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noll's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first Star Trek book I've read that wasn't by Greg Cox (whose books I've thoroughly enjoyed) or Alan Dean Foster (whose books I have... mixed feelings towards) and it blew me away.
I loved getting to see from more points of view and I loved how huge the cast was in this book. Ambassador Sarek quickly became one of my favorite narrators of the book but I also really enjoyed getting to read more from Chekov's point of view, as well as both of the McCoys'.
It was so nice to see more into Bones' family situation and get to know his daughter.
Actually, while I'm thinking of spoilers
All in all, I cannot wait to get started on the next book in the trilogy.
I loved getting to see from more points of view and I loved how huge the cast was in this book. Ambassador Sarek quickly became one of my favorite narrators of the book but I also really enjoyed getting to read more from Chekov's point of view, as well as both of the McCoys'.
It was so nice to see more into Bones' family situation and get to know his daughter.
Spoiler
I definitely cried more than I should have when she got sent to the other universe. That scene was just. so well done. And Jim's promise to move heaven and earth to bring her back home was just... ugh. I'm tearing up just thinking about it.Actually, while I'm thinking of spoilers
Spoiler
The part at the end where Sarek saves the Klingons and then they both just think 'wow I could totally work with this person' and have this new mutual respect for each other was gold. Really though, I was thoroughly entertained any time Sarek had interactions with the Klingons, which is largely why he was one of my favorite narrators. I can't wait to see how he gets on in the other universe and I kind of hope Joanna lets him have it for hiding the severity of his injuries from her. I'm mostly just stoked for that interaction honestly.All in all, I cannot wait to get started on the next book in the trilogy.
yorgabunz's review against another edition
4.0
Book 2 was amazing! It had everything a Trekkie could ask for!
aceofknaves88's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thesmudge's review against another edition
4.0
Not a bad second book in the trilogy. Characters good as they work towards recovering the transfer key that was stolen by spy in the last book. All while a treaty discussion is going on.
art_books_chemistry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
frakalot's review against another edition
5.0
Best Defense flows perfectly from Captain to Captain and feels like it could have been written by the same person, the characterisations, the pacing and the level of detail. Of course Mack and Cox are both trek heavyweights, but I can usually pick the differences. The story builds in complexity and by the end it's positively geared up for a wild finale.
The central concept, the key, the tech and the new alien races are all fresh ideas but what happens in this book is largely between well known alpha quadrant associates and plays out exactly how you'd expect it to. That's not a bad thing, everyone we know is recognisable, but it feels mighty predictable at times.
The story throws in a red herring, but not for us, it's for the Federation. We know exactly what's going on while we watch the team try to figure it out.
Now my conclusion so far is mixed. I've enjoyed all of the events in the story, but I'm most excited about the new universe stuff. We're definitely in for a big finale but it's a little disappointing to me that we're bringing old friends (or rather they invited themselves)... it's not padding, it's not useless filler, but it's a bit of a distraction.
Now let's go get Purgatory's Key and play out this wild adventure.
The central concept, the key, the tech and the new alien races are all fresh ideas but what happens in this book is largely between well known alpha quadrant associates and plays out exactly how you'd expect it to. That's not a bad thing, everyone we know is recognisable, but it feels mighty predictable at times.
The story throws in a red herring, but not for us, it's for the Federation. We know exactly what's going on while we watch the team try to figure it out.
Now my conclusion so far is mixed. I've enjoyed all of the events in the story, but I'm most excited about the new universe stuff. We're definitely in for a big finale but it's a little disappointing to me that we're bringing old friends (or rather they invited themselves)... it's not padding, it's not useless filler, but it's a bit of a distraction.
Now let's go get Purgatory's Key and play out this wild adventure.
graff_fuller's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Wow! This novel was SO good, that I was visualizing the TOS TV show. I loved it. It is also VERY hard for the middle book to be THIS good. Another good thing for this series...I have really loved Dayton Ward's previous novels that I've read AND he is the author of the final entry in this trilogy. So happy.
Wow! This novel was SO good, that I was visualizing the TOS TV show. I loved it. It is also VERY hard for the middle book to be THIS good. Another good thing for this series...I have really loved Dayton Ward's previous novels that I've read AND he is the author of the final entry in this trilogy. So happy.