Vaugn's seemingly careless acceptance of her attitude.

I do think the plot had the best of intentions and quite a bit of it worked well. I think the best part of the plot was the detailing of Locken's base and plans. Locken's Jem'Hadar were certainly interesting to watch, but the First's conversation with Taran'atar did little to help understand either character really. It only felt like a plot device, which this book seems to be loaded with.

I can't recommend this book anyone. Read it if you realllllyyyy want to, but don't waste your time otherwise.

"Contend not with dragons less you become a dragon yourself, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you." --- Friedrich Nietzsche

I picked this up to pass time while waiting for my son to be released from jail. So when I started this, I was not in the most receptive of moods. By the second chapter, I was totally hooked.

This is a psychological novel, more so than the average Trek fare. This is Julian's book. He must do a favor for the people he hates most in the Universe, Section 31, and also confront the road not taken.

He must contend with the dragon, a fellow Genetically Enhanced doctor who has confirmed the worst predictions of the Federation by taking Khan as his role model. The dragon is Julian-as-he-might-have-been, Julian finds it all too easy to get inside his opponents head, but far more difficult to get back out.

Do not let the cover fool you, this book is not only about Bashir, though it does center on him. I found myself puzzled at how Bashir had been relegated to the relationship character in Avatar Book 1, but surprisingly Bashir's relationship with Ezri has really grown on me. Both of them are going through changes in their lives and are reflecting on what that means. Bashir, the genetically enhanced human who has been and still continues to wear a mask in public (and private!) is starting to tear away at his mask. Ezri is coming to terms with what it means to be a joined Trill. This is magnificent stuff people!

The excerpt page of this book (at the front) is a warning from Vaughn to Bashir about Section 31 that had me intrigued to read the book ASAP. I'm quite glad where Vaughn and Bashir's relationship with Section 31 ended (or started), and I look forward to another 31 book in the future. I find 31 to be a very refreshing Trek idea, so I hope it isn't dismantled for some time to come (if ever!).

"Abyss" continues where Avatar left off (or actually after the events in the SCE book "Miracle Workers"), and it's good to see that it doesn't bother reintroducing everyone, but assumes you've read Avatar and know the deal. If you haven't, it is not entirely essential to read them, though I do recommend doing so as it feels like all the DS9 Relaunch novels are really just episodes of an untelevised Season 8. Avatar was the two part season premier, and Abyss is the 3rd (or 4th) episode. One thing I really enjoy is how easily these books read like episodes. The continuity between authors and plotlines is amazing! It is so well done, and the characterization is so spot on that it is impossible not to visualize these novels as Season 8 of DS9!

I like learning more about Ro's past; some of it comes out here.
I love Taran'atar. Whenever I'm expecting some comment from him, he always comes up with a different perspective, which incidentally Kira herself reflects on! Kudos to the writers! The continued reflection on their gods between Nerys and Taran'atar is fascinating. And seeing Kira becoming more familiar with command and actually acting like a leader is awesome. I was quite suspect in Avatar of Kira in charge, but I must say the authors have really fleshed her character out the most. Also cannot wait to see what happens with her "Attainment".
Seeing Taran'atar in action versus other Jem'Hadar was brilliant, and even more so was his unseen (yet obvious) diplomacy with Locken's First.

Locken, the bad guy, another enhanced person, is a great character. The authors do a good job making him seem sane to Bashir. It made me question first impressions and how people wear their masks. It is interesting to uncover the truth behind Locken through other (non-Bashir) characters. Great stuff.
Bashir's conversation with Ezri about his mask and about genetically enhanced people was my favorite in this book. It (alongside with Khan and the Eugenics Wars) makes me wonder how soon all this will be applicable to our non-Star Trek ideals and soon-to-be-doomed world.

You learn more about Ensign ch'Thane and his dilemma, and about Prynn Tenmei and a bit to why she's angry with Vaughn. All this stuff is very well developed in subsequent novels, which once again makes me wonder if all the DS9 Relaunch authors had a huge plan when they set out to write these fantastic novels!

Reading the book there were questions that ran through my head, such as why Section 31 didn't infiltrate Locken themselves but choose instead to use one man. But thankfully, all my questions were answered in the end (and throughout) as if the authors knew how their readers would think!

The only weird part about the novel is the Ingavi (an odd warp-capable species), but hey this IS Star Trek!

I definitely recommend reading this novel as either a Trek fan, definitely a DS9 fan (and more so as part of the Relaunch), as a stand-alone Section 31 fan, and definitely as a Bashir fan! However, this book reads like an episode and is not as in-depth or thought-provocative as Garak's "A Stitch in Time" or the Reeves-Stevenses' "Millennium" trilogy, both of which I highly recommend.

Look for my next review of Demons of Air and Darkness, or Episode 5 of Season 8 of the DS9 Relaunch.

DS9 is the first series that I watched from the start after I became obsessed with star trek. I came into half way through NG and was excited at the prospect of a new series. Over the ensuing 7 years I wavered between it and Voyager but found in the end that I enjoyed DS9 more than anything else. The character that intrigues me the most was Dr. Bashir and his ongoing relationship with Jadzia. When finally in season 7 Bashir had a chance with Ezri I saw it as the beginning of a truely wonderful relationship, one we had all be waiting to happen for the doctor. This book explores the new developed realtionship between the good Doctor and Ezri in a way that no book or episode did. I truely loved this book and would read it a thousand times over. It has great character, a fast moving plot and the ever ominous Section 31 so what more could you ask for. I definately recommend this book to any star trek fan.

If you have read any of my previous DS9 reborn reviews, you know that I have read all four of the new DS9 books.

A smaller story this time in comparison to Avatar. It starts with Bashir and Ezri packing for a vacation; as the station's resources are very low following of Kira's neccessary ejecting of the power generator. Bashir is met in his quarters by a Section 31(DS9:"Inquisition")Agent who all but forces him to perform a mission for him, to stop a rogue Scientist, Locken, also genetically engineered like Bashir, from creating an army of Jem'Hadar. Using equipment left by the Dominion on a planet in the Badlands Locken plans to replace the Alpha quadrant's inhabitants with perfect aryan genetically engineered superhumans. calling himself "Kahn" to his programmed troops, he is in the early stages of designing hi holocaust. Bashir, Ro Laren, Ezri, and Taran'atar, set out for the outpost to thwart his plans. Bashir may be convinced by Locken to join his crusade, something that troubles Ezri in their already rocky relationship.

Lang and Weddle fashioned a good story that includes updates in the search for Jake Sisko, and demonstrates Taran'atar's allegiance to Kira. there are hints at Vaugn's experience with (in?) Section 31, as well as more of Ro Laren's history in the Maquis. I give it a 4 out of 5, becaue of certain elements that lacked good design/desciption; the hybrid ships that didn't seem to fit Locken's one-man design, and especially the Ingavi. The resident species of the planet, the Ingavi are elf-like annoying people that I didn't see, like, or particularly feel bad when they were being butchered by the Jem'adar. There were strong moments in which Taran'atar got to do what he was trained/bred to do, fight. When he takes out a legion of Jem'Hadar with his bare hands and blade.

Overall, I liked it, and there were suspenseful moments. I would recommend reading this one too. Sometimes humorous, sometimes shocking, always intriguing! Buy this book now, and the other four new Deep Space Nine books. Read my other reviews on the other new DS9 books.

I've read the other reviews, and if you'd rather not bother with this one, just go read Nathan Burgoine's.

For me, this story was not unreadable by itself, but I realized pretty fast that I should have read the "Avatar" books first, if for no other reason than to fill in the blanks. There were just way too many interesting new characters obviously introduced in "Avatar," that I knew nothing about. But Ro is back where she belongs, and I'm happy for that, even if I still don't have all the details.

It was a different story altogether from the Voyager Section 31 novel, "Shadow," and to compare that one with this would be unfair. Having said that, I'd now like to give "Shadow" even *more* credit, written as it was without benefit of a lovely DS9 relaunch story arc.

But I digress. This story was very compelling. In fact, it had it all: adventure, horror, romance, a decent villian with a Khan complex, a b-plot on DS9 (carried over from "Avatar"), aliens ya wanna save, and our "I Spy" hero, Julian Bashir. I particularly liked one nasty S31 bit near the front, wherein Julian was "asked" by Cole to help the cause once again. Very insidious.

But even though this story had resolution, I could still see a number of threads left unraveled on purpose. Not sure if I'm pleased or ... about this, as it will clearly mean I'll need to keep buying the books if I want to keep up, and it's already getting to be a bit much for me. (I mean, "Gateways" is a seven-book series. C'mon! I couldn't get through "New Earth," and that was only six, nevermind "Double Helix" or "New Frontier.") Then again, that IS what it's all about, now innit? Heavy sigh...

Update (12-4-01): The above having been said, I must now add: If you really want a high-class, well-told adventure, read the two "Avatar" books first, then go from this one straight to Book Four of "Gateways," the DS9 installment titled "Demons of Air and Darkness." And here I was, grousing... Shame on me! Clearly, I should have paid more attention at Shore Leave. Anyway, these books read like the series - with the added benefit of thoughts and narrative to provide way more depth and heart than the show could ever hope to.

Out of the four section 31 books I have read this one was the best. This is also the first book I believe that follows the events that happen in the Avatar DS9 season 8 opener. The story deals mostly with Bashir naturally and also the new character from Avatar the JemHadar soldier that Odo has sent. The story will also connect with the SCE series when they bring in some needed parts for the station. One of the reason I enjoyed this story so much is that we learn a lot about the new JemHadar soldier and we get to see Bashir take charge once again just like in the series that dealt with Section 31. My only complaint is that we didn't see enough of a new character introduced in Avatar which is Commander Vaughn. I like him a lot he is a true old guard StarFleet dude. There is also a revelation about him in this novel that will catch maybe some folks offguard. We also get to learn more stuff about Ro missing years and see the further development of Erzi Dax. The villian is so-so pretty evil but nothing spectacular really. I recommend the book to everyone.