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Star Trek: Voyager
Atonement
Admiral Kathryn Janeway faces a tribunal determined to execute her for supposed crimes committed during Voyager’s maiden trek through the Delta Quadrant. Captain Chakotay knows that the Kinara, several species now allied against the Full Circle fleet, are not all they appear to be. The Confederacy of the Worlds of the First Quadrant—a pact he cannot trust—is his only hope for unraveling the Kinara’s true agenda and rescuing Admiral Janeway. Meanwhile, Seven and Tom Paris are forced to betray the trust of their superiors in a desperate bid to reveal the lengths to which a fellow officer has gone in the name of protecting the Federation from the legendary Caeliar.
386 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 6, 2015
Very well done concluded so many points that was left from the last book 4 out of 5 stars
August 26, 2015
I was very much looking forward to this...but, like the conclusion to "The Fall", this segment of the Voyager saga doesn't quite live up to the previous installments. First of all, I found the resolution to the Kinara alliance tribunal rather perfunctory. My second issue: after a fantastic exploration of Confederacy society in the previous novel, the sudden switch to their relgion -- intermixed with the conclusion to a hologram arc that seems past its expiration date -- wasn't what I'd call compelling reading.
And I had no idea the Voyager storyline was so far behind the other Trek books: time to catch up on those three years, Pocket Books editors. Much has happened, and I'm chomping at the bit to see the impact of galactic events on the Full Circle fleet.
Luckily, I found solace in so much else: the conclusion to the catom storyline, a resolution in the Paris family saga, the Doctor's resurrection, and the evolving romantic relationship between Janeway & Chakotay. The personal dynamics of Voyager are at their peak at this point, and it's here that the novel shines. In the end, this book is far from a washout...but it contained too many instances when I wanted to race ahead to sections where I was far more emotionally invested.
And I had no idea the Voyager storyline was so far behind the other Trek books: time to catch up on those three years, Pocket Books editors. Much has happened, and I'm chomping at the bit to see the impact of galactic events on the Full Circle fleet.
Luckily, I found solace in so much else: the conclusion to the catom storyline, a resolution in the Paris family saga, the Doctor's resurrection, and the evolving romantic relationship between Janeway & Chakotay. The personal dynamics of Voyager are at their peak at this point, and it's here that the novel shines. In the end, this book is far from a washout...but it contained too many instances when I wanted to race ahead to sections where I was far more emotionally invested.
September 1, 2015
The conclusion was everything I'd hoped for, and more. Kirsten Beyer is to be commended on a job well done. ATONEMENT is her best, yet.
February 19, 2017
Beyer balances the telling of so many characters' stories effortlessly and in so doing makes it hard to put down! I stayed up until 3️⃣ to finish the
September 19, 2015
I came away from Atonement immensely satisfied with the way the story has been concluded. Nobody writes these characters better than Kirsten Beyer, and in this novel we even got the treat of a couple of scenes featuring Elim Garak, one of my favorite Trek characters of all time! Also, because Voyager is currently set a little earlier than the rest of the 24th century novelverse, we got a number of scenes with another favorite: Federation President Nan Bacco, which was a very pleasant surprise!
In this novel, we learn that there are ideals worth living up to, and that there are always going to be those who want to tear down all that has been built. Like "The Drumhead," the lesson here is to stick to our principles, and to always remain vigilant and on guard against forces that would take us away from what is ethical and right.
Also: "At-one-ment." I love it.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/09/A...
In this novel, we learn that there are ideals worth living up to, and that there are always going to be those who want to tear down all that has been built. Like "The Drumhead," the lesson here is to stick to our principles, and to always remain vigilant and on guard against forces that would take us away from what is ethical and right.
Also: "At-one-ment." I love it.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/09/A...
September 1, 2015
An epic conclusion to the Full Circle Fleet's "first chapter" in the Delta quadrant. The wait was worth it as in this novel, we get to see the ideals, ethics, beliefs, morals, and strength of each character, race, and galactic nation put into the fire.
Every turn of the page, there was a surprise. A new perspective. Characters you probably would have a hated, you'll love, and then hate again and later agree with. Or get to see what the Federation truly stands for and how that loyalty to the values of the nation can lead an individual to take extreme measures in either side of the spectrum.
Can you blame these character… these people… for taking the path they chose?
I'm sure you'll be able to identify yourself and our current global society while you're reading this novel.
My detailed review: https://snoworld.one/lit/star-trek-re...
Every turn of the page, there was a surprise. A new perspective. Characters you probably would have a hated, you'll love, and then hate again and later agree with. Or get to see what the Federation truly stands for and how that loyalty to the values of the nation can lead an individual to take extreme measures in either side of the spectrum.
Can you blame these character… these people… for taking the path they chose?
I'm sure you'll be able to identify yourself and our current global society while you're reading this novel.
My detailed review: https://snoworld.one/lit/star-trek-re...
September 1, 2015
Add a Half Star
4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed Atonement -- all three stories in one. Janeway and Chakotay are wrangling with a diplomatic quandary; Seven and Co. are working to uncover the mysteries surrounding the catomic plague; and Barclay, as usual, is up to his elbows in holographic mayhem. That I was able to keep them all straight is a nod to Beyer's deft writing. That, as the stories build, they become more and more interwoven is another nod. Atonement wraps up (or at least it appears that way) several plotlines that have been running through the Full Circle series and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing where Beyer next takes these characters.
4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed Atonement -- all three stories in one. Janeway and Chakotay are wrangling with a diplomatic quandary; Seven and Co. are working to uncover the mysteries surrounding the catomic plague; and Barclay, as usual, is up to his elbows in holographic mayhem. That I was able to keep them all straight is a nod to Beyer's deft writing. That, as the stories build, they become more and more interwoven is another nod. Atonement wraps up (or at least it appears that way) several plotlines that have been running through the Full Circle series and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing where Beyer next takes these characters.
September 20, 2015
Wow! Highly entertaining from cover to cover. Brought all the plot lines to a satisfying conclusion. Kristen Beyer is consistently excellent,...I'm looking forward to her next installment, due out early next year with great anticipation.
March 4, 2016
Great read cover to cover bringing and excellent ending to this story arc
June 20, 2017
Yet another fantastic instalment of this series
The biggest problem I have is that I keep needing to put this book down to work!
Such a great story and another must read as this series continues. It great how the stories from previous books are all coming together so neatly like it was all planned from the start.
I also loved the appearance from a DS9 character later in the book but I won't give any spoilers.
The biggest problem I have is that I keep needing to put this book down to work!
Such a great story and another must read as this series continues. It great how the stories from previous books are all coming together so neatly like it was all planned from the start.
I also loved the appearance from a DS9 character later in the book but I won't give any spoilers.
October 18, 2021
I just started the continuing story in this series, and have to say, I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I did have to read a few of the passages more than once to keep the characters straight. I’ve been reading for 2 hrs, it’s after 1am, and I hate to stop, ill just start earlier tomorrow. Kirsten Beyer has really brought old familiar characters back to life, something I thought was missing somewhat from her earlier books. This one is fast paced, a good mystery, has several integrated plot lines, and a good sense of Star Trek Family! More to come!
February 11, 2018
But as long as we're here, this has to be the only moment that matters. Living for that future will damn us as surely as retreating into our past.
Where do I even begin, I thought, at the prospect of writing this review. A little Janeway wisdom seemed as good a place as any. Especially since this particular piece of Janeway wisdom resonates with me almost as much as a quote from Chakotay in The Eternal Tide did. A quote which is now on the cover of my calendar for this year. I think you get the picture. There's just not enough words to describe how much these characters inspire me or how much they mean to me.
And this book... Wow. Kirsten Beyer has done it again. And then some. After The Eternal Tide this is my favorite Voyager book so far. That's how amazing a book this is. I loved reading the ending to this amazing trilogy. I love how it all came towards a conclusion in such a great way. How it's weaved together so beautifully by Beyer who is, by far, my favorite Trek author.
This book answers what happened to Meegan, or rather the entity that took possession of the hologram Meegan. We get a conclusion to Janeway's trial, the fleet's relationship with the Confederacy, the catomic plague and what the catoms really are to Seven and the others who chose not to enter the Caeliar gestalt... Beyer also continues to involve so many of the characters we've come to know and love. We get to follow them and see glimpses of their lives, wether they're currently with the fleet or not. Naomi Wildman, Icheb... and even a cameo from Garak from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! I feel that this book is so much. It contains so much. In a good way, of course. To me this is close to perfection. It's intriguing. I couldn't have asked for much more than this.
And J/C. Janeway and Chakotay together. I don't think I could ever get enough of that. In my humble opinion J/C is the greatest love story to ever meet sci-fi. So here are two of my favorite quotes from this book, just because this is my review and I can write whatever I please...
It was ridiculous to feel as if he was speaking to her for the first time, but Chakotay found himself framing his thoughts as carefully as if that were the case.
"Together, then?" Chakotay asked.
"Always," Janeway replied.
To end this review I just feel that I have to mention the very ending of the book. But don't worry, I won't ruin it for you. I just want to say how perfect it is. I could literally close the book having my heart doing some version of somersaults mixed with a happy dance.
Where do I even begin, I thought, at the prospect of writing this review. A little Janeway wisdom seemed as good a place as any. Especially since this particular piece of Janeway wisdom resonates with me almost as much as a quote from Chakotay in The Eternal Tide did. A quote which is now on the cover of my calendar for this year. I think you get the picture. There's just not enough words to describe how much these characters inspire me or how much they mean to me.
And this book... Wow. Kirsten Beyer has done it again. And then some. After The Eternal Tide this is my favorite Voyager book so far. That's how amazing a book this is. I loved reading the ending to this amazing trilogy. I love how it all came towards a conclusion in such a great way. How it's weaved together so beautifully by Beyer who is, by far, my favorite Trek author.
This book answers what happened to Meegan, or rather the entity that took possession of the hologram Meegan. We get a conclusion to Janeway's trial, the fleet's relationship with the Confederacy, the catomic plague and what the catoms really are to Seven and the others who chose not to enter the Caeliar gestalt... Beyer also continues to involve so many of the characters we've come to know and love. We get to follow them and see glimpses of their lives, wether they're currently with the fleet or not. Naomi Wildman, Icheb... and even a cameo from Garak from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! I feel that this book is so much. It contains so much. In a good way, of course. To me this is close to perfection. It's intriguing. I couldn't have asked for much more than this.
And J/C. Janeway and Chakotay together. I don't think I could ever get enough of that. In my humble opinion J/C is the greatest love story to ever meet sci-fi. So here are two of my favorite quotes from this book, just because this is my review and I can write whatever I please...
It was ridiculous to feel as if he was speaking to her for the first time, but Chakotay found himself framing his thoughts as carefully as if that were the case.
"Together, then?" Chakotay asked.
"Always," Janeway replied.
To end this review I just feel that I have to mention the very ending of the book. But don't worry, I won't ruin it for you. I just want to say how perfect it is. I could literally close the book having my heart doing some version of somersaults mixed with a happy dance.
October 24, 2015
With "Atonement", Kirsten Beyer continues her time as the face of the Star Trek: Voyager novels & wraps up a number of recent story lines as well as opening up the possibility of something new coming down the pipe. As has been the case w/ several of the recent novels, the book deals w/ a split set of stories focused in the Delta Quadrant with the Full Circle fleet & in the Alpha Quadrant w/ Tom Paris, Seven, the Wildmans & Icheb rounding up their story. W/ the Delta Quadrant, it begins w/ the trial of Kathryn Janeway for the crimes Voyager committed on it's first venture through this area originally. Once that trial is wrapped up a new enemy is exposed as Lsia & her counterparts true identity is exposed as a race known as the Seriareen who now only are looking for their homeworld. That takes a different turn as Voyager along w/ 2 other ships head for an area known as the wastes to find this homeworld which turns out to be not what they anticipated. Also in the Delta Quadrant story line is the recovery of the Doctor from his reprogramming by Dr. Zimmerman which leads to a rather interesting counseling session w/ Hugh Cambridge as well as some rather important plot points that help resolve this section of the story.
In the Alpha Quadrant, Paris enlists the help of his mother in the Tamarian Embassy to help Seven's cause in exposing Commander Briggs & his heinous experiments involving the catomic plague. There's also the arc involving Sam Wildman who learns just how much damage has been caused as well as the use of her husband & Naomi as decoys as to the real plot. The Alpha Quadrant story moves at a bit more of a brisk pace than things in the Delta Quadrant since we know where this is likely to end up. It's also nice to see the use of family members of the Janeway, Paris & Torres family in addition to seeing President Bacco again since the Voyager novels are behind in the main timeline of the other 3 series where she's been assassinated. The use of Garak is more of a plot device, but it works considering when & where we are.
Overall, Beyer continues to do a masterful job of keeping the plots separated & the transitions between them isn't as hard to follow as people might think since the returns to each side of the story happen in appropriate places. The reunification of the entire Full Circle fleet at the end is nice as well & for a change we the reader end a story arc with the slate wiped clean. Where this series goes next, we the reader won't have to wait long with the next installment "A Pocket Full of Lies" scheduled for release in January 2016. It's this reader's hope that this series continues on the successful path it has, but is also curious to see just how the Full Circle fleet makes it's jump into "the present" since at some point it will have to.
In the Alpha Quadrant, Paris enlists the help of his mother in the Tamarian Embassy to help Seven's cause in exposing Commander Briggs & his heinous experiments involving the catomic plague. There's also the arc involving Sam Wildman who learns just how much damage has been caused as well as the use of her husband & Naomi as decoys as to the real plot. The Alpha Quadrant story moves at a bit more of a brisk pace than things in the Delta Quadrant since we know where this is likely to end up. It's also nice to see the use of family members of the Janeway, Paris & Torres family in addition to seeing President Bacco again since the Voyager novels are behind in the main timeline of the other 3 series where she's been assassinated. The use of Garak is more of a plot device, but it works considering when & where we are.
Overall, Beyer continues to do a masterful job of keeping the plots separated & the transitions between them isn't as hard to follow as people might think since the returns to each side of the story happen in appropriate places. The reunification of the entire Full Circle fleet at the end is nice as well & for a change we the reader end a story arc with the slate wiped clean. Where this series goes next, we the reader won't have to wait long with the next installment "A Pocket Full of Lies" scheduled for release in January 2016. It's this reader's hope that this series continues on the successful path it has, but is also curious to see just how the Full Circle fleet makes it's jump into "the present" since at some point it will have to.
April 6, 2016
As with any Star Trek Voyager book, I loved it. I grew up with Voyager so it's the one series that is near and dear to my heart. Captain Janeway was my captain and I told Kate Mulgrew as much when I met her last year. But I digress. 7 years of Voyager was not enough so I've been thoroughly enjoying the relaunch novels since they've started and Kirsten Beyer has been doing a great job with them since taking the mantle from Christie Golden. Currently, Voyager is part of the Full Circle fleet which has returned to the Delta Quadrant to investigate the loose ends that Voyager left behind on her first voyage. This book deals with the continuing adventures in their contact with the Confederacy of the Worlds of the First Quadrant as well as the unexpected alliance, the Kinara, which is comprised of several xenophobic species that Voyager made first contact with. Not to mention the threat of the Seriareen. That's a lot isn't it? You'd think that it would be hard to keep track of so many vessels, crew members, alien alliances, etc. but Kirsten Beyer manages to do it. We get story with Voyager, the fleet vessels, even back home on Earth and things are never jumbled and confused and the storyline moves smoothly. In this book we get the conclusion to the story arc from the last book with the conflict between the First Confederacy, the Seriareen, and the Caeliar virus back in the Alpha Quadrant. Great book and I can't wait to read the next.
May 13, 2016
Atonement is the final book in the story arc that began in the Protectors. The various plot points are wrapped up, even one that goes back to the book Full Circle.
An odd alliance of old enemies threatens The Full Circle Fleet and the Confederacy of the First Quadrant. Seven and Paris are back on earth embroiled in a plot of political intrigue. Many times shifting settings can be a problem but Beyers has managed to weave them together in a plausible way.
Atonement is the theme as we see individuals called to make up for their past mistakes. We see how that challenge is met and in some cases, not met even though reconciliation or forgiveness is offered.
There is a surprise appearance by an 'old friend'. I enjoyed seeing him again even though his involvement was brief.
This is an exciting end to the first year of the Full Circle Fleet's first year in the Delta Quadrant. I see many adventures ahead in their second year and look forward to Beyer's continuing mission with the Voyager crew.
An odd alliance of old enemies threatens The Full Circle Fleet and the Confederacy of the First Quadrant. Seven and Paris are back on earth embroiled in a plot of political intrigue. Many times shifting settings can be a problem but Beyers has managed to weave them together in a plausible way.
Atonement is the theme as we see individuals called to make up for their past mistakes. We see how that challenge is met and in some cases, not met even though reconciliation or forgiveness is offered.
There is a surprise appearance by an 'old friend'. I enjoyed seeing him again even though his involvement was brief.
This is an exciting end to the first year of the Full Circle Fleet's first year in the Delta Quadrant. I see many adventures ahead in their second year and look forward to Beyer's continuing mission with the Voyager crew.
June 27, 2025
A fitting end to multiple storylines.
Admiral Janeway is on trial for her life by the combined forces of many of Voyager's enemies from their first trip to the Delta Quadrant. Not only have the likes of the Devore, the Turei, the Vaudwar and the Voth joined forces, but the presence possessing their missing hologram Meegan McDonnell is coordinating the whole thing.
Commander Paris is on Earth facing the aftermath of his custody battle for his children against his mother, but now he faces a greater battle. He has to find a way to extricate Seven of Nine from the clutches of The Commander and to reveal the man's connection to the catomic plague ravaging the quadrant. He has Dr. Sharak and Lieutenant Samantha Wildman helping find information, but they're racing the clock.
I was impressed with how skillfully these disparate storylines were brought together and to their conclusion. With a lot of these loose ends wrapped up, the Voyager crew can concentrate on moving forward once again.
Admiral Janeway is on trial for her life by the combined forces of many of Voyager's enemies from their first trip to the Delta Quadrant. Not only have the likes of the Devore, the Turei, the Vaudwar and the Voth joined forces, but the presence possessing their missing hologram Meegan McDonnell is coordinating the whole thing.
Commander Paris is on Earth facing the aftermath of his custody battle for his children against his mother, but now he faces a greater battle. He has to find a way to extricate Seven of Nine from the clutches of The Commander and to reveal the man's connection to the catomic plague ravaging the quadrant. He has Dr. Sharak and Lieutenant Samantha Wildman helping find information, but they're racing the clock.
I was impressed with how skillfully these disparate storylines were brought together and to their conclusion. With a lot of these loose ends wrapped up, the Voyager crew can concentrate on moving forward once again.
October 22, 2015
Atonement brings to conclusion the story arcs in Protectors and Acts of Contrition. The Full Circle books are definitely worth reading although I wish I had just waited until I had all three to read together. It took me a few chapters to remember what was going on, but the story lines of our favorite characters, Tom, Seven, Cpt. Janeway, and the Doctor, along with the new characters and new lifeforms we have met in this universe are resolved with interesting developments and ongoing commitment to upholding what the Federation stands for with a lesson on the difference between following the spirit of the law as opposed to the letter of the law; something Voyager fans have always appreciated. This author has created some complex story lines that provide this series with depth that we don't always find in Star Trek novels.
October 19, 2020
Loved this wrap up of Beyer's latest Voyager relaunch trilogy. She has the characters that we loved on the show down. I always look forward to her books and will be counting down for Pocket of Lies in early 2016. Beyer is hands down my favorite Trek pocketbook author, with Christie Golden in second. I really enjoyed Atonement immensely.
December 15, 2015
Janeway is put on trial for past actions in the Delta Quadrant but is there another force causing this trial to take place. Meanwhile on Earth, Seven is trying to help stop a plague from happening. Can her and her friends stop it?
October 15, 2018
This "Star Trek" novel was all over the place, and bouncing back and forth from the Alpha to the Delta quadrant was quite disconcerting. The stories were good, but there was just too much going on to make the novel completely enjoyable.
August 31, 2015
As with the previous book I really enjoyed the Alpha Quadrant stuff and found the Delta Quadrant stuff average. Still an enjoyable novel.
August 7, 2016
Another enjoyable read that wrapped up nicely after keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat in some places. Looking forward to the next installment in 2016!
September 2, 2015
Outstanding!
The best wrap up of this series and a thoroughly enjoyable book overall. Typically well written and no less than fans of Beyer have come to expect.
The best wrap up of this series and a thoroughly enjoyable book overall. Typically well written and no less than fans of Beyer have come to expect.
September 14, 2015
A very well done ending for this section of the series. I am eagerly awaiting more from this author.
December 14, 2015
A very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
November 7, 2015
Star Trek: Voyager: Atonement by Kirsten Beyer To be honest, the only reason I even picked this book up was because I'm a completist - I can't leave a series uncompleted. So, was it worth the effort? Yes and no.
I think the Voyager relaunch has been flaundering since Janeway's return - which changed the dynamics on Voyager back to what they had been in the series. That's a shame. I don't need a self-doubting Chakotay who will always look towards Janeway to make the difficult decisions. And I certainly don't need a Janeway who is calm and collected all the time, who turns out right all the time etc... who's just flat as a character, I don't see any depth there worth exploring. And I don't need one character again overshadowing all the others who finally had some time and space to breathe (and what a marvel to witness that has been!). That's boring, I've seen just that for 7 years on TV. Move on.
The second complaint is the mass of energy beings who can take over personalities or swallow ships etc which VOY has seen in the course of the most recent books. That leads to technobabble, and the thought of doom all around (which won't happen anyway - at least not to the canon-ships). I think it's a cheap plot-device because there's little left in the "real world" that can pose enough of a threat to the protagonists. That's not just the case here, but overall in Star Trek lately.
The final complaint about this book in particular is the sort of reset-button-feeling I got at the end. The Federation and the Confederation part ways amicably (if not as allies), Paris and his mother are back on good terms, Janeway's sister has forgiven her in absentia for the grievous act of returning to Starfleet, Seven and Cambridge are back to being an item (even if Seven's still got to deal with the aftermath of her experiences), Icheb's now assigned to Voyager making any ties to Earth quite neglectable etc. The only one not coming out of the experience unscathed is the Doctor, but even he comes to terms with what happened to him and his programme. It's too neat, and I imagine due to this being the end of a trilogy, making it impossible to leave things unanswered.
Atonement certainly didn't have it easy as a follow-up to Acts of Contrition which I honestly disliked. It's not that I felt uncomfortable which I usually actually enjoy, but some ideas just felt ludicrous, such as the Paris-mediation or Janeway's referring to the chain of command (Janeway and listening to the chain of command?!?) when the Doctor reported his misgivings over Starfleet Medical's handling of the epidemic. And I was particularly repulsed by Cambridge's juvenile angsting, and even more so by the Starfleet's officers reaction to the Confederation's internal politics - granted, their stance towards women's rights is appalling, as is the way people go hungry when it would be possible, but not profitable to do something about it. It's a mirror image to how the world works right now, and I find it terrifying that enlightened Starfleet isn't able to remember its own past and to not just see the horrors, but also the potential to evolve... like Earth did. It's not just this moral highground that's bothering me, it's also the fact that moral conflicts didn't prevent the Federation from allying themselves with the Klingons - or later on with the Cardassians, Ferengi etc. So, is it really the appalling moral stance on important issues? Or rather the fact that the Confederation doesn't pose a direct threat? Or that it doesn't offer an immediate benefit to the Federation to form an alliance? They are after all quite a distance away... Honestly, I find that double standard harder to swallow than I found the social issues within the Confederation. And that Mattings in the end advocated for "The Source" - when Janeway and Chakotay were all for destroying this being without knowing about it, without making any effort to contact it (safe for using the protectors)... well, what does that say about Starfleet?
The intriguing and redeeming aspect of this book certainly was Seven and Paris' revealing the one-man conspiracy surrounding the plague. Although, again, I'm not sure whether Starfleet really learned from the past. Where is a system of checks and balances? How is it possible for one man not only to create and perpetuate a plague, but also to recreate an extinct species? I liked the way Julia Paris finally felt useful again (which was the reason for her being so ridiculous in the previous books, I suppose), and I liked seeing her on her home turf - organizing things, moving with and handling prominent figures. Again, that's a nice allusion to nowadays politics, I guess, where the experienced elderly are often shoved to the side instead of making use of their experience and connections. As said before, just giving her a purpose and letting her see her son in his professional environment seems a bit simplistic to make all the familial trouble vanish. But then again, it came pretty out of the blue, and that's where it should go again. Garak's appearance felt more like a plot-device, used as a link between what's happening in the Tamarian Embassy and getting the higher-ups to listen. I really love Garak, and his voice felt right here... but it also felt a bit like small-universe syndrome. I mean no one thinks about using the media without having Garak pointing it out?!?
Interestingly, Beyer's strength is to introduce diverse and 3-dimensional original characters - O'Donnell is one example with his unique style of command (or, rather, relinquishing command), Dr Sharak is another. I'm not too fond of the episode which introduced the Tamarians, but his interaction with Wildman becomes one of the highlights of this trilogy. I'm unsure as to how much we'll see of the Wildmans in upcoming books, though, since they're all relocating to Ktaria and settling down nicely. Which, as mentioned before, made Icheb to sole loose end on Earth - which gets tied up as well. Admiral Akaar who takes command over the Voyager fleet personally lets him graduate early because of his actions during this trilogy, claiming that he reminds him of Kirk... First of all, I don't agree with that assessment at all since Icheb's actions were a result of his loyalty to the Voyager crew, not his own initiative. And I'm not sure how Admiral Akaar who was born during Kirk's 5-year mission can be reminded of Kirk - wouldn't that require some more personal acquaintance? Kirk died when Akaar was in his mid-20s... so how much of Kirk's intuitive actions can he have witnessed to be reminded of him a century later?
Then there's Seven's development as a person, an adult woman - and boy has she grown into herself. Her handling of Axum, of not being persuaded to join him but instead still reaching out to him whenever he's ready to accept his reality as an individual, is an immensely important step for her as an individual. And it feels real and consistent. Perhaps that's why Cambridge's reaction to her returning to Earth and his angsting over their relationship feels so juvenile and immature. It's quite interesting to see the triangle between Cambridge, the Doctor and Seven develop - and to see the more probably emotionally stunted beings be more in tune with the situation than the ship's counselor. Overall, the Doctor experiences quite an interesting development in this novel as well, choosing to sacrifice part of himself for the greater good. His conversations with Cambridge and especially the reunion with Seven were highlights of this novel. Understated, yet deeply emotional. Well done.
This novel felt like the ending of season 1 of the VOY-relaunch (or re-relaunch if you will) as many of the plotthreads opened in earlier books, mainly Meegan, were picked up in this trilogy and resolved. I'm not going to get more into that plot than I already did at the beginning of this review as it didn't really pull me in in any way. Maybe if Kashyk's possession had played out differently... It remains to be seen whether the transmission of Janeway's trial will make an impact on the species VOY alienated during its first mission in the Delta Quadrant. And it remains to be seen whether the original characters, like O'Donnell and Fife or the Vesta's crew, will continue to play an important role - or whether they'll be sidelined. Unfortunately, I'm always a bit wary of a big cast of characters in a series where there are only 1 or 2 books per year.
And I'm still not sure whether I like Beyer's Janeway who's just so perfect. And I keep returning to that one aspect, unfortunately. Of all the VOY characters she comes across as the most 2-dimensional one, yet the one overshadowing everyone else, even if she's not on screen so to speak. Is Chakotay in particular now going to be only defined in relation to Janeway? Or is he allowed to be his own person - because how else should their romantic relationship even work if they're not equal? 4 books into her resurrection I still wished she had remained dead, honestly... also because the current trend in TrekLit to resurrect anyone borders on the ridiculous. Is it too much to ask that being dead is permanent? That it can't be undone on some editorial whim?
Still, I guess I'll keep tuning in to the ongoing drama in the Delta Quadrant - but how about transferring Seven to the Demeter and setting it loose in its own series? There wouldn't be any doubt about whether I'd pick up that one...
I think the Voyager relaunch has been flaundering since Janeway's return - which changed the dynamics on Voyager back to what they had been in the series. That's a shame. I don't need a self-doubting Chakotay who will always look towards Janeway to make the difficult decisions. And I certainly don't need a Janeway who is calm and collected all the time, who turns out right all the time etc... who's just flat as a character, I don't see any depth there worth exploring. And I don't need one character again overshadowing all the others who finally had some time and space to breathe (and what a marvel to witness that has been!). That's boring, I've seen just that for 7 years on TV. Move on.
The second complaint is the mass of energy beings who can take over personalities or swallow ships etc which VOY has seen in the course of the most recent books. That leads to technobabble, and the thought of doom all around (which won't happen anyway - at least not to the canon-ships). I think it's a cheap plot-device because there's little left in the "real world" that can pose enough of a threat to the protagonists. That's not just the case here, but overall in Star Trek lately.
The final complaint about this book in particular is the sort of reset-button-feeling I got at the end. The Federation and the Confederation part ways amicably (if not as allies), Paris and his mother are back on good terms, Janeway's sister has forgiven her in absentia for the grievous act of returning to Starfleet, Seven and Cambridge are back to being an item (even if Seven's still got to deal with the aftermath of her experiences), Icheb's now assigned to Voyager making any ties to Earth quite neglectable etc. The only one not coming out of the experience unscathed is the Doctor, but even he comes to terms with what happened to him and his programme. It's too neat, and I imagine due to this being the end of a trilogy, making it impossible to leave things unanswered.
Atonement certainly didn't have it easy as a follow-up to Acts of Contrition which I honestly disliked. It's not that I felt uncomfortable which I usually actually enjoy, but some ideas just felt ludicrous, such as the Paris-mediation or Janeway's referring to the chain of command (Janeway and listening to the chain of command?!?) when the Doctor reported his misgivings over Starfleet Medical's handling of the epidemic. And I was particularly repulsed by Cambridge's juvenile angsting, and even more so by the Starfleet's officers reaction to the Confederation's internal politics - granted, their stance towards women's rights is appalling, as is the way people go hungry when it would be possible, but not profitable to do something about it. It's a mirror image to how the world works right now, and I find it terrifying that enlightened Starfleet isn't able to remember its own past and to not just see the horrors, but also the potential to evolve... like Earth did. It's not just this moral highground that's bothering me, it's also the fact that moral conflicts didn't prevent the Federation from allying themselves with the Klingons - or later on with the Cardassians, Ferengi etc. So, is it really the appalling moral stance on important issues? Or rather the fact that the Confederation doesn't pose a direct threat? Or that it doesn't offer an immediate benefit to the Federation to form an alliance? They are after all quite a distance away... Honestly, I find that double standard harder to swallow than I found the social issues within the Confederation. And that Mattings in the end advocated for "The Source" - when Janeway and Chakotay were all for destroying this being without knowing about it, without making any effort to contact it (safe for using the protectors)... well, what does that say about Starfleet?
The intriguing and redeeming aspect of this book certainly was Seven and Paris' revealing the one-man conspiracy surrounding the plague. Although, again, I'm not sure whether Starfleet really learned from the past. Where is a system of checks and balances? How is it possible for one man not only to create and perpetuate a plague, but also to recreate an extinct species? I liked the way Julia Paris finally felt useful again (which was the reason for her being so ridiculous in the previous books, I suppose), and I liked seeing her on her home turf - organizing things, moving with and handling prominent figures. Again, that's a nice allusion to nowadays politics, I guess, where the experienced elderly are often shoved to the side instead of making use of their experience and connections. As said before, just giving her a purpose and letting her see her son in his professional environment seems a bit simplistic to make all the familial trouble vanish. But then again, it came pretty out of the blue, and that's where it should go again. Garak's appearance felt more like a plot-device, used as a link between what's happening in the Tamarian Embassy and getting the higher-ups to listen. I really love Garak, and his voice felt right here... but it also felt a bit like small-universe syndrome. I mean no one thinks about using the media without having Garak pointing it out?!?
Interestingly, Beyer's strength is to introduce diverse and 3-dimensional original characters - O'Donnell is one example with his unique style of command (or, rather, relinquishing command), Dr Sharak is another. I'm not too fond of the episode which introduced the Tamarians, but his interaction with Wildman becomes one of the highlights of this trilogy. I'm unsure as to how much we'll see of the Wildmans in upcoming books, though, since they're all relocating to Ktaria and settling down nicely. Which, as mentioned before, made Icheb to sole loose end on Earth - which gets tied up as well. Admiral Akaar who takes command over the Voyager fleet personally lets him graduate early because of his actions during this trilogy, claiming that he reminds him of Kirk... First of all, I don't agree with that assessment at all since Icheb's actions were a result of his loyalty to the Voyager crew, not his own initiative. And I'm not sure how Admiral Akaar who was born during Kirk's 5-year mission can be reminded of Kirk - wouldn't that require some more personal acquaintance? Kirk died when Akaar was in his mid-20s... so how much of Kirk's intuitive actions can he have witnessed to be reminded of him a century later?
Then there's Seven's development as a person, an adult woman - and boy has she grown into herself. Her handling of Axum, of not being persuaded to join him but instead still reaching out to him whenever he's ready to accept his reality as an individual, is an immensely important step for her as an individual. And it feels real and consistent. Perhaps that's why Cambridge's reaction to her returning to Earth and his angsting over their relationship feels so juvenile and immature. It's quite interesting to see the triangle between Cambridge, the Doctor and Seven develop - and to see the more probably emotionally stunted beings be more in tune with the situation than the ship's counselor. Overall, the Doctor experiences quite an interesting development in this novel as well, choosing to sacrifice part of himself for the greater good. His conversations with Cambridge and especially the reunion with Seven were highlights of this novel. Understated, yet deeply emotional. Well done.
This novel felt like the ending of season 1 of the VOY-relaunch (or re-relaunch if you will) as many of the plotthreads opened in earlier books, mainly Meegan, were picked up in this trilogy and resolved. I'm not going to get more into that plot than I already did at the beginning of this review as it didn't really pull me in in any way. Maybe if Kashyk's possession had played out differently... It remains to be seen whether the transmission of Janeway's trial will make an impact on the species VOY alienated during its first mission in the Delta Quadrant. And it remains to be seen whether the original characters, like O'Donnell and Fife or the Vesta's crew, will continue to play an important role - or whether they'll be sidelined. Unfortunately, I'm always a bit wary of a big cast of characters in a series where there are only 1 or 2 books per year.
And I'm still not sure whether I like Beyer's Janeway who's just so perfect. And I keep returning to that one aspect, unfortunately. Of all the VOY characters she comes across as the most 2-dimensional one, yet the one overshadowing everyone else, even if she's not on screen so to speak. Is Chakotay in particular now going to be only defined in relation to Janeway? Or is he allowed to be his own person - because how else should their romantic relationship even work if they're not equal? 4 books into her resurrection I still wished she had remained dead, honestly... also because the current trend in TrekLit to resurrect anyone borders on the ridiculous. Is it too much to ask that being dead is permanent? That it can't be undone on some editorial whim?
Still, I guess I'll keep tuning in to the ongoing drama in the Delta Quadrant - but how about transferring Seven to the Demeter and setting it loose in its own series? There wouldn't be any doubt about whether I'd pick up that one...
January 19, 2024
This is technically the third part of a trilogy, but, really, it's the third part of a single book. Trilogies have endings and stopping points, and this doesn't.
The author has no control over tension and release. The big cliffhanger that ended the previous volume is dealt with in a handful of pages with little to no effort. This is how all of the threads resolve in this book: super easy, barely an inconvenience. The nadir of this trend was, I think, in 'Protectors', where a PTSD-ravaged Janeway, crushed by the immorality of her own comeback from the dead in the face of billions dead, gets over it all in one therapy session. ONE.
There were too many threads in this trilogy. The worst was the Julia Paris thread, where she threatened to take away the kids of parents who kept their child safe from a marauding cult of murderous Klingons. She should have been laughed out of the lawyer's office. Julia gets dealt a better hand in this book.
The catomic plague was okay as a thread, but the issue was solved I don't know how many hundreds of pages ago. It didn't need to be in this book. It was solved with two conversations, rather than one. Thrilling.
The main thread of this book was pretty good, but I was so fed up with all the crap that surrounded it, I had to force myself to remember to care. I achieved 'not being indifferent'. The Confederacy was fairly interesting and the Big Alien thing in this - all that angle was competent.
The big bad guy showdown was a simple ship takeover, very bland. Nevertheless, things looked bleak. Then, a handful of pages later, they'd solved it all anyway. Like I said, no control over tension and release.
And editor needed to sit down with the author and go through every thread in this story, and condense the whole thing down into one book. And explain how tension is supposed to work in adventure stories. Like, 'difficult things take time to solve'. It would have been very condescending, but there we go. The editors at least needed to keep a firmer grip of the project.
The author has no control over tension and release. The big cliffhanger that ended the previous volume is dealt with in a handful of pages with little to no effort. This is how all of the threads resolve in this book: super easy, barely an inconvenience. The nadir of this trend was, I think, in 'Protectors', where a PTSD-ravaged Janeway, crushed by the immorality of her own comeback from the dead in the face of billions dead, gets over it all in one therapy session. ONE.
There were too many threads in this trilogy. The worst was the Julia Paris thread, where she threatened to take away the kids of parents who kept their child safe from a marauding cult of murderous Klingons. She should have been laughed out of the lawyer's office. Julia gets dealt a better hand in this book.
The catomic plague was okay as a thread, but the issue was solved I don't know how many hundreds of pages ago. It didn't need to be in this book. It was solved with two conversations, rather than one. Thrilling.
The main thread of this book was pretty good, but I was so fed up with all the crap that surrounded it, I had to force myself to remember to care. I achieved 'not being indifferent'. The Confederacy was fairly interesting and the Big Alien thing in this - all that angle was competent.
The big bad guy showdown was a simple ship takeover, very bland. Nevertheless, things looked bleak. Then, a handful of pages later, they'd solved it all anyway. Like I said, no control over tension and release.
And editor needed to sit down with the author and go through every thread in this story, and condense the whole thing down into one book. And explain how tension is supposed to work in adventure stories. Like, 'difficult things take time to solve'. It would have been very condescending, but there we go. The editors at least needed to keep a firmer grip of the project.
July 14, 2023
Star Trek: Voyager: Atonement by Kirsten Beyer
Now, this was a good book. Probably my third favorite after Full Circle and the Eternal Tide in Beyer’s run. This book wraps up several long running threads from all of Beyer’s run; the CIF, the catatomic plague and Meegan. The first and the latter are very interconnected but the best part of the book is them dealing with the catatomic plague.
The book had a bit of a rough start, as the tribunal that was going to judge Janeway was wrapped a little too quickly for my liking. I love any court room style episodes in Star Trek like Measure of a Man or SNW’s Ad Astra per Aspera and I was really looking foward to seeing Janeway in such a setting. The rest of the stuff with the Serieans was alright but it really came together in the end with the Olbihax and that’s where this book really shined for me.
But the absolute best part of this book was Seven, Tom, Dr.Sharak, Julia Paris and Wildman dealing with the refugees and the catatomic plague. Exploring the Tamarians more was great and everything related to it was written in such a satisfying way. The origins of the plague and dealing with it, was written in such a great way. The conclusion to it was well written and all the side characters from Voyager and their families and how they ended up helping out was very wholesome. The final party with them at the end felt very rewarding and wholesome.
But Tom repairing his relationship with his mom felt the best. After the last book, it just felt so wonderful. Overall, this book is a major step up from the previous two and it left with me a really really good feeling, which is rare for a Trek book for me these days.
Overall 8/10
Now, this was a good book. Probably my third favorite after Full Circle and the Eternal Tide in Beyer’s run. This book wraps up several long running threads from all of Beyer’s run; the CIF, the catatomic plague and Meegan. The first and the latter are very interconnected but the best part of the book is them dealing with the catatomic plague.
The book had a bit of a rough start, as the tribunal that was going to judge Janeway was wrapped a little too quickly for my liking. I love any court room style episodes in Star Trek like Measure of a Man or SNW’s Ad Astra per Aspera and I was really looking foward to seeing Janeway in such a setting. The rest of the stuff with the Serieans was alright but it really came together in the end with the Olbihax and that’s where this book really shined for me.
But the absolute best part of this book was Seven, Tom, Dr.Sharak, Julia Paris and Wildman dealing with the refugees and the catatomic plague. Exploring the Tamarians more was great and everything related to it was written in such a satisfying way. The origins of the plague and dealing with it, was written in such a great way. The conclusion to it was well written and all the side characters from Voyager and their families and how they ended up helping out was very wholesome. The final party with them at the end felt very rewarding and wholesome.
But Tom repairing his relationship with his mom felt the best. After the last book, it just felt so wonderful. Overall, this book is a major step up from the previous two and it left with me a really really good feeling, which is rare for a Trek book for me these days.
Overall 8/10
May 2, 2020
Kirsten Beyer has done it again. She delievered a solid, well written, exciting novel, with lots of twists and turns and quite an ending.
Full Circle was a huge and epic opening, while Unworthy and Children of the Storm were smaller middle books. That portion ended with the climatic Eternal Tide. The Protectors and Acts of Contrition series likewise ended with an epic conclusion with Atonement.
First off, this book did not go how I expected it. It had been a year since I read the last book in the series(Acts of Contrition), so I had to remember what was happening. I expected the trial to last the whole book, and instead it was only for the first portion. Instead, this book went in a direction that was unique and fascinating.
My favorite Star Trek character, Seven of Nine, had a fantastic arc, and I found myself racing to read her chapters. I've always thought Tom Paris was a rude and bad scoundrel, but he really grew on me in this book. The whole earth arc was just wonderful.
The primary story was harder to follow than normal and had a lot of species and names that I had forgotten, but it was nevertheless well written and exciting.
Although I initially wasn't a Janeway/Chakotay shipper, I have changed my tune and Kirsten Beyer has done a really good job with their characters.
Overall, this is a solid book. I think Full Circle might be a better book, but this is up there with the Eternal Tide. 9.0 out of 10! Great job Kirsten. I look forward to reading the next books from you.
Full Circle was a huge and epic opening, while Unworthy and Children of the Storm were smaller middle books. That portion ended with the climatic Eternal Tide. The Protectors and Acts of Contrition series likewise ended with an epic conclusion with Atonement.
First off, this book did not go how I expected it. It had been a year since I read the last book in the series(Acts of Contrition), so I had to remember what was happening. I expected the trial to last the whole book, and instead it was only for the first portion. Instead, this book went in a direction that was unique and fascinating.
My favorite Star Trek character, Seven of Nine, had a fantastic arc, and I found myself racing to read her chapters. I've always thought Tom Paris was a rude and bad scoundrel, but he really grew on me in this book. The whole earth arc was just wonderful.
The primary story was harder to follow than normal and had a lot of species and names that I had forgotten, but it was nevertheless well written and exciting.
Although I initially wasn't a Janeway/Chakotay shipper, I have changed my tune and Kirsten Beyer has done a really good job with their characters.
Overall, this is a solid book. I think Full Circle might be a better book, but this is up there with the Eternal Tide. 9.0 out of 10! Great job Kirsten. I look forward to reading the next books from you.
August 21, 2019
Atonement kicked off with a rather disjointed prologue that left anyone wanting to follow up with the ending of the previous Acts of Contrition in a state of confusion, unless you have followed the series from Unworthy.
The novel is appropriately titled, because many of the characters set about doing just that, with the exception of Commander Briggs.
"I know how easy it is to forget that when you are in pain. Don't allow that pain to guide you. Don't make mistakes for which you might never have the opportunity to atone."
~ Julia Paris to Phoebe Janeway
The extent that Briggs managed to compromise Starfleet Medical in the pursuit of his "secret experiments" just goes to prove that Admiral Willem Batiste was right that "there are dark holes in the Federation that most of you refuse to acknowledge".
The more I read the Voyager series, the more I get this uncomfortable feeling that Kathryn Janeway was way too trusting of her enemies for the good of her own crew. Her misplaced trust in Lsia could have gotten the entire Voyager crew killed. In Chinese, it's called 妇人之仁.
As a result of her poor and reckless decision-making, the entire fleet is often placed in constant danger. Surprisingly, most of the crew simply indulged her.
The novel is appropriately titled, because many of the characters set about doing just that, with the exception of Commander Briggs.
"I know how easy it is to forget that when you are in pain. Don't allow that pain to guide you. Don't make mistakes for which you might never have the opportunity to atone."
~ Julia Paris to Phoebe Janeway
The extent that Briggs managed to compromise Starfleet Medical in the pursuit of his "secret experiments" just goes to prove that Admiral Willem Batiste was right that "there are dark holes in the Federation that most of you refuse to acknowledge".
The more I read the Voyager series, the more I get this uncomfortable feeling that Kathryn Janeway was way too trusting of her enemies for the good of her own crew. Her misplaced trust in Lsia could have gotten the entire Voyager crew killed. In Chinese, it's called 妇人之仁.
As a result of her poor and reckless decision-making, the entire fleet is often placed in constant danger. Surprisingly, most of the crew simply indulged her.
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