Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

One of the draws to the television show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was the fact that the wormhole passage that was right next to the station enabled exploration to a completely uncharted area of space, the Gamma Quadrant. While the show had its fair share of episodes exploring this area, they spent more time with Bajor, and, subsequently, with the Dominion War. In fact, in later seasons, the wormhole was closed and the Gamma Quadrant was unreachable.

Now that the series is over and the books have taken over the grand <b>Deep Space Nine</b> story, it's time to open up the exploration again. Twilight, by David R. George III, is the beginning of a four-part story which details this. It's a huge novel with a very large story to tell, one which it tells effectively for the most part. However, it's a bit bloated with so much information, and George's occasionally heavy prose and repetition make this problem worse. Still, it's a great read for any DS9 fan.

I have never seen a 500 page Trek novel before, but George has a lot of ground to cover. I'm glad to say that he doesn't waste much of it, though the book could have been trimmed a bit here and there. George's style is very workmanlike and enjoyable. One thing it is not is boring. However, he does repeat himself at times, seemingly to emphasize points that he thinks the reader should definitely remember. Kira's attainder against practicing her religion gets mentioned many times. Other times, repetition is not the problem, but heavy-handed prose is. George allows his characters to get very introspective, but sometimes he goes a bit too far, with pages going by with nothing but a character thinking. I really loved the book, but I found it dragging at times because of this.

The main place where this happens is on the planet where the pulse originated. George does a wonderful job examining his characters, especially Vaughn. Vaughn has a lot of soul-searching to do. His relationship with his daughter is non-existent, as she blames him for her mother's death and for abandoning her afterward in his own guilt. He has always dreamed of exploring, but most of his career has been spent fighting various menaces. He has a lot of regrets in his past, and he ends up reliving a lot of them on the planet. While this was fascinating stuff, it began to get tedious as the pages roll by. Sometimes, I just wanted Vaughn to shut up and get on with it. There are some passages for Dax like this as well, and each character has just a bit too much introspection for my taste. The book just feels a bit bloated because of this.

George captures the other characters wonderfully, getting to the heart of the various conflicts between them. The ongoing tension between ch'Thane and his family is beautifully drawn, finally extracting a promise that he never wanted to make to his fellow Andorians. Ro and Quark tap dance around their feelings, making a wonderful contrast with Quark's relationship with Odo in the series. Kira, and Kassidy are both equally well-done. Taran'atar, the Jem'Hadar warrior who has been assigned by Odo to observe the Alpha Quadrant and learn something, has some wonderful scenes as he moves out of the Operations area and tries to observe the rest of the station. The only characters who are given short shrift are Bashir and Nog (who does get a wonderful scene with Taran'atar), but that's to be expected. George has already tried to pack the book full. However, if the book had to be this big, it would have been nice to chop some of the bloat and give it to these two.

Twilight is a wonderful beginning to the "Mission: Gamma" series, and a wonderful addition to the Deep Space Nine mythos. I'm loving the continuation of the television series, and there hasn't been a bad book yet. I'm hoping the other three books in the series are just as good, if not better.

David Roy

This is truly a Star Trek story. New civilizations are sought out, Trek technology proves essential, and morality is an issue. Having said that, it seems many people are picking up these books without having read the previous DS9 "Season 8" Relaunch novels. So here's a quick summary:
The DS9 Relaunch began with an anthology on the lives of Dax that produced very little for the eighth season of DS9. You do learn a little of Ezri trying to cope with being a joined Trill, a theme pursued in the subsequent novels. The superb Garak novel, "A Stitch in Time", then followed it. To date it's my favorite DS9 relaunch novel. Avatar is really the season premier for DS9's eighth season (seeing as it deals with DS9 and its entire crew), and the two-parter does not disappoint. The 3rd novel (episode) is to be found in the SCE book "Miracle Workers". Called "Cold Fusion" we see how Lt. Nog helped find a critical component for DS9 after its attack by the Jem'Hadar in Avatar. Episode 4, "Abyss", is Bashir's reflection on the genetically engineered. It is a Section 31 romp not to be missed. Episode 5, "Demons of Air and Darkness" was a stunning Gateway novel. Kira's unique conclusion "Horn and Ivory" found in the seventh Gateway book is episode 6. And so now we come to the Gamma mission books.

This book starts off fast. It jumps right into the action, continuing from the last novel. Seems the Jarada got peeved...and Defiant's gotta run away. It sets up (rather, continues) the relationship problem between Vaughn and Prynn, probably the strongest focus of this novel.
This book is excellently split into two main parts: DS9 and the Gamma Quadrant exploration. We get to see what happens on DS9 as it's being considered for Federation membership, with brief visits to Kassidy on Bajor. We get to see the Defiant seeking out new civilizations and aiding them. The author should be credited with inventing a brilliant, unique, new peaceful alien race that uses their body colour as language. Truly Trek! Seeing the problem that arises and the typical Starfleet teamwork to attempt to resolve the problem is more classic Trekness. This most definitely felt like I was watching a Trek episode (episodes, actually, given the length of the book) unfold before me wee eyes.

I liked how this book summarized events that had happened in the other Relaunch novels and also touched upon past DS9 episodes. It's done in a way that a new to DS9 reader could pick up and understand most of what's happening.

I like how there seems to be a trend of developing subplots throughout the relaunch novels. There's always what's happening on DS9. Then there's Quark's (always classic!). There's security and Ro. Nog and engineering. Taran'atar and Kira. Shar and his obligations. Vaughn and self-discovery; Vaughn and Prynn. Bajor and Kassidy. And there's Bashir and Ezri's relationship and Ezri's command desires. Noticeably absent from the first 200+ pages of this novel are Dax and Bashir. That pissed the heck out of me because it's great reading about their ongoing relationship and the problems resulting from it, as well as them defining themselves. At over 500 pages (small print) this book had little to offer on them, though headway is indeed made. Dax dealing with the 'difficulties' of command is excellent. Bashir and Dax fans will want to make sure to read "Abyss" first though.

I love how Quark's character continues to develop. His genuine feelings for Ro make him an even more interesting character, and the fact that he and Ro share a huge problem if Bajor joins the Federation makes their bond even more believable and enjoyable. Ro and Quark's flirting is quite humorous and I will delve into further books to see where it goes. I find NO problems with their relationship, rather I see it flowing naturally from their personalities and current situation.
Once again we see Kira in charge doing a good job, being her typical self. Taran'atar does nothing typically cool in this novel (unfortunately), though the way his character develops is necessary and actually quite intriguing. I especially enjoyed his and Quark's conversation.
Treir, the Orion from the Gateway novel, is a good addition to Quark's and the 'reforms' she institutes is interesting. She's definitely a strong, independent former slave girl. wha?
Probably the two most important plots deal with Shar and his bondmates and Vaughn and Prynn's relationship. In both cases we learn what's fully behind the tension. In one case, it looks to be partially resolved.

Criticisms?
Though the writing is visual, there are often slow parts. I would finish reading an exciting bit on DS9 only to want to read more, when instead I'd be stuck reading 50 pages of boring walking before getting back to what I wanted. Also, the author repeats things read just pages ago. I wondered if he just thought his readers stupid and prone to attention-gaps, or if he felt the book simply had so much to it that he better reiterate important points. However, there is one part of the book that imparts a déjà vu sensation that is done quite lovely. But the other repetition got to me, slowing down the book's pacing. Aside from these slow spots, the novel is excellent, but due to them this is a 4 rating, not 5.

Overall an excellent DS9 relaunch novel, yet seeing as it is book 1 of 4, it does not end on a cliffhanger. It is essentially a self-contained work. Picking up book 2 is not necessary to enjoy this... but of course how could one resist after reading what's begun in this novel?

For me, it's been over two years since I originally read _Avatar_ Books 1 & 2, so after reading _The Lost Era: the Art of the Impossible_ by Keith DeCandido which prominantly features a younger Elias Vaughn I re-read the Avatar books. Then I read Mission Gamma. I'm glad I did it that way. This is a very rich novel on the characterization side and I needed that scorecard.
This novel has a great cast of characters with fascinating desires and motives! Vaughn wants to explore the Gamma quadrant to expiate some of the horrible things he's done in his long career. His daughter Prynn is the pilot and wants her father to leave her alone. Andorian science officer Shar wants to be left alone by his mother, but knows he's hurting his bondmates by being in the Gamma quadrant and in Star Fleet. Kira wants to get through her religious expulsion and to figure out what's up with the diplomats on the station. Ro wants to be able to be a good Security Chief for the station and have some fun with Quark. Quark wants to make money, but he's also very interested in Ro. Trier is Orion Girl hired by Quark as a dabo girl who wants to be more. Kasidy wants to be left alone on Bajor while she waits for the baby to be born, Jake to stop being missing and Sisko to come home. Dax is XO of the Defiant and she and Julian have issues with their relationship because of her new job. I've ordered the next books in the series, I hope they come *soon* and that I can get _Unity_ at the library.
If the rest are anything like this one, I am in for a real treat!!!

The first book in the Mission: Gamma series is simply phenomenal! David George crafts a long, twisting tale that follows the crew of the Defiant as it begins its 3-month journey into the Gamma Quadrant, as well as the adventures of the crew of the station. The characters which were introduced in the previous books are all here and the intrigue continues in this unfolding saga. From the discovery of a strange alien entity to a romance between two unlikely characters, this book is rich in plot and characterization. This may well be the best book of the series and a perfect way to start it. Highly reccommended!

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.

This book is not only worth the time investment of any Trek fan, but it will draw a DS9 fan in such that looking away from the book is an effort. Make no mistake, this book is written for those fans of DS9 who watched because they loved the characters, not for those looking for a slapstick action plot. I've yet to find a Trek book as immersive as this one, though, and the relatively simple plot unfolds in a deep and profound way for our favorite characters, both old and new.

Besides a mastership of deep intraspective character-oriented writing, the author also has displayed the best use of Trek lore that I've ever seen. Hard core Trek fans who have seen every episode of every series won't be disappointed, for there are many nonchalant (and yet amazingly relevant) references throughout the book to other events and familiar characters, but not so much as to interfere with the course of the story.

My only fear is that after reading book, I will be disappointed with future novels in the DS9 Relaunch series, not because they are or will be poorly written, but because they might not spoil me with such superlative writing as this one has.

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.

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.