Chainmail

I found myself unable to stop reading and going back to my room again and again to see wht would happen next. I wasnt the biggest fan of New Earth, but keller made quite an impression on me in the Challenger book. Here, theres no hand holding and no easy reading. any eye closers and bored folks need not apply, this is teh most challenging and unexpected story format In some time. Even though I love NEW FRONTIER, its not quite this challenge filled. I am amazed I liked this so much, because I see so clearly in my head Bones and Data when they speak in the easy, familiar books I have read, and this is all new stuff, and like algebra instead of multiplication.I have read every single pocket books star trek novel of every series, so I know of what i speak.Out of the 4 or 5 hundred novels to date, this easily makes the top 50, and just might be in the top 25.Bring on more Keller, Diane! You got all the magic!

I think if you like Peter David`s New Frontier series, you should give Challenger a try. But there is a difference between the two: NF is a mix of new and known characters. Challenger takes place in the Star Trek universe but now that Kirk & Co. have left in the first book of the series, the New Earth novel "Challenger", these are all new characters. What interests me most in any story are the characters and this is Chainmail`s strength. As in NF, Diane Carey populated her corner of the Star Trek universe with very complex, colourful characters. I like them, especially the relationship between the captain of this ship, Keller, and his alien first officer, Shucorion. Shucorion is a Blood, an alien with a different mentality, different culture and beliefs but nevertheless both men are good friends who complement each other well. Part of the book deals with a conflict due to these differences, a struggle to find a compromise both sides can accept and how other members of the crew react to it. I could understand both sides of the argument and found this part of the story not only very interesting but also very touching. The captain and crew of the Challenger have to deal with a mystery, an enigmatic, powerful race. The problem but at the same time, also the strength of this novel is, this book is not a light read. You have to concentrate on what is going on, so that reading it is a, well, challenge. When I read it the first time, I didn`t understand the background of these aliens immediately, but everything became clear in time. And when I read these parts again afterwards, they made sense and gave the whole book a deeper meaning. It was quite a fascinating experience. I needed time and patience to read it but it was very rewarding and I am very much looking forward to the next book of the series.

After reading New Earth Book 6: Challenger, I was looking forward to the first book of the Challenger series, and I wasn't let down by this book. After reading this book, which features a new ship and a new crew, I am waiting for the next Challenger novel. I highly recommend this book.

I haven't read any of the New Earth books (yet) but this book gives a great feel for both the new characters and the region of space they are in. I really enjoyed the story, it was pure excitement, and the cliffhanger was excellent, especially the last line of the book. I strongly recommend this book to all.

This is the second novel featuring Diane Carey's crew of the ship "Challenger" first introduced in the novel by the same name that capped off the Belle Terre series.Carey has long been one of the best Trek authors of the lot, and when given her own canvas to work off of, she is simply excellent. Her ship and characters--a motley band of Starfleet officers and indigenous aliens serving aboard a patched-together starship--realize all the complexity and storytelling potential that the Trek series Voyager promised but never delivered. The characters are sharply-drawn, the dialogue crackles, and the action leaves you breathless.Best of all, the story is genuinely creative and original. Unlike many Trek novels, which simply recycle plots from old episodes, and other novels, Carey's story is truly imaginative.It's easier to understand if you've read "Challenger" (though not necessary), but still a great book. Here's hoping for a quick return of Nick Keller and the crew of the "Challenger."