Set a year after the events of the last Next Generation novel, "Losing the Peace", much has changed for Picard on the Enterprise. His son lives with he and Beverley aboard ship, and he is coming under more pressure to become either an Ambassador for the federation or accept an Admiralty. In addition to this, the Typhon Pact is causing mischief on Andor...
Firstly, how does this measure up as a Typhon Pact novel? If you're after more of the members' detailed descriptions a la the previous three books, you will be disappointed. The Tholians are the only Pact members to feature, and it's not until the end when they make what is little more than a cameo appearance. However, this is really a Star Trek: The Next Generation book, and if you treat it as such, it's very enjoyable.
With the well-documented problems with Andorian reproduction mentioned in the DS9 series of novels, the issue comes to a head here, tying in events from the Star Trek: Vanguard series of novels. The subtle interlinking between the series' works well, creating a truly unified feeling amongst modern Trek fiction. This book is also a clear mirror to the last story to feature the Enterprise-E as Andor, a Federaion founder, appears to turn on its allies. Cue diplomatic tension, terrorists, and betrayal at every turn. It's a good story, with focus on the Enterprise crew but also the political situation at the Palais de la Concorde and the President herself.
A little slow-moving at times (the Andorian names are a headache to keep track of, a problem that blighted "Seize the Fire" also) but with decent characterization and print time for all the Enterprise regulars, it holds your attention. There are personal developments for some of the crew that's nice to see. And finally, the novel ends well, with the reader wanting to know how the political interstellar landscape will move forward. Too bad no real post-Typhon Pact stories seem to have been announced yet...