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kaislea's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
joelle's review against another edition
Came for the glimpse of Cardassia Prime after the events of DS9, as it rebuilds and deals with the fallout of two consecutive wars, stayed for the gay subtext.
Garak fans will enjoy this one, his character is multifaceted and engaging, and though Julian Bashir spends the whole book in a coma, Garak’s affection for him, as shown mostly through letters he writes but never sends, is very evident and touching.
I also enjoyed the other characters (even Dr. Pulaski, who was never a favourite of mine in TNG), and appreciated that they were mostly women in a multitude of disciplines. All in all, it was fun to revisit old characters and to spend some time on a planet we don’t see much of on screen.
Garak fans will enjoy this one, his character is multifaceted and engaging, and though Julian Bashir spends the whole book in a coma, Garak’s affection for him, as shown mostly through letters he writes but never sends, is very evident and touching.
I also enjoyed the other characters (even Dr. Pulaski, who was never a favourite of mine in TNG), and appreciated that they were mostly women in a multitude of disciplines. All in all, it was fun to revisit old characters and to spend some time on a planet we don’t see much of on screen.
jazznichole's review
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
philosopher_kj's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Moderate: War, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
jazzypizzaz's review against another edition
3.0
A book that's visiting in on old friends and meeting a few new ones, wrapped up in plot intrigue, set in a Cardassia that feels like a place/culture. Surprisingly cozy to read.
sunfishe's review
4.0
normally I pick up a star trek book when im in the mood for mind candy, but this wasn't mind candy at all. it was a political drama about grief, healing, responsibility, and trust. The authors cardassia and writing of Garak is perfect. The ending left me wanting more, immediately
afreema3's review against another edition
4.0
For every Star Trek books I've read this is high up there. It wasn't amazing, but it was a good story that was nice to listen to at night while I was going to sleep. I think Una McCormack's Star Trek books are probably some of the best ones out there. She really gives a lot to the Cardassians and Garak.
francis_deer's review against another edition
5.0
It's ages ago that I read my last Star Trek novel. This one I only meant to check briefly but found myself fascinated on many levels and so completed the book in 2 days time.
So what's to like?
The book's title neatly matches its theme and goes back to this exchange from DS9:
"Bashir: The trouble with Cardassian enigma tales is that they all end the same way: all the suspects are always guilty.
Garak: Yes! But the challenge is determining exactly who is guilty of what."
The plot offers several twists and turns and lets us wonder exactly that.
- Una McCormack writes Garak exceptionally well -- all the intricacies and layers of his characters are there. A special highlight for me were his (unsent) letters to Bashir which offer great insight into the world of Cardassia, they are wistful and clever and offer sharp insights.
- Pulaski is written well and has some lovely strengths and flaws. (Back in the 90ties I was fairly indifferent to her, but reading this novel makes me think I should rewatch some episodes with her.) Liked how her friendship to one of the Cardassian characters evolved.
- All the Cardassian characters, both original and known from DS9, were well developed and I enjoyed reading about them.
- Kudos for adding real depths to the book and touching on complicated subjects like guilt and redemption. How can a society move forward when so many of them were entangled in criminal activities within a criminal state? Which acts do you prosecute? How do you prevent slipping back to easy solutions when they would go against the law?
All in all, I hope Una McCormack will return to Cardassia and one day write a sequel to this book.
So what's to like?
The book's title neatly matches its theme and goes back to this exchange from DS9:
"Bashir: The trouble with Cardassian enigma tales is that they all end the same way: all the suspects are always guilty.
Garak: Yes! But the challenge is determining exactly who is guilty of what."
The plot offers several twists and turns and lets us wonder exactly that.
- Una McCormack writes Garak exceptionally well -- all the intricacies and layers of his characters are there. A special highlight for me were his (unsent) letters to Bashir which offer great insight into the world of Cardassia, they are wistful and clever and offer sharp insights.
- Pulaski is written well and has some lovely strengths and flaws. (Back in the 90ties I was fairly indifferent to her, but reading this novel makes me think I should rewatch some episodes with her.) Liked how her friendship to one of the Cardassian characters evolved.
- All the Cardassian characters, both original and known from DS9, were well developed and I enjoyed reading about them.
- Kudos for adding real depths to the book and touching on complicated subjects like guilt and redemption. How can a society move forward when so many of them were entangled in criminal activities within a criminal state? Which acts do you prosecute? How do you prevent slipping back to easy solutions when they would go against the law?
All in all, I hope Una McCormack will return to Cardassia and one day write a sequel to this book.
siria's review against another edition
3.0
A solidly entertaining Trek tie-in novel. Una McCormack writes with more subtlety and attention to characterisation than is found in the vast majority of such works. I do tend to find McCormack's Cardassia a little two-dimensional, its intrigues a little bland, but I really enjoy her take on Garak. In light of this novel's ending and oh, I don't know, pretty much every episode of DS9 starring Garak and Bashir, I'm continue to be bemused as to why the Powers That Be won't just let the two of them make out and have a happily ever after. Still, an enjoyable way to while away a plane ride.
reasie's review against another edition
4.0
Structurally it's a bit loose, and the mystery has that problem where the resolution comes so quickly you miss it.
However, of course it was a delight to revisit Garrak and Cardassia as seen by Una McCormack. This book deals particularly with the sensitive issue of half-Bajoran children, which of course we knew existed.
Best parts: serious angsty Garrak-Bashir looooove that made my shipper heart twinge with delighted agony. Dr. Pulaski is a pure delight and a great character for adventure, always willing to dive into action. I adored her. And I adored Garrak having a sweet old husband who was once his torture victim! (Drama there!)
Not giving it full marks, tho, because it just made me angry I hadn't read whatever books came before this one in what is obviously a series.
So... gotta get on that.
However, of course it was a delight to revisit Garrak and Cardassia as seen by Una McCormack. This book deals particularly with the sensitive issue of half-Bajoran children, which of course we knew existed.
Best parts: serious angsty Garrak-Bashir looooove that made my shipper heart twinge with delighted agony. Dr. Pulaski is a pure delight and a great character for adventure, always willing to dive into action. I adored her. And I adored Garrak having a sweet old husband who was once his torture victim! (Drama there!)
Not giving it full marks, tho, because it just made me angry I hadn't read whatever books came before this one in what is obviously a series.
So... gotta get on that.