A Singular Destiny (Spoiler)
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S P O I L E R
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“A Singular Destiny” is certainly unusual for a Star Trek book. It
introduces another one of what I call affectionately “KRAD`s creations”,
Sonek Pran. It is mainly him who makes this book unusual. He is a
civilian, a teacher, diplomat and advisor to the President. Sonek Pran
is not a fighter. It was mentioned that he has never used a weapon. He
also hasn`t got any unusual mental powers. What he has is a gift for
languages, a gift to understand people and find the right words to solve
problems. He also has a colourful background. His genetic make up
consists of four different humanoid species. Part of his family heritage
is also reflected in his love for music and I could see in this book
that there is some truth in it that music is also a form of language
that can bring people together.
I liked that character from the beginning. He is a very likeable, highly
intelligent and sensitive man who is determined to do what he thinks
needs to be done and who is not afraid to step on peoples toes if
necessary. It was interesting to see how he collected all the pieces of
the puzzle and put them together, revealing a new potential threat to
the Federation. I learned that this book is intended as a stand alone
but I hope that it sells well enough so that this won`t be the only one
featuring Sonek Pran. I think especially now also the Star Trek book
universe needs a character like him.
The creation of the Typhon Pact makes a lot of sense in a time when the
Federation, the Klingons and so many other powers and civilizations are
struggling with the aftermath of the devastating Borg attack. The
foundation of the Typhon Pact certainly hasn`t the idealistic background
of the Federation and Starfleet. The Typhon Pact is at best a challenge,
at worst a hostile power towards the Federation and its allies. I
remember episodes when Starfleet officers boasted how peaceful, how
advanced humanity has become and that poverty, injustice and hunger are
no longer a problem. This is no longer the case in many regions of the
Federation and beyond. The Typhon Pact will add to this. In theory,
contact with them can open the door to new opportunities but I could
already see that also thanks to them, crime, including terrorism and
border wars are adding to the numerous problems.
It will make the Star Trek book universe more interesting and more
diverse. I am looking forward to find out more about the Typhon Pact,
its members, governments and various powers. I am also looking forward
to find out how the Federation will deal with this challenge. That
includes President Bacco, Starfleet Intelligence, Section 31 and various
Starfleet captains. The Typhon Pact will also have an impact on all the
other civilizations in that region. There is a lot of potential for
interesting stories.
“A Singular Destiny” shows the difficult struggle to rebuild what the
Borg damaged and destroyed. KRAD showed this from different angles and
perspectives, something I welcomed because it gives a very three
dimensional picture of the situation. It ranks from individual tragedies
to mass casualties. I found it amusing that KRAD used this opportunity
to also show us what his creations have been doing and what parts they
are playing now. And why not? I regret it that SCE won`t be continued
and that there are also no plans at present for more Gorkon/Klingon
books. Also “Articles of the Federation” would have deserved more books
of its kind. I enjoyed it to meet these people in this book and I hope
to meet them again.
The only part I still don`t like is the “teaser” for the coming Voyager
book “Full Circle” which will be, kind of, a relaunch of the Voyager
relaunch books. The names B`Elanna Torres and Miral Paris appear on a
casualty list as confirmed dead. After what happened to Paris father and
Janeway, I still don`t see this as a teaser but a turn-off. I have
already been told that I should wait and see. Maybe B`Elanna Torres and
their daughter are not confirmed dead after all not unlike what happened
to Calhoun in New Frontier. But I am certainly not one of these people
who find this announcement exciting. I am in no hurry to find out how
Paris loses at worst the rest of his family.
But this makes very little impact in my enjoyment of this book. I also
enjoyed the part Captain Dax and her crew played in this story and am
looking forward to meet her again in other books. The book offers a good
mix. Some parts are definitely dark but it also has very entertaining,
humorous parts. I can recommend it very much.
Baerbel Haddrell