Rating: Summary: Qapla' KRAD! Review: "Honor Bound" is the second book of the Klingon series by a terrific pro-novelist and fanfic author, Keith R. A. DeCandido. This story concludes the adventure begun in Book One, "A Good Day to Die". The crew of IKS Gorkon and the fierce lupine San-Tarah have reached a mutual, honorable truce. But Captain Klag's old nemesis, Admiral Talak, refuses to abide by it and declares war! Now Klag must summon his comrades of the Order of the Bat'leth to join him in defending the honor of the Empire. DeCandido continues the venerable fanfic tradition of evolving minor characters from the TV series. Joining Klag, Kurak, Toq, and Kornan are Vekma, Rodek, and K'Vada. Each of these had made one-time debuts on TNG and DS9, just enough to whet the fandom's appetite; and DeCandido has done a fine job developing them. Unavoidably, there are brief appearances by Worf and Martok. But these "stars" are overshadowed by the author's original creations, which are actually much more intriguing. For one thing, the women have worthier roles in these books than in The Franchise. KRAD knows the Klingon heart, and realizes Trek's archetypal appeal to fans of both genders. Whereas most of the TV series' alien societies are male-dominant (often to the virtual exclusion of women), these Klingons and San-Tarah are represented by strong male and female warriors. The fighting scenes are graphic and realistic enough to draw the reader right into the carnage. DeCandido pays homage to John M. Ford's "The Final Reflection", which he credits as the definitive novel about the Klingons. To his own credit, KRAD's writing comes closer than any other pro-novelist's to the spirit of that masterpiece and to the passion of its derivative fanfic. If you appreciate "KomereXXX", "Klinfires", and the "Agonizer", you'll roar a resounding Qapla'! for "IKS Gorkon".
Rating: Summary: Qapla' KRAD! Review: "Honor Bound" is the second book of the Klingon series by a terrific pro-novelist and fanfic author, Keith R. A. DeCandido. This story concludes the adventure begun in Book One, "A Good Day to Die". The crew of IKS Gorkon and the fierce lupine San-Tarah have reached a mutual, honorable truce. But Captain Klag's old nemesis, Admiral Talak, refuses to abide by it and declares war! Now Klag must summon his comrades of the Order of the Bat'leth to join him in defending the honor of the Empire. DeCandido continues the venerable fanfic tradition of evolving minor characters from the TV series. Joining Klag, Kurak, Toq, and Kornan are Vekma, Rodek, and K'Vada. Each of these had made one-time debuts on TNG and DS9, just enough to whet the fandom's appetite; and DeCandido has done a fine job developing them. Unavoidably, there are brief appearances by Worf and Martok. But these "stars" are overshadowed by the author's original creations, which are actually much more intriguing. For one thing, the women have worthier roles in these books than in The Franchise. KRAD knows the Klingon heart, and realizes Trek's archetypal appeal to fans of both genders. Whereas most of the TV series' alien societies are male-dominant (often to the virtual exclusion of women), these Klingons and San-Tarah are represented by strong male and female warriors. The fighting scenes are graphic and realistic enough to draw the reader right into the carnage. DeCandido pays homage to John M. Ford's "The Final Reflection", which he credits as the definitive novel about the Klingons. To his own credit, KRAD's writing comes closer than any other pro-novelist's to the spirit of that masterpiece and to the passion of its derivative fanfic. If you appreciate "KomereXXX", "Klinfires", and the "Agonizer", you'll roar a resounding Qapla'! for "IKS Gorkon".
Rating: Summary: Invigorating Entertainment Review: "Honor Bound' follows up immediately on the events of I.K.S. Gorkon, Book One "A Good Day to Die" when Captain Klag of the I.K.S. Gorkon, defeated in honorable combat, agreed to leave the world of San-Tarah in peace. Ordered to go back on his word by General Talak, Klag instead chooses to make a stand to preserve the integrity of the Empire and he calls on his fellow members of the Order of the Bat'leth to rally to his call. It is Klingon against Klingon in an epic battle that pits honor against an apparently superior foe.The first 100 pages of "Honor Bound" are almost a prelude as step-by-step DeCandido methodically builds up the tension before the story explodes into action as Talak's fleet and those who have answered Klag's call engage in fierce battle. Then all hell breaks loose. The action shifts back and forth between the brutal and extremely graphic scenes of the engagements on the surface of San-Tarah, and the clash of the ships battling it out in the skies above. Honor Bound is most definitely a tale of warfare. Good old-fashioned action-adventure-Klingon style. Despite the attention the author has given to the details of describing all the hand-to-hand combat and the deadly dance being performed by the massive ships above, "Honor Bound" still manages to be a story about the characters that are doing all the fighting. DeCandido is able to expand and advance the reader's knowledge of his familiar characters without overshadowing the other characters that inhabit this particular story. There may not be a human in the bunch but each character has his or her own unique voice, and a point of view you can understand, even if you cannot agree with it. The entire novel is carefully and skillfully plotted, building to highlight after highlight, with more than one surprise along the way, before finally culminating in a climax that might just have you cheering along with the characters. But even if you are not inclined to cheer, "Honor Bound" is definitely one invigorating and extremely fun read.
Rating: Summary: Continues a compelling story. Review: Easy read. Good characters. I could have used a bit more tactical detail in the space battles and large scale ground conflicts. It seemed to read at times like a good script for a TV show instead of a novel. This is a great little series though. Kind of like the Wraith Squadron books. Good use of quirky and memorable minor characters to the franchize who become stars in their own right. I'm looking forward to a third book. I'd like to see Klag and the crew of the Gorkon get sent to the Mirror Universe.
Rating: Summary: Continues a compelling story. Review: Easy read. Good characters. I could have used a bit more tactical detail in the space battles and large scale ground conflicts. It seemed to read at times like a good script for a TV show instead of a novel. This is a great little series though. Kind of like the Wraith Squadron books. Good use of quirky and memorable minor characters to the franchize who become stars in their own right. I'm looking forward to a third book. I'd like to see Klag and the crew of the Gorkon get sent to the Mirror Universe.
Rating: Summary: Wow! Review: In this sequel to A Good Day to Die, with General Talak on his way to betray Captain Klag's word of honor and enslave the San-Tarah, Klag calls on the members of the Order of the Bat'leth to rally to him and protect the very honor of the Klingon Empire. But, how many will rally to his cause, and can he even trust his own crew in a battle against the Klingon fleet? This will be a battle royal, with no quarter asked or given, pitting ships against ships, and battle-scared warriors against warriors. It is indeed a good day to die! Wow! I must admit that years ago I drifted away from reading Star Trek books, but these two books (Honor Bound and its prequel) make me regret that decision. The author does an excellent job of bringing the Klingons to life, with all of the honor and love of battle that you would expect. This is a great book, every bit as good as the first book, and perhaps even better. I really enjoyed this book, and think that you will too. Get this book!
Rating: Summary: Where did this author come form? Review: Let me just say.....WOW!!! This has got to be the best Star Trek themed book I have read in at least 2 years probably more. Here for the first time in a long while we get to see a novel designed for Klingons and about Klingons facilitated by the use of previously introduced characters from TNG and DS9 episodes. The author has succeeded in creating a universe all his own wonderful story I can't wait to read others in this series
Rating: Summary: Where did this author come form? Review: Let me just say.....WOW!!! This has got to be the best Star Trek themed book I have read in at least 2 years probably more. Here for the first time in a long while we get to see a novel designed for Klingons and about Klingons facilitated by the use of previously introduced characters from TNG and DS9 episodes. The author has succeeded in creating a universe all his own wonderful story I can't wait to read others in this series
Rating: Summary: The adventure continues?. Review: The crew of the IKS Gorkon are uphold the honor of the Klingon Empire. Captain Klag call the Order to help defend the worthy primitves of this world. Klingon against Klingon spells nothing but savage but honor battles. I jumped into this novel with both feet and ran through it. Each day I wanted more and more of this story. I had to see how the characters survived, how the characters developed, and how new and unexpected twists can be added to the story. Where else but in a Klingon masterpiece can the viewpoint character fight letting his blood lust start to control him and then look up at his enemy pulling a sword out of his chest and thinking with his last breath, this was a great day at the office. This is a great character driven story and well worth the time for any fan.
Rating: Summary: The adventure continues¿. Review: The crew of the IKS Gorkon are uphold the honor of the Klingon Empire. Captain Klag call the Order to help defend the worthy primitves of this world. Klingon against Klingon spells nothing but savage but honor battles. I jumped into this novel with both feet and ran through it. Each day I wanted more and more of this story. I had to see how the characters survived, how the characters developed, and how new and unexpected twists can be added to the story. Where else but in a Klingon masterpiece can the viewpoint character fight letting his blood lust start to control him and then look up at his enemy pulling a sword out of his chest and thinking with his last breath, this was a great day at the office. This is a great character driven story and well worth the time for any fan.
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