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Star Trek: Typhon Pact #13 (The Fall)
Peaceable Kingdoms
Following the resolution of the fertility crisis that nearly caused their extinction, the Andorian people now stand ready to rejoin the United Federation of Planets. The return of one of its founding member worlds is viewed by many as the first hopeful step beyond the uncertainty and tragedy that have overshadowed recent events in the Alpha Quadrant. But as the Federation looks to the future and the special election to name President Bacco’s permanent successor, time is running out to apprehend those responsible for the respected leader’s brutal assassination. Even as elements of the Typhon Pact are implicated for the murder, Admiral William Riker holds key knowledge of the true assassins— a revelation that could threaten the fragile Federation-Cardassian alliance.
Questions and concerns also continue to swell around Bacco’s interim successor, Ishan Anjar, who uses the recent bloodshed to further a belligerent, hawkish political agenda against the Typhon Pact. With the election looming, Riker dispatches his closest friend, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in a desperate attempt to uncover the truth. But as Picard and the Enterprise crew pursue the few remaining clues, Riker must act on growing suspicions that someone within Ishan’s inner circle has been in league with the assassins from the very beginning . . . .
Questions and concerns also continue to swell around Bacco’s interim successor, Ishan Anjar, who uses the recent bloodshed to further a belligerent, hawkish political agenda against the Typhon Pact. With the election looming, Riker dispatches his closest friend, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in a desperate attempt to uncover the truth. But as Picard and the Enterprise crew pursue the few remaining clues, Riker must act on growing suspicions that someone within Ishan’s inner circle has been in league with the assassins from the very beginning . . . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
64 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Dayton Ward
112 books318 followersDayton is a software developer, having become a slave to Corporate America after spending eleven years in the U.S. Marine Corps. When asked, he’ll tell you that he left home and joined the military soon after high school because he’d grown tired of people telling him what to do all the time.
Ask him sometime how well that worked out.
In addition to the numerous credits he shares with friend and co-writer Kevin Dilmore, he is the author of the Star Trek novels In the Name of Honor and Open Secrets, the science fiction novels The Last World War and The Genesis Protocol, and short stories which have appeared in the first three Star Trek: Strange New Worlds anthologies, the Yard Dog Press anthology Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, Kansas City Voices Magazine and the Star Trek: New Frontier anthology No Limits. Though he currently lives in Kansas City with wife Michi and daughters Addison and Erin, Dayton is a Florida native and still maintains a torrid long-distance romance with his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ask him sometime how well that worked out.
In addition to the numerous credits he shares with friend and co-writer Kevin Dilmore, he is the author of the Star Trek novels In the Name of Honor and Open Secrets, the science fiction novels The Last World War and The Genesis Protocol, and short stories which have appeared in the first three Star Trek: Strange New Worlds anthologies, the Yard Dog Press anthology Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, Kansas City Voices Magazine and the Star Trek: New Frontier anthology No Limits. Though he currently lives in Kansas City with wife Michi and daughters Addison and Erin, Dayton is a Florida native and still maintains a torrid long-distance romance with his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 6, 2016
This is the fifth and final novel of the book event The Fall from the franchise Star Trek featuring a "crossover" of characters from The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. The storyline is set ten years after the TV episode What you leave behind (DS9) and six years after the theatrical film Nemesis (TNG).
The Background
Revelation and Dust (see review HERE )
A terrible terrorist attack occurs during the ceremony of the re-opening of the totally new Deep Space Nine station under the command of Captain Ro Laren.
The Crimson Shadow (see review HERE )
Elim Garak shakes up the political scenario at Cardassia Prime with the help of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise-E.
A Ceremony of Losses (see review HERE )
Dr. Julian Bashir sacrifices his career in order to find a cure to avoid the extinction of the Andorian race.
The Poisoned Chalice (see review HERE )
Captain William Riker of the U.S.S. Titan is promoted to Admiral just to be submerged in a dangerous game of politics and intrigue.
The Story
In this fifth and final book of The Fall is the moment to shine Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher along with the help of expected colleagues but also unexpected allies.
Definitely I liked that finally Picard is able to be developed in the event along with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-E, since while they are featured on the second book, their role there was relegated to minimum and quite secondary.
Also, it was truly great to see how Beverly Crusher was pivotal in the book and she were doing a lot of cool stuff that it doesn't have to do with being on sickbay functioning as medical doctor.
The story in the fifth book is well balanced between action scenes and political intrigue. Also, the book serves as a bridge for the future direction that the main titles of Star Trek set on the 24th Century will take in future novels, promising to resume the spirit of the franchise. Certainly you can expect great things from the following novels of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
Analysis of the book event
The first book Revelation and Dust was felt as unfinished when I read it and sadly, after reading the whole event, that perception didn't change. Since a slow sub-story developed there wasn't developed anymore in the other books of the event, questioning the reason of why investing pages about it in a book of this event. Also, many of the characters in this first novel hardly re-appears in the rest of the event, questioning the importance of such isolated and weak book.
While the second and third books, The Crimson Shadow & A Ceremony of Losses, were really good, their events weren't tied enough to the main event. I think that both books could be easily printed as stand-alone novels from the line of Deep Space Nine just making very small adjustments. In that way instead an "event", they could present The Fall as a trilogy, and even there, since the first book was so dispersed, they could made it a "two-parter" story in just two books.
The Background
Revelation and Dust (see review HERE )
A terrible terrorist attack occurs during the ceremony of the re-opening of the totally new Deep Space Nine station under the command of Captain Ro Laren.
The Crimson Shadow (see review HERE )
Elim Garak shakes up the political scenario at Cardassia Prime with the help of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise-E.
A Ceremony of Losses (see review HERE )
Dr. Julian Bashir sacrifices his career in order to find a cure to avoid the extinction of the Andorian race.
The Poisoned Chalice (see review HERE )
Captain William Riker of the U.S.S. Titan is promoted to Admiral just to be submerged in a dangerous game of politics and intrigue.
The Story
In this fifth and final book of The Fall is the moment to shine Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher along with the help of expected colleagues but also unexpected allies.
Definitely I liked that finally Picard is able to be developed in the event along with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-E, since while they are featured on the second book, their role there was relegated to minimum and quite secondary.
Also, it was truly great to see how Beverly Crusher was pivotal in the book and she were doing a lot of cool stuff that it doesn't have to do with being on sickbay functioning as medical doctor.
The story in the fifth book is well balanced between action scenes and political intrigue. Also, the book serves as a bridge for the future direction that the main titles of Star Trek set on the 24th Century will take in future novels, promising to resume the spirit of the franchise. Certainly you can expect great things from the following novels of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
Analysis of the book event
The first book Revelation and Dust was felt as unfinished when I read it and sadly, after reading the whole event, that perception didn't change. Since a slow sub-story developed there wasn't developed anymore in the other books of the event, questioning the reason of why investing pages about it in a book of this event. Also, many of the characters in this first novel hardly re-appears in the rest of the event, questioning the importance of such isolated and weak book.
While the second and third books, The Crimson Shadow & A Ceremony of Losses, were really good, their events weren't tied enough to the main event. I think that both books could be easily printed as stand-alone novels from the line of Deep Space Nine just making very small adjustments. In that way instead an "event", they could present The Fall as a trilogy, and even there, since the first book was so dispersed, they could made it a "two-parter" story in just two books.
August 1, 2021
Oh my! Did I just come to the end of the "Fall" story arc? Perhaps I did.
"Peaceable Kingdoms" is the sequel to the novel "The Poisoned Chalice". The fallout from the events of the previous book has led to the arrest of Velk, the aide of the interim-President. But, in the wake of the assassination of President Bacco, tensions are running high. All is not what it seems with the new President, Ishjan Anjar.
It will take the combined efforts of Admiral Riker, Captain Picard, and Dr. Crusher, aided by Tom Riker, to unravel a deep and dark mystery that goes back to the Cardassian occupation of Bajor.
The story was well done and the ending (is it the ending?) also made sense. The darker setting for this story was rather well done. It is always interesting to see the darker elements of the Federation and the conflicts it can cause within an organization like Starfleet. The post-Borg situation with a more militarized Starfleet is an interesting situation for Star trek and I am glad the book gets into the pros and cons of that particular mindset.
All in all, this entire series has been enjoyable. Some may find the flavor to be darker than what they are used to. But, I found this to make for better storytelling. It was certainly interesting and if there are any more books I'd certainly read them. Just don't start with this book. Go to the first one in the arc, it will make more sense then.
"Peaceable Kingdoms" is the sequel to the novel "The Poisoned Chalice". The fallout from the events of the previous book has led to the arrest of Velk, the aide of the interim-President. But, in the wake of the assassination of President Bacco, tensions are running high. All is not what it seems with the new President, Ishjan Anjar.
It will take the combined efforts of Admiral Riker, Captain Picard, and Dr. Crusher, aided by Tom Riker, to unravel a deep and dark mystery that goes back to the Cardassian occupation of Bajor.
The story was well done and the ending (is it the ending?) also made sense. The darker setting for this story was rather well done. It is always interesting to see the darker elements of the Federation and the conflicts it can cause within an organization like Starfleet. The post-Borg situation with a more militarized Starfleet is an interesting situation for Star trek and I am glad the book gets into the pros and cons of that particular mindset.
All in all, this entire series has been enjoyable. Some may find the flavor to be darker than what they are used to. But, I found this to make for better storytelling. It was certainly interesting and if there are any more books I'd certainly read them. Just don't start with this book. Go to the first one in the arc, it will make more sense then.
January 4, 2014
Two stars is a little unfair, I admit. Overall, this is a 3: a solid covert-ops cat and mouse plot, some genuinely very good character development, and an interesting outcome to the story arc. The book lost a star and a half for its incessant recaps of the entire plot.
The book begins with a "Historian's Note" summarizing the story so far - but then *every singe chapter* in the first half includes a full stop to the action for at least one complete plot recap. One or two are annoying, but by the tenth or so it generates blind fury. Add the stops after every offhand remark that references anything that ever happened it Trek history, and it feels like two thirds of the book is redundant recaps.
That said, I particularly appreciated the characterizations of Picard and Worf, and how much they've shaped each other over the years: we see Worf as a mature and wise mentor, and Picard as Seriously Not Interested In Your Bullshit. His own recognition of his change from isolated martinet diplomat into family man not hesitant to express friendship and antagonism is a nice touch.
Otherwise, there's some decent action, an annoyingly transparent trap that the Enterprise sticks its head into, and an interesting denouement that leaves the villain of the arc as an interestingly ambivalent character.
Overall advice? Read Uma McCormick's magnificent contribution, and skip the rest of The Fall.
The book begins with a "Historian's Note" summarizing the story so far - but then *every singe chapter* in the first half includes a full stop to the action for at least one complete plot recap. One or two are annoying, but by the tenth or so it generates blind fury. Add the stops after every offhand remark that references anything that ever happened it Trek history, and it feels like two thirds of the book is redundant recaps.
That said, I particularly appreciated the characterizations of Picard and Worf, and how much they've shaped each other over the years: we see Worf as a mature and wise mentor, and Picard as Seriously Not Interested In Your Bullshit. His own recognition of his change from isolated martinet diplomat into family man not hesitant to express friendship and antagonism is a nice touch.
Otherwise, there's some decent action, an annoyingly transparent trap that the Enterprise sticks its head into, and an interesting denouement that leaves the villain of the arc as an interestingly ambivalent character.
Overall advice? Read Uma McCormick's magnificent contribution, and skip the rest of The Fall.
February 5, 2014
It’s hard to offer anything concise about Dayton Ward’s Star Trek The Fall: Peaceable Kingdoms. As the last book in a five part series, it has the unenviable task of catching all the balls that the previous four books threw up in the air.
Ward’s book is an interesting read, and it benefits from the momentum that has been built leading up to this finale. That so much of the story is Beverly Crusher centric was surprising if only because Crusher is so often a back burner character. I also enjoyed some of the back and forth morality subtext between Crusher and Thomas Riker as they were forced to do all they could to stay alive and find the evidence they were searching for. And while the scenes aboard Enterprise played with a certain sense of routine, the look at Picard as a husband worried about his wife is a fun note that isn’t overplayed—it’s the suggestion of Picard going over the edge rather than the fact of it that makes for the more compelling read in this case. Ward also makes several attempts to show us who the villain Ishan is—from his own point of view—and attempts to paint a rationale over his behavior.
Ultimately it is the revelation of the Ishan mystery that feels so underwhelming. Ward’s efforts to make him credible come too late in a series where Ishan was portrayed, for much of it, as almost a total black hat. While Ward’s portrayal of Ishan is credible and might stand up on its own in a vacuum, it cannot overcome the certainty built up by the previous installments that he is a villain and soon to be defeated. And while the revelation of Ishan’s real identity is both credible and—thankfully—free of some grand conspiracy that would lead to another series of books about war in the Star Trek universe, it is wholly underwhelming.
The book’s closing moments—with Picard talking a little truth to power—improved the book’s standing in my eyes. Whether consciously or not, Ward seemed to channel some internet fans’ angst over TNG era books being so devoted to war and political intrigue rather than the exploration and metaphor that Star Trek has lived on. It was, for me, possibly the best scene in the book.
In the end, this was an interesting and quick read if only because of all that came before. While Ward handled it well, I don’t know that it could escape the weight of the series it had to conclude.
Ward’s book is an interesting read, and it benefits from the momentum that has been built leading up to this finale. That so much of the story is Beverly Crusher centric was surprising if only because Crusher is so often a back burner character. I also enjoyed some of the back and forth morality subtext between Crusher and Thomas Riker as they were forced to do all they could to stay alive and find the evidence they were searching for. And while the scenes aboard Enterprise played with a certain sense of routine, the look at Picard as a husband worried about his wife is a fun note that isn’t overplayed—it’s the suggestion of Picard going over the edge rather than the fact of it that makes for the more compelling read in this case. Ward also makes several attempts to show us who the villain Ishan is—from his own point of view—and attempts to paint a rationale over his behavior.
Ultimately it is the revelation of the Ishan mystery that feels so underwhelming. Ward’s efforts to make him credible come too late in a series where Ishan was portrayed, for much of it, as almost a total black hat. While Ward’s portrayal of Ishan is credible and might stand up on its own in a vacuum, it cannot overcome the certainty built up by the previous installments that he is a villain and soon to be defeated. And while the revelation of Ishan’s real identity is both credible and—thankfully—free of some grand conspiracy that would lead to another series of books about war in the Star Trek universe, it is wholly underwhelming.
The book’s closing moments—with Picard talking a little truth to power—improved the book’s standing in my eyes. Whether consciously or not, Ward seemed to channel some internet fans’ angst over TNG era books being so devoted to war and political intrigue rather than the exploration and metaphor that Star Trek has lived on. It was, for me, possibly the best scene in the book.
In the end, this was an interesting and quick read if only because of all that came before. While Ward handled it well, I don’t know that it could escape the weight of the series it had to conclude.
January 6, 2014
Can you like something and still be let down? The first two books seem irrelevant to the final three of the series. They could have gotten away with a trilogy. The majority of book one was not answered and really a disservice to the DS9 characters was done. Given what was discovered in the final book: How is Ro Laren or ANY character from Deep Space Nine characters not involved? I need to stop, now.
August 28, 2016
A great conclusion to the series!
January 4, 2014
Average.
There were large portions that were bogged down by minute details that needn't be given to the reader. For example, I skipped several paragraphs at a time describing that planet, and didn't feel I missed a thing.
The pacing was chopped up again by flashbacks, though at least these were new content. Some editor was again asleep at the wheel.
Once the book had slogged uphill to the point where the Enterprise encountered the freighter, things started to pick up a bit. The comic book villainy of these spec ops characters, and their seemingly never-working plans and traps kinda ruins it, though. (How many times this series did this type of character exhibit the same failings?)
The ending... well, it's better than no ending. Neat little bow? No.
Now, some comments on The Fall as a whole:
Yeah, R&D was completely unnecessary. But I'll take one stinker that deserves flushing down the toilet if I get one like The Crimson Shadow and a few average reads. I'd like to hear from the defenders of R&D, who said that novel would be an integral part of The Fall. It really doesn't appear to be the case at all. So many threads from R&D, and the only one closed was the assassination. What was the rest of that book for?
The idea of the assassination was a lot more appealing than the end result of The Fall as a whole. There was just too much fluff and filler in the set. Drop 80% of R&D, edit out portions of 3 others (The Crimson Shadow can be left alone, in my opinion) and you've got a 3 book series that holds together much more tightly, and tells a story much more succinctly. The Powers That Be seemingly couldn't decide whether they wanted a series of standalone novels touching on a common thread or a serial novel telling a single story. This resulted in a schizophrenic set of books that at some points relied too heavily on flashbacks and rehash, and at other times had to skim over some possibly interesting background stories because the books were already getting too long.
Overall, the series was Average. It started with one of the worst Trek novels I've ever read. One of the worst novels I've ever read, period. But The Crimson Shadow was one of the best. The others adequately played their roles.
There were large portions that were bogged down by minute details that needn't be given to the reader. For example, I skipped several paragraphs at a time describing that planet, and didn't feel I missed a thing.
The pacing was chopped up again by flashbacks, though at least these were new content. Some editor was again asleep at the wheel.
Once the book had slogged uphill to the point where the Enterprise encountered the freighter, things started to pick up a bit. The comic book villainy of these spec ops characters, and their seemingly never-working plans and traps kinda ruins it, though. (How many times this series did this type of character exhibit the same failings?)
The ending... well, it's better than no ending. Neat little bow? No.
Now, some comments on The Fall as a whole:
Yeah, R&D was completely unnecessary. But I'll take one stinker that deserves flushing down the toilet if I get one like The Crimson Shadow and a few average reads. I'd like to hear from the defenders of R&D, who said that novel would be an integral part of The Fall. It really doesn't appear to be the case at all. So many threads from R&D, and the only one closed was the assassination. What was the rest of that book for?
The idea of the assassination was a lot more appealing than the end result of The Fall as a whole. There was just too much fluff and filler in the set. Drop 80% of R&D, edit out portions of 3 others (The Crimson Shadow can be left alone, in my opinion) and you've got a 3 book series that holds together much more tightly, and tells a story much more succinctly. The Powers That Be seemingly couldn't decide whether they wanted a series of standalone novels touching on a common thread or a serial novel telling a single story. This resulted in a schizophrenic set of books that at some points relied too heavily on flashbacks and rehash, and at other times had to skim over some possibly interesting background stories because the books were already getting too long.
Overall, the series was Average. It started with one of the worst Trek novels I've ever read. One of the worst novels I've ever read, period. But The Crimson Shadow was one of the best. The others adequately played their roles.
January 4, 2014
3.5 stars. This was a petering conclusion to The Fall, and while it confirmed what I had suspected since part way through the second book, it was still different from what I was expecting. The climax was delicious, but I was let down by the resolution and the ending, which was a little too open ended for my liking.
December 20, 2024
Magnificent series, loved every page.
October 13, 2019
3.5/5
STAR TREK: PEACEABLE KINGDOMS is the final novel of THE FALL series. In simple terms, that is about the reign of the "evil" President of the Federation Ishan Anjar after his rise to power following the assassination of the previous one. Ishan has committed numerous atrocities and questionable actions in his pursuit of a stronger Federation but seems likely to lose the upcoming election to the newly-returned Andoria's candidate.
That may not come nearly soon enough for our heroes, though, who have discovered a shocking secret about Ishan: he's not even the person he claims to be. Ishan is actually a Bajoran collaborator during the Cardassian Occupation named Baras Rodirya. He stole the identity of the real Ishan Anjar, HERO OF THE RESISTANCE, and used that to build his political career. The story follows Doctor Crusher doing some forensic anthropology with a Cardassian doctor to find the truth and prove Ishran is an imposter.
Dayton Ward is one of my favorite Star Trek authors but I will say this isn't my favorite of the novels. In simple terms, the fact Ishran is an imposter and a collaborator with the Cardassians (much like the fact he's partially responsible for the previous president's assassination) feel like an easy way out of his potentially ruinous Presidency. I feel like the Fall gave a somewhat noncommittal depiction of their main villain: he's a warhawk and undiplomatic but not quite evil in the operatic way that a good Star Trek villain should be.
I feel like Ishran should have just lost the election if he was an ideological threat to the Federation. His policies are a bit hawkish but the Typhon pact has supported acts of aggression against the UFOP so they're not entirely unjustified.
Basically, the stakes feel a bit too low for getting him out of office now and I think at least an imminent war with the Typhon Pact would have helped matters. The fact he's an imposter and collaborator also have very little to do with the fact he's unfit to be President. Indeed, his imposterhood reminded me of Principle Skinner's infamous plot on the Simpsons and Don Draper.
Still, it's a very well written novel and I enjoyed it even if it feels a bit soft for the ending to the series.
STAR TREK: PEACEABLE KINGDOMS is the final novel of THE FALL series. In simple terms, that is about the reign of the "evil" President of the Federation Ishan Anjar after his rise to power following the assassination of the previous one. Ishan has committed numerous atrocities and questionable actions in his pursuit of a stronger Federation but seems likely to lose the upcoming election to the newly-returned Andoria's candidate.
That may not come nearly soon enough for our heroes, though, who have discovered a shocking secret about Ishan: he's not even the person he claims to be. Ishan is actually a Bajoran collaborator during the Cardassian Occupation named Baras Rodirya. He stole the identity of the real Ishan Anjar, HERO OF THE RESISTANCE, and used that to build his political career. The story follows Doctor Crusher doing some forensic anthropology with a Cardassian doctor to find the truth and prove Ishran is an imposter.
Dayton Ward is one of my favorite Star Trek authors but I will say this isn't my favorite of the novels. In simple terms, the fact Ishran is an imposter and a collaborator with the Cardassians (much like the fact he's partially responsible for the previous president's assassination) feel like an easy way out of his potentially ruinous Presidency. I feel like the Fall gave a somewhat noncommittal depiction of their main villain: he's a warhawk and undiplomatic but not quite evil in the operatic way that a good Star Trek villain should be.
I feel like Ishran should have just lost the election if he was an ideological threat to the Federation. His policies are a bit hawkish but the Typhon pact has supported acts of aggression against the UFOP so they're not entirely unjustified.
Basically, the stakes feel a bit too low for getting him out of office now and I think at least an imminent war with the Typhon Pact would have helped matters. The fact he's an imposter and collaborator also have very little to do with the fact he's unfit to be President. Indeed, his imposterhood reminded me of Principle Skinner's infamous plot on the Simpsons and Don Draper.
Still, it's a very well written novel and I enjoyed it even if it feels a bit soft for the ending to the series.
March 10, 2014
Firstly, don’t buy the hype that the five book in this story arc can be read a standalone novels; it is both misleading and biggest drawback to Peaceable Kingdoms, the final book in the Star Trek: The Fall Series. The final book is not completely dependent on the prior four books, but only because so much space is taken up explaining what happened in the last four books. Dayton Ward should have spent more time coming up with a satisfying conclusion to the arc rather than padding the pages with information most reader would already have (because, honestly, the reader are fans and it is unlikely that they are reading it out of order.)
While much of the book is still well written, it suffers from trying to wrap up and include too many plot points while leaving breadcrumbs for the next series. I like that this continuity is now open ended and that the writers have more freedom to explore different ideas (Rear Admiral Riker for example) they are choosing a format and writing style that I would expect in an Avengers comic and not a Star Trek novel. Specifically, the Federation conspiracy is tied up neatly when Dr. Crusher, Tom Riker (sigh…yup they bring him back.) and Cardassian scientist reveal a startling secret behind President Pro Tem Ishan. There is little fanfare and thing pretty much go back to normal. Ward spends the rest of the time having Picard brood about his Starfleet career and missing his wife. Fans of the character would hardly recognize the castrated version of Picard that Ward portrays.
Like most other Star Trek novels, it is worth reading if you are fan for no other reason than to be prepared for the next story arc. However, be prepared for an unsatisfying end for an otherwise promising saga.
While much of the book is still well written, it suffers from trying to wrap up and include too many plot points while leaving breadcrumbs for the next series. I like that this continuity is now open ended and that the writers have more freedom to explore different ideas (Rear Admiral Riker for example) they are choosing a format and writing style that I would expect in an Avengers comic and not a Star Trek novel. Specifically, the Federation conspiracy is tied up neatly when Dr. Crusher, Tom Riker (sigh…yup they bring him back.) and Cardassian scientist reveal a startling secret behind President Pro Tem Ishan. There is little fanfare and thing pretty much go back to normal. Ward spends the rest of the time having Picard brood about his Starfleet career and missing his wife. Fans of the character would hardly recognize the castrated version of Picard that Ward portrays.
Like most other Star Trek novels, it is worth reading if you are fan for no other reason than to be prepared for the next story arc. However, be prepared for an unsatisfying end for an otherwise promising saga.
January 3, 2014
This was a worthy finish to The Fall series. All the loose ends were tied up nicely, but not too neat, and the stage set for continuing is fresh.
Personally I have been a little disappointed with the tone and direction of the Star Trek universe for the past several incarnations. From the Borg and other wars to the death of Janeway, the entire arc has been depressing and dark. Federation ideals seemed to be lost or ignored.
The Fall started out in a similar fashion, but offered glimpses of hope and Peaceable Kingdoms does not disappoint.
If you like action, drama and familiar characters, this is the book for you.
The paths of Riker, Picard and others are clear cut and hopeful. The Federation seems to be back on track but with just enough tension to keep things interesting.
I look forward to the next journey of the Star Trek universe.
Personally I have been a little disappointed with the tone and direction of the Star Trek universe for the past several incarnations. From the Borg and other wars to the death of Janeway, the entire arc has been depressing and dark. Federation ideals seemed to be lost or ignored.
The Fall started out in a similar fashion, but offered glimpses of hope and Peaceable Kingdoms does not disappoint.
If you like action, drama and familiar characters, this is the book for you.
The paths of Riker, Picard and others are clear cut and hopeful. The Federation seems to be back on track but with just enough tension to keep things interesting.
I look forward to the next journey of the Star Trek universe.
May 18, 2015
I usually don't give anything a 5 star rating, but I'm making an exception for the last two books in The Fall series. I know alot of the reviews of this book in particular have indicated that it was anti-climactic or just somewhat of a let down somehow. Well that wasn't the case at all for me,...in my opinion I thought this book was great cover to cover. I honestly can't think of one negative thing to say about it, I thought it progressed & concluded the story in excellent fashion. Dayton Ward knows the characters & knows how to write them well. I dont want to give anything away, but Starfleet & the Fedaration's mindset & vision of the future by the end of the book is ST at its very best & helps to set the stage for what I believe will be some really great stories to come. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2016
As a few other people have said, this is a bit of a slow build towards the end of what was otherwise a very interesting and compelling story arc. While I feel like there wasn't necessarily anything wrong with the book, it did tend to drag at a few points, feeling like maybe it was trying to build up to the climax, but instead merely drawing out the story past where it needed to be.
And while the conclusion was ultimately satisfying, I also felt like it ended up being fairly preachy in where it ended, with several characters at the end going on about the direction that the UFP and Starfleet needed to take, looking towards a bright new future, etc.
Sorry, Dayton. I don't think this was one of your best works.
And while the conclusion was ultimately satisfying, I also felt like it ended up being fairly preachy in where it ended, with several characters at the end going on about the direction that the UFP and Starfleet needed to take, looking towards a bright new future, etc.
Sorry, Dayton. I don't think this was one of your best works.
January 11, 2014
A bit of a disappointing end to the five-book "Fall" series, primarily in that the resolution doesn't quite have the dramatic impact I was looking for...and it seems to repeat the story structure of the previous novel, "The Poisoned Chalice". Unfortunately, I didn't find the covert ops plot line in this novel quite as engaging. On the flip side, the Enterprise plot line & the political machinations within the upper echelons of the Federation remain compelling. The conclusion of the series leaves open some exciting new directions for the players in the "Star Trek" universe, but I wish "The Fall" had concluded with more dynamism, and less of a sense of anti-climax.
August 7, 2014
Pretty good finale. I struggled with this book a little bit as it felt a little sluggish. But that is to be expected after the high bar established by the middle 3 books (The Crimson Shadow, A Ceremony of Losses, & The Poisoned Chalice). While I enjoyed the read and getting to know Ishan, Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher a little better, by the end of the book I couldn't help but feel the book overall was missing something. What that is I couldn't exactly say. Overall a satisfying conclusion to The Fall series. Looking forward to where the stories will take us now.
May 17, 2021
My full review is on Roqoo Depot soon. A good conclusion to "The Fall" series. Not as weighty as "The Crimson Shadow" or "A Ceremony of Losses", nor is it as exciting as "The Poisoned Chalice". However, it is still a fun read with some great revelations. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.
https://roqoodepot.wordpress.com/2021...
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June 16, 2015
There's a reason Dayton Ward is a New York Times Bestseller - THIS is the reason. Mr. Ward brings this epic series to its nail-biting conclusion, brilliantly. (Monies were transferred for my endorsement.) No. Dayton has outdone himself with 'Peaceable Kingdoms.' It's what I call #GreatStarTrek.
November 7, 2014
a great, naturally enterprising end to what has been a truly interesting series. If ever I needed my interest in Star Trek rekindled, this series has jump started that and I can now gladly dip into upcoming novels or even hunt out specifics from my lost era with confidence.
February 7, 2017
Nothing says comfort read to me like a suspenseful Star Trek novel.
July 13, 2018
Boring and forgettable. The series should have ended after the previous book.
June 1, 2019
Peaceable Kingdoms continues straight off after the previous book with Picard and the gang looking to find hard evidence the the evil canning/misguided ruler/President of the Federation has been up to things in the neighbourhood! :D This sees him dispatching Crusher to the planet of Jevalan where Crushers old friend Ilona Daret has discovered that Ishan Anjar may not be all he seems! :D Jedi mind tricks abound it would seem, a job for Scooby Doo! :D Lol
At the Same time Riker and co are off investigating the President antics from a different angle! :D The team encounters obstacles at each point as Ishan gets desperate! :D The ruthless nature of the actions taken against them are visceral! :D Crushers team, who along with Thomas Riker has to engage in a a vicious counter counter move against the Starfleet Special Ops team that is deployed against them under the command of Jacob Barrows! :D This is viscous and you particularity feel that anyone could get the chop, the two Red/Yellow Konya and Cruzen have to keep on their toes! :D Phaser, had-to-hand fights etc really give the situation a desperate feel, at the same time allowing character development for all the characters such as Crusher, Konya, Cruzen, Tom Riker involved! :D The characters are put through the wringer but this serves the plots brilliantly! :D You really get a feel for what they are going through which gives, along with everything else the books it edge! :D
Meanwhile Picard and Co face booby traps and other Starfleet vessels! :D Peaceable Kingdoms though keeps the humour flowing with Worf having to go EV again much to Geordi's amusement! :D A running gag that never lets up! :D Picard's confrontation with the USS Tonawanda is dramatic and the actions of both crews makes sense, though you really get the sense like Picard of the situation spiralling out of control! :D
All these events, and others, neatly add up the evidence against Ishan Anjar and Phillipa Louvois Council interrupting manoeuvres against Ishan Anjar are neatly handled! :D The political manoeuvring is immense whilst at the same time the individual actions of officers such as Commander Hayden with Galif jav Velk, Admiral Declan Schlosser recording Ilona Daret etc, are great examples! :D This in turn changes the fortunes of one side over the other! :D Peaceable Kingdoms from the start will keep you guessing! :D The politics and the 'on the ground' actions are present on every page with every action, counter move, surgical strike against both sides played to perfection! :D The Andorians pinning a medal on Bashir and Starfleet wanting to try him is hilarious, as well at the same time setting up more plot points! :D At the same time we get character development in spades getting to meet Zh'Tarash and her somewhat crazy staff, along with Riker, Picard and Admiral Akaar reaffirming Starfleet's core directive! :D Peaceable Kingdoms deals with new plot points at the same time setting up new plots, sending the crew off and putting different people in charge of the Federation taking thing forward in a brilliantly original dramatic way! :D
Peaceable Kingdoms is a gripping roller coaster ride form the beginning! :D It full of nefarious baddies, heroes, grand standing, both on the political and military field, Character development, plot twists the will keep you guessing, white knuckle adventure and gripping edge of the seat action! :D Brilliant Crisp High Five! :D Review to Come! :D
At the Same time Riker and co are off investigating the President antics from a different angle! :D The team encounters obstacles at each point as Ishan gets desperate! :D The ruthless nature of the actions taken against them are visceral! :D Crushers team, who along with Thomas Riker has to engage in a a vicious counter counter move against the Starfleet Special Ops team that is deployed against them under the command of Jacob Barrows! :D This is viscous and you particularity feel that anyone could get the chop, the two Red/Yellow Konya and Cruzen have to keep on their toes! :D Phaser, had-to-hand fights etc really give the situation a desperate feel, at the same time allowing character development for all the characters such as Crusher, Konya, Cruzen, Tom Riker involved! :D The characters are put through the wringer but this serves the plots brilliantly! :D You really get a feel for what they are going through which gives, along with everything else the books it edge! :D
Meanwhile Picard and Co face booby traps and other Starfleet vessels! :D Peaceable Kingdoms though keeps the humour flowing with Worf having to go EV again much to Geordi's amusement! :D A running gag that never lets up! :D Picard's confrontation with the USS Tonawanda is dramatic and the actions of both crews makes sense, though you really get the sense like Picard of the situation spiralling out of control! :D
All these events, and others, neatly add up the evidence against Ishan Anjar and Phillipa Louvois Council interrupting manoeuvres against Ishan Anjar are neatly handled! :D The political manoeuvring is immense whilst at the same time the individual actions of officers such as Commander Hayden with Galif jav Velk, Admiral Declan Schlosser recording Ilona Daret etc, are great examples! :D This in turn changes the fortunes of one side over the other! :D Peaceable Kingdoms from the start will keep you guessing! :D The politics and the 'on the ground' actions are present on every page with every action, counter move, surgical strike against both sides played to perfection! :D The Andorians pinning a medal on Bashir and Starfleet wanting to try him is hilarious, as well at the same time setting up more plot points! :D At the same time we get character development in spades getting to meet Zh'Tarash and her somewhat crazy staff, along with Riker, Picard and Admiral Akaar reaffirming Starfleet's core directive! :D Peaceable Kingdoms deals with new plot points at the same time setting up new plots, sending the crew off and putting different people in charge of the Federation taking thing forward in a brilliantly original dramatic way! :D
Peaceable Kingdoms is a gripping roller coaster ride form the beginning! :D It full of nefarious baddies, heroes, grand standing, both on the political and military field, Character development, plot twists the will keep you guessing, white knuckle adventure and gripping edge of the seat action! :D Brilliant Crisp High Five! :D Review to Come! :D
January 9, 2018
Nearly two months have passed since the most popular and widely respected president in Federation history was publicly assassinated, but in that time her temporary replacement has not been standing strong, offering a reassuring presence to a troubled people. Instead, he's been losing friends and alienating people in a misguided effort to renew the Federation as a galactic superpower. With a declared object of making Starfleet a force to be reckoned with, he has instead begun corrupting it by ignoring the chain of command, creating black-ops squads and playing hell with Starfleet schedules by using them for his off-the-books wetwork. Frustrated and wary of his commander in chief's motives, Fleet Admiral Akaar has recalled Captain Riker, promoted him to admiral, and is relying on him to be the one trustworthy man in his office. Riker has thus become the point man in an effort to find out what el presidente is up to. Together, he, Captain Picard, and their respective crews will unearth a few skeletons and put the Federation to rights again. A tale of action and intrigue, Peaceable Kingdoms takes The Fall out on a good step, if not one as strong as previous titles in the series.
The Enterprise has been hovering out of sight for most of this series, consigned by the president to keep station at Ferenginar. It's an obvious misuse of the Federation flagship and its most seasoned captain, not to mention a fairly crappy place for shore leave. Who wants to take their liberty on a swamp-planet? Now the Big E is entering center stage, however, dispatching Dr. Crusher and a few others on a secret mission to an abandoned world where some secrets are buried, there to follow up on one of Riker's leads. They'l have to contend with the president's schemes, though. A welcome relief here is T'Ryssa Chen, who since the Borg War books has added some humor to the Enterprise . She's an oddly irrepressible half-Vulcan with a smart mouth, who a mellowing Picard tolerates with paternal affection. Given the tension of these books -- what is with that title, anyway? Are we anticipating the fall of the Federation? The Typhon Pact? -- her sass evens things out a bit. The series as a whole has been good about leavening the drama with laughs, though.
Peaceable Kingdoms is an enjoyable end to a great series, and its end is a hopeful one -- assuring readers that after the bloodshed and horror of the Great Borg War, and the constant tension of the Cold War in Space, Starfleet is about to commend another grand era of exploration
The Enterprise has been hovering out of sight for most of this series, consigned by the president to keep station at Ferenginar. It's an obvious misuse of the Federation flagship and its most seasoned captain, not to mention a fairly crappy place for shore leave. Who wants to take their liberty on a swamp-planet? Now the Big E is entering center stage, however, dispatching Dr. Crusher and a few others on a secret mission to an abandoned world where some secrets are buried, there to follow up on one of Riker's leads. They'l have to contend with the president's schemes, though. A welcome relief here is T'Ryssa Chen, who since the Borg War books has added some humor to the Enterprise . She's an oddly irrepressible half-Vulcan with a smart mouth, who a mellowing Picard tolerates with paternal affection. Given the tension of these books -- what is with that title, anyway? Are we anticipating the fall of the Federation? The Typhon Pact? -- her sass evens things out a bit. The series as a whole has been good about leavening the drama with laughs, though.
Peaceable Kingdoms is an enjoyable end to a great series, and its end is a hopeful one -- assuring readers that after the bloodshed and horror of the Great Borg War, and the constant tension of the Cold War in Space, Starfleet is about to commend another grand era of exploration
April 8, 2025
Star Trek: Post-Nemesis era: The Fall 05 Peaceable Kingdoms by Dayton Ward
adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
This story was a perfect way to the culmination of The Fall series.
I love the arcs that Beverly Crusher; her husband, Captain Picard, Admiral Riker, and his "brother/clone", Thomas, Commnander Worf, Geordi LaForge and the unique characters that these talented authors incorporated in this time period...went on.
Overall, this series is amazing.
One of the aspects that I enjoyed the most, was that it seemed applicable to what WE are going through in early 2025 and the lawlessness of the Orange Turd and his band of outlaws/thieves...that are running/ruining the governement.
Not everyone will view it the way that I did (not a problem), but for me...it seemed so prescient and made me enjoy the story...when the bad guys got theirs, and our heroes put them to the task...and repaired/fixed all the nonsense that they were doing. So satisfying.
In this portion of the Post-Nemesis timeline, I don't have many more books to read (about 5-8), and I'm not sure I want to read the at this moment.
Like I said, I could go forward, but for some reason...I want to go back in time, and read The Lives of Dax...and follow the DS9 Backstory, then early Deep Space Nine, the IKS Gorkon series and a few Crossover books from the Star Trek Lit-verse flowchart. I didn't have many of that portion of the flowchart, and now I do. So...that will probably be my next read. I can read twenty books, and only have to buy one or two more. SO, that's the plan.
adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
This story was a perfect way to the culmination of The Fall series.
I love the arcs that Beverly Crusher; her husband, Captain Picard, Admiral Riker, and his "brother/clone", Thomas, Commnander Worf, Geordi LaForge and the unique characters that these talented authors incorporated in this time period...went on.
Overall, this series is amazing.
One of the aspects that I enjoyed the most, was that it seemed applicable to what WE are going through in early 2025 and the lawlessness of the Orange Turd and his band of outlaws/thieves...that are running/ruining the governement.
Not everyone will view it the way that I did (not a problem), but for me...it seemed so prescient and made me enjoy the story...when the bad guys got theirs, and our heroes put them to the task...and repaired/fixed all the nonsense that they were doing. So satisfying.
In this portion of the Post-Nemesis timeline, I don't have many more books to read (about 5-8), and I'm not sure I want to read the at this moment.
Like I said, I could go forward, but for some reason...I want to go back in time, and read The Lives of Dax...and follow the DS9 Backstory, then early Deep Space Nine, the IKS Gorkon series and a few Crossover books from the Star Trek Lit-verse flowchart. I didn't have many of that portion of the flowchart, and now I do. So...that will probably be my next read. I can read twenty books, and only have to buy one or two more. SO, that's the plan.
June 7, 2019
(Spoiler content is 90% of what DIDNT happen.)
Well,for starters, if you want to read this book, you only need to read the last 10 chapters or so because nothing actually happens in the rest of the book. The first chunk of chapters spends a fairly lengthy time recounting the past books despite a full page Historians Note at the beginning.
I enjoyed the greater focus on Beaverly, as she is often overlooked as a character. There are parts of the mystery where it was magically solved at the end but the reader doesnt get to know anything-- almost like an "oh yeah I need to do that". We forget about the Titan crew. What happens to Ezri? What happens to Bashier? What is the Titan crew doing? Where did Nog go? Suddenly Garak shows up with a character whose presence is explained away simply.
I'm glad that Ishan got what was coming to him, but there was more than a handful of unexplained leads and unfinished arcs.
This novel feels.... incomplete. The book was way to long for what actually happened-- instead of filling, why not wrap some plot points?!
Also, if I hear one more "if and when" (or a variation thereof) I will collapse. Also, Picard says "make it so" many times often in a nonsensical situation just to force him into character.
Well,for starters, if you want to read this book, you only need to read the last 10 chapters or so because nothing actually happens in the rest of the book. The first chunk of chapters spends a fairly lengthy time recounting the past books despite a full page Historians Note at the beginning.
I enjoyed the greater focus on Beaverly, as she is often overlooked as a character. There are parts of the mystery where it was magically solved at the end but the reader doesnt get to know anything-- almost like an "oh yeah I need to do that". We forget about the Titan crew. What happens to Ezri? What happens to Bashier? What is the Titan crew doing? Where did Nog go? Suddenly Garak shows up with a character whose presence is explained away simply.
I'm glad that Ishan got what was coming to him, but there was more than a handful of unexplained leads and unfinished arcs.
This novel feels.... incomplete. The book was way to long for what actually happened-- instead of filling, why not wrap some plot points?!
Also, if I hear one more "if and when" (or a variation thereof) I will collapse. Also, Picard says "make it so" many times often in a nonsensical situation just to force him into character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Writing the final book in an “event” series like this must be a considerable challenge. You have to follow what other writers have done, tie up any of their loose threads, and also try to create an entertaining story of your own that sums up the event as a whole. This book has a lot of physical action in it which, perhaps ironically, I find rather dull to read.
I like that there was an attempt to give Dr Crusher something interesting to do here but, ultimately, the attempt is not that successful as she ends up in an action plot she’s not cut out for. It was interesting to see Thomas Riker return.
I’m glad the Andorians have returned to the Federation and glad that the end of this book seems to leave us in a position where future stories will be more about missions of exploration than of politics.
I like that there was an attempt to give Dr Crusher something interesting to do here but, ultimately, the attempt is not that successful as she ends up in an action plot she’s not cut out for. It was interesting to see Thomas Riker return.
I’m glad the Andorians have returned to the Federation and glad that the end of this book seems to leave us in a position where future stories will be more about missions of exploration than of politics.
February 25, 2019
This is essentially an action-adventure novel; there is little to the plot beyond that. But it is a very GOOD action-adventure novel, handling its plot, characterizations, and pacing quite well. It does have a background concept hinting at the conflict between following orders that are not obviously illegal, when one suspects but cannot prove misdeeds by one's legal superiors. But those issues are essentially holdovers from the previous books in the miniseries; by this book, the protagonists were pretty sure that their actions were necessary and their "leader" a criminal; the issue was essentially acquiring evidence to prove their suspicions. The overall story, from the entire series, was well-done, and this book tidied the loose ends and concluded the overall story admirably, while being a complete story in and of itself.
November 29, 2022
This is the first Dayton Ward novel I've read and I was thoroughly unimpressed. Peaceable Kingdoms is a lacklustre and unsatisfying read, both as a conclusion to The Fall series and as a book on its own. Ward has no flair; the dialogue was functional, and action "by the numbers". As others have said, there was so much exposition and retelling of prior events in other books -it got particularly annoying after several times, the retelling would occur after a couple of lines of dialogue, maybe even one line. So, the rhythm ended up being a choppy and dry read.
The middle third was a slog of nothing-going-nowhere; you can just skip it and pick it up again till you're in the last 11 or so chapters. Or just skip the whole thing. I'd give this one star except for the fact that I at least got the satisfaction from reading a free ebook copy of it and never will pay for an actual physical copy.
The middle third was a slog of nothing-going-nowhere; you can just skip it and pick it up again till you're in the last 11 or so chapters. Or just skip the whole thing. I'd give this one star except for the fact that I at least got the satisfaction from reading a free ebook copy of it and never will pay for an actual physical copy.
August 27, 2017
Three and a half stars. A good, but not great conclusion to this TNG and DS9 crossover event. I'm definitely glad I read it because it was well written and the conclusion was satisfying, but it could've been something more. The best part about the whole event was the level of interaction between the characters of TNG and DS9. It makes me wonder what if both television series were made today instead of 25 years ago? There would've been many amazing crossover events much like The Flash and the other DC TV series do so often today.
Can't wait to see where the TNG crew goes from here, and I even have a new jumping on point for the DS9 book series. 🖖
Can't wait to see where the TNG crew goes from here, and I even have a new jumping on point for the DS9 book series. 🖖
January 21, 2019
A subpar conclusion to The Fall series. Both the first book (Revelation and Dust) and this conclusion did not deliver the goods. I really enjoyed both A Ceremony of Losses and The Poisoned Chalice and thought The Crimson Shadow was beyond incredible. Peaceable Kingdoms was bogged down by long, unnecessary plot recaps and slow moving action. The author put two pages plot recap during a conversation—I had to turn back and reread the last thing that was said to try and stay in the flow of what actually was happening.
I’m disappointed because the previous three Fall books were stellar and we were set up for a massive showdown conclusion, but we ended up getting a long and drawn out snoozer.
I’m disappointed because the previous three Fall books were stellar and we were set up for a massive showdown conclusion, but we ended up getting a long and drawn out snoozer.
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