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philosopher_kj's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Xenophobia, Murder, Bullying, Death, Violence, War, Torture, and Police brutality
Moderate: Classism, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Genocide, Colonisation, Slavery, and Deportation
Minor: Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Cursing, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
kappafrog's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Pros: Robinson's insights into Garak were satisfying and at times very poignant. I enjoyed the deeper exploration of Cardassian culture and history, Garak's relationships with Tolan and Palandine, and Garak's early life. The best parts were those set in his childhood and adolescence and those set after the events of DS9.
Cons: The spy plots were sometimes difficult to follow, particularly Garak's first assignment. Garak was also almost relentlessly heterosexual in this book, though I've seen it said this was more down to the editors than Robinson. I was definitely disappointed that none of Garak's relationships with men went beyond friendship.
In the end, too many details of Garak's life and the political machinations of his exile were left unclear for me. The book ended with some cliffhanger details that would have been better resolved. However, as far as Star Trek novels go, this was a uniquely compelling character study, and I enjoyed many parts of it.
Graphic: Classism, Colonisation, Death, Physical abuse, War, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Bullying, Murder, and Sexism
Moderate: Slavery, Terminal illness, Body shaming, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Medical content, Fatphobia, Grief, Confinement, Misogyny, Stalking, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, and Ableism
ijustreallyliketrees's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Slavery and Death
Moderate: Genocide
kirkspockreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was good but sometimes I wasn’t quite sure what Robinson was talking about or what he meant with some of Garak’s inner monologue.
Graphic: War, Xenophobia, Blood, Death, Genocide, Police brutality, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Excrement, Grief, and Infidelity
Minor: Medical trauma and Alcohol