Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece of Trek Lore
Review: This book is not only worth the time investment of any Trek fan, but it will draw a DS9 fan in such that looking away from the book is an effort. Make no mistake, this book is written for those fans of DS9 who watched because they loved the characters, not for those looking for a slapstick action plot. I've yet to find a Trek book as immersive as this one, though, and the relatively simple plot unfolds in a deep and profound way for our favorite characters, both old and new.Besides a mastership of deep intraspective character-oriented writing, the author also has displayed the best use of Trek lore that I've ever seen. Hard core Trek fans who have seen every episode of every series won't be disappointed, for there are many nonchalant (and yet amazingly relevant) references throughout the book to other events and familiar characters, but not so much as to interfere with the course of the story. My only fear is that after reading book, I will be disappointed with future novels in the DS9 Relaunch series, not because they are or will be poorly written, but because they might not spoil me with such superlative writing as this one has.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Trek Lore
Review: This book is not only worth the time investment of any Trek fan, but it will draw a DS9 fan in such that looking away from the book is an effort. Make no mistake, this book is written for those fans of DS9 who watched because they loved the characters, not for those looking for a slapstick action plot. I've yet to find a Trek book as immersive as this one, though, and the relatively simple plot unfolds in a deep and profound way for our favorite characters, both old and new. Besides a mastership of deep intraspective character-oriented writing, the author also has displayed the best use of Trek lore that I've ever seen. Hard core Trek fans who have seen every episode of every series won't be disappointed, for there are many nonchalant (and yet amazingly relevant) references throughout the book to other events and familiar characters, but not so much as to interfere with the course of the story. My only fear is that after reading book, I will be disappointed with future novels in the DS9 Relaunch series, not because they are or will be poorly written, but because they might not spoil me with such superlative writing as this one has.
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This book, without a doubt, and is one of the most well written ST books ever, definitely the best of the DS9 relaunch series so far. Prior to reading Twilight, I hadn't read any of the relaunch series so far, but this book is written so clearly that I immediately picked up on all the small details of the plot. Set 6 months after the end of the Dominion War, DS9 is recovering from the conflict that changed the face of the galaxy, and the new crew are settling into their positions. The plot follows two very ineteresting lines. First is the Defiant's mission into the Gamma Quadrant, a strictly exploratory mission sanctioned by Odo himself. The second plot line revolves around Bajor joining the Federation, and it's obvious that something very big is beginning there. The book proceeds at a slow but steady pace, rich in descriptive detail and the finer points of trek lore, yet both are inserted so subtlely into the plot that the reader simply accepts these extra details as part of the literary experience. While the book doesn't resolve all the issues presented in it by the end, it does show the respective parties making progress with these issues, such as the Vaughn/Prynn relationship or Quark/Ro relationship. Neither reach an obvious conclusion by the end of the book, but it is obvious that progress has been made, and ultimately the reader is left satisfied and eager to read the next volume. My one critcism of the book is that it is a touch slow in parts, especially some of the parts that involve Kasidy on Bajor, or Vaughn/Akaar's dinner, which is why I gave this book 4 stars and not 5. I'm all one for rich detail, but these scenes dragged on a little too much for my liking. One much smaller criticism of the book is on a technical level, regarding a character from the series, Admiral Ross. Ross was Sisko's immediate superior and one of the key decision makers during the Dominion War, and although it was never confirmed, many people say that he was the Bajoran Sector Commander. Either way, Ross was an important official, and to not have him somehow involved with Bajor's joining the Federation simply doesn't sit right with me. But overall, the book is a great story, and is well worth purchasing.
Rating:
Summary: A book of confrontations
Review: This is a book about confrontations between characters, and for some, within them as well. It makes for somewhat unpleasant reading. The book is better written than it is enjoyable. The characterisations are very vivid, and usually very well done. The descriptions are generally also very good, but the author has a tendency to go on at slightly greater length than necessary or useful. The main issue here is the acceptance of Bajor into the Federation, and correspondingly the acceptance of the non-Federation characters into the Federation - or not. The book lays out all the issues the characters have. Unfortunately, the style left me feeling edgy about the characters' fates, rather than looking forward to seeing them resolved, and this is on my second reading and after reading Unity. Also, in the Gamma Quadrant, Commander Vaughn is forced to relive the worst experiences of his life. He has a lot of them, and for my taste the author takes us through a few too many, in too much detail. The climax for his section was also a bit over the top emotionally. With all that said, this is like one of the hard-hitting DS9 episodes: you won't go back to it anytime soon, but if you skip it, you have missed some worthwhile. It is also sets a good foundation for the series as a whole.
Rating: 
Summary: So-so
Review: This is a pretty typical volume in the Trek library. It tends to fall into a lot of the standard cliches and there's nothing very deep or subtle to find in David R. George's writing. The Ro/Quark plot is absolutely ridiculous and almost impossible to stomach. In fact, the entire characterization of Ro is way too girly and quite out of character for her.
Rating:
Summary: An enthralling tale
Review: This is a very well crafted and well written adventure. One of those rare books you do not want to put down once you have started reading it. The quality weaving of the various plots and characters is exceptional. This is one book that should not be missed. Quark and Kira are back. A really great read.
Rating:
Summary: Truly "Trek" tale that entices and surprises.
Review: This is truly a Star Trek story. New civilizations are sought out, Trek technology proves essential, and morality is an issue. Having said that, it seems many people are picking up these books without having read the previous DS9 "Season 8" Relaunch novels. So here's a quick summary:
The DS9 Relaunch began with an anthology on the lives of Dax that produced very little for the eighth season of DS9. You do learn a little of Ezri trying to cope with being a joined Trill, a theme pursued in the subsequent novels. The superb Garak novel, "A Stitch in Time", then followed it. To date it's my favorite DS9 relaunch novel. Avatar is really the season premier for DS9's eighth season (seeing as it deals with DS9 and its entire crew), and the two-parter does not disappoint. The 3rd novel (episode) is to be found in the SCE book "Miracle Workers". Called "Cold Fusion" we see how Lt. Nog helped find a critical component for DS9 after its attack by the Jem'Hadar in Avatar. Episode 4, "Abyss", is Bashir's reflection on the genetically engineered. It is a Section 31 romp not to be missed. Episode 5, "Demons of Air and Darkness" was a stunning Gateway novel. Kira's unique conclusion "Horn and Ivory" found in the seventh Gateway book is episode 6. And so now we come to the Gamma mission books. This book starts off fast. It jumps right into the action, continuing from the last novel. Seems the Jarada got peeved...and Defiant's gotta run away. It sets up (rather, continues) the relationship problem between Vaughn and Prynn, probably the strongest focus of this novel.
This book is excellently split into two main parts: DS9 and the Gamma Quadrant exploration. We get to see what happens on DS9 as it's being considered for Federation membership, with brief visits to Kassidy on Bajor. We get to see the Defiant seeking out new civilizations and aiding them. The author should be credited with inventing a brilliant, unique, new peaceful alien race that uses their body colour as language. Truly Trek! Seeing the problem that arises and the typical Starfleet teamwork to attempt to resolve the problem is more classic Trekness. This most definitely felt like I was watching a Trek episode (episodes, actually, given the length of the book) unfold before me wee eyes.
I liked how this book summarized events that had happened in the other Relaunch novels and also touched upon past DS9 episodes. It's done in a way that a new to DS9 reader could pick up and understand most of what's happening. I like how there seems to be a trend of developing subplots throughout the relaunch novels. There's always what's happening on DS9. Then there's Quark's (always classic!). There's security and Ro. Nog and engineering. Taran'atar and Kira. Shar and his obligations. Vaughn and self-discovery; Vaughn and Prynn. Bajor and Kassidy. And there's Bashir and Ezri's relationship and Ezri's command desires. Noticeably absent from the first 200+ pages of this novel are Dax and Bashir. That pissed the heck out of me because it's great reading about their ongoing relationship and the problems resulting from it, as well as them defining themselves. At over 500 pages (small print) this book had little to offer on them, though headway is indeed made. Dax dealing with the 'difficulties' of command is excellent. Bashir and Dax fans will want to make sure to read "Abyss" first though. I love how Quark's character continues to develop. His genuine feelings for Ro make him an even more interesting character, and the fact that he and Ro share a huge problem if Bajor joins the Federation makes their bond even more believable and enjoyable. Ro and Quark's flirting is quite humorous and I will delve into further books to see where it goes. I find NO problems with their relationship, rather I see it flowing naturally from their personalities and current situation.
Once again we see Kira in charge doing a good job, being her typical self. Taran'atar does nothing typically cool in this novel (unfortunately), though the way his character develops is necessary and actually quite intriguing. I especially enjoyed his and Quark's conversation.
Treir, the Orion from the Gateway novel, is a good addition to Quark's and the 'reforms' she institutes is interesting. She's definitely a strong, independent former slave girl. wha?
Probably the two most important plots deal with Shar and his bondmates and Vaughn and Prynn's relationship. In both cases we learn what's fully behind the tension. In one case, it looks to be partially resolved. Criticisms?
Though the writing is visual, there are often slow parts. I would finish reading an exciting bit on DS9 only to want to read more, when instead I'd be stuck reading 50 pages of boring walking before getting back to what I wanted. Also, the author repeats things read just pages ago. I wondered if he just thought his readers stupid and prone to attention-gaps, or if he felt the book simply had so much to it that he better reiterate important points. However, there is one part of the book that imparts a déjà vu sensation that is done quite lovely. But the other repetition got to me, slowing down the book's pacing. Aside from these slow spots, the novel is excellent, but due to them this is a 4 rating, not 5. Overall an excellent DS9 relaunch novel, yet seeing as it is book 1 of 4, it does not end on a cliffhanger. It is essentially a self-contained work. Picking up book 2 is not necessary to enjoy this... but of course how could one resist after reading what's begun in this novel?
Rating:
Summary: So, So WONDERFUL!
Review: TWILIGHT is so good, I read it twice! It's even better on the second read. It is far and away superior to just about every other ST book I've ever read - with the exception of The 34TH RULE, also by David R. George III. DRGIII is one of the best, if not the best, writer in the ST universe. He respects his audience's intellect and keeps you wanting more. His storytelling style, descriptions, character development and humor draw you into the book and hold you there. He brings the DS9 series to a higher level and I can't wait for his next book!
Rating:
Summary: the best I've read so far
Review: Upto this point, mission Gamma part 1 is this best I've read in the relaunch series. Although like the series in general, this book is mostly character driven, it still has all of the elements of a good sci fi novel. Stumbling upon strange new worlds and beings, making new discoveries and learning of infinite possibilities beyond the realm of what we experience every day is the stuff of good science fiction. This book has all of that The Mission Gamma part 1 revolves around three main plots which are: Vaughn and a crew from DS9 go on a mission of exploration into the Gamma quadrant. The crew stumbles upon two new worlds and three different kinds of alien species. One of these species communicates by changing epidermal colors and patterns. The other two species are not not of corporeal form and live in a different realm. Not much is known about them (or it) other than something called the thoughtscape is the most prominent part of its existence and has the ability to establish communion with others rather then to communicate. Quark's relationship with Ro (security officer) A Romance develops between the two. I was a bit skeptical that anything would come of it at first and did not like the idea. As I read more about their relationship however, I've become more interested in seeing how far it would go. Elias Vaughn's relationship with his daughter Before this story a was puzzled as the way Prynn resented her father. This story clarifies everything nicely Bajor's future as it moves closer to joining the United Federation of Planets and how this may effect Ro and Quark's future as well. Quark is concerned that when the federation takes over the station, he will be out of a job because the Federation is essentially a moneyless organization. Ro is concerned because she and starfleet don't have good relations. So what will be her new place on a federation controlled space station (assuming she is even allowed to stay)?
While new relations are forged, others face an uncertain future, and some explore uncharted territory in the Gamma Quadrant; Taranatar continues to explore and observe humanity on the space station. Some parts involving Taranatar are very funny. A Jemhadar would be the last I would think to be in a holosuite studying partial differential equations. That's the beauty to this entire genre, just when you think you've read it all you find something that takes you by surprise. Star Trek is so full of surprises. I also would like to add that the writer (David R. George III) is one of the best I've read so far. The character development is superp and he brings things together well with no inconsistentcies while writing a relatively complex plot.
Rating:
Summary: Wow-This is GREAT stuff!
Review: When a novel lingers in your mind days, even weeks after you have read it you know you've got a winner. And that's exactly what you get when you delve into Mission Gamma Book One: "Twilight": a novel so meticulously plotted and excellently crafted that the pleasure of reading it envelopes you long after you finish the final sentence. The first novel of a series is usually evincive of what is to come and with "Twilight" author David R. George III has set the bar mighty high for the authors of the other three novels in this series. At over 500 pages (and over 200,000 words) "Twilight" is extraordinarily rich in descriptive narrative and character development as the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Deep Space Nine continues. "Twilight" grabs you right from the opening sentence and as the story unfolds, layer by layer, and the plot threads begin to weave their magic, a tapestry begins to slowly take shape. A tapestry populated by a diverse group of characters so well drawn that is as if you are watching the events unfold before your eyes. Those events would not evoke the same emotional response if you know what to expect. "Twilight" will induce a wide range of emotional responses from the reader. Excitement, compassion, horror, delight and surprise to name just a few. It will also expand the reader's insight into the characters as the events are utilized to explore the characters thoughts and motivations. Filled with political intrigue, adventure and exemplary characterization "Twilight" is a novel to savor and enjoy again and again. So lock the door, turn off the phone and lose yourself in the beginning of a saga that is sure to enchant and enthrall anyone who appreciates a truly exceptional book.
| 
