String Theory, Book 2: Fusion (Star Trek, Voyager) (Bk. 2) (ISBN 1416509550)

ST: Voyager String Theory, Book 2 Fusion:
Star Trek: Voyager String Theory, Book 2 Fusion written by Kirsten Beyer is the second installment in the trilogy called String Theory. As we left "Cohesion" in a cliff-hanger, "Fusion takes right off where "Cohesion" left off. As Tuvok takes a shuttle for an unathorized flight to the center of the Monorhan system, it is Kathryn Janeway who is the main character in this volume. She is on a quest to learn the meaning of why is there life in this binary system where no life should exist at all. Kristen Beyer does a very good job of hold the story's interest to the reader with all of the different threads floating about in this story. "Fusion" takes the initial story and runs with it, making the reader engrossed and well entertained with the storylines. As the cosmos unravels, Janway is in pursuit of Tuvok as he finds a space station the size of a city next to a singularity that was the second star in the binary system. The space station in powered by the singularity and the crew of the Voyager make quick studies as to what the station can do to get them home to the Alpha Quadrant. With all of its mistique, the space station proves vexing to the crew of the Voyager as they discover a 50 year old spaceship docked in the hanger of the station and no crew to be found. Later we find out the consequences as to what happened and will it affect Voyager and her crew. This is an interesting storyline woven into the fabric of this book's story. Beyer does a good job holding the readers attention and makes you read on till the end where there is another cliff-hanger making you want to read the third installment "Evolution". All in all, this is a captivatingly interesting story that is true to the Voyagers characterizations. You feel like you're part of the story and you want to help Voyagers characters solve the mysteries that are presented. I found the book a fast read with intrigue and mystery,true charactizations and a well-written storyline. This is a solid five stars and you won't be disappointed reading this story. Job well done to Kristen Beyer in her first attempt into the realm of Star Trek fiction. You've capitvatd me as I suppose others will praise this book.

The best Voyager book:
While I have only reviewed a few Voyager novels on amazon.com, I have read roughly a dozen. "String Theory: Fusion" is hands-down the best. As an earlier review noted, this novel is Voyager's epic. Instead of using the same old recyclable plots like some Star Trek books do, "Fusion" had a unique premise and managed to juggle multiple plots successfully. Initially, I was quite confused, finding myself faced with too many new characters as well as a complicated plot. Still, this confusion only furthered my drive to continue reading. "Fusion" begins right where its predecessor ended. Tuvok has mysteriously stolen a shuttle and headed off for an enormous structure in Monorhan space that looks more like a giant city than a space station. Meanwhile, the "key" that was given to Janeway at the end of "Cohesion" has attracted the attention of a powerful species who will go to any lengths to protect their own interests. To top all of this off, an intriguing new technology has the potential to bring Voyager home. (Okay, so we as readers know that's not going to happen, but the crew is highly motivated by the discovery). In the end, Beyer does not disappoint: she beautifully weaves the various plots and characters together to reveal a unified story. And while Tuvok is on the front cover, Janeway is the main protagonist of this tale. Tuvok and the rest of the crew do play significant parts, but ultimately it is Janeway who must discard her previous understanding of the universe and use this new knowledge to discover the true history of Monorhan space. The stakes waged in "Cohesion" are raised in "Fusion" as the very fabric of the universe (not just the fate of a single planet) depends on Voyager's success. This may be Beyer's first Voyager novel, but she has an intimate feel for the characters and her incredible story will leave you wanting more. "Fusion" is a must-read for any Voyager fan. Even if you don't normally read Star Trek novels, give this one a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Voyager's Epic:
If there's one good thing that stands out about the "String Theory" series it's that it definately carries the tone and weight of an epic. The first novel was fun and great, focusing a bit on the strained relationship between B'Elanna and Seven. This one continues from where "Cohesion" left off, and the focus is on the entire cast. There's a part in this novel for everyone. The crewmember in danger for this novel is Tuvok, while everyone else, even Neelix and Harry Kim, have their moment in the spotlight. Captain Janeway's life is on the line in this epic tale as the Nacene (the Caretaker race) returns. There's also that classic Voyager plot going on in the background; Tom Paris and Kim may have found a way to return Voyager to the Alpha Quadrant thanks to some alien technology. The ship has encountered an alien space station that holds all the answers to their current situation. It may also lead to their untimely deaths. I think the strength of the novel comes from it's focus on the entire cast instead of on parts of the crew. There were times when the explanation of the true conflict got a bit complex and lead to some confusion, on my part, but that's the only time that I really struggled to get through the novel. This is definately a great Voyager novel, better than most of the "relaunch" novels put out so far. It really does have a mini-series epic tone to it, up through the end and the final pages when you feel the final leg of the journey/adventure is coming around. I'd definately recommend this novel to any Voyager or even a simple Star Trek fan. There's a lot of science-fiction at play, something that perhaps the series lacked for a while. Everyone played a hand in saving the day and yet the novel doesn't end on an awkward note. Things aren't all well by the end and the cliffhanger is subtle enough to make you want to read the final installment. This is a great series, one of the best mini-series for the Voyager line of books. Definately recommended and worth your money.

One of the Best Trek Books I've Read:
This novel was simply a joy to read. I'm a big Star Trek fan, and my favorite series is Voyager. I know the series inside out, so I'm typically a harsh critic of ST:VOY books, but there is absolutely no way this book gets any less than 5/5 stars from me. Fusion sports a fast paced plot that twists, turns, and even plunges through many layers of excitement. Each and every page held me captivated, and I had the hardest time in the world keeping my face out of this book. The writing style is descriptive enough for Trek fans who enjoy reading about familiar and new settings, but also moves along with good dialogue that matches the characters' voices from the TV show. Since the String Theory series takes place between VOY seasons 4 and 5, the most interesting part for me was seeing the evolution of character development in this book. Events in Fusion connect to episodes in season 4 and before, as well as episodes in season 5 and beyond. Again, this book was amazing, and I recommend it for everyone. I strongly encourage you read Book 1: Cohesion before starting Fusion.

Wow...:
This may be Kirsten Beyer's first Star Trek novel, but she really knows her stuff!! And I loved how she tied in little references to actual episodes (ie Deadlock) and also fun Voyager snippets (look for 47!). And after also reading her contribution to the Distant Shores anthology, Isabo's Shirt, she is my favorite Voyager author because she is a Janeway/Chakotay fan, which also comes into play in the book. A great story, though it dragged a little with "Phoebe's" little excursion with Janeway. Sets up the 3rd book nicely. Must read!!!