This has to be one of the best books in the series. Even though the start is slow, it picks up and you find yourself madly turning pages to see what happens next. Word of advice- don't read the end first, you'll just get confused. I love the character of Ian Zachary- he's very cool, but why are the bad guys always English in American novels?? I think Charles could've been featured a bit more 'cause he was only there for a bit then he just seemed to magically disappear. We finally know what Riker's first name is!! I won't spoil it for everyone that hasn't read it but it is rather amusing. So.... love it love it love it! Carol O'Connell never writes a bad book- I don't think she knows how, to be honest. Only one thing that might be wrong- I thought Mallory couldn't play chess??!!