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The unpredictable cosmic entity known only as Q has plagued Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Starship Enterprise since their very first voyage together. But little is known of Q's mysterious past or that of the unearthly realm from which he hails. Now Picard must learn Q's secrets -- or all of reality may perish!
Ever since its discovery, the great galactic barrier has impeded humanity's exploration of the universe beyond the Milky Way. Now a brilliant Federation scientist may have found a way to breach the barrier, and the Enterprise is going to put it to the test. The last thing Picard needs is a return visit from an omnipotent troublemaker so, naturally, Q appears.
But Q has more in mind than his usual pranks, and while the Enterprise struggles to defeat a powerful inhuman foe, Captain Picard must embark on a fantastic odyssey into the history of the Q Continuum itself, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance.
271 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 9, 2022
I'm short on time again today, so, I'll just say this: This was an excellent look at the character of Q. However, there was a bit too much profanity, and the ending was a bit weird.
EDIT: Though the ending was still rather bizarre, that's to be expected when dealing with a character such as Q. Also, the amount of profanity was not as high as I remembered.
EDIT: Though the ending was still rather bizarre, that's to be expected when dealing with a character such as Q. Also, the amount of profanity was not as high as I remembered.
July 7, 2019
Well the has been a interesting read for several reasons - I have sat on this trilogy for some years - the yellowing of the pages and the rough quality of the paper stand as testament to this. However after reading about a new graphic novel series about Q I thought it was about time I caught up and gave it a go (I will admit that the number of books I have "stock piled" is quite scary).
So here I am with the the first of the pocket books Q trilogy and I must admit I really enjoyed it - and yes that was a surprise.
So why so surprised - well first the book itself - its aged, the type in this edition is rather small and tightly packed and the pages are made with a very rough low quality paper (sorry it is its like blotting paper) so I was worried the book would either fall apart or give me a migraine. Well it didnt.
Then there is the fact that the book itself is from the original run of books (something you very quickly pick up from the number of references to other stories and TV episodes - something I was expecting to get annoyed at but having watched so many it became quite fun spotting them),
And finally how do you explore a character that is by its own definition (yes it had said so many times in the episodes in case you did not pick up on it) is beyond the comprehension of the mortal (human) mind.
Well so far they have done a very good job and not only that I really feel like they have captured the essence of the show - something I have found seriously lacking in other TV show tie ins.
So in short this was a very welcome and fun surprise, there are two more books to go but I think they were all written by Greg Cox so lets hope they can keep the pace and quality up they have already shown.
So here I am with the the first of the pocket books Q trilogy and I must admit I really enjoyed it - and yes that was a surprise.
So why so surprised - well first the book itself - its aged, the type in this edition is rather small and tightly packed and the pages are made with a very rough low quality paper (sorry it is its like blotting paper) so I was worried the book would either fall apart or give me a migraine. Well it didnt.
Then there is the fact that the book itself is from the original run of books (something you very quickly pick up from the number of references to other stories and TV episodes - something I was expecting to get annoyed at but having watched so many it became quite fun spotting them),
And finally how do you explore a character that is by its own definition (yes it had said so many times in the episodes in case you did not pick up on it) is beyond the comprehension of the mortal (human) mind.
Well so far they have done a very good job and not only that I really feel like they have captured the essence of the show - something I have found seriously lacking in other TV show tie ins.
So in short this was a very welcome and fun surprise, there are two more books to go but I think they were all written by Greg Cox so lets hope they can keep the pace and quality up they have already shown.
March 26, 2021
An enjoyable read that only loses one star because it is the first in a trilogy, and, obviously, all the plot threads are left dangling at this book's conclusion.
The Enterprise-E has taken aboard Betazed scientist Lem Faal who has come up with a way to cross the Great Barrier that has prevented all known life from crossing. He is accompanied aboard by his two young children. On the way to the barrier, Q appears, with his wife Q and toddler son q. They provide the typical annoyance to the crew, though Q beautifully becomes serious as he ominously warns Picard to turn around and not attempt the crossing. It's at the barrier when things become serious with the reappearance of a foe.
This was an enjoyable book. The Q (in the plural form) are great fun, full of all the arrogance one would hope for. Thankfully, author Cox does not have them remain as comic relief, as Q takes Picard from the ship in the last quarter of the novel and there is much revealed about this omnipotent character, including, whom I suspect is the book's true antagonist.
The dialogue and point of view is top notch, with Jean-Luc being perfection--true to his appearances on television and the big screen. I also enjoyed Crusher speaking with a new character on parenting; I'm hoping that there's more of that in the next two books. I was also very happy to see all the different species in the crew, as well as the diverse smattering of humanity.
For those who are fans of the show (and why would you be reading this book if you weren't?) there are many references to past exploits, but they are not so numerous as to come off as padding and not so necessary that if one is not familiar with the episode something will be lost in the reading. Cox has inserted them deftly. One reference has made me want to revisit the episode "Tapestry" as soon as possible: not because it's important to this story, but because it gives me such good memories.
This was a solid Trek story that has me eager to revisit the novels that follow, which I've not read since they first came out.
The Enterprise-E has taken aboard Betazed scientist Lem Faal who has come up with a way to cross the Great Barrier that has prevented all known life from crossing. He is accompanied aboard by his two young children. On the way to the barrier, Q appears, with his wife Q and toddler son q. They provide the typical annoyance to the crew, though Q beautifully becomes serious as he ominously warns Picard to turn around and not attempt the crossing. It's at the barrier when things become serious with the reappearance of a foe.
This was an enjoyable book. The Q (in the plural form) are great fun, full of all the arrogance one would hope for. Thankfully, author Cox does not have them remain as comic relief, as Q takes Picard from the ship in the last quarter of the novel and there is much revealed about this omnipotent character, including, whom I suspect is the book's true antagonist.
The dialogue and point of view is top notch, with Jean-Luc being perfection--true to his appearances on television and the big screen. I also enjoyed Crusher speaking with a new character on parenting; I'm hoping that there's more of that in the next two books. I was also very happy to see all the different species in the crew, as well as the diverse smattering of humanity.
For those who are fans of the show (and why would you be reading this book if you weren't?) there are many references to past exploits, but they are not so numerous as to come off as padding and not so necessary that if one is not familiar with the episode something will be lost in the reading. Cox has inserted them deftly. One reference has made me want to revisit the episode "Tapestry" as soon as possible: not because it's important to this story, but because it gives me such good memories.
This was a solid Trek story that has me eager to revisit the novels that follow, which I've not read since they first came out.
June 28, 2017
While this is a fun and interesting beginning to this story, that is all it is: a beginning. It is difficult to judge the story thus far as it is frustratingly incomplete. What is Q trying to tell Picard? Why are the Calamarain being so belligerant towards the Enterprise? What is the menace that lurks outside the galactic barrier? As we learn more about 0 and his relationship with the young Q, hopefully these questions and more will be answered.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/10/T...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/10/T...
August 19, 2019
I think Q is a little bit too annoying in this book's opening chapters...which makes me sympathize even more with Picard and his frustration with Q's prevarications. But once the story gets going, it certainly doesn't pause for breath. A stellar opening volume, and one that sets ups a great many creepy mysteries.
May 28, 2018
Oh man, if this whole series is like this book (and I have a sneaking suspicion it is) then I am in for a painful ride. This guy must think he's God's gift to Star Trek novels... the writing is distractedly flowery, he gets the character's motivations all wrong, he spends way to much time pointing out how every character is reminded of that specific moment in that past Star Trek episode and ties random events in Star Trek ridiculously close together. Q created the Nexus when he was young and bored... that's just stupid. Characters know things they shouldn't know, the story is buried underneath so many stupid things I have a hard time following what's going on because I'm being reminded of that one time where Data did that thing...who cares? If your story is good enough it will stand on its own two legs and it's not... at least I don't think so. I want to find a redeemable quality in this book but I can't... I guess it would be good kindling to start a fire! Yeah, I hated it, if you haven't figured that out already...
October 16, 2017
The first of a trio of novels focusing on Q's evolving relationship with Picard and the crew of the Enterprise, Q-Space pits our heroes against everyone's favorite omniscient joker while offering us an insight into Q's checkered past.
As the Enterprise transports a Betazoid scientist to the galactic barrier to conduct an experiment which could see the wall breached, Q returns to the Enterprise to warn Picard not to proceed. Meanwhile, the Calamarain - gaseous enemies of old - also make an appearance, seemingly intent on destroying the Enterprise.
While Betazoid scientist Lem Faal fills the stereotype of any number of Star Trek "mad scientist" guest stars (Ira Graves, Paul Manheim, Paul Stubbs, Kila Marr), I nevertheless enjoyed his role as infirm provocateur. Stricken with Iverson's disease, Faal shows a wanton disregard for his two children who have accompanied him on his research mission, instead doing his best to be obtuse much to the chagrin of the ship's senior staff. If anything, Geordi goes a little too much out of his way to placate the scientist, although I suppose it's understandable if the Federation has ordered the crew to cooperate. Barclay's inclusion here is fun, although he's regressed a little bit too much to his totally inept self in certain scenes.
Naturally the groundbreaking scientific experiment skids to a halt as Q enters from stage right, accompanied by his mate and son (from Voyager's "The Q and the Grey"). Author Greg Cox throws us some nice nudges and winks by comparing the female Q to a Klingon and Picard claiming she seems oddly recognisable (Female Q was played by actress Suzie Plakson, TNG's one and only K'Ehleyr). While female Q starts off palatable enough, I'm afraid her antics with junior quickly began to grate on me. There are only so many arrogant self aggrandizing lines of dialogue you can read before wishing the author would change tack. Cox went to the "Q being annoying" pale one too many times for my liking here.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to explain his bizarre warnings about the galactic barrier, Q (the regular Q) decides to take Picard on a trip through his own life, in the same style as he helped Picard revisit HIS life in TNG's "Tapestry". It's nice to see that story turned on its head here, and I enjoyed Cox's efforts to flesh out the Q character. Seeing Q as reckless (and even naive) was made all the more interesting by having modern day Q watching his younger self stumble through ominously terrible errors of judgment. The initial scenes are filled with much fun, especially as young Q whiles his time away playing with subatomic quarks and then observes the ancient Taguans in a biarre skydiving ritual which sees a select few devoured by sea serpents (a nice nod to the throwaway "They really knew how to party back in those days" line from TNG's "Qpid").
Cut to the encounter with 0, a mysterious fellow omnipotent being who seems to have been exiled in a different galactic plane. Naturally, Q does the unthinkable and liberates 0 into our galaxy (via the Guardian of Forever - seriously, Greg Cox makes GREAT links to established canon). The consequences? Well we're yet to see - they're sure to be revealed in Book 2. Cox writes both Picard and Q very well here, and sets a wonderfully terrifying scene of 0 breaching the Guardians' barrier on the deserted world that houses it.
A few final notes about the Calamarain. This plot never really goes anywhere - yet it's not necessarily a bit thing. The Calamarain are attacking the ship in pretty much the whole second half of the book, and it ends with no resolution. The convenient establishment of a universal translator thanks to Deanna(?!) seems to have done little good, except reveal to the audience something I was pretty sure of from the start - they attacked because they didn't want the barrier breached.
Not quite 4 stars for me, certain scenes with Female Q and Q Jr slow "Q-Space" down just a tad too much. However, I look forward to reading the remaining two books to see what havoc Q has unleashed!
As the Enterprise transports a Betazoid scientist to the galactic barrier to conduct an experiment which could see the wall breached, Q returns to the Enterprise to warn Picard not to proceed. Meanwhile, the Calamarain - gaseous enemies of old - also make an appearance, seemingly intent on destroying the Enterprise.
While Betazoid scientist Lem Faal fills the stereotype of any number of Star Trek "mad scientist" guest stars (Ira Graves, Paul Manheim, Paul Stubbs, Kila Marr), I nevertheless enjoyed his role as infirm provocateur. Stricken with Iverson's disease, Faal shows a wanton disregard for his two children who have accompanied him on his research mission, instead doing his best to be obtuse much to the chagrin of the ship's senior staff. If anything, Geordi goes a little too much out of his way to placate the scientist, although I suppose it's understandable if the Federation has ordered the crew to cooperate. Barclay's inclusion here is fun, although he's regressed a little bit too much to his totally inept self in certain scenes.
Naturally the groundbreaking scientific experiment skids to a halt as Q enters from stage right, accompanied by his mate and son (from Voyager's "The Q and the Grey"). Author Greg Cox throws us some nice nudges and winks by comparing the female Q to a Klingon and Picard claiming she seems oddly recognisable (Female Q was played by actress Suzie Plakson, TNG's one and only K'Ehleyr). While female Q starts off palatable enough, I'm afraid her antics with junior quickly began to grate on me. There are only so many arrogant self aggrandizing lines of dialogue you can read before wishing the author would change tack. Cox went to the "Q being annoying" pale one too many times for my liking here.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to explain his bizarre warnings about the galactic barrier, Q (the regular Q) decides to take Picard on a trip through his own life, in the same style as he helped Picard revisit HIS life in TNG's "Tapestry". It's nice to see that story turned on its head here, and I enjoyed Cox's efforts to flesh out the Q character. Seeing Q as reckless (and even naive) was made all the more interesting by having modern day Q watching his younger self stumble through ominously terrible errors of judgment. The initial scenes are filled with much fun, especially as young Q whiles his time away playing with subatomic quarks and then observes the ancient Taguans in a biarre skydiving ritual which sees a select few devoured by sea serpents (a nice nod to the throwaway "They really knew how to party back in those days" line from TNG's "Qpid").
Cut to the encounter with 0, a mysterious fellow omnipotent being who seems to have been exiled in a different galactic plane. Naturally, Q does the unthinkable and liberates 0 into our galaxy (via the Guardian of Forever - seriously, Greg Cox makes GREAT links to established canon). The consequences? Well we're yet to see - they're sure to be revealed in Book 2. Cox writes both Picard and Q very well here, and sets a wonderfully terrifying scene of 0 breaching the Guardians' barrier on the deserted world that houses it.
A few final notes about the Calamarain. This plot never really goes anywhere - yet it's not necessarily a bit thing. The Calamarain are attacking the ship in pretty much the whole second half of the book, and it ends with no resolution. The convenient establishment of a universal translator thanks to Deanna(?!) seems to have done little good, except reveal to the audience something I was pretty sure of from the start - they attacked because they didn't want the barrier breached.
Not quite 4 stars for me, certain scenes with Female Q and Q Jr slow "Q-Space" down just a tad too much. However, I look forward to reading the remaining two books to see what havoc Q has unleashed!
August 24, 2017
List my favourite characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation and infrequent guest character Q would not be there. What is wrong with Q? He is meant to be arrogant, he is meant to be irritating – that is all in his job description. The problem I have with Q is that he is too powerful. With any character that can pretty much do anything whenever they want, you basically undermine the universe itself. Should we care for Picard when Q can snap his fingers and turn the Captain’s insides onto the outside? Essentially Q episodes felt meaningless and any book would have to work even harder to impress the reader. With no budget to worry about you could delve deep into Q nonsense and not have to pay for it. Who cares if this would make for an awful book?
The crew of the Starship Enterprise have set out on a mission to try and probe the very extremes of known space, but before you can say “tear a hole in the space/time continuum”, Q arrives. He brings with him Q and q, his wife and child. The three of them try and persuade our intrepid adventurers that the barrier around the Milky Way is there for a reason.
To say that ‘O-Space’ by Greg Cox is a slow burn is an insult to any large tyre fire that has raged for years. This is a very slow book. TNG has always had an element of space soap opera and for the first half of the book we are deeply in feelings territory, not just of the known crew, but also some of their passengers. We get to revel in their loves and fears, when really we just want a little action. When the action does start, events are effected by the Q Factor i.e. he can do what he likes, therefore undermining everything.
Picard is taken from the main element of the story and goes on an adventure with Q through time. Here there are some interesting ideas as a new Q like creature is introduced that was released by Q millennia before. What is annoying is the need for Cox to bounce around showing us stuff just because he can in a book form. Most of the stuff he shows Picard would have been cut from the show as being flim flam and over budget. Only a race of adventurous aliens are interesting.
The entire book ends up feeling like filler. I can just about handle soap opera and even Q’s omnipotence. What I cannot stand is a book that is not a whole. This is book 1 of 3, but this is no book, just the first third if a larger story. The ending is abrupt, has no conclusion and could just be any chapter. The best trilogies have three books that can be read on their own, but work as a whole. ‘Q-Space’ is not a whole story, just part of it. Getting to the end of the book and realising that there is no end just adds insult to injury. This was not a good in the first place, by letting the reader down at the end, it become an awful one.
Sammy Stinker
The crew of the Starship Enterprise have set out on a mission to try and probe the very extremes of known space, but before you can say “tear a hole in the space/time continuum”, Q arrives. He brings with him Q and q, his wife and child. The three of them try and persuade our intrepid adventurers that the barrier around the Milky Way is there for a reason.
To say that ‘O-Space’ by Greg Cox is a slow burn is an insult to any large tyre fire that has raged for years. This is a very slow book. TNG has always had an element of space soap opera and for the first half of the book we are deeply in feelings territory, not just of the known crew, but also some of their passengers. We get to revel in their loves and fears, when really we just want a little action. When the action does start, events are effected by the Q Factor i.e. he can do what he likes, therefore undermining everything.
Picard is taken from the main element of the story and goes on an adventure with Q through time. Here there are some interesting ideas as a new Q like creature is introduced that was released by Q millennia before. What is annoying is the need for Cox to bounce around showing us stuff just because he can in a book form. Most of the stuff he shows Picard would have been cut from the show as being flim flam and over budget. Only a race of adventurous aliens are interesting.
The entire book ends up feeling like filler. I can just about handle soap opera and even Q’s omnipotence. What I cannot stand is a book that is not a whole. This is book 1 of 3, but this is no book, just the first third if a larger story. The ending is abrupt, has no conclusion and could just be any chapter. The best trilogies have three books that can be read on their own, but work as a whole. ‘Q-Space’ is not a whole story, just part of it. Getting to the end of the book and realising that there is no end just adds insult to injury. This was not a good in the first place, by letting the reader down at the end, it become an awful one.
Sammy Stinker
July 8, 2021
This is part 1 of the Q-trilogy of books by Greg Cox. It reads very much like an episode of the show, which means the characters are spot on.
The Enterpise E (this takes place after the movie Star Trek: Generations) has taken on a Betazoid scientist who thinks he can breach the galactic barrier. This barrier surrounds the Milky Way and prevents ships from leaving (or entering) the galaxy.
Soon things go wrong, when Q appears, together with his wife and child. If that's not enough, the gaseous aliens called the Calamarain attack the Enterprise, just before Q abducts Picard.
As I said, it reads very much like an episode of the show and the author is well versed in Trek-lore. And that's also, ironically, the only thing that really started to annoy me while reading.
Cox alludes to past Trek-events from the show almost every other page. This thing reminds Geordi of what happened to him during that episode. Riker can't help but think of that event during that episode. Troi notices that thing about data which reminds her of that time that...
It's really overdone. It's just too much fan-service. And it's not necessary because the story moves along at a brisk pace and is interesting enough of its own.
I really enjoyed the scenes between Q and Picard and the grand mystery that is slowely unfolding. A mystery which stays mysterious, because this is part 1 in a trilogy and the book stops quite abruptly.
I was lucky enough to get all three parts for a dollar a piece in an Amazon Kindle sale, which meant I could jump to the next one immediately.
Well worth it for Trek-fans, but get the entire trilogy. Book 1 really is just 1/3 of the story.
The Enterpise E (this takes place after the movie Star Trek: Generations) has taken on a Betazoid scientist who thinks he can breach the galactic barrier. This barrier surrounds the Milky Way and prevents ships from leaving (or entering) the galaxy.
Soon things go wrong, when Q appears, together with his wife and child. If that's not enough, the gaseous aliens called the Calamarain attack the Enterprise, just before Q abducts Picard.
As I said, it reads very much like an episode of the show and the author is well versed in Trek-lore. And that's also, ironically, the only thing that really started to annoy me while reading.
Cox alludes to past Trek-events from the show almost every other page. This thing reminds Geordi of what happened to him during that episode. Riker can't help but think of that event during that episode. Troi notices that thing about data which reminds her of that time that...
It's really overdone. It's just too much fan-service. And it's not necessary because the story moves along at a brisk pace and is interesting enough of its own.
I really enjoyed the scenes between Q and Picard and the grand mystery that is slowely unfolding. A mystery which stays mysterious, because this is part 1 in a trilogy and the book stops quite abruptly.
I was lucky enough to get all three parts for a dollar a piece in an Amazon Kindle sale, which meant I could jump to the next one immediately.
Well worth it for Trek-fans, but get the entire trilogy. Book 1 really is just 1/3 of the story.
May 20, 2022
After reading the excellent two-book series on the character of Khan by Greg Cox, I sought out more of his books in the Star Trek series. Three of the titles that came up were each parts of a three-book series involving Q. Since Q was one of my favorite characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation, I decided to read these novels next.
The first novel in the series is Q-Space. Here we find the Enterprise escorting the esteemed Betazoid scientist Lem Faal to the galactic barrier to conduct an experiment which would allow ships to travel outside the galaxy. However, the omnipotent entity know as Q soon shows up to thwart those plans. Q acts most of the time like a spoiled child with the galaxy at his disposal for entertainment. This time, his “wife” and their “child” are also along for the journey.
When the Enterprise nears the barrier and attempts to fire a probe into it for the readings necessary for the experiment, the Calamarain appears. This gas-like alien first appeared in the episode Deja Q and is one of Q’s adversaries. The Calamarain begins to fight the Enterprise, even as the android Data attempts to figure out how they can communicate with the alien.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
The first novel in the series is Q-Space. Here we find the Enterprise escorting the esteemed Betazoid scientist Lem Faal to the galactic barrier to conduct an experiment which would allow ships to travel outside the galaxy. However, the omnipotent entity know as Q soon shows up to thwart those plans. Q acts most of the time like a spoiled child with the galaxy at his disposal for entertainment. This time, his “wife” and their “child” are also along for the journey.
When the Enterprise nears the barrier and attempts to fire a probe into it for the readings necessary for the experiment, the Calamarain appears. This gas-like alien first appeared in the episode Deja Q and is one of Q’s adversaries. The Calamarain begins to fight the Enterprise, even as the android Data attempts to figure out how they can communicate with the alien.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
August 14, 2017
As a massive geek for Star Trek - The Next Generation, and Sci-Fi involving multiple realities and God-like beings, Q-Space was a treat for me to read.
This is the first book of a three part trilogy of books featuring the Omnipotent and Omniscient entity "Q". The crew of the Enterprise are working with a Scientist (who has his own dark secrets) to breach the Galactic Barrier, an impenetrable moat of energy around the galaxy. Why it's there, we don't know -- but Q seems intent on preventing the Enterprise from breaking the barrier, for good reason...
This book is absolutely dripping with nods to Star Trek continuity, both TNG, the original series and beyond. We get a glimpse into the history of the ST Universe, the Q Continuum and there are a number of name and story line drops for all manner of previous TV episodes, movies and more. It's a real treat for die-hard fans.
If you're a fan of ST:TNG and enjoy the Q storylines, you'll love this book. I can't wait to start reading the second volume of the trilogy!
This is the first book of a three part trilogy of books featuring the Omnipotent and Omniscient entity "Q". The crew of the Enterprise are working with a Scientist (who has his own dark secrets) to breach the Galactic Barrier, an impenetrable moat of energy around the galaxy. Why it's there, we don't know -- but Q seems intent on preventing the Enterprise from breaking the barrier, for good reason...
This book is absolutely dripping with nods to Star Trek continuity, both TNG, the original series and beyond. We get a glimpse into the history of the ST Universe, the Q Continuum and there are a number of name and story line drops for all manner of previous TV episodes, movies and more. It's a real treat for die-hard fans.
If you're a fan of ST:TNG and enjoy the Q storylines, you'll love this book. I can't wait to start reading the second volume of the trilogy!
November 5, 2019
(spoiler free) I haven't read a Star Trek book since Imzadi, back when I was in middle school, but I'm glad I decided to tackle this Q series. Q himself was written very well and I could hear all the Enterprise crew's voices vividly as I read. There were tons of references to other events in the Trek universe, which were usually interwoven into the narrative pretty well.
Although I had fun reading this, unfortunately from a critical standpoint the pacing was poor overall. There were several chapters that could have been cut entirely. The chapters about Lem Faal's family and the "interludes" from beyond the barrier seemed to be mostly filler and some of the Q-Picard scenes were drawn out unnecessarily. More than likely, this trilogy should have been a single novel.
Plotwise, it ends on several cliffhangers. If you don't want to read the whole trilogy, don't bother with this book. I happen to be intrigued and entertained enough to continue but of course, ymmv.
Although I had fun reading this, unfortunately from a critical standpoint the pacing was poor overall. There were several chapters that could have been cut entirely. The chapters about Lem Faal's family and the "interludes" from beyond the barrier seemed to be mostly filler and some of the Q-Picard scenes were drawn out unnecessarily. More than likely, this trilogy should have been a single novel.
Plotwise, it ends on several cliffhangers. If you don't want to read the whole trilogy, don't bother with this book. I happen to be intrigued and entertained enough to continue but of course, ymmv.
July 17, 2021
I see lots of potential in the character of Q - having a race like his at the dawn of history to the universe with almost total power is a great concept. There are nuggets of this potential in this first book of the trilogy - but there is so much filler and poor writing that distract from the good parts... And the book ends with little or no conclusions - this is not a trilogy - it's one elongate story I suspect, written in such a way as to make people buy more books - something I'm not opposed to as long as each book delivers something significant - which this one really doesn't.
April 2, 2022
I hate cliffhangers. When you write a series of books, at least give each book closure. *sigh*
Anyway, this feels just live an ouverture and not like any actual novel, because I still can't tell if the story is worth reading or not. Like ... there's not even a small respite, not even an end of an act in this one. It's like this is a one act story that got separated in three books. Not a single string of subplot has ended or given us any hint in which direction it'll go. So frustrating.
(And gosh, I wish, the scientist would be dead by now. He's so annoying.)
Anyway, this feels just live an ouverture and not like any actual novel, because I still can't tell if the story is worth reading or not. Like ... there's not even a small respite, not even an end of an act in this one. It's like this is a one act story that got separated in three books. Not a single string of subplot has ended or given us any hint in which direction it'll go. So frustrating.
(And gosh, I wish, the scientist would be dead by now. He's so annoying.)
August 19, 2023
I liked the general story but grew fatigued of the author’s hop-scorching around with characters and perspectives. There are also too many interludes that serve no purpose in moving the plot forward. The author’s writing style also disagreed with a pleasing reading experience. More dialogue should have been used to advance the story than endless paragraphs of meanders and cluttered, unnecessary detail. I think I’d like to see the Cliff’s notes on this one. I stopped around page 192. Can’t recommend it.
July 26, 2021
It's been awhile since I've read a good Star Trek book, as most Star Trek authors seem to just be phoning it in these days. Greg Cox is an exception. He hooked me with his Eugenic Wars novels, and after having just completed the first in his Q Continuum series, I can tell I'm in for quite a ride. Greg Cox understands the Q character quite well, and his dialogue is as a good as anything from the series, maybe even better. Loved the first book and can't wait to read the other two.
July 26, 2023
Interesting story, but not well paced. There seemed to be quite a bit of non-essential story telling. However, I wasnt sure what to expect from this as I had never read any Star Trek fiction beyond Imzadi (which was wonderful!) Q is my all-time favorite ST character and it was an overall interesting and fast paced read once I got to the second half of the book.
With that said, I am planning on reading the next book in the series.
With that said, I am planning on reading the next book in the series.
Read
September 19, 2023Now I know why my brother stopped collecting these before this, book 47. This mentions Sisko, the Dominion, etc., and Worf is on DS9, and this ship is Enterprise-E. Oh well; I only ordered five more (counting this) and then I will be truly done with the series.
Can't rate because it's just the first of three that are effectively one very long book. So far it's interesting, but of course the characters don't ask the questions/ take the actions that I would, that would probably make this a shorter adventure.
Can't rate because it's just the first of three that are effectively one very long book. So far it's interesting, but of course the characters don't ask the questions/ take the actions that I would, that would probably make this a shorter adventure.
April 30, 2019
I generally like Cox's books and this was good also. A little cliched at times though. I was disappointed o get to the end and find it was part of a trilogy; I don't think I would have picked it up if I had known that it was. If I can find the rest at a decent price I'll read on but not going to worry myself too much about it.
January 17, 2023
An interesting start to this trilogy. A scientist develops a probe to go through the galactic barrier. Soon Q appears and starts wreaking havoc. Then a gaseous intelligent collective attacks the Enterprise E just after Q disappears with Picard. Things just get interesting when the end of part one comes way too soon. Definitely recommended
October 7, 2017
A proper Star Trek nerd-fest! This is the first of a trilogy so a full review would be better at the end. It's chock full of references to the wider Star Trek "universe" (can I use that term?). looking forward to the rest of it
October 15, 2019
Cox took absolutely no chances with this book. He didn't experiment with his language or the plot. But the inclusion of Q's wife, Q, is what killed it for me. It's so boggling out of character and gave me got whiplash reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
The character of Q has always been a fun, interesting one. This novel, the first of three, captures the character well and creates what is turning out to be a nice saga. Mr Cox also captures the 'relationship' between Q and Jean Luc Picard. Interesting to see how it all turns out.
June 3, 2023
Like reading an episode from the TV series. In terms of being faithful to the Star Trek universe, with its history and characters, the author does the best possible job. I picked this up on the fly, and now feel compelled to seek out the rest of this book series.
August 29, 2023
decent tale
Getting a better look at Q,
Like the trek universe, have and continue to be a fan of all things Star Trek.
Disappointed that it ends the way it ends, “Cliffhanger “
May or may not continue the trilogy of Q
Getting a better look at Q,
Like the trek universe, have and continue to be a fan of all things Star Trek.
Disappointed that it ends the way it ends, “Cliffhanger “
May or may not continue the trilogy of Q
February 11, 2024
I hesitate to give a Star Trek novel a 5 but I love this book. If you're not into Star Trek as a whole, it's more like a 2 probably. There's a lot of insider knowledge needed which is truly great if you have it, not so much if you don't.
May 17, 2017
Very good book. A better review to come when I finish the third book.
January 29, 2021
Fun beginning of story involving Q with tie-ins to many other TOS episodes and such.
May 31, 2021
Det här var en riktigt bra start på trilogin – Som vanligt förstår man inte vad Q menar med sina kryptiska meningar och författaren är riktigt bra på att skriva detta, övertygande.
August 2, 2021
I got this on ebook on a special offer. It's fun reading and like watching a STNG TV show but, be forewarned, it ends with "to be continued..."
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