|
5.0 out of 5 stars
More Insights into Bashir, Ezri, Vaughn and the rest., Feb 4 2004
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
 
|
|
|
|
