Title: Deep Space Nine Avatar
Author: S.D. Perry
Review by Jacqueline Bundy
DS9 lives! Well, at least between the pages of the novels. In what is being billed as the DS9 relaunch novels, "The Avatar" duology by S.D. Perry get things off to a great start. Pocket Books editor Marco Palmieri has been skillfully laying the ground work for the new books for some time now. And I know many DS9 fans have been greatly anticipating their release. I know I sure have been. But I have to admit to being a bit skeptical. Could the magic that was DS9 truly be recaptured? I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. In fact it's better than I had hoped for. Mr. Palmieri has been dropping tidbits about the new crew members and possible story lines since late last year. Just enough to spark interest and generate a lot of conversations, but not enough to give away too much or ruin the surprises in store for the reader. And this story is full of surprises!
It has been three months since the end of the Dominion War. And everyone is still picking up the pieces. But despite the loss of friends and loved ones, life goes on. New crew members have been assigned to Deep Space Nine, the Federation is in the midst of postwar reconstruction efforts, and for now at least the peace is holding. And despite the peace, or perhaps I should say because of the peace, the overworked crew members have got their hands full. DS9 is undergoing a major overhaul despite being understaffed. Across the Alpha Quadrant everyone's resources are stretched thin.
Set primarily on DS9, Bajor and the Enterprise-E, "The Avatar" follows the trail of an ancient Bajoran book of prophecies recently uncovered at B'hala. The monk who uncovers the text gives a small portion of it to Jake Sisko, who has been working at the B'hala dig site, hoping to find acceptance of the disappearance of his father. What he reads brings Jake a spark of hope. But could he be mistaken, or misled? And what will be the ramifications of a startling discovery made by the crew of the Enterprise in the nearby Badlands?
Colonel Kira is now in command of the station. Like everyone else she is struggling to cope with the changes the end of the war has brought. And struggling at times with the demands that command of the station bring. Suddenly out of the wormhole, Jem'Hadar strike ships come tearing toward the station. A desperate battle ensues. Crippling the station. Could this be the end of peace with the Dominion? And will the planned Federation response, help or escalate the crisis?
On Bajor several members of the Vedek Assembly having become aware that the book has been discovered are desperate to find a way to repress it. The prophecies the book contains must not be revealed to the people of Bajor, at any cost. But it may be too late. For the book has made it's way to DS9, forcing Kira to make a choice. A choice between being true to her faith...or being true to herself and the people of Bajor. As the story races toward a climatic and surprising ending I can't help but anticipate the adventures yet to come. For in these pages, DS9 truly lives again.
S.D. Perry has written a very compelling story in "The Avatar". Book 1 skillfully weaves story threads that change tone when needed. Sometimes intense, at times tender, Perry has done a wonderful job with the characters. You'll immediately want to pick up book 2 to see where things are going next. But at the end I think you'll feel satisfied.
Fans will appreciate the sprinkling of references to the various episodes throughout the story. And yes, old favorites like Vic and Morn are back. The returning characters are captured well. And the new crew members are very interesting indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing how the characters grow and change over the next few books. Because the ending leaves you with no doubt that there are more great adventures to come.
