Dawn of the Eagles

Star Trek: Terok Nor #3

by S.D. Perry

Before the Dominion War and the decimation of Cardassia...before the coming of the Emissary and the discovery of the wormhole...before space station Terok Nor became Deep Space 9...there was the the military takeover of an alien planet and the violent insurgency that fought against it. Now that fifty-year tale of warring ideologies, terrorism, greed, secret intelligence, moral compromises, and embattled faiths is at last given its due in the three-book saga of Star Trek's Lost Era...

TEROK NOR

As violence all across Bajor continues to escalate, Cardassian forces tighten their grip on the captive planet, driving back the resistance at every turn; but on Terok Nor and elsewhere, the winds of change are stirring -- the beginnings of a hurricane that will alter the landscape of the Occupation. And while secret dealings, shifting alliances, and personal demons buoy the wings of revolution, a mysterious shape-shifting life form begins a journey that will decide the fate of worlds.

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Fiction, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space

435 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 20, 2008

About the author

SD Perry (Stephani Danelle, by the way, though she prefers SD or Danelle) has been writing novelizations and tie-ins for most of her adult life. Best known for her work in the shared multiverses of Resident Evil, Star Trek, and Aliens, SD is a horror nerd and an introvert. Her father is acclaimed science fiction author Steve Perry. SD lives with her family in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the previous two books, I'm impressed (and a bit astounded) by the depth of detail and research in this book. I think this book followed the second very well, and kept the pace nicely.

Overall I think this book series did a good job of giving characters believable viewpoints and motivations, as well as setting up events in a way where they seemed like plausible outcomes instead of seeming random or forced by the plot like sometimes happens in books.

My only real complaint is that it's sometimes difficult to get emotionally invested in the characters here, especially the more minor ones, since they can go for great lengths of time without being seen again, or (more rarely) finish their purpose to the story and kind of fall out of the narrative. However, I think that was probably unavoidable given that these books span over half a century, on two main worlds, several colonies, moons, and other assorted locations. It's also probably fitting...these books do a great job of presenting things realistically, without glamorizing anything, so it makes sense that (as in real life) not everything gets neatly resolved or explained.

I do like the way the book ended, especially. That moment between Odo and Kira was nice, and really shows their beginning friendship.

I would recommend this series to anyone who wanted an in depth look at Bajor and Cardassia throughout the occupation.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The days are dark for Bajor. More than thirty years into the Occupation, the once-promising Resistance has very nearly been broken by a planet-wide surveillance system that restricts the movement of Bajorans on the surface. Some of the rebellion's best leaders have fallen victim to it, and there seems to be little to do but hide in what few caves and similar sanctuaries that remain hidden from the Cardassian state's sensors. And yet resistance festers, not only a stripped Bajor but among the Cardassians as well. Religious dissidents, ordinary citizens, and even members of the military are weary of the toll occupation has taken on Cardassia: decades have been squandered in which Cardassia could have fostered a sustainable economy, wasted instead on the short-term remedy of taking Bajoran wealth. But now Bajor is largely ruined and the occupation nearly costing more than it provides -- in lives and finances. Even the architect of despair, Gul Dukat, pays the price for his Pyrrhic victory, increasingly isolated and made miserable by the fact that no one really appreciates him. Dawn of the Eagles chronicles the downfall of the Cardassian occupation, completing this epic of Deep Space Nine's backstory. Mixing the familiar and the new, it is the story of a people's liberation; the Bajorans, from Cardassia; the Cardassians, from the depravity that Empire has led them to.

Like those before it, Dawn of the Eagle relies on viewpoint characters familiar from the show -- Dukat, Kira, Odo -- supported by original characters. Many of the threads continue from the preceding books , like the struggle of the resistance (mostly focusing on Kira's cell) against occupation. Others are new: Odo is a major character here, having left the science lab behind him to search for the meaning of his existence. His skill at mediating disputes, and potential as a weapon in Cardassia's pocket, attracts Dukat's eye, and eventually the lonely shapeshifter finds himself as Terok Nor's security chief, ostensibly serving Cardassian interests but more often than not indulging a soft spot for the Bajoran oppressed. Several of the more interesting characters are Cardassian women, all dissidents to one degree or another. One, Natima Lang, appeared onscreen (...as a dissident, since Cardassia's government is perennially objectionable), but the others were more or less loyal to the state until their work forced them to confront the fact that they were helping perpetuate evil. (One, for instance, is a disgraced weapons scientist who realizes the new project she's been assigned to involves the stealth sterilization of the Bajoran populace.). That tension -- working through the question of how far one takes 'my country right or wrong' -- makes for a compelling story, and truly sympathetic Cardassians. This is a fitting end to the trilogy, making the miniseries tie together by ending with some of the same original characters and on the same Bajoran holiday that Night of the Vipers began with. For Deep Space Nine fans, this is a true preface and wholly worth reading.

[Heylin Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the multiple perspectives old and new about the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. There are the resistance fighters, the Shakaar cell who fought for freedom but refrained from causing unnecessary harm, in contrast with the Kohn-Ma who were extreme in their methods and had no qualm with bombing orphanages for sheltering “baby vipers”. There is the dissident movement in Cardassia, but this is further complicated by the fact that people’s motivations varied despite their common goal. Natima develops sympathy for the Bajorans and believes the occupation is unjust, whereas Russol is a patriot, a nationalist who advocated for the Cardassian withdrawal not because he thought what they did was wrong, but because he considered the colonial project detrimental to the Cardassian people. Kalisi is also an interesting character, a weapon developer who felt the prickling of conscience when she discovered that her lover planned to sterilized all Bajoran women. Plus, I like that various factors played out leading up to the withdrawal, making it a pivotal moment catalyzed by a complex web of events and people instead of a single military victory.

Still, I wish that the novel focused strictly on a few perspectives instead of randomly jumping from one character to another. There are also a couple of loose ends, especially the fate of the Oralian Way and the consequence of returning the Orb to Bajor. The story occasionally brings up the Obsidian Order but this thread doesn’t lead to any substantial plot.

3.5

[Mayaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have come to realize that the extent to which I enjoy these books is directly correlated to the amount of Quark they feature, combined with how well he is treated in them. My love for Star Trek technically predates my love for Quark, but spiritually, my love for Quark predates the known universe.

Under that rubric, this book was better than it could have been. Definitely the best in the trilogy, with a nuanced look at Bajoran politics and a surprisingly self-aware contemplation of Cardassia and the role of the Federation. However, could have used more Quark. I was lured here with the prospect of his early relationship and falling out with Natima, but we don't spend nearly enough time on that, or on Odo's early days as a security officer on the station. Loved to hate the Dukat interiority, though.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable end to the trilogy, detailing the end of the Bajoran occupation. It's worth noting though that by this book the story feels more like a constant series of short vignettes rather than a complete tale. Much like the last book, the narrative jumps around every couple of pages and includes a huge cast of characters. It completely assumes that the reader is already familiar with everyone involved, as we don't get introductions.

But once again, I'm impressed with how much effort was made to fit in to the continuity established by the television show, and indeed other books. It's an exciting and emotional story and a fantastic way to fill in the backstory of characters I know and love.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole trilogy is an excellent look at life before DS9. The characters are all well written and this book covers a wide range of people and places. It would have been nice to get a little more in depth with the characters we already have seen briefly on the show, as this book jumps forward so often it can feel a little more surface level than the character development in the previous two novels.

There's so much to cover though that I can't really blame the authors for that. It would have been great to maybe have a fourth book, as there were several events or relationships that were missed out entirely or only briefly touched on, for example: there's no mention at all of Ziyal, we don't get many meaningful interactions with Kira's family or resistance friends, and the religious characters (Opaka, Winn and Bareil) are a little neglected. It would have been interesting to see Ro's journey at the Academy as well. Dukat is well written but begins to slide towards two dimensional villain as his motivations are continually spelled out, and the repeated mentions of Bajoran girlfriends (and Letau 🤢) make the absence of Ziyal and her mother even more odd. The book suffers a little from focusing on events and leaving out relationships.

Having said that, Quark and Odo are great. Neither are my favourites in the show but the authors did well at cementing their backstories and motivations. I wasn't sure if I was meant to think Dost Abor was really Garak or not, but I actually liked this uncertainty as it fits in well with The Wire. The world-building on Cardassia and Bajor was less prominent but still good. The female Cardassian characters in particular were standouts.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this trilogy to DS9 fans ❤

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written in terms of plot and characterization, but unfortunately suffers from prequel-itis -- with the timeline of this trilogy this book is too close to the start of the tv series where the characters/plots ultimately end up. I especially enjoyed Odo's journey in discovering himself and his place.

[Oz Trekkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic novel that ends the series on a high and smoothly transitions into the DS9 series. All the threads are nicely closed off and we get to see a lot of back story to what we see on DS9.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slowly made my way through this final book of the Terok Nor series in little spurts at night. The authors did a good job of bringing together the many characters and plot lines to the required conclusion that sets up the start of the DS9 series, fleshing out many histories only briefly mentioned in the actual show. At the same time they wrap the story full circle around to where the first book began, with the Bajorans facing with trepidation seemingly necessary overtures with an alien race, only now after the horrors of the Cardassian Occupation. A well-written Star Trek novel, it still fails to have the originality of the first novel in the series, again (as with the second novel) due to focusing on characters and events more firmly established in the series. As such this isn't really a science fiction novel that is set in the Star Trek universe, there is no unique speculative fiction nature to the novel, it is just an elaboration of the characters and histories that fans are familiar with. So for fans of DS9 who like to read, this series is a must. Otherwise, it's not likely worthwhile.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last in the Terok Nor trilogy. It chronicles Odo's journey of self discovery, from lab experiment to Security officer. Kira is shown as a vital part of the resistance. The terrible medical experiments of the Cardassians are also covered. Finally, it shows the political pressure and revolution that leads to Bajor's independence. There's a lot of story strands and character development in this novel. It introduces Quark and the growth of his bar. There is some nice character based plots. I think my problem with this novel is that if you are a fan of the show you will know what happens next with a lot of these stories. A good read.

[Kosar7480 · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many missed opportunities. I enjoyed seeing Odo's background fleshed out. Otherwise, it just read like a bunch of blurbs about different characters over the span of several years. Would have liked to see more time spent "in the trenches" with the Bajoran resistance and Kira.

[Virginia Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. The while trilogy was great but james swallow day if the vipers was the absolute best.

[Sanity Assasin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My only complaint would be that it ended a little quickly.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moderately entertaining tie-in fiction; there are too many characters to keep track of. The novel shines when it focuses on the Cardassian characters who are fleshed out and beset with doubts. The Bajorans are less interesting. I saw DS9 around 10 years ago and I am sure many one-off characters from that show make appearances that are lost on me.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire trilogy is FANTASTIC, incorporating and staying true to the pieces of history happening during this time we know from the TV series, and perfectly leading right up to the start of the best of all Trek series, a series called Deep Space Nine!

[Paschalis]

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[Desiree Trott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how it tied together so many loose ends from the previous two books, and fit nicely with the Canon from the series.

[Rebekah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the saga. Love it.

[Burns Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful finale to the Terok Nor Saga
I have had so many good things to say about the previous two book in the trilogy, and they are all still true for the conclusion. Characters and plot were absolutely fantastic. Since this book leads right up to the beginning of DS9, we get to spend a lot more time with more familiar faces, primarily Odo, Kira, and Dukat. Dawn of the Eagles follows closely after Night of the Wolves and also ties in several element from Day of the Vipers, giving some closure to the stories of Darrah Mace and the Federation’s involvement with Bajor. The lore of DS9 has always fascinated me, and the Terok Nor trilogy perfectly sets up so many events in the show.
I think my favorite Star Trek book series is tied between the Khan duology I read last year and this trilogy. Obviously, I started reading Star Trek because I thought I would enjoy it, but several books have really exceeded my expectations.

[Mikael Kuoppala · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison bring the Terok Nor trilogy to a fine close with “Dawn of the Eagles,” a grandiose novel detailing the last decade of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. The novel grows organically from the duo’s previous installment “Night of the Wolves” while keeping in mind the patterns put in motion in the series’ first volume “Day of the Vipers”.

James Swallow created a somewhat clinically analytical beginning in “Day of the Vipers,” immersing the reader in political processes. When Perry and Dennison took over they maintained all of the political intrigue but added a rich layer of psychology to illuminate the nature of oppression. Now they manage to keep all of that along for the ride but add yet another, broadly sociological and philosophical layer to the mix.

The genocidal nature of the occupation is fully confronted here, making this a powerful, effective but uncomfortable piece to read. The mind’s ability to detach itself from experienced and inflicted horror defines the novel. As the inevitable release of immense tension nears and the occupation starves in its gluttonous cruelty the personal experiences of the characters turn more and more intense, calling for more and more denial.

One thing this novel- and that way the whole trilogy- lacks is an effective ending. Perry & Dennison choose to forgo a sense of self-contained closure for their story, opting to write it as a direct prequel to the “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” TV-series instead. This approach works, but this magnificent accomplishment would have deserved a more artistically whole final note. Nothing like that can make this book anything but a piece of perfection, though, so utterly convincing and accomplished it is.

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book (and series) has a lot of great qualities and a few big meh qualities. The authors of the 2nd and 3rd books really understand the characters, and characterization is pretty much perfect throughout (1st one not so much). They have a lot of canon they have to fold in and they do that really well with a great attention to detail. It illuminates how horrible the occupation of Bajor was and how much the Bajorans have gone through, so you can understand them a bit better. The downsides for me were that it was a bit dry in terms of writing style (lacked any shred of humor), and suffered from too many povs and sidecharacters throughout. They shouuld have picked 4 povs at the very most and stuck to them, but instead we bounce around through the heads of almost everyone that has a name, and that's not very fun. As soon as you get into one scene, it changes to something completely different. There are a lot of characters either not in the show at all or who have very minor roles, and its really difficult keeping them all straight, especially when they are all in the same occupation such as "resistance fighter" or "cardassian dissident"

But i would recommend the series for serious fans of DS9 that want a good glimpse into the occupation. It's good for familiarizing you with those one-off characters, and helping you understand other main characters more too.

[Jimyanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Terok Nor" series is a prequel to the DS9 television and book series; it tells the story of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. The first book of the series, "Day of the Vipers" began the series, followed by "Night of the Wolves", and finally, this book. "Day of the Vipers" was a very powerful telling of a very depressing story (or perhaps a very depressing telling of a very powerful story.) "Night of the Wolves" was slightly less depressing, but still not exactly upbeat. This book is every bit as powerful as those were, but has the advantage of an upbeat ending, even if there were unhappy events during the earlier parts of the book. It is well-told, with a good understanding of the characters it is detailing, and is well worth the read for any fan of DS9 who ants a look at that earlier historical period. There were a few places where the book could have used better copyediting -- on page 363,about halfway down the page, the word should have been "defused", not "diffused", and on page 389 in the last sentence, the word should have been "appropriate", not "approximate", among other minor glitches, but the story is good enough to mostly overlook a half-dozen "oopses".

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize until I was almost through reading this book that it was not a standalone but is instead book three of a series. That explains why I had a hard time getting into it at first. That said, it is a very good story and mostly well written. (Probably very well written, just not in a style I particularly enjoyed.) It seems a lot like the Star Trek shows, in fact. The story jumps around a lot to different characters' points of view to tell different stories which sort of loosely weave together but not wholly. That's my perception, anyway.
Eventually I'll get around to finding the first of this series and find out if it was just my mistake in reading these out of order that made this a less than completely enjoyable read.

[Sanna]

Good enging to the saga of Bajor and Terok Nor. I'm a bit diasppointed that the ore-processing station that'd later become Deep Space 9 didn't play a bigger part in the story, as the series is named after it after all.

I loved the complexity of the Cardassians and their society, the Oralians and their faith made a good comparison to the Bajoran religion.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying finale to the DS9 historical trilogy...and it only loses one star because the final Bajoran push to force the Cardassians off their world seems very much a behind-the-curtain, anti-climax that SHOULD have been showcased. It leaves a "what just happened" after-taste at odds with the rest of this fine novel.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, if only because I couldn't put it down. It was a brilliant conclusion to the series, and showed the latter 15 or so years of the Cardassian Occupation well, highlighting the victories and defeats, as well as the people behind them. Some of the chapters were quite short, but it all balanced out in the end. I quite enjoyed the various tie-ins to episodes in the series.

[David A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as "Day of the Vipers", but better than "Night of the Wolves", this book tells the story of Odo's development and becoming an investigator on Terok Nor, as well as the end of the Occupation. I also recommend this book to DS9 fans.

[R.E. Caceres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really disappointing conclusion to what should have been an incredible series.

[Dan Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great end to a great series