Devil in the Sky (Mass Market Paperback)

Both authors proved with this novel that both of their works, whether collaborative or individual, are to be looked forward to. One of the main themes that started in this novel and has continued to today in novels written by Greg Cox, is his penchant for using characters and species from all of the series, but most especially the Original Series, such as his use of the Hortas in this novel, which according to his interview with Kevin Dilmore was John Ordover's idea.

"Devil in the Sky" also lends itself very well to the early feel of the series. This is the type of story you "could've" seen on the series, except for the prohibitive costs of using the Horta via a heavy amount of CGI.

The cover art for "Devil in the Sky" isn't all that imaginative other than the drawing of a Horta, giving a potential reader that this creature from the Original Series is included in the story.

The premise:

Bajor has recruited the Hortas from Janus VI to help rebuild their devastated mining industry all in the hopes of revitalizing their struggling economy. Unfortunately for the Hortas and the Bajorans, Cardassian raiders step in and abduct the Mother Horta. Now Commander Sisko finds himself stuck with twenty Horta eggs and they suddenly begin to hatch and the only food source for them appears to be Deep Space Nine itself. Meanwhile, Major Kira sets out on a rescue mission, deep in Cardassian space.

I highly recommend this novel to any and all fans of the series or Star Trek in general. If you've never read a novel written by one or both of these authors, you will soon learn that they can definitely be counted among some of the best that Star Trek has to offer. {ssintrepid}

This is a two-plotted book with a fast paced theme within the major plot. The Horta were recruited to help rebuild Bajor's devastated mining industry after the Cardassian occupation. The planet's struggling economy needs a boost with the exportation of minerals and the Horta are the best miners in the galaxy. So, Mother Horta with twenty Horta eggs are on Deep Space Nine ready to mine away the rock.

But, this wouldn't be TREK without a hitch in the gitty-up... that is the Carassian kidnapp Mother Horta and her eggs are beginning to hatch on Deep Space Nine without their moter. Hortas can go through solid rock like us walking through water.

Kira/bashir are on a rescue mission to retrive Mother Horta (the first plot). Commander Benjamin Sisko is on Deep Space Nine with the twenty hatching,(the second plot). Horta hatchlings can be very uncontrollable without guidence from the mother.

I enjoyed this fast paced book and the characters of Benjamin Sisko, Jake, Rom, Kira, Bashir, Odo, and O'Brian were all very true to their respective characters. The storylines were woven with just enough of the story to keep you interested to the ending.

All in all, this was a well-written action-adventure with interesting characterizations.