Library Computer: “Terok Nor – Dawn of the Eagles” Review

This week the Library Computer discovers why, at times, it isn’t such a bad thing to know how things turn out in the end as we look at "Dawn of the Eagles", the final book of the Terok Nor DS9 prequel trilogy.

REVIEW: "DAWN OF THE EAGLES"

It’s likely that most people who have anticipated the Terok Nor trilogy are fans of "Deep Space Nine", which means that they already know what’s in store at the end of the events of the mini-series: the Cardassians leave the Bajorans in the dumps, with a half-wrecked space station that is to become a hub of the revival of the planet Bajor. "Dawn of the Eagles", the final book in the trilogy, and the second by authors S. D. Perry and Britta Dennison, doesn’t attempt to delve deeply into the time of this transition. Instead, this final installment in the tale of the Bajoran occupation gives us a look at the downfall of the Cardassian ‘mission’ to Bajor while, at the same time, framing for us the mindsets of individuals such as Opaka, Kira, and Odo.

I suppose, if I was being particularly picky, I could find a lot of things to complain about. Elements of the ‘closed universe’ model appear from time to time – so many familiar faces interacting with other familiar faces, for example; the sometimes too-convenient ways that major problems get solved. Yes, there are things I could complain about, but "Dawn of the Eagles" is just too enjoyable of a read to get sidetracked on such things for too long.

Gone is the uneven writing and poor use of the Cardassians in "Night of the Wolves". Instead, "Dawn of the Eagles" finds an outstanding use of major and minor Cardassian players, and provides a much more uniform and flowing feel to the narrative than did Perry and Dennison’s previous work. In this volume, the duo have hit their stride, and in doing so have provided an outstanding tale.

There is a fervor to "Dawn of the Eagles" that wasn’t present in the preceding works – even James Swallow’s outstanding "Day of the Vipers". Perhaps this is a trick of the mind: one knows that this is it, that something big has to happen. Regardless of the reason for the feeling, the energy level is strong and never falters throughout the story.

So many aspects of the final years of the Occupation are covered in "Dawn of the Eagles"; from Krell Moset’s atrocities, to the self-recriminations of Dr. Mora (the Bajoran scientist who worked with Odo), Kira Nerys’ development into a woman of strength and determination, Dukat’s self-deceiving egotism and his ultimate downfall… and yes, Odo’s real coming-of-age. All of these, and many other stories, are told well by Perry and Dennison.

With "Dawn of the Eagles" Perry and Dennison leave us with the set up for what Benjamin Sisko will encounter when he arrives in the Bajoran sector, and shows why this entire mini-series is worth the time one needs to budget to truly appreciate it.

Could a fan read “Dawn of the Eagles” without reading the other books in this miniseries? I think it would be possible, but many small-yet-vital details would pass by unnoticed. In and of itself, this isn’t an issue, except that it would serve to diminish the impact of this final volume. Even though this final volume felt different than “Night of the Wolves”, the two are really one long story of struggle, tragedy, intrigue, and triumph in the fields, temples, cities, and installations that would later go on to play a significant role in the unfolding of the Deep Space Nine story.

"Star Trek – Terok Nor – Dawn of the Eagles" is available now from Amazon

The previous two novels "Day of the Vipers" and
"Night of the Wolves" are also available.

Previous TrekMovie.com Terok Nor reviews
Review: Terok Nor – Day of the Vipers + Author Interview
Review: Terok Nor – Night of the Wolves

Next Week: Shatbio Time

TrekMovie will have a review and report on all the juicy tidbits in Shatner’s new autobiography  "Up Till Now."