Star Trek: Klingon Empire: A Burning House by Keith R. DeCandido
Wow - even if I hadn't just come off an all tlhIngan Hol production of "A Christmas Carol," I'd have really liked this book. As it is, with DeCandido's liberal use of tlhIngan Hol (Klingon language), not to mention his always-included glossary, this book was a terrific continuation of the (now named) Klingon Empire series. He weaves multiple stories -both with his own new characters as well as established Trek people (Martok, Worf, Toq and Bashir, to name a few) and really draws you forward in an enjoyable and thoughtful story (make that stories). I'm looking forward to his next entry... and digging back into one I missed.. I may even re-read his earlier ones - they're really fun. Without being slavish to canon, he is very attentive to it, and yet free enough to move forward with a good narrative. He does a nice mix of things - referring to Klingonaase as well as tlhIngan Hol, and mixes in J M Ford's "Final Reflection" ideas and concepts too.Synopsis
They have been the Federation's staunchest allies, and its fiercest adversaries. Cunning, ruthless, driven by an instinct for violence and defined by a complex code of honor, they must push ever outward in order to survive, defying the icy ravages of space with the fire of their hearts. They are the Klingons, and if you think you already know all there is to learn about them...think again.
From its highest echelons of power to the shocking depths of its lowest castes, from its savagely aggressive military to its humble farmers, from political machinations of galactic import to personal demons and family strife, the Klingon Empire is revealed as never before when the captain and crew of the I.K.S. Gorkon finally return to their homeworld of Qo'noS in a sweeping tale of intrigue, love, betrayal, and honor.
