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Star Trek: Typhon Pact #8
Brinkmanship
An all-new novel set in the universe of Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which tensions escalate between two powerful forces in interstellar space.
The Venette Convention has always remained independent, but it is about to become the flashpoint for a tense military standoff between the two power blocs now dominating interstellar space--the United Federation of Planets and the recently formed Typhon Pact. The Venetan government turns to the Typhon Pact's Tzenkethi Coalition for protection in the new order, and has agreed to allow three of their supply bases for Tzenkethi use. But these bases--if militarized--would put Tzenkethi weapons unacceptably close to Federation, Cardassian, and Ferengi space. While Captain Ezri Dax and the crew of the U.S.S. Aventine are sent to investigate exactly what is happening at one of the Venette bases, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise are assigned to a diplomatic mission sent to the Venette homeworld in order to broker a mutually acceptable resolution. But the Cardassian delegates don't seem particularly keen on using diplomacy to resolve the situation, which soon spirals out of control toward all-out war. . . .
The Venette Convention has always remained independent, but it is about to become the flashpoint for a tense military standoff between the two power blocs now dominating interstellar space--the United Federation of Planets and the recently formed Typhon Pact. The Venetan government turns to the Typhon Pact's Tzenkethi Coalition for protection in the new order, and has agreed to allow three of their supply bases for Tzenkethi use. But these bases--if militarized--would put Tzenkethi weapons unacceptably close to Federation, Cardassian, and Ferengi space. While Captain Ezri Dax and the crew of the U.S.S. Aventine are sent to investigate exactly what is happening at one of the Venette bases, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise are assigned to a diplomatic mission sent to the Venette homeworld in order to broker a mutually acceptable resolution. But the Cardassian delegates don't seem particularly keen on using diplomacy to resolve the situation, which soon spirals out of control toward all-out war. . . .
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
About the author
Una McCormack
91 books334 followersUna McCormack is a British writer and the author of several Star Trek novels and stories.
Ms. McCormack is a New York Times bestselling author. She has written four Doctor Who novels: The King's Dragon and The Way through the Woods (featuring the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory); Royal Blood (featuring the Twelfth Doctor and Clara), and Molten Heart (featuring the Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz, Ryan and Graham). She is also the author of numerous audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.
Ms. McCormack is a New York Times bestselling author. She has written four Doctor Who novels: The King's Dragon and The Way through the Woods (featuring the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory); Royal Blood (featuring the Twelfth Doctor and Clara), and Molten Heart (featuring the Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz, Ryan and Graham). She is also the author of numerous audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 7, 2019
I'm short on time tonight, so, I'll be brief: This is back to what I've come to expect from the franchise. This series has been rather hit or miss, so, it's good to read one of its better entries.
January 23, 2013
As I was reading Brinkmanship, I kept thinking that at the end, everything would come together and there would be a brilliant reason for the Cardassian ambassador's rudeness, Peter Allen's paranoia, and some way of bringing the Cardassian spy into the rest of the events that would all make sense. But that never really happened. Instead, everything was left in a fairly blurry, uncertain state. I'm not sure what the point of the novel was. It doesn't really feel like it moved the Typhon Pack storyline forward. It did give us a look at the Tzenkethi, which was interesting, but that was about it.
Besides the plot issues, I had some problems with the dialogue in places. It didn't seem to flow naturally, and people seemed to say each others names too much. The Federation ambassador, Jeyn, seemed a very pointless character. He didn't do anything, really. The Cardassian serving on the Enterprise, Dygan, was also very under-used. His character was presented as being very important to the story at first, but he really wasn't. Even the interesting Ferengi ambassador was underutilized.
All in all, not McCormack's best. She created some interesting characters only to make little use of them, and the plot really got away from her at the end.
Besides the plot issues, I had some problems with the dialogue in places. It didn't seem to flow naturally, and people seemed to say each others names too much. The Federation ambassador, Jeyn, seemed a very pointless character. He didn't do anything, really. The Cardassian serving on the Enterprise, Dygan, was also very under-used. His character was presented as being very important to the story at first, but he really wasn't. Even the interesting Ferengi ambassador was underutilized.
All in all, not McCormack's best. She created some interesting characters only to make little use of them, and the plot really got away from her at the end.
July 9, 2021
This was definitely the best book in the series. Is was not convoluted. Just a straight ahead story. It had intrigue, comedy and some great lines. It got 4 stars because I had read all those other books to get this one.
February 10, 2015
It was okay. There are three plots and none of them really went anywhere.
1. Picard and Crusher join Federation, Ferengi and Cardassian diplomats for talks with the Venette Convention, a small power that is strategically located and have fallen under the sway of the Tzenkethi. The diplomatic intrigue is cool. I rather liked the Ferengi female diplomat Ilka. I thought the Venette were interesting. But Crusher was out of place. She just bumbled on along.
2. Ezri Dax investigates possible Tzenkethi bioweapons with the help of a Starfleet spy who knew her before she became joined. I liked it when Dax snapped and reminded him that she had been alive for CENTURIES. But otherwise it was just muddled mushy personal drama.
3. A Cardassian spy prepares to end her undercover mission on the Tzenkethi homeworld. My least favorite. There are so many characters who need development but they keep adding more. Star Trek also has a bad habit of humanizing aliens. The Tzenkethi and Breen used to be really mysterious. Now they're boring. Can't they remain ALIEN?
The Ilka scenes made me lament the fact that nothing has really been done with the Ferengi. They've pretty much been written off as comic relief. Which is a shame because they do have an interesting dark side. I liked the early Ferengi, the ones who sneered all the time, cracked their whips and stabbed you in the back. How are those nasty types dealing with the reforms granting equal rights to females and better ties with the Federation? How are they keeping all those slave races in check and fending off rivals like the Breen?
1. Picard and Crusher join Federation, Ferengi and Cardassian diplomats for talks with the Venette Convention, a small power that is strategically located and have fallen under the sway of the Tzenkethi. The diplomatic intrigue is cool. I rather liked the Ferengi female diplomat Ilka. I thought the Venette were interesting. But Crusher was out of place. She just bumbled on along.
2. Ezri Dax investigates possible Tzenkethi bioweapons with the help of a Starfleet spy who knew her before she became joined. I liked it when Dax snapped and reminded him that she had been alive for CENTURIES. But otherwise it was just muddled mushy personal drama.
3. A Cardassian spy prepares to end her undercover mission on the Tzenkethi homeworld. My least favorite. There are so many characters who need development but they keep adding more. Star Trek also has a bad habit of humanizing aliens. The Tzenkethi and Breen used to be really mysterious. Now they're boring. Can't they remain ALIEN?
The Ilka scenes made me lament the fact that nothing has really been done with the Ferengi. They've pretty much been written off as comic relief. Which is a shame because they do have an interesting dark side. I liked the early Ferengi, the ones who sneered all the time, cracked their whips and stabbed you in the back. How are those nasty types dealing with the reforms granting equal rights to females and better ties with the Federation? How are they keeping all those slave races in check and fending off rivals like the Breen?
October 4, 2012
This story was an interesting Star Trek rendition of the Cuban missile crisis. I also really liked the further insight into a much more mature Ezri Dax than the one we saw back in the DS9 TV series. I particularly loved her line in the scene where she confronts Alden:
(I confess to a certain level of conflict of interest, as Ezri Dax was always my favorite Star Trek character.)
Now, aside from my love for Dax, there's also the detail on the Tzenkethi. My god, how fascinating and how utterly chilling their society is! I wish this rendition of the Tzenkethi had gotten airtime on any of the TV series. Would've been fascinating to see a society as complex as theirs.
tl;dr: Between the character development for Dax, and the detail on the Tzenkethi, this book gets 4 stars from me.
(I confess to a certain level of conflict of interest, as Ezri Dax was always my favorite Star Trek character.)
Now, aside from my love for Dax, there's also the detail on the Tzenkethi. My god, how fascinating and how utterly chilling their society is! I wish this rendition of the Tzenkethi had gotten airtime on any of the TV series. Would've been fascinating to see a society as complex as theirs.
tl;dr: Between the character development for Dax, and the detail on the Tzenkethi, this book gets 4 stars from me.
October 4, 2012
Previously on Star Trek: The Typhon Pact we had the Cuban Missile Crisis in Space.
This time on Star Trek: The Typhon Pact, we have the Cuban Missile Crisis in Space.
So to some extent the series is getting repetitive -- pretty much every TNG era book these days has to involve a show-down between the Khitomer powers and the Typhon Pact which will go right up to the edge of war without actually becoming one. And you know what, I don't care -- the original Star Trek was at its best when it was doing Cold War in Space stuff, something that's been sorely lacking for decades.
Plus, it means every book now is like The Final Reflection, only with the Typhon Pact nations, and exploring alien cultures is what Star Trek is all about (something else that Star Trek lost sight of after a certain point).
This time on Star Trek: The Typhon Pact, we have the Cuban Missile Crisis in Space.
So to some extent the series is getting repetitive -- pretty much every TNG era book these days has to involve a show-down between the Khitomer powers and the Typhon Pact which will go right up to the edge of war without actually becoming one. And you know what, I don't care -- the original Star Trek was at its best when it was doing Cold War in Space stuff, something that's been sorely lacking for decades.
Plus, it means every book now is like The Final Reflection, only with the Typhon Pact nations, and exploring alien cultures is what Star Trek is all about (something else that Star Trek lost sight of after a certain point).
October 29, 2012
I really should've liked this book immensely. I'm a big fan of diplomatic/political intrigue, and the Star Trek universe has done it particularly well a few times. Unfortunately, this fell flat.
One problem was the lack of distinctiveness in voices: a large part of the appeal of tie-in fiction lies in hearing familiar characters in our heads. McCormack not only miscued on that, but her Cardassians, Ferengi and humans all sounded the same.
One of the subplots involved a deep-cover agent going native, and *almost* pulled off a brilliant tale: all the ingredients were there, but it just missed. The other subplot, involving a failing diplomatic summit, didn't work because of the voice issue coupled with too much similarity in names: it was hard to keep track of who was representing which faction.
There was a terrific book in here somewhere, and maybe stronger editing could have excavated it. Didn't happen, though, making for a mediocre read.
One problem was the lack of distinctiveness in voices: a large part of the appeal of tie-in fiction lies in hearing familiar characters in our heads. McCormack not only miscued on that, but her Cardassians, Ferengi and humans all sounded the same.
One of the subplots involved a deep-cover agent going native, and *almost* pulled off a brilliant tale: all the ingredients were there, but it just missed. The other subplot, involving a failing diplomatic summit, didn't work because of the voice issue coupled with too much similarity in names: it was hard to keep track of who was representing which faction.
There was a terrific book in here somewhere, and maybe stronger editing could have excavated it. Didn't happen, though, making for a mediocre read.
December 22, 2015
A good political thriller where you learn alot about the Tzenkethi.
October 22, 2015
Very nice ending to the Typhon Pact series. Exactly the kind of political thriller I expected the series would be full of.
June 16, 2018
Who's up for the Cuban Missile Crisis....in spaaaaaaace? When an otherwise friendly nation on the borders of the Federation and two of its allies signs a treaty with a hostile power, allowing them bases for repair and refueling along the Federation border, Starfleet is understandably concerned -- and doubly so when news arrives that a fleet is enroute to supply the bases for their new tenants, carrying chemicals that could be used in biogenic warfare attacks on the Federation. While the USS Enterprise speeds to meet with the Space Cubans to work the diplomatic angle, the USS Aventime is dispatched to do a little friendly snooping near the proposed base nearest the Federation border. When the Cardassians -- who, along with the Ferengi are the other two threatened allies -- arrive ready for war, and the Space Cubans catch wind of possible spies inserted in their country, events begin to spiral out of control, heading towards a war that no one wants but no one seemingly can avoid. But the drama unfolding in open view is only the smoke and mirrors for another maneuver, one that is using parties on both sides.
I bought this book a couple of years back, intrigued by the possible historical parallels and interested in a book which includes both Picard and Dax. The primary appeal of the book is learning about the Tzenkethi, who along with the Breen were pretty much black holes before the Typhon Pact series began. Romulans, we know, love, and fear; while the Gorn and Tholians can be wrapped up in primal fears about reptiles and insects, respectively. The Tzenkethi are presented as a very stable, very hierarchical society who have a natural affinity for the Space Cubans, another stable and hierarchical society. The Tzenkethi view the Federation as some kind of chaos monster, however, the epitome of their every social fear: it's all argument, class-and-racial intermixing, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria! Who can tell what they'll do, what new planet will sudden fall under their spell?
Having read beyond this series, I knew that no epic war between the Federation and the Typhon Pact broke out, so the drama was largely dampened for me. I assumed the drama would keep ramping up until something happened out of left field to defuse things, and that's more or less what happens. Still, it's nice to see Picard being the commanding diplomat again, and I'll never say no to a story with Ezri Dax and her ship, in part because the Relaunch developed her in such a commendable way -- turning the awkward 20-something shrink of 2000 into the Captain on the Bridge, and in part because the Aventine looks much different than the other Starfleet ships and I 'm ever curious about it.
I bought this book a couple of years back, intrigued by the possible historical parallels and interested in a book which includes both Picard and Dax. The primary appeal of the book is learning about the Tzenkethi, who along with the Breen were pretty much black holes before the Typhon Pact series began. Romulans, we know, love, and fear; while the Gorn and Tholians can be wrapped up in primal fears about reptiles and insects, respectively. The Tzenkethi are presented as a very stable, very hierarchical society who have a natural affinity for the Space Cubans, another stable and hierarchical society. The Tzenkethi view the Federation as some kind of chaos monster, however, the epitome of their every social fear: it's all argument, class-and-racial intermixing, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria! Who can tell what they'll do, what new planet will sudden fall under their spell?
Having read beyond this series, I knew that no epic war between the Federation and the Typhon Pact broke out, so the drama was largely dampened for me. I assumed the drama would keep ramping up until something happened out of left field to defuse things, and that's more or less what happens. Still, it's nice to see Picard being the commanding diplomat again, and I'll never say no to a story with Ezri Dax and her ship, in part because the Relaunch developed her in such a commendable way -- turning the awkward 20-something shrink of 2000 into the Captain on the Bridge, and in part because the Aventine looks much different than the other Starfleet ships and I 'm ever curious about it.
May 18, 2018
Star Trek: Typhon Pact: Brinkmanship by Una McCormack While Crusher and Picard attend a conference over the offer by the Venetans to the Tzenkethi to use some of their starbases (those close to Federation, Cardassian and Ferengi space respectively), Dax is joined by SI commander Peter Alden, visiting one of the starbases in question and trying to determine the Tzenkethi motive.
I think the red thread holding this book together is distrust - distrust of enemies in a cold war, distrust of old friends who might have changed too far, distrust of new allies etc. And in the end, a part of the solution which returns a threatening outbreak of open warfare to the cold war situation, is to sow distrust into a people who are blunt and not used to subterfuge and lies. The Tzenkethi are a fascinating people and McCormack spends some time introducing their culture and the makeup of their society. And quite frankly, open slavery and subjugation is one thing, but genetic engineering and "(re)conditioning" so that everybody is happy with the small place that they're granted and not willing and/or able to look beyond is quite the devious scheme.
This book also introduces Peter Alden, a high-strung intelligence officer on the verge of a breakdown, and Corazame, one of said naive Tzenkethi who gets pulled into a spy-extraction plot. We'll see both of them again in "The Missing" and "Enigma Tales" (only Alden).
Overall, an entertaining novel, which unfortunately takes a bit of time to really get going. But once it does, it's hard to put it down... And I said it before: I like Alden, he's an interesting, multi-layered character that I wouldn't mind reading much more of.
I think the red thread holding this book together is distrust - distrust of enemies in a cold war, distrust of old friends who might have changed too far, distrust of new allies etc. And in the end, a part of the solution which returns a threatening outbreak of open warfare to the cold war situation, is to sow distrust into a people who are blunt and not used to subterfuge and lies. The Tzenkethi are a fascinating people and McCormack spends some time introducing their culture and the makeup of their society. And quite frankly, open slavery and subjugation is one thing, but genetic engineering and "(re)conditioning" so that everybody is happy with the small place that they're granted and not willing and/or able to look beyond is quite the devious scheme.
This book also introduces Peter Alden, a high-strung intelligence officer on the verge of a breakdown, and Corazame, one of said naive Tzenkethi who gets pulled into a spy-extraction plot. We'll see both of them again in "The Missing" and "Enigma Tales" (only Alden).
Overall, an entertaining novel, which unfortunately takes a bit of time to really get going. But once it does, it's hard to put it down... And I said it before: I like Alden, he's an interesting, multi-layered character that I wouldn't mind reading much more of.
February 25, 2020
The focus is on diplomacy, with a bit of action thrown in, for this entry in the Typhon Pact series. No readings of any previous books in this series would hamper one's enjoyment.
The Federation and several of its allies are meeting with Venette Convention because they are leasing three of their starbases to the Tzenkethi, members of the Typhon Pact. Naturally Jean-Luc Picard is sent to head the committee, but the inclusion of one of the Federation's allies turns the meeting on its head.
Captain Ezri Dax of the U.S.S. Aventine is sent to investigate one of these bases and the inclusion of a newcomer to her crew causes chaos at this location.
Meanwhile, two spies on Ab-Tzenketh, homeworld of the Tzenkethi, discover one another and it does not go well.
There's some solid tension here, with things quickly spiraling toward darkness, but Picard, Crusher, and Dax's optimism keep things on a positive spin. I enjoyed the first two plot lines, but the spy story just didn't do much for me. It was initially interesting, but soon became one note and played out as I expected.
That said, I enjoyed revisiting familiar characters and I would welcome more books in this series and any written by McCormack.
The Federation and several of its allies are meeting with Venette Convention because they are leasing three of their starbases to the Tzenkethi, members of the Typhon Pact. Naturally Jean-Luc Picard is sent to head the committee, but the inclusion of one of the Federation's allies turns the meeting on its head.
Captain Ezri Dax of the U.S.S. Aventine is sent to investigate one of these bases and the inclusion of a newcomer to her crew causes chaos at this location.
Meanwhile, two spies on Ab-Tzenketh, homeworld of the Tzenkethi, discover one another and it does not go well.
There's some solid tension here, with things quickly spiraling toward darkness, but Picard, Crusher, and Dax's optimism keep things on a positive spin. I enjoyed the first two plot lines, but the spy story just didn't do much for me. It was initially interesting, but soon became one note and played out as I expected.
That said, I enjoyed revisiting familiar characters and I would welcome more books in this series and any written by McCormack.
January 18, 2016
The Typhon Pact novels are an interesting experiment in Star Trek literature. They are, in simple terms, an attempt to create a power to rival the Federation which is simultaneously hostile to the Alpha Quadrant's "good guys" but not something which can be just ignored as long as no one crosses the Neutral Zone. This isn't really all that original of an idea since the Klingons used to occupy this role in the Original Series and the Cardassians/Dominion had it for the period they weren't at war with both.
But it's a good idea.
I've reviewed some of the other novels in the series such as Zero Sum Game, Rough Beasts of Empire, and The Struggle Within. In general, they are highly political books which deal with issues of how the Federation is going to deal with someone who has every bit the same level of power as them but only some of the values.
The books are quite clever in that the very act of the Typhon Pact forming from various "bad guy" Star Trek races results in political change as the powers find themselves altering in regards to the new political reality. Isolationism is the tool of the tyrant and those who depended on it among the Tzenkethi, Breen, and other species no longer have that luxury. The books are good, for the most part, but not necessarily to everyone's tastes. For me, I consider them to be the tool of those who really like deep looks into the politics of fiction.
Brinkmanship is, however, my favorite of the novels so far. It's not a difficult plot, being, essentially, "The Cuban Missile Crisis IN SPACE" but that's actually one of its strongest points. Once you get an idea of what they're going for, the plotline and its potential pitfalls become much more interesting. The short version is the Tzenkethi have made alliance with a close-to-the-Federation race called the Venetans.
The Venetans are harmless enough but have leased three of their bases to the Tzenkethi that puts them in striking distance of the Federation. Worse, there's indications that the bases are being stocked with biogenic weapons. Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, and some newcomers must work on the diplomatic ends while Ezri Dax works with an old academy buddy on the espionage. There's also a subplot with a Cardassian spy on the Tzenkethi homeworld who is enamored of their totalitarian way of life.
There's a lot of very good bits as the central theme of the Typhon Pact is explored: what does one do with someone who is threatening and antagonistic but not an enemy yet? The Tzenkethi might be intending to make a first strike against the Federation or they might just be preparing for the day they need to (or they might not at all). Also, how much of a war is won by persuading the outsiders the other side is the bad guy? What about those who think the grass is greener on the other side or are paranoid to the point of insanity? All good questions in this Thirteen Days-esque adventure.
The book suffers, in my opinion, by making the Venetans too naive for their own good. For example, the concept of spying is considered to be a taboo thing for them to do and the equivalent of a war crime. Finding out the Federation inserted them into the Tzenkethi homeworld is almost enough to derail talks. The fact the Venetans can be worried about this and not about the fact the Tzenkethi are eugenics-obsessed Machiavellian schemers (and Starfleet doesn't bother pointing this out) strains credibility. The Federation could easily destroy the Tzenkethi in any argument where they just pointed out what a complete bunch of bastards they are. But they don't do that because, I dunno, negative campaigning is bad? Maybe the Venetans like totalitarian eugenicist societies.
I also had a bit of an issue with the fact the issues were allowed to reach their boiling point by a faction which had their own agenda. Their agenda is a valid one but given how close things got to intergalactic war, I can't help but think the parties involved deserved to be drug out of their offices and tossed on the street. You'd think the parties involved would have learned their lesson about screwed up backdoor dealings. It's the equivalent of the CIA setting up the Cuban Missile Crisis to catch a ring of KGB agents bribing members of Congress. Yes, it's a big deal but if the result is nuclear annihilation then there better be some arrest warrants issued thereafter.
I will say this novel has a lot going for it with the intricate dealings, world-building, and the stories about people trying to deal with bad faith actors in politics. Doctor Crusher really shines in this and I think the writing for her is top-notch. I also loved the scenes on Tzenkethi and how the two kinds of spies deal with their situation in drastically different manners. I also liked the depiction of Tzenkethi culture and how they've managed to create a society which is thoroughly toxic but its members seem to largely think is a good deal for themselves. The fact they're not 100% successful in this, however, is hope for the future.
I wasn't quite sold on the depiction of Ezri Dax, however, now a starship captain and a character far removed from the bumbling counselor she was on Deep Space Nine. Much of the book is devoted to her being suspicious of a Starfleet Intelligence agent and his conclusions, believing them to be paranoid delusions that might lead to an act of terrorism. The book more or less makes it clear the Tzenkethi are perfectly capable of everything he fears and there's even a moment where Ezri is left gobsmacked when she finds out one of his insane-sounding theories was perfectly sound. Ezri never changes her attitude, though, and I found that to be rather annoying. It's as if she's never heard of the phrase, "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you."
Overall, I really recommend this for those who love their Trek-politics. Others may find it a bit dry since it's not an adventure novel.
9/10
But it's a good idea.
I've reviewed some of the other novels in the series such as Zero Sum Game, Rough Beasts of Empire, and The Struggle Within. In general, they are highly political books which deal with issues of how the Federation is going to deal with someone who has every bit the same level of power as them but only some of the values.
The books are quite clever in that the very act of the Typhon Pact forming from various "bad guy" Star Trek races results in political change as the powers find themselves altering in regards to the new political reality. Isolationism is the tool of the tyrant and those who depended on it among the Tzenkethi, Breen, and other species no longer have that luxury. The books are good, for the most part, but not necessarily to everyone's tastes. For me, I consider them to be the tool of those who really like deep looks into the politics of fiction.
Brinkmanship is, however, my favorite of the novels so far. It's not a difficult plot, being, essentially, "The Cuban Missile Crisis IN SPACE" but that's actually one of its strongest points. Once you get an idea of what they're going for, the plotline and its potential pitfalls become much more interesting. The short version is the Tzenkethi have made alliance with a close-to-the-Federation race called the Venetans.
The Venetans are harmless enough but have leased three of their bases to the Tzenkethi that puts them in striking distance of the Federation. Worse, there's indications that the bases are being stocked with biogenic weapons. Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, and some newcomers must work on the diplomatic ends while Ezri Dax works with an old academy buddy on the espionage. There's also a subplot with a Cardassian spy on the Tzenkethi homeworld who is enamored of their totalitarian way of life.
There's a lot of very good bits as the central theme of the Typhon Pact is explored: what does one do with someone who is threatening and antagonistic but not an enemy yet? The Tzenkethi might be intending to make a first strike against the Federation or they might just be preparing for the day they need to (or they might not at all). Also, how much of a war is won by persuading the outsiders the other side is the bad guy? What about those who think the grass is greener on the other side or are paranoid to the point of insanity? All good questions in this Thirteen Days-esque adventure.
The book suffers, in my opinion, by making the Venetans too naive for their own good. For example, the concept of spying is considered to be a taboo thing for them to do and the equivalent of a war crime. Finding out the Federation inserted them into the Tzenkethi homeworld is almost enough to derail talks. The fact the Venetans can be worried about this and not about the fact the Tzenkethi are eugenics-obsessed Machiavellian schemers (and Starfleet doesn't bother pointing this out) strains credibility. The Federation could easily destroy the Tzenkethi in any argument where they just pointed out what a complete bunch of bastards they are. But they don't do that because, I dunno, negative campaigning is bad? Maybe the Venetans like totalitarian eugenicist societies.
I also had a bit of an issue with the fact the issues were allowed to reach their boiling point by a faction which had their own agenda. Their agenda is a valid one but given how close things got to intergalactic war, I can't help but think the parties involved deserved to be drug out of their offices and tossed on the street. You'd think the parties involved would have learned their lesson about screwed up backdoor dealings. It's the equivalent of the CIA setting up the Cuban Missile Crisis to catch a ring of KGB agents bribing members of Congress. Yes, it's a big deal but if the result is nuclear annihilation then there better be some arrest warrants issued thereafter.
I will say this novel has a lot going for it with the intricate dealings, world-building, and the stories about people trying to deal with bad faith actors in politics. Doctor Crusher really shines in this and I think the writing for her is top-notch. I also loved the scenes on Tzenkethi and how the two kinds of spies deal with their situation in drastically different manners. I also liked the depiction of Tzenkethi culture and how they've managed to create a society which is thoroughly toxic but its members seem to largely think is a good deal for themselves. The fact they're not 100% successful in this, however, is hope for the future.
I wasn't quite sold on the depiction of Ezri Dax, however, now a starship captain and a character far removed from the bumbling counselor she was on Deep Space Nine. Much of the book is devoted to her being suspicious of a Starfleet Intelligence agent and his conclusions, believing them to be paranoid delusions that might lead to an act of terrorism. The book more or less makes it clear the Tzenkethi are perfectly capable of everything he fears and there's even a moment where Ezri is left gobsmacked when she finds out one of his insane-sounding theories was perfectly sound. Ezri never changes her attitude, though, and I found that to be rather annoying. It's as if she's never heard of the phrase, "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you."
Overall, I really recommend this for those who love their Trek-politics. Others may find it a bit dry since it's not an adventure novel.
9/10
November 22, 2021
I really wanted to like this book more because I love some of Una McCormack's other work, but the diplomatic storyline fell flat for me in the end. To be honest, I didn't understand the conclusion to that plot - the Tzenkethi seemed to want war in other books (there's a scene in another TP book with the Autarch manipulating the other politicians into aggressive action iirc) so I don't understand the decisions made here. The TP books have become repetitive in this regard, and I'm actually quite glad to be finished with the series.
I did like the Ferengi negotiator - it was good to see more of the "new" Ferenginar and I hope we see more from them in later books. Also hoping Deygan returns as he was an intriguing character but not used very much beyond groaning at his Cardassian superiors.
I enjoyed the Neta storyline the most- the author has great form for Cardassians. It was an interesting look into Tzenkethi society which was done better in this book than others.
I did like the Ferengi negotiator - it was good to see more of the "new" Ferenginar and I hope we see more from them in later books. Also hoping Deygan returns as he was an intriguing character but not used very much beyond groaning at his Cardassian superiors.
I enjoyed the Neta storyline the most- the author has great form for Cardassians. It was an interesting look into Tzenkethi society which was done better in this book than others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2021
Not a fan of Una McCormack. "The Way to the Stars" left a bad taste in the mouth for me, but I wanted to give the author another benefit of the doubt.
Unfortunately, that didn't pan out.
Whereas David Mack uses the plot to pique one's interest in the story, Una McCormack tries to string along a story with dialogues which sometimes get nowhere, just like the long drawn-out negotiations between the Federation and the Venetans/Tzenkethi.
Furthermore, the interactions were often shallow, similar to the accusations being flung around by the various parties. And there was no attempt to allow the characters to delve deeper or provide more meaningful depth into their interactions (which other authors in the series might have done).
Unfortunately, that didn't pan out.
Whereas David Mack uses the plot to pique one's interest in the story, Una McCormack tries to string along a story with dialogues which sometimes get nowhere, just like the long drawn-out negotiations between the Federation and the Venetans/Tzenkethi.
Furthermore, the interactions were often shallow, similar to the accusations being flung around by the various parties. And there was no attempt to allow the characters to delve deeper or provide more meaningful depth into their interactions (which other authors in the series might have done).
April 29, 2018
I couldn’t put this down! I think it’s my favourite of the Typhon Pact novels. McCormack does an excellent job of balancing action between Picard on the Enterprise, Dax on the Aventine, and some covert operatives on a planet. I love the espionage and diplomatic stuff and McCormack handles it expertly. Without spoiling anything, I can say that McCormack writes the Cardassians very well.
I think what I most enjoyed about this novel is that it included some exploration of a strange new world, and a new civilization! To me, that’s a big part of what Trek should be and many of the novels in this series have left it out.
I think what I most enjoyed about this novel is that it included some exploration of a strange new world, and a new civilization! To me, that’s a big part of what Trek should be and many of the novels in this series have left it out.
May 27, 2021
Jag är mycket nöjd med denna bok och även om jag inte tidigare varit helt nöjd med författaren Una McCormacks alster så är detta en välskriven historia med två starka huvudkaraktärer, båda kvinnliga. Genom främst kommendör Ezri Dax och doktor Beverly Crusher får vi se hur Federationen kämpar med lögner, svek och politiska vändningar både inom Federationen (och dess allierade) och utanför den. Dessutom får vi följa livet inifrån tzenkheternas samhälle, ur en cardassisk spions ögon.
Det är en tuff berättelse som framläggs och man får stundtals kämpa för att hänga med - boken är således inget för den ovane att börja med. Däremot, för mig som följt de senaste årens böcker utgivna av Pocket books, är boken väl genomarbetad och en underbar läsning. Betyget blir således riktigt högt.
Det är en tuff berättelse som framläggs och man får stundtals kämpa för att hänga med - boken är således inget för den ovane att börja med. Däremot, för mig som följt de senaste årens böcker utgivna av Pocket books, är boken väl genomarbetad och en underbar läsning. Betyget blir således riktigt högt.
November 30, 2020
Good buildup, abrupt ending.
I enjoyed most of this novel, but I think it could have been about 50 pages longer to flesh out the finale.
The author's attempts to shoehorn feminist issues into the story doesn't sit well. While the Ferengi and Cardassian story lines lend themselves wholeheartedly to this issue, trying to include members of Starfleet (“...we don’t count. Not really. We’re here to carry spears. We’re here to obey.”) just rings a little hollow and unfair.
I enjoyed most of this novel, but I think it could have been about 50 pages longer to flesh out the finale.
The author's attempts to shoehorn feminist issues into the story doesn't sit well. While the Ferengi and Cardassian story lines lend themselves wholeheartedly to this issue, trying to include members of Starfleet (“...we don’t count. Not really. We’re here to carry spears. We’re here to obey.”) just rings a little hollow and unfair.
July 17, 2023
I haven’t read the other book in the Typhon series, mostly because I’m not as interested in that plot line, but I decided to read this one because I enjoy the author (one of the few female authors for the Star Trek books) and for the focus on Ezri Dax and Beverly Crusher perspectives. A fun read and not a big deal that it was a “conclusion” to a series. It was also a good illustration of how fear and mistrust can hinder peace or be used to manipulatively achieve goals.
January 16, 2024
I feel bad giving this just one star, but I took a little break from reading Trek before going into this and still had a really hard time trying to enjoy the plot of this book. The Typhon Pact series in general has felt like a lot of work to get through. For what it’s worth, Una has written The Way to the Stars, one of my favorite Star Trek novels, and I also thought Wonderlands and Second Self were really good.
November 8, 2023
LOOOVED the Tzenkethi storyline. My favourite story Star Trek has told since the Andorian travel rom com. All those characters are burned into my mind and its ending is so creepy and awful and yet fitting.
The rest of this book was entertaining and I enjoyed all the negotiations quite a bit, especially seeing them from Crusher and the Ferengi diplomat's eyes.
The rest of this book was entertaining and I enjoyed all the negotiations quite a bit, especially seeing them from Crusher and the Ferengi diplomat's eyes.
November 24, 2018
After the two previous two books in the Typhon Pact I found this one to be underwhelming l. I did enjoy the Tzenkethi plot with the spies, but I found the Venetans to be a little off and their naivety to be a bit much. I understand what the author was doing, it just seemed a bit much for me.
November 7, 2019
This was pretty disappointing. There were occasional interesting bits within the story line, but nothing close to what might typically be expected of the principal Star Trek NG characters. The actions of the other characters were as confounding. I wondered if the writer ever heard of Star Trek NG.
February 5, 2020
Great read. Great point of views.
Too often a Star Trek story is told solely from the pov of the captain or captains. Here, Crusher takes the stage and carries us along on a story of intrigue and misdirection. Great addition to the Star Trek universe.
Too often a Star Trek story is told solely from the pov of the captain or captains. Here, Crusher takes the stage and carries us along on a story of intrigue and misdirection. Great addition to the Star Trek universe.
June 27, 2023
A better end to the novels than I expected, entertaining while giving my Trekkie friends a lot to discuss.
September 19, 2014
In this exciting edition to the Star Trek Universe, tensions are becoming higher every day. The Venette convention has turned to the Tzenkethi coalition for protection and has allowed three of their bases for the coalitions’ use. But if these bases are garrisoned, they would unacceptably close to Federation, Cardassian, and Ferengi space. Captain Ezri Dax and his ship the U.S.S. Aventine are sent to investigate what exactly is going on in these new Tzenkethi bases.
Meanwhile, Captain Picard takes the U.S.S Enterprise to the Venette to hopefully broker on an acceptable resolution. However, the delegates of the Cardassian have different plans on resolving the situation, and an all-out war is about to break out in the Galaxy.
Will Picard be able to form a peace agreement with the coalition? Or will war break out and potentially destroy the federation.
To learn the ending, pick up a copy today at your nearest library or bookstore.
Other books in the Typhon Pact Series in order:
Typhon Pact Book 1: Zero Sum Game
Typhon Pact Book 2: Seize the Fire
Typhon Pact Book 3: Rough Beasts of Empire
Typhon Pact Book 4: Paths of Disharmony
Typhon Pact Book 5: The Struggle Within
Typhon Pact Book 6: Plagues of Night
Typhon Pact Book 7: Raise the Dawn
Typhon Pact Book 8: Brinkmanship
For more information about the book, visit the authors’ websites at:
http://authors.simonandschuster.com/U...
Reviewed by Wyatt R., TAB@DBPL Reader Advisor since 2012.
Meanwhile, Captain Picard takes the U.S.S Enterprise to the Venette to hopefully broker on an acceptable resolution. However, the delegates of the Cardassian have different plans on resolving the situation, and an all-out war is about to break out in the Galaxy.
Will Picard be able to form a peace agreement with the coalition? Or will war break out and potentially destroy the federation.
To learn the ending, pick up a copy today at your nearest library or bookstore.
Other books in the Typhon Pact Series in order:
Typhon Pact Book 1: Zero Sum Game
Typhon Pact Book 2: Seize the Fire
Typhon Pact Book 3: Rough Beasts of Empire
Typhon Pact Book 4: Paths of Disharmony
Typhon Pact Book 5: The Struggle Within
Typhon Pact Book 6: Plagues of Night
Typhon Pact Book 7: Raise the Dawn
Typhon Pact Book 8: Brinkmanship
For more information about the book, visit the authors’ websites at:
http://authors.simonandschuster.com/U...
Reviewed by Wyatt R., TAB@DBPL Reader Advisor since 2012.
October 5, 2012
The next book in the Typhon Pact series takes us to the Tzenkethi and a non-aligned power, the Venette Convention. The Tzenkethi wish to lease bases from the Venetans right on the borders of three Khitomer powers, which include the Federation. Naturally, Starfleet sends representitives to the Venetans in an attempt to stop the leasing process. What ensues is, as the title points out, a case of brinkmanship with one side accusing the other of various misdeeds while, at the same time, inching closer to war.
This wasn't the best Typhon Pact novel. All of the major powers keep upping their game to the point where pulling back becomes amost unthinkable. Think of this as the Cuban missile crisis in the Star Trek universe. Things eventually come to a head when the Khitomer observers inspecting the starbases discover compounds used for weapons.
This book is effectively split into two storylines, the Picard and Dax paths. The Picard line is all about negotiating with the Venetans and not much else, Dax is about the base inspections and, depending on your perspective, the covert mission on the Tzenkethi homeworld. All of the Typhon Pact novels cover a power in the Pact with great detail. For Brinkmanship, that power is the Tzenkethi from the perspective of undercover agents on ab-Tzenketh.
Frankly, after the last books dealing with Deep Space Nine, this seemed like a bit of a letdown. Most readers will not believe that the Khitomer and Typhon powers will come dangerously close to open warfare this soon in the novels, which makes the crisis seem a bit deflated. But, the ab-Tzenkethi portions were quite fascinating ending with a new, possibly permanent, Tzenkethi character for the Khitomer powers. Overall, it wasn't that great of a book, it certainly is decent, but not as good as the last two in the Typhon Pact.
This wasn't the best Typhon Pact novel. All of the major powers keep upping their game to the point where pulling back becomes amost unthinkable. Think of this as the Cuban missile crisis in the Star Trek universe. Things eventually come to a head when the Khitomer observers inspecting the starbases discover compounds used for weapons.
This book is effectively split into two storylines, the Picard and Dax paths. The Picard line is all about negotiating with the Venetans and not much else, Dax is about the base inspections and, depending on your perspective, the covert mission on the Tzenkethi homeworld. All of the Typhon Pact novels cover a power in the Pact with great detail. For Brinkmanship, that power is the Tzenkethi from the perspective of undercover agents on ab-Tzenketh.
Frankly, after the last books dealing with Deep Space Nine, this seemed like a bit of a letdown. Most readers will not believe that the Khitomer and Typhon powers will come dangerously close to open warfare this soon in the novels, which makes the crisis seem a bit deflated. But, the ab-Tzenkethi portions were quite fascinating ending with a new, possibly permanent, Tzenkethi character for the Khitomer powers. Overall, it wasn't that great of a book, it certainly is decent, but not as good as the last two in the Typhon Pact.
January 26, 2023
I'm enjoying the ongoing saga of the Typhon Pact. This time around, we get the Tzenkethi, whom I find endlessly fascinating.
I enjoyed watching the crews of the Enterprise and the Aventine working together to stop yet another Tzenkethi plot to undermine the Federation and their allies. This time they were using the Venette Convention, a race annoyed with the Federation for what they perceived as ignoring their overtures of friendship. They leased bases from the Venette near the borders of the Federation, the Ferenghi and the Cardassians, and it became clear that they intended to use them to potentially strike at three of the four Khitomer Accords powers at will.
A deep cover Cardassian spy on Ab-Zenketh provided an excellent look at the inner workings of Tzenkethi society. Neta Efheny was implanted awhile back as Mayazan Ret Ata E, a low level cleaning worker who was assigned to clean in their foreign affairs building. Rets are bred not to ask any questions or to pry into affairs outside of their areas of training, which made it easy to get a spy into a position where her implanted audio/visual devices could record sensitive information.
While the Enterprise conducted diplomatic relations with the Venette, the Aventine was held in reserve to extract Efheny from her assignment. Until then, their job was to get Starfleet Intelligence officer Commander Peter Alden close enough to ascertain whether or not the Tzenkethi were bringing the materials to make bioweapons to this base.
I enjoyed watching the Tzenkethi outmaneuver the Federation and allies, and watching them get some of theirs back- the back and forth was exciting to watch, and I enjoyed watching Efheny as Mayazan Ret Ata E working to maintain her cover and to focus past her growing enjoyment of her life as a lower caste Tzenkethi. I look forward to seeing more of the Typhon Pact in future books.
I enjoyed watching the crews of the Enterprise and the Aventine working together to stop yet another Tzenkethi plot to undermine the Federation and their allies. This time they were using the Venette Convention, a race annoyed with the Federation for what they perceived as ignoring their overtures of friendship. They leased bases from the Venette near the borders of the Federation, the Ferenghi and the Cardassians, and it became clear that they intended to use them to potentially strike at three of the four Khitomer Accords powers at will.
A deep cover Cardassian spy on Ab-Zenketh provided an excellent look at the inner workings of Tzenkethi society. Neta Efheny was implanted awhile back as Mayazan Ret Ata E, a low level cleaning worker who was assigned to clean in their foreign affairs building. Rets are bred not to ask any questions or to pry into affairs outside of their areas of training, which made it easy to get a spy into a position where her implanted audio/visual devices could record sensitive information.
While the Enterprise conducted diplomatic relations with the Venette, the Aventine was held in reserve to extract Efheny from her assignment. Until then, their job was to get Starfleet Intelligence officer Commander Peter Alden close enough to ascertain whether or not the Tzenkethi were bringing the materials to make bioweapons to this base.
I enjoyed watching the Tzenkethi outmaneuver the Federation and allies, and watching them get some of theirs back- the back and forth was exciting to watch, and I enjoyed watching Efheny as Mayazan Ret Ata E working to maintain her cover and to focus past her growing enjoyment of her life as a lower caste Tzenkethi. I look forward to seeing more of the Typhon Pact in future books.
January 14, 2014
Whether it is the publishing order, or by intention, this book, the 8th and final in the Typhon Pact series seems to be out of place.
The past two books would have been a much better ending to the series than this book is. That's not to say that the story or writing of this book is in anyway inferior but rather that the impact and conclusion are a much more sombre note.
Una McCormack does a fantastic job balancing two unique societies and the Tzenkethi portions of the book are just fascinating and a real triumph. The Venetans, however, whilst unusual and very 'alien' just come across as naïve.
Picard & co are tasked with trying to resume diplomatic ties with the Venetans, a race that the Federation seemingly forgot about when they were busy fending off attacks from the Dominion and the Borg. In the mean time the Tzenkethi have utilised the gap left by the Federation to their advantage. The potential militarisation of the Venetan bases by the Tzenkethi is a threat that Dax & her team must try to resolve. And it is the resolution that is both too swift and the only reason this didn't get 5 stars.
The real fun in this novel is following the undercover agents on the Tzenkethi homeworld and the glimpse at the entirely engineered society presented is fascinating. So much so, that I'd have liked an entire book devoted to them alone.
The author does an amazing job of enriching the society in which the spies find themselves and my only frustration is that so much more could have been developed and added.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
The past two books would have been a much better ending to the series than this book is. That's not to say that the story or writing of this book is in anyway inferior but rather that the impact and conclusion are a much more sombre note.
Una McCormack does a fantastic job balancing two unique societies and the Tzenkethi portions of the book are just fascinating and a real triumph. The Venetans, however, whilst unusual and very 'alien' just come across as naïve.
Picard & co are tasked with trying to resume diplomatic ties with the Venetans, a race that the Federation seemingly forgot about when they were busy fending off attacks from the Dominion and the Borg. In the mean time the Tzenkethi have utilised the gap left by the Federation to their advantage. The potential militarisation of the Venetan bases by the Tzenkethi is a threat that Dax & her team must try to resolve. And it is the resolution that is both too swift and the only reason this didn't get 5 stars.
The real fun in this novel is following the undercover agents on the Tzenkethi homeworld and the glimpse at the entirely engineered society presented is fascinating. So much so, that I'd have liked an entire book devoted to them alone.
The author does an amazing job of enriching the society in which the spies find themselves and my only frustration is that so much more could have been developed and added.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
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