The series is a familiar concept among books; weapons of mass destruction, but the idea of bringing in crews to help the familiar cast was unique in that these crews meet fatal ends later in the show itself. We know this is true because the shows have been televised, so it's not really a surprise to say this here. What is the surprise is being able to catch a glimpse into the lives that were snuffed out by one tragedy or another.

DeCandido's writing is true to the characters and he captures each interaction very well. There are also spurts of humor or the occasional one-liner that you would expect to find within a Star Trek novel or show. Some of the points of history I found a little confusing, however, such as the fact that the new farming colony Kira is helping to build on one of Bajor's moons is called New Bajor, which was actually a colony in the Gamma Quadrant. It didn't put me off from the book, though and would probably only make the more intense fans of DS9 scratch their heads.

I look forward to finishing the second book, which should be easy to do since these books are well written and easy to get lost in. They're also quick reads, good for a few hours of free time spent with your favorite characters. ( )

Keith R. A. DeCandido begins a crossover tale weaving together the adventures of Archer, Kirk, Sisko, Picard, and Janeway. The existence of millenia old weapons is discovered by Archer and his Enterprise crew. Kirk and his Enterprise discover the first of four terrible weapons and one hundred years later, a Bajoran terrorist discovers the second weapon. A nicely told cliffhanger tale.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books. ( )

Adding to the history of Star Trek. ( )