Well-written, but I don't care for the stories.
Both of these stories are quite well-written, with one major caveat which I'll get to later; if you enjoy the characters of the Ferengi, or stories about them and their culture, you'll probably enjoy the first half of the book, "Satisfaction is not Guaranteed". I don't, so I didn't, although I will admit to having been gladdened by the resolution to one particular sub-plot; to specify which one would risk spoiling a plot-point, so I won't do so.
The second story, "Olympus Descending", might have been tolerable, although I don't much care for the storyline involving Odo interacting with other "Founders" in the great link; the storyline involving Kira and Taran'atar had great promise, but I can't forgive it one tremendous flaw: it had a chapter in which a tremendously important (and unpleasant) event was seen to transpire, only to have that event negated after a chapter's digression by the EXTREMELY trite and unacceptable device of "and then the little boy woke up and discovered that it was all a dream". Totally unforgivable cop-out.
Exploring the Worlds of Deep Space Nine
Volume 3, The Dominion and Ferenginar, of the Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine chronologically follows what took place in Volume 2. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ferenginar's "Satisfaction Not Guaranteed" and discovered, much to my delight, the characters from "The Magnificent Ferengi" and "Profit and Lace", two of my favorite Ferengi episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! This story follows up on what happened after the episode, "The Dogs of War", when Rom became Grand Nagus and Quark vowed to make sure his bar remains true to old-fashioned Ferengi values. I really enjoyed what happened to Brunt! However, now that Cousin Gaila is involved at the end, I can only imagine what those two could cook up!
After reading "Olympus Descending" and learning of Laas returning to the Founders current homeworld, this story seems to be slower-paced. In fact, it seems to drag a bit compared to the previous story. The story-within-a-story involving Taran'atar appears to be leading up to the events in "Warpath", a novel by Mr. Mack. I still have a lot of mixed feelings regarding "Olympus Descending" as I am struggling with my willing suspension of disbelief...especially the way it ended. I also feel that the editing could have been better as I couldn't help but notice quite a few careless typographical errors that should have been caught during the proof-reading stage(s).
If I could give 3 and 1/2 I would.
The first part of the book satisfaction is not guaranteed is excellent its Quark and his family acting the way Quark and his family should act. It also includes appearances by most of the secondary members of Ferenginar society we have come to love over the years and it does not disappoint. Every Deep Space Nice fan should get the book for this story.
I did not like Olympus Descending half as much as I liked the first story. While there is some interesting interaction between Odo and Weyoun much of the rest of the story tends to be incredibly philosophical and it is just not my cup of tea sorry.
Two books in one.
First half of "Ferenginar" deals with Ferengi culture thru Quarks eyes as his brother Rom is being deposed from the position of Grand Nagas. Well written, the Ferengi are the 'spice' that StarTrek needs. A very enjoyable read.
Second half of book deals with Odo and his relationship with the "Great Link" and the Dominion, Odo seeks out his origins and finds unexpected answers and challenges.
a pivotal point
Apparently, a main character in the Deep Space Nine saga is killed in this installment. It has so many interesting ramifications. Not only was a main character killed, another critical revelation was made which was just as shocking as the killing of a main character. For a while, I was getting a little bored with how this entire series was going, but after reading this I have renewed interest and am eager to start the next book in the series.
(11 reviews)
