After the Fall

Once again, Peter David shows us why the New Frontier series is the best thing currently happening in the Star Trek universe. His latest entry in the saga of Captain Calhoun and the crew of the U.S.S. Excaliber picks up the story three years after the events of Stone and Anvil. A lot has changed in the New Frontier universe. Si Cwan is now an important leader in the New Thallonian Empire and married to Robin Lefler, Soleta has joined the Romulan Empire, Shelby is an admiral and Calhoun is, well, he's still Calhoun. From the beginning, the strength of the New Frontier has been the characters and the freedom David has to play with them. Moving the plot forward three years from the last installment means that David can put these strong characters into new situations, but still have readers identify with them. One of the compelling things about this novel is the desire to see how each character got from Stone and Anvil to the events chronicled here. And in this, David excels. But there's also one heck of a good plot. Xyon, Calhoun's son returns and wreaks havoc with Kalinda'a wedding day. This throws the New Thallonian empire and Ci Swan's marriage to Lefler into chaos. Meanwhile, a new mysterious alien race shows up with the ability to use transwarp conduits. For those of you expecting a complete novel, I will say this one ends on a cliffhanger and it's the first part of a new trilogy. But I didn't mind one bit. The story come to a good ending point--leaving you curious and wanting more. And you can bet I'll be the first in line for the next installment of this series later in 2005.

There have been New Frontier books in the past years. There was "Cold Wars," the "No Limits" anthology and the previous hardcover, "Stone and Anvil." At first, I would complain that there isn't a need for another hardcover considering the last few books have been at a special higher price than your standard paperback. Then, after reading it, I see why. "After the Fall" is a new approach to the series. My main complaint about the last slew of NF books has been that it's gone from a believable Trek series with a bit more of a laid back, honest type of humor to being like a fan-fiction running wild. This book seems to return to New Frontier's roots. It's more like a book from the "Dark Allies" days than the more recent ones. First, a bit of negative criticism. Having read all the books with the exception of "No Limits" and the short story in the Gateways finale, I sort of missed the big story Peter David chose to gloss over. In my opinion, that should have been the focus of a book or series of books. Instead, this starts off like any Greek epic and puts you in the middle of trouble without much explanation. Some of the leading characters like Shelby and Soleta get their moments but they aren't really in the book much. Characters reflect on them and what's happened but still, these characters are left on the outskirts. The book is also hard to keep up with because there are so many characters in the story that some of the new ones aren't properly introduced, others (such as Selar) are only given a scene here or there, the whole Excalibur/Trident split leaves you wanting to get more of one or the other crew and there's an entirely new setting added, as if we didn't have enough to keep up with; New Thallon. Some characters such as Robin Lefler, Kat Mueller and the Trident's XO all get the spotlight put on them but how they reached this point in their lives is left to the readers to fill in the gaps with the little information provided. I would have also been interested to know how Jellico and Calhoun could have gotten beyond their big issues to become chummy friends. Or what exactly Soleta does in her new position. Now, the good. The jump does allow for interesting plot developments. I thought I'd be bored to tears at the start with the New Thallon and Si Cwan plot. After getting into it, David seems to have truly created an original plot that only he could have come up with. I like that Cwan and Lefler still have one another to bounce off. There was still that laid-back feel that makes the book easy to read. I was glad to see the return of some old faces from New Frontier's past and a new alien threat being created that sets this series off from one another. What I most liked is that this story and series seems more off on its own than in the past. There has been a reference to some other Trek series or episode in the past. Or some appearance by Picard or mentioning of a big event in Trek that's spawned this situation. This is all original

If you love Peter David's work, or if you are new to it, you will love this new installment. All our favorite characters are back, but with a twist. I wont ruin the book for you, as some here have the custom, simply said this book delivers. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer. As a New Frontier Junkie, I can say that it is worth the read, as is always the case in a Peter David book. I was not disappointed and am always amazed at the path Peter David takes his characters. Again it's a cliffhanger and we are left waiting on pins and needles for the next book. You'll laugh out loud, raise an eyebrow or two, and be left wondering, "How will Calhoun get out of this one?"

I haven't read the book yet it just two weeks away. But just from reading the editorial I just have to say what the hell? Zak Kebron is a counselor? What kind of advice does he give out get over your problems or I'll squish your head. Soleta has taken another leave of absence I can't wait to see if she's coming back and how many people know about her birth father. Shelby has never been one of my favorite Trekers so I'm kinda sorry she's still around. I hope the kidnapper is Xyon because I'm so tired of Captains like Kirk, Picard, and Calhoun having their kids taken away Mac needs this one. The 30th is coming I hope it I get my on time or I might go into Frontier withdrawls. Someone needs to chain Mr. David to his computer so the books can come out faster.