Vanguard: opinions?
- Thread starter Mage
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This is pretty much my opinion (save for the Klingons, which I wasn't and still am not a fan of). Vanguard to me combines all the best aspects of all the Trek series.
I tend to agree with Mysterion, and some others.
The fact that there hasn't been a dissenting opinion should speak volumes...
I remember seeing these books on the shelf when they first came out, and while they sounded interesting, I wasn't really planning on reading them. Then my sister gave me the first two for Christmas of '06 (which I was kind of disappointed in, I had actually wanted to get into the Gorkon novels). I read three of the other novels I got that Christmas first, then finally decided to give Vanguard a try. It's been my favorite series ever since.
I remember seeing these books on the shelf when they first came out, and while they sounded interesting, I wasn't really planning on reading them. Then my sister gave me the first two for Christmas of '06 (which I was kind of disappointed in, I had actually wanted to get into the Gorkon novels). I read three of the other novels I got that Christmas first, then finally decided to give Vanguard a try. It's been my favorite series ever since.
I stopped reading TrekLit a few years ago while I was in grad school. I did, however, still read Vangaurd when I was on vacations. It's the best series out there. Well written and engaging. Even if I didn't read a book for 6 months, it was easy to get back into it. 10/10 for me as well
Now to get back into DS9/TNG/VOY relaunch era...
Now to get back into DS9/TNG/VOY relaunch era...
I agree with the general consensus. I love the Vanguard setting, premise and the characters. Vanguard (and anything by Kirsten Beyer or Christopher L. Bennett) are the only must buy releases for me.
i wish Chris Bennett would write a Vanguard... i bet he could some seriously cool shit with that set-up.
Bandwagon...
Vanguard is my absolute favorite Trek lit out there.
Oh, how cool would that be?
Vanguard is my absolute favorite Trek lit out there.
Oh, how cool would that be?
^I gave some thought to pitching for Vanguard when it first came out, maybe doing something that focused more on the exploratory and worldbuilding side, but the series quickly shaped up to be more heavily arc-driven, and to be pretty much a three-man show, with Dave and Dayton/Kevin alternating and trying to top each other. I wouldn't want to intrude on that dynamic, and frankly I'd be a little afraid to get in the middle of that. At this point, I'm happy just being a spectator.
Vanguard is easily the best Trek book series in operation now. Nothing has matched or topped Harbinger, but I have enjoyed all of the books to a certain degree.
The pacing has been a little strange. It almost seemed like the series was reaching its climax by book 3, yet it continues to take new and interesting turns. The ending of the last book was really startling.
What amazes me most is how the series has successfully retconned itself into the political flashpoint of the 23rd century Federation politics.
The only minor nit is how the 24th century fiction really can't reference as it's still ongoing. Besides the Tholians' long memory (in A Singular Destiny wasn't it?), it hasn't been mentioned in that time period. I actually hope the series doesn't overstay its welcome and come to an appropriate conclusion and end at the right time.
Nothing more disappointing than going longer than need be.
The pacing has been a little strange. It almost seemed like the series was reaching its climax by book 3, yet it continues to take new and interesting turns. The ending of the last book was really startling.
What amazes me most is how the series has successfully retconned itself into the political flashpoint of the 23rd century Federation politics.
The only minor nit is how the 24th century fiction really can't reference as it's still ongoing. Besides the Tholians' long memory (in A Singular Destiny wasn't it?), it hasn't been mentioned in that time period. I actually hope the series doesn't overstay its welcome and come to an appropriate conclusion and end at the right time.
Nothing more disappointing than going longer than need be.
Well, yeah, it has, but I'm not sure I should spoil it by naming the book that does follow up on it.
I have to disagree here. I thought Reap The Whirlwind was the best of the series so far. Other than the Destiny books, I don't think I have ever come across so many jaw droppingly awesome scenes in one book.
I've become bored with the book series I was reading, and needed something to read while I took a bus trip down to Salt Lake City yesterday for Special Olympics volleyball competition, so I fished out my copy of Harbinger and started reading it again (for the third time), and it's just as good as it was the first two times, even though I'm only on about Chapter 5 right now.
Since a couple of people have named their favorite novels in the series thus far, I'll join that party by saying that, of the first four novels, I enjoyed Summon the Thunder the most; with that being said, though, all four are excellent in their own right and for different reasons.
Since a couple of people have named their favorite novels in the series thus far, I'll join that party by saying that, of the first four novels, I enjoyed Summon the Thunder the most; with that being said, though, all four are excellent in their own right and for different reasons.
for some reason, i didn't enjoy Open Secrets and Precipice as much as the first three, but they were still damn good.
will have to re-read the series later in the year before i get Declassified.
will have to re-read the series later in the year before i get Declassified.
I think the books are kick @$$ too, in fact I'm reading them again for the second time. If I had a nitpick, I wonder how long the authors can keep the same characters involved in the story lines. For example, Pennington (who I dislike), Desai (who I'm only so/so about) and Xiong (who I like), I wonder one of these characters will no longer appear in the books (or have just a small cameo). Can every book require a journalist, legal beagle, & a scientist??? Sometimes I think it is a plot device to have the characters in the story. Won't included examples for spoilers.
Again, this series is awesome but I wonder when we get to Vanguard #7 or Vanguard #8 if the characters will be included for plot devices.
Again, this series is awesome but I wonder when we get to Vanguard #7 or Vanguard #8 if the characters will be included for plot devices.
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