Customer Reviews

Twilight (Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Mission Gamma, Book 1)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

DS9 was the richest and most textured of any of the modern Trek shows, so the idea that it could continue long beyond our television screens and in a series of novels wasn't exactly a huge stretch. But the fact that it would continue and continue as well as it has is nothing short of a miracle. The DS9 saga continues on the printed page and if you're a fan of DS9 or just looking for a good Trek saga, you can't really go wrong with Twilight.

Twilight is the first of a four-book arc that delves into the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. The story builds slowly, continuing the events of the last time we saw the DS9 crew in the Gateways saga. It then is content to move into the build-up to and exploration of the Gamma Quadrant by the Defiant. But there's a lot more being explored here than just space itself. The relationships between characters are also being explored--from Vaughn and his daughter Prynn to Quark and Ro to Bashir and Ezri to Kira and her relationship with Bajor and the Federation now that she's been Attained. It's the character exploration that really powers the story and keeps the pages turning. And there are a good number of pages to be turned--this book checks in at just over 500 pages. But it's worth it.

There are some major surprises in here and some things that will have great interest to the on-going DS9 storyline. I won't ruin them here for you--it takes out part of the fun. David R. George also takes on the length of the Star Trek universe by bringing in some old friends and new some races as well. It all adds up to what may be one of the most enjoyable Treks published this year--and with Greg Cox's latest Khan masterpiece, In the Name of Honor and Immortal Coil all lurking out there, that is saying a great deal.

I will say this--if you've not read any of the other DS9 re-launch novels, I'd sugget picking them up first. It will make this reading experience that much more rich and enjoyable. This is the kind of book that makes me anxious for the next installment and restores my faith in Trek publishing.

I will give David R. George credit for one thing ... he writes Trek action better than any other author who's attempted to craft a story in one of the most well loved fictive universes out there.

The story begins with Defiant on the run from some very xenophobic aliens last seen in the Gateways saga, and George makes you feel as if you're right on the bridge of the battleship, feeling the intensity and danger along with the characters. From that point forward, George deftly manages numerous plot threads introduced since the DS9 re-launch, handling both the political intrigue on the station itself, as well as the marvelous sense of exploration that Trek does so well, as Defiant heads into the Gamma Quadrant to renew the United Federation of Planets mission of exploration and peaceful first contact.

While there are some of my favorite DS9 characters conspicuously absent in the re-launch (Martok, Chancellor of the Klingon Empire most prominent amongst them), the characters that have been introduced manage to be both well-rounded and yet still have that signature DS9 chip on the shoulder. The strained relationship between Commander Elias Vaughan and his daughter (also serving on DS9) is a prime example of the gritty relationships that have always been a hallmark of this incarnation of Star Trek. Their conflict is resolved in a very satisfactory manner, with both characters having to go through sheer emotional and physical hell before finally letting go of old grudges and hatreds in order to heal a wounded relationship between father and daughter, and the beefy length of the book (500+ pages) allows you time to get to know and care about these two before things end up happily ever after.

This book is the first of four in the "Mission Gamma" series. Here's hoping the following 3 authors can follow David R. George's excellent opening chapter.

Upto this point, mission Gamma part 1 is this best I've read in the relaunch series.

Although like the series in general, this book is mostly character driven, it still has all of the elements of a good sci fi novel. Stumbling upon strange new worlds and beings, making new discoveries and learning of infinite possibilities beyond the realm of what we experience every day is the stuff of good science fiction. This book has all of that

The Mission Gamma part 1 revolves around three main plots which are:

Vaughn and a crew from DS9 go on a mission of exploration into the Gamma quadrant.

The crew stumbles upon two new worlds and three different kinds of alien species. One of these species communicates by changing epidermal colors and patterns. The other two species are not not of corporeal form and live in a different realm. Not much is known about them (or it) other than something called the thoughtscape is the most prominent part of its existence and has the ability to establish communion with others rather then to communicate.

Quark's relationship with Ro (security officer)

A Romance develops between the two. I was a bit skeptical that anything would come of it at first and did not like the idea. As I read more about their relationship however, I've become more interested in seeing how far it would go.

Elias Vaughn's relationship with his daughter

Before this story a was puzzled as the way Prynn resented her father. This story clarifies everything nicely

Bajor's future as it moves closer to joining the United Federation of Planets and how this may effect Ro and Quark's future as well.

Quark is concerned that when the federation takes over the station, he will be out of a job because the Federation is essentially a moneyless organization. Ro is concerned because she and starfleet don't have good relations. So what will be her new place on a federation controlled space station (assuming she is even allowed to stay)?

While new relations are forged, others face an uncertain future, and some explore uncharted territory in the Gamma Quadrant; Taranatar continues to explore and observe humanity on the space station. Some parts involving Taranatar are very funny. A Jemhadar would be the last I would think to be in a holosuite studying partial differential equations. That's the beauty to this entire genre, just when you think you've read it all you find something that takes you by surprise. Star Trek is so full of surprises.

I also would like to add that the writer (David R. George III) is one of the best I've read so far. The character development is superp and he brings things together well with no inconsistentcies while writing a relatively complex plot.

When a novel lingers in your mind days, even weeks after you have read it you know you've got a winner. And that's exactly what you get when you delve into Mission Gamma Book One: "Twilight": a novel so meticulously plotted and excellently crafted that the pleasure of reading it envelopes you long after you finish the final sentence.

The first novel of a series is usually evincive of what is to come and with "Twilight" author David R. George III has set the bar mighty high for the authors of the other three novels in this series. At over 500 pages (and over 200,000 words) "Twilight" is extraordinarily rich in descriptive narrative and character development as the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Deep Space Nine continues.

"Twilight" grabs you right from the opening sentence and as the story unfolds, layer by layer, and the plot threads begin to weave their magic, a tapestry begins to slowly take shape. A tapestry populated by a diverse group of characters so well drawn that is as if you are watching the events unfold before your eyes. Those events would not evoke the same emotional response if you know what to expect.

"Twilight" will induce a wide range of emotional responses from the reader. Excitement, compassion, horror, delight and surprise to name just a few. It will also expand the reader's insight into the characters as the events are utilized to explore the characters thoughts and motivations.

Filled with political intrigue, adventure and exemplary characterization "Twilight" is a novel to savor and enjoy again and again. So lock the door, turn off the phone and lose yourself in the beginning of a saga that is sure to enchant and enthrall anyone who appreciates a truly exceptional book.

This book, without a doubt, and is one of the most well written ST books ever, definitely the best of the DS9 relaunch series so far.

Prior to reading Twilight, I hadn't read any of the relaunch series so far, but this book is written so clearly that I immediately picked up on all the small details of the plot.

Set 6 months after the end of the Dominion War, DS9 is recovering from the conflict that changed the face of the galaxy, and the new crew are settling into their positions.

The plot follows two very ineteresting lines. First is the Defiant's mission into the Gamma Quadrant, a strictly exploratory mission sanctioned by Odo himself. The second plot line revolves around Bajor joining the Federation, and it's obvious that something very big is beginning there.

The book proceeds at a slow but steady pace, rich in descriptive detail and the finer points of trek lore, yet both are inserted so subtlely into the plot that the reader simply accepts these extra details as part of the literary experience.

While the book doesn't resolve all the issues presented in it by the end, it does show the respective parties making progress with these issues, such as the Vaughn/Prynn relationship or Quark/Ro relationship. Neither reach an obvious conclusion by the end of the book, but it is obvious that progress has been made, and ultimately the reader is left satisfied and eager to read the next volume.

My one critcism of the book is that it is a touch slow in parts, especially some of the parts that involve Kasidy on Bajor, or Vaughn/Akaar's dinner, which is why I gave this book 4 stars and not 5. I'm all one for rich detail, but these scenes dragged on a little too much for my liking.

One much smaller criticism of the book is on a technical level, regarding a character from the series, Admiral Ross. Ross was Sisko's immediate superior and one of the key decision makers during the Dominion War, and although it was never confirmed, many people say that he was the Bajoran Sector Commander. Either way, Ross was an important official, and to not have him somehow involved with Bajor's joining the Federation simply doesn't sit right with me.

But overall, the book is a great story, and is well worth purchasing.

I just finished this novel yesterday, and I have to say that it was a wonderful read. I'd like to comment on the author's mastery of canon material and writing skills- there were references to episodes of DS9 (esp. the last season) all through the book by Quark, Kira, Bashir, even Ezri, which I thought was astounding. I also like the cultural areas that the series is taking in, esp. the Andorian culture with Shar and his bondmates (You'll have to read to find out what I mean! *^_^* ) You can tell that he (and the other authors, I'm sure) have done a LOT of research to make sure they have no plot/continuity errors in their work. Bravo!

This is Trek as we saw in DS9- a true series that explores not only other worlds, but ourselves at the same time. Thanks and kudos to Marco Palmeri (editor) for getting this together so well (he edited "Lives of Dax" as well)- ultimate master of DS9-ness in book form.

While each of the five Star Trek series brings something uniquely entertaining to the small and big screens, there has always been something especially intriguing in Deep Space Nine. This latest entry in th re-launch is no exception. It provides intriguing characters and relationships (such as Vaughn and his daughter, Nog and Shar) that make this series so enjoyable.

While it is fun to finally see exploration return to the Gamma Quadrant, it is familiar, and immensely enjoyable to return to the religious and political intrigue aboard DS9 itself. How Kira handles her attainder, as well as the fanatical jackasses who forced it on her, is very well written, and gives her character a whole new level of believability.

An especially great new angle is Ro as Odo's replacement, not to mention her possible romantic interest in Quark. It provides some very entertaining scenes, and some greater insight into both Ro and Quark. Who would ever have thought that Quark actually had som depth.

Speaking of Quark, I also thought it was fun that David George managed to fit in brief reminders of his last DS9 novel, "The 34th Rule". It adds to the story as well as providing a bit of nostalgia.

All in all, this is an exciting and worthy addition to the saga that is Deep Space Nine.

Having read nearly every one of the Ds9: Relaunch books, I found myself really looking forward to this book. Not only does it provide a decent bit of action and adventure, but also a good amount of character development (especially between Cmdr. Vaughn and his daughter).

This book reminded me of some of the more heart-wrenching episodes of DS9 and TNG (which, were also notably, but not surprisingly absent in Voyager), in which parents or possible parents are forced to deal with tragedy as a family. Maybe it touched me on a personal level that not everyone would identify with, but this book really got me where it counts.

First off, I have to say I loved the plot line with Kira and Akaar and Bajor's application for membership into the Federation. I was hoping that this would come up, as it is what the whole show was working towards. I'm not sure where things are going with Quark and Ro, but it is interesting to see those characters behaving so drastically out of character. There were only a few episodes where Quark is portrayed as a serious character, and it is hard to take him seriously no matter what because he is so damn funny, but it works, it keeps my interest at least. I had a hard time caring about the gamma qudrant aliens, and so it took some time for me to get into the Vaughn/Dax storyline, but it picked up nicely towards the middle of the book. There is a nice touch in that the opening scene was repeated almost word for word near the end of the book. It made a nice circle, and I like circles. And I am dying to know more about Vaughn's past. He's got a lot of shades of gray, perfect for DS9. I'm also excited to see what sort of chaos Marco has in store for Bajor as they become more integrated with Starfleet. I think Kira fits in nicely, but Ro and Quark are going to have a hell of a time. Good stuff. All in all, I liked it very much.

David R George III is by far the best Star Trek writer out there today. He first book written with Armin Shimmerman just blew me away and this book is even better. Twilight continues the successful relaunch of the DS9 series. The authors attention to detail and descriptive writing style enriches the story. His characterizations are wonderfully drawn. This book is a character driven story rather than plot driven and thats fine with me because its the characters who make the story. We learn a good bit more about Vaughn and why he and his daughter are not on speaking terms and this thread plays out in a most successful manner. Then there is Ezri and Bashiers continuing relationship. Ro Laren and Quark develop an amazing relationship. Kira Has never been a favorite character of mine but the relaunch has changed that. Kira has to deal with a character who is an admiral who first appeared in one episode of TOS. As mentioned before this is a character driven story that is rich in discription and character development that moves at a fast pace and doesnt disappoint. I highly recommend this book to any Star Trek fan. It is one of my top favorites off all the Star Trek novels. I am looking forward to the authors next Star Trek novel.