What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Trek: New Frontier #3
The Two-Front War
Roll Call: The Crew of the USS Excalibur
Dr. Selar: The Excalibur's Vulcan doctor is all business. If you want to know what's wrong with you, she's the one to go to, but not if you're expecting someone to hold your hand. As calm and logical as the rest of her people, Dr. Selar has a secret as shocking to her as it will be to the rest of the crew.
Si Cwan: A prince exiled from the Thallonian empire, he is beloved by some and targeted for death by others. But Si Cwan has his own agenda: a search for the one woman who means the world to him.
Zak Kebron: The bronze-skinned Brikar is the security chief of the Excalibur. When he walks, the decks shake, and if he's coming your way, you'd better pray that you're on his good side.
Two mysteries vie for the attention of the crew of the Excalibur: Is the hospitality of the people of Nelkar too good to be true? And does a stranded spaceship truly hold the object of Si Cwan's quest... or is it instead an all-too-deadly trap?
Dr. Selar: The Excalibur's Vulcan doctor is all business. If you want to know what's wrong with you, she's the one to go to, but not if you're expecting someone to hold your hand. As calm and logical as the rest of her people, Dr. Selar has a secret as shocking to her as it will be to the rest of the crew.
Si Cwan: A prince exiled from the Thallonian empire, he is beloved by some and targeted for death by others. But Si Cwan has his own agenda: a search for the one woman who means the world to him.
Zak Kebron: The bronze-skinned Brikar is the security chief of the Excalibur. When he walks, the decks shake, and if he's coming your way, you'd better pray that you're on his good side.
Two mysteries vie for the attention of the crew of the Excalibur: Is the hospitality of the people of Nelkar too good to be true? And does a stranded spaceship truly hold the object of Si Cwan's quest... or is it instead an all-too-deadly trap?
152 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1997
5 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,362 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 27, 2017
With the hands full of threats!
ALONE AGAINST THE WHOLE SECTOR
Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, in command of the USS Excalibur, isn't your usual type of Starfleet captain, he isn't Terran, he is from the planet Xenex, where he was known as, M'k'n'zy of Calhoun there, and he liberated his whole homeworld from alien oppression, before he'd become adult...
...Captain Picard sees something in him, obviously he was an impressive person, being a planetary hero, but beyond his freedom fighter skills, Picard knew that M'k'n'zy would waste his real potential if he'd remain on Xenex, so Picard supported his admission into the Starfleet Academy, where he changed his name into Mackenzie Calhoun to fit better there...
...and while his early phase of his Starfleet career wasn't a regular one neither...
...he was getting a second chance taking command of the USS Excalibur.
The political turmoil of Space Sector 221-G isn't something for the usual Starfleet captain, so it's good that Mackenzie isn't one...
...he is facing two threats at once...
...the USS Excalibur rescued a group of aliens without any world and now he needs to decide if an opportunity for them is really what it seems like...
...and also an emergency call seems to be what Ambassador Si Cwan was hoping for...
...the chance of meeting again with his lost sister, Kalinda.
However, in the perilous Space Sector 221-g (formerly Thallonian Empire), rarely things are what it seems at first sight.
A new frontier, new crew, new threats!!!
ALONE AGAINST THE WHOLE SECTOR
Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, in command of the USS Excalibur, isn't your usual type of Starfleet captain, he isn't Terran, he is from the planet Xenex, where he was known as, M'k'n'zy of Calhoun there, and he liberated his whole homeworld from alien oppression, before he'd become adult...
...Captain Picard sees something in him, obviously he was an impressive person, being a planetary hero, but beyond his freedom fighter skills, Picard knew that M'k'n'zy would waste his real potential if he'd remain on Xenex, so Picard supported his admission into the Starfleet Academy, where he changed his name into Mackenzie Calhoun to fit better there...
...and while his early phase of his Starfleet career wasn't a regular one neither...
...he was getting a second chance taking command of the USS Excalibur.
The political turmoil of Space Sector 221-G isn't something for the usual Starfleet captain, so it's good that Mackenzie isn't one...
...he is facing two threats at once...
...the USS Excalibur rescued a group of aliens without any world and now he needs to decide if an opportunity for them is really what it seems like...
...and also an emergency call seems to be what Ambassador Si Cwan was hoping for...
...the chance of meeting again with his lost sister, Kalinda.
However, in the perilous Space Sector 221-g (formerly Thallonian Empire), rarely things are what it seems at first sight.
A new frontier, new crew, new threats!!!
March 27, 2024
Very solid. I love how Peter David isn't afraid to really shake things up here with some very surprising developments that I didn't see coming.
May 18, 2017
A better more coherent entry in this series - a more complete novel, though it is still obvious that David wrote a 1000 page book and then broke it down into four parts (what with the 'set up' in first book, the second that didn't have much occur but for flying towards then initial events in the 'space in conflict', and then this one here, more complete story but still ended abruptly on a cliffhanger; plus the individual books appear one month apart way back in 1997).
There's a good chance that, if the fourth book holds up well (whenever I get around to reading it), the entire four part book might end up being rated higher than the individual parts (as these breaks and cliffhangers really are hard to overcome - I've been taking breaks (reading other things) between 'parts/books' because, hey, there are breaks between the parts).
um. Wow, boring review. But what can I say? The spaceship is interrupted in it's rescue mission by being fired upon by another spaceship. Excalibur gets them to stop firing on them long enough to have a conversation. Meanwhile the royal dude who stowed away on Excalibur heads off in a shuttlecraft with a mountain of a man to 'save his sister'. Events and ships might not be what they seem.
Then . . . CLIFFHANGER! End.
Rating: 4.22
May 18 2017
There's a good chance that, if the fourth book holds up well (whenever I get around to reading it), the entire four part book might end up being rated higher than the individual parts (as these breaks and cliffhangers really are hard to overcome - I've been taking breaks (reading other things) between 'parts/books' because, hey, there are breaks between the parts).
um. Wow, boring review. But what can I say? The spaceship is interrupted in it's rescue mission by being fired upon by another spaceship. Excalibur gets them to stop firing on them long enough to have a conversation. Meanwhile the royal dude who stowed away on Excalibur heads off in a shuttlecraft with a mountain of a man to 'save his sister'. Events and ships might not be what they seem.
Then . . . CLIFFHANGER! End.
Rating: 4.22
May 18 2017
June 27, 2019
This series continues as it began...entertaining, but not knocking me out. I generally like the characters assembled, although I'm finding it hard to warm to Cap. Calhoun. The plotting is fine, but the continuing serial aspect of the series may cause me to drop it soon.
August 4, 2019
Not quite as awful as the previous volume, Into the Void, but still not very good either. The thing that's making it marginally more tolerable is that there's a lot less focus on Calhoun, who remains remarkably eyeroll-worthy. There's one point where he even refers to himself as "childish" and I thought, "Yep, that's you" - except it isn't really, and that's when I realised the bottom of the many, many reasons I don't like him. He's not childish. He is, however, a childish perception of what a Starfleet captain should be. If a 14 year old boy were to write Star Trek fanfiction, this is what I would expect to result. Perhaps the New Frontier series is targeted at adolescents, I don't really know, but all of it - from the edgy, unlikeable captain, to the supposedly UST relationships between some of the crew (which in one case frankly seems like it borders on harassment) to the one-note snarky tone, to the fridging of a younger sister... everything about it screams juvenile. Including the editing. God knows who signed off on this, but a single example should suffice to show why they shouldn't have. Following an attack on his ship, Si Cwan damages him arm so severely that he screams in agony when another character simply touches it. In his next scene he's in the middle of a fight and literally swinging from gratings and there's absolutely no mention of the arm. In the scene after that, the damage is back, but at a much milder level. It's sloppy, absolutely sloppy.
I think what most irritates me here, though, is that while Calhoun is shoved off centre stage, what we get instead is a series of aliens who are pretty much presented as lurid spectacle for the reader. There are two Vulcan women aboard, and you know, I would love to have seen the beginnings of a friendship between two individuals who simply don't relate to other people as humans do. How challenging would it be to build an interesting relationship between characters who both deliberately eschew emotion? But we can't have that, because one is going through Pon Farr (which, of course she is), and the other is weeping to her about being the result of sexual assault. It's low-hanging fruit, all of it. And this is not even to mention the gender neutral character Burgoyne, who comes out with this piece of thoughtlessness: "We Hermats have our … unusual anatomical quirks" (which David is quick to exploit, with one of the Vulcan women essentially having a wet dream about Burgoyne in an outfit which clearly outlines their female breasts and male genitalia), but why would a Hermat think themselves unusual? For them, raised in a society where everyone is this way, such a thing would be the norm. They wouldn't go around thinking of themselves as having unusual anatomical quirks... that is the perspective of an outside observer, not a Hermat individual themselves. Again, it's sloppy - sloppy, thoughtless characterisation, in a series that never moves beyond it.
You know, I'm really beginning to regret giving myself the bucket list challenge of reading through all the Star Trek novels. Some have been great, but this particular run is a disaster from start to finish. Still, three more of New Frontier and I can move onto the Captain's Table books. They can't come soon enough.
I think what most irritates me here, though, is that while Calhoun is shoved off centre stage, what we get instead is a series of aliens who are pretty much presented as lurid spectacle for the reader. There are two Vulcan women aboard, and you know, I would love to have seen the beginnings of a friendship between two individuals who simply don't relate to other people as humans do. How challenging would it be to build an interesting relationship between characters who both deliberately eschew emotion? But we can't have that, because one is going through Pon Farr (which, of course she is), and the other is weeping to her about being the result of sexual assault. It's low-hanging fruit, all of it. And this is not even to mention the gender neutral character Burgoyne, who comes out with this piece of thoughtlessness: "We Hermats have our … unusual anatomical quirks" (which David is quick to exploit, with one of the Vulcan women essentially having a wet dream about Burgoyne in an outfit which clearly outlines their female breasts and male genitalia), but why would a Hermat think themselves unusual? For them, raised in a society where everyone is this way, such a thing would be the norm. They wouldn't go around thinking of themselves as having unusual anatomical quirks... that is the perspective of an outside observer, not a Hermat individual themselves. Again, it's sloppy - sloppy, thoughtless characterisation, in a series that never moves beyond it.
You know, I'm really beginning to regret giving myself the bucket list challenge of reading through all the Star Trek novels. Some have been great, but this particular run is a disaster from start to finish. Still, three more of New Frontier and I can move onto the Captain's Table books. They can't come soon enough.
November 3, 2021
Star Trek New Frontier Boldly Goes!!!!
Back in the 1997, the Star Trek books editors wanted to try something different.
They were tired of how the books couldn’t really change the characters, they were just allowed to tell what they considered routine adventures. Some fans, like me, were fine with that, but other fans, like me, wanted epic scale and massive changes all the time.
So the concept of Star Trek New Frontier was born, with editor John J. Ordover and writer Peter David being the proud parents.
New Frontier takes place in the time of Next Generation in the movies era after First Contact. The expansive dictatorial and secretive Thallonian Empire has collapsed and chaos seems to be thriving inside this far flung area. The Federation wants to help, but is not sure how to, so a decision is made to send a single Starship in to render aid and assess the situation internally. It is risky, but as one Captain stated, risk is our business.
Soon a ship, Captain and crew are picked and head out, and immediately run into issues galore in the once powerful Empire, subjects that tax their moral dilemmas. They also face numerous personal issues, that tax themselves and their relationships. This is just the sort of drama Peter David excels at, making this book series a perfect fit for him.
David populates the Excalibur with his own creation, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, a strong willed man who led a revolution as a teen on his planet and then was recruited into Starfleet by Captain Picard and his First Officer Jack Crusher. He becomes a Captain, faces trouble, does some dirty work for the Federation, and is now back in charge. Part of me thinks this was originally supposed to be Commander Quentin Stone from David’s A Rock And A Hard Place Next Gen novel.
The rest of the crew is a mix of characters David created in his excellent Starfleet Academy trilogy of Young Readers novels starring Cadet Worf. This includes Security Chief toughie Zak Kebron, Vulcan Science Officer Soleta, and odd genius Navigator Mark McHenry. Others are minor recurring characters from various Next Gen episodes, like Commander Shelby from the famous Best Of Both Worlds cliffhanger, the Vulcan Dr Selar, and Robin Lefler who quotes her own unique set of life rules. Completely new are Engineer Burgoyne 172, who is from a race of she/he beings who are unafraid to explore their sexuality, which leads to David really getting into gender issues and language amongst other topics, and also new is Prince Si Cwan from the former Empire. He knew it was troubled and tried to reform it but to no avail, so now he serves as “Ambassador” and guide while he searches for his sister.
With this cast, David explores a zillion subplots, including the previous romantic relationship between Calhoun and Shelby, the purely sexual dating of McHenry and Burgoyne 172, Dr Selar having PTSD because her husband died during wedding night Pon Farr, Dr Selar’s hormones sending signals to Burgoyne 172, and Soleta dealing with a shocking family secret. As you can tell, David does not shy away from tackling controversial stories, and with the premise of New Frontier being that things can evolve, you can tell things are going to move forward in very fascinating ways. Which, by the way, they do. New Frontier goes on with twenty something books, and I know that characters get married and have children and leave the ship, and alot of not so nice things happen as well.
The setup for New Frontier is spread over four slim paperbacks, which I think were originally designed to be a hardcover. The scope of the story is big enough, and the richness of the crew personalities, do warrant this. And besides Picard and Crusher, we also get cameos from Riker, now Admiral Jellico who is still an ass, and the awesome Ambassador Spock! At one point, a certain Engineer from Kirk’s Enterprise is maybe possibly mentioned. Was he supposed to be a part of this as well?
David is creating a great tapestry in New Frontier, one worthy of a modern day streaming service and would be definitely be an award-winning hit. That would be awesome.
Scoopriches
Back in the 1997, the Star Trek books editors wanted to try something different.
They were tired of how the books couldn’t really change the characters, they were just allowed to tell what they considered routine adventures. Some fans, like me, were fine with that, but other fans, like me, wanted epic scale and massive changes all the time.
So the concept of Star Trek New Frontier was born, with editor John J. Ordover and writer Peter David being the proud parents.
New Frontier takes place in the time of Next Generation in the movies era after First Contact. The expansive dictatorial and secretive Thallonian Empire has collapsed and chaos seems to be thriving inside this far flung area. The Federation wants to help, but is not sure how to, so a decision is made to send a single Starship in to render aid and assess the situation internally. It is risky, but as one Captain stated, risk is our business.
Soon a ship, Captain and crew are picked and head out, and immediately run into issues galore in the once powerful Empire, subjects that tax their moral dilemmas. They also face numerous personal issues, that tax themselves and their relationships. This is just the sort of drama Peter David excels at, making this book series a perfect fit for him.
David populates the Excalibur with his own creation, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, a strong willed man who led a revolution as a teen on his planet and then was recruited into Starfleet by Captain Picard and his First Officer Jack Crusher. He becomes a Captain, faces trouble, does some dirty work for the Federation, and is now back in charge. Part of me thinks this was originally supposed to be Commander Quentin Stone from David’s A Rock And A Hard Place Next Gen novel.
The rest of the crew is a mix of characters David created in his excellent Starfleet Academy trilogy of Young Readers novels starring Cadet Worf. This includes Security Chief toughie Zak Kebron, Vulcan Science Officer Soleta, and odd genius Navigator Mark McHenry. Others are minor recurring characters from various Next Gen episodes, like Commander Shelby from the famous Best Of Both Worlds cliffhanger, the Vulcan Dr Selar, and Robin Lefler who quotes her own unique set of life rules. Completely new are Engineer Burgoyne 172, who is from a race of she/he beings who are unafraid to explore their sexuality, which leads to David really getting into gender issues and language amongst other topics, and also new is Prince Si Cwan from the former Empire. He knew it was troubled and tried to reform it but to no avail, so now he serves as “Ambassador” and guide while he searches for his sister.
With this cast, David explores a zillion subplots, including the previous romantic relationship between Calhoun and Shelby, the purely sexual dating of McHenry and Burgoyne 172, Dr Selar having PTSD because her husband died during wedding night Pon Farr, Dr Selar’s hormones sending signals to Burgoyne 172, and Soleta dealing with a shocking family secret. As you can tell, David does not shy away from tackling controversial stories, and with the premise of New Frontier being that things can evolve, you can tell things are going to move forward in very fascinating ways. Which, by the way, they do. New Frontier goes on with twenty something books, and I know that characters get married and have children and leave the ship, and alot of not so nice things happen as well.
The setup for New Frontier is spread over four slim paperbacks, which I think were originally designed to be a hardcover. The scope of the story is big enough, and the richness of the crew personalities, do warrant this. And besides Picard and Crusher, we also get cameos from Riker, now Admiral Jellico who is still an ass, and the awesome Ambassador Spock! At one point, a certain Engineer from Kirk’s Enterprise is maybe possibly mentioned. Was he supposed to be a part of this as well?
David is creating a great tapestry in New Frontier, one worthy of a modern day streaming service and would be definitely be an award-winning hit. That would be awesome.
Scoopriches
June 20, 2023
The Two-Front War, the third installment in the Star Trek: New Frontier series, continues the enthralling saga set in the vast and captivating universe of Star Trek. With its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, this book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through uncharted frontiers.
One of the standout aspects of The Two-Front War is its meticulous attention to character development. Author Peter David skillfully brings a diverse ensemble cast to life, each with their own unique motivations, strengths, and flaws. From the unyielding Captain Mackenzie Calhoun to the charismatic and resourceful Lieutenant Shelby, the characters shine brightly throughout the story. Their interactions are filled with depth, wit, and surprising emotional resonance, making them feel like genuine members of the Star Trek universe.
Moreover, David's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves an intricate and engaging plot. The Two-Front War delves into the complex political landscape of the Star Trek universe, as different factions vie for power and resources. The narrative is filled with political intrigue, high-stakes conflicts, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both intense action sequences and quieter, introspective moments.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to explore thought-provoking themes. The Two-Front War delves into issues such as morality, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. As the characters navigate treacherous situations, readers are prompted to ponder the complex ethical dilemmas they face and consider the impact of their choices. This philosophical depth adds a layer of richness to the story and elevates it beyond a mere space adventure.
Furthermore, fans of Star Trek will appreciate the book's adherence to the core principles of the franchise. The Two-Front War embodies the spirit of exploration, diplomacy, and the pursuit of understanding that has made Star Trek so beloved. It seamlessly integrates familiar elements from the Star Trek universe while introducing new concepts and worlds that expand the franchise's lore.
While The Two-Front War may not be without its minor flaws, such as occasional pacing lulls, they are overshadowed by the overall strength of the story and its captivating characters. Fans of the Star Trek: New Frontier series will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this installment, and newcomers to the series will discover an exciting entry point into a rich and vibrant universe.
In conclusion, The Two-Front War is an enthralling and thought-provoking addition to the Star Trek: New Frontier series. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and adherence to the core principles of the franchise, this book offers an enjoyable journey into uncharted frontiers.
One of the standout aspects of The Two-Front War is its meticulous attention to character development. Author Peter David skillfully brings a diverse ensemble cast to life, each with their own unique motivations, strengths, and flaws. From the unyielding Captain Mackenzie Calhoun to the charismatic and resourceful Lieutenant Shelby, the characters shine brightly throughout the story. Their interactions are filled with depth, wit, and surprising emotional resonance, making them feel like genuine members of the Star Trek universe.
Moreover, David's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves an intricate and engaging plot. The Two-Front War delves into the complex political landscape of the Star Trek universe, as different factions vie for power and resources. The narrative is filled with political intrigue, high-stakes conflicts, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both intense action sequences and quieter, introspective moments.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to explore thought-provoking themes. The Two-Front War delves into issues such as morality, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. As the characters navigate treacherous situations, readers are prompted to ponder the complex ethical dilemmas they face and consider the impact of their choices. This philosophical depth adds a layer of richness to the story and elevates it beyond a mere space adventure.
Furthermore, fans of Star Trek will appreciate the book's adherence to the core principles of the franchise. The Two-Front War embodies the spirit of exploration, diplomacy, and the pursuit of understanding that has made Star Trek so beloved. It seamlessly integrates familiar elements from the Star Trek universe while introducing new concepts and worlds that expand the franchise's lore.
While The Two-Front War may not be without its minor flaws, such as occasional pacing lulls, they are overshadowed by the overall strength of the story and its captivating characters. Fans of the Star Trek: New Frontier series will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this installment, and newcomers to the series will discover an exciting entry point into a rich and vibrant universe.
In conclusion, The Two-Front War is an enthralling and thought-provoking addition to the Star Trek: New Frontier series. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and adherence to the core principles of the franchise, this book offers an enjoyable journey into uncharted frontiers.
December 7, 2025
Star Trek: New Frontier 03 The Two-front War by Peter David
4.25 Stars
challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
These four novellas are actually one story. This third one ratchets up the tension...by putting our new favourite characters in true peril.
Si Cwan and Kebron are polar opposites, but I think that they will become "fast friends" as they go through this difficult time (if they live through it).
Soleta and Selar had a profoundly interesting, and delicate situation that they both participated in...which will change the dynamics of their relationship (aboard the USS Excaliber). Both being Vulcan is one thing, but each has a secret...that makes their lives separately complicated. It was interesting experiencing their collective time spent together, and how that is going to impact what happens next. Very interesting.
The planet authorities...that Captain Mackenzie has (against his will) deposited the refugees...has turned out to be funky (not a technical term, but one obliquely enough for non-spoilers). Not sure what's going to happen next.
On to the next novella: Star Trek: New Frontier 04 Endgame by Peter David.
4.25 Stars
challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
These four novellas are actually one story. This third one ratchets up the tension...by putting our new favourite characters in true peril.
Si Cwan and Kebron are polar opposites, but I think that they will become "fast friends" as they go through this difficult time (if they live through it).
Soleta and Selar had a profoundly interesting, and delicate situation that they both participated in...which will change the dynamics of their relationship (aboard the USS Excaliber). Both being Vulcan is one thing, but each has a secret...that makes their lives separately complicated. It was interesting experiencing their collective time spent together, and how that is going to impact what happens next. Very interesting.
The planet authorities...that Captain Mackenzie has (against his will) deposited the refugees...has turned out to be funky (not a technical term, but one obliquely enough for non-spoilers). Not sure what's going to happen next.
On to the next novella: Star Trek: New Frontier 04 Endgame by Peter David.
April 16, 2024
In the context of the whole series, it's an ok read. The book suffers from and issue it took me a while to work out. The book isn't a story, it's an episode. So a short wee episode that follows the same kind of format and structure.
From looking at the back of the book advertising future books to come out it's apparent these books were written to come out in pairs every few months and you need to keep this in mind when reading. As a standalone story....... meh it's pretty forgettable but as part of a larger whole, it does well to expand upon some of the characters referenced previously. There's nothing inherently BAD about the story and you can read it so quick if it was bad it would hardly matter, but I feel with a bit of work a few of these novellas could have been structured together in a larger book and it would have been the better of it.
From looking at the back of the book advertising future books to come out it's apparent these books were written to come out in pairs every few months and you need to keep this in mind when reading. As a standalone story....... meh it's pretty forgettable but as part of a larger whole, it does well to expand upon some of the characters referenced previously. There's nothing inherently BAD about the story and you can read it so quick if it was bad it would hardly matter, but I feel with a bit of work a few of these novellas could have been structured together in a larger book and it would have been the better of it.
November 24, 2019
I struggled some to get through this. It felt disjointed and ended on another bloody cliffhanger. Like a lot of readers it is obvious that Peter David wrote one big novel and it was separated into four books. If it was one novel I might rated higher.
I enjoy the characters on the ship. I know a lot of fans hated Shelby when she was going after Riker position, but I loved her she was competent. ballsy and knew what she wanted. I am glad she is in this series so we get to explore more of what makes her tick.
Calhoun though often makes me roll my eyes. He needs to grow up and stop acting like a man child.
I enjoy the characters on the ship. I know a lot of fans hated Shelby when she was going after Riker position, but I loved her she was competent. ballsy and knew what she wanted. I am glad she is in this series so we get to explore more of what makes her tick.
Calhoun though often makes me roll my eyes. He needs to grow up and stop acting like a man child.
September 18, 2020
I liked this just a bit more than book 2, but not by that much. Calhoun didn't bother me as much (but that might be because his presence was a bit lessened in favor of a few other characters, all of whom I'm finding that I like quite a bit more than our stalwart captain). Towards the end of this, the plot definitely started heating up a bit which I enjoyed. All that being said, however, I'm noticing more and more that these first 4 books should have been one large book. Ultimately, this just feels like one part (the third part) of a larger story and as such it's hard to fully judge it on it's own.
April 6, 2022
Picking up exactly where Into the Void left off, The Two-Front War doesn't really lie - the U.S.S Excalibur is fighting two "wars".
Well done.
The Nelkar people are willing to take in the refugees, but their offer seems slightly superficial, the Kayven Ryin is still doing its whole standstill with Kebron and Si Cwan, and personal tensions unfurl with Selar, Burgoyne and Si Cwan as well. More backstory is revealed for Soleta.
It's a quick read, ending with a cliffhanger once more to lead on to book 4.
Well done.
The Nelkar people are willing to take in the refugees, but their offer seems slightly superficial, the Kayven Ryin is still doing its whole standstill with Kebron and Si Cwan, and personal tensions unfurl with Selar, Burgoyne and Si Cwan as well. More backstory is revealed for Soleta.
It's a quick read, ending with a cliffhanger once more to lead on to book 4.
March 12, 2022
The Two-Front War (Star Trek: New Frontier, #3)
- 3/5
Deals with the harrowing affects of better than Saga does.
This is undermined by Burgoyne's incredibly date rapist vibes that they give off towards Selar and how the book treats that like its alright because secretly Selar's into it. I'm knocking off a star for that.
Deals with the harrowing affects of better than Saga does.
This is undermined by Burgoyne's incredibly date rapist vibes that they give off towards Selar and how the book treats that like its alright because secretly Selar's into it. I'm knocking off a star for that.
April 8, 2025
Man this was a great story. I loved getting to see the shift between Cwan and Kebron, what a terrible end to their characters. The savage nature of Laheera and how she nonchalantly murders Captain Huffmin to goat Captain Calhoun into giving them weapons and tech is very Pakled in nature. It ends with such a cliffhanger Captain Calhoun is not your typical Starfleet captain and I guess we’re about to see just how much so in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2018
I thought this was the lowest point in this series thus far. Pretty much nothing happened until the end with the cliffhangers on both main story threads. The pool scene pretty much made me throw up in my mouth. Overall this story was pretty thin here and I thought it could have been better.
June 24, 2022
3.5*
The story is beginngng to heat up here. I enjoyed the twist regarding the Nelkarites. I also enjoyed the reveals and our further understanding of Selar and Soleta. McHenry seems pretty cool too, hopefully we can learn more about him.
The story is beginngng to heat up here. I enjoyed the twist regarding the Nelkarites. I also enjoyed the reveals and our further understanding of Selar and Soleta. McHenry seems pretty cool too, hopefully we can learn more about him.
October 16, 2022
I love this book when it first came out, but they never did anything with Mackenzie Calhoun and it didn’t really resonate anymore. It is at best three stars from me now, but I added one for it being written so long ago and still holding true.
June 18, 2025
Continues to have the feel of a Star Trek serialized tv show. Just the right amount of characters all dealing with an overarching storyline combined with a different “adventure of the week” in each book. I’m impressed so far.
October 26, 2018
Part of a four book set, all together it is a good story, By itself it feels not quite a complete book. This was a Good Read. but do read them all.
April 24, 2019
Loving this series. Most fun I've had reading all year.
Read
February 20, 2020Shit got real towards the end of this one. Also, Peter David does the "show, don't tell" well, especially with Calhoun.
June 3, 2020
Still good series
December 1, 2020
Vulcans and hermapedites!! Something I would not have seen coming in a Star Trek book, but Peter David makes it work.
Read
February 20, 2022The story line gets somewhat convoluted at this point with so many characters and so many sub-plots.
March 12, 2022
Such an awesome series. Best Trek I've read in a long time.
February 18, 2023
Not one I enjoyed, but short.
May 12, 2023
Things are moving right along in this the 3rd installment in the series. The crew is starting to get to know each other better. There is the threat of war on a couple of fronts. There are a number of twists that show up at their appointed spots along the way. Definitely recommended
April 4, 2024
Decent cliffhanger, but getting through 152 pages really shouldn't be this much of a slog.
August 8, 2020
What a great book! I liked the first in the series a great deal. The second one was only perhaps 90 percent as good. I expected a slow letdown as the series continued. The third novel sure surprised me. I liked it even better than the first! The humor and dialogue is what really made this novel work for me. As a writer myself – my MFA is in Creative Writing - I sit back in awe at David's uncanny ability to make a scene come alive, and he writes the dialogue I wish I could.
This is another short book, 152 pages, broken down into sections that deal with different characters in different settings in three different story lines. The main story line begins with a ship-to-ship combat scene that introduces a treacherous new race: the scavengers of Nelkar. The second story line centers on Si Cwan, a prince exiled from Thallonia, currently on a mission in a Federation shuttle with Kebron, the Excalibur's security chief. They pursue an enemy of Si Cwan that presumably holds a Si Cwan family member hostage. The third and for now less interesting story line deals with the two Vulcan women on the ship, their growing intimacy and their sharing of each other's personal problems. Presumably these problems will become more relevant to the entire crew later in the series.
Besides the clever dialogue, the fast pace, and clean story telling, what makes this installment so good is the intense conflict Calhoun finds himself both in dealing with his second in command, the refugees on board his ship, and the Nelkarites. I especially like the moral theme behind the book and its relevance to today's international scene as we (America) try to maintain Calhoun's vision of how best to deal with terrorists, and see that vision contrasted against the current Japanese government saying they will do anything to save their two citizens from ISIS, and all of Europe's many concessions to terrorists in their past. The typical American point of view is that negotiating with a terrorist demonstrates weakness and guarantees the necessity of having to negotiate again further down the road as the problem will certainly recur. We prefer annihilating the terrorist instead in order to put an end to the problem. This policy has had mixed results so far for we Americans, though I believe we are having to negotiate with terrorists less than Europeans now must. Will the American policy work out better for Calhoun? It's a fascinating question!
The third novel ended on such a cliffhanger. I am glad I have the fourth and don't have to wait to begin it!
This is another short book, 152 pages, broken down into sections that deal with different characters in different settings in three different story lines. The main story line begins with a ship-to-ship combat scene that introduces a treacherous new race: the scavengers of Nelkar. The second story line centers on Si Cwan, a prince exiled from Thallonia, currently on a mission in a Federation shuttle with Kebron, the Excalibur's security chief. They pursue an enemy of Si Cwan that presumably holds a Si Cwan family member hostage. The third and for now less interesting story line deals with the two Vulcan women on the ship, their growing intimacy and their sharing of each other's personal problems. Presumably these problems will become more relevant to the entire crew later in the series.
Besides the clever dialogue, the fast pace, and clean story telling, what makes this installment so good is the intense conflict Calhoun finds himself both in dealing with his second in command, the refugees on board his ship, and the Nelkarites. I especially like the moral theme behind the book and its relevance to today's international scene as we (America) try to maintain Calhoun's vision of how best to deal with terrorists, and see that vision contrasted against the current Japanese government saying they will do anything to save their two citizens from ISIS, and all of Europe's many concessions to terrorists in their past. The typical American point of view is that negotiating with a terrorist demonstrates weakness and guarantees the necessity of having to negotiate again further down the road as the problem will certainly recur. We prefer annihilating the terrorist instead in order to put an end to the problem. This policy has had mixed results so far for we Americans, though I believe we are having to negotiate with terrorists less than Europeans now must. Will the American policy work out better for Calhoun? It's a fascinating question!
The third novel ended on such a cliffhanger. I am glad I have the fourth and don't have to wait to begin it!
April 16, 2009
"Who am I to judge you?" asks Mackenzie Calhoun, "I am someone who knows what it's like to deal with someone like me."
It's all still there - the laughs, the character development, the inexorable rolling on of the plot. This time, of course, things are heating up.
naturally, it's all gone wrong and also naturally, it's all gone wrong at once. Kebron and Si Cwan have lost their ship and were the sole occupiers of a second during its complete obliteration which, if it weren't for the very early placement in the series chronology, might just be fatal. Captin Hufmin and his refugees seem to have landed themselves in extraordinarily hot, piranha-laced water, and Captain Mackenzie calhoun, despite his emphatic "They made their free choice, and they die as free beings", cannot surely just let everyone be slaughtered for petty technological advancement?
"Are you saying you think I have a pretty face?" "I am saying that, with sufficient intoxication, anyone may seem attractive."
In the less combative (but highly emotional) scenes, we have Selar still refusing Chief Engineer Burgoyne's advances. But with both shipboard Vulcan's having ample spuriously scandalous history, things continue to bubble.
So: is it the end for Cwan? Is Calhoun heartlessly going to let everyone die (thus ensuring Commander Shelby has to report him and take over his job)? Is Soleta going to keep her heritage a secret? is Selar actually producing increased hormones, and if so, will she allow her control to slip long enough to actually have sex with someone not of her own species? And if any of this happens, what's Admiral Jellico going to have to say about it all?
I suppose some of these questions will be answered in the next title, which I am immediately going to pick up. The plot thickens yet again, and although we can easily see this is yet another link in the complex chain of events, it's a more thought-provoking, cliffhanging link than the last. "may the Great Bird of the galaxy," As Lieutenant Commander Burgoyne so graciously opined, "Roost on your planets."
It's all still there - the laughs, the character development, the inexorable rolling on of the plot. This time, of course, things are heating up.
naturally, it's all gone wrong and also naturally, it's all gone wrong at once. Kebron and Si Cwan have lost their ship and were the sole occupiers of a second during its complete obliteration which, if it weren't for the very early placement in the series chronology, might just be fatal. Captin Hufmin and his refugees seem to have landed themselves in extraordinarily hot, piranha-laced water, and Captain Mackenzie calhoun, despite his emphatic "They made their free choice, and they die as free beings", cannot surely just let everyone be slaughtered for petty technological advancement?
"Are you saying you think I have a pretty face?" "I am saying that, with sufficient intoxication, anyone may seem attractive."
In the less combative (but highly emotional) scenes, we have Selar still refusing Chief Engineer Burgoyne's advances. But with both shipboard Vulcan's having ample spuriously scandalous history, things continue to bubble.
So: is it the end for Cwan? Is Calhoun heartlessly going to let everyone die (thus ensuring Commander Shelby has to report him and take over his job)? Is Soleta going to keep her heritage a secret? is Selar actually producing increased hormones, and if so, will she allow her control to slip long enough to actually have sex with someone not of her own species? And if any of this happens, what's Admiral Jellico going to have to say about it all?
I suppose some of these questions will be answered in the next title, which I am immediately going to pick up. The plot thickens yet again, and although we can easily see this is yet another link in the complex chain of events, it's a more thought-provoking, cliffhanging link than the last. "may the Great Bird of the galaxy," As Lieutenant Commander Burgoyne so graciously opined, "Roost on your planets."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews