Customer Reviews

Star Trek: New Frontier: After the Fall

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

 

 

There have been New Frontier books in the past years. There was "Cold Wars," the "No Limits" anthology and the previous hardcover, "Stone and Anvil." At first, I would complain that there isn't a need for another hardcover considering the last few books have been at a special higher price than your standard paperback. Then, after reading it, I see why. "After the Fall" is a new approach to the series. My main complaint about the last slew of NF books has been that it's gone from a believable Trek series with a bit more of a laid back, honest type of humor to being like a fan-fiction running wild. This book seems to return to New Frontier's roots. It's more like a book from the "Dark Allies" days than the more recent ones.

First, a bit of negative criticism. Having read all the books with the exception of "No Limits" and the short story in the Gateways finale, I sort of missed the big story Peter David chose to gloss over. In my opinion, that should have been the focus of a book or series of books. Instead, this starts off like any Greek epic and puts you in the middle of trouble without much explanation. Some of the leading characters like Shelby and Soleta get their moments but they aren't really in the book much. Characters reflect on them and what's happened but still, these characters are left on the outskirts.

The book is also hard to keep up with because there are so many characters in the story that some of the new ones aren't properly introduced, others (such as Selar) are only given a scene here or there, the whole Excalibur/Trident split leaves you wanting to get more of one or the other crew and there's an entirely new setting added, as if we didn't have enough to keep up with; New Thallon. Some characters such as Robin Lefler, Kat Mueller and the Trident's XO all get the spotlight put on them but how they reached this point in their lives is left to the readers to fill in the gaps with the little information provided. I would have also been interested to know how Jellico and Calhoun could have gotten beyond their big issues to become chummy friends. Or what exactly Soleta does in her new position.

Now, the good. The jump does allow for interesting plot developments. I thought I'd be bored to tears at the start with the New Thallon and Si Cwan plot. After getting into it, David seems to have truly created an original plot that only he could have come up with. I like that Cwan and Lefler still have one another to bounce off. There was still that laid-back feel that makes the book easy to read. I was glad to see the return of some old faces from New Frontier's past and a new alien threat being created that sets this series off from one another. What I most liked is that this story and series seems more off on its own than in the past. There has been a reference to some other Trek series or episode in the past. Or some appearance by Picard or mentioning of a big event in Trek that's spawned this situation. This is all original and though David could have mentioned Nemesis, Voyager's return or many other situations, they're left out and the story and series seems stronger for it.

I'd say this story is worth reading. I'm not sure if the book is worth this price. Though there is a dramatic change for the plot and many of these characters, and the juvenile-comic book tone is present in the beginning, there was a noticeable change towards the end of the book that made it seem as if it was getting more mature and leaving behind certain negative things. If you are a fan of Robin Lefler, Si Cwan and Kalinda, I'd say this book was written for you. The Excalibur and Calhoun don't appear to later on in the book and really don't have a large role until the last 100 or so pages. It's still a good read and I enjoyed it more so than I did "Stone and Anvil." It leaves me wanting to know what's going to happen which is more than what the previous few books have left me with.

If you have a friend who is a Star Trek fan and vision impaired then this is the book for them. This is a very good 150 page New Frontier novel; unfortunately they fit it onto 320 pages. It has all the characteristic fun, humor, and adventure you expect from Peter David. The words scream at you off the page, not solely because of the humor and wit but also because of their size. This is the largest font I've ever seen in a mainstream novel. In school I would sometimes get assignments where I had to turn in a 3 page assignment when I could only produce 2 pages. In these cases large fonts, creative line spacing, and other creative formatting techniques came in quite handy. My best efforts pale in comparison to what was done with this book. I salute the typesetter for their efforts. To the editor who made the decision to split one novel into two books I give the opposite of a salute, whatever that may be. For $25 I expect more than a novelette with delusions of grandeur. When the next New Frontier or Deep Space Nine book comes out I will wait for the soft cover or a used copy. My money and I deserve better than this sad effort.

Once again, Peter David shows us why the New Frontier series is the best thing currently happening in the Star Trek universe.

His latest entry in the saga of Captain Calhoun and the crew of the U.S.S. Excaliber picks up the story three years after the events of Stone and Anvil. A lot has changed in the New Frontier universe. Si Cwan is now an important leader in the New Thallonian Empire and married to Robin Lefler, Soleta has joined the Romulan Empire, Shelby is an admiral and Calhoun is, well, he's still Calhoun. From the beginning, the strength of the New Frontier has been the characters and the freedom David has to play with them. Moving the plot forward three years from the last installment means that David can put these strong characters into new situations, but still have readers identify with them. One of the compelling things about this novel is the desire to see how each character got from Stone and Anvil to the events chronicled here.

And in this, David excels.

But there's also one heck of a good plot. Xyon, Calhoun's son returns and wreaks havoc with Kalinda'a wedding day. This throws the New Thallonian empire and Ci Swan's marriage to Lefler into chaos. Meanwhile, a new mysterious alien race shows up with the ability to use transwarp conduits.

For those of you expecting a complete novel, I will say this one ends on a cliffhanger and it's the first part of a new trilogy. But I didn't mind one bit. The story come to a good ending point--leaving you curious and wanting more. And you can bet I'll be the first in line for the next installment of this series later in 2005.

Although filled with some interesting plots and characterizations I was disappointed by the "Naked Gun" type of story telling. I think every character has a "don't call me Shirley" moment and it is annoying to say the least. But, I am a huge fan of New Frontiers and anything is better than nothing. Indeed, the scene involving Calhoun in the council chamber is incredible (I'll say no more to avoid spoilage).

My overall impression is that this novella was rushed out and doesn't represent the quality we have come to expect from Mr. David. Yet, even in this short, comic stretch it is good to see our New Frontier friends.

A side note. The letter to the readers at the beginning was very strange. Essentially, Mr. David lectured the reader that these are his characters and he would do what he pleases with them. That is part of my basis for thinking this was not a novella that was ready for publication. Very strange.

After what seemed like a very long wait, I eagerly sat down with this book and polished it off in 3.5 hours. The negatives: Hardcover price (midigated by Amazon). The "to be continued" (again, and having to wait another year for it) A negative tone (ie, Characters had almost all negative conversations and relationships, with no positive character development, I know conflict is central for good writting, but it would be nice to see the characters experience a little happiness now and again.)

The Positives:
With the jump forward, this book was able to put in a lot of events and developments to characters we have grown to love. Especially since the last book (Stone and Anvil) took place over less than a week, it was nice to see some life changes. Even with the expanding cast, most characters were fit in at least in cameo, and were mentioned more.
There was typical David humor, and some really funny bits, a scene in the throne room literally had me laughing outloud, for awhile.

Other thoughts:
The publisher's review is a little misleading in places, but the story makes up for it. Unfortunately it also spoils some of the artificial suppense David created for the introduction of our characters in a new light. Many of the changes are left unexplained, but it seems that the information will be fleshed in eventually.

I'd recommend this book, and the seris, at least for a read, even if you have to borrow it from the library until the paperback comes out as it is one that I'll be reread several times.

Overall, I am truly a large fan of the New Frontier series, and am so glad that Peter David takes on all the writing chores as only he knows his own characters best, however, I felt 'After the Fall' was a little sub-standard to all previous attempts.

I'd refer to this book as a 'filler prequel' to "Missing In Action", as the cliff hanger in this novel is a direct set up for the next installment. But that's what it felt like...300+ pages of setting up for what will hopefully be the real action as the next title implies.

Oh, there was action here, but a little predictable and the we've seen the same 'Romeo & Juliet' scenario used so many times in the past, though to Mr. David's credit, he does put his signature spin on things as only he can do.

Overall, there were some beginning plot points that were introduced, but I assume will only be dealt with in the next book as they didn't go far here. And neither did much action. Compared to previous New Frontier stories, Capt. Calhoun and crew tend to be much more maverick and swashbuckling in nature. It just wasn't here, except the brief and fun fight Calhoun and Kebron get involved planetside with opposing forces (no more spoilers).

Missing was many of the signature in-depth character development we are used to in teh New Frontier series. There were hints and progression, but felt as if some holes still needed filling to catch the reader up to speed. That's what Mr. David is so usually good at....giving us a real fun and developing background on all the characters we love. It just seemed rushed here with little action.

Hopefully 'Missing in Action' will result in the big Pay-Off, but I was slightly disapointed that not too much was terribly accomplished in 300+ pages we haven't seen before elsewhere.

This is a great book and I highly recommend it. However, If you want to fully understand the story, I suggest reading "The Captain's Table" story "Pain Management" written by Peter David before reading this novel. The storyline surrounding Soleta will make more sense if the short story is read first.

Really like what Peter has done with the Franchise. Good characters and great stories.

As usual, Peter David's writing style is highly polished, with a gift for humor, to say nothing of timing, phrasing, characterization, tension, and the unexpected plot twist.

Unfortunately, also as usual, he doesn't finish what he starts in the same book that he starts it. Thus, this is not a novel, but a novel fragment. For those who enjoy the "to be continued -- tune in next week, same time, same channel" tradition, this is certainly a five-star book. In fact, even for those who, like me, HATE that tradition, this book is very close to a five-star effort; at least he chooses a better break-point than he sometimes does, and the book is long enough to justifiably argue that the entire story couldn't fit under one cover. But it always seems to me to be a sign of an insecure author if he doesn't trust his story to be good enough to lure the reader back for the next installment without ending on a cliffhanger, and there WAS a break-point that would have given more of an impression of closure, even if it WAS a false impression. So in spite of truly enjoying the book, I just can't bring myself to give it the full five stars.

If you love Peter David's work, or if you are new to it, you will love this new installment. All our favorite characters are back, but with a twist. I wont ruin the book for you, as some here have the custom, simply said this book delivers. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer. As a New Frontier Junkie, I can say that it is worth the read, as is always the case in a Peter David book. I was not disappointed and am always amazed at the path Peter David takes his characters. Again it's a cliffhanger and we are left waiting on pins and needles for the next book. You'll laugh out loud, raise an eyebrow or two, and be left wondering, "How will Calhoun get out of this one?"