Before Dishonor

I'm not an avid Star Trek reader. Actually, I'm not much of a tie-in reader at all. There's just too many books on my pile to add re-creations of that which I've already seen or to explore television and movies in a non-canonical sense. However, I will make exceptions when I can squeeze them in. Christopher Golden writes the best Buffy tie-ins, Max Collins does the same for CSI and Peter David gets Star Trek right.

I picked up David's New Frontiers series on a whim a few years back and was hooked. They are the best thing out there in Trekland unless Bob Ingersoll and Tony Isabella can crank out more Sam Cogley mysteries. As a result, I learned to trust that Mr. David's name on a Trek novel was a likely indicator of a quality read. And he does not disappoint with his new effort BEFORE DISHONOR.

David tells the story of the Borg's next evolution and the Federation's attempts to stop it. In doing so, he unites characters from TOS, TNG, VOY and NEW in a way that does not seem forced. In some instances, he telegraphed his blows - such as the dissatisfaction of the new Enterprise counselor and the battles to come - but he also delivers some surprises that kept me guessing. And as always, the novel leaves the reader wanting more. I am interested to see where Pocket Books takes this story or whether it falls by the wayside. In either case, if Peter David writes it, I will read it.

My only criticism of the book was the intro. Not being a Trek trivia junkie, I was unfamiliar with the opening sequence. But the author brings it all into focus, so I can forgive that minor point.

BEFORE DISHONOR is an enjoyable book which I will share with friends.

Currently Reading:
CAPITAL AND COLLUSION by Hilton Root
U.S. FOREIGN POLICY by Steven Hook
THE BLADE ITSELF by Marcus Sakey
THE PRIVILEGE OF THE SWORD by Ellen Kushner
INSIDE STRAIGHT edited by George R.R. Martin