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
Rating: 
Summary: Good Reading For Little Cash
Review: The Abyss was a very good read, though not the best Deep Space Nine book out there. The story has a quick pace and reads much like a DS9 episode with well-spaced dramatic highs and plenty of engaging subplots. Most Bashir fans, not to mention Ezri and Jem'Hadar fans, should be pleased with this novel. Two notes however. First, the story does pick up where the final season left off so those not up to date on the show might find parts of it a little disconcerting. Second, while the book does include Section 31 quite often, readers shouldn't expect this mysterious Fleet faction to be explained. While some insights are gained it remains mostly shrouded in malevolent mystery. Overall a fine book and well worth the price
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: The story is your basic "hero goes to evil genius' hideout to stop him", but still it's a good story with enought plot twists to make the thing original and interesting. The story is fluid and all the characters are consistent with what is known about them in past stories. The author even does a good job with the newer characters (Ro, Tarantar, Vaughn) so that you want to read more about them. It's entertaining and doesn't try to load too many side stories to set up future story arcs.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: The story is your basic "hero goes to evil genius' hideout to stop him", but still it's a good story with enought plot twists to make the thing original and interesting. The story is fluid and all the characters are consistent with what is known about them in past stories. The author even does a good job with the newer characters (Ro, Tarantar, Vaughn) so that you want to read more about them. It's entertaining and doesn't try to load too many side stories to set up future story arcs.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: The story is your basic "hero goes to evil genius' hideout to stop him", but still it's a good story with enought plot twists to make the thing original and interesting. The story is fluid and all the characters are consistent with what is known about them in past stories. The author even does a good job with the newer characters (Ro, Tarantar, Vaughn) so that you want to read more about them. It's entertaining and doesn't try to load too many side stories to set up future story arcs.
Rating:
Summary: Loved it...
Review: This book fits in as both #3 of the DS9 Relaunch series and the Section 31 quartet. It mainly focusses on Julian Bashir, everyone's favourite genetically-enhanced Section-31-battling doctor, and his significant other, the simultaneously cute, quirky and intelligent Ezri Dax. In my mind these are two of the most interesting characters in the DS9 universe, and getting a whole book about them is a lovely treat. Fans of DS9 who haven't read the Avatar books yet can happily skip through the parts featuring Ro, Taran'atar, et al, but for those who have, the subplots are fascinating too. Dr Locken is the villain, a genetically enhanced being who has decided to follow in the ways of Khan and create a race of superhumans. Section 31 recruit Bashir to stop this man, but as usual, things are not quite that simple. The characterisation of both Bashir and Dax is excellent and true-to-the-series. My favourite of the four Section 31 books (the only one I'd read again) and ideal for all DS9 fans.
Rating:
Summary: action, intrigue and a well written story
Review: This book in my opinion is one of the best of the DS9 books in the relaunch series. The action couldn't be better, the machinations of Section 31 have fascinated me since I first heard of them on the TV series and the plots which are not only action driven but character driven are put together very well. I sincerely hope that more Section 31 based DS9 books will come out in the future. As we know from the television series, Sloan is dead so another mysterious character known as Cole fills his spot. Cole mysteriously appears in Dr. Bashir's room asking him questions and in a round and about way gets him to go on a dangerous covert mission for Section 31. This mission will challenge and test Dr. Bashir in ways he has never experienced before. Dr. Bashir must match wits with another genetically enhanced individual called Dr. Ethan who used to work for Section 31 but betrayed them. Dr. Ethan is a eugenicist who took over a planet where he breeds Jimhadar soldiers loyal to him and conducts genetic experiments making clones and designing weapons to destroy others who are deemed inferior. Ezri, Ro Lauren and Taran'atar all go with him to the planet Sindorin to assist in bringing Dr. Ethan to justice, but he also would like to crush Section 31. Sindorin is where most of the story takes place. There are quite a few good firefights and suspence as well as some very good dialogue. The book also advances other plots from previous books as well. By the way, Jake is still lost and Cassidy still didn't have the baby yet.
Rating:
Summary: action, intrigue and a well written story
Review: This book in my opinion is one of the best of the DS9 books in the relaunch series. The action couldn't be better, the machinations of Section 31 have fascinated me since I first heard of them on the TV series and the plots which are not only action driven but character driven are put together very well. I sincerely hope that more Section 31 based DS9 books will come out in the future. As we know from the television series, Sloan is dead so another mysterious character known as Cole fills his spot. Cole mysteriously appears in Dr. Bashir's room asking him questions and in a round and about way gets him to go on a dangerous covert mission for Section 31. This mission will challenge and test Dr. Bashir in ways he has never experienced before. Dr. Bashir must match wits with another genetically enhanced individual called Dr. Ethan who used to work for Section 31 but betrayed them. Dr. Ethan is a eugenicist who took over a planet where he breeds Jimhadar soldiers loyal to him and conducts genetic experiments making clones and designing weapons to destroy others who are deemed inferior. Ezri, Ro Lauren and Taran'atar all go with him to the planet Sindorin to assist in bringing Dr. Ethan to justice, but he also would like to crush Section 31. Sindorin is where most of the story takes place. There are quite a few good firefights and suspence as well as some very good dialogue. The book also advances other plots from previous books as well. By the way, Jake is still lost and Cassidy still didn't have the baby yet.
Rating:
Summary: The Way It Should Be Done
Review: This entry in the Section 31 series is probably the best entry in the series, and continues on in the high standards started in the Avatar duology. While Kira is left on the station to do repairs from the Jemhadar assault, Bashir, Dax, Ro, and Taran'atar are sent to a planet in the badlands where a genetically enhanced human has found a Jemhadar cloning facility and is beginning to create his own army in the hopes of remaking the Federation in his own ideals. This leader believes himself to be the 24th century's answer to Khan Singh and takes his mantle upon himself. Section 31 believes the only way to stop one genetically enhanced human is to send another after him...ie.. Bashir. The plot is tight, characters true to the show..though most of the new ones still need more time to shine. A great book!
Rating:
Summary: This is almost the best Star Trek Books Ever Written!
Review: This is almost the best Star Trek Books Ever Written! I have easily read almost every one so i know what i'm talking about! This has one of the best plots of any book and i absolutely love DS9 books! I like books set after the series because there is no fighting over who is correct about what where...
5 STARS
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