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Star Trek - The Fall 2: Der karminrote Schatten

(Star Trek: Typhon Pact)

Una McCormack

4.13 · Rating details · 924 ratings · 84 reviews

Um die junge Allianz zwischen Cardassia und der Föderation zu feiern, will die Kastellanin der Cardassianischen Union die Föderationspräsidentin willkommen heißen. Bei einer Feierstunde, organisiert von Botschafter Elim Garak und Captain Jean-Luc Picard von der USS Enterprise-E, soll die Sternenflotte ihre letzten Mitarbeiter von der kriegsbeutelten Welt abziehen. Doch bös ...more

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Paperback, deutsche Erstausgabe, 380 pages

Published October 12th 2015 by CrossCult (first published October 2013)

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Sep 29, 2013 Alejandro rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, detective, media-tie-in, politics, espionage, novel, star-trek

This is the second novel, part of the Star Trek book event titled The Fall. (To check my review about the first novel Revelation and Dust, you click HERE ). While I was enjoying more the experience of reading this second book of the event, I was pretty much convinced that I will rated with 3 stars anyway, however, when I reached the chapter 8, wow! Such amazing chapter that convinced me to gave it a 4-star rating, and when I reach chapter 10, WOW!, it was then that I realized that the book indee This is the second novel, part of the Star Trek book event titled The Fall. (To check my review about the first novel Revelation and Dust, you click HERE ). While I was enjoying more the experience of reading this second book of the event, I was pretty much convinced that I will rated with 3 stars anyway, however, when I reached the chapter 8, wow! Such amazing chapter that convinced me to gave it a 4-star rating, and when I reach chapter 10, WOW!, it was then that I realized that the book indeed deserved a 4-star rating. However, this not your typical The Next Generation novel. While you have Captain Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E, they hardly are part of the main events. They play their parts well, but definitely the main protagonist here is Elim Garak. So, if you are fan of Garak character, definitely you have to read this book. Other thing that I liked a lot of this second part of the event was that while it's indeed the second book in an event, you can feel a sense of closure here, sure, there are still some pieces of the mystery unsolved but it's not like in the first book that you don't feel any closure at all, in here, you really feel that a mission was acomplished and the narrative of the book has an end. Maybe a small sin in the book is that it lacks to explain better some details of "the big thing" that happened on the first book, sure, it's expected that readers of this second novel has already read the first book, however, I think that while I didn't need myself, it couldn't be bad a fair resume of the highlights in the first book in the right moment inside of the narrative of this second novel. Don't expect much action here, in fact, there isn't any action at all, some tense moment but that's all. Also, you don't get much of science-fiction stuff. The strenght of the book is deposited on its solid political ambiance and excellent dialogues. This second book vindicated my faith in this book event, while the first book was kinda slow and inconclusive, this second novel is smart and brave, promising an interesting follow in the remaining three books of the event. ...more

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Oct 21, 2017 Sud666 rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi

The Crimson Shadow is set in the STNG (Star Trek Next Generation) setting. In the wake of the events of the Dominion Wars, Cardassia Prime is in a state of civil unrest. While the Enterprise and some of its crew do make an appearance, this story isn't about them.

As Cardassia goes through internal upheavals Starfleet is worried that the new government could follow in the Andorian's footsteps and secede from the Federation. There are elements of the old, and now defunct, Obsidian Order that want a ...more

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Jul 01, 2014 Krista D. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Outstanding book. It's not been since Mack's Destiny series that I enjoyed a Trek book this much.

Warning: This is a Garak book. Almost no TNG, including Picard. They are all side characters. If you never liked DS9 and Garak, you'll hate this book. For lovers of Garak, it's required reading.

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Nov 11, 2013 James rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy, star-trek

I skipped the first book of "The Fall" series since it didn't get the greatest reviews and this was the book I was really excited about. Una McCormack wrote "Never-ending Sacrifice," one of my favorite Star Trek books. In Never-Ending Sacrifice, she did such a fantastic job of fleshing out the world and people of Cardassia. Since this book deals mainly with Cardassia and everyone's favorite Cardassian, Garak, I knew I had to read this one right away.

I wasn't disappointed in the least. The only w ...more

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Apr 09, 2015 Kat added it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Excellent! At one point I was so distraught I wanted to toss the book violently across the room and sob inconsolably into my mug of red leaf tea.

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Jan 19, 2015 Aron rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was the first Una McCormack book I've read & I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had read that she had a sociology educational background & it really comes through in her writing. Because this book isn't just an action-packed thrill ride but is really more focused on the characters & their reactions to a destabilizing political landscape. She writes all the characters we know & love very accurately, which is always a big thing for me in an ST novel. I didn't read the previous novel in the series & e ...more

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Mar 25, 2014 Aaron rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Really enjoyed this book and beginning to like anything written by this author. Good intense and political plot. Look forward to more if her writings!

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Apr 03, 2014 Daryl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Una McCormack is an excellent writer and I have always enjoyed her Star Trek books. Her stories are in-depth and a "cut above".

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Aug 09, 2015 Crystal Bensley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loving the series- very Cardassian centered story starring Garak.

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May 25, 2019 Christopher rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Crimson Shadow sees us getting an insight into the Cardassian People and what has been happening following the events of the Dominion War! :D We get to see a Cardassian society that is still deeply stratified but is trying to come together! :D Though as you would expect there are those that are trying to through spanners in the works! :D On top of this fermenting apple cart are thrown in the Federation politics as Picard and Co have to deliver the Cardassian Ambassador Garak back to the Card ...more

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Feb 06, 2014 Daniel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks

The Crimson Shadow continues "The Fall" series of Star Trek books, it is highly suggested you read them in order. Similar to the book "The Never Ending Sacrifice" this one takes place entirely on Cardassia and is heavily focused on its politics. This book centers on the Federation withdrawing from the planet following the Dominion War and starts out innocently enough as a murder mystery novel that spirals into something much larger. The question, "Who killed that Bajoran Starfleet officer?" star ...more

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Sep 25, 2013 Daniel Kukwa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Leave it to another book focusing on Garak -- the most sublime of all "Star Trek" characters -- to become the best "Star Trek" novel I've read since...well...since the last Garak focused novel. These recent Typhon Pact-era books have been extraordinary: sophisticated, intelligent, powerful reads, and this one is particularly exceptional. Una McCormack has demonstrated such a command of the DS9-influenced corners of this universe that I'd be more than willing to have her write every "Trek" novel ...more

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Jan 17, 2014 Michael Russell rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It took me a while to get into this book. Some of my least favorite Star Trek episodes have involved criminal investigations, and I generally have not enjoyed when the crime-drama genre has been grafted into the series. I gave the evolving plot line a chance, though, and came to really enjoy the character of the Cardassian investigator. I also received a better understanding of the Garak character from DS9. The Enterprise crew have relatively minor roles in this book, as the author is very focus ...more

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Sep 29, 2013 Kristen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, star-trek, 2013

OMFG HUZZAH! HE'S NOT DEAD! That made me really sad for a minute. I should have known better.

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Nov 29, 2013 Chris rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Fantastic novel. I couldn't put it down (except when life intervened), and every page had an interesting and compelling twist. Highly recommended.

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Oct 31, 2014 Brandon Harbeke rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Round this up to 4.5 stars. This is a wonderful Star Trek story.

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Dec 22, 2017 Stephen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek, star-trek-relaunch, st-ds9

After ten years of reconstruction, the Federation is preparing to leave Cardassia. Not all the locals gathering outside are there to wish its engineers and social workers a fare-thee-well, however. A new political movement representing the old Cardassia is growing in strength, and styles itself "Cardassia First". Infiltrating civil institutions and orchestrating riots, it promises to field a candidate against the Federation-friendly administration and disrupt Cardassia's growing relationship wit After ten years of reconstruction, the Federation is preparing to leave Cardassia. Not all the locals gathering outside are there to wish its engineers and social workers a fare-thee-well, however. A new political movement representing the old Cardassia is growing in strength, and styles itself "Cardassia First". Infiltrating civil institutions and orchestrating riots, it promises to field a candidate against the Federation-friendly administration and disrupt Cardassia's growing relationship with the Federation and its allies. Worse yet, a high-profile political assassination puts both powers on the edge of falling away from one another. Assassinations and unruly mobs, with the fate of Cardassia hanging in the balance -- this looks like a job for....Garak, Intergalactic Man of Mystery!

No longer the mere mysterious spy-turned-tailor of Deep Space Nine, Garak is Cardassia's ambassador to Earth, having previously served in other Reconstruction governments.The Garak of Crimson Shadow has grown much from the Garak of the television show, who was already complex. Garak's past association with an organization so ominous that it chills Cardassian spines fifteen years after its demise has left him with blood on his hands that cannot be rubbed out. His conscience was once becalmed by the thought that he was acting for the good for Cardassia, in the service of the State, but witnessing nearly a trillion deaths and the obliteration of so much of what he loved has broken Garak's faith. Now, ever wrestling with his conscience, he hopes to help Cardassia find a new way -- one that includes more engagement with the rest of the Quadrant -- and gropes for how to fight monsters without again becoming a monster himself. Garak hasn't hung up his cloak and dagger for good, though, as he proves to have a few tricks up his sleeve that don't involve discretely killing someone. This quandry is also present in the stories of several police officers, who are trying to establish and protect their Constabulary's integrity after past versions of it were co-opted by the State to hurt the people. One of the few non-Cardassian characters here is Jean Luc Picard, who with Garak has to somehow mitigate the damage that each man's civil superiors threatens to wreack in the wake of both books' events.

I enjoyed The Crimson Shadow enormously, as I'm partial to Cardassian stories and especially to Garak. While there's still a little obviousness in how McCormack portrays her villains, she did introduce an interesting idea about the origin of the Obsidian Order. Her portrayal of Garak, as he and his castellan (president) try to navigate away from the sirens that might destroy them, even as they attract so many citizens, more than makes up for the mustache-twirling antagonists. As a bonus, McCormack indirectly quoted CS Lewis, when she makes Garak observe that people are much more dangerous when their tyranny is effected with sincere intentions to help others. A comparative Lewis quote is here. ...more

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Sep 17, 2017 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4 and a half stars, verging on five. It's not quite as excellent as "The Never-Ending Sacrifice"; unlike that novel, I don't think "Crimson Shadow" could be read as a straight SF novel by a non-trekker. But this is still an extremely good book.

I am biased, because I'm a passionate Niner and I love Elim Garak. But "the Crimson Shadow" is objectively well-written and almost scarily relevant.

On a conquered, damaged world, people struggle to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives. A new pow 4 and a half stars, verging on five. It's not quite as excellent as "The Never-Ending Sacrifice"; unlike that novel, I don't think "Crimson Shadow" could be read as a straight SF novel by a non-trekker. But this is still an extremely good book.

I am biased, because I'm a passionate Niner and I love Elim Garak. But "the Crimson Shadow" is objectively well-written and almost scarily relevant.

On a conquered, damaged world, people struggle to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives. A new power is starting to rise--right-wing nationalists who are not averse to violence. A jobless young veteran enters their ranks.

In the meantime, a Federation crewman, part of the reconstruction forces (think the British or Americans in postwar Japan or Germany) is found dead. Two little girls find his body. One of them has seen more than she should. If the murderer finds her, she is likely to end up dead herself.

The occupation forces--now the reconstruction forces--are due to leave the planet. Cardassia is about to sign a treaty and formally enter the Khitomer accords; this could be their first step toward membership in the Federation itself. But the threat of violence from right-wing groups, and even civll war, is rising. On the streets, the young veteran and a young Cardassian policewoman pursue their own ideas of justice. Elim Garak, now ambassador to the Federation, has returned to his beloved homeworld for the first time in years. He tries to support his Castellan in her quest for peace and freedom. But the right-wingers aren't just street thugs. They have infiltrated the police, and possibly even the Federation offices. Then there is another murder--

At once a mystery, an examination of culture and literature (Garak presents Captain Picard with a Cardassian classic, and he himself has become a huge fan of classic Terran literature during his exile), and a political thriller, this kept me riveted till the end. Like its sequel, the story is framed in a series of letters from Garak to his friend, Julian Bashir. As in my earlier review, I'd like to quote from one of them:

(Garak is describing the Cardassian grieving ritual to Julian)

"I had no perek flowers, which was another grief....Still, I had my knife, and I had my voice, so I cut across my hand and let the blood drip on the ground, and I chanted all their names: Tolan, Tain, Ziyal, Mila, Damar. Does it surprise you that Tain's name was on the list? It might surprise you even more that I added Dukat.*

I chanted his name because no one else would. Somebody has to remember him. Otherwise we'll forget." (page 143. Pocket books edition.)

Oh, one more thing before I end this rambling review. Reading this book made me want to read "The Master and Margarita". Any book that makes me so curious about another has something to recommend it!

*Skrain Dukat is pretty much the Cardassian equivalent of Hitler. Tain, Garak's natural father, was in essence the head of the Stasi/KGB/CIA, and responsible for many crimes. ...more

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May 31, 2020 A.J. Blanc rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This is probably the lowest I've ever rated a Trek book, though it would've been lower had it not been for how great Garak is. Crimson Shadow (CS) is the second novel in The Fall series, and may very well be the only one I read within the story line... I haven't made this decision yet because I know each entry is by a different author, and have read that the over-arcing plot line is loosely connected in lieu of subplots. It's clear this opinion is in the minority regarding CS, but I can't get ov This is probably the lowest I've ever rated a Trek book, though it would've been lower had it not been for how great Garak is. Crimson Shadow (CS) is the second novel in The Fall series, and may very well be the only one I read within the story line... I haven't made this decision yet because I know each entry is by a different author, and have read that the over-arcing plot line is loosely connected in lieu of subplots. It's clear this opinion is in the minority regarding CS, but I can't get over how plodding and dull this was; barely recognizable as ST beyond a few character names and places.

Una McCormack seems like a capable writer, so I'm not opposed to giving some of her other works a try, though I don't care for her over-long chapters. CS however didn't seem to know what kind of book it wanted to be. Political drama, spy thriller, murder mystery...? It certainly wasn't science fiction, action or adventure, and it didn't pull off any of those other genres adequately enough to fall under them either. To me it felt like a discarded script to the TV show 24 without any of the action or tension. Take away the known Trek terms/people/places, this could easily be a run of the mill political thriller, sans thrill.

I'm all for a deep dive into an alien society, but Cardassians have lived under the rule of the military for probably over a century, and in just ten short years they've devolved into modern day western culture? I don't believe that for a second. A Bajoran becoming Federation President pro tem when they've been part of the UFP for what, eight years? This was only thrown in to add pseudo-drama to a story involving their biggest enemy.

I had to take a break from reading CS, and the book in between I completed in the time it took me to get halfway through CS. I'm not a very fast reader to begin with, but it was a slog getting through this book. If you like the direction Star Trek has been going since 2009, you may enjoy this book/series. However, unless you’re a completest, or desperate for something with ST in the title while under quarantine, I wouldn't recommend Crimson Shadow. ...more

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Jul 03, 2017 Katbelle rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: trek-lit

Well. After reading "Hollow Men", which was anentertaining little book fitting within a gap in canon, I decided to take on TCS. Having skimmed the first book in "The Fall" series, I was positive I'd understand. And oh boy did I understand. This book is... bad is not the word, because Ms. McCormack can write and I even enjoy her style. But I simply cannot enjoy - or even buy, or believe - the content of what she writes. Her vision of post-canon Cardassia tries very hard to mirror post-WWII German ...more

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Jul 05, 2017 Christopher Lutz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow. A fantastic story that stands with the greatest Star Trek books I've read so far. What makes a government? What are the responsibilities of the people who are a part of it? How fragile are such responsibilities and what can fracture them? What happens when the government as an entity becomes more cherished than what it's supposed to stand for?Can someone who has committed so many heinous acts in his past overcome them to become a reformed person? This novel asks all these questions and more ...more

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Feb 09, 2020 Patrick Hayes rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

The previous books in The Fall saga don't need to be read to enjoy this book because it follows Garak as he tries to build a relationship between Cardassia and the Federation. Naturally things go horribly wrong.

I'm a tremendous Garak fan so this was a wonderful read. One never knows is Garak is being truthful, even other Cardassians, and that's just one reason why the character is so fantastic.

I loved every bit of this book, though there is a character's passing that I found unbelievable. Howe ...more

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Apr 16, 2019 Raechel rated it liked it · review of another edition

This book was... comforting. These, much more than in the first book in this series, were the characters I know and love. The feeling the author conveyed within these pages was amazing. Especially in the closing lines....
That being said, not a ton of plot actually occured in these pages, and nearly a fourth or fifth was spent recounting events occurring at the same time period as the last novel. Necessary, probably. Negative? In my opinion.

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Dec 02, 2018 Preston Pendergraft rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

This was great story part of which goes back to the Worlds of DS9 series. This book starts before book 1 but it ties into events of it. I really enjoyed how the author wrote Garak, really sounded like him. Picard however came off a little off, maybe even a little aloof.... but don’t let that stop you. A really great story.

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Jan 08, 2020 Richard Newton rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ok, thisnis really a story about Garak. He is one of my all time favorite characters. While it does more for the plot of the series than the first book, it is a really good story on it's own. When you read the interactions between the characters, you really can imagine the actors saying these lines. It's my favorite of the series.

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Oct 28, 2017 Jimyanni rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Well-written story focusing on the events on Cardassia during the period of tie in which Nan Bacco was assassinated on DS9. I was hoping for something that moved the overall plot of the "Fall" series a bit more, which is why I've docked it a star, but it is a well-written and interesting story.

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Jan 10, 2018 Jason rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent insights into the motivations and psychology of Garak. Historical contexts surrounding factions of Cardassian civilization also filled in many blanks. All in all, this book was well written.

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Feb 23, 2018 Noelle Walsh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek, favorites

I you are a Trek fan who loves the character of Garak, then I think you will really enjoy this book as it takes place on Cardassia and Garak is one of the central characters. The strength of this novel makes me want to go read the other books in the series that I've ended up missing!

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Jul 01, 2018 Scott Williams rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is excellent. I really love Una McCormack’s work. I find it insightful, witty, and entertaining. McCormack has an excellent grasp on how to write for the Star Trek universe and I especially love how she writes for Garak.

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Sep 02, 2018 Lindsay rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Without giving away too much (spoilers!), I loved this! But about half way through it I decided I was going to hate The Fall series. But there were so many turns that it was like a truly great mystery book.

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About Una McCormack

Una McCormack

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Una McCormack is a British writer and the author of several Star Trek novels and stories.

She has also written a number of Doctor Who novels and short stories.

Other books in the series

Star Trek: Typhon Pact (1 - 10 of 14 books)

Books by Una McCormack

The Last Best Hope (Star Trek: Picard #1)

Doctor Who: The King's Dragon (Doctor Who: New Series Adventures #41)

Cardassia and Andor (Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, #1)

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“We are our own worst enemy.” — 6 likes

“One doesn't commit evil actions in the belief that one is acting wrongly. What allows one to commit such acts is the belief that it will contribute to a greater good.” — 5 likes

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