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A review by meredith_peruzzi
Firewall by David Mack
adventurous
fast-paced
- 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? No
5.0
David Mack had a lot of territory to cover here: although officially categorized as a Picard series story, the novel is set well before the events in Picard, and so much has to be set up for the Seven we meet in S1E4 of Picard. We learn not just about her own story, but about what Janeway is doing after returning from the Delta quadrant, who the Fenris Rangers are, and what has become of the Romulan Star Empire. Like I said: there's a LOT going on here.
But it is all ably woven together into a cohesive story, and Mack has nearly 30 years of experience writing for Star Trek, so it fits perfectly into every character trait and story arc we've seen so far in this world. It also beautifully reflects nearly 60 years of socially forward-thinking Trek.
Yes, there are queer characters of various sorts in this novel, but at no time is that important to the plot. They are simply there, which allows the queer readers of today to see that there is a future where we are just part of the fabric of society. There is no male gaze here, just some queer folks living their lives like anyone else, and it is heartening.
But it is all ably woven together into a cohesive story, and Mack has nearly 30 years of experience writing for Star Trek, so it fits perfectly into every character trait and story arc we've seen so far in this world. It also beautifully reflects nearly 60 years of socially forward-thinking Trek.
Yes, there are queer characters of various sorts in this novel, but at no time is that important to the plot. They are simply there, which allows the queer readers of today to see that there is a future where we are just part of the fabric of society. There is no male gaze here, just some queer folks living their lives like anyone else, and it is heartening.