Book review
Written by David Mack
Pocket Books paperback
Release date Out now

The crew of the Titan become trapped as Captains Dax and Picard work together to try to prevent a Borg invasion...

The middle portion of any trilogy suffers to a certain extent, as it has to move events on, yet still leave enough to be resolved in the conclusion. David Mack circumvents this problem to a certain extent, keeping the various balls in the air with regard to the Borg's forthcoming invasion and probable annihilation of the Alpha Quadrant, but using much of this book's pages to recounting the tale of Captain Erika Hernandez.

The former Enterprise-era officer finds herself and three of her crew trapped with the Caeliar, facing almost incomprehensible choices. Each makes their own decision, with some frank discussions about life, death, euthanasia and sex that would have been unthinkable in a Star Trek novel 10 years ago, and I defy anyone not to be touched by their fates.

Political machinations come to the fore as well, with DS9's wily tailor Elim Garak taking a central role in President Bacco's attempts to form a coalition against the Borg. Fans of Keith DeCandido's Articles of the Federation will find much to enjoy in this section.

The rest of Starfleet isn't ignored, with the Aventine led by Dax and Picard's Enterprise exploring new avenues, while a task force assembles, including Voyager. Once again, Mack intersperses the large scale events with some smaller moments which bring a "human" touch to what could otherwise simply be an impersonal battle. Patrick Holm

VERDICT: 8/10
A gripping continuation.

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