The Soul Key

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

by Olivia Woods

Continuing the events from Star Trek: Fearful Symmetry, a new novel in the ongoing Deep Space Nine series set after the end of the critically acclaimed television series.



Captain Kira’s lookalike, Iliana Ghemor, dreams of fulfilling a prophecy that will mark her as the one true Emissary of the mirror universe—a messianic figure who will lead her followers into a war that could trigger the cleansing of countless alternate Kiras in countless parallel realities. But the stakes are higher than anyone imagines, for the pull of destiny tugs at other souls who are swept into the vortex of the Prophets, remote and timeless beings who have set these events in motion. Yet the outcome of this struggle for the fate of one universe will ripple across many others, giving shape to a future that will prove to be greatest trial yet for the heroes of station Deep Space 9.

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Fiction, Space, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy

301 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Crystal Bensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Mirror Universe exploration.

[Wes O'Dell · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Soul Key" does an admirable job tying up the mirror universe plotline, but it does so at a tremendous price to the narrative. The first half of the book is devoted to filling in gaps and explaining the series of plot points and twists that have been spun out for the last few DS9 relaunch novels through a variety of flashback scenes. This frustrating series of minor revelations does not make the book a particularly enjoyable read, instead frustrating the reader by filling in mundanely and without narrative nuance how the "evil" Ghemor wove her devious plot to take control of DS9's favorite Jem'Hadar. The characterization is not bad, and is indeed quite artful at times, but the reader cannot shake the feeling of frustration that comes with suffering through the same story retold yet again (with more detail and explanation, granted) over the first half of the book.

While Woods's tale ends comparatively strongly, it cannot disguise the narrative morass the relaunch has been caught up in arguably since "Warpath" and certainly since the dark "Fearful Symmetry." This mirror universe plotline should have been wrapped up in two, well-written 400 page efforts that got to the point in a more timely fashion. Instead, the series morphed into a bizarre "whodunit" stretching across numerous works released over a period of multiple years in books that, at times, hardly seemed to be long enough to justify the asking price.

While this serial format can (and has) worked in other series (notably Vanguard), the "crazy Jem'Hadar/crazy mirror universe Kira/crazy Ghemor/Kira" boondoggle simply can't command the average audience's rapt attention over so long a span of releases. It certainly didn't command mine, despite my being an avid follower of Vanguard, the New Jedi Order and subsequent Star Wars entries, and the "A Time to..." series. I just didn't care enough.

Now, DS9 relaunch had, up to this point, been handled beautifully. Even the fragmentary "Worlds Of..." series worked well. But it was a bad idea to follow them with Warpath and its successors, which feel like chopped-up and scattered parts of a whole. The narrative unity that came together so beautifully in "Unity" is now scattered to the wind. While Woods's final pages tie things up in an admirable fashion, DS9 must begin anew to reestablish the clear, driven, purposeful storylines that characterized it from Avatar to Unity.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read The Soul Key, it was with a certain amount of trepidation, as I knew that the story was left hanging with Deep Space Nine having moved forward in time to catch up with the rest of the post-Nemesis novel continuity. I was not eager to read a setup that would never have a satisfying conclusion. However, now that David R. George's upcoming Deep Space Nine novels are endeavoring to answer the questions left at the end of The Soul Key, I found this reread to be much more satisfying! While the story is plagued with a slow start and a very convoluted plot, once the action gets going the story takes off and concludes in an exciting manner. Some great character work helps to elevate the story somewhat, but it is still not one of my favorite stories from the DS9 relaunch.

Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/07/T...

[Derkanus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
Prologue: Miles O'Brien, leader of the Terran Rebellion since the passing of Ben Sisko, is called to ops by Ezri, who says they're receiving a strange transmission. They're greeted by faces they recognize from the alternate universe, including their Iliana Ghemor--who had disappeared 2 weeks prior, during a mission to Bajor to investigate rumors that the Intendant was there. Her mission failed when she tried to stop the Intendant--who was actually her counterpart disguised as Kira--on her own. The transmission is cut off when the Klingons appear on long-range sensors.

The Intendant arrives at the Vekobet mining facility on Bajor and is greeted by administrator Opaka and overseer Winn. Opaka draws her pistol, but Kira pulls a weapon of her own; the 300 workers all take aim at the Intendant. Winn recognizes that Kira isn't the real Intendant, since she has Vaughn with her. Opaka tugs Kira's ear and decides they mean no harm.

Opaka explains that Vekobet is not just a labor camp; it's a religious sanctuary and a secret training facility for freedom fighters. They also need the third member of the enclave, and husband of Winn Adami, Dr. Jaro Essa--who tried to stage a military coup of Bajor in Kira's universe. Opaka says the Terran Empire destroyed all the Orbs, and only fragments remain, set in bands of metal. She confirms that the shard found in Kira's universe came from the alternate universe; Kai Dava's Orb of Souls experience let him pass the fragment to his reflection.

Alternate universe Prynn rushes in and says that Ashalla has been destroyed.

PART ONE: HARKOUM
Harkoum, 9 months ago: Iliana learns from Dukat's datafile that her mother died of depression; Entek was killed in a plot to convince her father that Kira was her; and her father died of Yarim Fel syndrome, with Kira at his bedside. She also learns of all the losses Kira has suffered, and that Dukat died in the fire caves.

In Dukat's files on Grennokar, Iliana learns that he was stealing technology from the Dominion to try to make the Jem'Hadar loyal to him. His scientists ultimately succeeded, but Dukat never returned; Jem'Hadar trashed the facility shortly after. Iliana gaslights the other Letau prisoners into following her, and tells them that the real Kira is an imposter.

Shing learns of Taran'atar's posting to DS9, and tells Iliana that they can use Dukat's research to reprogram him into following her. Illiana also realizes that Shing is in love with her. By the time Shakaar is killed and the parasite conspiracy dies down, Shing gets Dukat's tech working and illiana contracts Taran'atar.

3 months ago: Illiana uses Taran'atar as a mole, particularly to learn about the Orbs / Celestial Temple. When she discovers that there are other universes with other Kiras, she goes berserk, saying they all carry a piece of her, preventing her from being whole.

Shing finds Ke Hovath's writings about the Architecture of the Celestial Temple; they mention an Orb fragment that may unlock passageways to other universes. Illiana bombs Sidau, takes the Soul Key (Orb fragment / Paghvaram), and kidnaps Ke; she also kills his wife when Kira and the Defiant crew find her on Illiana's decoy Besinian freighter.

8 weeks ago: Illiana can't get the Soul Key to do anything. She tells Ke to demonstrate, and when he can't get it to work either, she kills him. Shing analyzes the Key and finds it's resonance matches the Intendants universe; Illiana realizes she needs to take it there and become the Emissary of that universe.

Illiana contacts the Intendant and catfishes her into thinking she's talking to Taran'atar, who says he can offer her the full power of the Dominion. Her subordinates grow tired of her obsessions, so she implants them with a killswitch while they sleep; Shing willingly injects herself with one to show fealty.

The Soul Key whisks Illiana away to a white void, where she sees another Illiana. Shing snaps her out of it; Illiana tells Shing that a Cardassian woman is coming for her, and she must be stopped. She says it's time to make their move.

PART 2: DS9
Prynn concludes that the reason Kira's shuttle originally went to the alternate universe through the wormhole was that the Prophets had set predetermined criteria for it to go through; if they match the same engine malfunctions in another shuttle, maybe the same conditions still apply.

Quark asks Ezri why she's planning to leave the station, and she's surprised he knows; she tells him and Bashir that she's only thinking about it.

Bashir and Ezri tell Illiana that they're going to try Prynn's theory to travel to the alternate universe, since the dampener effect is still in place. Illiana is exhausted; she talked to Sisko, who told her she had the chance to deal with this in the other universe, but dropped the ball. Illiana says she has an idea...

PART 3: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
L'Haan tells Intendant Kira that Ke's dimensional transporter doesn't work; the original Intendant killed him before he could complete it. She decides to focus on her role in the alternate universe first and worry about that later. She tells L'Haan to destroy all evidence of it.

The Negh'Var gets a Code Black from the Obsidian Order, and the Intendant meets with Corbin Entek. He says Regent Martok has summoned her to Raknal Station. She reluctantly diverts the fleet, then tells Taran'atar to unshroud, shocking Entek. She threatens him with dismemberment, and Entek admits that he's really there because she searched for records on Ataan Rhukal; she wanted to check up on his alternate counterpart, but the Other made him disappear. Because of her transgression, the Order thinks she may be complicit in Tekeny Ghemor's death.

Being that Raknal Station is the seat of power for the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance in USA sector, the Intendant is taken before Regent Martok and Supreme Legate Dukat. Director Lang of the Obsidian Order interrupts the proceedings and demands to know why she's interested in Ataan; they believe she is part of an underground Bajoran religious cult that assassinated Ghemor. Illiana produces a datarod with a confession from Entek--that she coerced out of him--saying that he killed Ghemor so Lang could take his position. When Lang protests, Martok hurls his dagger into her chest. Martok leaves it to the Intendant to root out any Bajoran resistance, and calls an end to the meeting, to Dukat's chagrin.

Martok confronts Illiana afterwards; he chokes her and says he saw through her farce. He tells her to take back Terok Nor and stop the Bajoran uprising, and says she only gets a dozen ships to do so.

Taran'atar is having a nightmare where the Founders are pulling him down into their coppery pool when L'Haan mind-melds with him. She says she's part of the resistance started by Spock, that she brought Kira here to help dispatch the original Intendant, but she's even worse. L'Haan says she can help Taran'atar be free from her power. He mulls it over, then snaps himself awake, tells L'Haan he was never meant to be free, and snaps her neck.

The Negh'Var rendezvous with a vessel that transfers a prisoner aboard: Ataan. Illiana tells him she had all the charges against him expunged in exchange for his help in rooting out Bajoran sedition--which he denies knowing anything about. She tells him to think about trusting her, then leaves.

Illiana's fleet arrives at Terok Nor and intercepts DS9's transmission to them. Illiana orders it to be jammed, then deploys a scattering field to stop anyone from that universe from beaming in. Smiley tells her to back off or they'll launch torpedos at Bajor, but she calls his bluff--by firing on Bajor herself, leveling Ashalla. She tells him she'll keep destroying cities until he allows Terok Nor to be boarded.

Illiana takes control of Terok Nor. She denies the attack on Ashalla to the Bajoran leaders, blaming it on the Terrans. Kurn reports that they've found signs of the invaders from the other universe on Bajor, in Vekobet; he suggests they destroy it. Ataan pleads with Illiana to spare it; he admits that he has a Bajoran wife there named Vaas, and he's willing to give up the other dissidents to save her. Illiana orders Kurn to send down troops to capture the invaders, enclave members, and Vaas, and she puts Taran'atar in charge to make sure no one is killed.

PART 4: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
Prynn reports to the rebels that Ashalla has been destroyed, 2 million killed; Winn condemns the Terrans and says they never should've trusted them. Jaro says the Intendant will be treated as a hero to Bajor now; Vaughn suggests that they go find the wormhole first. Opaka says the Shard of Prophecy and Change revealed that Illiana was to be the Emissary.

Opaka leaves and Vaughn follows after her. He says the Sisko from his universe sent him here to find the alternate Sisko, who is still alive, and convince him to become the Emissary. Opaka takes him to a hidden crypt where they keep the Shards--and the tomb of Benjamin Sisko, who she says died in a Cardassian attack 5 years ago.

Opaka takes Vaughn to the infirmary, where he finds Prynn singing to his counterpart, who appears to be a dying invalid. Alternate Vaughn tells him he was a prince in the Imperial Starfleet, but became a slave when the empire fell, before he was taken in by the Jaro clan. Vaughn notices that alternate Elias doesn't have the same scar, and asks him if he ever been to the Vale of Mists on Berengaria; he says no. Vaughn wonders if this is the real reason Sisko sent him here, but the base comes under attack.

Vaughn climbs on the roof and sees 6 Klingon assault craft, carrying ~900 troops. He convinces the Bajorans that it's not a fight they can win, and to instead take Opaka and the Shards and leave through the secret passageway. Prynn won't leave Elias, who is too infirm to go; he tells Vaughn to kill him, which he does. Prynn kicks and screams at him while the Bajorans carry her away.

Kira sends Winn and Jaro to the secret passage, then meets up with Vaughn. She apologizes for relieving him of duty, saying she took her frustrations out on him. He starts to ask if she's noticed that Sisko has changed, but they're attacked by Klingons led by Taran'atar. He chokes out Kira when she tells him he can take back his freedom; he says he already has.

PART 5: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
Illiana tells the captured Vaas that if she wants to see her husband Ataan again, she has to tell her how they met. Vaas says she was in Bajoran Intelligence and he was in the Obsidian Order, and during an agent exchange, they fell in love. Illiana says that's a lie of omission, that Vaas actually seduced him to turn Ataan over to their side. When Vaas says it doesn't matter because she learned to love him anyway, Illiana is shocked that she feels happy for them. She realizes this is distracting her from her vengeance, and regrets that she'll have to kill them in this universe too.

Vaughn gets thrown in a cell on Terok Nor with Jaro and Winn, who tell him he's forgiven for what he did to save Prynn. Later, O'Brien and some other rebels are brought in; Winn is furious with O'Brien, but he explains that the Intendant bombed Ashalla, not him. He also says the station is moving toward the Denorios Belt, and Vaughn says they have to stop the Intendant from finding the wormhole.

Kira awakens in a cell. Illiana tells her she is going to be privy to Illiana becoming Emissary; she says part of the prophecy is that the Prophets will make her whole.

Not long after Terok Nor is in place, the wormhole opens--and the Defiant emerges, attacking. Ezri fires a barrage of quantum torpedos, knocking out the station's shields long enough to beam Illiana aboard, then they retreat.

The Intendant decides to push her luck and drive Terok Nor into the wormhole. Kurn says he's mad and attacks her; she kills him with a hidden, wrist-mounted blade. She orders Taran'atar to Airlock 1, but gets no reply.

Taran'atar goes on a Klingon killing spree; L'Haan's mind-meld worked, but took a few hours. He frees Vaughn from him cell; Taran'atar told him back at Vekobet that he was becoming himself again and would free him once on the station. Vaughn tells him to go free Kira while he and the rebels stop the station's collision course.

Illiana pulls Vaas from her quarters and takes her to Ataan. When Vaas asks why, she says it's because Ataan loves her so much that he gave up the entire rebellion to save her. She tells them to get to a shuttle and go.

Ghemor, surgically altered to look like the Intendant, frees Kira. Immediately after, Taran'atar appears. Kira wants to kill him, but he said he's free now and here to help. She tells him to go help Vaughn stop the station, while she and Illiana go after the Intendant. They find her in the airlock, but she blows it open and they all get sucked out into space towards the wormhole.

The 3 Kiras find themselves in the Temple. Illiana says that she has fulfilled the Prophecy, and tells them to make her whole. They say she is Broken, Conflicted, and that they need to examine her more closely. She sees her life flash before her and realizes how small she truly is.

The Defiant engages the Negh'Var. They manage to slip inside it's shield bubble and disable it, but at the cost of their shields and impulse drive. With the rest of the Alliance fleet about to arrive, Dax plans to retreat, but another fleet of 40 Talarian ships, lead by the alternate Defiant, comes to their aid.

The Intendant disappears in a flash of white light; the Prophets say she was the Fire. Illiana now has the Paghvaram, and asks if she is the Emissary now; they tell her she's not the Sisko, but she'll do. She disappears too; the Prophets say she is the Voice. Only Kira remains.

The Alliance fleet is routed, Terok Nor is now in the same position as DS9, Taran'atar is in the Defiant's brig, and Kira reappears on the bridge in a flash of white light. They receive a transmission from Terok Nor, and Illiana, back to her Cardassian self, is in charge. Kira orders the Defiant to take them back home through the wormhole.

PART 6: DS9
After much deliberation, Kira decides to let Taran'atar out of the brig. She tells him he can either go back to his quarters or take a ship and leave; he's completely free and the choice is his alone.

Vaughn goes to visit Sisko at his house on Bajor and punches him in the face. Sisko apologizes for lying to him, but says it was necessary to get the correct players in the correct positions for what is to come. Vaughn tells him he's living by the Prophet's rules now, not his own, and Sisko has nothing to say.

Ro finds a message on her door that says: "I'm sorry. -T" She breaks down in tears and eventually asks the computer to locate Taran'atar; he is not aboard the station.

As Taran'atar heads back towards the Dominion, he receives a distress signal from the Even Odds. He debates for 9 minutes, then decides to go help them.

Epilogue: Raiq attends a meeting of the Archquesters of the Ascendants. A knight reveals the 9th Eye of Fire, the only one not lost in the conflagration brought about by the war against the Eav'oq. It unleashes an unbearably intense white light, revealing a Cardassian woman who proclaims: "I am the Fire."

Review: 3.5 stars. It was a fairly satisfying conclusion to the story, but I'm not a big fan of the mirror universe to begin with. I find Taran'atar's character to be the most interesting part.

[Jimyanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid continuation and conclusion of the story begun in "Fearful Symmetry". If you read that book and hated it, don't read this one; if you read that book and liked it, you'll need to read this one to see ho wit all comes out. If you haven't read that one yet, DON'T read this one before you do, and I wouldn't read either if you aren't a fan of Deep Space 9 from either the show or previous books; it won't stand on its own without a familiarity with the background. But for a fan of the series, the two are definitely a worthwhile read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a fun read. It was interesting to see more of the mirror universe, and this story seems to have wrapped up the Ilianna story arc (for now). We also got some back story on what Ilianna had been up to since she was freed from her captivity.

Things I liked:
-Seeing the Mirror Universe versions of Opaka and Winn.
-Taran'atar fighting his way free of Ilianna's control, as well as his choice at the end if the book.
-Getting to see more of the dynamics of Ilianna's group of supporters.
-The small but poignant focus on Ro's friendship with Taran'atar.
-Vaughn's conversation with his mirror verse counterpart. "I was part of the last generation of Imperial Terrans..." that whole monologue was great. I'd have loved to learn more about him.
-Leeta showing up and saving the day!
-Seeing Ezri in command.

Things I didn't like:
-Taran'atar killing L'Haan. I didn't understand why he did it.
-Illiana's wanton destruction. I understand her motivation to hate Kira, but being willing to destroy Ashalla? That she didn't seem to struggle with the decision at all seemed unrealistic.
-Sisko's treatment of Vaughn. I hope it's explained in future books.
-Vaughn killing his counterpart. It didn't make sense for him to do it, or for him to need to do it (as it's implied to be the reason Sisko sends him to the mirrorverse under false pretenses.) I also disliked the implication that someone who is elderly or severely disabled is not worth saving.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ stars. Maybe it was partly because of the months that passed between me reading Fearful Symmetry and this one, but I didn't fall as much in love with this book as I did the previous one.

I think that the whole getting revenge story line might not have been entirely my cup of tea. Even though I did have an understanding as to why Iliana was that way. I did still find the book to be interesting and I liked it, but I guess I just wanted something more out of it without really being able to put my finger on exactly what that could have been. I also think that I just don't feel as strong of a connection to the characters in the alternate universe for me to truly appreciate a story that takes place largely in said universe.

It did pick up towards the end, though, so now I'm curious about what the next part in the Deep Space Nine relaunch has to offer...

[Christian Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty convoluted plot. This book basically concludes what began two books ago, while setting up some plot points for future development.

It’s very well-written, and some of the characterizations, particularly that of Taran’atar are very interesting, but the plot just doesn’t make sense to me.

Iliana is so upset from years of abuse that she decides to kill all of the Kiras in every possible universe? Okay. She decides the best way to begin this process is to become the Emissary of the Mirror Universe? Okay.

Oh, and the part about Vaughn killing a certain other Mirror Universe character. What?

[TK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soul Key is a really nice crescendo to this DS9 and Mirror Universe arc. Keeping track of all the characters in this can be quite brutal, especially with all the Mirror Universe counterparts. If you can get past that, and keep it all straight, you're rewarded with a really interesting exploration into the twists and turns of the distorted reflection of the Mirror Universe. There's some heart wrenching stuff here involving Illiana Ghemor, exploring how the traumatic decisions of war have consequences that last generations.

[Vic Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have loved more focus on the Soul Key itself in this book - it just felt like a MacGuffin, even though its introduction was SO GOOD - especially that it comes from the town in the Storyteller. And how brutally everyone in the Storyteller town was treated.
Vaughn was awesome as always and I liked all the doubles we were treated with - Smiley being the best of the lot imo. Ghemor was good as well, I liked her stepping up as the Emissary in place of Ben. But nothing really stuck in my mind. I think I'll never be won over by the Mirror universe. Sorry :P

[Shoumik Hassin · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the title, to the cover, to the story, nothing works in this book aside from isolated character moments. It's not the worst Star Trek book I've read so far (A Time to Die), but it is disappointing, especially for the DS9 crew.

[Preston Pendergraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a story. I really enjoyed it. The authors (esp this one) has really gotten me enjoying the mirror universe, a concept I really did not care for on TV. The cliffhanger was awesome!

[Jeremy Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t a bad read but left some open questions that I don’t believe are ever addressed

[Tony Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pretty much a given...if it's a Star Trek novel...I'll like it...

[S.J. Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirror universes, wormholes, time shenanigans, twisty objectives...and I'm enjoying the ride.

4.5/5 Really skirting the line of being too convoluted, and apparently I like that.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a bit more than Fearful Symmetry. Still, there’s something about some of these DS9 books that just doesn’t hit as much for me.

[Alvaro Zinos-Amaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

My detailed thoughts here:
https://www.tor.com/2020/05/27/star-t...

[Joe Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, yes I'm a huge Trekkie! I love the DS9 relaunch. As soon as I finished this book I went to my local video store and rented Alternate Realities and watched the original Mirror Universe episode from TOS and then 3 episodes from DS9 who absolutely loved the Mirror Universe as they did 5 episodes over there. The mirror universe books (while I can only imagine must have been confusing for the Author to keep 3 Kira's separate in and 2 Ghemors - of course, two of the Kiras are Ghemors. Nevermind)are really fun and I liked the style employed by Woods in which she brings us up to speed as it were on all the events that simultaneously occurred with the previous book, and with the last season of DS9. I'm really enjoying this series and hope they keep it up. After watching the shows again you really realize that they definitely get the tone, style and characters perfect. I give it 4 stars only because I felt some of the Mission Gamma books were better. And seriously how many times does Vaughn have to kill someone his daughter loves in front of her? Lose a star for that overused device.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been quite awhile since I read any of the Star Trek DS9 relaunches. This one is about the alternate universe and alternatively Kira, the Intendent, Iliani Ghemor who is a Cardassian Obsidian Order operative surgically altered to look exactly like Kira. We find out in this book why Taran’ator betrayed Kira, Odo and Star Fleet.

Quark asks Ezri a question:
“There’s a nasty rumor going around that you’re thinking of moving on – as in, transferring off the station. There wouldn’t be any truth to that ugly bit of gossip, would there?”
Instead of making a face, as Dax was wont to do when confronted by something she thought was preposterous, the lieutenant merely blinked in surprise.
“Ezri,” Bashir said slowly. “Is that true?”
Dax sighed. “I haven’t put in for a transfer, all right?”
Bashir’s eyes narrowed. “But you are thinking about it?”
Dax threw both hands in the air. “Yes, all right, I’ve been thinking about it. From time to time. As in, not very often. Can we change the subject please?”

This was fun, I'm glad they've gone back to publishing these Trek books.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next story in the Deep Space Nine relaunch continues with the alternate universe. In "The Soul Key" "Kira" tries to complete her plan in becoming the Emissary for the alternate side. Unlike the previous novel in this alternate universe story arc, this one does not have quite so many flashbacks but they are still there. The majority of this novel does take place on the alternate side and is much more brutal than the "Prime" universe we all know so well. Ultimately, this book left several doors open for additional entries in this saga. For instance, what is Kira/Iliana's role following her encounter with the Prophets? How does the alternate side deal with the discovery of the wormhole? Where does Taran'atar go? Why did Vaughn have to go to the alternate universe first? All of these could be expanded on further with additional books. This is a good entry in the DS9 relaunch, though it is rather dark. It starts off slow but becomes rather exciting towards the end.

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iliana Ghemor wants to be Kira Nerys- the ONLY Kira Nerys in any reality. In Fearful Symmetry she successfully killed and replaced the Intendant. Now she wants to ascend to the best position of authority she can get- Mirror Universe Emissary of the Prophets.

Mirror Universe Iliana has come to the regular universe to help stop her counterpart from killing more Kiras and wreaking more havoc. The DS9 crew gives her assistance, including sending Captain Kira and Commander Elias Vaughn to the Mirror Universe to try and stop the insane Iliana.

I enjoyed this sequel to Fearful Symmetry- it was fast paced and informative (filled in a lot of gaps from the first book). I look forward to see what happens to the Iliana Ghemors going forward

[reherrma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dies ist der 19. und letzte Band der orginalen Star Trek-Serie, die nach dem Ende der TV-Serie weiterentwickelt wurde und in einem stringenten Star Trek Kanon übergeführt wurde. Dieses Ende wurde dadurch eingeleitet, weil Marco Palmieri, der Initiator dieser Star Trek Romanserien, bei seinem Verlag entlassen wurde.
Das offene Ende des Romans wurde jedoch in den Serien "Typhon-Pact" und "The Fall" weiterentwickelt, so dass Deep Space Nine und deren Charaktere weiterbestehen und weiterentwickelt wurden...

[NullusAnxietus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up pretty much exactly where Fearful Symmetry left off, "The Soul Key" continues the tale of Illiana Ghemor and her quest to become Emissary of alternate Bajor

The return to the alternate universe was fun, it was great to see how things had carried on there after the series. The book also took a deeper look into the mythology of the prophets and their overall plan. This was interesting too.

After a slow start, the books picks up and I found it hard to put down.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but was annoyed by one thing. The previous book in the series was almost all a flashback to events in the past, so I was looking forward to moving forward to events moving forward. Admittedly, moch less of this book was flashbacks, but it was enough that I felt the events in the "present" was being given short shrift.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The saga continues. The Cardassian was was changed to look like Kira goes to the Mirror universe and decides to become the Emissary. She needs to be stopped. A lot of time is spent on her back story, and it is a direct sequel to the book before. It has a few nice twists but didnt really grab me. A good read.

[Adam]

Such good ideas, but such inconsequential events. Yes, there is something in the Epilogue that speaks to fanciful future events, and yes, I know that the BIG names in the series will never be in any real danger, but this book lacked perspective. It was too focused on pushing the plot down the field and tying together loose ends to tell a good story.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. The story is the third of a three-book story that started with Warpath and Fearful Symmetry.

The shorts of it: Finally, some action!

[Derek Oberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one. I was worried about a Mirror Universe story, but this one was done well.

[Andrew Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh