I like how novels like this build on the tapestry of the novel 'verse story as a whole, with the arcs involving Bashir, Section 31, the mirror universe and the Breen all moving forward here. As ever, Mack is one of the best at incorporating the whole scope of the novel continuity without making any of the references feel laboured or unnecessary. This is precisely how continuity should work - not "look, I referenced such and such story", as nice as that is, but plots that emerge naturally from what's previously occurred. Mack is one of the authors I trust most to handle the "leading edge" of the timeline.
I must say this isn't his most spectacular by any means, but it's solid. There's plenty to enjoy, even if nothing blew me away.
I agree with many of the others that the Mirror Dominion is a highlight, particularly the conversation about the two realities almost seeming to have exchanged Odos. Seeing what an interstellar union controlled by the changelings might look like were it not so destructive was fascinating. The new angle on the changelings, Vorta and Jem'Hadar was convincing, and the mirrored rerun of Taran'atar's journey made me nostalgic. In a universe so torn by destructive chaos, the lure of the Dominion's order and law is undeniable.
I liked how the Galactic Commonwealth is somewhat more informal than the Federation, a consequence, no doubt, of the fact that many of its officials are former rebellion members. The way Eddington, Sevok, Gleer, zh'Faila and Zife interact is as much a party of friends as it is a group of political colleagues.
I find it interesting just how common it is among the Breen to feel tired of their peoples' extreme commitment to concealment and obfuscation. I'm getting the impression that opposition to their societal repression is far more widespread than the Breen themselves realize. Tran and Trom both express their private distaste with many aspects of the Breen way, and they're definitely not the first notable officials to do so. None of them dare speak it, though, or even really entertain that discontent at any length. If there ever is a revolution, though, I can see it avalanching. They're too atomized to realize it, but a great many of them find it wearying. In fact, considering the discussion in Silent Weapons (the one Worf angrily inserted himself into), I'm wondering if Mack doesn't have half-formed plans for a "Breen unmasking" plot at some point in the future...
I look forward to "Control".
I must say this isn't his most spectacular by any means, but it's solid. There's plenty to enjoy, even if nothing blew me away.
I agree with many of the others that the Mirror Dominion is a highlight, particularly the conversation about the two realities almost seeming to have exchanged Odos. Seeing what an interstellar union controlled by the changelings might look like were it not so destructive was fascinating. The new angle on the changelings, Vorta and Jem'Hadar was convincing, and the mirrored rerun of Taran'atar's journey made me nostalgic. In a universe so torn by destructive chaos, the lure of the Dominion's order and law is undeniable.
I liked how the Galactic Commonwealth is somewhat more informal than the Federation, a consequence, no doubt, of the fact that many of its officials are former rebellion members. The way Eddington, Sevok, Gleer, zh'Faila and Zife interact is as much a party of friends as it is a group of political colleagues.
I find it interesting just how common it is among the Breen to feel tired of their peoples' extreme commitment to concealment and obfuscation. I'm getting the impression that opposition to their societal repression is far more widespread than the Breen themselves realize. Tran and Trom both express their private distaste with many aspects of the Breen way, and they're definitely not the first notable officials to do so. None of them dare speak it, though, or even really entertain that discontent at any length. If there ever is a revolution, though, I can see it avalanching. They're too atomized to realize it, but a great many of them find it wearying. In fact, considering the discussion in Silent Weapons (the one Worf angrily inserted himself into), I'm wondering if Mack doesn't have half-formed plans for a "Breen unmasking" plot at some point in the future...
I look forward to "Control".
Of course, the word in question does refer to a explosive-breeding ecological menace, so perhaps the name is fearsome and threatening after all. 
