Definitely the most exciting and action-packed of The Returned trilogy in the Captain Calhoun world, part three takes a dark turn at times, and there are twists no reader could have foreseen. In some respects, this one reads like a writer taking the more outlandish elements of the New Frontier series to their extremes, which another reviewer also noted. That can be a bad thing if you’re a wholehearted devotee of New Frontier. But if that’s put aside — in fact, put this entire trilogy put aside from that — this is a fast, fun read, with twists and turns worthy of a very good pulp story. And that’s basically how I viewed this third and final entry in the trilogy once it got going.

I’ll assume you’ve read the first two entries if you’re here, but if you haven’t, a few things may be viewed as spoilers. There is, in fact, so much that happens in this one, it’s hard to know where to start. At the same time, I don’t want to give away too much. It begins with a brutal, action-filled opening, with Calhoun trying to beat someone to death — literally. The focus shifts quickly from Mackenzie’s bloodlust to trying to keep the powerful Dayans out of our galaxy because, apparently, they’re intent on destroying all sentient life — not just D’myurj. Well, well…

At the end of the second entry, Q appeared to shake things up for McHenry and Robin Lefler, and the baby Cwansi. Yep, Q is the Awesome, and he wants to see just how much power McHenry has. Q decides a contest should ensue, with all the trappings of a Roman battle in the…Well, you get the idea, but what isn’t conveyed is the darkness present here. Rather than Q being a childishly endearing rogue who sometimes gets out of hand, Peter David writes him somewhat out of character, a bit mean-spirited. What happens with the child Cwansi, which I won’t say more about, is an example.

Also out of left field, we get some of the Soleta/Calhoun situation — which could have been quite charming — taken to extreme levels. Very extreme. It works out with the author’s explanation, but it seems a poor idea executed rather poorly. Again, it’s like an author unrestrained, where no idea, no matter how contrary to the characters, is given the green light. I can’t stand Shelby, not in the television series, or the ST books. I’d love nothing better than a flip, with Calhoun and Soleta hooking up instead. But this way? And worse, the author cops out at the end, so that doesn’t happen, while at the same time revealing a huge — and I mean huge — story element, then leaving it completely unresolved. A trilogy is supposed to wrap things up with the third entry, not leave something that monumental hanging in the air.

Because this basically felt like a fun pulp version of New Frontier, happenstance plays a large part in people showing up just in the nick of time to save one another; at one point, Calhoun and Soleta are floating in open space! But, that’s the fun of this one. It’s a quick, thrilling read which is never, ever boring, and Peter David does manage to wrap up most of the story-lines from Thallonian space. The third entry is, however, darker than the first two in overall tone. I went with it all, and while annoyed at some events, it was such a fun read I’ll still rate it very high — probably 4.3 for me. If you scrutinize this one too hard, however, rather than just enjoying the ride, you might rate it somewhat lower. ( )

Never a disappointment - Peter David knows his stuff!

I'll admit, I've not followed all the New Frontier Trek stories - I think I need to revisit them. I got signed up for this serialized adventure and it was terrific. His charactes and ideas are well integrated into the 'verse of TNG and beyond. ( )

I've come to realize in reading Star Trek novels, not all writers are able to capture and bring to life the the qualities of the Star Trek characters and create a vibrant, action packed sci-fi story. A story that keeps you on your toes and makes you feel as if you have come home to the world of Star Trek, whether you are reading the original series or a new book series. Peter David excels at this and that is why he is one of my favorite Star Trek authors!

With Star Trek: New Frontiers: The Returned, Part lll he hit the nail on the head! The characters are well written, the story jumped off the pages and grabbed me from the first paragraph till the last. I haven't read this series Part 1 and Part 2 but I was able to follow along with the story and fully enjoy it.

Still, this book was published in three parts and in retrospect, I believe that my reading experience of Part 3 would have been enriched if I had read the three parts in order.

Overall, I loved this book and I'm off to read the first two parts! I give Star Trek: New Frontiers: The Returned, Part lll a full 5 stars!

A big thank you to Pocket Books and Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )