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Star Trek: New Frontier #8
Dark Allies
Many years ago, a bizarre alien lifeform known as the Black Mass consumed and destroyed an entire solar system in what was then the Thallonion Empire. Now the Black Mass has returned and its target is Tulan IV, homeworld of the fearsome Redeemers. Faced with near-certain destruction the Overlord of the Redeemers is forced to turn to an unlikely ally: Captain Calhoun and the Starship Excalibur.
Busy coping with the return of his rebellious son, Calhoun is none too eager to come to the aid of his despotic enemy, but when innocent lives are threatened he has no choice but to confront the unstoppable Black Mass. But how can one starship turn back a force capable of consuming entire suns?
Busy coping with the return of his rebellious son, Calhoun is none too eager to come to the aid of his despotic enemy, but when innocent lives are threatened he has no choice but to confront the unstoppable Black Mass. But how can one starship turn back a force capable of consuming entire suns?
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1999
28 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
2,989 books1,364 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 7, 2017
An unholy alliance!
This is the 8th novel in the “Star Trek: New Frontier” book series.
MASS TIME
The mission of mercy of the USS Excalibur in the space sector 221-G continues!
Since the fall of the Thallonian Empire, the sector has been like an open party for the Redeemers in their zealot forced conversion of planets to the faith of Xant, their god.
Even when the Thallonian Empire was at its best point, they tried to avoid to make conflicts with the Redeemers, since those have a mighty fleet of cruisers.
However, not even the vast fleet of Redeemer cruisers were a threat against something feared in the entire sector…
…the Black Mass!
A mysterious entity able to consume suns and planets alike and that every certain time, it went out from the “Hunger Zone”, and now, it was getting out again, travelling at speeds faster than light, and in direct collision with…
…Tulaan IV, the Redeemers’ homeworld!
Therefore, the Redeemer Overlord is doing what nobody could expect…
…asking for help to Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the USS Excalibur!!!
You can guess that Calhoun won’t be too willingly to help to his bitter enemies, but…
…the Redeemers have a couple of cards under their sleeves for the negotiation.
But, even if Calhoun would accept to give assistant to the Redeemers’ homeworld…
…how to stop an alien entity able to literally “eat” planets and suns?!!
And trust me, while the story at hand is resolved here…
…you’ll meet the mother of all cliffhangers here!
This is the 8th novel in the “Star Trek: New Frontier” book series.
MASS TIME
The mission of mercy of the USS Excalibur in the space sector 221-G continues!
Since the fall of the Thallonian Empire, the sector has been like an open party for the Redeemers in their zealot forced conversion of planets to the faith of Xant, their god.
Even when the Thallonian Empire was at its best point, they tried to avoid to make conflicts with the Redeemers, since those have a mighty fleet of cruisers.
However, not even the vast fleet of Redeemer cruisers were a threat against something feared in the entire sector…
…the Black Mass!
A mysterious entity able to consume suns and planets alike and that every certain time, it went out from the “Hunger Zone”, and now, it was getting out again, travelling at speeds faster than light, and in direct collision with…
…Tulaan IV, the Redeemers’ homeworld!
Therefore, the Redeemer Overlord is doing what nobody could expect…
…asking for help to Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the USS Excalibur!!!
You can guess that Calhoun won’t be too willingly to help to his bitter enemies, but…
…the Redeemers have a couple of cards under their sleeves for the negotiation.
But, even if Calhoun would accept to give assistant to the Redeemers’ homeworld…
…how to stop an alien entity able to literally “eat” planets and suns?!!
And trust me, while the story at hand is resolved here…
…you’ll meet the mother of all cliffhangers here!
January 2, 2025
Continuing on from The Quiet Place, this this time, more to do with the Excalibur crew. Again, I give this one 4 of 5.
February 28, 2016
another good one from peter david, this should be on tv, its that good of course i no doubt will continue with this range
April 29, 2024
Dark Allies - 2.5/5
I've finished what I'm tentatively calling Star Trek: New Frontiers season 1, or the run of books from House of Cards through to Dark Allies (10 books in total + a comic and a short story).
Dark Allies itself is decent enough, it carries on a lot of the soap opera style crew drama fairly well, even if some of it is wearing a bit thin at this point, specifically between Captain Calhoun and Shelby (although the book does a pretty good job of acknowledging the rut they're in and seems to be pushing for change in the next novel). Also, whilst the books are still weirdly horny for Trek media the creep factor has been dialled back a whole bunch from the early books, and Burgoyne especially has cooled down hir horny a fair bit (with parts of this book feeling like a response to the complaints about that aspect). I didn't love the resolution, it seemed to miss out on the whole "finding peaceful solutions" thing which Trek is usually focused on, but I can't say I wasn't happy to see .
As for New Frontiers S1 as a whole. It's a mixed bag: I enjoy the soapy drama between the crew which lets it feel distinct from other 90s Trek (which is lampshaded well in the TNG crossover where Riker has to manage this very strange and dysfunctional Starfleet Crew), the comedy is usually enjoyable, with lots of the cheesy and absurd gags which Peter David seems to love, and the actual setup and payoff between novels and stories is surprisingly well done. Sure, it's all written by one guy but it's still fun to see a hook in book 5 pay off in book 9 or so in a tie-in series like this one. Also, whilst ideas do take a backseat to character drama there's still some solid stuff here, such as vaguely exploring the idea of gender beyond a binary with Burgoyne and their s/he and hir pronouns and how the crew reacts to that, even if it is still rooted in linking it to biology (hey, it's a Trek tie-in from the 90s).
However, Burgoyne leads me to some of the negatives about the series. It has, especially early on, an uncomfortably horny edge. Now, I'm not someone who objects to horny in books, it's fine and I can appreciate it, but old man horny is just very bleh. Burgoyne and Selar's relationship is centred on that here. Burgy is, frankly, a sex pest and should've been thrown off the ship multiple times for hir actions, and whilst s/he mellows and I do like them more as the series goes on hir presence still has that taint to it. Much of the rest of the horniness is down to standard "men writing women" shenanigans or, leading into another issue, trying to make Captain Calhoun seem like a badass.
David desperately wants Calhoun to be pop culture's idea of Kirk dialled up to 11. He's a former warlord who fights the bad guys with a sword, beds all the ladies, has a tortured soul, and is so ultra cool under pressure that his opponents all comment on it. Frankly, it's unintentionally hilarious and reads like the ultimate Marty Stu insert, even after we establish the various fuckups Calhoun has had in the past. In Double or Nothing he's playing the Bond role and it feels like a version of 'Our Man Bashir' from DS9 which plays it straight. This is also weird in that David focuses in on comedy throughout these books and the fact he's playing his parody of Kirk so straight sits directly at odds with that. It also hurts the characters around him. Commander Shelby can never really be right because she's just not as cool as Calhoun is. All her, reasonable and understandable, complaints about him flaunting protocol and Starfleet's rules? Nonsense in the face of Calhoun's badassery! It makes her seem so much worse at her job than she is, never mind the rest of the crew.
Don't get me wrong, I largely enjoy this series (I wouldn't have read so much of it if I didn't), but these issues have niggled at me throughout. I'm going to take a good break between the end of this "season" and the start of the next, but I will eventually return to New Frontiers at some point.
I've finished what I'm tentatively calling Star Trek: New Frontiers season 1, or the run of books from House of Cards through to Dark Allies (10 books in total + a comic and a short story).
Dark Allies itself is decent enough, it carries on a lot of the soap opera style crew drama fairly well, even if some of it is wearing a bit thin at this point, specifically between Captain Calhoun and Shelby (although the book does a pretty good job of acknowledging the rut they're in and seems to be pushing for change in the next novel). Also, whilst the books are still weirdly horny for Trek media the creep factor has been dialled back a whole bunch from the early books, and Burgoyne especially has cooled down hir horny a fair bit (with parts of this book feeling like a response to the complaints about that aspect). I didn't love the resolution, it seemed to miss out on the whole "finding peaceful solutions" thing which Trek is usually focused on, but I can't say I wasn't happy to see .
As for New Frontiers S1 as a whole. It's a mixed bag: I enjoy the soapy drama between the crew which lets it feel distinct from other 90s Trek (which is lampshaded well in the TNG crossover where Riker has to manage this very strange and dysfunctional Starfleet Crew), the comedy is usually enjoyable, with lots of the cheesy and absurd gags which Peter David seems to love, and the actual setup and payoff between novels and stories is surprisingly well done. Sure, it's all written by one guy but it's still fun to see a hook in book 5 pay off in book 9 or so in a tie-in series like this one. Also, whilst ideas do take a backseat to character drama there's still some solid stuff here, such as vaguely exploring the idea of gender beyond a binary with Burgoyne and their s/he and hir pronouns and how the crew reacts to that, even if it is still rooted in linking it to biology (hey, it's a Trek tie-in from the 90s).
However, Burgoyne leads me to some of the negatives about the series. It has, especially early on, an uncomfortably horny edge. Now, I'm not someone who objects to horny in books, it's fine and I can appreciate it, but old man horny is just very bleh. Burgoyne and Selar's relationship is centred on that here. Burgy is, frankly, a sex pest and should've been thrown off the ship multiple times for hir actions, and whilst s/he mellows and I do like them more as the series goes on hir presence still has that taint to it. Much of the rest of the horniness is down to standard "men writing women" shenanigans or, leading into another issue, trying to make Captain Calhoun seem like a badass.
David desperately wants Calhoun to be pop culture's idea of Kirk dialled up to 11. He's a former warlord who fights the bad guys with a sword, beds all the ladies, has a tortured soul, and is so ultra cool under pressure that his opponents all comment on it. Frankly, it's unintentionally hilarious and reads like the ultimate Marty Stu insert, even after we establish the various fuckups Calhoun has had in the past. In Double or Nothing he's playing the Bond role and it feels like a version of 'Our Man Bashir' from DS9 which plays it straight. This is also weird in that David focuses in on comedy throughout these books and the fact he's playing his parody of Kirk so straight sits directly at odds with that. It also hurts the characters around him. Commander Shelby can never really be right because she's just not as cool as Calhoun is. All her, reasonable and understandable, complaints about him flaunting protocol and Starfleet's rules? Nonsense in the face of Calhoun's badassery! It makes her seem so much worse at her job than she is, never mind the rest of the crew.
Don't get me wrong, I largely enjoy this series (I wouldn't have read so much of it if I didn't), but these issues have niggled at me throughout. I'm going to take a good break between the end of this "season" and the start of the next, but I will eventually return to New Frontiers at some point.
October 3, 2023
NF #8: Dark Allies by Peter David
This book was frustrating. It felt like a step back in terms of story. The Black Mass were interesting as a concept but turned out not to be really be much besides worms. The biggest issue I had with the entrie book was the ending. Everything else was fine up until that point.
I usually enjoy Peter David and how he ends books with everything going off the rails, but the past three NF books I’ve read, it’s been the exact same. A big crazy cosmic force that destroys everything but the main heroes are fine. It’s fun, but when it’s done over and over, it’s really annoying and repetitive. He almost doesn’t know how to end a book or something without doing it that way. Xyon sarficing himself was pointless and felt very juvenile. Hell, this whole series has felt juvenile but not in a good way.
The creepy sexual content has thankfully been toned but Shelby was this badass, tough as nails woman has been butchered as a character. She’s nothing more than a woman obsessing over a man. She deserves better then that. This book was fine, despite my criticisms of it. But it was about 75 pages too short, felt juvenile in its writing and characters and the ending was just the same as the previous three books. It’s very frustrating but not as bad as the 5th book for me.
6/10
This book was frustrating. It felt like a step back in terms of story. The Black Mass were interesting as a concept but turned out not to be really be much besides worms. The biggest issue I had with the entrie book was the ending. Everything else was fine up until that point.
I usually enjoy Peter David and how he ends books with everything going off the rails, but the past three NF books I’ve read, it’s been the exact same. A big crazy cosmic force that destroys everything but the main heroes are fine. It’s fun, but when it’s done over and over, it’s really annoying and repetitive. He almost doesn’t know how to end a book or something without doing it that way. Xyon sarficing himself was pointless and felt very juvenile. Hell, this whole series has felt juvenile but not in a good way.
The creepy sexual content has thankfully been toned but Shelby was this badass, tough as nails woman has been butchered as a character. She’s nothing more than a woman obsessing over a man. She deserves better then that. This book was fine, despite my criticisms of it. But it was about 75 pages too short, felt juvenile in its writing and characters and the ending was just the same as the previous three books. It’s very frustrating but not as bad as the 5th book for me.
6/10
August 3, 2022
Despite the previous book being better than expected, I didn't plan on continuing this series, but I found this one for cheap and figured what heck. I'd say Dark Allies was just an ok story; the problem I had was over half the characters just suddenly became either unlikeable or one-note. The only ones I could still tolerate by even the halfway point was Calhoun, Shelby, and Kebron. Throw in another dull antagonist with the Black Mass (last time it was genetically enhanced, man-sized dogs called the Dogs of War), add the references to a side story that was mixed into a TNG series (part 5 of the Double Helix miniseries) which directly effected the end of this book and you get a meh experience with good moments sprinkled within.
A couple of those good moments; at least I liked them anyway, were they way the Redeemers blackmailed Mac et al (thought this was well-written and in character for them), and how Mac had backup plans to negate the Redeemer blackmail attempts.
Peter David is still one of my favorite Trek authors, but between the way this one ended and looking ahead at what follows, as well as several more side tales through multiple media, I'm confident I won't be continuing with the New Frontier... soon to be Excalibur series.
A couple of those good moments; at least I liked them anyway, were they way the Redeemers blackmailed Mac et al (thought this was well-written and in character for them), and how Mac had backup plans to negate the Redeemer blackmail attempts.
Peter David is still one of my favorite Trek authors, but between the way this one ended and looking ahead at what follows, as well as several more side tales through multiple media, I'm confident I won't be continuing with the New Frontier... soon to be Excalibur series.
May 26, 2020
Following after The Quiet Place, this continues a plot involving the Redeemers, which seems to be temporarily resolved by the conclusion of this book. However, the final page, holy crap. I was planning on pausing my readthrough of this series for a bit, but that's going to be tougher to do with that ending. I have no idea what they're going to do in the next story arc.
I got some more fun Lt. Soleta in this book, but not as much as I would've liked. I continue to love the humor, but definitely getting some soap opera feelings with some of the relationships. The Black Mass was a fun challenge. I kinda wish Peter David wrote longer books for this series, everything so far has been under 300 pages (unless you count the first 4 "books" which are really one giant book).
I got some more fun Lt. Soleta in this book, but not as much as I would've liked. I continue to love the humor, but definitely getting some soap opera feelings with some of the relationships. The Black Mass was a fun challenge. I kinda wish Peter David wrote longer books for this series, everything so far has been under 300 pages (unless you count the first 4 "books" which are really one giant book).
December 9, 2025
There's an interesting threat in this one: a hive of sun-eating creatures that seem to have very little intelligence. They're basically just animals, with no moral understanding or motivation so they come across more like a natural disaster than a villain. That being said, they're a very destructive natural disaster - more like a swarm of locusts than anything else - and so while they have to be destroyed to save everything else, I kind of felt bad for them. They weren't actually doing anything wrong, just trying to survive. Not compared to the Redeemers, anyway, who continue to be flat-out awful.
I liked the swarm, so I probably would have given this three stars except I really don't care for the endlessly melodramatic personal lives of all the crew, and David does insist on making those private lives a large part of this series. It would be easier if I liked even one of them, but I don't much.
I liked the swarm, so I probably would have given this three stars except I really don't care for the endlessly melodramatic personal lives of all the crew, and David does insist on making those private lives a large part of this series. It would be easier if I liked even one of them, but I don't much.
May 20, 2024
I was not happy with the previous entry in this series so I spent some time away from the Excalibur. I am glad I returned, because this entry rounds back into form. It balances the crew drama with an interesting big bad. Where the Dog aliens from the last book left much to be desired this time is the Black Mass. It's a planet and sun eating entity that seems to be impenetrable to attack. The crew is in center stage as well different from the last novel. Calhoun dealing with his newly discovered son, Dr. Selar's pregnancy, Si Cwan dealing with his sister's return amidst her new love affair, and all the others are interesting and keep you invested in this crew. Overall this book is a breath of fresh air for the series as it sets up the next book with a cliffhanger ending, and I can't wait to read what's next.
December 25, 2023
The best Excalibur adventure yet?
Dark Allies follows the main characters much more closely than the last book and it felt good. Now that all of the New Frontier characters have been so explored, it was nice to have that season 3/4 feeling to the crew. Another effect of the series being fully established is that I finally settled on the fact that this crew is nothing like any other Star Trek crew. They are silly and unprofessional, and I love that.
Just like most of the books in the series, there’s a crazy cliffhanger at the end. These cliffhangers keep getting more absurd and I can’t help but laugh at each one. I will kind of be spoiling this cliffhanger in my next Star Trek review, but it honestly doesn’t affect the reading experience of this book at all.
Dark Allies follows the main characters much more closely than the last book and it felt good. Now that all of the New Frontier characters have been so explored, it was nice to have that season 3/4 feeling to the crew. Another effect of the series being fully established is that I finally settled on the fact that this crew is nothing like any other Star Trek crew. They are silly and unprofessional, and I love that.
Just like most of the books in the series, there’s a crazy cliffhanger at the end. These cliffhangers keep getting more absurd and I can’t help but laugh at each one. I will kind of be spoiling this cliffhanger in my next Star Trek review, but it honestly doesn’t affect the reading experience of this book at all.
February 13, 2018
A lot more with the Redeemers, and another seemingly insurmountable baddie in the form of a ... dark ... nebulae thing.
The Redeemers is an example of PAD being too clever by far, I think. YES, they make sense and are ... like, there's a narrative rightness about them, but they're not very interesting to read. I always find myself either rolling my eyes or gritting my teeth.
The stuff with Si Cwan's sister & Mackenzie's offspring is decently interesting, but the end of the book is seven shades of frustrating.
I love love LOVED the idea of this series, and PAD seems determined to make me hate it.
The Redeemers is an example of PAD being too clever by far, I think. YES, they make sense and are ... like, there's a narrative rightness about them, but they're not very interesting to read. I always find myself either rolling my eyes or gritting my teeth.
The stuff with Si Cwan's sister & Mackenzie's offspring is decently interesting, but the end of the book is seven shades of frustrating.
I love love LOVED the idea of this series, and PAD seems determined to make me hate it.
August 2, 2022
Definitely enjoyed some Calhoun and Soleta moments in this book (increasingly loving Soleta's moments of sarcasm and brevity in the cast). I did find a lot of the 'teaming up' with the Redeemers didn't pay off in the way I liked - usually when the good guys and bad guys team up there are more grey areas. But Calhoun didn't have a choice the whole time, he was being blackmailed. So there were no difficult decisions to be made - they had to work together or literally billions of people would die. And the one sacrifice which would give their defeat of the Black Mass weight was copped out.
September 22, 2019
I just couldn't get into this one. I think I am finding that I am getting a little sick of the DRAMA onboard the Excalibur and wish there was a little bit more going on story-wise. The Black Mass and the solution were interesting enough and I liked the history of that, I just wish there was a little more to it.
June 7, 2023
The Excalibur comes in contact with the race known as the Redeemers. They are on a quest to transform whole populations of planets to their religion or die very quickly from a rather nasty virulent plague. Then the Black Mass comes along threatening them and the Excalibur gets in the middle of the crisis. Quite a few twists and unexpected revelations come to the surface. Definitely recommended
August 12, 2020
Really strong effort here. Has all the great character moments and action to be expected from this series. Awesome cliffhanger! After the minor disappointment of the previous book, it's safe to say this series is back on track.
February 8, 2021
It's fun to read between the lines of this series, puzzling out David's various comic book inspirations. To wit: in this novel, a Venom symbiote capable of devouring a planet is threatening Darksied's homeworld. :)
September 2, 2025
I enjoy reading the adventures of McKenzie Calhoun
I wish the books where better laid out in order to continue the story line of captain Calhoun. I am having trouble finding the continuation of Soleta having Calhoun child. What becomes of Robin Lefleur and Si Cwan baby.
I wish the books where better laid out in order to continue the story line of captain Calhoun. I am having trouble finding the continuation of Soleta having Calhoun child. What becomes of Robin Lefleur and Si Cwan baby.
March 21, 2018
a good continuation with a Hell of an ending.
May 16, 2019
Another excellent adventure for the Excalibur crew with an explosive ending!
October 12, 2021
Excellent story, maybe my favorite of the series.
July 27, 2022
Some exploration of elements that have been lurking around from the start and mostly good character progression.
4/5 Some rather jarring but not objectionable developments.
4/5 Some rather jarring but not objectionable developments.
September 23, 2022
This is not Kirk, we established that a while ago. Nor is this Pikard.
Calhoun is a bit of an stubborn loner who does not make friends, but he is turning...
Calhoun is a bit of an stubborn loner who does not make friends, but he is turning...
November 12, 2022
Most excellent.
May 18, 2017
Dark Allies is another great book in the Star Trek: New Frontier series. I've mentioned this is my favorite series in the Star Trek novelverse and it's up there with my favorite series of books all round. The books are funny, adventurous, entertaining, moving, serious, and ridiculous all in one. The premise of the books is the U.S.S Excalibur, led by eccentric military genius Mackenzie Calhoun, and populated by a band of misfits has been sent into the former Thallonian Empire on a mission of peace. Accompanied by the former Prince of Thallonia, Si Cwan, they have run into numerous races who want to tear the region apart as well as those who want to exploit the former empire's resources. Oh and a gigantic flaming space bird that hatched out of a planet.
It's that kind of series.
Dark Allies follows Captain Calhoun being approached by the dangerous religious cult, the Redeemers, which have waged a genocidal war of conversion across the Thallonian Sector. Apparently, a kind of monstrous space-blob called the Black Mass is threatening the Redeemer's homeworld. The Redeemers, having no idea how to defeat it, believe their worst enemy might have a better shot. Captain Calhoun is not persuaded by simple humanitarian concerns so the Redeemer's Overlord also takes an innocent planet hostage.
Wonderful guys.
The soap opera elements of the series, which I love almost as much as the adventure, are in full form as well. Captain Calhoun has reunited with his estranged Han Solo-esque son, Xyon, who is also courting Princess Kalinda of the Thallonian Empire. It's a match which infuriates her brother but Si Cwan doesn't have a planet anymore so he has little room to complain. Xyon isn't quite sure of his willingness to settle down even for a girl he's fallen in love with. Even Captain Calhoun and Shelby's relationship is on the rocks as they run into a position where they have to choose their careers or each other.
Fun stuff.
I complained about the previous volume having too much focus on side-characters as well as a lack of space action for, well, a Star Trek novel. This one picks up the pace a great deal and has a lot of focus on our main characters. We get more insight into Captain Calhoun, Shelby, and what kind of forces drive them both. This is in addition to picking up the plots from the previous volume. Despite being, basically, two teenagers in love, I also found myself warming to Kalinda and Xyon's relationship. Watching Si Cwan try to sabotage their relationship using reverse psychology irritated the hell out of me, because teenagers are stupid enough to fall for that sort of thing.
The Redeemers are somewhat silly villains, which is part of their charm but they're hard to take seriously even though they threaten billions of lives. Basically, if you want to imagine them then you should start with Ewok Sith Lords. If that causes you to pause then you have roughly the same reaction many people have to their race in-universe. The Black Mass, by contrast, is a perfectly serviceable Star Trek monster and while Captain Picard would have tried to save it, I'm quite glad Captain Calhoun is not so sentimental.
While she only plays a small role in the book, I'm also fond of the character Kat Mueller who is the XO of the Excalibur. Peter David spotted a rather glaring plot hole in the Star Trek series which is, "Wait, who is in charge of the ship when everyone else is asleep" and added a night shift. Kat is a wonderful character, more or less what you'd get if you combined Ronda Rousey with Misato Katsuragi and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.
This is a fun book like the majority of the Star Trek: New Frontier series and should be picked up by fans who already love it. I also love the ending of the book. Now THAT is how you do a cliffhanger.
10/10
It's that kind of series.
Dark Allies follows Captain Calhoun being approached by the dangerous religious cult, the Redeemers, which have waged a genocidal war of conversion across the Thallonian Sector. Apparently, a kind of monstrous space-blob called the Black Mass is threatening the Redeemer's homeworld. The Redeemers, having no idea how to defeat it, believe their worst enemy might have a better shot. Captain Calhoun is not persuaded by simple humanitarian concerns so the Redeemer's Overlord also takes an innocent planet hostage.
Wonderful guys.
The soap opera elements of the series, which I love almost as much as the adventure, are in full form as well. Captain Calhoun has reunited with his estranged Han Solo-esque son, Xyon, who is also courting Princess Kalinda of the Thallonian Empire. It's a match which infuriates her brother but Si Cwan doesn't have a planet anymore so he has little room to complain. Xyon isn't quite sure of his willingness to settle down even for a girl he's fallen in love with. Even Captain Calhoun and Shelby's relationship is on the rocks as they run into a position where they have to choose their careers or each other.
Fun stuff.
I complained about the previous volume having too much focus on side-characters as well as a lack of space action for, well, a Star Trek novel. This one picks up the pace a great deal and has a lot of focus on our main characters. We get more insight into Captain Calhoun, Shelby, and what kind of forces drive them both. This is in addition to picking up the plots from the previous volume. Despite being, basically, two teenagers in love, I also found myself warming to Kalinda and Xyon's relationship. Watching Si Cwan try to sabotage their relationship using reverse psychology irritated the hell out of me, because teenagers are stupid enough to fall for that sort of thing.
The Redeemers are somewhat silly villains, which is part of their charm but they're hard to take seriously even though they threaten billions of lives. Basically, if you want to imagine them then you should start with Ewok Sith Lords. If that causes you to pause then you have roughly the same reaction many people have to their race in-universe. The Black Mass, by contrast, is a perfectly serviceable Star Trek monster and while Captain Picard would have tried to save it, I'm quite glad Captain Calhoun is not so sentimental.
While she only plays a small role in the book, I'm also fond of the character Kat Mueller who is the XO of the Excalibur. Peter David spotted a rather glaring plot hole in the Star Trek series which is, "Wait, who is in charge of the ship when everyone else is asleep" and added a night shift. Kat is a wonderful character, more or less what you'd get if you combined Ronda Rousey with Misato Katsuragi and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.
This is a fun book like the majority of the Star Trek: New Frontier series and should be picked up by fans who already love it. I also love the ending of the book. Now THAT is how you do a cliffhanger.
10/10
February 22, 2011
New Frontier book 8: Dark Allies (which is actually the 11th chapter of the series by my count) is the sort of book I was hoping The Quiet Place would turn out to be with the action and soap opera finely balanced and with resolutions that help set the stage for future interactions.
Kallinda and Xyon's entrance into the community of the USS Excalibur throws everyone for a loop. Si Kwan takes an instant dislike to Xyon, feeling that an intergalactic rogue (even if he is the Captain's son) is not good enough for his recently found sister and puts his energies into separating them. This brings Kwan into physical conflict not only with Xyon and Lt. Kebron, but a standoff with Capt. Mackenzie Calhoun. Later, the altercation brings him a long conversation with Ens. Robin Lefler where Kwan finally gets a clue about her feelings toward him--but is it now too late? Meanwhile, Xyon's presence has Calhoun considering paths not taken. He wishes to form a relationship with his estranged son, but does not know how. He also has realized that he can no longer ignore his feelings toward Cmd. Elizabeth Shelby and starts to act on it, only to be interrupted by their old adversaries the Redeemers and new threat the Black Mass.
The Black Mass is a kind of interplanetary omnivore capable of devouring whole solar systems, including the anchoring star itself. It only makes an appearance once every few decades as it goes into hibernation after gorging itself. This time it has selected the Tulaan system as it's next meal, otherwise known as the home of the Redeemers themselves. Unable to stop the Mass from eating their home, the Redeemers enlist the aid of the USS Excalibur by holding hostage a race called the Fennerians. We don't actually ever see a Fennerian in this story, but apparently they have lush jungles and really cool sunsets. The Redeemers also kidnap Dr. Selar and Lt. Cmd. Burgoyne 172 as additional incentive. This turns out to be most inconvenient for Excalibur's Most Unlikely Couple, as Selar winds up delivering her and Burgoyne's child off ship and in danger of being eaten by a random predator (that bore a resemblance to a certain "One-eyed, One Horned, Flying...something-or-other). However, in the face of extreme adversity, the doctor and engineer seem to reach an understanding. Selar even calls Burgoyne 172 "Burgy." Once.
Oh yeah. The very last sentence is a doozy. Don't Read It Ahead Of Time. You have been warned.
See ya after the next book, the start of a new trilogy-within-a-series--Star Trek: New Frontier (book 9): Excalibur: Requiem (book 1), Chapter 12 of the New Frontier series. Whew!! Almost need a book for the chronology!! :)
Kallinda and Xyon's entrance into the community of the USS Excalibur throws everyone for a loop. Si Kwan takes an instant dislike to Xyon, feeling that an intergalactic rogue (even if he is the Captain's son) is not good enough for his recently found sister and puts his energies into separating them. This brings Kwan into physical conflict not only with Xyon and Lt. Kebron, but a standoff with Capt. Mackenzie Calhoun. Later, the altercation brings him a long conversation with Ens. Robin Lefler where Kwan finally gets a clue about her feelings toward him--but is it now too late? Meanwhile, Xyon's presence has Calhoun considering paths not taken. He wishes to form a relationship with his estranged son, but does not know how. He also has realized that he can no longer ignore his feelings toward Cmd. Elizabeth Shelby and starts to act on it, only to be interrupted by their old adversaries the Redeemers and new threat the Black Mass.
The Black Mass is a kind of interplanetary omnivore capable of devouring whole solar systems, including the anchoring star itself. It only makes an appearance once every few decades as it goes into hibernation after gorging itself. This time it has selected the Tulaan system as it's next meal, otherwise known as the home of the Redeemers themselves. Unable to stop the Mass from eating their home, the Redeemers enlist the aid of the USS Excalibur by holding hostage a race called the Fennerians. We don't actually ever see a Fennerian in this story, but apparently they have lush jungles and really cool sunsets. The Redeemers also kidnap Dr. Selar and Lt. Cmd. Burgoyne 172 as additional incentive. This turns out to be most inconvenient for Excalibur's Most Unlikely Couple, as Selar winds up delivering her and Burgoyne's child off ship and in danger of being eaten by a random predator (that bore a resemblance to a certain "One-eyed, One Horned, Flying...something-or-other). However, in the face of extreme adversity, the doctor and engineer seem to reach an understanding. Selar even calls Burgoyne 172 "Burgy." Once.
Oh yeah. The very last sentence is a doozy. Don't Read It Ahead Of Time. You have been warned.
See ya after the next book, the start of a new trilogy-within-a-series--Star Trek: New Frontier (book 9): Excalibur: Requiem (book 1), Chapter 12 of the New Frontier series. Whew!! Almost need a book for the chronology!! :)
April 5, 2012
The Redeemers are a slightly obsessed race. They worship a god called Xant and go around their corner of the galaxy "converting" planets to their cause. Those who are not converted are destroyed. But today, they have a problem.
A large black terror known simply as "The Black Mass" is heading toward their homeworld. Si Cwan has seen it before and watched it take out a planet and a sun when he was a boy. After it feeds, it sleeps for a variable amount of time before it comes out to feed again.
The Overlord of the Redeemers travels to the Excalibur in hopes of convincing Calhoun to help his planet. Meanwhile, Si Cwan has other concerns as it seems that Kalinda is involved with Xyon and he's not happy about that.
"Watch it. I have goldfish. They challenge my intellect daily."
A large black terror known simply as "The Black Mass" is heading toward their homeworld. Si Cwan has seen it before and watched it take out a planet and a sun when he was a boy. After it feeds, it sleeps for a variable amount of time before it comes out to feed again.
The Overlord of the Redeemers travels to the Excalibur in hopes of convincing Calhoun to help his planet. Meanwhile, Si Cwan has other concerns as it seems that Kalinda is involved with Xyon and he's not happy about that.
"Watch it. I have goldfish. They challenge my intellect daily."
May 18, 2015
Furthering the introduction of some very important characters who join on (for lack of a better term) with the USS Excalibur's crew, book eight in Peter David's "New Frontier" series has a bit of a hard time in its telling (it gets awkward in places), but has an absolutely unfair cliffhanger ending that'll leave you waiting for more.
As always, it's the slight humour blended with the sharp characterizations that make the series worth reading. The inclusion of Si Cwan's sister and Calhoun's son serve as strong plot points.
As always, it's the slight humour blended with the sharp characterizations that make the series worth reading. The inclusion of Si Cwan's sister and Calhoun's son serve as strong plot points.
January 24, 2010
Peter David was starting to lose control of this series as too many weak story threads and PAD's need to have everyone be funny overpower the story.
The Redeemers are unpleasant and evil, but interesting, but the soap opera aspects and a weak ending hurt this book.
I think I only lasted another book or two before PAD drove me away.
Shame, as it's a great idea and full of cool characters, but needed an editor that would make PAD tone it down.
The Redeemers are unpleasant and evil, but interesting, but the soap opera aspects and a weak ending hurt this book.
I think I only lasted another book or two before PAD drove me away.
Shame, as it's a great idea and full of cool characters, but needed an editor that would make PAD tone it down.
April 23, 2009
"You're not fine. You look like an elephant sat on your face."
Things with the redeemers boil to a head in typical style, and nobody can deny that the characters are so alive that it's hard to imagine them sitting quietly in the pages of a book. Cwan's combat is powerful, Calhoun's right-hook is true and we finally get an insight into the Vulcan birthing process.
Things with the redeemers boil to a head in typical style, and nobody can deny that the characters are so alive that it's hard to imagine them sitting quietly in the pages of a book. Cwan's combat is powerful, Calhoun's right-hook is true and we finally get an insight into the Vulcan birthing process.
June 6, 2016
As with all the previous New Frontiers, I loved this one. The characters are lovable, the dialogue witty, the action fast-paced. I think if there'd been an adaptation of this series after Voyager, it might've saved Star Trek from falling into obscurity for several years.
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