The 34th Rule

This was a really good if depressing book, almost made me cry frfr It dealt with some deep themes and Rom got more attention than Quark which was cool My internal bias of cours assumes the quality was in part due to the Actors inside experience of knowledge and depth around the character he brought to life for 7 seasons Would almost offer a trigger warning, for the torture and racism, but I wouldnt let it prevent ya from giving it a chance ijs

This book would make an excellent espionage/thriller. In many ways, the plot reminds me of something Frederick Forsyth would write. Perhaps the authors may have read some books by him. The twists and surprising revelations at the end of this novel would satisfy any fan of intrigue and espionage. I honesty had no idea what was going to happen from chapter to chapter.A highly valued religious artifact (the 9th orb of the prophets) which originated on the planet Bajor gets into the hands of the head of the Faringi Alliance (grand Negus Zek). Bajor then asks for it back since it belongs to them and Negus purchased it on the black market. Negus then places the item in an auction. Unsatisfied with the amount Bejor would be willing to pay for the orb, Negus bars them from the auction. This angers the head of Bejor (Shakaar) and causes friction between Faringis and Bejorans. The Bejorans and Faringis then start to trade blows with one another. Relations between the Faringi and Bejorans get worse and it affects Quark's relations with Kira as well as with others on DS9. Quark plays a significant role in this story because he knows Negus Zek very well. Rom, Quark's brother also plays a significant part. In watching DS9, I remember Rom as a very simple-minded Faringi but this story shows a different side of him. Rom's character in this book is very consistent with the way I remember him on the TV show, but he is portrayed as a very courageous individual who has intelligent things to say. Also, this is the first time I've witnessed anger from Rom.

The 34th Rule is simply one of the best Trek books ever written. Pocket books made a mistake with this one, in that it should not have been a numbered paperback. This one clearly should've been a hardback. Once again, another example of DS9 not getting the respect it's due! That being said, if you're a Star Trek fan and a Deep Space Nine fan in particular, this is a must read. This book has everything a reader want's in a book, mystery, suspense and a really good plot line that moves with fluidic perfection.Of course, the author's captured Quark perfectly, given the circumstances of the plot. They really captured Rom and his reactions to the circumstances.I would recommend this book to any and all Star Trek fans. Overall an excellent read and thank you very much to the author's for this one. Hopefully they will be teaming up in the future for another!

I have been a Ferengi fan from their very first appearance. This book gives depth to the characters of Quark and Rom. The scenes in the prison camp are quite chilling. This book has a beginning, a middle and an ending. Hurrah! A writer who knows the English language and who has actually put it to good use. This is certainly a MUST read. Looking forward to more books by these authors.

A thought-provoking book, this was obviously meant to be an example of the effects of predjudice, and the way one race or civilization can so quickly forget the way it was oppressed by others, and become the oppressors themselves. Who elso would be able to write so well about Quark than Mr. Shimmerman, and this book gives us insights into the relationships between Quark, Rom, and the other characters on Deep Space Nine. This is well written in that not only is it driven by plot, but also by character and moral values. Write on, Mr. Shimmerman, write on!