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Pliable Truths
A thrilling new Star The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine adventure from New York Times bestselling author Dayton Ward!
2369: Shortly after Starfleet thwarts a Cardassian attack on a Federation star system, the Cardassian government orders an end to its fifty-year occupation of the planet Bajor. As a result, a newly installed Bajoran government requests immediate assistance from the Federation to mediate how the withdrawal will proceed and what recompense, if any, Bajorans are owed from their brutal oppressors. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is ordered by Starfleet Command to oversee these tense negotiations on Terok Nor, the massive Cardassian space station still orbiting Bajor, even as he still deals with his own recent trauma as a prisoner held and tortured by a Cardassian interrogator.
As these critical peace talks get underway, Ensign Ro Laren receives a call for help from a friend thought long dead, exposing an insidious secret from inside Cardassian space. Now, Picard and the crew of the Starship Enterprise must act to prevent an interstellar incident from reigniting deadly hostilities between the Federation and the Cardassians, and shattering any hope of justice for the Bajoran people…
2369: Shortly after Starfleet thwarts a Cardassian attack on a Federation star system, the Cardassian government orders an end to its fifty-year occupation of the planet Bajor. As a result, a newly installed Bajoran government requests immediate assistance from the Federation to mediate how the withdrawal will proceed and what recompense, if any, Bajorans are owed from their brutal oppressors. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is ordered by Starfleet Command to oversee these tense negotiations on Terok Nor, the massive Cardassian space station still orbiting Bajor, even as he still deals with his own recent trauma as a prisoner held and tortured by a Cardassian interrogator.
As these critical peace talks get underway, Ensign Ro Laren receives a call for help from a friend thought long dead, exposing an insidious secret from inside Cardassian space. Now, Picard and the crew of the Starship Enterprise must act to prevent an interstellar incident from reigniting deadly hostilities between the Federation and the Cardassians, and shattering any hope of justice for the Bajoran people…
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2024
About the author
Dayton Ward
113 books300 followersDayton is a software developer, having become a slave to Corporate America after spending eleven years in the U.S. Marine Corps. When asked, he’ll tell you that he left home and joined the military soon after high school because he’d grown tired of people telling him what to do all the time.
Ask him sometime how well that worked out.
In addition to the numerous credits he shares with friend and co-writer Kevin Dilmore, he is the author of the Star Trek novels In the Name of Honor and Open Secrets, the science fiction novels The Last World War and The Genesis Protocol, and short stories which have appeared in the first three Star Trek: Strange New Worlds anthologies, the Yard Dog Press anthology Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, Kansas City Voices Magazine and the Star Trek: New Frontier anthology No Limits. Though he currently lives in Kansas City with wife Michi and daughters Addison and Erin, Dayton is a Florida native and still maintains a torrid long-distance romance with his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ask him sometime how well that worked out.
In addition to the numerous credits he shares with friend and co-writer Kevin Dilmore, he is the author of the Star Trek novels In the Name of Honor and Open Secrets, the science fiction novels The Last World War and The Genesis Protocol, and short stories which have appeared in the first three Star Trek: Strange New Worlds anthologies, the Yard Dog Press anthology Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, Kansas City Voices Magazine and the Star Trek: New Frontier anthology No Limits. Though he currently lives in Kansas City with wife Michi and daughters Addison and Erin, Dayton is a Florida native and still maintains a torrid long-distance romance with his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 15, 2024
This book follows Picard as the Enterprise enters Bajoran space right before the events of the Deep Space Nine premiere. We see Picard and the Enterprise crew as they mediate the changeover from Cardassian control to Bajoran control.
What makes this book so special is its themes. It deals with excellent themes about power and forgiveness and revenge and strategy. It also excellently analyzes when one group loses power to another and how that transfer operates. I found it dealt with similar themes as Ward's other novel "Peaceable Kingdoms" from the Fall Series, but I believe that this book is better!
The book also deals with its characters quite well. Jean Luc has the most development, but Crusher, La Forge, and O'Brien all get excellent subplots and arcs as well, particularly O'Brien. We also see Gul Dukat, Elim Garak, and other Cardassian and Bajoran characters throughout the book who are fascinating.
We also get to see a ton of the DS9 cast as they start to make their way to the station. This book could be marketed as a crossover between TNG and DS9, but I don't believe they have a solid marketing plan for crossovers and the book is more TNG than DS9. (it helps that TNG sells better I believe, so they use the TNG titlecard on the cover).
The book also has a subplot featuring a group of Bajorans trying to escape their Cardassian captors which I thought was just fine. It was the only part of the book I didn't particularly like. It was just fine.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and a true calling card for Dayton Ward. I believe that his best novel is still "From History's Shadow", but I really believe that this is his second best work. 9 out of 10!
What makes this book so special is its themes. It deals with excellent themes about power and forgiveness and revenge and strategy. It also excellently analyzes when one group loses power to another and how that transfer operates. I found it dealt with similar themes as Ward's other novel "Peaceable Kingdoms" from the Fall Series, but I believe that this book is better!
The book also deals with its characters quite well. Jean Luc has the most development, but Crusher, La Forge, and O'Brien all get excellent subplots and arcs as well, particularly O'Brien. We also see Gul Dukat, Elim Garak, and other Cardassian and Bajoran characters throughout the book who are fascinating.
We also get to see a ton of the DS9 cast as they start to make their way to the station. This book could be marketed as a crossover between TNG and DS9, but I don't believe they have a solid marketing plan for crossovers and the book is more TNG than DS9. (it helps that TNG sells better I believe, so they use the TNG titlecard on the cover).
The book also has a subplot featuring a group of Bajorans trying to escape their Cardassian captors which I thought was just fine. It was the only part of the book I didn't particularly like. It was just fine.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and a true calling card for Dayton Ward. I believe that his best novel is still "From History's Shadow", but I really believe that this is his second best work. 9 out of 10!
May 29, 2024
The events at Minos Korva have forced the Cardassian Empire into an embarrassing climb down, leading to their withdrawal from the B'hava'el system and the liberation of the Bajorans. Captain Picard is assigned to assist with peace negotiations on Bajor, where he finds himself facing his former torturer, Gul Madred.
'Pliable Truths' is a sequel to "Chain of Command" and a prequel to "Emissary", introducing readers to the characters of Kira, Garak, Odo and Quark just prior to the redesignation of Terok Nor to Deep Space Nine. Ward has placed a nice diplomatic A story alongside an intriguing espionage style B story and helps sow the seeds for O'Brien's move from the Transporter Rooms to the Operations Centre of Deep Space Nine.
'Pliable Truths' is a sequel to "Chain of Command" and a prequel to "Emissary", introducing readers to the characters of Kira, Garak, Odo and Quark just prior to the redesignation of Terok Nor to Deep Space Nine. Ward has placed a nice diplomatic A story alongside an intriguing espionage style B story and helps sow the seeds for O'Brien's move from the Transporter Rooms to the Operations Centre of Deep Space Nine.
March 3, 2024
Back in the heyday of Star Trek’s first revival, when we had The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager soaring across our screens, I was a devoted reader of the wider tie-in literary universe. There was nothing like going to the bookstore and seeing a new ‘episode’ on the shelves, just waiting to be devoured.
As Trek disappeared from our screens, it largely disappeared from my shelves as well. I came back to it on occasion, as cover blurbs drew me in, but it felt as if the tie-in universe had been stretched too far, with too many authors struggling to capture the personalities of the characters. Strange New Worlds rekindled my love of all things Trek, however, so when I saw a TNG/DS9 crossover with Picard and Garak on the cover, I decided to beam aboard.
I am delighted to say Dayton Ward demonstrates precisely the grasp of the universe and its personalities that I missed. Pliable Truths felt like a missing episode that more directly connects the TNG and DS9 universes. It explores the Cardassian withdrawal from Bajoran, the skepticism with which the Federation’s assistance is seen, and the consequences of war on all sides. Given all that’s happening in the Ukraine and Palestine, it’s a very timely story, and one that reminds us of how well Trek has always shone a spotlight on current affairs.
One of the things I felt Ward did really well was explore Captain Picard’s discomfort in facing the Cardassians again, so soon after his torture at their hands. He’s still the strong, capable, commanding officer we know, but we see him get agitated and distracted in a way that was never really explored in the series. I also felt Ward did an exemplary job of making this about more than just Picard and the Enterprise crew. While they are there to render assistance and help negotiate peace, it’s as allies, not saviors. Indeed, significant portions of the book explore how the Bajorans themselves band together to resist, infiltrate, and quietly combat their oppressors.
Being something of a gap book that takes place before DS9, we don’t encounter a lot of that cast, but I enjoyed seeing how characters like Kira and Miles came to join the crew, and how Odo, Quark, and Garak were already establishing their odd camaraderie. There was enough here to feel familiar, but the story itself felt necessary, a tale that needed to be told as opposed to just an excuse to revisit old friends.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2024/...
As Trek disappeared from our screens, it largely disappeared from my shelves as well. I came back to it on occasion, as cover blurbs drew me in, but it felt as if the tie-in universe had been stretched too far, with too many authors struggling to capture the personalities of the characters. Strange New Worlds rekindled my love of all things Trek, however, so when I saw a TNG/DS9 crossover with Picard and Garak on the cover, I decided to beam aboard.
I am delighted to say Dayton Ward demonstrates precisely the grasp of the universe and its personalities that I missed. Pliable Truths felt like a missing episode that more directly connects the TNG and DS9 universes. It explores the Cardassian withdrawal from Bajoran, the skepticism with which the Federation’s assistance is seen, and the consequences of war on all sides. Given all that’s happening in the Ukraine and Palestine, it’s a very timely story, and one that reminds us of how well Trek has always shone a spotlight on current affairs.
One of the things I felt Ward did really well was explore Captain Picard’s discomfort in facing the Cardassians again, so soon after his torture at their hands. He’s still the strong, capable, commanding officer we know, but we see him get agitated and distracted in a way that was never really explored in the series. I also felt Ward did an exemplary job of making this about more than just Picard and the Enterprise crew. While they are there to render assistance and help negotiate peace, it’s as allies, not saviors. Indeed, significant portions of the book explore how the Bajorans themselves band together to resist, infiltrate, and quietly combat their oppressors.
Being something of a gap book that takes place before DS9, we don’t encounter a lot of that cast, but I enjoyed seeing how characters like Kira and Miles came to join the crew, and how Odo, Quark, and Garak were already establishing their odd camaraderie. There was enough here to feel familiar, but the story itself felt necessary, a tale that needed to be told as opposed to just an excuse to revisit old friends.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2024/...
June 2, 2024
Well-written & sharply characterized as always; I'm surprised it took this long to fill this particular storytelling gap in the canon. But I must say that the reading experience left me feeling "meh". I would have preferred a brand new adventure at this point...it feels like nice but unnecessary back-tracking.
May 27, 2024
“I’ve never plummeted to my death aboard a man-made fireball before, sir,” said O’Brien. “Thanks for not letting today be that day.”
I’d forgotten I’d preorderd this, so was pleasantly surprised to finish it on a lazy Sunday morning with coffee and chocolate cake.
The idea sat well with me: seing the genesis of DS9 was potentially quite interesting, and watching events of the turbulunt time during the withdrawal of the Cardassian occupying forces of Bajor would be fascinating.
This only worked to a point. The first thing that stuck in my craw was the 6 times someone “blew out” his or her breth. This is perhaps because I’ve just finished a reread of another novel where this happens a lot too, so I was over-primed to be annoyed with it.
Secondly there were far too many times when someone went off into a daydream, far too close together to be anything other than authorial license to showboat their knowledge of canon. Picard is perhaps understandable – the book serves as a ceiling on the events of the TNG two-parter Chain of Command in the same way the episode Family did after the Best of Both Worlds – but to then follow-up with Crusher, particularly to no meaningful result, felt overdone. The Starfleet officers come across as unfocused airheads much of the time, because every new environment triggers flashbacks. Realistic if they were real people given how much got thrown at them over their televised careers, but perhaps less believable from a fictional perspective.
Next, The introduction of Madred as a character was necessary for Picard’s closure of course, but also the slapdown of Dukat didn’t really fit, nor did Madred add anything meaningful to the negotiations. In that sense he was put into the book purely for Picard, and could’ve served a better role without stealing Dukat’s thunder – but then B-stories never work as well in modern Trek as they used to.
Finally on the irritating scale, explosions and IEDs are obviously important terrorist fair, but to bomb a shop and then implicate Garak is pure folly. after all, you never tell the same lie twice. He’d be very offended if War’ds contention is that this was a test run because our innosent tailor would never be so gauche. Lastly, we had to have Ensign Ro, but we also had her in Picard S3. Jaxa might have fit better here, given RO’s defection was still to come, although I suppose Ro is more well-known to more people.
On the positives, I wont pretend I wasn’t impressed with Ward’s handling of timeline; he has a very narrow path to tread in writing characters at a point in their history that we as an audience have seen very far beyond. That took no small skill and was masterfully done. It was also, as I hoped, great to see our crew back again, whole and healthy. I enjoyed watching Picard but the characters have aged. A story with them in their prime was balm to the soul. I also took great pleasure in the nods to Lower Decks (the series, not the episode). Seeing a California Class starship and having the dialogue around second contact was great. Exactly the sort of retcon I can get behind.
So yes: a reasonably good story and some nice page-time for some of our favourites. Worth it if you, like me, have missed our heroes in days of yore.
I’d forgotten I’d preorderd this, so was pleasantly surprised to finish it on a lazy Sunday morning with coffee and chocolate cake.
The idea sat well with me: seing the genesis of DS9 was potentially quite interesting, and watching events of the turbulunt time during the withdrawal of the Cardassian occupying forces of Bajor would be fascinating.
This only worked to a point. The first thing that stuck in my craw was the 6 times someone “blew out” his or her breth. This is perhaps because I’ve just finished a reread of another novel where this happens a lot too, so I was over-primed to be annoyed with it.
Secondly there were far too many times when someone went off into a daydream, far too close together to be anything other than authorial license to showboat their knowledge of canon. Picard is perhaps understandable – the book serves as a ceiling on the events of the TNG two-parter Chain of Command in the same way the episode Family did after the Best of Both Worlds – but to then follow-up with Crusher, particularly to no meaningful result, felt overdone. The Starfleet officers come across as unfocused airheads much of the time, because every new environment triggers flashbacks. Realistic if they were real people given how much got thrown at them over their televised careers, but perhaps less believable from a fictional perspective.
Next, The introduction of Madred as a character was necessary for Picard’s closure of course, but also the slapdown of Dukat didn’t really fit, nor did Madred add anything meaningful to the negotiations. In that sense he was put into the book purely for Picard, and could’ve served a better role without stealing Dukat’s thunder – but then B-stories never work as well in modern Trek as they used to.
Finally on the irritating scale, explosions and IEDs are obviously important terrorist fair, but to bomb a shop and then implicate Garak is pure folly. after all, you never tell the same lie twice. He’d be very offended if War’ds contention is that this was a test run because our innosent tailor would never be so gauche. Lastly, we had to have Ensign Ro, but we also had her in Picard S3. Jaxa might have fit better here, given RO’s defection was still to come, although I suppose Ro is more well-known to more people.
On the positives, I wont pretend I wasn’t impressed with Ward’s handling of timeline; he has a very narrow path to tread in writing characters at a point in their history that we as an audience have seen very far beyond. That took no small skill and was masterfully done. It was also, as I hoped, great to see our crew back again, whole and healthy. I enjoyed watching Picard but the characters have aged. A story with them in their prime was balm to the soul. I also took great pleasure in the nods to Lower Decks (the series, not the episode). Seeing a California Class starship and having the dialogue around second contact was great. Exactly the sort of retcon I can get behind.
So yes: a reasonably good story and some nice page-time for some of our favourites. Worth it if you, like me, have missed our heroes in days of yore.
July 9, 2024
Very fun to delve into the Star Trek books and definitely acts as an interesting prelude to DS9, but while I know that it was supposed to be centered around diplomacy, I still wanted some more action. I also feel like it wrapped up and still had like 5 chapters left which was a little strange, but I still enjoyed it and definitely won’t be my last Star Trek book
July 9, 2024
Great story from the TNG timeline just before DS9 beginning.
June 4, 2024
Brilliant idea for a Star Trek novel!
This is a stand-alone prose novel, situated right after “Chain of Command” Parts One & Two episodes from ST-TNG and before “Emissary” from ST-DS9.
Captain’s Log:
The USS Enterprise-D is assigned to arbitrate the negotiations between the Cardassian Union and the Bajoran Provisional Government, after the unexpected annoucement by the Cardassian Civilian Detapa Council ordering to release the planet Bajor and all its population in that world and any other world in the Cardassian Union, along with retiring all military personnel. The diplomatic talks are celebrated at Terok Nor, an uridium ore processing space station orbiting Bajor.
The USS Oceanside, a California-class starship, is assigned to support assistance to the Enterprise-D in the additional mission of giving maintenance to the Terok Nor station and bringing medical help to the Bajoran population at the surface.
Senior Staff:
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Commanding Officer)
Cmdr. William T. Riker (First Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Data (Operations Manager & Second Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Troi (Ship’s Counselor)
Lt. Worf (Chief Security Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (Chief Engineering Officer)
Dr. Beverly Crusher (Chief Medical Officer)
Support Crew:
Ensign Ro Laren (Helmswoman)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Chief Transporter Officer)
Ensign Sonya Gomez (Engineering Officer)
Ensign Lindsay Bridges (Transporter Officer)
Oceanside Crew:
Capt. Tamiko Hayashio (Commanding Officer)
Dr. Tropp (Chief Medical Officer)
Cmdr. Sarah McDougall (Chief Engineering Officer)
Guest Stars:
Constable Odo (Terok Nor Chief Security Officer)
Kira Nerys
Garak
LOST CHAPTER
This is indeed a “lost chapter” since this prose novel gives a link between ST-TNG and the beginning of ST-DS9 since it’s situated right after Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was tortured by Gul Madred during the events of Chain of Command and before that Terok Nor would become a Starfleet administered station and be called Deep Space Nine, which I think it’s a great idea for a prose novel in the Star Trek universe.
Where you have the introductions of known characters of Deep Space Nine before of taking their roles, along with reading about the decision of Chief O’Brien of leaving the Enterprise-D but also old minor characters of The Next Generation will return doing priceless cameos, and even character from the “future” of expanded universe prose novels.
PEACE SOMETIMES IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN WAR
After the debacle at Minos Korva where a Cardassian fleet was stopped by the strategy of Capt. Edward Jellico (at that moment in command of the Enterprise-D) the Civilian Detapa Council in Cardassian gives a totally unexpected order of retiring all military presence of the Cardassian Union in the Bajoran system and liberating all Bajoran population in any other Cardassian sector…
…however that order isn’t comply as smooth as you could hope, since the Cardassian Central Command gives indications of damaging all possible Bajoran resources and any Cardassian technology left behind…
…but the worse is that there are secret labour camps in other planetary systems where the liberation order will be changed to extermination process.
It’s up to the Enterprise-D and Oceanside crews to do their best in repairing Terok Nor station, finding the source of a provoked decease in Bajor’s surface, but also finding out about one of those secret camps where an old friend of Ro Laren is kept captive along with many other Bajorans.
Capt. Picard will have his hands full not only dealing with Gul Dukat but also with the now Legate Madred, a very uncomfortable reunion right after their previous torturing meeting.
I would wish to have more presence in the story by Ro Laren, and while she does pivotal things in the novel, still I’d love to have her in a more relevant role.
Also, while Garak is on the cover along with Picard, they didn't share any scene and Garak isn't doing really much in the story. (I'd prefer a photo art cover instead of this artistic representation that I guess they don't need to pay to the actors to use them in the cover)
This is a The Next Generation novel but you will have the birth of Deep Space Nine too. Highly recommended for fans of both spin-offs of Star Trek.
This is a stand-alone prose novel, situated right after “Chain of Command” Parts One & Two episodes from ST-TNG and before “Emissary” from ST-DS9.
Captain’s Log:
The USS Enterprise-D is assigned to arbitrate the negotiations between the Cardassian Union and the Bajoran Provisional Government, after the unexpected annoucement by the Cardassian Civilian Detapa Council ordering to release the planet Bajor and all its population in that world and any other world in the Cardassian Union, along with retiring all military personnel. The diplomatic talks are celebrated at Terok Nor, an uridium ore processing space station orbiting Bajor.
The USS Oceanside, a California-class starship, is assigned to support assistance to the Enterprise-D in the additional mission of giving maintenance to the Terok Nor station and bringing medical help to the Bajoran population at the surface.
Senior Staff:
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Commanding Officer)
Cmdr. William T. Riker (First Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Data (Operations Manager & Second Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Troi (Ship’s Counselor)
Lt. Worf (Chief Security Officer)
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (Chief Engineering Officer)
Dr. Beverly Crusher (Chief Medical Officer)
Support Crew:
Ensign Ro Laren (Helmswoman)
Chief Miles O’Brien (Chief Transporter Officer)
Ensign Sonya Gomez (Engineering Officer)
Ensign Lindsay Bridges (Transporter Officer)
Oceanside Crew:
Capt. Tamiko Hayashio (Commanding Officer)
Dr. Tropp (Chief Medical Officer)
Cmdr. Sarah McDougall (Chief Engineering Officer)
Guest Stars:
Constable Odo (Terok Nor Chief Security Officer)
Kira Nerys
Garak
LOST CHAPTER
This is indeed a “lost chapter” since this prose novel gives a link between ST-TNG and the beginning of ST-DS9 since it’s situated right after Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was tortured by Gul Madred during the events of Chain of Command and before that Terok Nor would become a Starfleet administered station and be called Deep Space Nine, which I think it’s a great idea for a prose novel in the Star Trek universe.
Where you have the introductions of known characters of Deep Space Nine before of taking their roles, along with reading about the decision of Chief O’Brien of leaving the Enterprise-D but also old minor characters of The Next Generation will return doing priceless cameos, and even character from the “future” of expanded universe prose novels.
PEACE SOMETIMES IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN WAR
After the debacle at Minos Korva where a Cardassian fleet was stopped by the strategy of Capt. Edward Jellico (at that moment in command of the Enterprise-D) the Civilian Detapa Council in Cardassian gives a totally unexpected order of retiring all military presence of the Cardassian Union in the Bajoran system and liberating all Bajoran population in any other Cardassian sector…
…however that order isn’t comply as smooth as you could hope, since the Cardassian Central Command gives indications of damaging all possible Bajoran resources and any Cardassian technology left behind…
…but the worse is that there are secret labour camps in other planetary systems where the liberation order will be changed to extermination process.
It’s up to the Enterprise-D and Oceanside crews to do their best in repairing Terok Nor station, finding the source of a provoked decease in Bajor’s surface, but also finding out about one of those secret camps where an old friend of Ro Laren is kept captive along with many other Bajorans.
Capt. Picard will have his hands full not only dealing with Gul Dukat but also with the now Legate Madred, a very uncomfortable reunion right after their previous torturing meeting.
I would wish to have more presence in the story by Ro Laren, and while she does pivotal things in the novel, still I’d love to have her in a more relevant role.
Also, while Garak is on the cover along with Picard, they didn't share any scene and Garak isn't doing really much in the story. (I'd prefer a photo art cover instead of this artistic representation that I guess they don't need to pay to the actors to use them in the cover)
This is a The Next Generation novel but you will have the birth of Deep Space Nine too. Highly recommended for fans of both spin-offs of Star Trek.
July 19, 2024
Deep Space Nine is my favorite Star Trek series, so when I saw a new novel coming out related to DS9 I knew I had to give it a try. It turned out to be a fun little tie-in story, even if it was sometimes more fan service than substance.
I think it's a clever way to connect TNG with DS9. Not long after his capture and torture at the hands of the Cardassians (in the TNG episode "Chain of Command"), Jean-Luc Picard is assigned to mediate peace talks between the Cardassians and the Bajorans, aboard the mining station known as Terok Nor. This setup brings the familiar TNG characters into the world of what will eventually be called Deep Space Nine. Since Picard had personal (and traumatic) experience with Cardassians, I thought it was interesting narratively to have him involved in the handover.
So the concept is all well and good, but the execution was a little odd sometimes. Most of the TNG characters didn't feel much like characters a lot of the time. I probably wouldn't be able to identify anything distinguishing about them if I didn't already know them from the show. Admittedly, probably no one is going to read this that hasn't watched the show, but still, most of them came across as pretty bland. And the way they talked was at times bizarre and barely human (seriously, who would ever say "I do not like that individual"?). Still, it was fun to see them in action again.
I was more excited to see the DS9 characters show up, but some of them seemed to serve no purpose other than fan service. Kira Nerys got some cool stuff to do, although it was quite the coincidence that she was assigned as Doctor Crusher's guide. And as much as I love Garak, it seemed like he appeared just for the sake of appearing (why is he pictured on the cover?). You could almost see the characters pausing to let the audience cheer each time a familiar character showed up.
It seemed like the author was winking at the audience in other ways too. More than once a character would reflect on how the crews of California-class ships were known for being unorthodox, in an unsubtle nod to Star Trek: Lower Decks. And it was cool to see Keiko O'Brien have more to do than usual, but I did wonder if the author was deliberately responding to some of the online discussions I've seen about her character. Even Riker had a chance to pause and reflect (there is a lot of pausing and reflecting in this book) on why he hadn't chosen to take his own command yet. It was like this book was trying to answer every question.
I'm complaining a lot here, but I will say overall that this was a decently fun read. Maybe a little inconsequential, but still fun. If you enjoyed TNG and DS9, you'll probably enjoy this book. Just maybe don't expect anything earth-shattering.
One final nitpick: I may be crazy, but I'm pretty sure the author confused the bridge positions of flight controller and operations. Normally that wouldn't matter, but he did draw attention to them specifically a couple times, so it really stood out. Conn is on the right, ops is on the left—Memory Alpha will tell you that. Data never sits at conn, but this book has him sitting there piloting the ship. The higher-ranking officer usually sits at ops (I'm not sure why, but that's always how it is in TNG). This isn't really a big deal, but it was weird that it was incorrectly called out in the book more than once. Especially considering how many Star Trek novels this author has written. Okay, rant over.
I think it's a clever way to connect TNG with DS9. Not long after his capture and torture at the hands of the Cardassians (in the TNG episode "Chain of Command"), Jean-Luc Picard is assigned to mediate peace talks between the Cardassians and the Bajorans, aboard the mining station known as Terok Nor. This setup brings the familiar TNG characters into the world of what will eventually be called Deep Space Nine. Since Picard had personal (and traumatic) experience with Cardassians, I thought it was interesting narratively to have him involved in the handover.
So the concept is all well and good, but the execution was a little odd sometimes. Most of the TNG characters didn't feel much like characters a lot of the time. I probably wouldn't be able to identify anything distinguishing about them if I didn't already know them from the show. Admittedly, probably no one is going to read this that hasn't watched the show, but still, most of them came across as pretty bland. And the way they talked was at times bizarre and barely human (seriously, who would ever say "I do not like that individual"?). Still, it was fun to see them in action again.
I was more excited to see the DS9 characters show up, but some of them seemed to serve no purpose other than fan service. Kira Nerys got some cool stuff to do, although it was quite the coincidence that she was assigned as Doctor Crusher's guide. And as much as I love Garak, it seemed like he appeared just for the sake of appearing (why is he pictured on the cover?). You could almost see the characters pausing to let the audience cheer each time a familiar character showed up.
It seemed like the author was winking at the audience in other ways too. More than once a character would reflect on how the crews of California-class ships were known for being unorthodox, in an unsubtle nod to Star Trek: Lower Decks. And it was cool to see Keiko O'Brien have more to do than usual, but I did wonder if the author was deliberately responding to some of the online discussions I've seen about her character. Even Riker had a chance to pause and reflect (there is a lot of pausing and reflecting in this book) on why he hadn't chosen to take his own command yet. It was like this book was trying to answer every question.
I'm complaining a lot here, but I will say overall that this was a decently fun read. Maybe a little inconsequential, but still fun. If you enjoyed TNG and DS9, you'll probably enjoy this book. Just maybe don't expect anything earth-shattering.
One final nitpick: I may be crazy, but I'm pretty sure the author confused the bridge positions of flight controller and operations. Normally that wouldn't matter, but he did draw attention to them specifically a couple times, so it really stood out. Conn is on the right, ops is on the left—Memory Alpha will tell you that. Data never sits at conn, but this book has him sitting there piloting the ship. The higher-ranking officer usually sits at ops (I'm not sure why, but that's always how it is in TNG). This isn't really a big deal, but it was weird that it was incorrectly called out in the book more than once. Especially considering how many Star Trek novels this author has written. Okay, rant over.
July 7, 2024
"Pliable Truths" is a must for fans of TNG and DS9! This crossover event chronicles crucial moments in both franchises, and serves up an exciting adventure along the way.
Taking place just months after the events in "The Chain of Command", we find Picard still recuperating from his horrific ordeal under the tutelage of Cardassian interigator Madrid. Meanwhile, the Cardassian government have ordered the withdrawal of all forces from Bagorian space, and the release of all Bajorian nationals. This includes withdrawing from the ore processing center orbiting Bajor, the giant space station known as 'Terok Nor'.
Picard and crew are ordered to proceed to this space station and commence negotiations between the Bajorians and Cardassians to discuss compensation and withdrawal terms.
Meanwhile, on an undisclosed planet, members of a Bagorian labor camp find out the new armisist may spell certain death to them all. Their only hope may be a desperate plea for help to Ensign Ro Laren.
As a superfan of both shows-I found alot to love in "Pliable Truths". It serves as both a sequel to "The Chain of Command" and a prequel to "The Emissary". This gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall perspective of crucial events involving both franchises.
The negotiations on Terok Nor are a tense battlefield of words and wills, as Picard does his best to see that the Bajorians are compensated for over forty years oppression. As a negotiator, Picard is in his element-trying to keep all parties happy and not let old resentments undermine the fragile peace.
The aftermath of Picard being tortured by Madrid is fully explored and given the attention not given on the show. His vulnerability makes the stakes higher as he is forced to deal with the Cardassians so soon after his internment.
This book boast some excellent verbal sparring matches. Many of these exchanges involve fan favorite characters who use words as daggers and insults as bombs. These vocal exchanges will have you thoroughly entertained and pining for popcorn!
The prison camp segments of this story are compelling enough to make a book unto itself. It has all the trappings of a classic prison movie, with many of the same themes. The players involved are given excellent depth and backstory, giving the reader great insight into Bajorian oppression under Cardassian rule.
"Pliable Truths" may be titled a TNG novel, but I felt it leaned slightly more towards being a DS9 story with the TNG characters as chaperones. Picard, Troi, and Crusher are showcased terrifically, each of them written spot on. I enjoyed seeing characters from both shows interact and work together.
"Pliable Truths" succeeds at unifying both show's mythologies with a very important story. What makes it important is how it showcases the consequences and repercussions of events. The Cardassians left an almost permanent stain on both Picard and the Bajorian people; this book chronicles the first steps moving forward.
Taking place just months after the events in "The Chain of Command", we find Picard still recuperating from his horrific ordeal under the tutelage of Cardassian interigator Madrid. Meanwhile, the Cardassian government have ordered the withdrawal of all forces from Bagorian space, and the release of all Bajorian nationals. This includes withdrawing from the ore processing center orbiting Bajor, the giant space station known as 'Terok Nor'.
Picard and crew are ordered to proceed to this space station and commence negotiations between the Bajorians and Cardassians to discuss compensation and withdrawal terms.
Meanwhile, on an undisclosed planet, members of a Bagorian labor camp find out the new armisist may spell certain death to them all. Their only hope may be a desperate plea for help to Ensign Ro Laren.
As a superfan of both shows-I found alot to love in "Pliable Truths". It serves as both a sequel to "The Chain of Command" and a prequel to "The Emissary". This gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall perspective of crucial events involving both franchises.
The negotiations on Terok Nor are a tense battlefield of words and wills, as Picard does his best to see that the Bajorians are compensated for over forty years oppression. As a negotiator, Picard is in his element-trying to keep all parties happy and not let old resentments undermine the fragile peace.
The aftermath of Picard being tortured by Madrid is fully explored and given the attention not given on the show. His vulnerability makes the stakes higher as he is forced to deal with the Cardassians so soon after his internment.
This book boast some excellent verbal sparring matches. Many of these exchanges involve fan favorite characters who use words as daggers and insults as bombs. These vocal exchanges will have you thoroughly entertained and pining for popcorn!
The prison camp segments of this story are compelling enough to make a book unto itself. It has all the trappings of a classic prison movie, with many of the same themes. The players involved are given excellent depth and backstory, giving the reader great insight into Bajorian oppression under Cardassian rule.
"Pliable Truths" may be titled a TNG novel, but I felt it leaned slightly more towards being a DS9 story with the TNG characters as chaperones. Picard, Troi, and Crusher are showcased terrifically, each of them written spot on. I enjoyed seeing characters from both shows interact and work together.
"Pliable Truths" succeeds at unifying both show's mythologies with a very important story. What makes it important is how it showcases the consequences and repercussions of events. The Cardassians left an almost permanent stain on both Picard and the Bajorian people; this book chronicles the first steps moving forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
Rating of 4.5.
Leading Star Trek author Dayton Ward presents a compelling new tie-in novel that bridges the gap between two of the franchise’s most iconic shows in the outstanding and impressive Pliable Truths.
Following a tumultuous series of events, Starfleet has managed to thwart a planned invasion of a Federation system by the Cardassians. Thrown into political disarray by their military defeat, the Cardassian civilian government has acceded to Starfleet demands and ordered the withdrawal from the occupied planet of Bajor. Long enslaved by the Cardassians, the Bajorans are determined to once again rule themselves, but they first reluctantly require the assistance of the Federation.
To ensure a peaceful transition of power to the new Bajoran government, Starfleet orders Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise to the Bajor to oversee negotiations between the Bajorans and the Cardassians. Still recovering from his own recent trauma suffered at the hands of a Cardassians torturer, Picard is unsure if he is ready to fairly arbitrate the question of recompense and justice. But with no other choice, Picard travels to the massive Cardassian space station orbiting Bajor, Terok Nor.
Attempting to stay neutral and calm, Picard soon finds his patience tested by the disruptive tactics of the Cardassians, as they seek to gain advantage from the chaos surrounding the withdraw. The situation looks to become even more complicated when Ensign Ro Laren receives a message from a long-missing friend, exposing deadly secrets from inside Cardassian space. Forced to balance the needs of the Bajorans with a desire to stop a new war erupting between the Federation and the Cardassians, Picard will need to utilise all his diplomatic skills to salvage the situation. But can even Picard remain calm when he comes face to the face with the man responsible for his recent torture?
Dayton Ward continues to showcase why he is one of the top authors of Star Trek fiction with this compelling and intriguing read. Serving as a brilliant bridge between two key shows, Pliable Truths has an outstanding story behind it that does an amazing job diving into the iconic lore and characters of the Star Trek universe.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/07/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Leading Star Trek author Dayton Ward presents a compelling new tie-in novel that bridges the gap between two of the franchise’s most iconic shows in the outstanding and impressive Pliable Truths.
Following a tumultuous series of events, Starfleet has managed to thwart a planned invasion of a Federation system by the Cardassians. Thrown into political disarray by their military defeat, the Cardassian civilian government has acceded to Starfleet demands and ordered the withdrawal from the occupied planet of Bajor. Long enslaved by the Cardassians, the Bajorans are determined to once again rule themselves, but they first reluctantly require the assistance of the Federation.
To ensure a peaceful transition of power to the new Bajoran government, Starfleet orders Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise to the Bajor to oversee negotiations between the Bajorans and the Cardassians. Still recovering from his own recent trauma suffered at the hands of a Cardassians torturer, Picard is unsure if he is ready to fairly arbitrate the question of recompense and justice. But with no other choice, Picard travels to the massive Cardassian space station orbiting Bajor, Terok Nor.
Attempting to stay neutral and calm, Picard soon finds his patience tested by the disruptive tactics of the Cardassians, as they seek to gain advantage from the chaos surrounding the withdraw. The situation looks to become even more complicated when Ensign Ro Laren receives a message from a long-missing friend, exposing deadly secrets from inside Cardassian space. Forced to balance the needs of the Bajorans with a desire to stop a new war erupting between the Federation and the Cardassians, Picard will need to utilise all his diplomatic skills to salvage the situation. But can even Picard remain calm when he comes face to the face with the man responsible for his recent torture?
Dayton Ward continues to showcase why he is one of the top authors of Star Trek fiction with this compelling and intriguing read. Serving as a brilliant bridge between two key shows, Pliable Truths has an outstanding story behind it that does an amazing job diving into the iconic lore and characters of the Star Trek universe.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/07/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
June 2, 2024
3.75 rounded up to a 4
So the cover is kind of deceiving, Garak is not a very prominent character in the story and does not have some great moments with Picard on DS9.
This is my main problem with Star Trek books, especially the modern ones, there are way too many side plots. I think the authors want almost all of the main staff to have their own moments and shine and make it feel like a multi part episode, but it just makes everything feel bloated, and gives certain strong plot points not enough time to shine. The best plot points in this book in my opinion were the ones with Picard, Troi, and Madred, Garak, and the Bajorans trying to gain their freedom. Crusher and Keiko's side adventure started off okay, but I felt didn't need anything past that first chapter. This book was good, don't get me wrong, it just felt like a little too much. I also have adhd, so it could just be me.
I think there is a ton of great ideas in this book, and some great plot points, but to just hammer this home, there was just too much going on for me. I bet some people will read this and think I'm crazy for my thought, but what are you going to do.
Overall though, the moments between Picard and Madred, Garak's entrance and verbal duel with Madred, and Dukat's short moments making me just hate him even more, those were the moments I loved and were hyped to read. Ward really killed it during those interactions, and reminded me of Una McCormick's books, which tend to be my favorite Star Trek Novels.
So the cover is kind of deceiving, Garak is not a very prominent character in the story and does not have some great moments with Picard on DS9.
This is my main problem with Star Trek books, especially the modern ones, there are way too many side plots. I think the authors want almost all of the main staff to have their own moments and shine and make it feel like a multi part episode, but it just makes everything feel bloated, and gives certain strong plot points not enough time to shine. The best plot points in this book in my opinion were the ones with Picard, Troi, and Madred, Garak, and the Bajorans trying to gain their freedom. Crusher and Keiko's side adventure started off okay, but I felt didn't need anything past that first chapter. This book was good, don't get me wrong, it just felt like a little too much. I also have adhd, so it could just be me.
I think there is a ton of great ideas in this book, and some great plot points, but to just hammer this home, there was just too much going on for me. I bet some people will read this and think I'm crazy for my thought, but what are you going to do.
Overall though, the moments between Picard and Madred, Garak's entrance and verbal duel with Madred, and Dukat's short moments making me just hate him even more, those were the moments I loved and were hyped to read. Ward really killed it during those interactions, and reminded me of Una McCormick's books, which tend to be my favorite Star Trek Novels.
June 22, 2024
This was a mostly enjoyable romp, very engaging, and made me feeling very nostalgic for that period of TNG/DS9, revisiting old friends and themes and has clearly been exhaustively researched by the author to seamlessly fit into the time period lead right up to the first episode of DS9.
I did like the touch of keeping Worf off the station, to stay in line with the continuity that he clearly meets all the DS9 personnel for the 1st time on his DS9 debut episode The Way of the Warrior.
On the negative side, and why i docked a star was for the almost countless times the lead characters went off into to daydreams or reminiscences only to jerked back to reality by someone. I feel this is a narrative that can be used once at most but it happened to every character !
Additionally, it had more endings than the Return of the King and then an additional two chapters after the story had essentially finished (felt like The Scouring of the Shire) that felt unnecessary and made me think the author had come short of an agreed wordcount?
I did like the touch of keeping Worf off the station, to stay in line with the continuity that he clearly meets all the DS9 personnel for the 1st time on his DS9 debut episode The Way of the Warrior.
On the negative side, and why i docked a star was for the almost countless times the lead characters went off into to daydreams or reminiscences only to jerked back to reality by someone. I feel this is a narrative that can be used once at most but it happened to every character !
Additionally, it had more endings than the Return of the King and then an additional two chapters after the story had essentially finished (felt like The Scouring of the Shire) that felt unnecessary and made me think the author had come short of an agreed wordcount?
May 24, 2024
I was surprised this is Dayton Ward’s first Star Trek novel actually set during TNG or DS9. He is a mainstay Trek author and he absolutely nails the structure and feel of both series. Pliable Truths genuinely does feel like a lost episode, maybe more than any other Trek novel I’ve encountered. Each section felt appropriate to the characters’ respective series and seeing the connective tissue between TNG and DS9 explored was very satisfying. Now that a lot of this lore will (hopefully) be continuing with Star Trek: Legacy someday, filling in gaps in the storylines of existing series seems like the best place for new novels. Just keep em coming 🖖
June 2, 2024
I’ve not read any of the recent books that take place during DS9 or TNG’s original run. So it was interesting to jump back. Although this is probably the kind of story that the novels would have avoided when the shows were on air, often choosing stories that take place away from anything that might come up again on the shows later.
I kept thinking there would be some reason that the Enterprise visiting Terok Nor would prove a continuity issue, but other than what has been pointed out with the Kai, it isn’t.
It was an interesting look at Picard and how he was affected by his treatment at the hands of Gul Madred. Something the continuity light TNG would not come back to, I was reminded of David Mack’s Harm’s Way and how that dealt with Kirk and Spock in the aftermath of The Doomsday Machine and Amok Time.
I kept thinking there would be some reason that the Enterprise visiting Terok Nor would prove a continuity issue, but other than what has been pointed out with the Kai, it isn’t.
It was an interesting look at Picard and how he was affected by his treatment at the hands of Gul Madred. Something the continuity light TNG would not come back to, I was reminded of David Mack’s Harm’s Way and how that dealt with Kirk and Spock in the aftermath of The Doomsday Machine and Amok Time.
June 29, 2024
This feels like if TNG had a backdoor pilot for DS9. Wouldn’t have featured Sisko, but I think it’s better to show his introduction from his perspective as we got in the series premiere. We get sort of transitional backstory that I wasn’t wondering all that much about since I always felt “The Emissary” gave me enough. But there’s a lot to unpack about what the Bajorans have gone through under the Cardassians, and Picard even feels angry hearing about the suffering. Miles and Keiko discuss the benefits of leaving the Enterprise, but it’s a bit ironic how he sees the Enterprise as being dangerous, not knowing what would later happen on DS9.
May 25, 2024
This was a really fun bridge between TNG "Chain of Command" (s6e10/11) and DS9 "Emissary" (s1e01). I also had the pleasure of reading this while also midway through the DS9 Millennium trilogy, so it was sort of cool to imagine the events in the week before the DS9 pilot both from that trilogy and this novel happening simultaneously. At the end of the day I just loved reading the TNG and DS9 characters working together, and seeing the ensemble cast all having something useful to do. If this is what the post Star Trek Picard/Coda-reset novelverse has in store for us, I'm hooked.
July 7, 2024
2024 Review 071. Star Trek The Next Generation Pliable Truths by Dayton Ward, narrated by Robert Petkoff
Audio duration : 11 hours
I absolutely loved this book and will most definitely be buying it.
Dayton Ward has an amazing book which links the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
This book is set almost immediately after the TNG series episode Chains of Command and almost immediately before the DS9 series premiere Emissary.
I loved the way Dayton Ward introduced the DS9 characters and linked a lot of characters from previous of The Next Generation and 1 particular character from Next Generation books set in later times.
I won't reveal too many spoilers of this book as I can't recommend it enough but all I can say is that I love it.
I will be buying it very soon.
All I can say is well done to Dayton Ward for crafting a fantastic story.
5*
*****
Audio duration : 11 hours
I absolutely loved this book and will most definitely be buying it.
Dayton Ward has an amazing book which links the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
This book is set almost immediately after the TNG series episode Chains of Command and almost immediately before the DS9 series premiere Emissary.
I loved the way Dayton Ward introduced the DS9 characters and linked a lot of characters from previous of The Next Generation and 1 particular character from Next Generation books set in later times.
I won't reveal too many spoilers of this book as I can't recommend it enough but all I can say is that I love it.
I will be buying it very soon.
All I can say is well done to Dayton Ward for crafting a fantastic story.
5*
*****
July 8, 2024
now THIS was. good read.
Great story that bridges the last days of the Bajoran occupation with right before the arrival of the Sisko.
Dayton Ward hits a home run on this one. A great novel that I could easily pick up a Decade from now and want to re read.
Great story that bridges the last days of the Bajoran occupation with right before the arrival of the Sisko.
Dayton Ward hits a home run on this one. A great novel that I could easily pick up a Decade from now and want to re read.
July 20, 2024
A bit slow on the uptake, but a fascinating read about life on DS9 before its occupation by the Federation. The book includes a few of our favorite characters and a couple interesting plot lines. Not Ward’s best, but a great DS9 novel… why is it branded TNG again?
May 27, 2024
Nice prequel to DS9
June 4, 2024
There’s a lot of re-treading of previous plots and threads here. It’s well written, there’s just not much to it.
June 13, 2024
Great linker between TNG and Deep Space Nine.
June 23, 2024
3.5 stars
July 2, 2024
I feel like there was some ret-con going on here.
But, that is to be expected with CBS/Paramount and Star Trek. Thanks, Disney/Star Wars.
Having said that, this is the literary equivalent to a hoodie and stretchy pants: comfortable and familiar. I love TNG. I love DS9. I would listen to more in this run.
But, that is to be expected with CBS/Paramount and Star Trek. Thanks, Disney/Star Wars.
Having said that, this is the literary equivalent to a hoodie and stretchy pants: comfortable and familiar. I love TNG. I love DS9. I would listen to more in this run.
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