As the Gateways saga continues, Cold Wars by Peter David delivers a novel where the Gateways themselves take center stage. More than just a continuation of the New Frontier storyline, this is a Gateways novel in full force — lengthy, rich with tension, and surprisingly relevant.
The premise is gripping: two alien races, exiled to different planets by the Thallonians a century ago, reignite their war after the arrival of mysterious aliens claiming to be the Iconians. Without space travel, their feud went cold — but with access to Gateways, it explodes back into fiery conflict. The fact that their centuries-long hatred revolves around sacred land makes this story feel tragically current — perhaps even more so now than in 2001.
As someone who has read a handful of New Frontier novels, I was familiar enough with the characters to jump in. Peter David handles the ensemble well, even if some familiar faces are more in the background this time around. Side plots like Burgoyne’s and the Bolian crewman Pheytus’s were light on relevance to the central arc but brought levity to an otherwise heavy story. It felt in keeping with how Star Trek balances tone across episodes.
David’s prose is as strong as ever — humorous, sharp, and character-driven. He’s long been a fan-favorite Trek author, and this book reminded me why. The characters, many of which he created, have distinct voices, and his experience shows in how seamlessly he blends action, wit, and moral reflection.
I gave this one 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a strong, engaging entry in both the New Frontier and Gateways series. Even if you’re not reading the full Gateways arc or haven’t followed New Frontier closely, this novel stands well on its own and is absolutely worth reading.
