What is the general consensus on the New Frontier series?
- Thread starter PimpMario
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New Frontier, along with the Deep Space 9 post-series finale books, is my favorite series of all the Star Trek books. I've loved every single book, short story, and comic book and I think Mackenzie Calhoun is not only one of the most interesting Star Trek literature characters, but also one of the most interesting Star Trek characters period. Additionally, I think Once Burned is one of the best Star Trek books ever written.
That being said, I know opinions vary both here and in general, but I think the overall consensus is that the series is worth at least checking out.
That being said, I know opinions vary both here and in general, but I think the overall consensus is that the series is worth at least checking out.
I would consider myself I fan of the series. The question can't be answered without mentioning, as other posters have, that Peter David's writing goes back and forth at times. Some of the books are really good. Other books you sit there and wonder if this is the same guy who wrote Imzadi or Q-Squared.
They are worth reading.
They are worth reading.
Eh. I read the first six books of the series and thought it was okay, but just that. The rest of the 30+ Star Trek novels I've read in the last few years outclassed them by far, with one important exception: Peter David's own Before Dishonor. As a result, the remaining New Frontier books I own are at the bottom of my to-read list. The very bottom.
Most likely, though, I will be the dissenter in this thread. The New Frontier series seems to be very popular on this board.
I'm not sure there is a consensus on this.
All of the above.
All of the above.
It's an important series, because it proved that a books-only Trek series with a mostly new cast of characters could be a success. Aside from that, it really depends on how much you like PAD's style. I liked some of the books but, imho, PAD has had a tendency to be really self-indulgent with his humour and wacky characters, and some of the books read like quickly dashed off first drafts in need of editing and a rewrite. The characters alternate between smartass wisecracking and anger, and have little depth or reality.
^ Well said, Steve
well, given my user name, how do you think i'm going to respond?
It is undoubtedly popular, and has an important place in Trek lit history as the first book-only series. It is also fun to read. However, I personally find it somewhat troubling at times. There is certainly a sense of energy and humour apparent in the books, and they invoke genuine emotion, but I often feel Peter David spends too much time setting up gags and writing unrealistic dialogue simply to set up these gags. This is a shame, as he is frequently genuinely funny, but he overdoes it in my view. "New Frontier" features interesting characters, and the ongoing character arcs are definitely one of the more appealing aspects of the series, but I'm not sure I'd call them realistic characters. They're all a little too "badass" and larger than life for my liking. My overall experience of "New Frontier" is that there are two Peter Davids writing it. Peter David One is a very good story-teller who is trying to write a skillful character piece enfused with fun, and offer a unique and different take on Star Trek. Peter David Two is dedicated to trying to undermine him by throwing in silly jokes, making the characters into caricatures and refusing to take either the Trek universe or his own writing seriously.
Overall, in my opinion, definitely worth reading but sadly not near the top of the list.
Overall, in my opinion, definitely worth reading but sadly not near the top of the list.
I love the series and have been with it since it debuted in 1997. I agree with posters like Steve Roby and JBarney. The series has some low points, but I have found that overall, the series kicks ass. Every time I get another NF book, I put aside whatever i'm reading (even other Trek 
), and I usually plow right through it in no time. I find that PAD writes the books with a certain amount of "flow", and I hardly put it down until it's done. I recommend checking out at least the first four mini-books before you've formed your opinion.
Oh..and Once Burned, the NF installment of the Captain's Table mini-series, is one of my favorite trek books of all time. Enjoy
), and I usually plow right through it in no time. I find that PAD writes the books with a certain amount of "flow", and I hardly put it down until it's done. I recommend checking out at least the first four mini-books before you've formed your opinion.Oh..and Once Burned, the NF installment of the Captain's Table mini-series, is one of my favorite trek books of all time. Enjoy
Yes.
Is New Frontiers using its own continuity or are there any ties to, I dunno, TNG/DS9 Relaunch, Destiny trilogy, etc.?
They're tied into the same continuity. I have to say, though, that I wish New Frontier was treated more like the "Shatnerverse" novels are, with their own self-contained continuity.
True. But that could also be said of most Treklit these days.
I'm very happy with Peter David's work on New Frontier. It's fun, energetic and doesn't take itself too seriously. Personally I think it should be taken with a pinch of salt like the Shatner stuff but one the whole worth reading (unlike the Shatner stuff). The earlier stuff is much better though. Lately it's just been big crazy stuff and line after line of smart-ass dialogue without making me care about the characters one bit.
But most importantly, it should keep him too busy to work on any other Star Trek books where his style just doesn't fit in at all.
Sorry!
But most importantly, it should keep him too busy to work on any other Star Trek books where his style just doesn't fit in at all.
Sorry!
They are tied into the main continuity and have showed up in Destiny, Before Dishonor and Q&A (to name a few), but there are certan aspects of New Frontier that seem to put it into it's own continuity. Like Desma for one...
They're all right. Maybe not my favorite series, but usual;ly I can name at least one thing I liked from all of them. Even it's just Peter David's humor.
They are the William Shatner of Star Trek fiction. Good, if not a bit overboard at times.
^ I thought William Shatner was the William Shatner of Star Trek fiction? 
On topic: I've usually enjoyed New Frontier, but I think the appeal has worn off as other series have developed what made NF so attractive in the first place: strong continuity and a unique cast of characters, and have do so in a way that's more serious and belieavable. I certainly don't regret reading any of them, but when the latest book was released in a format not justified by the content, I just said 'screw it' and moved on to something else.
Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman
On topic: I've usually enjoyed New Frontier, but I think the appeal has worn off as other series have developed what made NF so attractive in the first place: strong continuity and a unique cast of characters, and have do so in a way that's more serious and belieavable. I certainly don't regret reading any of them, but when the latest book was released in a format not justified by the content, I just said 'screw it' and moved on to something else.
Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman
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