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Star Trek: Double Helix #5
Double or Nothing
Like a lethal bacillus coursing through the bloodstream of the galaxy, a fiendish master plan has spread death and terror across the 24th century – until two heroic captains risk everything to stamp out the evil at its source!
For more than a decade, since the very beginning of the Starship Enterprise's mission, unknown enemies have unleashed a string of deadly biological weapons throughout the Alpha Quadrant, inflicting ghastly epidemics upon the Romulans, the Cardassians, the Bajorans, and even the Federation. Now, at long last, Captain Jean-Luc Picard joins forces with Captain Mackenzie Calhoun of the Starship Excalibur to track down and confront the hidden architects of the plagues – and avenge the deaths of thousands!
For more than a decade, since the very beginning of the Starship Enterprise's mission, unknown enemies have unleashed a string of deadly biological weapons throughout the Alpha Quadrant, inflicting ghastly epidemics upon the Romulans, the Cardassians, the Bajorans, and even the Federation. Now, at long last, Captain Jean-Luc Picard joins forces with Captain Mackenzie Calhoun of the Starship Excalibur to track down and confront the hidden architects of the plagues – and avenge the deaths of thousands!
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
23 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,363 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 7, 2019
Good story. Didn’t care about the James Bond-type stuff that much. The Riker part of the story kind of got cut short I thought. Great first half.
Excluding audiobooks, this is the 200th book I’ve read since college.
Excluding audiobooks, this is the 200th book I’ve read since college.
April 16, 2013
David's scripting generally shines, but is held back by the heavy weight of what appears to be a hackneyed crossover. I only read this book in the series, but I'm pretty sure that if I read the others, they'd get lower ratings.
February 1, 2013
Overall, Double or Nothing (Double Helix 5, New Frontier 8) is not a bad entry but it did have more than its fair share of problems. Perhaps I am feeling a little too critical about this book because it was the reason I decided to read the other books in the Double Helix series and wasn't always too happy with most of them either. We'll see.
The novel opens up with what seems to be a heavily padded flashback sequence from Capt Mackenzie Calhoun's undercover operative days. When we come back to the present, we get a novel that tries to unify many things but ultimately overreaches. We have a wonderful intro to the crew of the USS Excalibur for those unfamiliar with the previous novels, Cmdr Riker of the USS Enterprise being hounded by Sela--the half-Romulan daughter of an alternate universe Tasha Yar, the revelation of who has been behind the plagues of the past several years and why, all of which is merely the tip of the iceberg.
What I liked best was the reunion between Riker and Cmdr Shelby, all of the 'tips of the hat' to the Star Trek universe at large such as Argelius II and Stonn of Vulcan, and the way that Peter David tied the previous novels together to give the series a strong feeling of cohesion. What I liked least was the fact that the big bad villain seemed to come from nowhere. I was disappointed that our maniacal mastermind, Gerrid Thul, did not have had some tie to the Trek TV shows or movies. And then the so-called "Thul sphere." For something so massive (which I had problems accepting the premise that Thul either built the thing or merely found it), it was destroyed waaaaaay too easily.
While reading the novel the thought struck me that the Federation was leading a three-pronged assault against Gerrid Thul and that this seemed to echo the make-up of an early form of Thul's designer plague. I do not know whether this is intentional or accidental, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out it is the former.
Double or Nothing effectively resolves the storyline started in book 1 (Infection). The next book, The First Virtue is a prequel that gives the full lowdown on what sparked Gerrid Thul's quest for vengeance.
The novel opens up with what seems to be a heavily padded flashback sequence from Capt Mackenzie Calhoun's undercover operative days. When we come back to the present, we get a novel that tries to unify many things but ultimately overreaches. We have a wonderful intro to the crew of the USS Excalibur for those unfamiliar with the previous novels, Cmdr Riker of the USS Enterprise being hounded by Sela--the half-Romulan daughter of an alternate universe Tasha Yar, the revelation of who has been behind the plagues of the past several years and why, all of which is merely the tip of the iceberg.
What I liked best was the reunion between Riker and Cmdr Shelby, all of the 'tips of the hat' to the Star Trek universe at large such as Argelius II and Stonn of Vulcan, and the way that Peter David tied the previous novels together to give the series a strong feeling of cohesion. What I liked least was the fact that the big bad villain seemed to come from nowhere. I was disappointed that our maniacal mastermind, Gerrid Thul, did not have had some tie to the Trek TV shows or movies. And then the so-called "Thul sphere." For something so massive (which I had problems accepting the premise that Thul either built the thing or merely found it), it was destroyed waaaaaay too easily.
While reading the novel the thought struck me that the Federation was leading a three-pronged assault against Gerrid Thul and that this seemed to echo the make-up of an early form of Thul's designer plague. I do not know whether this is intentional or accidental, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out it is the former.
Double or Nothing effectively resolves the storyline started in book 1 (Infection). The next book, The First Virtue is a prequel that gives the full lowdown on what sparked Gerrid Thul's quest for vengeance.
March 11, 2014
So the Star Trek franchise holders, Paramount, have some rules for all their Star Trek fan competition entries, two of which are: No "Mary Sue" characters; and must be centred on the main characters. It's interesting then that this official novel broke both those rules.
Not only is this the least interesting of the novels so far, it also an uninteresting story in general with some annoying new characters. Bergeron, or whatever your name is, I'm talking about you. Too much was devoted to this uninteresting B-team.
Some other characters seemed out of character and major franchise characters were sidelined.
Not only is this the least interesting of the novels so far, it also an uninteresting story in general with some annoying new characters. Bergeron, or whatever your name is, I'm talking about you. Too much was devoted to this uninteresting B-team.
Some other characters seemed out of character and major franchise characters were sidelined.
June 8, 2009
Peter David generally delivers a good Star Trek book, and this is no exception. The back cover claims that it features Calhoun and Picard, but in actuality it's mostly Calhoun's book. Well written, lots of action, great humor--an enjoyable book overall. Surprisingly, it "ends" the action in the current time period, even though it's the fifth book in the series. Apparently, the sixth book jumps back to where it all began. I'm looking forward to it.
July 10, 2015
A definite action movie vibe - one of my favourite Double Helix books although I can't see how the sixth book will go
November 16, 2025
Really good story, the best of the 5, but still lacking at times. This one again involves a virus called the Double Helix which was meant to be spread to the Federation and wipe everyone out. Captains Calhoun and Picard, along with Riker have a role in this episode. Read at times more like a spy/James Bond novel with gadgetry and villains, and at times comic book characters similar to the Avengers.
This is kind on level with Star Trek Nemesis, the movie. The villains have some score to settle, etc.
I liked the character of Calhoun. Picard seemed a little out of character, while Riker works alongside his "thorn" in the side, Commander Shelby. Also, the Romulan, Sela, makes an appearance, who is the daughter of the late Tasha Yar.
This is kind on level with Star Trek Nemesis, the movie. The villains have some score to settle, etc.
I liked the character of Calhoun. Picard seemed a little out of character, while Riker works alongside his "thorn" in the side, Commander Shelby. Also, the Romulan, Sela, makes an appearance, who is the daughter of the late Tasha Yar.
October 19, 2023
Very bizarre...less a chapter in the "Double Helix" mini-series than an unnamed outing from the universe of "Star Trek New Frontier", into which Picard & Riker have been dropped into...and left discombobulated by the experience. It's only the tight & hilarious writing style of Peter David that keeps it all together.
October 5, 2020
I really haven't gotten into the New Frontier books as of yes, so it's harder for me to appreciate these titles when they're part of a big crossover event like Double Helix. But I'll concede this book did give me a lot more to work with that helped ease the transition somewhat.
This book turned out to be the true climax of the series as we finally reveal who was behind the mysterious designer viruses that had been the focus of the previous novels. But instead of a high stakes medical drama, we got a weird pseudo spy story that tapped on Mal Calhoun's past as an intelligence asset as he was once again activated by Starfleet Intelligence. This pushed the medical aspect to the far back burner unlike all the other Double Helix stories to the point that it felt like a last-minute McGuffin and not the true focus of the story.
I suspect that this story will only make full sense when I finish reading Double Helix 6, which is a prequel to all this, as this book just jumps to the end without helping us as readers appreciate how we got to this point. There's little to no foreshadowing of who was going to be the mastermind and so many other side characters brought into the mix of things that didn't really add all that much to the discussion.
There's some good adventure and odd spotlight moments that bring in the likes of Riker (William, and not Thomas this time) and even the Romulans but it doesn't feel like a masterful story arc as a whole.
This book turned out to be the true climax of the series as we finally reveal who was behind the mysterious designer viruses that had been the focus of the previous novels. But instead of a high stakes medical drama, we got a weird pseudo spy story that tapped on Mal Calhoun's past as an intelligence asset as he was once again activated by Starfleet Intelligence. This pushed the medical aspect to the far back burner unlike all the other Double Helix stories to the point that it felt like a last-minute McGuffin and not the true focus of the story.
I suspect that this story will only make full sense when I finish reading Double Helix 6, which is a prequel to all this, as this book just jumps to the end without helping us as readers appreciate how we got to this point. There's little to no foreshadowing of who was going to be the mastermind and so many other side characters brought into the mix of things that didn't really add all that much to the discussion.
There's some good adventure and odd spotlight moments that bring in the likes of Riker (William, and not Thomas this time) and even the Romulans but it doesn't feel like a masterful story arc as a whole.
February 9, 2021
This one was hit and miss for me. It had lost me in the first few pages and didn't really get me back until Riker arrived. Then I was back and forth through the various scenes. It was occasionally funny, sometimes tense, regularly crude and from time to time even brilliant.
I don't really know the New Frontier crew (having read only one other short story so far). I really enjoyed the new crew and thought Captain Calhoun was great.... until he was drinking. Even the appeal of ruffling Jellico's feathers didn't quite offset the disappointment of that scene.
There was a whole lot of stuff going on in the middle that will probably matter a lot more once I've read the New Frontier books but for this series it seemed out of place or at least irrelevant.
I liked the plot. The set up is cool. I didn't like the amount of sex stuff used as filler but enjoyed the rest of the intrigue and action.
I don't really know the New Frontier crew (having read only one other short story so far). I really enjoyed the new crew and thought Captain Calhoun was great.... until he was drinking. Even the appeal of ruffling Jellico's feathers didn't quite offset the disappointment of that scene.
There was a whole lot of stuff going on in the middle that will probably matter a lot more once I've read the New Frontier books but for this series it seemed out of place or at least irrelevant.
I liked the plot. The set up is cool. I didn't like the amount of sex stuff used as filler but enjoyed the rest of the intrigue and action.
March 14, 2020
I didn't like the part about Riker and Shelby and all this "is Riker worth something for himself or just because he was on the Enterprise with Picard"-stuff really annoyed me, especially because the characters didn't reflect on themselves. In the end they all got along but it felt more like because you could not have a happy end and querreling Star Felt members...
But the rest of the story was entertaining. A lot action but I had fun reading.
But the rest of the story was entertaining. A lot action but I had fun reading.
March 14, 2018
It was entertaining enough, Peter David is one of the better Star Trek authors. While I was reading the book, I kept wondering why there's Picard on the cover and why does the back say "Captain Jean-Luc Picard joins forces with Captain Mackenzie Calhoun" - because Picard was nowhere. Finally he did appear: page 217 (in a book of 277 pages). A little bit confusing, I would say.
June 13, 2019
One of the best of Peter David's New Frontier series. Nearly impossible to put down. Picard and Calhoun!
October 15, 2021
I'm a huge fan of the NEW FRONTIER books by Peter David but I admit that I didn't spend much time reading the spin-offs of them due to the fact that I felt I would be lost due to not reading the rest of the series. Still, I'm in a Star Trek-y sort of mode for writing my own space opera saga and decided to complete my re-read of the New Frontier books. First, I read the excellent ONCE BURNED and now I am reading this tie-in to the Double Helix books that deal with viruses ravaging the Federation. (Note: Which is silly! No modern 1st World Nation has anything to fear from disease anymore! *weep*)
Here, Double or Nothing is a marked contrast to Once Burned and basically can be summarized as a James Bond movie for half the book. MacKenzie Calhoun plays the role of Bond, stopping an evil arms dealer in the opening credit and bedding the beautiful Orion girl that is uncomfortably threatened with human trafficking and rape--not really subjects I'm used to in my Star Trek. I mean, Deep Space Nine does but that was handled with more seriousness than the goofy spy adventure here.
Indeed, the James Bond feel of the book is about 75% of the book with an insane military commander who wants to rebuild the Soviet Union, err, Thallonian Empire, and plans to destroy the Federation with a weapon that will wipe out trillions! I mean, we're in full Roger Moore territory here. There's even a revelation that he knows our protagonists' true identities but is keeping them around to make a suitably dramatic reveal that they have fallen into his clutches. Mwhahaha. Even the title sounds like an adventure of 007.
The thing is, that's not a criticism. I like James Bond. Literally, it's probably my favorite franchise after Star Wars and Star Trek. Indeed, if you were to go over the 30 books I've written then about six or seven of them can be described as "science fiction James Bond" or "urban fantasy James Bond." I can hardly begrudge Peter David for making his Romulan ale, shaken not stirred. Still, it does tonally clash a bit as I rarely think of Star Trek villainas mindlessly evil megalomaniacs with doomsday plots. It's not peanut butter and anchovies but it is a bit like peanut butter and honey. Not terrible but a bit odd to taste.
Ironically, I much preferred Rikers' 25% of the view where he becomes the captain of the Excalibur for a week or so and does an absolutely [bleep] job. It's a bit like him becoming captain of the Orville as the sheer weirdness and quirkiness of the crew drive him to insanity. The thing is that it is the captain's job to work with the crew he's given and the fact he can't is perhaps the first time I agree that Riker is not ready for the big chair. I really liked his and Shelby's conversations as the latter's bitterness and the former's irrational hatred of her are an interesting dynamic. Still, I feel like it deserved its own book and Riker vs. Sela is something that should have been a bigger deal.
Overall, a good book but I don't think it reached its full potential.
Here, Double or Nothing is a marked contrast to Once Burned and basically can be summarized as a James Bond movie for half the book. MacKenzie Calhoun plays the role of Bond, stopping an evil arms dealer in the opening credit and bedding the beautiful Orion girl that is uncomfortably threatened with human trafficking and rape--not really subjects I'm used to in my Star Trek. I mean, Deep Space Nine does but that was handled with more seriousness than the goofy spy adventure here.
Indeed, the James Bond feel of the book is about 75% of the book with an insane military commander who wants to rebuild the Soviet Union, err, Thallonian Empire, and plans to destroy the Federation with a weapon that will wipe out trillions! I mean, we're in full Roger Moore territory here. There's even a revelation that he knows our protagonists' true identities but is keeping them around to make a suitably dramatic reveal that they have fallen into his clutches. Mwhahaha. Even the title sounds like an adventure of 007.
The thing is, that's not a criticism. I like James Bond. Literally, it's probably my favorite franchise after Star Wars and Star Trek. Indeed, if you were to go over the 30 books I've written then about six or seven of them can be described as "science fiction James Bond" or "urban fantasy James Bond." I can hardly begrudge Peter David for making his Romulan ale, shaken not stirred. Still, it does tonally clash a bit as I rarely think of Star Trek villainas mindlessly evil megalomaniacs with doomsday plots. It's not peanut butter and anchovies but it is a bit like peanut butter and honey. Not terrible but a bit odd to taste.
Ironically, I much preferred Rikers' 25% of the view where he becomes the captain of the Excalibur for a week or so and does an absolutely [bleep] job. It's a bit like him becoming captain of the Orville as the sheer weirdness and quirkiness of the crew drive him to insanity. The thing is that it is the captain's job to work with the crew he's given and the fact he can't is perhaps the first time I agree that Riker is not ready for the big chair. I really liked his and Shelby's conversations as the latter's bitterness and the former's irrational hatred of her are an interesting dynamic. Still, I feel like it deserved its own book and Riker vs. Sela is something that should have been a bigger deal.
Overall, a good book but I don't think it reached its full potential.
December 5, 2018
Well I always liked it best when Peter David was writing TNG and not focusing on the New Frontier. Here we have a mix of both with Riker taking command of the Excalibur and Calhoun and (spoiler alert - thought the reveal is ruined by the cover) Picard are off on a secret mission. It is interesting to see the culmination of all the previous books coming to this point and I found it odd that it was a New Frontier style of novel that did it. Calhoun, I find, is always more interesting when he is away from the crew of misfits as he gets to shine more. Riker witnesses just how ridiculous the crew of the Excalibur is and ultimately where the weaker parts of the novel are. Great read, fun moments and a some interesting new characters. I did enjoy it overall so you can take that away from it.
January 2, 2025
Of Course as part of the over arching storyline of the Double Helix plagues, it is not within the mainline story of the Excalibur crew, but I still thought that it was a pretty good story, comparable to the Captain's Table book: Once Burned. It's not necessary to read it, but thought it held it's own.
October 16, 2021
The penultimate episode in the Double Helix saga is thrilling, nostalgic, funny, and just one heck of an enjoyable read. I hadn't read this book since it first came out in 1999 and I was hoping it would as a positive an experience as I remember it.
Starting in the past, the reader is witness to Calhoun on a mission to stop someone, unaware of the repercussions it will have in his future. Needless to say, Peter David's classic character goes on a mission where he encounters several dangers, including several classic characters, and ends up in a fight for his life.
Peter David is unquestionably the gold standard when it comes to Star Trek books. Whether with classic characters or those of his own, such as the incredible Captain Calhoun, the plots are engaging, the action awesome, and the dialogue priceless. David knows how to insert a joke into his works that is a wink to previous adventures on television, without being cheesy. A very fine line to walk, but he is a master writer. This book left me wanting to reread all of the exploits of the Excalibur crew as soon as possible, but I'm working my way through each series of books and am only nearing the end of The Next Generation, so--sadly--it will some time before I revisit them.
There are two reasons that this book doesn't get a five star rating. 1, the inclusion of a character that dominates Calhoun. I'm reading a Calhoun centered tale and I want him to be the lead. However, with this character's appearance Mackenzie has to step back; it's logical, but not what I wished to happen. 2, It also takes a while to align itself into the Double Helix saga, but when it does it's spectacular. Minor nits, but they did remain with me after I was done.
I enjoyed this book immensely and was sad when it ended. That is the greatest compliment I can give to a book.
Starting in the past, the reader is witness to Calhoun on a mission to stop someone, unaware of the repercussions it will have in his future. Needless to say, Peter David's classic character goes on a mission where he encounters several dangers, including several classic characters, and ends up in a fight for his life.
Peter David is unquestionably the gold standard when it comes to Star Trek books. Whether with classic characters or those of his own, such as the incredible Captain Calhoun, the plots are engaging, the action awesome, and the dialogue priceless. David knows how to insert a joke into his works that is a wink to previous adventures on television, without being cheesy. A very fine line to walk, but he is a master writer. This book left me wanting to reread all of the exploits of the Excalibur crew as soon as possible, but I'm working my way through each series of books and am only nearing the end of The Next Generation, so--sadly--it will some time before I revisit them.
There are two reasons that this book doesn't get a five star rating. 1, the inclusion of a character that dominates Calhoun. I'm reading a Calhoun centered tale and I want him to be the lead. However, with this character's appearance Mackenzie has to step back; it's logical, but not what I wished to happen. 2, It also takes a while to align itself into the Double Helix saga, but when it does it's spectacular. Minor nits, but they did remain with me after I was done.
I enjoyed this book immensely and was sad when it ended. That is the greatest compliment I can give to a book.
December 15, 2025
I don't at all blame Riker, these people are unprofessional. All of them. That said, I did like the debate over the ethical use of a Vulcan mind meld; that was probably the highlight of the book for me.
As for the rest: I got what I wanted and I'm not happy about it, ha! The first four books in this Double Helix mini-series have all been relatively similar, given that they're all medical mysteries about a mysterious plague. I believe I've said in past reviews that they'd become a little repetitive and the series needed to make some headway in solving the problem of who's actually inflicting all this misery. Well, it does, and it's a boring megalomaniac wanting to revenge his dead kid by slaughtering a whole other bunch of kids, and the scene-chewing is a little bit tedious. I want the medical mysteries back.
Also, the sheer stupidity of sending Jean-Luc Picard undercover! No wonder he gets recognised, because of course he does.
As for the rest: I got what I wanted and I'm not happy about it, ha! The first four books in this Double Helix mini-series have all been relatively similar, given that they're all medical mysteries about a mysterious plague. I believe I've said in past reviews that they'd become a little repetitive and the series needed to make some headway in solving the problem of who's actually inflicting all this misery. Well, it does, and it's a boring megalomaniac wanting to revenge his dead kid by slaughtering a whole other bunch of kids, and the scene-chewing is a little bit tedious. I want the medical mysteries back.
Also, the sheer stupidity of sending Jean-Luc Picard undercover! No wonder he gets recognised, because of course he does.
October 4, 2023
Star Trek New Frontiers: Double or Nothing - 2/5
Fine. The James Bond stuff wore a little thin and it did a lot of the tropes, like the Bond Girl , very uncritically which I wasn't the biggest fan of. Calhoun is very much still an overly badass cool guy (TM) which grates a little but he's still fun and I like his interactions with Picard and . It's also nice to see Riker interacting with the Excalibur crew, especially with Shelby given their history in Best of Both Worlds.
But yeah, it'll be fun to get back to the main narrative with the next two books in the core series.
Fine. The James Bond stuff wore a little thin and it did a lot of the tropes, like the Bond Girl , very uncritically which I wasn't the biggest fan of. Calhoun is very much still an overly badass cool guy (TM) which grates a little but he's still fun and I like his interactions with Picard and . It's also nice to see Riker interacting with the Excalibur crew, especially with Shelby given their history in Best of Both Worlds.
But yeah, it'll be fun to get back to the main narrative with the next two books in the core series.
May 19, 2025
Enjoyable read. My second favorite of the NF books thus far, with Once Burned being a distant first. Full of the Peter David tropes: irresistibly roguish captain, sultry women who can't resist said captain, over-the-top characters quipping at each other, comic-book villains, huge action setpiece.
Picard and Riker were very funny additions. They fit very uncomfortably into the cartoon reality of Peter David's New Frontier.
Picard and Riker were very funny additions. They fit very uncomfortably into the cartoon reality of Peter David's New Frontier.
January 14, 2019
Was pretty good.
September 23, 2020
This was a pretty good conclusion to the series, even if the bad guy's reason for doing all of this was totally petty.
March 12, 2021
Good story
October 14, 2022
Definitely fun to be had with the chronological wrap-up to the Double Helix saga, but perhaps a bit predictable and underwhelming.
3.5/5 Also, that one plot thread kinda went nowhere.
3.5/5 Also, that one plot thread kinda went nowhere.
December 29, 2022
Peter David is the worst trek author.
June 11, 2023
Calhoun joins with Picard from the Enterprise to stop the implementation of a very deadly computer virus. A number of twists along the way makes things interesting. Definitely recommended
April 17, 2019
Unconvincing story and world construction.
It's rare in the extreme that I dislike a book by this author, but this one is barely recognizable as his work. I'd forgotten who the author was until the very end. The many callbacks to Trek canon are initially welcome but feel forced all too often. Some attempts at character development but they end up unsatisfying and in at least one case, feeling arbitrary. It's a tolerable work but not one I'll reread.
It's rare in the extreme that I dislike a book by this author, but this one is barely recognizable as his work. I'd forgotten who the author was until the very end. The many callbacks to Trek canon are initially welcome but feel forced all too often. Some attempts at character development but they end up unsatisfying and in at least one case, feeling arbitrary. It's a tolerable work but not one I'll reread.
October 9, 2022
It was ok.
Not a great cross-over series
made me want to get back to the regular evens on the Excalibur
Not a great cross-over series
made me want to get back to the regular evens on the Excalibur
March 6, 2010
In this fifth instalment of the series, Peter David takes the helm and guides us to a thrilling, climactic battle as The General's plans for destroying all sentient life in the federation come to a head. The Double helix virus, so patiently tested, perfected and proliferated through four previous titles is finally ready to be used on something of a larger scale...
But, in typical fashion, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is alive and kicking - and as luck (or at least a covert branch of Starfleet Intelligence) would have it he is sent into the boiling pot with the authority to do what he must to secure the future of the federation. of course it would be a little unfair to let mac have all the fun, so Picard is also undercover, trying to unravel the mystery of the virus from within.
Things go horribly wrong for all concerned, as they inevitably must, and David's clearly not done with supporting characters as Sela's "Fire At Will!" does not show Commander Riker's future at its best. Clearly it's a worthwhile effort though, you can see how it works - bring in the Romulan's, bring in Sela. it's naturally unfair to expect the crew of the Excalibur to be left out, so although Calhoun is off saving the universe, that proud vessel (with riker in command) also has its fair share of things to deal with.
We finally learn just how daring the scope of the virus is, of course - and what bigger target than the federation in its entirety? the question this book finally answers is simply this: can the virus be stopped? Or will the sixth and final entry in this most fascinating of series show a mop-up effort with the federation struggling to pull itself back from the brink of utter annihilation?
But, in typical fashion, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is alive and kicking - and as luck (or at least a covert branch of Starfleet Intelligence) would have it he is sent into the boiling pot with the authority to do what he must to secure the future of the federation. of course it would be a little unfair to let mac have all the fun, so Picard is also undercover, trying to unravel the mystery of the virus from within.
Things go horribly wrong for all concerned, as they inevitably must, and David's clearly not done with supporting characters as Sela's "Fire At Will!" does not show Commander Riker's future at its best. Clearly it's a worthwhile effort though, you can see how it works - bring in the Romulan's, bring in Sela. it's naturally unfair to expect the crew of the Excalibur to be left out, so although Calhoun is off saving the universe, that proud vessel (with riker in command) also has its fair share of things to deal with.
We finally learn just how daring the scope of the virus is, of course - and what bigger target than the federation in its entirety? the question this book finally answers is simply this: can the virus be stopped? Or will the sixth and final entry in this most fascinating of series show a mop-up effort with the federation struggling to pull itself back from the brink of utter annihilation?
March 1, 2016
PLOT OR PREMISE:
This is the fifth in the series about a vengeful attack on the universe by an "unknown" assailant who uses biological weapons to wipe out races in the Federation. This book puts Riker on the Excalibur, dealing with Shelby et al; Mackenzie on a secret undercover mission to infiltrate the assailant's lair; and, Picard undercover to do the same thing, eventually linking up with Mackenzie.
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WHAT I LIKED:
There are a series of one-liners with Shelby and Riker that are occasionally funny, Mackenzie's infiltration is really interesting at the start and his character is great, and there is an interesting interplay between Admirals at one point.
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WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
The Riker and Shelby section is not very well-written, Mackenzie's infiltration becomes repetitive at the end, and when Picard and he link up, it makes little to no sense for most of it. However, my real problem with this story is the sequencing...up until now in the series, you haven't known why the assailant is doing what he is doing, or even who it is. This one reveals all, and the motives are kind of a cliché. The New Frontier portion stays true to form while the rest of the interactions with The Next Generation universe is more of a caricature than reality.
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BOTTOM-LINE:
Readable
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DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, but I do follow him on social media.
This is the fifth in the series about a vengeful attack on the universe by an "unknown" assailant who uses biological weapons to wipe out races in the Federation. This book puts Riker on the Excalibur, dealing with Shelby et al; Mackenzie on a secret undercover mission to infiltrate the assailant's lair; and, Picard undercover to do the same thing, eventually linking up with Mackenzie.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
There are a series of one-liners with Shelby and Riker that are occasionally funny, Mackenzie's infiltration is really interesting at the start and his character is great, and there is an interesting interplay between Admirals at one point.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
The Riker and Shelby section is not very well-written, Mackenzie's infiltration becomes repetitive at the end, and when Picard and he link up, it makes little to no sense for most of it. However, my real problem with this story is the sequencing...up until now in the series, you haven't known why the assailant is doing what he is doing, or even who it is. This one reveals all, and the motives are kind of a cliché. The New Frontier portion stays true to form while the rest of the interactions with The Next Generation universe is more of a caricature than reality.
.
BOTTOM-LINE:
Readable
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, but I do follow him on social media.
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