The Mackenzie Calhoun books in the Star Trek universe have been mostly enjoyable, breathing fresh life into the franchise. This novella trilogy from Peter David, who created the character who starred in the New Frontier books has also been very enjoyable. I’ve decided not to rehash what happened in book one in the trilogy in this review, as you can pop over and read my thoughts and those of others on that book to get an idea of the story-line, which begins after many of the Calhoun novels in the series — I haven’t read them all myself. Book one in The Returned ended on a cliffhanger, with Calhoun and the Excalibur crew in a pocket universe, discovering a D’myurj vessel dead in space, with only one survivor.

What happened to the D’myurj involves the Dayan, a blue, six-armed race who are seeking to wipe out the D’myurj and Brethren, and appear to have the means to do so. However, an alliance of sorts between Calhoun and Nyos, the captain of the Dayan ship, proves tricky. The Dayans need Calhoun because of the cloaking device Soleta has installed on Excalibur, but can this warrior type race be trusted? Burgoyne doesn’t think so, but as always, the crew of the Excalibur will follow their charismatic captain anywhere; including into a pocket universe on a rogue mission to rescue Federation survivors. That mission, however, is soon obscured by the lust for genocide — both Calhoun’s and the Dayan race.

What’s amazing here is just how much is going on, and how it all ties together. By the time the reader reaches the end, and a shocking twist is revealed, they feel as though they’ve read a much lengthier novel in the Star Trek universe — a good one. McHenry and Lefler have terrific moments far away from the main action. Robin finally discovers Mac’s true feelings for her, and Mac discovers newfound abilities to heal people. The Thallonian leader prays to the Awesome, and those prayers are answered — at first. On another romantic front, Soleta’s love for Calhoun is nearly exposed — he’s still a bit oblivious — because the Dayan leader is able to sense it. Kalinda discovers Xyon’s tracer, and knows the cloak did not fail, as it first appeared to in book one of the trilogy. And an act of sheer brutality by Nyos in regard to a crewman who’s tangled with the formable Kebron — and lost, of course — starts the process of drawing a line between the genocide Calhoun wants — or thinks he wants — and the genocide the Dayans want.

Author Peter David begins the second book slowly, but interestingly, and the narrative gradually builds to an action-packed and startling ending which has ties to the larger Star Trek universe. How it all will play out in the final portion of the trilogy, I’ll be tackling after I’ve put a few books between me and this one. There is a lot going on here, and as in the first book in the series, the relationships abroad the ship, and off, drive the narrative as much as the fascinating story-line. Deep friendships, unrequited love, distrust and incredible loyalty make this a fabulous read.

The best part about The Returned trilogy is that the really feels like we’re back in the Star Trek universe. Last time I spoke of the ending to the first as being thrilling, but it pales in comparison to the last word uttered in this one. Wow! I didn’t see that coming at all. I’m really looking forward to finishing this trilogy. I may even go back and pick up some of the earlier Calhoun books I don’t remember well or didn’t read if the opportunity presents itself. I do highly recommend that you read the first in The Returned trilogy in order to know what’s happening before tackling this one. However, beyond that, I believe a reader with even just a passing knowledge of the Star Trek universe can pick this up and very quickly get a handle on Captain Calhoun and the other characters, and their ties to each other. Great fun, and highly recommended! ( )

More fun with Mac and the Excalibur!

Peter David never fails to deliver- he's got a good sense of Trek, of humor and hour to tell a spritely story! Biter I have to wash floor the next installment, dang! ( )