Stone and Anvil

There were flaws, to be sure. I never have cared for the character of Shelby, and I still don't (although there was a scene in which she was absolutely marvellous, an indication that David's actually allowing the character to grow) and the ending was more of a downer than I expect out of Peter David. But in general, the "main" plot was interesting enough, though by itself might not have quite made it to four stars. But the flashback scenes to Calhoun's days at Starfleet Academy were marvellous, even if I still don't understand what he's EVER seen in Shelby, or what she sees in him, given how little she respects everything that he's about. That relationship has always struck me as just too artificial, something OBVIOUSLY forced by the author for cheap plot conflict, rather than something that grew out of the characters naturally. I think this may actually be the first book in this series that can actually stand on its own; granted, we had a bit of a teaser for the beginning at the end of the last book, but that's rehashed at the beginning of this one, and it actually has a full story (TWO full stories, from one way of looking at it) complete with ending. David should do this more often.

Peter David has done it once again. We waited two years for the conclusion of the Beings saga, and we were all very relieved not to have to wait so long to see the resolution of Gleau's murder. I'll get the prose praise out of the way; David writes with a flourish, an edge-of-your seat pace that is somewhat rare in this selective genre. His character development is second-to-none, and it is easy to believe that he cares for each one of them. There are a few tongue-in-cheek references peppered throughout the book; I had to laugh when Picard comments that he would never be able to run a school for gifted youngsters.The focus here is on Calhoun, Shelby, Janos, and Kebron; at least, in the present. It is fascinating to see the new (and, in my opinion, improved) Kebron handle the investigation; he draws upon hard-boiled detectives of "old" and adamantly refused to believe that Janos was responsible for the murder of the manipulative, unlamented Gleau. His search takes him in new directions, and it is here where Calhoun ponders his past at Starfleet academy.Calhoun recalls his savage days, his first meeting with Shelby, his roommate experience. We also see a rather laid-back Jellico (sort of) and finally have a lot of innuendo exposed. This reflection leads to a point when Calhoun finally comes to head with his savage side...and the ultimate reconciliation of savage and civilized soldier. We see a Calhoun who was so certain of himself, yet at the same time vulnerable. The progression of feelings he has for Shelby drives this point across quite well. As does his recollection of meeting Janos for the first time; one has certain expectations of meeting a white-furred creature after coming out of a fight for survival. The first encounter is both humorous and bittersweet; Calhoun and Shelby are still cadets, and they both realize that they have encoutered new life and it is their duty to ensure his survival.Those hoping for a resolution or a glimpse of the Tholian/Danteri negotiations will be disappointed; the only time we glimpse Spock is when he melds with Janos. Si Cwan and Kalinda are likewise out of the picture, and for the last section of the novel, so is the "Trident." But that is understood and even appreciated; this is meant to be a focus on Calhoun and Janos. Yes, the murder happened on the "Trident," but when Calhoun absconds with Janos, it quickly becomes a Starfleet matter. The Selevians have petitioned the Federation to have Janos extradited in order to execute him.This conflict leads to the action; "Enterprise" arrives on-scene to force Calhoun's hand, but he is convinced the Selevians are manipulating the Federation, and both ships face-off with a Selevian warship waiting in the wings, all vying for one thing: Ensign Janos.Thankfully, "Stone and Anvil" does not end with a cliffhanger, but it will still leave you wanting more. Yes, there are unanswered questions, but not the big one.

This book takes up where Gods Above ends. The part in the present day trek universe follows the investigation of the murder of Gleau and all evidence points to Janos as the perp. This part of the story follows the new and in my opinion improved Kebron as he tries to clear his friend of the charges. The part of the story in the past follows Calhoun and Shelby during their time at Starfleet Academy. The book is fast paced and hard to put down. The ending for a change isnt a cliffhanger but it is very bittersweet. If you are a New Frontier fan you will not be disappointed.

While I was somewhat concerned over the 'flashback' chapter layout--switching back and forth between present day and Calhoun's first days at the Academy--that concern was apparently unwarranted. In addition to providing some insight into Calhoun's character--through his progression at the Academy, as well as his...unusual...approach to the classic Kobayashi Maru scenario--the novel contains more than its share of humor and suspense. It's been a while since I've laughed out loud at anything Trek; to be honest, I had been planning to read about half tonight and continue tomorrow, but stayed up till 2.30am to finish the book! I will confess that, if you haven't kept up with previous New Frontier stories, there may be a few references that go over your head, but otherwise this is a five-star read. Any chance Mr. David can lend his talents to Star Trek: Enterprise?

The New Frontier series is far and away the best Star Trek novel series, even including the recent (and excellent) DS9 relaunch and Lost Era series. As simply as possible, this novel is why. Never before in Star Trek has there been a series that so consistently created characters of depth, realism, and interest. Period.When you add on to that the fact that the characters are also the most colorful bunch of people to ever grace the Star Trek universe, and that the plots are of a particular type of ingenious wackiness that is entirely surprising and yet completely believable, you find...well, this. I was surprised roughly twice per chapter, I never once felt that any scene was anything short of completely realistic, and, overall, I haven't felt this engrossed in a Star Trek book in a long time.The previous NF book, Gods Above, was up with the greatest the series had previously offered. This rose above them all.Excellent job, Peter David, and may the rest of the series continue this way.