The Big Game

by Sandy Schofield, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith

Book Overview

When Quark holds a poker tournament on "Deep Space Nine" TM someone from almost every sentient race -- Klingons, Cardassians, Romulans, Vulcans, Ferengi -- shows up for what is sure to be the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671880306
• ISBN13: 9780671880309
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Star Trek
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em

This is one of the fourth entry in the DS9 series of tie-in novels and also takes place early in the series, shortly after the Federation/Bajoran take over of DS9 from the Cardassians. For fans of the tv series, and really who else would be reading a tie-in novel? - this is consistent with the characters as they were presented at that time. The story makes an interesting and entertaining supplement to the series. It does not either violate the canon of the tv series or add any significant events or characters to the cast, definitely pluses for a novel of this type. The basic premise is that Quark has organized a high stakes poker tournament, attracting the best players throughout the Federation, and beyond. It has also attracted some definitely unsavory types as well which has definitely made the tournament a matter of interest to Constable Odo. Sisko and the rest of the bridge crew would also have been concerned if they had not be distracted by mysterious power outtages that have been affecting DS9 and the surrounding area. Nog and Jake have been left at lose ends while their elders are otherwise occupied, a situation that no teenage boy could ever let pass unexploited. Naturally these and other plot lines converge, leaving the station in peril that can only be resolved by great effort by and risk to various characters. This is one of the better entries in the DS9 tie-ins. Characters from not only DS9 but also from The Next Generation are also either included or at least mentioned. The action moves right along, keeping the reader engaged without spending a huge amount of time in backstory or setting up the premise. The characters are consistent with the series and a bit of comic relief is also present. This would be primarily of interest to DS9 fans although only a casual familiarity with the series is really needed to enjoy this one.

DS9 #4 The Big Game - A great early DS9 novel!

The pen name of Sandy Schofield for this early Star Trek Deep Space Nine title is kind of funny actually when considering that the authors, husband and wife writing team Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch felt that six names would be too many on the cover of a book. Of course, this was their only Star Trek title using "Sandy Schofield" and every title since has had their complete names on them.Taking into consideration that this is one of the earliest DS9 novels and the limited amount of episodes that the authors had in which to study the characters, I would say that they did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the characters at this point in the series. Given the fluidic nature of Deep Space Nine, it was a very trying time for authors to actually write and then publish stories for the series since things were changing so quickly on the series.With "The Big Game" being the first novel written by these two fantastic authors; I found their writing style to be fairly fluidic and the pacing of the novel went quite well with the story being told.The cover art for this early DS9 title is pretty much standard for the time in which this novel was produced.The premise:Quark, being the outstanding "scoundrel" and entertainer that he is decides to hold a high stakes poker tournament on the station. Present for the tournament is several representatives from the many races of the Alpha quadrant. Suddenly, one of the players is murdered and the stakes rise even higher for those playing. At the same time, the station is rocked by a series of subspaces waves that threaten to destroy the station. Now, Commander Sisko and Odo must find the killer in time to save the players and get the information from them that will save the station.As a whole, as stated above, this is an excellent early DS9 title in which the authors captured the characters quite well, especially the oft times humorous quibbling between Quark and Odo, without taking it to the extreme. I also rather enjoyed the use of characters seen previously in other series. I highly recommend this early DS9 novel to any and all fans of the genre. {ssintrepid}

Excellent...Best DS9 book I've read yet

This was very hard to put down. It involved many characters and stayed very interesting. I'm really a TNG fan but this book really increased my DS9 interests. It explained situations very well but did not drag things out. Great Trek debut by the authors.

Well played

A very entertaining book that gives room for all key characters of Deep Space Nine. Quark's pokergame gathers players from other Star Trek series as well, too bad commander Riker wasn't there. I believe this was a Star Trek debut from the writer, and i must say i am waiting for the next one.

I think this is one of the best books Ive read in the series

I enjoyed reading this book and really enjoyed it. The author(s) used realistic events(for ST:DS9) and made it interesting. I really reccomend this book for all Star Trek fans and especially for DS9 fans !!