Rating: 
Summary: Worth the read
Review: Pocket books has made great stride in their Star Trek franchise these last couple of years and I'm glad to see that they are still not afraid to give new ideas a try. This first book in the Section 31 series is a well rounded read. It is more adult in nature than most of the novels to date. And noteworthy to say that there is the first ongoing ...relationship in Star Trek (I might be wrong on this.) I always wanted to know more about Lieutenant Hawk, I really wished he'd survived First Contact, and this book really flesh out a character that had promise. It is good to see that the pristine Federation has a dark underside. I'm looking forward to seeing more of it in the next three novels.
Rating:
Summary: I hope the rest of this series gets better.
Review: For years there have been rumors that there would be a homosexual character prominently features on one of the Star Trek series. When the movie, First Contact came out, a lot of speculation ran rampant about the preference of one Lt. Hawk since early reports indicated this would, at last, be such a character. However, the Trek producers wisely decided to neither confirm nor deny what sexual choice Hawk made. I applauded them for this because this was keeping with Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future--a time in which such things would make no difference. Instead, a person would be valued for who they are, not the color of skin or their sexual preference.Apparently it was not enough to leave alone for some of the Trek authors out there. The latest Section 31 novel, Rogue, seeks to explore the character of Lt. Hawk. And yes, folks, he's gay. In fact, a great deal of the novel is spent hammering this point home. And to be honest, it really ruins the end of the novel when Hawk's partner gets overly sentimental and mushy about Hawk, making not only Picard uncomforable but the reader as well. Let me say this--I'd be uncomfortable with the kind of emotional gushing that's spouted here had it been Troi lamenting over the death of Riker or Picard lamenting over the death of Crusher. It's silly and cliched and it ruins the book. Which is a shame as there's an interesting book in here struggling to get out. The idea of Section 31 wanting to give a planet to the Romulans in exchange for information is nicely done. As are the return of Picard's old friends from Tapesty. But it's really the character exploration of Hawk that had the most potential. In most of his scenes he does well. But it's only when the story comes to a screeching halt to discuss his preference that I began to dislike the character and what the authors were trying to do. This book is certainly a lot more compelling than the Voyager novel and it kept my interest better. However, there are some interesing plot threads and ideas that are brought up but are never addressed. Of course, there's the usual deceit on the Romulans part--they want the system that they are competing with the Federation for for an entirely different reason that you original suspect. But the revelation of what is up in the system and why the Romulans want it comes a bit late in the story and it feels as though the authors rush to a conclusion. All in all, this book has its good points and its bad points. I'm not sure if I recommend it or not. It's certainly not as bad as the Voyager novel. But it's not up there with such great Trek books as Federation or Imazadi. Read at your own risk.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing, not worth your time
Review: It's a shame when writing science fiction takes a back seat to social agenda. The book is boring, and suffers from the author's agenda to write about homosexual relationships, over good science fiction.
Rating: 
Summary: Section Thirty-WHAT?
Review: This is an average StarTrek TNG book and a horrible Section 31 book. In fact, you could replace every mention of Section 31 with something or someone else (just choose your enemy) and it would not affect the story a bit. I was expecting an exciting book about the exploits of Section 31 and how powerful they were. Instead of the elite unit they are suppose to be, they are constantly being beat and outwitted by the Enterprise crew, the Tal Shiar, and all sorts of other beings. If you want to read a good book about Section 31, this one is definitely not it. I just hope the other Section 31 books are not as bad as this one.
Rating: 
Summary: AN ALMOST ADULT STAR TREK BOOK!
Review: Ok so they aren't great literature, but after a plethora of classics, serious non-fiction and basically depressing modern fiction books these are just downright FUN! And this one is probably the best I have read since the wonderfully written, almost fully intelligent VULCAN'S HEART. I am even not ashamed to be seen with this one on the subway because it has a more adult cover (are you listening Pocket Books?). The writing is not great, but not as bad as so many of the others, and the story is downright good. I will not reveal anything here, just say if you are a fan go get it, and if not get it anyway because you will want to read a few more. It is certainly much better than that continuing soap opera with William Shatner's name attached to it (again Pocket Books...stop trying to fool us, we know he doesn't really write these things!). If you need a break from the world of depressing literature, go read this and have some fun. I gave it only 4 stars because let's face it, we aren't reading these for the magnificent writing style, but for the story alone, and this one delivers. Are there more like it on the way? I hope so.
Rating: 
Summary: SECTION 31 ROGUE HITS THE MARK
Review: The authors, Mangels, and Martin, demonstrate a keen grasp of STAR TREK lore and an excellent grasp of awesome and challenging science fiction concepts. The "secret" of what's REALLY going on in that sector of space is a real jaw-dropper! The whole thing plays like an elaborate TREK movie or even a TV miniseries; you can hear the voices of the TREK characters in your head as you read it. The story is original and skillfully told, both in plot and character and in craft of writing. As for "the gay stuff", it does NOT overwhelm the principal TREK characters or the main plot of the story, and it is NOT there to advance any "agenda" except for portraying people loving and caring about each other, regardless of WHO they are. It makes the characters more real, unique, and distinctive, and the casual way the relationship of Hawk and his companion is accepted by the TREK regulars underscores the series message of diversity and acceptance of differences. This is all that gay fans ever wanted and never got from the TV series. SECTION 31 ROGUE is a great read on all levels. DEFINITELY pick it up and don't be swayed by the opinions of prejudiced people who obviously can't stand to see the existence of gays acknowledged anywhere, in any way, at any time.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read, but not that good.
Review: The story theme, Section 31 is very good, the story line is also very good, and so is the writing, but this "gay character" stuff killed the book. It is something totally unecessary in a book shcu as this one. As a fan of Star Trek, I would buy all Section 31 books but this one. Don't waste your money on this one!
Rating:
Summary: The best book in the series!
Review: This book has such an engaging plot line that it is virtually impossible to put down. You'll find yourself wishing it doesn't end when you're on the last couple of pages. Section 31, the rogue secret operations group on Starfleet's original charter but no longer enlisted, is perfectly depicted in this book. The two authors pull the reader into the storyline, and really personify what happens to friends when 31 comes into their lives. Character development could not have been better, and the ending was excellent! My only complaint was that the 360 pages went by too quickly. I would recommend reading this book right after you read Star Trek Section 31: Cloak. Reading them in chronological order, though the 31 series has no particular order, is the way to get the most out of the series.
Rating:
Summary: Section 31: Rogue
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: A Must Read
Review: The Section 31 story line was continued rather well in this book. I liked the reunion between Picard, Marta, and Corey, and the moral issues they had to face. I also enjoyed the involvement of the Tal Shiar, and the shades of gray that must be explored in this novel. Of course, this book deals with the sexual orientation of a short-lived character in the Star Trek Universe. While reading, it occurred to me that if one truly had an evolved, futuristic point-of-view on the whole subject, it would simply be a non-issue. We would neither judge people nor dwell on it (as I feel has been done in this book.) Take the interracial kiss on the Original Series, for example, it happened and people had to deal with it for what it was. No one had to insult the viewers' intelligence and tell them how to think about it. It's the thought people have to put behind it that matters. Let the viewer/reader decide for themselves: "what's wrong with the way we treat others?" instead of outright telling them, "this is how others should be treated." My problem with Lt. Hawk's character is not his sexual orientation, but the fact that if he had been anymore hyped up throughout this book, the author would have risked creating a Byronic hero of sorts. Hawk is simply not a believable, human character; he has no visible flaws! (Unless you count being completely unbelievable as a flaw.) My other issue with this book is that, while I know this is science FICTION, it is a little too much fiction for me. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but suffice to say that this book lacks considerably in the science department. I had to force myself to read the rest of the book after one or two very incredulous notions. Overall, it's an okay read for the avid Star Trek fan that is willing to overlook a few clichés.
| 
