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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine #19
The Tempest
When a ferocious plasma storm strikes the entire Bajoran system, Deep Space NineTM becomes a port under siege, filled to overflowing with stranded space travelers, unpredictable aliens, and Klingon smugglers. Wof and Odo find themselves tested to the limit as they struggle to control the chaos that has consumed the station. But even greater danger faces Dax and botanist Keiko O' Brian when they must fly a runabout into the very heart of the storm - and encounter a stange new form of life!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1997
4 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wright
37 books95 followersSee also S.L. Wright
Susan Wright (aka S.L. Wright) is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than two dozen novels and nonfiction books. She writes New Adult Contemporary Romance novels, as well as Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Science Fiction and Star Trek novels, and has been published by Pocket Books, Penguin Group, St. Martin’s Press and Kensington.
Susan Wright (aka S.L. Wright) is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than two dozen novels and nonfiction books. She writes New Adult Contemporary Romance novels, as well as Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Science Fiction and Star Trek novels, and has been published by Pocket Books, Penguin Group, St. Martin’s Press and Kensington.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 12, 2023
This book dares ask the question: what if Keiko was an asshole and everyone hated her.
January 8, 2021
As much as I loved the Worf parts the winner for me had to be the O'Brien family portions. I loved experiencing their family struggle and it made me even happier to experience the happy ending for them(which I knew was coming of course), but seriously nothing beats Molly riding Odo like a Pony. That was hilarious. It should also be acknowledged that Susan Wright got the characterization of the DS9 crew essentially spot on and that made this read like any of the shows best Episodes.
August 3, 2011
It relies too much on technobabble in a number of sections...but that aside, this is a smooth-as-silk DS9 novel, that perfectly captures the atmosphere of early season four, and has a strong handle on Worf's transition from the Enterprise to serving on the station. Add Susan Wright to the list of authors that "gets" DS9.
August 14, 2019
I have to say I originally judged this book by it's cover. Honestly it had Worf on the cover and I don't care for klingons and I usually pass up their stories. I have read a lot of the DS9 novels and the completionist in me insisted I come back and read this one and I have to say my initial reaction was correct.
This is a very poor story, honestly it's probably the weakest of the DS9 novels I've read. It relied too heavily on techobabble, the characters were cardboard, and they barely interacted. When characters did interact it was it was with individuals from a species called the Sattar. A species that were invented solely for this book. They weren't even the A plot. The one saving grace for this novel is the few scenes involving Odo and Molly O'Brien, but they were not good enough for someone else to warrant reading this.
This is a very poor story, honestly it's probably the weakest of the DS9 novels I've read. It relied too heavily on techobabble, the characters were cardboard, and they barely interacted. When characters did interact it was it was with individuals from a species called the Sattar. A species that were invented solely for this book. They weren't even the A plot. The one saving grace for this novel is the few scenes involving Odo and Molly O'Brien, but they were not good enough for someone else to warrant reading this.
July 17, 2024
I got annoyed with Keiko. Molly with Odo was adorable.
November 20, 2019
A crowded space station with lots of adventures, science, with the cast of Star trek the next generation.
March 23, 2022
The Tempest is a big sandwich with a hole in the middle.
January 25, 2023
In space, no one can babysit your kid!
What would it be like to be a parent on Deep Space Nine? The Federation has accomplished so much--warp travel, world(s) peace, replicators and yet they're still on working on decent drop in day care!
I liked all the childcare and parenting stuff in this one. I'm a stay-at-home dad (and a Trek fan) so I loved this. All the parents are worried about being parents while some big disaster happens. There's more to the book than just the parent stuff, but its what I enjoyed.
I picked up this one because I was excited to see a Keiko story and from the cover I thought Keiko and Worf were going to team-up and solve a murder mystery or something. No such luck. Keiko is prominent in the story. She teams up with Dax to figure out some space anomaly--which was good. And all the other characters are there to some capacity. But I still want my Keiko/Worf detective book!
This was a fun, quick read. I liked all the character stuff. The pace was exciting. I give it four stars. I loved it but here are my negative notes:
*Lots of science talk in this one and being a Trek book, I'm not surprised. But it was a lot of talk about energy waves, oscillating whatevers, and bio-systemic-modeling-things. I like my science talk to be broken down to non-jargon. So few Trek books do that (or shows). The science stuff had some consistency, but come on, have at least one character explain it using accessible, simple language. I didn't quite understand what was going on with the plasma storm.
*The end felt smushed together. It could have used a few more pages. There was a mystery component to the story but it kind of disappeared or it turned out it wasn't a mystery... or all the characters had a busy enough day, they decided to not worry about it anymore... I don't know.
*None of the parents talked to each other (or judged each other--parents do that all the time). I want to hear Miles and Rom talk about being dads. I want Keiko and Sisko to talk about parenting, what do they make for snacks at 3pm?!! More parenting stuff! This was good but have the parents interact--there are so many on DS9.
*Molly is six years old, but seems to be written as a toddler. As a dad of a 6 year old, that kind of bugged me. Sure, a six year would throw a tantrum if they had to leave the holosuite, they want pony rides--but at this age they notice everything and have some more sophisticated questions and observations (and love sharing what they know). Molly just seemed to want pony rides, her mom and show big emotions.
I had never read a book by Susan Wright before, I'm interested in reading more of her work!
What would it be like to be a parent on Deep Space Nine? The Federation has accomplished so much--warp travel, world(s) peace, replicators and yet they're still on working on decent drop in day care!
I liked all the childcare and parenting stuff in this one. I'm a stay-at-home dad (and a Trek fan) so I loved this. All the parents are worried about being parents while some big disaster happens. There's more to the book than just the parent stuff, but its what I enjoyed.
I picked up this one because I was excited to see a Keiko story and from the cover I thought Keiko and Worf were going to team-up and solve a murder mystery or something. No such luck. Keiko is prominent in the story. She teams up with Dax to figure out some space anomaly--which was good. And all the other characters are there to some capacity. But I still want my Keiko/Worf detective book!
This was a fun, quick read. I liked all the character stuff. The pace was exciting. I give it four stars. I loved it but here are my negative notes:
*Lots of science talk in this one and being a Trek book, I'm not surprised. But it was a lot of talk about energy waves, oscillating whatevers, and bio-systemic-modeling-things. I like my science talk to be broken down to non-jargon. So few Trek books do that (or shows). The science stuff had some consistency, but come on, have at least one character explain it using accessible, simple language. I didn't quite understand what was going on with the plasma storm.
*The end felt smushed together. It could have used a few more pages. There was a mystery component to the story but it kind of disappeared or it turned out it wasn't a mystery... or all the characters had a busy enough day, they decided to not worry about it anymore... I don't know.
*None of the parents talked to each other (or judged each other--parents do that all the time). I want to hear Miles and Rom talk about being dads. I want Keiko and Sisko to talk about parenting, what do they make for snacks at 3pm?!! More parenting stuff! This was good but have the parents interact--there are so many on DS9.
*Molly is six years old, but seems to be written as a toddler. As a dad of a 6 year old, that kind of bugged me. Sure, a six year would throw a tantrum if they had to leave the holosuite, they want pony rides--but at this age they notice everything and have some more sophisticated questions and observations (and love sharing what they know). Molly just seemed to want pony rides, her mom and show big emotions.
I had never read a book by Susan Wright before, I'm interested in reading more of her work!
December 5, 2020
This one was alright. There were several simultaneous plots running rampant in this story: An A plot involving Dax and Keiko trying to stop an energy wave from destroying the station; a B plot involving Worf trying to stop the Klingons and Satirs from threatening the station while trying to solve the destruction of a ship; another B plot involving Odo and Molly and Miles; and a very minor C plot involving Jake.
Overall, the brief segments involving Odo and Molly were the best of the novel, and featured Odo growing to enjoy his time babysitting, though this was perhaps a tiny bit out of character at this point in his development.
The A plot, unfortunately, was nearly unreadable. Star Trek is known for science-y technobabble, but this novel was so chock full of it, you wished it was over. Notably, there were some weird dreams Dax had about Keiko and Miles breaking up and needing to be away from each other and kept happening. And kept happening. And so on.
Worf’ as subplot also just fizzled. There was no real resolution to his entire investigation in the first place.
I enjoyed it as a fun read, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Overall, the brief segments involving Odo and Molly were the best of the novel, and featured Odo growing to enjoy his time babysitting, though this was perhaps a tiny bit out of character at this point in his development.
The A plot, unfortunately, was nearly unreadable. Star Trek is known for science-y technobabble, but this novel was so chock full of it, you wished it was over. Notably, there were some weird dreams Dax had about Keiko and Miles breaking up and needing to be away from each other and kept happening. And kept happening. And so on.
Worf’ as subplot also just fizzled. There was no real resolution to his entire investigation in the first place.
I enjoyed it as a fun read, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
May 1, 2018
I have to admit I did have lower expectations for this book as there had already been a storm episode on DS9 at this point so the idea was nothing new. However, this took a different approach and did capture the feel of a proper episode of DS9 with all the issues that they deal with on a consistent basis. The Molly and Odo sections were cute and reminded me of the episode where Odo befriended the small hologram girl. Worf's troubles were also an interesting part as he had to learn to work past prejudice and the section where he discusses prejudice with the Captain of the Ceres was almost Meta. Captain Iis's insights into treating each race as a whole is kind of humorous as Star Trek often fell into that trap despite their efforts to the contrary. My only gripe with the book were the sections of "techno-babble" that were dealing with the storm as that went over my head a bit but it was fun to have that in the book.
October 30, 2023
31 December 2007 - ***. This novel is set during the Deep Space Nine episodes that come after Worf has joined the crew, and Keiko O'Brien is working at a botany station down on Bajor. Unusual for this series, the story does not involve Bajor, the wormhole, or anybody from the Gamma Quadrant - but rather a resurgent friction between the Federation and the Klingons. Dax and Keiko fly a runabout into a "ferocious plasma storm" and are out of contact while Worf, Odo, and Miles O'Brien try to keep the overcrowding of grounded ship's crews on DS9 from spinning out of control. Aside from the main story, an interesting subplot revolves around Keiko and Miles’ attempts to find daycare for 6-year-old Molly. This is a somewhat above average, but not great, DS9 novel.
May 30, 2017
A dangerous plasma storm exhibiting strange behaviour is heading towards DS9. Dax and Keiko head out to investigate while the station is overflowing with stranded travellers causing all kinds of trouble. Worf deals with recalcitrant Sattar and Klingons, Odo gets roped into babysitting Molly while trying to maintain order, there's a bunch of technobbable and O'Brien family drama as well as another barely there sidestory involving Jake and a bunch of Betazoid students... I've read worse DS9 books, but the fact that I just wasn't particularly interested in any of the storylines or strongly featured characters made this a somewhat tedious read for me.
February 3, 2021
Although I didn't buy the premise of this one I did enjoy the story. This is now my favourite from Susan Wright. The characters were all spot on to me and their feelings seemed very real.
If you're one of those Trekkies who loves to hate Keiko you'll enjoy how well Wright has captured the essence of that character.
If you're one of those Trekkies who loves to hate Keiko you'll enjoy how well Wright has captured the essence of that character.
May 31, 2021
Spännande och tilltalande bok. Susan Wright glänser verkligen i sitt beskrivande av personerna. Roligt att äntligen få se Keiko i centrum för en gångs skull. Dessutom - kombinationen av Odo och Worf är fullständigt lysande och ibland riktigt rolig! Verkligen en bra bok - läs den!
April 10, 2012
The premise of this book is that a plasma storm is heading for DS9 and the wormhole, large enough to engulf the entire system. But this plasma storm is exhibiting some rather strange behavior. So while Sisko and crew "batten down the hatches," taking in refugees and ships seeking a safe harbor, Dax and Keiko head to the storm to try to determine why it's acting so strangely. What they find threatens to destroy DS9 and the wormhole . . . but now they're trapped inside the storm and can't warn them.
That's the basic idea. There are numerous other subplots going on--one between Worf (new to the station here) and a group of aliens called the Sattar Collective; another between Keiko and her husband, Miles O'Brien; another between Odo and Keiko's daughter Molly; etc. The best plots in the novel dealt with Keiko and Miles and their strained marriage, and Odo and Molly. The plot thread dealing with Worf just never felt . . . settled, and the Sattar Collective's activities on DS9 never really amounted to anything (in fact, one wasn't really finished). There were lots of little plots that added some depth to the station--making it come alive and seem active--but most of them were almost entirely secondary and amounted to nearly nothing. I ended up feeling distracted by most of these and would rather the main plot threads had been developed and fleshed out more.
But still, the book was mostly well written and the outcome of the plasma storm plot thread was interesting.
That's the basic idea. There are numerous other subplots going on--one between Worf (new to the station here) and a group of aliens called the Sattar Collective; another between Keiko and her husband, Miles O'Brien; another between Odo and Keiko's daughter Molly; etc. The best plots in the novel dealt with Keiko and Miles and their strained marriage, and Odo and Molly. The plot thread dealing with Worf just never felt . . . settled, and the Sattar Collective's activities on DS9 never really amounted to anything (in fact, one wasn't really finished). There were lots of little plots that added some depth to the station--making it come alive and seem active--but most of them were almost entirely secondary and amounted to nearly nothing. I ended up feeling distracted by most of these and would rather the main plot threads had been developed and fleshed out more.
But still, the book was mostly well written and the outcome of the plasma storm plot thread was interesting.
January 10, 2013
I'd like to blame *Twister* for this book, but the book came first. However, it feels (badly) inspired by that (bad) movie. Big space storm turns out to be...alive!
Oh, and Worf is all uptight. Nothing new there.
Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention (probably true), but I don't think certain plot contrivances were resolved. The whole story with Worf and the creatures (which, in my imagination, resemble the result of an Ewok breeding with an Ugnaut, with the offspring less pig-like but also less Care Bear-like) who live under Klingon rule seemed like the author had one idea, then changed her mind and took it in a different direction but then took it in yet another direction. And how cliche is it for Worf to have a warm fuzzy moment with some perceived adversary/source of annoyance?
And what was the point of going into some detail about Dax's soap opera-like visions if they didn't amount to anything more than hallucinations? Another story idea that the writer opted not to pursue as she moved along?
I suspect I know why I didn't remember a thing about this book after reading it the first time around. This one most likely won't stick long in my memory. Although the notion of an Ewok breeding with an Ugnaut might.
Oh, and Worf is all uptight. Nothing new there.
Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention (probably true), but I don't think certain plot contrivances were resolved. The whole story with Worf and the creatures (which, in my imagination, resemble the result of an Ewok breeding with an Ugnaut, with the offspring less pig-like but also less Care Bear-like) who live under Klingon rule seemed like the author had one idea, then changed her mind and took it in a different direction but then took it in yet another direction. And how cliche is it for Worf to have a warm fuzzy moment with some perceived adversary/source of annoyance?
And what was the point of going into some detail about Dax's soap opera-like visions if they didn't amount to anything more than hallucinations? Another story idea that the writer opted not to pursue as she moved along?
I suspect I know why I didn't remember a thing about this book after reading it the first time around. This one most likely won't stick long in my memory. Although the notion of an Ewok breeding with an Ugnaut might.
August 15, 2010
I had mixed feelings about this book from the moment I saw the cover. See, I like Keiko, but I like her as a secondary character. Too much O'Brien family drama and I lose interest. Add in Worf and I'm still not thrilled. I'm not a big Worf fan and I felt DS9 went too heavy into the Klingons some times. (The exception being Martok episodes - I love that guy!)
The story is ridiculous. Dax and Keiko go to investigate a plasma storm that is heading towards the station while Worf deals with Sattar/Klingon intrigue. Then there are mini plots about Jake and some Betazed students and an out of place, but mostly enjoyable one with Odo and Molly. I say "mostly" because I hate how most people write children characters, particularly dialogue, and this book is a good example as to why. Having said that, I enjoyed the Odo portrayal enough to overlook all the things I disliked about the book to give it 2 stars.
The story is ridiculous. Dax and Keiko go to investigate a plasma storm that is heading towards the station while Worf deals with Sattar/Klingon intrigue. Then there are mini plots about Jake and some Betazed students and an out of place, but mostly enjoyable one with Odo and Molly. I say "mostly" because I hate how most people write children characters, particularly dialogue, and this book is a good example as to why. Having said that, I enjoyed the Odo portrayal enough to overlook all the things I disliked about the book to give it 2 stars.
October 4, 2014
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12669059
I thought it had a nice build-up; but I don't really think anyone in their right mind's going to elect to dock their ship on DS9 when outrunning a plasma storm that you can see coming is a damn good option. Seriously, when is that station not about to fall to pieces?
No.
Worf had some nice development here but I'm not feeling too sympathetic with Keiko for much of her whining.
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12669059
I thought it had a nice build-up; but I don't really think anyone in their right mind's going to elect to dock their ship on DS9 when outrunning a plasma storm that you can see coming is a damn good option. Seriously, when is that station not about to fall to pieces?
No.
Worf had some nice development here but I'm not feeling too sympathetic with Keiko for much of her whining.
September 11, 2012
A plasma storm is near DS9, it could destroy the station. Dax and Keiko go to investigate it. Some good O'Brien character stuff going on here and it really feels like a TV episode. The Worf subplot wasn't that great which is a shame. A good, quick read though it could have been better with less technobabble.
December 6, 2013
Quick read, not too bad of a DS9 book. Was exciting at times. I was however annoyed with how Molly acted like she was in her terrible two's rather than a 6 year old.
August 22, 2015
This had the feel of an early DS9 story for some reason. Also, quite weird that I should find Keiko in a central place in 2 novels picked at random over the last week or so.c
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews