Vanguard: Precipice (Star Trek Seekers)

Editorial Reviews. About the Author. David Mack is the award-winning and New York Times Vanguard: Storming Heaven (Star Trek: Vanguard Book 8).
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After going to such pains to emphasise the Vault's security in the first book, the heist of the artefact seems ridiculously easy. Xiong, Marcus, Nogura and Jetanien are all sidelined to bit players in this volume - but that's OK, perhaps with the exception of Jetanien who I really missed.

With so many balls in the air from the previous book, Mack wrangled the most important ones and evolved the plot in some interesting directions. Nevertheless, it lacks the momentum of previous Mack volumes. Jan 22, David King rated it really liked it. As always with the Vanguard novels there are a several plotlines to follow but they all focus in some way around the Taurus Reach and the various interactions between the Federation, Klingons, Tholians and Shedai.

On the whole, this is another enjoyable episode in the Vanguard series of novels. In addition, Mack expertly manages the now quite considerable number of plotlines so that I never once found myself getting lost or confused. One minor issue I do have is that I feel the progression of the overall story is now being limited by the sheer number of plotlines involved.

One thing, I am split on in regards to this novel is Cervantes Quinn. I have always enjoyed this loveable rogue so it was nice to see him take a more prominent role in this novel but the evolution of his character seemed a bit far-fetched. Overall, this is a novel which does a good job at continuing the Vanguard saga. Sep 17, Victor rated it really liked it. Phew, David Mack managed to sidestep some of the more egregious absurdities of the previous entry in the series. Precipice is certainly an enjoyable little pulpy space opera romp. The politics on the titular Federation station take a back seat to some exciting antics on a nearby planet.

Mack also pared down the cast to the few characters that were truly interesting. There are still names I've read before that I don't remember or care about, but the main players get a lot done and it's fun the wh Phew, David Mack managed to sidestep some of the more egregious absurdities of the previous entry in the series.

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There are still names I've read before that I don't remember or care about, but the main players get a lot done and it's fun the whole way through. Naturally, the damsel is a character who has shown competence and experience, making her capture somewhat improbable. Also naturally, her captivity prompts heroic action from her male companion. Granted, shortly after releasing her, she saves his life in turn, but in comparison, their actions do not seem equitable. It's a bit of an problematic morass for Mack to have stepped into. Especially considering most of the female characters in Vanguard have been pretty solid.

It's an unfortunately easy 'default' to use, but just serves to make the female character seem weak. As soon as she's captured she turns into a background decoration until the guy saves her. Otherwise, however, I was quite impressed, especially considering the rocky start the series has had so far. My hopes have brightened considerably. Jan 03, Jimyanni rated it liked it Shelves: This book would have been pretty good as a stand-alone or as the first of the series, but there are several points at which it fails gloriously to remain consistent with what has been established in the prior books of the series, mostly in terms of characterization.

Cervantes Quinn as futuristic James Bond-style action hero? I still don't buy it. Diego Reyes gives sensitive tactical information to the Klingons and to the Orion crime boss Gantz, the former to protect the life of a lover and the latter for his own convenience? I just don't buy it. Maybe the former, certainly not the latter.

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No, this book has simply failed to accept what had been previously established as the personalities of the characters. If you're going to write in a shared universe that has characters with personalities previously established, you have to work within those parameters. There is room for character development, but that is different from simply ignoring what has gone before. There was not sufficiently gradual progress toward these changes.

Jan 24, Luke Sims-Jenkins rated it really liked it Shelves: The series is becoming so good I might need a break so I can have a life, otherwise I might miss my upcoming wedding! Precipice the fifth book of the Vanguard series is different again, but still fast paced with enough mystery, action and plot threads to keep one interested. Sadly this series is becoming too hard to review since I don't want to give out any spoilers, but needless to say this is a worthy follow up to Open Secrets. Some readers may find it strange about the development of one partic The series is becoming so good I might need a break so I can have a life, otherwise I might miss my upcoming wedding!

Some readers may find it strange about the development of one particular character, but I think that was sort of teased by Mack's third entry into Vanguard; Reap the Whirlwind. Plus is story time we haven't seen this character for a year. If you haven't read the previous Vanguard books then why pick this up?

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To get maximum enjoyment start at the beginning. Jan 28, Lee rated it liked it Shelves: Diego Reyes, I don't feel that I have a grasp on him like I do for most of the others. I admit to feeling lost on the identity of the several Shedai personalities roaming about. The morphing of Cervantes Quinn-- ne'er do well, tramp merchant-- into a guerrilla fighter, I could handle.

His 5th book of the series: His super-melee-powers, that seemed a long stretch. I do like that events from the Original Series are mentioned as background, with their consequences sometimes tumbling into this region of space.

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This is done well, grounding it in the Trek setting. Dec 02, Steve rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've been loving the Vanguard series thus far This has been a great series and I'm disappointed it will be ending for me after just a few more books. While I'm sure it's "sequel series" The Seekers series will be just as fun and well-written The writers on this series have done a fantastic job I just wish the "last book" I've been loving the Vanguard series thus far I just wish the "last book" was available in softcover and not just for the e-reader audience.

Mar 24, Benjamin Plume rated it liked it Shelves: I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the other Vanguard books I've read to date. I'm not sure why. It had probably the most action of any book in the series so far, and it was definitely more of a page-turner than, say, "Reap the Whirlwind. It just didn't seem quite messy enough. I still enjoyed it, and like most of David Mack's Star Trek work it was well-crafted and I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the other Vanguard books I've read to date. I still enjoyed it, and like most of David Mack's Star Trek work it was well-crafted and fun to read.

I think my relative enjoyment of the other four Vanguard books over this one just comes down to personal taste. Jan 22, Leilani rated it really liked it Shelves: I love the way the writers and editors behind the Vanguard books managed to fit a suspenseful space opera full of entertaining new characters into a corner of the established Star Trek universe - relatives of the Tholians, where Project Genesis gets its start The writing is skillful, and the many characters all are vivid, even the ones who are just on the page briefly.

The story continues to build in interesting new ways, and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next. I feel awful that it took me several months to continue with the Vanguard series, but it was like coming home once I did. I'm telling you all that this isn't just a great Star Trek book series, it is also great sci fi! I doubt we'll ever see it, but I would love to see this made into a TV or movie series.

Honestly, just read these books. Feb 11, Robert Soroky rated it liked it. Fortunately, the story kicks into high gear by the final third of the book, and finishes with a bang! Overall, it's been a terrific series thus far Aug 10, Tom rated it liked it. Lots of action in this installment with a few surprises. Also, there was very little recall of events from the previous titles. Not much in furthering character development occurred. The next in the series is the novellas which may fill in some of the blanks. Jan 02, Dan rated it really liked it Shelves: The high quality of the Vanguard saga is maintained.

A lot of setup that I can't wait to see finally pay off. Feb 18, Evelyn rated it liked it Shelves: A bit boring compared to the previous books but still good. May 15, Marc Mason rated it really liked it. David Mack proves that he is the absolute best Trek writer working today- period- with this latest entry in the series.

Jul 27, John added it.

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This series just keep getting better. The characters introduced in the first book, whom you thought were stereotypical Starfleet heroes, have become pseudo-criminals, and fugitives from justice! This is definitely the best book in the series so far. Feb 17, Brian rated it it was amazing Shelves: Seriously, David Mark is this generation's Peter David Read ALL of this series! Aug 30, Duane Ballenger rated it really liked it.

I'll miss this series when it ends. Love the characters and the time period of this Trek series. Aug 24, Evelyn rated it it was amazing. Just amazing, I couldn't put it down. Jul 08, Gordon Love rated it it was ok Shelves: Dull, wooden and dreary, almost svaed by a few good plot ideas. The writing style is utterly repetitive and uninspired.

Oct 16, Debbie A Seaborn rated it really liked it. Would search out some more of David Mack's stories. Jul 27, Christopher Backa rated it it was amazing. The excellent vanguard story continues in book 5, it wraps some character arcs , and continues to explore the mystery of the Taurus reach. Oct 17, Evan Wood rated it it was amazing Shelves: Best book of the series so far!

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. David Mack is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels of science-fiction, fantasy, and adventure, including the Star Trek Destiny and Cold Equations trilogies. Beyond novels, Mack's writing credits span several media, including television for produced episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , film, and comic books. Follow him on Twitter davidalanmack or join his fans on Fac David Mack is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels of science-fiction, fantasy, and adventure, including the Star Trek Destiny and Cold Equations trilogies.

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