Mission Gamma Book One: Twilight

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 thatThe 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 daughterBefore this story a was puzzled as the way Prynn resented her father. This story clarifies everything nicelyBajor'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.

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.

DS9 was the richest and most textured of any of the modern Trek shows, so the idea that it could continue long beyond our television screens and in a series of novels wasn't exactly a huge stretch. But the fact that it would continue and continue as well as it has is nothing short of a miracle. The DS9 saga continues on the printed page and if you're a fan of DS9 or just looking for a good Trek saga, you can't really go wrong with Twilight. Twilight is the first of a four-book arc that delves into the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. The story builds slowly, continuing the events of the last time we saw the DS9 crew in the Gateways saga. It then is content to move into the build-up to and exploration of the Gamma Quadrant by the Defiant. But there's a lot more being explored here than just space itself. The relationships between characters are also being explored--from Vaughn and his daughter Prynn to Quark and Ro to Bashir and Ezri to Kira and her relationship with Bajor and the Federation now that she's been Attained. It's the character exploration that really powers the story and keeps the pages turning. And there are a good number of pages to be turned--this book checks in at just over 500 pages. But it's worth it. There are some major surprises in here and some things that will have great interest to the on-going DS9 storyline. I won't ruin them here for you--it takes out part of the fun. David R. George also takes on the length of the Star Trek universe by bringing in some old friends and new some races as well. It all adds up to what may be one of the most enjoyable Treks published this year--and with Greg Cox's latest Khan masterpiece, In the Name of Honor and Immortal Coil all lurking out there, that is saying a great deal. I will say this--if you've not read any of the other DS9 re-launch novels, I'd sugget picking them up first. It will make this reading experience that much more rich and enjoyable. This is the kind of book that makes me anxious for the next installment and restores my faith in Trek publishing.

When a novel lingers in your mind days, even weeks after you have read it you know you've got a winner. And that's exactly what you get when you delve into Mission Gamma Book One: "Twilight": a novel so meticulously plotted and excellently crafted that the pleasure of reading it envelopes you long after you finish the final sentence.The first novel of a series is usually evincive of what is to come and with "Twilight" author David R. George III has set the bar mighty high for the authors of the other three novels in this series. At over 500 pages (and over 200,000 words) "Twilight" is extraordinarily rich in descriptive narrative and character development as the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Deep Space Nine continues."Twilight" grabs you right from the opening sentence and as the story unfolds, layer by layer, and the plot threads begin to weave their magic, a tapestry begins to slowly take shape. A tapestry populated by a diverse group of characters so well drawn that is as if you are watching the events unfold before your eyes. Those events would not evoke the same emotional response if you know what to expect."Twilight" will induce a wide range of emotional responses from the reader. Excitement, compassion, horror, delight and surprise to name just a few. It will also expand the reader's insight into the characters as the events are utilized to explore the characters thoughts and motivations.Filled with political intrigue, adventure and exemplary characterization "Twilight" is a novel to savor and enjoy again and again. So lock the door, turn off the phone and lose yourself in the beginning of a saga that is sure to enchant and enthrall anyone who appreciates a truly exceptional book.

While each of the five Star Trek series brings something uniquely entertaining to the small and big screens, there has always been something especially intriguing in Deep Space Nine. This latest entry in th re-launch is no exception. It provides intriguing characters and relationships (such as Vaughn and his daughter, Nog and Shar) that make this series so enjoyable.While it is fun to finally see exploration return to the Gamma Quadrant, it is familiar, and immensely enjoyable to return to the religious and political intrigue aboard DS9 itself. How Kira handles her attainder, as well as the fanatical jackasses who forced it on her, is very well written, and gives her character a whole new level of believability. An especially great new angle is Ro as Odo's replacement, not to mention her possible romantic interest in Quark. It provides some very entertaining scenes, and some greater insight into both Ro and Quark. Who would ever have thought that Quark actually had som depth.Speaking of Quark, I also thought it was fun that David George managed to fit in brief reminders of his last DS9 novel, "The 34th Rule". It adds to the story as well as providing a bit of nostalgia. All in all, this is an exciting and worthy addition to the saga that is Deep Space Nine.