Good Pre-Dominion War DS9 Novels

[Balok's Decoy]

I'm going on a birding vacation to Arizona this weekend and I need some reading material for the plane (other than my field guide). I've been watching DS9 and was wondering what novels do you guys recommend? Specifically I want stuff that takes place prior to the Dominion War because I haven't gotten that far yet in the show. Right now I'm at the end of season 3 so something that takes place generally within that timeframe would be ideal. So no relaunch novels for me (yet).

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Thrawn]

The first original novel, The Siege, is pretty awesome even though some bits are later contradicted by the show. One of Peter David's most imaginative.

 

[Christopher]

The first original novel, The Siege, is pretty awesome even though some bits are later contradicted by the show.

Surprisingly few and minor bits, though. Of all the debut tie-ins to the various Trek series, I think this is the one that feels most authentic and accurate in retrospect. The main groaner is that the Rio Grande, the indestructible runabout, is destroyed.

 

[borgboy]

Fallen Heroes is a good early novel, with DS9 falling to an alien invasion. All the characters get their moment to shine.
The 34th Rule is set during season 4 with Quark trying to sell an Orb and becoming an enemy of Bajor in the process. Those along with The Seige are the stand out early DS9 novels for me.

 

[Stevil2001]

I read through a bunch of early DS9 novels a couple years ago. I'd say The Siege (season one), Warchild (season one), Fallen Heroes (season two), Time's Enemy (season three), and The 34th Rule (season four) were all good reads.

 

[JWolf]

I'll also give a nod to Fallen Heroes. It was very good.

 

[tomswift2002]

Warchild (set between Seasons 1 & 2) is also a good book. Valhalla is also good and provides a follow-up to the "Pup" episode. The Long Night is a good early-season 3 book. And Wrath Of The Prophets is pretty good as well, and features the appearance of Ro Lauren on DS9 while still part of the Maquis.