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Spoilers TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread

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Fleet Captain
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​

James Swallow is the author behind this fourth (of five) installment of the The Fall saga. Hitting bookstores around November 26th, The Poisoned Chalice is the first Titan-centered novel since 2012's Fallen Gods - one of the less popular novels in recent years, it's fair to say. Many seem to consider Swallow's own Synthesis the last worthy entry in the Titan series, so fan expectations/hopes are likely to be quite high. Let's see if it can deliver, shall we?

Not-so-titanic in length official blurb:

The Federation is rocked to its core as the Typhon Pact is suspected of being behind a barbarous act that shatters the fragile peace of the Alpha Quadrant. An original Star Trek novel, this is the fourth part of a five-book story arc that takes place over a sixty-day period, but it is not necessary to read each novel in order to follow the storyline, which involves all aspects of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine universes.
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Here's an additional, longer solicitation blurb lifted from Memory Alpha with much more info, though it may or may not be outdated:

One simple act, and the troubles of the United Federation of Planets have grown darker overnight. The mystery behind the heinous terrorist attack that has rocked the Federation to its core grows ever deeper, and William Riker finds himself beset by rumors and half-truths as the USS Titan is ordered back to Earth on emergency orders from the admiralty. Soon, Riker finds himself drawn into a game of political intrigue, bearing witness to members of Starfleet being detained – including people he considered friends – pending an investigation at the highest levels. And while Riker tries to navigate the corridors of power, Titan's tactical officer, Tuvok, is given a series of clandestine orders that lead him into a gray world of secrets, lies, and deniable operations. Who can be trusted when the law falls silent and justice becomes a quest for revenge? For the crew of the USS Titan, the search for answers will become a battle for every ideal the Federation stands for.
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Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

The first description was the place holder one they used back when the it was first announced. The second one is the official one, or at least the one on B&N, Amazon, and Simon and Schuster's official site.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

Weird. I would think when one of the sites was updated they all would be.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

Will there be any excerpt available in advance? They used to post them om Trekmovie.com before it went into partial hiatus.

TTN is my favourite series, I can't wait for the next installment.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

^ S&S hasn't been posting excerpts since they redesigned their website.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

One of my local bookstores has got it out already so I picked up a copy. I probably won't start it until tomorrow or Thursday as I am finishing a different book right now.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

The usual dilemma here. Book Depository have it in, but their delivery takes a week, while amazon is still showing the 5th of December - but if they do get it in early, I get it the next day. BD in seven days or amazon sometime between Thursday and the fifth.

If only BD had a expedited delivery scheme...
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

It arrived in Sydney today
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

So...guessing that we'll be seeing it in Ottawa and Toronto and Hamilton and so on within the next week. Possibly sooner.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

I've read about the first Hundred pages or so of the novel and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the first Titan novel I've enjoyed in a long time.

a couple familiar faces we haven't seen in seen in awhile resurface. Tom Riker and White blue. Nog is also part of the story

It is getting the feel of a mission impossible sort the more I read of it.

Tuvok, Tom, Nog and 7 others are part of a special ops force sent out to take out the cell that assassinated Bacca. There's the usual M:I threat of if they are captured the Federation will deny all knowledge of their mission.

So far it's been a very enjoyable novel and can't wait to read more.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

^Awesome!
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

So I just finished the novel and loved it. Definitely my favorite of the fall novels so far. It really sets up quite well Peaceful Kingdoms. I don't want to say too much but the fate of Dr. Bashir after A Ceremony of Losses is resolved in a way that I think will be pleasing to most readers.

The novel has 3 main story lines. Probably my favorite was the Vale one

it's nice to see her get at least temporary command of a ship even if it isn't Titan. Hers is the one that finds Bashir who has been taken into custody after the Andorian crisis.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

In-universe, three years have passed since Titan's last adventure (2382 - 2385). I wonder whether the crew experienced more action in the meantime, or whether it's been hinted at that it were "three ordinary years, nothing special happend today."?
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

I didn't think this had been officially released yet, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it on sale today. I went ahead and picked it up even though I'm still reading Revelation and Dust.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

Got my copy today.

I'm happy with this. Details as they occur to me.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

ARGH! I want to know everything there is to know about this books NOW:crazy::scream:

sorry, *wipes up drool and spittle*


there is only so many times i can keep refreshing the memory beta page in hopes that SOMEONE has put up spoilers.
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

Dammit, was told it shipped yesterday, and usually it's same day delivery. Hopefully tomorrow or tuesday then. :(
 
Re: TF: The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow Review Thread (Spoilers!

The people who have this book ARE NOT READING IT FAST ENOUGH.

I want spoilers damnit!
 
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