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Star Trek: Gateways #6
Cold Wars
Missing for two hundred millennia, the legendary Iconians have returned, bringing with them the secret of interdimensional teleportation across vast interstellar distances. Awakened once more, their ancient Gateways are rewriting the map of the galaxy, and nowhere more than in the New Frontier®.... A century ago, the imperial Thallonians separated two feuding alien races, depositing each of them on a new world safely distant from that of their ancestral enemies. Now, however, the Gateways have made it possible for the long dormant blood feud to begin anew. Captain Mackenzie Calhoun of the "U.S.S. Excalibur and his partner, Captain Elizabeth Shelby of the "U.S.S. Trident, find themselves fighting a losing battle to keep the horrific violence from escalating, even as they gradually realize the catastrophic danger posed by the Gateways themselves
364 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
26 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,568 books1,365 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 36 reviews
October 22, 2025
Peter David really outdoes himself with Cold Wars, filling the story with the same sense of whimsy and daring that defines Captain Calhoun. Calhoun's reckless brinksmanship makes Captain Kirk look almost like a milquetoast bureaucrat by comparison. After reading the first four New Frontier novels, I wasn't much of a fan of Calhoun or the Excalibur crew - but something clicked with Cold Wars. I found myself genuinely enjoying Calhoun's audacious behavior and David's sharp, often humorous writing.
David also brings in two characters from Star Trek: The Animated Series. What could have been simple cameos instead become part of a surprisingly poignant and touching subplot. My only complaint is that the book could have used some tighter editing - trimming about 50 to 100 pages would have made it even stronger.
David also brings in two characters from Star Trek: The Animated Series. What could have been simple cameos instead become part of a surprisingly poignant and touching subplot. My only complaint is that the book could have used some tighter editing - trimming about 50 to 100 pages would have made it even stronger.
October 11, 2022
I admit that I never read any of the other GATEWAYS series nor am I probably going to any time soon. However, I didn't read this as part of the NEW FRONTIERS series and that's a crying shame. I don't know where this fits into the larger timeline but I hadn't read it and was feeling the need for a brain reset before I started on my fourth SPACE ACADEMY book (that's a series I write, not one that I read).
The premise is a fairly interesting one that sort of embodies the spirit of the New Frontier books, which is that it takes the idea of a Next Generation starship, puts them through Captain Kirk-esque adventures, and then puts a zany kind of Loony Toons twist on it all by having the crew be self-aware comedians ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a more subdued version of Lower Decks. It is not a lie to say that this is probably the biggest influence on my writing other than possibly the Star Wars Legends books by Timmy Zahn or Michael Stackpole.
By what I mean by Captain Kirk-esque adventures, the premise is that there's two species that want to annihilate each other and our heroes sort of blunder into their ancient millennia long feud. Captain Calhoun's heavy handed style and dozens of violations of Starfleet protocol actually go beyond Kirk and his usual self this time around to the point that I felt the book suffered for it. He's always been one to play fast and loose with the rules in the way Kirk has been accused of but was never guilty but it seemed especially egregious this time.
However, I actually liked the mystery of the story as two Iconians (or one?) are apparently trying to arm the sides against one another. The funny thing being that both sides figure this out almost immediately and both the Iconians seem genuinely surprised by it. Sadly, the actual "meat" of the plot or whatever they were planning on doing is left for other books to explain. I must admit it's interesting to see various Trek books different takes on things like the Iconians since I'm mostly familiar with the Star Trek Online version that is very different from the bumbling salesmen here.
The biggest appeal of the book is the inclusion of M'Ress and Arex from Star Trek: The Animated Series. I'm very glad that Lower Decks has been going a long way to reintroduce the concepts and characters of that period of Trek history back into canon. Here, Peter David found the perfect place for both of them and I actually felt M'Ress' story was poignant. It reminded me, unsurprisingly, of the handling of Claire Raymond ("The Neutral Zone") by Christopher Bennett in his Department of Temporal Investigation books.
There's also a handling of a "elf" race's "Knack" that basically functions a bit like the story he told about the Deltans in his RISE OF THE FEDERATION books. Unfortunately, the idea being that it may work like a drug. It's a rather nasty and horrifying topic for a Star Trek novel that is otherwise fairly light hearted and humorous. You know, aside from the genocidal religious war and murder of a girl's family in front of her--wait, nevermind.
Either way, I found it to be a solid and entertaining part of the series with some of my favorite moments from the series.
The premise is a fairly interesting one that sort of embodies the spirit of the New Frontier books, which is that it takes the idea of a Next Generation starship, puts them through Captain Kirk-esque adventures, and then puts a zany kind of Loony Toons twist on it all by having the crew be self-aware comedians ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a more subdued version of Lower Decks. It is not a lie to say that this is probably the biggest influence on my writing other than possibly the Star Wars Legends books by Timmy Zahn or Michael Stackpole.
By what I mean by Captain Kirk-esque adventures, the premise is that there's two species that want to annihilate each other and our heroes sort of blunder into their ancient millennia long feud. Captain Calhoun's heavy handed style and dozens of violations of Starfleet protocol actually go beyond Kirk and his usual self this time around to the point that I felt the book suffered for it. He's always been one to play fast and loose with the rules in the way Kirk has been accused of but was never guilty but it seemed especially egregious this time.
However, I actually liked the mystery of the story as two Iconians (or one?) are apparently trying to arm the sides against one another. The funny thing being that both sides figure this out almost immediately and both the Iconians seem genuinely surprised by it. Sadly, the actual "meat" of the plot or whatever they were planning on doing is left for other books to explain. I must admit it's interesting to see various Trek books different takes on things like the Iconians since I'm mostly familiar with the Star Trek Online version that is very different from the bumbling salesmen here.
The biggest appeal of the book is the inclusion of M'Ress and Arex from Star Trek: The Animated Series. I'm very glad that Lower Decks has been going a long way to reintroduce the concepts and characters of that period of Trek history back into canon. Here, Peter David found the perfect place for both of them and I actually felt M'Ress' story was poignant. It reminded me, unsurprisingly, of the handling of Claire Raymond ("The Neutral Zone") by Christopher Bennett in his Department of Temporal Investigation books.
There's also a handling of a "elf" race's "Knack" that basically functions a bit like the story he told about the Deltans in his RISE OF THE FEDERATION books. Unfortunately, the idea being that it may work like a drug. It's a rather nasty and horrifying topic for a Star Trek novel that is otherwise fairly light hearted and humorous. You know, aside from the genocidal religious war and murder of a girl's family in front of her--wait, nevermind.
Either way, I found it to be a solid and entertaining part of the series with some of my favorite moments from the series.
August 24, 2025
I haven't read the New Frontier books yet, I decided to read this one as part of the Gateways Saga for Literary Treks. But if this book is any indication of how the rest of the NF books are, I need to read them soon.
In this book, Peter David masterfully balances writing action, story, character, intrigue, and dialogue, while also telling a story that feels like it is both Star Trek and not Star Trek. It's an incredibly difficult balance that not all authors can do, and somehow David manages it!
The two ships/crews in this book were fun to read about, and I really enjoyed seeing Calhoun and Shelby interact. Their relationship really makes the book intriguing and sweet to read.
The story of the two planets that are previously in a state of cold war, but one decides to up and attack the other, leading to renewed hostilities is not only an entertaining read, but is surprisingly relevant to today. I was midway through reading the book when the (multiple) meanings of the title "Cold Wars" hit me.
The Gateways were used quite well here, and I just enjoyed seeing the mystery of the Gateways unfold.
There are a few standout scenes here that are just all-timer Trek book scenes. In particular, the negotiations scene in the middle of the book on the Holodecks was just brilliant, and the "Phetus" joke scenes were just too funny.
Overall, I loved this book, and I'm very excited to try out the New Frontier books (just as soon as I can get my hands on some of them). 9 out of 10!
In this book, Peter David masterfully balances writing action, story, character, intrigue, and dialogue, while also telling a story that feels like it is both Star Trek and not Star Trek. It's an incredibly difficult balance that not all authors can do, and somehow David manages it!
The two ships/crews in this book were fun to read about, and I really enjoyed seeing Calhoun and Shelby interact. Their relationship really makes the book intriguing and sweet to read.
The story of the two planets that are previously in a state of cold war, but one decides to up and attack the other, leading to renewed hostilities is not only an entertaining read, but is surprisingly relevant to today. I was midway through reading the book when the (multiple) meanings of the title "Cold Wars" hit me.
The Gateways were used quite well here, and I just enjoyed seeing the mystery of the Gateways unfold.
There are a few standout scenes here that are just all-timer Trek book scenes. In particular, the negotiations scene in the middle of the book on the Holodecks was just brilliant, and the "Phetus" joke scenes were just too funny.
Overall, I loved this book, and I'm very excited to try out the New Frontier books (just as soon as I can get my hands on some of them). 9 out of 10!
October 11, 2022
I admit that I never read any of the other GATEWAYS series nor am I probably going to any time soon. However, I didn't read this as part of the NEW FRONTIERS series and that's a crying shame. I don't know where this fits into the larger timeline but I hadn't read it and was feeling the need for a brain reset before I started on my fourth SPACE ACADEMY book (that's a series I write, not one that I read).
The premise is a fairly interesting one that sort of embodies the spirit of the New Frontier books, which is that it takes the idea of a Next Generation starship, puts them through Captain Kirk-esque adventures, and then puts a zany kind of Loony Toons twist on it all by having the crew be self-aware comedians ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a more subdued version of Lower Decks. It is not a lie to say that this is probably the biggest influence on my writing other than possibly the Star Wars Legends books by Timmy Zahn or Michael Stackpole.
By what I mean by Captain Kirk-esque adventures, the premise is that there's two species that want to annihilate each other and our heroes sort of blunder into their ancient millennia long feud. Captain Calhoun's heavy handed style and dozens of violations of Starfleet protocol actually go beyond Kirk and his usual self this time around to the point that I felt the book suffered for it. He's always been one to play fast and loose with the rules in the way Kirk has been accused of but was never guilty but it seemed especially egregious this time.
However, I actually liked the mystery of the story as two Iconians (or one?) are apparently trying to arm the sides against one another. The funny thing being that both sides figure this out almost immediately and both the Iconians seem genuinely surprised by it. Sadly, the actual "meat" of the plot or whatever they were planning on doing is left for other books to explain. I must admit it's interesting to see various Trek books different takes on things like the Iconians since I'm mostly familiar with the Star Trek Online version that is very different from the bumbling salesmen here.
The biggest appeal of the book is the inclusion of M'Ress and Arex from Star Trek: The Animated Series. I'm very glad that Lower Decks has been going a long way to reintroduce the concepts and characters of that period of Trek history back into canon. Here, Peter David found the perfect place for both of them and I actually felt M'Ress' story was poignant. It reminded me, unsurprisingly, of the handling of Claire Raymond ("The Neutral Zone") by Christopher Bennett in his Department of Temporal Investigation books.
There's also a handling of a "elf" race's "Knack" that basically functions a bit like the story he told about the Deltans in his RISE OF THE FEDERATION books. Unfortunately, the idea being that it may work like a drug. It's a rather nasty and horrifying topic for a Star Trek novel that is otherwise fairly light hearted and humorous. You know, aside from the genocidal religious war and murder of a girl's family in front of her--wait, nevermind.
Either way, I found it to be a solid and entertaining part of the series with some of my favorite moments from the series.
The premise is a fairly interesting one that sort of embodies the spirit of the New Frontier books, which is that it takes the idea of a Next Generation starship, puts them through Captain Kirk-esque adventures, and then puts a zany kind of Loony Toons twist on it all by having the crew be self-aware comedians ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a more subdued version of Lower Decks. It is not a lie to say that this is probably the biggest influence on my writing other than possibly the Star Wars Legends books by Timmy Zahn or Michael Stackpole.
By what I mean by Captain Kirk-esque adventures, the premise is that there's two species that want to annihilate each other and our heroes sort of blunder into their ancient millennia long feud. Captain Calhoun's heavy handed style and dozens of violations of Starfleet protocol actually go beyond Kirk and his usual self this time around to the point that I felt the book suffered for it. He's always been one to play fast and loose with the rules in the way Kirk has been accused of but was never guilty but it seemed especially egregious this time.
However, I actually liked the mystery of the story as two Iconians (or one?) are apparently trying to arm the sides against one another. The funny thing being that both sides figure this out almost immediately and both the Iconians seem genuinely surprised by it. Sadly, the actual "meat" of the plot or whatever they were planning on doing is left for other books to explain. I must admit it's interesting to see various Trek books different takes on things like the Iconians since I'm mostly familiar with the Star Trek Online version that is very different from the bumbling salesmen here.
The biggest appeal of the book is the inclusion of M'Ress and Arex from Star Trek: The Animated Series. I'm very glad that Lower Decks has been going a long way to reintroduce the concepts and characters of that period of Trek history back into canon. Here, Peter David found the perfect place for both of them and I actually felt M'Ress' story was poignant. It reminded me, unsurprisingly, of the handling of Claire Raymond ("The Neutral Zone") by Christopher Bennett in his Department of Temporal Investigation books.
There's also a handling of a "elf" race's "Knack" that basically functions a bit like the story he told about the Deltans in his RISE OF THE FEDERATION books. Unfortunately, the idea being that it may work like a drug. It's a rather nasty and horrifying topic for a Star Trek novel that is otherwise fairly light hearted and humorous. You know, aside from the genocidal religious war and murder of a girl's family in front of her--wait, nevermind.
Either way, I found it to be a solid and entertaining part of the series with some of my favorite moments from the series.
June 28, 2023
Dieser Roman ist Teil der Gateway bzw Portal Reihe, die sich durch die einzelnen großen Star Trek Romanreihen zieht. Somit ist dies nur ein kleiner Teil einer größeren Geschichte. Allerdings ist es gut zu lesen auch wenn man die anderen Teile nicht gelesen hat.
Ich persönlich fand die Story etwas unspektakulär, da sie keine großen Überraschungen bietet. Die Story ist im Großen und Ganzen sehr vorhersehbar. Das ist aber in Ordnung, weil das Grundkonzept der New Frontier Reihe mich halt schon sehr unterhält. Die Crew ist halt einmalig. Etwas Abwechslung bringen hier nun zwei bzw drei neue Crewmitglieder, die hoffentlich auch in den nächsten Romanen immer mal wieder auftauchen. Nicht zu vergessen, dass neben der USS Excalibur die USS Trident auch im Sektor 221G eingesetzt wird und man somit ein weiteres Schiff als Schauplatz für die Abenteuer rund um die Captains Calhoun und Shelby hat.
Warum also sollte man das Buch trotzdem lesen, auch wenn man die Portal Reihe nicht kennt? Es passiert hier schon einiges bei der Charakterentwicklung der Figuren, dazu kommen neue Figuren und manche finden sich plötzlich in ganz neue Situationen wieder. Das macht Spaß und war in diesem Roman auch mein Highlight, die eigentliche Story plätscherte für mich einfach so dahin.
Ich persönlich fand die Story etwas unspektakulär, da sie keine großen Überraschungen bietet. Die Story ist im Großen und Ganzen sehr vorhersehbar. Das ist aber in Ordnung, weil das Grundkonzept der New Frontier Reihe mich halt schon sehr unterhält. Die Crew ist halt einmalig. Etwas Abwechslung bringen hier nun zwei bzw drei neue Crewmitglieder, die hoffentlich auch in den nächsten Romanen immer mal wieder auftauchen. Nicht zu vergessen, dass neben der USS Excalibur die USS Trident auch im Sektor 221G eingesetzt wird und man somit ein weiteres Schiff als Schauplatz für die Abenteuer rund um die Captains Calhoun und Shelby hat.
Warum also sollte man das Buch trotzdem lesen, auch wenn man die Portal Reihe nicht kennt? Es passiert hier schon einiges bei der Charakterentwicklung der Figuren, dazu kommen neue Figuren und manche finden sich plötzlich in ganz neue Situationen wieder. Das macht Spaß und war in diesem Roman auch mein Highlight, die eigentliche Story plätscherte für mich einfach so dahin.
June 30, 2025
Star Wars: Gateways: New Frontier 06 Cold Wars by Peter David
challenging dark funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are the main focus? It's complicated
4.25 Stars
This is the penultimate book within the series...so there were stakes in this one, that I hadn't realized in the others (though they may have been there, and I just missed them).
Also, I've not read any of the New Frontier books, though I've got them. Now that I know the crews and the vibe, I'm more inclined to want to read them. Looking forward to going on adventures with them.
Now, back to this book (and series). I actually liked the message of what was the underlying theme of this story...with the Aeron and the Markanians. Once, I got to the reveal, I was totally fine with what the author wanted us to know, and got the message LOUD and clear. Well done.
Now, I really need to pickup the last book, Star Trek: Gateways 07 What Lays Beyond by all the previous authors within the series.
challenging dark funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are the main focus? It's complicated
4.25 Stars
This is the penultimate book within the series...so there were stakes in this one, that I hadn't realized in the others (though they may have been there, and I just missed them).
Also, I've not read any of the New Frontier books, though I've got them. Now that I know the crews and the vibe, I'm more inclined to want to read them. Looking forward to going on adventures with them.
Now, back to this book (and series). I actually liked the message of what was the underlying theme of this story...with the Aeron and the Markanians. Once, I got to the reveal, I was totally fine with what the author wanted us to know, and got the message LOUD and clear. Well done.
Now, I really need to pickup the last book, Star Trek: Gateways 07 What Lays Beyond by all the previous authors within the series.
April 1, 2021
***If you only care about the New Frontier crew, you don’t need to read the other stories and can skip ahead to ‘What Lay Beyond’.
I hope I have covered all the necessary points below. If you have kept up to date with the Star Trek books as they have been released or have a better memory than I do, you can skip down to the bit where I actually say how good this one is.
Otherwise, before you read this volume you may wish to look up other aspects of the Star Trek Universe.
Most obviously are the first 4 books of the Gateways series-
Star Trek (Gateways #1) - One Small Step (It literally follows on from The Original Series 3rd season episode (17) ‘That Which Survives’ and makes more sense if you watch that first).
———
Star Trek: Challenger (Gateways #2) - Chainmail (This is a new crew who feature only in one other book ‘Star Trek: New Earth - Challenger’ which you will need to read as well to even vaguely understand how they came to be. The first 6 books in the ‘New Earth’ series aren’t necessary to follow the ‘Gateways’ thread).
——-
Star Trek: The Next Generation (Gateways #3) Doors Into Chaos (The Series 2, episode #11 ‘Contagion’ introduces the Iconians, creators of the Gateways. The Deep Space Nine Series 4, episode #22 ‘To The Death’ introduces a second Gateway and The Voyager Series 3, episode #24 ‘Displaced’ gives us our first glimpse at the Nyrian, Taleen, who features heavily in this story. There are lots of other references to episodes, but these are the key ones to follow this tale).
———
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Gateways #4) - Demons Of Air And Darkness (This volume is also a part of a series that follows on from the end of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine TV show itself, so it will help if you ensure you know what has happened in that too.
Especially the following-
Series 7
Episode 24 - The Dogs Of War (Rom becomes the Grand Nagus and leaves with Leeta).
Episode 25 - What You Leave Behind (Sisko leaves to be with the Prophets/Worf Is appointed Federation Ambassador to Qo’nos/Odo goes to live with the Founders/Chief O’Brien moves back to Earth to teach at the Academy/The end of the war with the Dominion and Nog’s promotion to Lieutenant, while Garak stays on Cardassia to help rebuild after the war).
As a result of all these changes a new crew is introduced in the following books that precede Gateways #4 -
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Avatar (1&2) (Commander Vaughan and Taran ‘atar are brought in and we meet Shar, an Andorian Ensign and find out that Ro Laren has been brought in as Security Chief. Ezri also decides to transfer to command from sciences and Jake ventures to the Wormhole looking for his Dad. Kira becomes attainted by the Vedeks)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Section 31) Abyss (We learn that Jake is struggling in the Wormhole while Bashir takes a crew to expose Section 31)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Rising Son (This story runs alongside the Gateways story, but doesn’t affect it, however if you’ve read the others, you might want to find out what happens to Jake?)
These books in themselves reference lots of other happenings from the series, but I can’t list everything.
On top of these you may want to refresh yourself on these TV episodes -
Star Trek: The Next Generation -
Series 1
Episode 11- The Big Goodbye (The Jaradans feature in this episode establishing their xenophobia)
Series 4
Episode 12 - Wounded (Gul Macet, who looks suspiciously like Gul Dukat, works with Picard)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine -
Series 3
Episode 24 - Shakaar (We meet Lenaris Holem who features heavily in Volume #4).
Series 4
Episode 7 - Little Green Men (Cousin Gaila gives Quark a dodgy ship that sends him back to Roswell)
Series 5
Episode 18 - Business As Usual (Quark works with his Gaila selling weapons)
Series 6
Episode 10 - The Magnificent Ferengi (Quark recruits Gaila and others to help him rescue his Mother from the Dominion)
Gaila is a recurring reference throughout the series, if you haven’t heard of him and his moon, I’m not sure why you would read this book?
Episode 15 - Honor Among Thieves (O’Brien goes undercover working for the Orion Syndicate. The Orions in this book are more like the one first seen in The Original Series Episode 1 (Pilot) The Cage).
Star Trek: Voyager
Series 4
Episode 15 - Hunters (We meet the Hirogen for the first time. The Hirogen are important in Gateways Volume #5 as well).
———
Star Trek: Voyager (Gateways) - No Man’s Land (#5). It is easier to follow than #4, but you may still want to catch up or with the following-
Star Trek: Voyager
Series 6
Episode 10 - Pathfinder (It is established that the events that take place in books 3, 4, 5 & 6 of the ‘Gateways’ series take place after this episode featuring Reg Barclay).
Episode 14 - Memorial (It would appear that what happens in this volume follows on from this episode as specifically).
——-
In order to understand what is going on in Star Trek: New Frontier (Gateways) - Cold Wars (#6) I did have to do a small bit of digging and Wiki Fandom is very helpful for that.
If you haven’t read any of the Star Trek: New Frontier books it won’t hurt as the history is quite well defined in this volume and it is easy to read as a stand alone from that series. But if you would like a bit of background then this is as much as I know and may help with reading this volume.
Star Trek: The Animated Series
Series 1
Episode 3 - One Of Our Planets Is Missing (Lieutenant Arex Na Eth appears as a security officer. He is somehow brought to the future and the timeline of New Frontier shortly after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. He then serves as Chief of Security on the Trident).
Episode 6 - Survivor (The first appearance of Shiboline M-Ress, who is, like Arex, also displaced into the future before serving on the Trident sometime after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home).
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Series 2
Episode 6 - The Schizoid Man (Dr Selar is seen for the first and last time. She now serves as the Chief Medical Officer on the Excalibur in New Frontier).
Series 3 & 4
Episodes 24 & 1 (Respectively) - Best Of Both Worlds (Elizabeth Shelby is introduced as is her obsession with the Borg and her ambition to become a Captain.
Series 5
Episode 6 - The Game (We meet Robin Leffler. It is established in this book, at least, that her Mother is a woman named Morgan Primus, an immortal, who seems to be a way of explaining Majel Barrett’s repeated appearances in the Star Trek Universe. There is a much more information about her in the other New Frontier books and on Wiki (Memory Beta) Fandom.
Series 6
Episodes 10 & 11 - Chain Of Command (Captain Edward Jellico is brought to the Enterprise to cover in Picard’s absence. In the New Frontier series he has been promoted to Admiral).
Review:
As I started reading this one I thought that it would be good and looked forward to going back over the rest of the ‘New Frontier’ series, but as I progressed I found that I really don’t like the two crews and that in itself was a bit much too. Having two crews makes it more difficult to connect with them, as there are too many characters to try and understand, create a picture of and get used to.
What I didn’t like about them is the lack of discipline and the rogue ways that they went about things. Part of the appeal of Star Trek for me is that it is a vision of a better future where ego’s and misbehaviour have become a thing of the past in order for us all to live happily together. I have a similar problem with ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ too, where there is a complete lack of respect for anything.
I did find it funny to note that despite how much I hated her in ‘Best Of Both Worlds’, it was Shelby that came off as the better character here. Calhoun is just too much of a wild card for my tastes.
I did like the introduction of Arex and M-Ress from ‘The Animated Series’, but I would have liked to know the circumstances that landed them in the future and I didn’t like M-Ress behaviour at all, talk about catty!
It was also good to bring in Selar and Leffler from ‘The Next Generation’, but it did start to seem like the Excalibur and Trident were starships for waifs and strays, as all these other characters were introduced. Again there were too many aliens and it became a struggle to differentiate between Si Cwan, Burgoyne and Kebron for example, let alone the warring Aerons and Markanians.
I actually always thought that ‘Voyager’ should have picked up various people along the way in this fashion, but now I see that it doesn’t work, certainly not as a book. The ‘Deep Space Nine’ novel ‘Rising Son’ has the same issue. They’re trying too hard to bring in new aliens and show the diversity it can achieve. Instead of creating a few great characters, you end up with lots of so-so ones.
The way Burgoyne is written frustrates me too. Assuming that they are an hermaphrodite or Trans in some way, surely they are a they/them/their and not a ‘s/he’, or ‘hir’? It doesn’t make it easy to read.
I also didn’t see the point of the character of Pheytus, who just seemed to have been put into provide some childish comic relief, adding unneeded extra pages and further proving that the crew is not as advanced and accepting as they should be.
As for the story itself, I didn’t mind it really, but there were a few plot holes. For instance, I was unsure why they were getting involved with non warp civilisations and how those planets were keeping up to date with each other, as they were relatively not that advanced.
The writing also has some inconsistencies that confused me to start with.
I did like the fact that it was a self contained story and, if you don’t read the last chapter, everything is resolved. Not only that, but it provides enough history of the ‘New Frontier’ books that have gone before that you don’t need to worry about having read them.
It is also a bit more adult in some respects, certainly the first chapters are a bit more graphic than we are used to.
I suppose that I might read the other ‘New Frontier’ books in the future, but this one has not inspired me. I hope it was worth reading it as I go in to the last of the ‘Gateways’ books with ‘What Lay Beyond’.
I hope I have covered all the necessary points below. If you have kept up to date with the Star Trek books as they have been released or have a better memory than I do, you can skip down to the bit where I actually say how good this one is.
Otherwise, before you read this volume you may wish to look up other aspects of the Star Trek Universe.
Most obviously are the first 4 books of the Gateways series-
Star Trek (Gateways #1) - One Small Step (It literally follows on from The Original Series 3rd season episode (17) ‘That Which Survives’ and makes more sense if you watch that first).
———
Star Trek: Challenger (Gateways #2) - Chainmail (This is a new crew who feature only in one other book ‘Star Trek: New Earth - Challenger’ which you will need to read as well to even vaguely understand how they came to be. The first 6 books in the ‘New Earth’ series aren’t necessary to follow the ‘Gateways’ thread).
——-
Star Trek: The Next Generation (Gateways #3) Doors Into Chaos (The Series 2, episode #11 ‘Contagion’ introduces the Iconians, creators of the Gateways. The Deep Space Nine Series 4, episode #22 ‘To The Death’ introduces a second Gateway and The Voyager Series 3, episode #24 ‘Displaced’ gives us our first glimpse at the Nyrian, Taleen, who features heavily in this story. There are lots of other references to episodes, but these are the key ones to follow this tale).
———
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Gateways #4) - Demons Of Air And Darkness (This volume is also a part of a series that follows on from the end of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine TV show itself, so it will help if you ensure you know what has happened in that too.
Especially the following-
Series 7
Episode 24 - The Dogs Of War (Rom becomes the Grand Nagus and leaves with Leeta).
Episode 25 - What You Leave Behind (Sisko leaves to be with the Prophets/Worf Is appointed Federation Ambassador to Qo’nos/Odo goes to live with the Founders/Chief O’Brien moves back to Earth to teach at the Academy/The end of the war with the Dominion and Nog’s promotion to Lieutenant, while Garak stays on Cardassia to help rebuild after the war).
As a result of all these changes a new crew is introduced in the following books that precede Gateways #4 -
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Avatar (1&2) (Commander Vaughan and Taran ‘atar are brought in and we meet Shar, an Andorian Ensign and find out that Ro Laren has been brought in as Security Chief. Ezri also decides to transfer to command from sciences and Jake ventures to the Wormhole looking for his Dad. Kira becomes attainted by the Vedeks)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Section 31) Abyss (We learn that Jake is struggling in the Wormhole while Bashir takes a crew to expose Section 31)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Rising Son (This story runs alongside the Gateways story, but doesn’t affect it, however if you’ve read the others, you might want to find out what happens to Jake?)
These books in themselves reference lots of other happenings from the series, but I can’t list everything.
On top of these you may want to refresh yourself on these TV episodes -
Star Trek: The Next Generation -
Series 1
Episode 11- The Big Goodbye (The Jaradans feature in this episode establishing their xenophobia)
Series 4
Episode 12 - Wounded (Gul Macet, who looks suspiciously like Gul Dukat, works with Picard)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine -
Series 3
Episode 24 - Shakaar (We meet Lenaris Holem who features heavily in Volume #4).
Series 4
Episode 7 - Little Green Men (Cousin Gaila gives Quark a dodgy ship that sends him back to Roswell)
Series 5
Episode 18 - Business As Usual (Quark works with his Gaila selling weapons)
Series 6
Episode 10 - The Magnificent Ferengi (Quark recruits Gaila and others to help him rescue his Mother from the Dominion)
Gaila is a recurring reference throughout the series, if you haven’t heard of him and his moon, I’m not sure why you would read this book?
Episode 15 - Honor Among Thieves (O’Brien goes undercover working for the Orion Syndicate. The Orions in this book are more like the one first seen in The Original Series Episode 1 (Pilot) The Cage).
Star Trek: Voyager
Series 4
Episode 15 - Hunters (We meet the Hirogen for the first time. The Hirogen are important in Gateways Volume #5 as well).
———
Star Trek: Voyager (Gateways) - No Man’s Land (#5). It is easier to follow than #4, but you may still want to catch up or with the following-
Star Trek: Voyager
Series 6
Episode 10 - Pathfinder (It is established that the events that take place in books 3, 4, 5 & 6 of the ‘Gateways’ series take place after this episode featuring Reg Barclay).
Episode 14 - Memorial (It would appear that what happens in this volume follows on from this episode as specifically).
——-
In order to understand what is going on in Star Trek: New Frontier (Gateways) - Cold Wars (#6) I did have to do a small bit of digging and Wiki Fandom is very helpful for that.
If you haven’t read any of the Star Trek: New Frontier books it won’t hurt as the history is quite well defined in this volume and it is easy to read as a stand alone from that series. But if you would like a bit of background then this is as much as I know and may help with reading this volume.
Star Trek: The Animated Series
Series 1
Episode 3 - One Of Our Planets Is Missing (Lieutenant Arex Na Eth appears as a security officer. He is somehow brought to the future and the timeline of New Frontier shortly after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. He then serves as Chief of Security on the Trident).
Episode 6 - Survivor (The first appearance of Shiboline M-Ress, who is, like Arex, also displaced into the future before serving on the Trident sometime after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home).
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Series 2
Episode 6 - The Schizoid Man (Dr Selar is seen for the first and last time. She now serves as the Chief Medical Officer on the Excalibur in New Frontier).
Series 3 & 4
Episodes 24 & 1 (Respectively) - Best Of Both Worlds (Elizabeth Shelby is introduced as is her obsession with the Borg and her ambition to become a Captain.
Series 5
Episode 6 - The Game (We meet Robin Leffler. It is established in this book, at least, that her Mother is a woman named Morgan Primus, an immortal, who seems to be a way of explaining Majel Barrett’s repeated appearances in the Star Trek Universe. There is a much more information about her in the other New Frontier books and on Wiki (Memory Beta) Fandom.
Series 6
Episodes 10 & 11 - Chain Of Command (Captain Edward Jellico is brought to the Enterprise to cover in Picard’s absence. In the New Frontier series he has been promoted to Admiral).
Review:
As I started reading this one I thought that it would be good and looked forward to going back over the rest of the ‘New Frontier’ series, but as I progressed I found that I really don’t like the two crews and that in itself was a bit much too. Having two crews makes it more difficult to connect with them, as there are too many characters to try and understand, create a picture of and get used to.
What I didn’t like about them is the lack of discipline and the rogue ways that they went about things. Part of the appeal of Star Trek for me is that it is a vision of a better future where ego’s and misbehaviour have become a thing of the past in order for us all to live happily together. I have a similar problem with ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ too, where there is a complete lack of respect for anything.
I did find it funny to note that despite how much I hated her in ‘Best Of Both Worlds’, it was Shelby that came off as the better character here. Calhoun is just too much of a wild card for my tastes.
I did like the introduction of Arex and M-Ress from ‘The Animated Series’, but I would have liked to know the circumstances that landed them in the future and I didn’t like M-Ress behaviour at all, talk about catty!
It was also good to bring in Selar and Leffler from ‘The Next Generation’, but it did start to seem like the Excalibur and Trident were starships for waifs and strays, as all these other characters were introduced. Again there were too many aliens and it became a struggle to differentiate between Si Cwan, Burgoyne and Kebron for example, let alone the warring Aerons and Markanians.
I actually always thought that ‘Voyager’ should have picked up various people along the way in this fashion, but now I see that it doesn’t work, certainly not as a book. The ‘Deep Space Nine’ novel ‘Rising Son’ has the same issue. They’re trying too hard to bring in new aliens and show the diversity it can achieve. Instead of creating a few great characters, you end up with lots of so-so ones.
The way Burgoyne is written frustrates me too. Assuming that they are an hermaphrodite or Trans in some way, surely they are a they/them/their and not a ‘s/he’, or ‘hir’? It doesn’t make it easy to read.
I also didn’t see the point of the character of Pheytus, who just seemed to have been put into provide some childish comic relief, adding unneeded extra pages and further proving that the crew is not as advanced and accepting as they should be.
As for the story itself, I didn’t mind it really, but there were a few plot holes. For instance, I was unsure why they were getting involved with non warp civilisations and how those planets were keeping up to date with each other, as they were relatively not that advanced.
The writing also has some inconsistencies that confused me to start with.
I did like the fact that it was a self contained story and, if you don’t read the last chapter, everything is resolved. Not only that, but it provides enough history of the ‘New Frontier’ books that have gone before that you don’t need to worry about having read them.
It is also a bit more adult in some respects, certainly the first chapters are a bit more graphic than we are used to.
I suppose that I might read the other ‘New Frontier’ books in the future, but this one has not inspired me. I hope it was worth reading it as I go in to the last of the ‘Gateways’ books with ‘What Lay Beyond’.
August 25, 2025
As the Gateways saga continues, Cold Wars by Peter David delivers a novel where the Gateways themselves take center stage. More than just a continuation of the New Frontier storyline, this is a Gateways novel in full force — lengthy, rich with tension, and surprisingly relevant.
The premise is gripping: two alien races, exiled to different planets by the Thallonians a century ago, reignite their war after the arrival of mysterious aliens claiming to be the Iconians. Without space travel, their feud went cold — but with access to Gateways, it explodes back into fiery conflict. The fact that their centuries-long hatred revolves around sacred land makes this story feel tragically current — perhaps even more so now than in 2001.
As someone who has read a handful of New Frontier novels, I was familiar enough with the characters to jump in. Peter David handles the ensemble well, even if some familiar faces are more in the background this time around. Side plots like Burgoyne's and the Bolian crewman Pheytus's were light on relevance to the central arc but brought levity to an otherwise heavy story. It felt in keeping with how Star Trek balances tone across episodes.
David's prose is as strong as ever — humorous, sharp, and character-driven. He's long been a fan-favorite Trek author, and this book reminded me why. The characters, many of which he created, have distinct voices, and his experience shows in how seamlessly he blends action, wit, and moral reflection.
I gave this one 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's a strong, engaging entry in both the New Frontier and Gateways series. Even if you're not reading the full Gateways arc or haven't followed New Frontier closely, this novel stands well on its own and is absolutely worth reading.
The premise is gripping: two alien races, exiled to different planets by the Thallonians a century ago, reignite their war after the arrival of mysterious aliens claiming to be the Iconians. Without space travel, their feud went cold — but with access to Gateways, it explodes back into fiery conflict. The fact that their centuries-long hatred revolves around sacred land makes this story feel tragically current — perhaps even more so now than in 2001.
As someone who has read a handful of New Frontier novels, I was familiar enough with the characters to jump in. Peter David handles the ensemble well, even if some familiar faces are more in the background this time around. Side plots like Burgoyne's and the Bolian crewman Pheytus's were light on relevance to the central arc but brought levity to an otherwise heavy story. It felt in keeping with how Star Trek balances tone across episodes.
David's prose is as strong as ever — humorous, sharp, and character-driven. He's long been a fan-favorite Trek author, and this book reminded me why. The characters, many of which he created, have distinct voices, and his experience shows in how seamlessly he blends action, wit, and moral reflection.
I gave this one 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's a strong, engaging entry in both the New Frontier and Gateways series. Even if you're not reading the full Gateways arc or haven't followed New Frontier closely, this novel stands well on its own and is absolutely worth reading.
March 24, 2016
Not my favourite New Frontier but still good cause it's Peter David!
January 12, 2021
This was a rather lengthy book, but one that really helped me gain a much better appreciation for the somewhat linked crews of the Excalibur and the Trident as commanded by Captains Calhoun and Shelby respectively. Sure there's still the largest Gateways problem going on, but this book takes a distinctly different approach set against a most unusual conflict.
We have two races who lack the ability to travel the stars who were forcibly separated by the Thallonians for their own good. But when both sides gain access to Gateway technology from supposed Iconians, it allows them to finally take action against one another after decades of separation. And the two ships are dispatched to the two worlds to determine what's going on and to determine where the Gateways are.
Peter David does have a bit of a flair for the dramatic when it comes to these big plot points and he really had some big ideas for this book. The mirrored Iconians, as it were, was rather central to the final resolution although for the most part did feel like a side-plot kept on the sidelines. The core story was really more about these two plant-bound races more than even the Federation's efforts to intervene in this conflict.
And I particularly liked his decision to bring in some Star Trek: The Animated Series characters in the form of a time-displaced Arex and M'ress. More than just an amusing cameo, M'ress character arc is a rather complicated one that really shows the severe impact of being thrown into a future time period without the chance to return home.
Great stuff right before we get to the grand finale of this rather convoluted crossover event.
We have two races who lack the ability to travel the stars who were forcibly separated by the Thallonians for their own good. But when both sides gain access to Gateway technology from supposed Iconians, it allows them to finally take action against one another after decades of separation. And the two ships are dispatched to the two worlds to determine what's going on and to determine where the Gateways are.
Peter David does have a bit of a flair for the dramatic when it comes to these big plot points and he really had some big ideas for this book. The mirrored Iconians, as it were, was rather central to the final resolution although for the most part did feel like a side-plot kept on the sidelines. The core story was really more about these two plant-bound races more than even the Federation's efforts to intervene in this conflict.
And I particularly liked his decision to bring in some Star Trek: The Animated Series characters in the form of a time-displaced Arex and M'ress. More than just an amusing cameo, M'ress character arc is a rather complicated one that really shows the severe impact of being thrown into a future time period without the chance to return home.
Great stuff right before we get to the grand finale of this rather convoluted crossover event.
July 7, 2024
Well definitely one of the better ones in the Gateways series (which isn't saying much) it was a nice return to Calhoun and his bunch and their part in the Gateways series.
The reintroduction of M'Ress and Arex from the Animated Series was odd but fun to have those characters back and sort of explains why they weren't around for the movies or anything - a question that I don't think too many were asking but fun to see where they ended up even though their explanation was a bit convoluted.
I liked the premise, the plot and I do enjoy these characters even though they are more like comic book characters with quippy dialogue and a general disregard for how Starfleet typically operates but at least has a bit of a mirror to that at one point in the book with how Calhoun's new first officer operates at one point.
As far as the Gateways series goes, they have their own twist on it and seems a bit incongruous to what is going on with the TNG/DS9 group but I guess I will see what happens in the finale.
I can't say I have entirely enjoyed having every book end on a cliffhanger to be resolved in a short story in the 7th book as I hope I remember all the plot threads. Ha ha!
The reintroduction of M'Ress and Arex from the Animated Series was odd but fun to have those characters back and sort of explains why they weren't around for the movies or anything - a question that I don't think too many were asking but fun to see where they ended up even though their explanation was a bit convoluted.
I liked the premise, the plot and I do enjoy these characters even though they are more like comic book characters with quippy dialogue and a general disregard for how Starfleet typically operates but at least has a bit of a mirror to that at one point in the book with how Calhoun's new first officer operates at one point.
As far as the Gateways series goes, they have their own twist on it and seems a bit incongruous to what is going on with the TNG/DS9 group but I guess I will see what happens in the finale.
I can't say I have entirely enjoyed having every book end on a cliffhanger to be resolved in a short story in the 7th book as I hope I remember all the plot threads. Ha ha!
January 3, 2026
Fun read but I will say. Feels like elements of the other new frontier books mixed up together to make a familiar blend. If you've read them all up to now, you might find yourself saying, haven't we done this before, and in some cases haven't we done this very recently? As if Peter david was asked to add another book onto his busy schedule on short notice and said, haha ok, I'll do it but I'll reuse plot elements from all the other books and maybe they won't notice. That's my theory anyway. Maybe I'm a too much of a nitpicker tho I dunno.
June 29, 2023
This is a crossover between the New Frontier series and the Gateway series involving the crews of the Excalibur and Trident commanded by spouses Calhoun and Shelby. The Thallonians separated two warring alien races centuries ago and they’ve been not so neighborly since. Each starship eventually captures a gateway with an operator from a third alien race. A few twists makes things interesting with a cliffhanger at the end. Definitely recommended
July 30, 2019
Peter David is my favorite writer in the realm of Star Trek Lit. New Frontier is a top-notch series. Captain MacKenzie Calhoon is the charming lead character. He's basically a violet-eyed Conan the Barbarian as a Starfleet officer and yes, he does use a sword. While I profess deep love for this series, I'd have to say this one might be the weakest entry. It's still a 5-star book.
January 18, 2022
Hot dang. I don't know why Peter David hasn't been asked to write a Trek book for so long, but no one does dialogue like him. He's actually made me give a damn about the resolution of the Gateways series, which the TOS, Challenger and DS9 entries failed to do. First quarter was a trifle slow, but that last half... Crikey.
September 23, 2022
Not a really needed crossover book, sorry
October 14, 2022
A very New Frontier entry in the Gateways saga that juggles a good number of threads, and mostly well.
4/5 Maybe a bit crowded, but the overall story is still served.
4/5 Maybe a bit crowded, but the overall story is still served.
February 1, 2013
Star Trek: New Frontier: Gateways book 6: Cold Wars is the 15th chapter of what I like to refer to as the Star Trek the prime-time soap. This book is also a part of the Gateways series, in which a long lost race called the Iconians have seemed to reemerge from antiquity to sell their fantastic tech to the highest bidder. Among this tech are the Gateways, a method of travel instantaneously from one point to another. The range and size of these Gateways appear nearly infinite, so this tech poses a threat to the delicate balance of the galaxy. Now, as for our heroes, we pick up some time after the Excalibur Trilogy--both the USS Excalibur-A under Capt. Calhoun and the USS Trident under Capt. Shelby have returned to Sector 221-G to continue to explore and give humanitarian aid to those still in need due to the collapse of the Thallonian Empire. Right off the bat, Burgoyne 172 finds himself promoted to First Officer of Excalibur and we are introduced to the unfortunately named Ensign Pheytus (fetus), who is subjected to a running gag on his name.
Then both Lt Arex and Lt M'Ress, best known from the Star Trek Animated series, find themselves suddenly thrust forward from the time of Kirk and Spock to the 'present day,' and are assigned to the Trident. Arex handles the time-jump better then M'Ress, who suffers a crisis of confidence. She also runs afoul of Lt Cmdr. Gleau, a Selevian (also called "elves"), who may or may not have psychically coerced M'Ress into bed via a semi-automatic telepathic power referred to as "the Knack". What a dude. There are hints that the problems with the Iconian Gateways may be responsible for sending Arex and M'Ress thru time.
The main thrust of the book are the Iconian Gateways, of course. It seems that the Iconians have cone back and are trying to sell their Gateway tech to the highest bidder--but are they really who they seem? In this case, these so-called Iconians are trying to sell their wares to two other races, the Aerons and the Markanians, two races locked in an ancient blood feud. Peter David draws allusions between these two races and their passion for their ancient homeworld and the passion that Christians, Jews and Muslims have for Jerusalem. The ultimate resolution to story is not made clear. The Iconians both are killed without it ever being clear who they were and while one can assume the Gateways confiscated by Shelby and Calhoun, it is never stated. Nor is the state of relations between Aeron and Markania clarified. They were close to some sort of truce, but the climax of the novel interrupted the process.
The thing I liked best about the book was the parallel motif David seemed to employ to create interesting moments in the book. For instance the newly promoted Burgoyne and Tsana, the new Zarn of Aeron have a conversation about finding themselves unexpectedly in positions of authority they each neither planned for. Later Tsana and Moke, Calhoun's adopted son would bond a little over each having lost their blood families in a violent manner. There is also a bittersweet scene in which Moke tries to sort of adopt Dr Selar as a mother figure because she's a 'stern mother' with a 'strange son' (Xyon, fathered by Burgoyne), which reminds Moke of his former life before Calhoun.
Next we're back to the regular series with book 12: Being Human, which promises to delve into the secret history of Lt McHenry.
Then both Lt Arex and Lt M'Ress, best known from the Star Trek Animated series, find themselves suddenly thrust forward from the time of Kirk and Spock to the 'present day,' and are assigned to the Trident. Arex handles the time-jump better then M'Ress, who suffers a crisis of confidence. She also runs afoul of Lt Cmdr. Gleau, a Selevian (also called "elves"), who may or may not have psychically coerced M'Ress into bed via a semi-automatic telepathic power referred to as "the Knack". What a dude. There are hints that the problems with the Iconian Gateways may be responsible for sending Arex and M'Ress thru time.
The main thrust of the book are the Iconian Gateways, of course. It seems that the Iconians have cone back and are trying to sell their Gateway tech to the highest bidder--but are they really who they seem? In this case, these so-called Iconians are trying to sell their wares to two other races, the Aerons and the Markanians, two races locked in an ancient blood feud. Peter David draws allusions between these two races and their passion for their ancient homeworld and the passion that Christians, Jews and Muslims have for Jerusalem. The ultimate resolution to story is not made clear. The Iconians both are killed without it ever being clear who they were and while one can assume the Gateways confiscated by Shelby and Calhoun, it is never stated. Nor is the state of relations between Aeron and Markania clarified. They were close to some sort of truce, but the climax of the novel interrupted the process.
The thing I liked best about the book was the parallel motif David seemed to employ to create interesting moments in the book. For instance the newly promoted Burgoyne and Tsana, the new Zarn of Aeron have a conversation about finding themselves unexpectedly in positions of authority they each neither planned for. Later Tsana and Moke, Calhoun's adopted son would bond a little over each having lost their blood families in a violent manner. There is also a bittersweet scene in which Moke tries to sort of adopt Dr Selar as a mother figure because she's a 'stern mother' with a 'strange son' (Xyon, fathered by Burgoyne), which reminds Moke of his former life before Calhoun.
Next we're back to the regular series with book 12: Being Human, which promises to delve into the secret history of Lt McHenry.
November 26, 2020
I read this because I'm reading the New Frontier series, not the Gateways series. So there's probably stuff I'm missing.
The premise is that two races of people developed on the same planet and were at war over the holy land. The Thallonians separated them, placing them on different planets with no space flight capability. A hundred years later, the Iconians show up with portable gateway technology and the two races are able to go back to fighting each other.
This book establishes the new status quo for the New Frontier, with Calhoun and Shelby captaining their own ships, and introduces some new characters. It also brings back M'Ress and Arex Na Eth, chatacters from the animated series who Peter David wrote when he wrote TOS comics.
I have a touchpoint for language in speculative fiction. When it's done right, I love it. When it's done wrong, it's a pet peeve. I liked Peter David's sense of humor when I was a teenager, but now I spend the book wondering why these aliens, who are presumably speaking their own languages which are being translated through universal translators, are making puns which only make sense in English? At one point an alien writes something down, logically in his own language, and an alien of a different species is able to read it.
The Iconians have portable gateways. They're never physically described. I pictured the frame of the image on the book cover, and what I vaguely remember from the show. But apparently the portable gateway can fit in a case.
And that cover! That's the cliffhanger at the end, the final image in the book. Apparently the editors thought that was more interesting than the rest of the book?
The premise is that two races of people developed on the same planet and were at war over the holy land. The Thallonians separated them, placing them on different planets with no space flight capability. A hundred years later, the Iconians show up with portable gateway technology and the two races are able to go back to fighting each other.
This book establishes the new status quo for the New Frontier, with Calhoun and Shelby captaining their own ships, and introduces some new characters. It also brings back M'Ress and Arex Na Eth, chatacters from the animated series who Peter David wrote when he wrote TOS comics.
I have a touchpoint for language in speculative fiction. When it's done right, I love it. When it's done wrong, it's a pet peeve. I liked Peter David's sense of humor when I was a teenager, but now I spend the book wondering why these aliens, who are presumably speaking their own languages which are being translated through universal translators, are making puns which only make sense in English? At one point an alien writes something down, logically in his own language, and an alien of a different species is able to read it.
The Iconians have portable gateways. They're never physically described. I pictured the frame of the image on the book cover, and what I vaguely remember from the show. But apparently the portable gateway can fit in a case.
And that cover! That's the cliffhanger at the end, the final image in the book. Apparently the editors thought that was more interesting than the rest of the book?
April 15, 2012
The next-to-last installment in the Gateways series of Star Trek books in one of the better novels. Like the rest, it continues the narrative established in the previous books, but unlike the others, it is also the only one, aside from Challenger, that does not have a television series. Also, unlike Challenger, "Star Trek: New Frontier" continues on with additional books. Because "New Frontier" is a book-only installment in the Trek franchise, and also not canon, it is suggested that readers become more familiar with the characters by reading the previous books as "Cold Wars" sits in the middle of this Trek franchise. This not not necessary, but it is needed to better comprehend the dynamics between everyone. Like the other installments in Gateways, this one has its own take on the unfolding crisis. Instead of dealing with collateral damage, "Cold Wars" lives up to the title with both captains working to keep a Cold War from becoming hot. The Iconian twist also becomes more complex with the Petraw not mentioned and the "Iconians" coming from other locations. This opens up a bit of a mystery, if the Petraw aren't behind the gateway technology, and the Iconians are gone, who are the people called Smyt and how did they get a portable gateway? As with all books in the Gateways saga, this one continues in book 7, which is, mercifully, the next installment.
June 11, 2016
I read this book as part of the Gateways series. It was my first New Frontier book and also my first book by Peter David, and I have to say that I really liked it. I was drawn in from the very beginning and it was something about David's writing style that I just fell for. I could only describe it as him writing in such a way that I felt almost as if I was right there in the middle of it all with the characters.
The story was an interesting one, and I especially enjoyed reading the parts about the Aerons and the subplot with M'Ress trying to find her way (it certainly was a nice idea to bring her and Arex in from Star Trek: The Animated Series!). For some reason, though, I felt as if my interest started to fail somewhat towards the end and I can't really say why that was. I guess it was more of a vague feeling. Maybe the political conclusion wasn't what I'd expected or maybe it just dragged on a little bit too long. Who knows. But with this said I still really liked this book and if I would have felt the same way about it in the end as I did in the beginning it most likely would have gotten five stars instead of four.
The story was an interesting one, and I especially enjoyed reading the parts about the Aerons and the subplot with M'Ress trying to find her way (it certainly was a nice idea to bring her and Arex in from Star Trek: The Animated Series!). For some reason, though, I felt as if my interest started to fail somewhat towards the end and I can't really say why that was. I guess it was more of a vague feeling. Maybe the political conclusion wasn't what I'd expected or maybe it just dragged on a little bit too long. Who knows. But with this said I still really liked this book and if I would have felt the same way about it in the end as I did in the beginning it most likely would have gotten five stars instead of four.
April 13, 2012
From a good period in the New Frontier series, Cold Wars is a nicely-written addition to the Gateways saga. It doesn't necessarily mesh well with the other stories in the series, but then again, that seems to be the hallmark of this particular miniseries. For example, the Petraw, the species behind this quadrant-wide swindle, are nowhere to be found and are not even mentioned. As far as the story itself goes, Peter David has a solid handle on his characters at this point, and Cold Wars comes across honestly and true to the characters that have been established previously.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/04/c...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/04/c...
November 11, 2014
I bought this because I wanted to read all the books in the New Frontier series by Peter David. And, as far as the various "Gateways" books are concerned, this was a damned good one. All that said, I don't like cliffhangers much, and hate obvious ploys to make me buy more even less: the book doesn't have an ending.
Worse, the six Gateways books all were like this - and only ended with short stories in a collected hardcover volume. Ouch. Not a very kind thing to do. Still, I nabbed this, read it, enjoyed it well enough, but hey - it's Calhoun and Shelby, married, on alternate ships, very well written.
Worse, the six Gateways books all were like this - and only ended with short stories in a collected hardcover volume. Ouch. Not a very kind thing to do. Still, I nabbed this, read it, enjoyed it well enough, but hey - it's Calhoun and Shelby, married, on alternate ships, very well written.
October 14, 2008
I don't recommend reading this book first in the series...
Despite being unfamiliar with the surrounding story, many of the characters and locales, the book still brings the Star Trek universe into view. The different authors bring subtle flavoring to each of the story lines which wrap up very neatly in the end. You can't help but rank the protagonists as the story unfolds, but who was really surprised?
I rated it 3/5 because there were several spelling and grammatical errors and mostly that although I loved the Trek when I was a kid, I'm not digging the rehashing.
Despite being unfamiliar with the surrounding story, many of the characters and locales, the book still brings the Star Trek universe into view. The different authors bring subtle flavoring to each of the story lines which wrap up very neatly in the end. You can't help but rank the protagonists as the story unfolds, but who was really surprised?
I rated it 3/5 because there were several spelling and grammatical errors and mostly that although I loved the Trek when I was a kid, I'm not digging the rehashing.
May 2, 2013
From a good period in the New Frontier series, Cold Wars is a nicely-written addition to the Gateways saga. It doesn't necessarily mesh well with the other stories in the series, but then again, that seems to be the hallmark of this particular miniseries. For example, the Petraw, the species behind this quadrant-wide swindle, are nowhere to be found and are not even metioned.
December 19, 2014
Two starships are called to neighbouring planets who have used the Gateways to make war. The crews have to stop the war somehow and get hold of the gateways. The characters are interesting, even though some times the plot is predictable. It ends on a cliffhanger, but unlike the other books in the series the main story line is finished. A good read.
July 28, 2016
Far from David's best work, but an entertaining enough installment of the New Frontiers franchise, more than a little hobbled by the necessity of serving the big crossover story (and its unresolved conclusion, which is in a short story in another volume entirely).
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July 28, 2011I'm reading the entire New Frontier series (taking a break right now though). This one was REALLY good though.
June 21, 2017
Gateways + Peter David + New Frontier = win.
April 26, 2015
My least favorite of the gateways series. I read it only because it tied in with the others, and really didn't care for the main character at all.
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