Trek to Madworld by Stephen Goldin (1979)
The Enterprise takes Kostas Spyroukis and his daughter back to his new home planet. Spyroukis is an explorer and renowned colonizer of worlds, and has decided to settle on his final world. On the way home he collapses and dies. Dr. McCoy discovers that the cause is a combination of argon in the planet's atmosphere, and zeton radiation emitted by the sun. Alone neither of these things is harmful, but together they make up a slow poison. Captain Kirk sends the ship off on a mission to remove the colonists from the deadly planet, but on the way they are intercepted by a powerful being calling himself Enowil, who identifies himself as an Organian split with his fellows and living in an uncharted region of space. He has brought the Enterprise as well as a Klingon and Romulan ship to his home to help him answer the question of what he is missing. The first to discover will be given anything they desire. Kirk determines that he must participate lest one of the others discover the answer and wish for an unbeatable superweapon.
The writing here is rather pedestrian, not what you would expect from a seasoned s-f writer such as Goldin. Too often I found myself saying, "Why don't they just.....?" The usual answer is, because then the problem would be solved and the book would be even shorter than it is (179 pages). Couldn't Kirk ask Enowil to intervene on the colony world and set that problem aside? Eliminating the argon from the world's atmosphere would seem to be an effective method.
This book also suffers from a malady common to the Bantam paperbacks, which all seem to have a title with some variation of "world" in it. It involves an extremely powerful machine or being which Kirk and crew must outwit, or persuade to their side, or some such. This was also a frequent problem on the TV series and is a symptom of lazy plotting. With a nearly omnipotent agent virtually anything can be accomplished, and any plot holes the writer puts him/herself in can be dodged. However, it also leads to many "why don't they" questions.
I can't recommend this book unless you are a real ST novel completist. It's not bad, really, but there's not much to get excited about.
Reviews and discussions of Star Trek novels and related publications.
Saturday, December 28, 2002
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
A 1979 book I will not be reviewing is The Fate of the Phoenix by Marshak and Culbreath, a sequel to their earlier Phoenix novel featuring the villain Omne. I read that at one time, but no longer seem to have it. It was quite similar to the first one and if you like it you will probably like the sequel as well. I can't particularly recommend it. Bantam published several novels in this year, to coincide with the press coverage from the release of the first movie and I will be reviewing each in turn. Also, at the end of the year Pocket began their publishing contract for Star Trek novels, and we will be picking up with those.
Monday, December 23, 2002
The Starless World by Gordon Eklund (1978)
A short novel (more of a novella, at 152 pages) by a young writer, which revolves around a Dyson sphere. A Dyson sphere is a construct of planetary material, such as the entire material of a solar system, in a single sphere around a sun. It has been proposed as a last-ditch method of survival around a dying sun when it becomes a white dwarf. The engineering involved in such a terraforming scheme would be tremendous, and any race that could actually accomplish it could probably migrate to another star system with more ease. However, it presents some interesting theoretical possibilities. In effect, the world would completely surround the star, and be in perpetual daytime. The people would then live on the "inside" of the planetary material, always facing the star, and away from the galaxy "outside." Such a world would be almost immeasurably vast, with room for many continents and many oceans, and so large that you would not be able to see the other side of this "world"---more like a solar system, really.
The Enterprise is on patrol, on heightened alert because of reports of increased Klingon activity. A shuttlecraft is spotted, launched from a ship that had disappeared some 20 years before. The man inside is not of that starship, but was Captain Kirk's former roommate at the Academy (a sure sign of trouble) who had been expelled for cheating when Kirk turned him in for stealing an exam. The man, Thomas Clayton, insists that he serves the god Ay-Nab, and sounds much like a religious zealot. The Enterprise then finds itself drawn toward an object in space; as they are drawn closer turns out to be a Dyson sphere, which Clayton represents as the home of Ay-Nab.
The ship is drawn through a gap in the sphere to the inside of the fantastic world. There are few signs of life but a Klingon ship is also detected in orbit. The Klingons are represented by a very young officer who is belligerent but holds no real threat. When life is found down on the planet, Kirk, Sulu, and a total landing party of 6 beam down to the surface to find some odd natives who also worship the god Ay-Nab, who apparently holds the Enterprise in its present condition. To make things worse, Chekov computes that the course of the sphere will take it into a black hole in four days.
In order to escape, Kirk must find a way to communicate with Ay-Nab either directly or through his worshippers. When Spock and McCoy are kidnapped and brought to the surface by Clayton the mystery only deepens. Kirk must race against time to find out who or what is Ay-Nab and how to free the Enterprise.
It's an interesting story, and although Spock and McCoy are well-written Kirk is a bit out of character from time to time. Not badly, but as he is the focus of much of the action the author seems to project certain attitudes onto Kirk that are not normally present. Uhura is given some time here as her father turns out to be marooned on the sphere as well. However, he is portrayed as a "starman," an early solo explorer, which he would certainly have been too young to have managed. Also, the author depicts an eclipse on the area of the surface the crew occupy as making things completely dark which given the construction of the sphere is highly unlikely. The "moons" would have to be much larger in diameter than the sun in order to block so much light so effectively. After all, an eclipse on earth makes for dimmer light but certainly not complete darkness; there is still diffraction of the sun around the moon. So again, we have some bad science.
The story is nonetheless enjoyable, especially if you can find it for a low price, or even better for free in the library.
A short novel (more of a novella, at 152 pages) by a young writer, which revolves around a Dyson sphere. A Dyson sphere is a construct of planetary material, such as the entire material of a solar system, in a single sphere around a sun. It has been proposed as a last-ditch method of survival around a dying sun when it becomes a white dwarf. The engineering involved in such a terraforming scheme would be tremendous, and any race that could actually accomplish it could probably migrate to another star system with more ease. However, it presents some interesting theoretical possibilities. In effect, the world would completely surround the star, and be in perpetual daytime. The people would then live on the "inside" of the planetary material, always facing the star, and away from the galaxy "outside." Such a world would be almost immeasurably vast, with room for many continents and many oceans, and so large that you would not be able to see the other side of this "world"---more like a solar system, really.
The Enterprise is on patrol, on heightened alert because of reports of increased Klingon activity. A shuttlecraft is spotted, launched from a ship that had disappeared some 20 years before. The man inside is not of that starship, but was Captain Kirk's former roommate at the Academy (a sure sign of trouble) who had been expelled for cheating when Kirk turned him in for stealing an exam. The man, Thomas Clayton, insists that he serves the god Ay-Nab, and sounds much like a religious zealot. The Enterprise then finds itself drawn toward an object in space; as they are drawn closer turns out to be a Dyson sphere, which Clayton represents as the home of Ay-Nab.
The ship is drawn through a gap in the sphere to the inside of the fantastic world. There are few signs of life but a Klingon ship is also detected in orbit. The Klingons are represented by a very young officer who is belligerent but holds no real threat. When life is found down on the planet, Kirk, Sulu, and a total landing party of 6 beam down to the surface to find some odd natives who also worship the god Ay-Nab, who apparently holds the Enterprise in its present condition. To make things worse, Chekov computes that the course of the sphere will take it into a black hole in four days.
In order to escape, Kirk must find a way to communicate with Ay-Nab either directly or through his worshippers. When Spock and McCoy are kidnapped and brought to the surface by Clayton the mystery only deepens. Kirk must race against time to find out who or what is Ay-Nab and how to free the Enterprise.
It's an interesting story, and although Spock and McCoy are well-written Kirk is a bit out of character from time to time. Not badly, but as he is the focus of much of the action the author seems to project certain attitudes onto Kirk that are not normally present. Uhura is given some time here as her father turns out to be marooned on the sphere as well. However, he is portrayed as a "starman," an early solo explorer, which he would certainly have been too young to have managed. Also, the author depicts an eclipse on the area of the surface the crew occupy as making things completely dark which given the construction of the sphere is highly unlikely. The "moons" would have to be much larger in diameter than the sun in order to block so much light so effectively. After all, an eclipse on earth makes for dimmer light but certainly not complete darkness; there is still diffraction of the sun around the moon. So again, we have some bad science.
The story is nonetheless enjoyable, especially if you can find it for a low price, or even better for free in the library.
Sunday, December 22, 2002
Planet of Judgment by Joe Haldeman (1977)
Most series novels, such as those about Star Trek, Star Wars, or other licensed properties, are by either relatively mediocre talents, by young writers still trying to break in, or sometimes by established writers needing a paycheck, who often do a hack job on the book. This is a book by an established writer that does a fine job of presenting a good science fiction story and handles the characters well, something of a rarity. When Haldeman wrote this book he had already won a Hugo and a Nebula, the biggest prizes for science fiction writers. So, possibly he was a fan of the series wanting to produce a quality book about it.
"Planet of Judgment" makes a fine story, but it is more of a general science fiction story than necessarily a Star Trek story. Any ship and crew could have been made up and placed into the story, rather than Kirk, Spock and company. Still, the tale succeeds on a number of levels. Haldeman even slips in a character in homage to Trek writer James Blish, naming his elder scientist James Atheling, using Blish's pen name for work in literary criticism.
As the story goes, the Enterprise detects an odd object, a rogue planet apparently wandering through the galaxy, orbited by a black hole, but one which radiates energy. This violates several laws of physics, so further investigation is warranted. When a shuttlecraft bearing Kirk and several scientists and security men reaches the planet, it immediately ceases working, as does much of the groups' equipment, including tricorders. A few hours later, Spock leads another group of shuttlecraft down, and meets the same fate. With the transporters unable to operate, the planet-bound crew must find a way off a world with some dangerous flora and fauna, before the crew is all dead.
Soon, the planet's dominant inhabitants show themselves as mentally capable humanoids who are troubled by the presence of the Enterprise crew, but perhaps more troubled by the advance of a belligerent race, decades away but on their way nonetheless. The Arivne must use Kirk and Spock to help them turn back the alien invasion force.
The story moves in one direction, then about halfway through begins to move in another quite different direction. Haldeman sets up some interesting looks at different species, and how they might interact with humans. But while the characters of the Enterprise crew are not compromised for the story, this could just as easily be a generic s-f story with any other crew. Haldeman holds degrees in both English and astronomy, and his science background helps him here as it does in other novels. Still, this does not prevent bad science, and using the Arivne's mental powers to explain away the odd phenomena Haldeman sets up is somewhat lazy writing. It is no worse than the typical s-f, however.
It's a good science fiction book and I would recommend that you read it if you are interested in the genre. It's not important to the Star Trek universe, however, and the book should not be viewed as a must-have.
Most series novels, such as those about Star Trek, Star Wars, or other licensed properties, are by either relatively mediocre talents, by young writers still trying to break in, or sometimes by established writers needing a paycheck, who often do a hack job on the book. This is a book by an established writer that does a fine job of presenting a good science fiction story and handles the characters well, something of a rarity. When Haldeman wrote this book he had already won a Hugo and a Nebula, the biggest prizes for science fiction writers. So, possibly he was a fan of the series wanting to produce a quality book about it.
"Planet of Judgment" makes a fine story, but it is more of a general science fiction story than necessarily a Star Trek story. Any ship and crew could have been made up and placed into the story, rather than Kirk, Spock and company. Still, the tale succeeds on a number of levels. Haldeman even slips in a character in homage to Trek writer James Blish, naming his elder scientist James Atheling, using Blish's pen name for work in literary criticism.
As the story goes, the Enterprise detects an odd object, a rogue planet apparently wandering through the galaxy, orbited by a black hole, but one which radiates energy. This violates several laws of physics, so further investigation is warranted. When a shuttlecraft bearing Kirk and several scientists and security men reaches the planet, it immediately ceases working, as does much of the groups' equipment, including tricorders. A few hours later, Spock leads another group of shuttlecraft down, and meets the same fate. With the transporters unable to operate, the planet-bound crew must find a way off a world with some dangerous flora and fauna, before the crew is all dead.
Soon, the planet's dominant inhabitants show themselves as mentally capable humanoids who are troubled by the presence of the Enterprise crew, but perhaps more troubled by the advance of a belligerent race, decades away but on their way nonetheless. The Arivne must use Kirk and Spock to help them turn back the alien invasion force.
The story moves in one direction, then about halfway through begins to move in another quite different direction. Haldeman sets up some interesting looks at different species, and how they might interact with humans. But while the characters of the Enterprise crew are not compromised for the story, this could just as easily be a generic s-f story with any other crew. Haldeman holds degrees in both English and astronomy, and his science background helps him here as it does in other novels. Still, this does not prevent bad science, and using the Arivne's mental powers to explain away the odd phenomena Haldeman sets up is somewhat lazy writing. It is no worse than the typical s-f, however.
It's a good science fiction book and I would recommend that you read it if you are interested in the genre. It's not important to the Star Trek universe, however, and the book should not be viewed as a must-have.
Star Trek: The New Voyages 2 (1977) edited by Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath
The second collection of Star Trek short stories is much weaker than the first, published the previous year. This may be because the editors had already culled the best of the fanzine material for the first book. It also may be because the editors and publisher, happy with the success of the first book, took more chances with the second. Either way, this outing was not as successful, and was not repeated. There are some items of interest here.
The first story is written by Nichelle Nichols, better known as Uhura. Titled "Surprise," the story is minor trifle about Uhura and other crew members attempting to throw Captain Kirk a surprise birthday party. The characters are not well portrayed here although a certain camaraderie among the crew is observed.
The second story is "Snake Pit!" by Connie Faddis and focuses on Christine Chapel being thrown into a situation (involving a snake pit, of course) where she must rescue an unconcious Captain Kirk from poisonous snakes on a hostile planet. The story itself is interesting but involves Chapel acting significantly out of character. Another character acting in this position would have made for a more believable story.
"The Patient Parasites" by Russell Bates, who wrote one of the animated episodes, is a script that was turned down for that series, but makes for an interesting study on what a TV script looks like. The story itself works as well, involving an encounter with a machine built by an alien race, with a technology far beyond our own. It is unfortunate that the story echoes many similar ones in the original TV show but there is some new ground here.
"In the Maze" by Jennifer Guttridge (also represented in the first collection) involves a sighting of a castle on a world where such technology should not exist. While investigating, Kirk, Spock and McCoy enter the door only to be transported to another place entirely, where Kirk is held captive and Spock and McCoy undergo a series of trials that seem designed to ellicit a response. The resolution, as with Guttridge's story in the first book, involves contact with a very alien species.
"Cave-In" by Jane Peyton is an interesting prose piece of dialogue between Spock and another character (McCoy?) while trapped together after a cave-in (of course). The piece is short and not particularly shocking, but the form is an interesting departure for Star Trek and may interest readers on that count.
"Marginal Existence" by Connie Faddis is a quite short story about a planet where the Enterprise crew find a number of "sleepers" hooked up to large numbers of IV tubes (a bit outdated there) which continually pump drugs into them. The real science here is very lacking but the idea proposed is an interesting one, about a society that becomes dependent on such injections.
"The Procrustean Petard" by Marshak and Culbreath is another of their riffs on the "alpha male" theme, this time as the Enterprise comes into contact with a society where the dominant (alpha) male is given an extra male chromosome, and the other crew members are sex-changed. So, Kirk and McCoy become women, while Uhura becomes a man, for instance. This story takes a look at male and female roles in a way that often seemed important in the 1970s, but seems awfully dated now. In that it is like much of these authors' work.
"The Sleeping God" by Jesco von Puttkamer is an interesting story by an actual NASA rocket scientist, and onetime German science fiction writer, his first fiction work in English. The plot involves a mutant, with vast mental powers, revived from suspended animation to tackle a problem far too big for a normal starship, and thus quite a problem indeed, involving a sentient computer from another plane of existence, attempting to take over this plane. Again, this may be Star Trek's (or at least Gene Roddenberry's) favorite plot, but it is handled well here and this is certainly the volume's best story, even if it actually uses the Enterprise crew only in a limited way.
Also included are two poems, "Elegy for Charlie" and "Soliloquy."
The book is interesting, but again, not as good as the first.
The second collection of Star Trek short stories is much weaker than the first, published the previous year. This may be because the editors had already culled the best of the fanzine material for the first book. It also may be because the editors and publisher, happy with the success of the first book, took more chances with the second. Either way, this outing was not as successful, and was not repeated. There are some items of interest here.
The first story is written by Nichelle Nichols, better known as Uhura. Titled "Surprise," the story is minor trifle about Uhura and other crew members attempting to throw Captain Kirk a surprise birthday party. The characters are not well portrayed here although a certain camaraderie among the crew is observed.
The second story is "Snake Pit!" by Connie Faddis and focuses on Christine Chapel being thrown into a situation (involving a snake pit, of course) where she must rescue an unconcious Captain Kirk from poisonous snakes on a hostile planet. The story itself is interesting but involves Chapel acting significantly out of character. Another character acting in this position would have made for a more believable story.
"The Patient Parasites" by Russell Bates, who wrote one of the animated episodes, is a script that was turned down for that series, but makes for an interesting study on what a TV script looks like. The story itself works as well, involving an encounter with a machine built by an alien race, with a technology far beyond our own. It is unfortunate that the story echoes many similar ones in the original TV show but there is some new ground here.
"In the Maze" by Jennifer Guttridge (also represented in the first collection) involves a sighting of a castle on a world where such technology should not exist. While investigating, Kirk, Spock and McCoy enter the door only to be transported to another place entirely, where Kirk is held captive and Spock and McCoy undergo a series of trials that seem designed to ellicit a response. The resolution, as with Guttridge's story in the first book, involves contact with a very alien species.
"Cave-In" by Jane Peyton is an interesting prose piece of dialogue between Spock and another character (McCoy?) while trapped together after a cave-in (of course). The piece is short and not particularly shocking, but the form is an interesting departure for Star Trek and may interest readers on that count.
"Marginal Existence" by Connie Faddis is a quite short story about a planet where the Enterprise crew find a number of "sleepers" hooked up to large numbers of IV tubes (a bit outdated there) which continually pump drugs into them. The real science here is very lacking but the idea proposed is an interesting one, about a society that becomes dependent on such injections.
"The Procrustean Petard" by Marshak and Culbreath is another of their riffs on the "alpha male" theme, this time as the Enterprise comes into contact with a society where the dominant (alpha) male is given an extra male chromosome, and the other crew members are sex-changed. So, Kirk and McCoy become women, while Uhura becomes a man, for instance. This story takes a look at male and female roles in a way that often seemed important in the 1970s, but seems awfully dated now. In that it is like much of these authors' work.
"The Sleeping God" by Jesco von Puttkamer is an interesting story by an actual NASA rocket scientist, and onetime German science fiction writer, his first fiction work in English. The plot involves a mutant, with vast mental powers, revived from suspended animation to tackle a problem far too big for a normal starship, and thus quite a problem indeed, involving a sentient computer from another plane of existence, attempting to take over this plane. Again, this may be Star Trek's (or at least Gene Roddenberry's) favorite plot, but it is handled well here and this is certainly the volume's best story, even if it actually uses the Enterprise crew only in a limited way.
Also included are two poems, "Elegy for Charlie" and "Soliloquy."
The book is interesting, but again, not as good as the first.
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