It’s kind of a sad fact, but most fans typically venture into their franchise’s “expanded universe.”  Some of the biggest fans of Star Wars haven’t picked up Timothy Zahn’s excellent “Heir to the Empire” series, which (I think) makes a pretty darn good follow up to the original trilogy.  A good number of people who watched all seven seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer religiously have probably never checked out the follow up season eight currently being published by Dark Horse Comics.

Star Trek has one of the most diverse “expanded universes” out there, between the novels, comics, and games.  Very little of it is considered official “canon,” but most of it hasn’t actually been conflicted within the filmed Trek properties.  In fact, a good portion of filmed Trek properties actually take their cues from the expanded universe properties.  One of the most interesting currently available is the novel series unofficially known as “Deep Space Nine Season Eight.”

Read after the jump to find out more!

“Season Eight,” is, obviously, set after the events of Deep Space Nine’s finale, “What You Leave Behind.”  The official start of the series is the two-part series, Avatar.

In the aftermath of a war that brought the Alpha Quadrant to the brink of destruction, Starbase Deep Space 9™ — the galaxy’s nexus of scientific and military intrigue — is once more the flashpoint of impending Armageddon as a surprise attack cripples the station, killing hundreds and threatening the fragile new peace.

Colonel Kira Nerys and the survivors — together with several controversial new officers — are all who stand against the outbreak of a new war and a terrible doom tied to the unborn child of Captain Benjamin Sisko.

Elsewhere, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Starship Enterprise™ make a startling discovery…one that will affect the destiny of an entire civilization and forever change the lives of those aboard Deep Space 9.

A BOLD NEW BEGINNING FOR ONE OF THE MOST COMPELLING STAR TREK® SAGAS OF ALL.

Kira is now head of the station, and Bejamin Sisko has returned from his time with the Prophets just in time for the birth of his daughter.  There are many new and returning faces, including characters from other Trek properties who now make their home on Ds9.

They’ve been publishing the series since 2001 (2000 if you include the Wildstorm comic series that fit within the storyline), with almost 20 books already published or soon to be published.

It’s always fun to see different takes on “what would happen,” after the series finale of a show, whether it be official (Angel, Buffy), or fan fiction (if it’s well written).  I’m intrigued by any Trek novels that could continuity the official continuity (like the William Shatner book where he brought Kirk back from the dead), and with the way Deep Space Nine ended, it’s nice to see the storyline continue in some form.

Interested?  Read more about the relaunch here, and pick up a couple of the books using the Amazon link below!