James T. Kirk and friends Vs Emperor Tiberius. This the 6th ST book done by William Shatner and friends (and book 3 of the mirror mirror trilogy) and it is a bit below the standards set by the first 5. I must say though that I haven't read the book, only the abridged audio CD. The chase part of the book was hard to follow.

If you read the other five, you have to read this one. Shatner and friends are the best story tellers in the ST universe. I hope they plan to keep the books coming, and include characters from all the series.

What about a trilogy called: DATA THE RETURN. Kirk and Picard go back to the time of Capt Archer and set out to steal a Borg Devise that could revive Data. ST has little continuity anyway, so what's the harm.

My title for this review pretty much sums up my thoughts on the book, it was good, but not fantastic.
It continues the story from 'Dark Victory' nicely, tying up the story of Tiberius nicely.
It also shows Kirk in yet another battle with a mortal foe, and, again, having personel problems.
Again, the book were technically astute, probably the most technically correct Star Trek books I've ever read.
But the writing in itself poses a problem. After reading the numerous and excellent Judith and Garfield Reeves Stevens novels, I wonder how much of the books Shatner himself actually writes. It's obvious they do a great deal of the more detailed work, more than the book gives them credit for really.
The story, while a great continuation of 'Dark Victory', seemed to go too far in violating the Trek legend. The authors seem to say that the incidents that put our heroes in the places they are today (First Contact, Kirk taking command of the Enterprise, Janeway commanding Voyager) were all influenced by this magical Preserver race, which is actually the First Federation encountered by Kirk in 2264.
I always grew up thinking that the characters in Star Trek had EARNED their positions, and that Starfleet was the sort of organisation that recognised people of their abilities and put them in positions that bested sutied them to utilise those abilities to the full. To no suddenly be told the Preservers did all of it is simply folly, and I cannot believe it.
Again, Starfleet is portrayed as being some sort of bumbling beauracracy, with inept admirals and competent but overworked field officers. I refuse to accept that.
But in total, I began to feel sorry for Kirk. He has been through so much, done so much, and now hast lost it all again. I began to think that I preferred the 'canon' Kirk story, that is, he died on the mountain top on Veridian III, forever among the stars he first saw as a farmboy in Iowa.
The book has some good points and bad, but is so far from Trek 'canon' that it cannot even be considered for 'canon' designation.
But it is still a great story, and if you've read the entire rebirth series so far, you would be well advised to finish it.

Preserver is the third book(and conclusion) in William Shatner's latest Star Trek series. What I find most amazing is that William Shatner was able to blend all the different elements he had been building up since the beginning of the series into a cohesive story and ending. He manages to merge Jim Kirk's Star Trek with Picard's, and adds the mirror universe and Preservers into the mix as well. The story is action packed, and true to how the characters would be expected to react. But just a warning; this series should be read through in order, in a reasonable time frame. Otherwise, you will forget what an seemingly unimportant event and be confused by the next events. You truly have to pay attention. Other than that, this is and excellent novel.

This is not a perfect book - the ending is rather unclear and surprisingly rushed. However, the scope of the book, carrying the cast from my favorite Trek series up to and beyond the seeming end of the universe, and the way the characters face desparate odds and still overcome them, is fantastic. The Reeves-Stevenses know how to tell an epic story. That's something that Star Trek rarely does well, even at its best. This would have made a spectacular bit of television.

And once again, Garak - not content to have his own book - steals the show. This book is worth reading if only to see what happens when Garak has a conversation with Garak!

If you're a Trek fan, these books are pretty much a must-read. If you're not a Trekkie but enjoy epic space fantasy, you'll be lost at first, but you'll have fun. And you might even decide to go back and give reruns of DS9 a try.

I never read the first two books, which made it difficult for me to understand. I still found it very confusing. Other than that small drawback, it is by far the best DS9 book written. Reeves-Stevens are some of the best writers in Trek today, and I knew when I found it that this would be good as well. They have a good understanding of space and time travel, which makes the book more authentic. If you're looking for a wild ride, you found a great one!

Star Trek Deep Space Nine Millennium Book III of III Inferno

What can one say other than with this final outstanding novel in the brilliant Millennium trilogy by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens other than it is simply superb and far outreaches many of its predecessors in the Star Trek Deep Space Nine line of novels. To say that at the very least Pocket Books should've produced this exceptional trilogy in hardback is a mere understatement! As stated in the reviews for the first two books of this trilogy, the authors are brilliant in their plot detail and stupendous in their knowledge of the series which easily translates into each book of this trilogy!

The premise:

At the conclusion of Book II The War of the Prophets, Kai Weyoun has ensured that the two wormholes are in close proximity, causing the destruction of the universe. Fortunately for our heroes, they all find a way to be there when the wormholes are opened and are consequently pulled into them just before the rest of the universe is snuffed out! Here is where the novel gets extremely intriguing as the authors take us through the majority of the characters experiences as they're each thrust into their own personal Pah-wraith hell and are consequently saved from this by somebody that would be the least expected to do so.

Captain Sisko now finds himself in the situation of having to come up with a way to get everybody home to their own time frame while saving the universe at the same time. To hamper him and his crew in their collective efforts to get home, their stuck in the red wormhole and are constantly being shifted around in time.

The authors do an exceptional job of setting up a situation where our heroes have many problems to solve while at the same time, they're all shifting around in different time frames spanning six years on the station! You add all this up and it all comes out as one of the best Star Trek trilogies in print! I highly recommend this Star Trek Deep Space Nine trilogy as it is truly one of the best Star Trek stories in print! {ssintrepid}

This is a story about three friends aboard the Nautilus, a cantankerous submarine-like vessel that is commandeered by Captain Nemo, an elusive figure with a mind of steel and a impenetrable purpose in life. Captain Nemo has long ago turned his back on the world, building this vessel with the intent of making it his home, staffing it with the most loyal of crews, and arming it as though it were a fortress. And a fortress it is. Captain Nemo and his crew live beneath the sea in this fascinating underwater vehicle as solid as stone. They never touch land, and are prepared to spend the rest of their days living underwater. The world has learned of this vessel, but rumors of its nature abound. Most think it is a sea monster of sorts, and the great ship the Abraham Lincoln sets out on a voyage to find and destroy the Nautilus. On board are Professor Aronnax, underwater expert, his loyal subject Conseil, and a Canadian whale harpooner named Ned Land. These unfortunate characters are tossed into the sea while heavily engaged in a confrontation with the mighty Nautilus. Hours later, they are picked up by the Nautilus, having been clinging to it's topside for safety. They are held prisoner within, but never have prisoners of war had such luxury and freedom. What follows is Monsieur Aronnax' account of the adventures that abound as he travels around the world underwater, seeing sights never before seen, engaging in activities he once only dreamed of, and enjoying times never meant to be had by man. When his companion, Ned Land, becomes restless and wishes to escape the Nautilus, the story heats up. Throughout, Captain Nemo is a mystery you will wish revealed. The story has many dull parts too, and many unfamiliar words and expressions that may bore you. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating and marvelous classic - if you have not yet read this, you should.

This is Verne's classic novel about Captain Nemo and his submarine Nautilus. What really fascinated me when reading this story and other Verne novels was not only Verne's contributions to the science fiction genre, but his founding of a whole new genre, one that, as far as I know, he has never been given credit. I think Verne was the first to write the techno-novel, a work that is filled with technical details ala Tom Clancy. For this novel, Verne did considerable research to describe what was known as accurately as possible. Professor Arronax and his servant Conseil board a U. S. ship that is searching for a monster that has sunk a number of other ships. They discover that it isn't a monster at all but a submarine, captained by a mysterious man known only as Nemo (Verne will present readers with Nemo once again in "The Mysterious Island"). Arronax, Conseil, and an American harpooner named Ned Land travel with Nemo and see many wonderous things and have many adventures. Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" has gotten some very poor reviews over the decades since it first appeared in 1869. In many cases, it was because of the translation and not because of Verne. A number of the early translators inserted their own sections with their own ideas and opinions and deleted much of Verne's own words. So, readers should be aware of the translator. I read an excellent translation by Walter James Miller that was also annotated. Such an annotated volume can prove to be very helpful to teenagers getting acquainted with Nemo and his submarine.

This brilliantly crafted novel of epic proportions, tell of the adventures of Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and Ned Land, a Canadian harpooner, as they are held captive aboard a submarine by a mysterious man who goes under the name Captain Nemo. Although they are in a sense prisoners, they are allowed to use all the facilities aboard the submarine. This submarine, powered by nuclear energy and christened the Nautilus, is one of Verne's many brilliant predictions of modern life made throughout many of his works. This like may others was correct. Through out the book, the reader gains a vast knowledge of marine life, and the lives of people in distant lands.

The book begins when Professor Pierre Aronnax, the narrator of the story, boards an American frigate commissioned to investigate a rash of attacks on international shipping by what is thought to be an amphibious monster. The supposed sea creature, which is actually the submarine Nautilus, sinks Aronnax's vessel and imprisons him along with his devoted servant Conseil and Ned Land, a temperamental harpooner. When they are returned to their senses, the find themselves inside a dark, gloomy, desolate, endless, predicament. They are locked in a cell. However they soon meet Captain Nemo who agrees to let them move about the ship freely on one condition. They must remain aboard the Nautilus. So begins a great adventure of a truly fantastic voyage from the pearl-laden waters of Ceylon to the icy dangers of the South Pole, as Captain Nemo, one of the greatest villains ever created, takes his revenge on all society.

The detail that Verne pours into this book is amazing. This is one of the few books that are capable of making the readers feel that they are actually there. His descriptions of how the Nautilus operates, how Nemo's crew harvests food and his account of hunting on Hawaii are excellent, and the plot never falters. The characters are wonderfully scripted; each one having their own unique personality, and they are weaved flawlessly into the awe filled spectacle.

This is the book that predicted that there would be submarines, and that submarines would eventually go to the South Pole. It predicted the development of the SCUBA suit; it even predicted nuclear powered ships. The technology used in this book makes it easy to understand even today. This book is widely recognized as a classic- in my view, correctly.

This is the first book that I had read that was written by these authors. I started to read it and found myself enjoying it right away. The book had a lot of suspense and action which kept me interested and entertained throughout the whole story. I also thought the events and characters in this story were very convincing, effective, and believable. I enjoy reading stories like this. I really enjoyed reading this book and I really think that its worth reading.

"Quicksilver" is one of those books that you can't put down. The action is non-stop and the plot twists are full of surprises. There is no predicting how this thriller will end.

I think sometimes books should be read with the reader thinking about the story and not about who will play the parts in a movie. Furthermore, I don't remember there being asteroids or viruses in "Icefire."

I'm only halfway throught this book and it's absolutly the MOST exciting, action packed book I've ever read, and I've read thousands! I loved their first book, "Icefire", and knew this pair of authors had what it took. But I was totally surprised that Quicksilver could even top their first book, times 2. I'm takeing the day off work to continue reading...it's that good!

Lori Howe

I read this book in school and in my opinion the story may be good but the vocabulary was very difficult. You can't read without a dictionary. I had to read like five times a line because I didn't understand a word. It's a very dramatic and romantic play. I like tragedies but this play is very detailed and has a lot of scenes. I would like some day to read the same story but in actual English. If it weren't because of the literature teacher didn't help us understand I think nobody would have understood a thing. It's a very good story. I would recommend to read it but not in old English. Shakespeare's words are weird but romantic and may be too nice for his time. He is very creative and plays a lot with the characters.
It's funny how two different teenagers and from families who hated each other could have love one another. At the end they would have died if instead they had had hated each other because of the quarrel. This tragedy is weird and something different from all of the other plays, and I think that may be that's why It's still famous now a days.

I went throughout high school never reading this book. It's so well-known; everyone knows what it is about and how it ends. Movie after movie has come out depicting the events. However, I will honestly say that it is definitely worth the read. It's a beautiful story of two lovers who suffer from forbidden love. I hate sappy books. I despise them. But this one was different. I don't know if it was because it was fast paced or if it's the fact that people were always dueling, or what. However, I will say that Shakepeare is brillant. This, along with so many of his other stories are great. ROMEO AND JULIET is a brillant tale, and after reading it, I am more able to appreciate everything I have seen and heard about it. If nothing else, it's a wonderful play about honor, devotion, independence, and unification. And this edition is really helpful in understanding Shakespeare's language, for on each page, there are notations that tell what his words and phrases mean today...which is REALLY helpful.

I have seen all movie versions about Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and still love the book everytime I revisit the story. Every word captivates the reader into truly feeling the passion and tragedy of these two lovers. Even a character such as Tybalt Capulet won me over as far as description goes. Shakespearian writing is very much complex and confusing but it has a touch romance and anger which adds to the emotion of the story. Read this classic tragedy!

Comedy, in the strictest sense, is concerned with ultimate forgiveness and reconciliation. In Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest," the protagonist, Prospero, must come to terms with his brother Antonio, who conspired to have him driven from his duchy in Milan, and with the world of social interaction in general.

Magic, Power, and Conspiracy are the foundational thematic elements through which Shakespeare effects Prospero's reintegration into human society. Thrown into a boat with his infant daughter Miranda, Prospero comes to live on a nearly deserted island in the Mediterranean Sea. Prospero's concentration on developing his proficiency in Magic caused him to become alienated from his political and social responsibilities in Milan, leading to his expulsion. His brother Antonio conspired with Alonso, king of Naples, and seized the power Prospero forsook for book-learning.

Prospero hears of a sea voyage undertaken by his enemies, and, using his Magic, whips up a storm, a great tempest, which causes his enemies to be shipwrecked on his island. On the island, Prospero exercises total power - over the education of his daughter, his slave, the deformed Caliban, and now over his enemies. He engages Ariel, a sprite, to orchestrate the division of the traveling party, and to put them through various trials to exact vengeance and ultimately, submission from them.

"The Tempest" is a fine effort from Shakespeare, but the power relations in the play are problematic. Prospero's insistent dominance over the action of the play is extremely troubling. Although he is presented as a benevolent character, Prospero's relationships with Miranda, Caliban, and Ferdinand, King Alonso's son, complicate his overall worth as a man and an authority figure. The dynamic between the slave Caliban and the drunks, Trinculo and Stephano, is also very unsettling.

Overall, "The Tempest" remains a whimsical flight of imagination, while exploring intriguing themes of education, political intrigue, and romance. Certainly, it is still a well-constructed and entertaining play after nearly four hundred years.

One of the best works by Shakespeare and also his final full play (most likely), The Tempest draws on many elements that Shakespeare used in his earlier works and adds a comic twist. Shakespeare doesn't spend much time on character development in the Tempest, other than Prospero and possibly Caliban (e.g. Miranda is the ideal chaste woman, Trinculo & Stephano are lowly schemers). However, Prospero is extremely well developed and the simple aspects of the other characters do not detract from the story at all. There are many different levels of meaning at work in the play...some see it as a pro-colonialist diatribe, others see it as Shakespeare's own swan song, where Prospero himself is based on the Bard, and Prospero's surrendering of his magical powers is representative of Shakespeare giving up his craft. I read it as both, and a million other things, and that is one of the great things about the play...it can be read in so many different ways. The structure of the play seems almost chaotic at first, with so many things going on at once. However, if you read the play over again, or read some of the essays contained in the Signet Edition, it becomes much more clear, although still open-ended. The Signet Edition is excellent, and Signets in general are. Buy this over the Folger Library editions...the footnotes here are much easier to work with and make the reading much smoother overall.

Compared to some other works of William Shakespeare, "The Tempest" may be the deepest in meaning. To Shakespeare's credit, this play is also, unlike many of his others, largely original and of his creation. The characters are bloody well developed and the interloping themes bring you into the play. It is also amazing to follow the metaphorical parallelisms in the character of Prospero that reflect on Shakespeare himself. Essentially, Shakespeare announces the end to his writing days in this play. Read how Shakespeare went out like a champ! "The Tempest" is a universal story and its ideals can be placed in our contemporary society and culture.

Shatner did it again! "Avenger" is a good book, but is isn't as good as "The Return". (But if you want to split hairs, I think you would be hard pressed to find a Star Trek novel better than "The Return") Although it features the Next Generation cast, this story is mainly about Kirk and Spock on their respective missions. Kirk to find the cure to the virus that has Starfleet placing entire star systems under quarantine. Spock searching for proof that his father Sarek was murdered. They intertwine with the Enterprise-E crew to make a story that will have you guessing until the end. It also does one heck of a job explaining Kirk's survival from the Borg Homeworld. "Avenger" also sets up the next novel in the series, "Spectre". A must read if you love Star Trek!

After reading the fantastic 'The Return' I was eager to devour another great visit from the literary world of William Shatner...and when 'Avenger' came out, I figured I had found my 'fix'. Unfortunately it was a few steps on the ladder below 'The Ashes of Eden' AND 'The Return' in the way of entertainment. I found it interesting indeed, and like another reviewer mentioned, I had to outright laugh when Kirk came on more physically able than Riker, smarter than Data and you could see the behind-the-scenes rivalry Shatner has with Picard because he out-thinks him at virtually EVERY turn, practically making him look stupid by comparison. It was these particular parts that I not only found overblown, but outright ridiculous.

Now with that said, I STILL enjoyed the book...WHY? you might ask? Well unlike some people who read books and tear them to shreds, I understand that I am NOT supposed to take a science fiction novel seriously. C'mon, it's Star Trek for heavens sake! Kirk doesn't really exist, and neither does ANY Trek character, so therefore I understand that no matter HOW contrived the plot may be, it was written for me to enjoy, and that I did, very much (not as much as his first two Trek books, or the subsequent follow-ups, though). Shatners collaboration with arguably the BEST Trek authors in existence (Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens') pays off for the most part, but despite a lightning fast plot and fun gadgets galore, its the plot itself that brings 'Avenger' down a notch or two. I find it a bit hard to swallow that the United Federation of Planets, with the combined resources of a slew of planets and preparations, that overpopulation could sneak up on them without a tremendous plan designed to correct it in place decades before it could become a problem...but if I suspend that belief because as I said earlier the book was written for FUN, it was a fairly fun read altogether. Now Shatner's follow-up ('Star Trek: Spectre' and 'Dark Victory') are actually MUCH better overall...and I very much look forward to reading 'Preserver'...but I can't say whether or not I'll wait for the paperback...

The way Shatner and Reeves-Stevens tied into the story lines from episodes of the original series was excellent. They provided a new way to look at the motives behind characters who in 1968 were considered one-dimensional villains. The added depth leaves the reader to question the definition of what is evil. The mixing in of the Next Generation Cast will also be pleasing for ST:TNG fans as well. While reading this well-written book my imagination was more satisfying than any television movie or film sequel could ever be. The only reason I give it a 9 is because of Shatner's petulance towards some of the characters of ST:TNG. So far in three novels, Kirk has beaten-up Worf, out-smarted Data, beaten-up Riker, and now decked Picard. Are you trying to tell us something Bill? My final word is buy it! You'll want to read it more than once.

This play can be read as anti-semitic. In fact, it's pretty hard to defend it from such charges. Shylock is a pretty rotten character and the fact that he is jewish is difficult to overlook (particularly since the other characters mention it on pretty much EVERY page). However, I think it is important to mention that the "heroes" of this play do not necessarily have to be interpreted as heroes. They are by no means perfect and there are many subtle (and some not-so-subtle) instances within the text in which their biases against ANYONE unlike them is illustrated. If one reads the play this way, then Shylock becomes more of a tragic figure rather than an absolutely heartless villain. I don't know. My feelings about this are mixed. There are a few funny parts of this play and the language is, as always, beautiful. The theme of putting a price on human beings is one which has been explored numerous times since. Overall, it is enjoyable, but perhaps not so much so as some of the other comedies. Do not read this play without having read a few others by Shakespeare first. It is an excellent play, but not his best and not his most enjoyable either.

After reading most of the other reviews here, I am fully aware that most of the reviewers didn't read carefully enough (or watch carefully enough if they saw the play.) Now, I'm not saying its not open for different interpretations, but there is one thing I would really like to get straight.

I read MoV for a Bar Mitzvah project on Anti-Semitism. Naturally, my sympathies went to Shylock. However, even if i were Christian, i still would've favored Shylock. What many people believe is that Shylock is a cold hearted ruthless person and only wanted to get back at Antonio because Antonio was a Christian.

Not true. Shylock specifically says something along the lines off, "Why should I lend money to you? You spit on me, and call me a Jewish dog!" I'm not saying that Shylock was a good guy, but I am saying that he is not the villain.

In fact, the "Merchant of Venice," in this story is actually Shylock, not Antonio, contrary to popular belief. My thoughts on the story was that Shylock requested a pound of Antonio's flesh because he did not trust Antonio. Who would trust someone that spat on him? The fact is, Antonio doesn't pay him back in the end.

Now, there's always something else we have to put into consideration. Would the judge had given the "spill one ounce of Christian blood" verdict at the end if Shylock were not a Jew?

This is the mark of a great play. A play that really gets you thinking. But I encourage you, I beg of you, that when you read it or see it, please do not hold Shylock up to being a cold hearted villain. Hold Antonio up to that image. (joking, of course, Antonio's not a bad guy, he's just not a good guy.)

This is a wonderful play - and unless you have seen it or read it you don't know it at all. That's because everything the popular culture tells us about this play is false (for example; how many of you think this play is about a merchant named Shylock? ;-)

The Merchant of Venice is a lively and happy morality tale. Good triumphs over bad - charity over greed - love over hate.
There is fine comedy. Portia is one of Shakespeare's greatest women (and he ennobled women more than any playwright in history). There are moments of empathy and pain with all the major characters. There is great humanity and earthiness in this play. These things are what elevate Shakespeare over any other playwright in English history.

Plays should be seen - not read. I recommend you see this play (if you can find a theater with the courage and skill to do it). But if it is not playing in your area this season - buy the book and read it.

I must admit at the outset that I am not a regular reader of the huge array of "Star Trek" books. I'm a "Trek" fan, but not to that extent. However, I did get hooked on William Shatner's "Trek" novels; they are a fun diversion from some heavier reading I usually do.

Having said that, I was looking forward to this book, and picked it up right after it hit paperback. As with all of the previous novels, Shatner moves things right along, so the book is a quick read. But, it seems that as Capt. Kirk's journeys continue, the quality of the books has sunk a bit. "Dark Victory" is good in some ways, but overall weaker than his others.

Some of the plot threads and scenes within "Dark Victory" are great (i.e. the confrontation between Kirk and Picard as the Enterprise reaches the Badlands). It makes for good reading. The major drawback of this book, though, is that I had the feeling at the conclusion that this was nothing but "filler" or a "temporary bridge" between "Spectre" and the upcoming book. "Spectre" had its flaws, to be sure, but it tied up enough loose ends in the plot before the cliffhanger to make it satisfying. I didn't get that out of "Dark Victory". Shatner seemed to leave everything hanging for the next book, and that is unsatisfying to this reader. That is why I say this one seemed to be more "filler" than anything.

At least Capt. Kirk's journeys will continue. But, I hope that he returns to the better form that was displayed in my favorite of the series - "The Return" and "Avenger". I can't wholeheartedly recommend "Dark Victory", but you will want to read it to follow the story into the next novel in the series.

Like his previous Star Trek novels, William Shatner continues his plain, good storytelling in "Dark Victory" -- part of the "Mirror Universe" trilogy. The story is interesting and keeps moving fairly rapidly. There is even a mystery "murder" of sorts. Of course, the centerpiece of the whole thing is Kirk confronting his own dark side in confronting his mirror universe counterpart, and the ending definitely leaves you wanting more! The only negative thing I would say about this book and Shatner's writing in general is that he tends to go for the absolute, most melodramatic storyline possible. He also (no surprise here) tends to focus on the Kirk character to the detriment of other character developement. I should expect this, of course, in a book with Kirk as the central character and written by the man who played him for years, but it still would have been nice to develop other characters (e.g. Picard, Geordi, etc.) and their mirror counterparts as well. Nevertheless, I like the way he blends characters for all the series and makes it coherent and I will definitely be looking for part 3!

Arguably the best of the 6 ST books. Taken from the original Star trek TV series episode MIRROR MIRROR, Kirk's double - twin has not been defeated by spock as we hoped. "Spock is logical and the mirror universe is illogical. If I know my Spocks, he'll..." well he didn't. The Kirk Twin is now Emperor Tiberius (ET) and he has enslaved humans and Vulcan alike.

ET has left home and found a way to our universe and has bad things planned for the federation. Only kirk can stop him. But kirk has a lot of friends to help. Shatner has two Spocks, McCoy and Scotty, and Picard & crew to help. But how do we know which Picard is a mirror or not?

This is the second book of the second trilogy (5th of the double trilogy) written by Shatner and friends for the star trek galaxy. I had long been disappointed in ST books, because they often read as if throw together. Shatner's ST is clearly the best that ST has to offer. If started with ASHES OF EDEN which turned into a trilogy, with the second book being THE RETURN. So, you want to kill off James T. Kirk huh? If you haven't read at least SPECTRE, you will want to because it starts this story arch. The story doesn't end with this book, and continues with PRESERVER. This is great sci-fi and great ST stuff.
Some have called DV the weakest of the trilogy which can happen to the middle book for a series, because things end "up in the air". But for shear entertainment this was a lot of fun to read. You have to read PRESERVER for the ending. Do it. Shatner is a great story teller.

Since I am now boycotting Star Wars NJO with the killing of Anakin, I truly hope that the Star Trek people will do a better job giving us more high quality books that are fun to read. Shatner is great. But I recently read the Dominion War 4 book set and was disappointed. I read these for the familiar characters and especially like what Shatner has done, reviving kirk and putting him with TNG characters.

I bought this book based on other customer recommendations. This was my second attempt at reading an erotica novel (I usually stick to good ol' fashioned romances). So, where should I begin? There are some stories in here that aren't badly witten such as "The Other Woman", "Knowing", "The Welcome Home", "The 5:20 Encounter", "I Wanted To", and "Simply Seduced". So that leaves fourteen other stories that range from seemingly uncompleted, confusing, and down right intollerable. Stories such as "Only In The Movies", "Lines of Fire", "She Went Shopping This Morning", and "Double Clicked" end just when things start getting interesting and leave you wanting more, but not in a teasing prelude sort of way. And then, of course, there are other stories like "A Life of Seductions", "A Conversation About Green Water", "Under The Volcano", and "A Taste of Sicily" whose plot lines are anything but smooth going and, rather than leaving the reader "hot and bothered", they leave them just...plain...bothered. Last, but not least we come to "The Last Seduction" which is about a woman who is,not only in her twilight years, but is also an invalid. I won't EVEN get into how disturbing this one was. One of my main objections to this book was the language. Maybe I've been spoiled by conventional romances that "romanticize" the human anatomy, but I found the vocabulary used in most of the works, even the better written ones, to be crude, thus leaving me feeling cold and unattached when the main reason for purchasing such a book is to get the blood boiling. So do yourselves a favor and find a better use for [your money].

The incandescent tease (and bumblingly verbal husband) of "The Other Woman," the erotic inventiveness of "The Welcome Home," the male truthtelling of "I Wanted To," and the unwavering humaneness of the editor all make this one of the better collections of erotica in several years. We are beseiged by Henry Hyde (or Kirkus Reviews)on one side, and on the other by a steady ratcheting of erotic writing toward power games and grunge. This book is a sweet-hot antidote to BOTH. Lonnie Barbach has likely done more than any other single person to help American women reclaim sexual joy. "Joyful," in fact, is a great word for these delicious little stories. Oh, and now that I think of it, Henry: you might very well enjoy "The Other Woman" as much as I did!

This is a great book. My wife and I read it together. It's many different little stories were fasinating, seductive and erotic. This book is well written and geared towards men and women both.

Many sexual fantasies are explained and after reading this book, I came home to find my SEXY, SEDUCTIVE wife waiting to greet me by the front door wearing NOTHING!!!!. She danced for me, teased me and seduced me like crazy. it was GREAT.

Thanks to this book, my wife and I are more comfortable with

displaying our seductive side and playing out our fantasies. We are definately having more fun in the bedroom. I've noticed we are more open to discussing our own desires and fantasies with each other now.

Another GREAT and SEDUCTIVE book, that we enjoy reading over and over is "Deviant Desires". I recommend both these books to spice up any couples sex lives.