Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Never Ending Sacrifice

By Una McCormack

A powerful Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel, this science fiction saga explores the fall of the Cardassian Empire through the eyes of a man caught between two cultures during the aftermath of the Dominion War.

Rugal is a Cardassian orphan raised by the Bajorans, the very people his race once conquered. Reluctantly returned to Cardassia as a teenager, he becomes a firsthand witness to the collapse of Cardassian power--first under Klingon occupation, then through the empire's catastrophic alliance with the Dominion, a partnership that ends in devastation and near-genocide.

As Cardassia fractures and its people struggle to survive the consequences of their choices, Rugal's unique perspective reveals the political arrogance, moral compromises, and cultural blind spots that led to ruin. Yet even as he believes he understands the failures of his people, Rugal discovers that the Cardassian soul--and his own divided identity--are far more complex than he ever imagined.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439109613
• ISBN13: 9781439109618
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Star Trek
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

The title discribes the novel on several levels

Wow! I too was captivated by Rugal's on-going story, although I (sort of) agreed watching the DS9 episode that he should go home to Cardassia. I was kind of irritated when, though realizing his birth father loved him unconditionally, he still wanted to go back to Bajor. But was so into the storyline, and it fits the teenage emotional level. U.M.'s writing is excellent. It sweeps along from one believable happening to another. It was so satisfying to see him mature, and stop thinking about his own issues,though heart-wrenching, to care for his grandmother, and then his neighbor during the war. I would have loved to have seen some type of reconciliation between Rugal and his father. But like the title says, there were never ending sacrifices--Rugal's, his father's, his adoptive parents, the Bajoran people's, the soldiers, the Cardassian people's, their brain washed children, the survivors of all the ravaged planets, and even the ones that weren't touched. I'll bet when you read this book you'll be able to find evidence of more. U.M. shows how families can be destroyed by cruel ambitions and bigoted people. Then we get to watch in triumph as they rally to survive, and even prosper. How beautiful for Rugal to create one family after losing two. I highly recommend this book. Hats off to U.M. for her fine writing.

Una McCormack does DS9 characters justice.

McCormack's writing focuses on what made DS9 so successful - it's great characters. Pros: -The dialogue is so well written, it felt like watching a new DS9 episode. -The characters are incredibly detailed and surprisingly good for a standalone novel. Cons: -Some portions, it takes a long time for a simple sub-plot to be tied into the main plot. -The ending is slightly melodramatic. First Hollow Men, and now this. I can't wait for McCormack's next book!

Outstanding!

The Never Ending Sacrifice was one of the best Star Trek books I've read. The story line was captivating. I couldn't put it down. Una McCormack should get an award for this one. The main character, Rugal, steals your heart from the very beginning. He's journey from childhood on Bajor, back to Cardassia with a father he never knew. He takes you through the Dominion War from a different perspective. I can't say enough about this book and I don't want to give anything away. A must read and enjoy!

Wonderful Character Story

I generally dont like Star Trek novels that dont feature prominately the major characters in the given series an as a result it took me several attempts to get started with this book and while it is Star Trek pretty much in name only the story was engrossing and it was an excellent read. If you want a story thats a bit different for Star Trek I recommend this book. If youre looking for a good Star Trek story involving major characters try it anyway you will not be disappointed.

Exactly what a DS9 novel should be!

This is just a fantastic book. Definitely in the tradition of DS9's best episodes and books! Reminds me a great deal of 'A Stitch in Time.' A breezy read, but in its way quite complex.