Rating: 
Summary: Jeff Lang - Good Job.
Review: I've read the other reviews, and if you'd rather not bother with this one, just go read Nathan Burgoine's.For me, this story was not unreadable by itself, but I realized pretty fast that I should have read the "Avatar" books first, if for no other reason than to fill in the blanks. There were just way too many interesting new characters obviously introduced in "Avatar," that I knew nothing about. But Ro is back where she belongs, and I'm happy for that, even if I still don't have all the details. It was a different story altogether from the Voyager Section 31 novel, "Shadow," and to compare that one with this would be unfair. Having said that, I'd now like to give "Shadow" even *more* credit, written as it was without benefit of a lovely DS9 relaunch story arc. But I digress. This story was very compelling. In fact, it had it all: adventure, horror, romance, a decent villian with a Khan complex, a b-plot on DS9 (carried over from "Avatar"), aliens ya wanna save, and our "I Spy" hero, Julian Bashir. I particularly liked one nasty S31 bit near the front, wherein Julian was "asked" by Cole to help the cause once again. Very insidious. But even though this story had resolution, I could still see a number of threads left unraveled on purpose. Not sure if I'm pleased or ... about this, as it will clearly mean I'll need to keep buying the books if I want to keep up, and it's already getting to be a bit much for me. (I mean, "Gateways" is a seven-book series. C'mon! I couldn't get through "New Earth," and that was only six, nevermind "Double Helix" or "New Frontier.") Then again, that IS what it's all about, now innit? Heavy sigh... Update (12-4-01): The above having been said, I must now add: If you really want a high-class, well-told adventure, read the two "Avatar" books first, then go from this one straight to Book Four of "Gateways," the DS9 installment titled "Demons of Air and Darkness." And here I was, grousing... Shame on me! Clearly, I should have paid more attention at Shore Leave. Anyway, these books read like the series - with the added benefit of thoughts and narrative to provide way more depth and heart than the show could ever hope to.
Rating:
Summary: DS9 reborn part III DS9:Section 31:Abyss
Review: If you have read any of my previous DS9 reborn reviews, you know that I have read all four of the new DS9 books. A smaller story this time in comparison to Avatar. It starts with Bashir and Ezri packing for a vacation; as the station's resources are very low following of Kira's neccessary ejecting of the power generator. Bashir is met in his quarters by a Section 31(DS9:"Inquisition")Agent who all but forces him to perform a mission for him, to stop a rogue Scientist, Locken, also genetically engineered like Bashir, from creating an army of Jem'Hadar. Using equipment left by the Dominion on a planet in the Badlands Locken plans to replace the Alpha quadrant's inhabitants with perfect aryan genetically engineered superhumans. calling himself "Kahn" to his programmed troops, he is in the early stages of designing hi holocaust. Bashir, Ro Laren, Ezri, and Taran'atar, set out for the outpost to thwart his plans. Bashir may be convinced by Locken to join his crusade, something that troubles Ezri in their already rocky relationship. Lang and Weddle fashioned a good story that includes updates in the search for Jake Sisko, and demonstrates Taran'atar's allegiance to Kira. there are hints at Vaugn's experience with (in?) Section 31, as well as more of Ro Laren's history in the Maquis. I give it a 4 out of 5, becaue of certain elements that lacked good design/desciption; the hybrid ships that didn't seem to fit Locken's one-man design, and especially the Ingavi. The resident species of the planet, the Ingavi are elf-like annoying people that I didn't see, like, or particularly feel bad when they were being butchered by the Jem'adar. There were strong moments in which Taran'atar got to do what he was trained/bred to do, fight. When he takes out a legion of Jem'Hadar with his bare hands and blade. Overall, I liked it, and there were suspenseful moments. I would recommend reading this one too. Sometimes humorous, sometimes shocking, always intriguing! Buy this book now, and the other four new Deep Space Nine books. Read my other reviews on the other new DS9 books.
Rating: 
Summary: Dr. Bashir takes the lead
Review: In this Bashir centered book; he has to confront his fear of section 31. Dr. Ethan Loken presents an ethical problem for the good doctor. He wants him to become a Section 31 agent. He believes Bashir's genetically enhanced intelligence could create a new race of Khans to rule the Federation. David Weddle leaves no stone unturned in this novel that might easily be a two part DS9 movie. It's great to see the former DS9 story editor write a novel about the show. I have to wonder if this was a script that was never produced? If only DS9 ran another three or four years. This is one show that should be back on the air.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Bashir takes the lead
Review: In this Bashir centered book; he has to confront his fear of section 31. Dr. Ethan Loken presents an ethical problem for the good doctor. He wants him to become a Section 31 agent. He believes Bashir's genetically enhanced intelligence could create a new race of Khans to rule the Federation. David Weddle leaves no stone unturned in this novel that might easily be a two part DS9 movie. It's great to see the former DS9 story editor write a novel about the show. I have to wonder if this was a script that was never produced? If only DS9 ran another three or four years. This is one show that should be back on the air.
Rating:
Summary: A nicely done Star Trek novel
Review: Of the four Section 31 novels, this is the one I was looking forward to the most. After the nicely done re-launch of the DS9 saga in S.D. Perry's Avatar duology, I was eager to get my hands on this story to see how the story would continue to grow and develop. Needless to say, I was not disappointing. The authors do a nice job of combining now only Bashir's mission to stop a Section 31 operative gone rogue, but also giving us some nice moments with the new regular DS9 cast (with the exception of Jake, but if you've read Avatar, you'll know why.) The most intriguing are Kira as she struggles to come to terms with the fact that she's been banished from public practice of her faith and Vaughn, who seems to be a bit more mysterious than he's actually telling. But the real stars of the book of Bashir and Ezri Dax, who get some nicely done development. Bashir's horror at discovering another genetically engineered person who has aspirations of being the next Khan is nicely done. What the books does best is that it paints things in shades of gray. Yes, the new villain has aspirations of being Khan but the authors show some compelling reasons as to why this might occur. All in all, this books is what it should be--a character driven peace that develops the characters in new and interesting ways. The DS9 relaunch is the most exciting thing to happen to Trek fiction since New Frontier. I can't wait for the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: The sub title isn't needed
Review: OK, you'd think that a series of novels named "Section 31" would actually have Section 31 in it, right? That's the only gripe I have with this book. Now, I'm a DS9er, so I can't tell you how the other books in this "series" do in addressing Section 31, but in Abyss, one measly agent is included at the very start of the book, that's it. A shame too, because I find Section 31 to be one of the coolest inventions the un-inspired Trek screenwriters have come up with since the Borg. I could just see the first few chapters, with S31 agent Cole talking to Bashir, played out on a movie screen. And, like Avatar, because of the continuing nature of these novels, ALOT of space is dedicated to character development instead of the actual story. I like these new characters, especially Elias Vaughan and Tarana'tar, but it's so much easier to relate to characters you watched for seven years. And, also, with the addition of Ro Laren, any hopes of a true-to-book DS9 movie right now look impossible, because Michelle Forbes, who played Ro on TNG, refuses to come back and reprise her role. But, on to the story. It's a good one, with the usually tantalizing issue of racism at the core of the story. It has to do with cloning, genetically enhanced humans, and a little sub-plot involving Empok Nor which is a good intermission from the story, instead of intrusive like the "bar-goings-on" parts in The Mist (#3 in the Captain's Table series). I won't give away the story. The build-up of the story, especially when Dax, Tarana'tar, Bashir, and Ro try to sneak into Locken's compound, is exciting. But, alas, like many-a Trek story, it's ending is a bit too cut-and-dry for me. Still, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the exploration of the Jem'Hadar in Abyss. Tarana'tar is shaping up to be my favorite new character. In fact, I believe the Jem'Hadar part is the best thing of this whole story. It's a good novel, except for the whole title thing that is really bugging me more than it should. I had the same problem with Avatar. That story really didn't have much to do with the actual Avatar story arc, yet it was named Avatar. But, I think that's because of a larger problem in the DS9 universe. I love DS9, it's my fav ST series by far, but why did Ira Steven Behr, Brannon Braga etc had to get rid of Ben Sisko? O'Brien and Odo I will miss, and Worf as well, but Sisko was the best thing about DS9, and he's the coolest captain in the Trek universe (Picard's too perfect, Janeway's character wasn't given a chance to grow throughout the show because of Voyager's "cabin-fever" nature, and Calhoun is like a Federation Eminem). Believe it or not, although DS9 was my fav series, I found a lot of the Bajoran mess to be tedious. I mean, a weak-ass race full of religious nothings does not stir up the intrigue in me as much as, say, the Klingons or Ferengi. Sisko was what made even the Bajoran stories cool. And, I also think that nothing will EVER top the Dominion War in terms of major Star Trek events that are the most memorable and epic. But, get Abyss, it's a good read, especially if Bashir is one of your fav characters or DS9 is one of your favorite shows.
Rating:
Summary: The sub title isn't needed
Review: OK, you'd think that a series of novels named "Section 31" would actually have Section 31 in it, right? That's the only gripe I have with this book. Now, I'm a DS9er, so I can't tell you how the other books in this "series" do in addressing Section 31, but in Abyss, one measly agent is included at the very start of the book, that's it. A shame too, because I find Section 31 to be one of the coolest inventions the un-inspired Trek screenwriters have come up with since the Borg. I could just see the first few chapters, with S31 agent Cole talking to Bashir, played out on a movie screen. And, like Avatar, because of the continuing nature of these novels, ALOT of space is dedicated to character development instead of the actual story. I like these new characters, especially Elias Vaughan and Tarana'tar, but it's so much easier to relate to characters you watched for seven years. And, also, with the addition of Ro Laren, any hopes of a true-to-book DS9 movie right now look impossible, because Michelle Forbes, who played Ro on TNG, refuses to come back and reprise her role. But, on to the story. It's a good one, with the usually tantalizing issue of racism at the core of the story. It has to do with cloning, genetically enhanced humans, and a little sub-plot involving Empok Nor which is a good intermission from the story, instead of intrusive like the "bar-goings-on" parts in The Mist (#3 in the Captain's Table series). I won't give away the story. The build-up of the story, especially when Dax, Tarana'tar, Bashir, and Ro try to sneak into Locken's compound, is exciting. But, alas, like many-a Trek story, it's ending is a bit too cut-and-dry for me. Still, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the exploration of the Jem'Hadar in Abyss. Tarana'tar is shaping up to be my favorite new character. In fact, I believe the Jem'Hadar part is the best thing of this whole story. It's a good novel, except for the whole title thing that is really bugging me more than it should. I had the same problem with Avatar. That story really didn't have much to do with the actual Avatar story arc, yet it was named Avatar. But, I think that's because of a larger problem in the DS9 universe. I love DS9, it's my fav ST series by far, but why did Ira Steven Behr, Brannon Braga etc had to get rid of Ben Sisko? O'Brien and Odo I will miss, and Worf as well, but Sisko was the best thing about DS9, and he's the coolest captain in the Trek universe (Picard's too perfect, Janeway's character wasn't given a chance to grow throughout the show because of Voyager's "cabin-fever" nature, and Calhoun is like a Federation Eminem). Believe it or not, although DS9 was my fav series, I found a lot of the Bajoran mess to be tedious. I mean, a weak-ass race full of religious nothings does not stir up the intrigue in me as much as, say, the Klingons or Ferengi. Sisko was what made even the Bajoran stories cool. And, I also think that nothing will EVER top the Dominion War in terms of major Star Trek events that are the most memorable and epic. But, get Abyss, it's a good read, especially if Bashir is one of your fav characters or DS9 is one of your favorite shows.
Rating:
Summary: Julian Bashir, unwitting agent to the duplicitous Section 31
Review: On the heels of Avatar comes Abyss, a novel that not only puts Bashir, Taran'atar, Ro, and Ezri into a unique survival situation, but also provides us with more tidbits into the ongoing evolution of DS9. Here, Bashir must confort his darkest desires that intertwine with his brightest hopes, a utopian galaxy where none need fear reprisal or war. One catch--the "savior" is a genetically enhanced human who has taken over a Jem'Hadar hatchery, making the engineered killers loyal only to him. Stranded on a planet in the Badlands, Bashir and Ezri are taken to Dr. Locken's--our antagonist--fortress. Ro and Taran'atar are themselves stranded in the wilderness, turning to an arboreal species for help. Naturally, the four are reunited... ...And to say more will give far too much away. On the station, however, DS9 is brought back to normal operating capacity, Prynn Tenmei's contempt for Vaughn is again brought to light, Kira is still grappling with her Attainment and being treated as if she were a pariah, the last of which begins to take its strain on Kira as well as her ex-lover, Shakaar. And Section 31 goes on, like some small but integral cog in the grand machine of the galaxy, grinding those it needs to dust, but prevailing in the name of greatness, no matter the cost. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Spoiler alert for this novel and Avatar
Review: Out of the four section 31 books I have read this one was the best. This is also the first book I believe that follows the events that happen in the Avatar DS9 season 8 opener. The story deals mostly with Bashir naturally and also the new character from Avatar the JemHadar soldier that Odo has sent. The story will also connect with the SCE series when they bring in some needed parts for the station. One of the reason I enjoyed this story so much is that we learn a lot about the new JemHadar soldier and we get to see Bashir take charge once again just like in the series that dealt with Section 31. My only complaint is that we didn't see enough of a new character introduced in Avatar which is Commander Vaughn. I like him a lot he is a true old guard StarFleet dude. There is also a revelation about him in this novel that will catch maybe some folks offguard. We also get to learn more stuff about Ro missing years and see the further development of Erzi Dax. The villian is so-so pretty evil but nothing spectacular really. I recommend the book to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: And the DS9 saga continues...
Review: Section 31: Abyss is a novel by David Weddle and Jeffrey Lang. Weddle helped write the DS9 episode "Inquisition," which introduced Section 31. I haven't read the other books in this series, so I don't know if they are connected in any way except by theme, but I do know that this novel is outstanding. Is it because Weddle was involved with the creation of Section 31? Who knows? Whatever it is, it's the perfect combination of the old and the new that I love in a good Trek novel. This is the Trek novel I've been waiting for. It has wonderful character examinations, a very interesting plot, and best of all, consequences. The Deep Space Nine novels take place after the end of the television series, so things can happen to the characters. You don't necessarily know if everything is going to turn out all right. And even when they do, characters can be irreversibly changed by the events in them. Weddle and Lang have crafted together what I would call a masterpiece of Trek novels. One major thing I have to mention right off the bat is the use of continuity. If you're familiar with my Trek novel reviews, you know that heavy continuity references are not my favourite thing. So many times, a book has been weighted down with reference after reference, with the explanations of these references taking up way too much room and killing the pace of the book. This time, though, we are completely spared that problem. To my recollection, there is not one continuity reference in this book that slows the pace of the book. Usually, if a reference is made, it's just left there. If you are familiar with the events in question, then you understand it totally. If you're not, then there is just enough information so that you get the feel for what the reference means in the scheme of this plot. I almost screamed in joy when I read my first reference. This book is mainly a character study of Bashir, and as such it works wonders. Bashir has always been one of the more interesting characters on the show, and I found this analysis of his character very interesting. He's always been on the outside looking in, especially once his enhancement became public and people looked at him differently. None of that seemed to happen in the series itself, but you can understand that people would start treating him differently and that he would start to resent it. In this book, that resentment explodes as Locken tries to convince Bashir that they should work together for the betterment of the entire Federation. They are almost perfect people. Why shouldn't they try to shape the galaxy into what they think is best? But the key word is "almost," and that word becomes very important as Locken starts to go increasingly insane. You do start to wonder, however, whether Bashir will come to his senses in time, and the suspense is palpable. Dax makes a good sounding board for Bashir in the book, but she also has other things to do that have to do with the series as a whole. Dax is still coming into her own as she is getting used to having the symbiote inside her. She is a Trill, and she is just getting used to being able to access the memories and, at times, skills of her predecessors. She learns some more in this novel, and it's the continuation of character development for her that I'm sure will continue in subsequent novels. It's part of what brings the series closer together, but casual readers who pick up this book will not be mystified by what is going on with her. The other characters are good as well. Ro and Taran'atar have a lot to do as they try to get access to the base where Bashir and Dax are being held captive. They get some solid character development as well. The characters back at the station get less, and they probably could have been left out of the book entirely, except at the beginning. There is some development that, again, is geared more toward future books. Commander Vaughn, the new first officer of the station, gets some more mystery added on to his past. I find him an interesting character but I wish they would finally do something with him. I think that in the next series of books he does get some character development, so the little teases in this book do their job well. We'll have to see if it continues. The plot is very tension-filled, with some action in the parts with Ro and Taran'atar, and a lot of philosophical discussion in the parts with Bashir and Locken. Weddle and Lang to a wonderful job of juggling the two plot lines, always leaving one at an interesting turning point when they go to the other. As I said above, though, I could have done without the side-trips to the station. But they weren't too bad and I find those characters interesting, so I didn't mind too much. If you're not a Trek fan, these side-trips might be more annoying. The dialogue between Bashir and Locken is outstanding, with both sides doing their utmost to convince the other of the rightness of his position. Dax is suitably skeptical of Locken's, and the tension in the room is palpable. This novel is a must-have if you're a DS9 fan. Section 31 is an interesting concept, and you're always wondering about ulterior motives. I haven't read the other Section 31 books, so I don't know if there is an over-arching plot. I do know that this book sits by itself very well. If you like DS9, you owe it to yourself to follow the series of post-television novels. If you don't feel like doing that, you still must check this one out. It's a keeper. David Roy
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