Rating: 
Summary: Great story & a fitting, tasteful end to trek's gay embargo.
Review: 'Rogue' is an extremely well done TNG adventure that brings back Picard's two academy friends Corey and Marta in a story of intrigue that pits the Romulan Tal Shiar against the Federation's Section 31. The book features Lt. Hawk, the good-looking bridge officer introduced (and killed off) in the movie First Contact as a significant supporting character, and makes history as the first official Trek franchise product that features not only an openly gay character, but two of them, and in a stable, loving, intimate and mature relationship that mets with the unquestioning and implicit approval of the other characters.Despite suggestions to the contrary by some conservative reviewers who are predictably apoplectic at the mere suggestion that same-sex relationships are considered natural in the 24th century, the 'gay' storyline is very low-key and blends perfectly with the main story. There is not the slightest hint that these two men are, or are going to be, married, and they are consistently described only as 'partners'. There is not even so much as a suggestion of sexual activity, and only the barest hint of physical closeness. If anything, this novel is too restrained, too timid in its portrayal of what in the 24th century will be a perfectly natural relationship. I thorougly enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to more Trek novels from the same team of authors.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for TNG fans
Review: I must say I was very skeptical about this book knowing one of the major characters was going to be homosexual. The past few times Pocket Books has addressed that issue in the Star Trek novels it was very poorly done. However Andy and Michael have depicted this subject in a matter of fact manner that does not detract from the story. The first review here says the book had a social agenda but I must disagree. I saw nothing being advocated in the book. Now that being said let me continue. This Star Trek novel explores section 31 and does it quite well. Section 31 is seen in shades of gray. Nothing is cut and dry. The bad guys in this book are the Romulans and they are well portrayed. All the characters are drawn with a richness of detail. Characterizations for the regulars are right on the mark. We get to see Picard's friends from the episode Tapestry. The story is paced just right to hold ones interest. This book is 360 pages long which is a good deal longer than average so one gets their moneys worth. If you are a Next Generation fan you must read this book,it is one of the best of the Next Generation books.
Rating: 
Summary: Good TNG Novel
Review: This was a good story about the Next Generation Crew and an awsome tribute to a fine starfleet officer who's presence on the scene, although short lived, was deep in character. This is the story of Lieutenant HAWK from the Star Trek TNG Borg movie First Contact. This story is set six months prior to the events that took place in the First Contact movie, and center mainly around the life of Hawk, Picard, and Picards two long standing friends. The book uses many references to previous movies, and scenes in episodes from TNG series. I really enjoyed the book because the plot surrounded more than just one person. Something i found a little shallow about the last Trek book i read entitled "Immortal Coil" in which Commander Data is the subject of the entire plot. "Rogue, Section 31" was a fun read, and i would recommend it to anyone into the Next Generation theme, or those of you who may have read other books in the "Section 31" collection. As a pre-requisite, i might suggest watching the episode from the Next Generation in which Picard looses his heart in an a fight with three naussicans. This episode is referred to, and is the basis for much of this books' plot.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: This was the first 'Star Trek' book I have bought. I had heard about Section 31 and the cover intrigued me, along with the promise of a story of Lt. Hawk from 'Star Trek: First Contact' I'm not sure what the other reviewer meant by the author having an agenda on religion. The fact that Hawk was [homosexual] didn't really detract from the story, but the way his scenes with his partner seemed to be written as to constantly remind the reader that Hawk was [homosexual] and was in a relationship with another man. The scene where one character grieves for another was also strange to me as well. It might have been better had this been seen on the screen, big or small, but the way the words were written and the choice of words seemed very odd. It seemed overdone. Overall, though, the story is excellent. We have Lt. Hawk, the Enterprise-E, Picard's friends from 'Tapestry', Section 31, and Romulans. What a mix. There's plenty of action, intrigue, and twists. The end may leave you hanging, but it makes one wonder exactly how far Section 31 permeates in Starfleet.
Rating:
Summary: Strongest Section 31 entry and possibly NG book this year!
Review: I've been reading some of the other reviews of this book and I've just been dumbfounded at other people who rate it as "weak" or simply "ok." This is without a doubt the best book in the whole overrated Section 31 series. I read all four, by the way, so I know what I mean. I've been reading Trek fiction for quite some time now and I found this to be the deepest, strongest, most intelligent story so far in a VERY long time. It seems that lately (with the exception of the Voyager "Dark Matters" Trilogy and the DS9 Relaunch) Pocket Books has been churning out book after book of simply below-average and sometimes excrutiatingly bad books into the Star Trek Universe (John Vornholt's entries into the Dominion War story being the worst books I've probably ever read). But enough Pocket Bashing for now. The novel is as I have already said extremely deep. It is complex for the unique way in which it deals with Section 31, intertwining it with main characters (Picard) and more importantly with secondary characters (Hawk, Batanides, and Zweller). The story centers around the political landscape of Chiaros IV, a world teetering on the edge, contemplating a Romulan alliance or a petition for Federation membership. I don't want to ruin the story so I won't mention more than that, but the novel takes many completely unexpected twists and turns in accomplishing a truly tight, fast-paced (most of the time) and exciting read. There's a lot of moral ambiguity in a lot of the characters, and with good reason. This makes the Star Trek universe more believable overall, and it definitely makes the main characters of the novel more human as well. As for the whole "big deal" of having Lieutenant Hawk be a homosexual character (apparently the first in a Trek novel) it's really surprised me how much people have reacted to this. There are barely five scenes between Hawk and his partner, and there is never any more affection than a simple hug. It seems as if homophobia, or even the slightest implication to that effect, is still alive and well. Personally, I couldn't care less and it didn't detract at all from the story, and frankly didn't measure in my rating of this story since it was such an INCONSEQUENTIAL part of the story (not a "leftist agenda" as some people have called it--there's an agenda here?? The only "agenda" I saw was a penchant for good, solid writing). Overall, a highly intricate novel, worthy of being called one of the best Trek novels in a long time. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A great Star Trek book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The authors start the story shortly after the events in First Contact, then go back about 6 months. The story deals with Star Fleet's version of the Obsidian Order or the Tal Shiar. Section 31 is shrouded in secrecy and mystery. They were the subject of several DS9 episodes. They were the ones who infected the Founders with their virus. The story also shares the focus with Lt. Hawk, who was killed in First Contact. The authors make no attempt at pushing any social issues. They present this character with dignity. He's a loyal Star Fleet officer first, and a gay man second. Star Trek is all about acceptance of different people and different cultures. To malign this character would be very un-Star Trek. This story boils down to intrigue, espionage and mystery. The Romulans (my favorite bad guys) play a big part in the story. As usual, they are up to no good. For those hung up on the gay thing, get past it. You'll be in for a good read if you do.
Rating:
Summary: Strongest Section 31 entry and possibly NG book this year!
Review: I've been reading some of the other reviews of this book and I've just been dumbfounded at other people who rate it as "weak" or simply "ok." This is without a doubt the best book in the whole overrated Section 31 series. I read all four, by the way, so I know what I mean. I've been reading Trek fiction for quite some time now and I found this to be the deepest, strongest, most intelligent story so far in a VERY long time. It seems that lately (with the exception of the Voyager "Dark Matters" Trilogy and the DS9 Relaunch) Pocket Books has been churning out book after book of simply below-average and sometimes excrutiatingly bad books into the Star Trek Universe (John Vornholt's entries into the Dominion War story being the worst books I've probably ever read). But enough Pocket Bashing for now. The novel is as I have already said extremely deep. It is complex for the unique way in which it deals with Section 31, intertwining it with main characters (Picard) and more importantly with secondary characters (Hawk, Batanides, and Zweller). The story centers around the political landscape of Chiaros IV, a world teetering on the edge, contemplating a Romulan alliance or a petition for Federation membership. I don't want to ruin the story so I won't mention more than that, but the novel takes many completely unexpected twists and turns in accomplishing a truly tight, fast-paced (most of the time) and exciting read. There's a lot of moral ambiguity in a lot of the characters, and with good reason. This makes the Star Trek universe more believable overall, and it definitely makes the main characters of the novel more human as well. As for the whole "big deal" of having Lieutenant Hawk be a homosexual character (apparently the first in a Trek novel) it's really surprised me how much people have reacted to this. There are barely five scenes between Hawk and his partner, and there is never any more affection than a simple hug. It seems as if homophobia, or even the slightest implication to that effect, is still alive and well. Personally, I couldn't care less and it didn't detract at all from the story, and frankly didn't measure in my rating of this story since it was such an INCONSEQUENTIAL part of the story (not a "leftist agenda" as some people have called it--there's an agenda here?? The only "agenda" I saw was a penchant for good, solid writing). Overall, a highly intricate novel, worthy of being called one of the best Trek novels in a long time. Very highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Section 31: Rogue
Review: The second of four novels exploring the covert dark side of the Star Trek universe. Old friends may become bitter enemies when startling revelations, including a covert operation by Section 31 goes disastrously awry
Rating: 
Summary: Total waste of time and money
Review: The authors obsession with creating a homosexual character added absolutely nothing to the story line. If anything it only served to reinforce out dated theories that homosexuals very susceptable for being converted into "spys" having finally found a group who accepts them, at least on the surface. Perhaps the author did not view his writing a a soap box to promote an agenda. But the poor thought or lack of talent to bring in the topic with some relevance was lost. You could rip out the pages which broach the homosexual topic and find that the remainder of the story whould have been totally unaffected. Hugely disappointing. Steer well clear of this author.
Rating: 
Summary: Well, that's four days of my life that I'll never get back
Review: This was an exceptionally weak book in an already mediocre series. Which is a shame really because it had such fantastic potential. The story sets Section 31, Star Fleet's answer to the CIA, against their Romulan counterpart, the Tal Shiar. I imagined spies hiding, chasing and foiling one another's schemes employing a dizzying array of high tech 24th century James Bonds inspired gadgetry. Instead I was delivered a ponderous novel with glacial pacing and dull characters that are given precious little to do.
Lieutenant Hawk laments to his gay lover about choices he has to make. Captain Picard broods about not having the power to make the choice he wants to make. Deanna Troi cries at everything and makes no choices at all. Not very interesting to read.
Another problem is that the conflict (what little there is) is resolved by page 300, leaving a 60-page epilogue where the main characters cry over the events that have transpired and talk about their feelings. Reading it reminded me of an extended "Jerry Springer: Final Thought"
Still another issue is one of motive, why do these character behave like this? Not one has a reason (compelling or otherwise) driving their actions and if they do it is not revealed until the end of the book, long after you have ceased to care.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, Star Trek fan or non-fan. It is a tremendous disappointment.
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