New Frontier (Star Trek New Frontier) [Hardcover]

Peter David, has introduced a Hermaphrodite main crew character named Lieutenant Commander Burgoyne 172, she is the Cheif Engineer of an old Ambassador class vessel.. (Enterprise 1701-C was the same vessel class.) So far he/she has the hots for Dr. Selar... but I won't say more. If you can't tolerate this kind of writing in a story this novel is not for you.

Than there is the new Captain a brave Kirk-Sisko like character.
Mackenzie Calhoun. This man does not follow the tradition Starfleet by the book approach when you get into book 3 of this book, you will see why. I like this Captain only because he has a willingness to fight and or do the very unexpected when the odds are impossible.

I do not wish to go into the rest of the characters. I will say this... Peter David is a master Sci-Fi, writer, when he writes you can almost tell when he's having fun and when he's just writing... I like the inside jokes that Peter David writes.

If you are a TNG fan... You will like this novel. If you are a TOS fan you will like this novel. I have just ordered the rest of the series... I hope you all consider this a good novel.

Book One: House of Cards
Book Two: Into the Void
Book Three: The Two Front War
Book Four: Endgame

Peter David being one of the best Star Trek authors throughout its history is rewarded with his very own series. I can only imagine how honored he must've been to be able to create a whole new series. Tasked with this, he stepped up to the challenge and exceeded even his own high standards. One of the main things I love about the whole New Frontier series is that Peter David is allowed more freedom with what he can do in the New Frontier series as opposed to one of the other lines. The only question I have about the first four books of this series is why is the series started off with four small books, when this clearly could've been accomplished with two books or one large hardcover? Either way, who cares, they're all four of them absolutely fantastic!

Just like Star Trek The Next Generation's "Encounter at Farpoint," Deep Space Nine's "Emissary," Voyager's "Caretaker" and Enterprise's "Broken Bow," the four book set or the turtleback containing all four is Peter David's introduction to this great new series! "House of Cards" starts off with the introductions to several of the primary characters. It also includes some great cameo appearances as well. Captain Jean Luc Picard from the USS Stargazer inspiring M'k'n'zy of Calhoun (Mackenzie Calhoun) to join Starfleet. Lieutenant Soleta is introduced to the series through a chance meeting with Ambassador Spock, consequently saving her life. And finally, the ever dreary Admiral Jellico makes his first of many appearances. Commander Elizabeth Paula Shelby from STNG's "Best of Both Worlds" is given a first name, a nickname and a history with the new captain. Ensign Robin Lefler and Dr. Selar are brought over from STNG as well. Dr. Selar's introduction is extremely interesting.

New to the world of Star Trek we're introduced to: Captain Mackenzie Calhoun formerly M'k'n'zy of Calhoun from the planet Xenex. Captain Calhoun is certainly one of the best new characters added to the world of Star Trek. Zak Kebron, who is the USS Excalibur's Chief Security Officer. He is a Brikar, a race of beings who are basically built like large, moving landmasses. Lord and later, Ambassador Si Cwan, one of two remaining members of the ruling family of the Thallonian Empire, which has collapsed. Which is the cause for Starfleet sending the USS Excalibur into Sector 221-G. Commander Burgoyne 172, the Excalibur's Chief Engineer. Burgoyne is a Hermat, which is a species where each individual is pretty much made up of both sides of the battle of the sexes. An particularly interesting character to say the least. Lieutenant Mark McHenry, the Excalibur's primary helmsmen, an exceedingly intelligent and of course, eccentric human.

Mix all of these extremely interesting characters together with Peter David's well thought out villains and what we have here is an enormously great line of Star Trek novels. The only downside, they are more or less in episodic format and have a tendency to end with To be continued...., and they're not a regular line coming out with several per year. The upside, with one exception, they typically come out two or three books at a time. If you purchase the turtleback containing all four stories, it includes a Star Trek New Frontier Minipedia. Overall this is a great series that will make a fine addition to your Star Trek collection!