Windows on a Lost World by V.E. Mitchell (Star Trek #65, June 1993).
The Enterprise takes an archaeological team to the planet Careta IV, where signs of an ancient civilization have been found. The site promises to be a big find, and excites the scientists with the scope of the ruins. Soon a puzzle develops. Areas of the planet are resistant to scans, and scans from orbit are different from tricorder readings taken on the ground. A shielded area is found, and when unearthed contains a large artifact that looks oddly like a window (hence the name of the book). It is when people go through the odd devices and disappear that confusion starts.
The crew and scientists are apparently gone, but new crab-like creatures have appeared on other parts of the planet. When Spock discovers that these creatures have the same mass as the missing people, work begins to find a way to recover the changed humanoids.
Mitchell writes her second original series novel here, after a poor debut on #51, "Enemy Unseen." That was a poorly written effort, and things have improved here on the newer book. But there are still holes. Spock is also used this time, after being written out of the earlier book, as he and Kirk get most of the attention.
There is an attempt to use "real science" here, especially regarding archaeology, and with references to the physics of motion. However, some very important physics is not used, the science of scaling. To size creatures built like crabs up to the mass of humans would not create creatures that are people-sized but scuttle about like crabs, but would instead be beings that could not move due to their own weight. Higher mass requires sturdier support, which is why giant-sized insects are not real. As strength doubles, weight quadruples, until the creature collapses under its own mass. Elephants have those large, thick feet for a reason. If you were a crab, walking on pincers would be impossible.
The other point which becomes difficult to manage suspension of disbelief is when the alien device converts humanoids into the aliens, because it does not accept that thinking creatures could be any besides its own species. So if any creature wandered into the device by mistake, it would be converted into a crabby patty? Seems unlikely. Yet we have to accept that to make the story work. It's a bit too much.
There are things to like here. The look into a very alien race, extremely xenophobic, patterned after the Aztecs, is interesting. The usage of contentious scientists is a relief from the usual maniacal officials. And putting Captain Kirk into a difficult situation makes for good drama. But these touches are buried under mediocre writing. Mitchell still has not learned to tie the threads of her story together. The craft of writing seems to elude her.
There is some good stuff here, but not enough that I feel good about recommending this book.
Reviews and discussions of Star Trek novels and related publications.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
The Starship Trap by Mel Gilden (Star Trek #64, April 1993).
The Enterprise crew is enjoying shore leave at Starbase 23 when called out on a mission. The reason for the mission galls Captain Kirk: they are ferrying a member of the Federation Council from one location to another. Annoying at having crew R&R interrupted for a stint as a cruise liner, Kirk is then surprised when a Klingon ship arrives to accuse the Federation of attacking Klingon vessels, and more surprised when Councilor Kent intimates that he knows something about the disappearence of the ships.
At their destination, Starbase 12, Kirk is ordered to take the Enterprise to investigate the disappearence of ships, which turns out to be not just Klingons, but Federation ships as well as Romulans. He is also ordered to take along Kent's aide, Helen Payton, as an observer. Kent is anti-Starfleet, and these moves are aimed at appeasing him. The first stop is to Professor Omen, noted weapons developer.
Omen turns out to know more than he lets on, and the encounter sends Kirk and the Enterprise crew on a strange journey that requires all their resources just to survive the experience, let alone triumph over a powerful adversary. And all the while, Payton records the events, watching for a fatal slip-up.
Mel Gilden is a fairly prolific author of youth-oriented fiction, especially science fiction. He also wrote a Next Generation novel, as well as a couple of kid-themed Deep Space Nine books. Gilden has also written many other books and short stories. He has an extensive publishing history.
In this book, Gilden chooses to write from the viewpoint of Captain Kirk. We see all the action from Kirk's perspective, and are privy to the thoughts inside his head. This is an interesting choice, as Kirk is the most-explored character in the original Star Trek universe, and only Spock comes close. There is little new territory to mine here, but as an author used to writing for a young audience, Gilden is used to focusing on the story's main character with a tight beam. Kirk is certainly the main character here, with a tightness that would make William Shatner proud.
There is an art mistake on the book's cover. Kirk and Payton are pictured, but Payton is drawn in an Enterprise uniform although she is not of StarFleet. As a civilian, she would not be wearing the uniform. She is pictured with the "enhancement chip" that she uses for recording, although it appears larger in the picture than the text seems to indicate. This may simply be a matter of perspective.
In an interesting twist, Kirk is presented with a beautiful woman on board who is renedered unreachable, as Payton is involved with Commodore Fevere of Starbase 12. Thus our lecherous Captain must deal with a woman on a person-to-person basis, something rarely seen during the TV series, or the movies for that matter. It makes for an odd dynamic in the story, but provides a different sort of dramatic tension.
The characters are generally well-handled. Kirk is always the toughest to bring out, and his POV status gives him center stage at all times. This is done with mixed results, but the outcome is not bad. Of the others, only Spock and Dr. McCoy get a lot of time "on stage," and they are competently handled. Their function as Kirk's "Greek chorus" is utilized here.
It is the original characters of Payton, Omen and Kent that carry much of the plot, and by design must fade from view afterwards. Gilden does an interesting job here of feinting with the official (Kent) as villain, then removing him from the stage for most of the action. Thus a Star Trek cliche' is largely avoided, though not completely. However, the return to the Starbase at the end provides a long coda to the story, extending it well past the climax. That is a questionable dramatic decision. One must also question the staging of much of the novel inside Kirk's head, as it makes for slow story development at times.
All in all, not bad, and certainly readable by even younger readers. However, the writing style is simply not good or distinctive enough to make this book stand out. It's OK, nothing more.
The Enterprise crew is enjoying shore leave at Starbase 23 when called out on a mission. The reason for the mission galls Captain Kirk: they are ferrying a member of the Federation Council from one location to another. Annoying at having crew R&R interrupted for a stint as a cruise liner, Kirk is then surprised when a Klingon ship arrives to accuse the Federation of attacking Klingon vessels, and more surprised when Councilor Kent intimates that he knows something about the disappearence of the ships.
At their destination, Starbase 12, Kirk is ordered to take the Enterprise to investigate the disappearence of ships, which turns out to be not just Klingons, but Federation ships as well as Romulans. He is also ordered to take along Kent's aide, Helen Payton, as an observer. Kent is anti-Starfleet, and these moves are aimed at appeasing him. The first stop is to Professor Omen, noted weapons developer.
Omen turns out to know more than he lets on, and the encounter sends Kirk and the Enterprise crew on a strange journey that requires all their resources just to survive the experience, let alone triumph over a powerful adversary. And all the while, Payton records the events, watching for a fatal slip-up.
Mel Gilden is a fairly prolific author of youth-oriented fiction, especially science fiction. He also wrote a Next Generation novel, as well as a couple of kid-themed Deep Space Nine books. Gilden has also written many other books and short stories. He has an extensive publishing history.
In this book, Gilden chooses to write from the viewpoint of Captain Kirk. We see all the action from Kirk's perspective, and are privy to the thoughts inside his head. This is an interesting choice, as Kirk is the most-explored character in the original Star Trek universe, and only Spock comes close. There is little new territory to mine here, but as an author used to writing for a young audience, Gilden is used to focusing on the story's main character with a tight beam. Kirk is certainly the main character here, with a tightness that would make William Shatner proud.
There is an art mistake on the book's cover. Kirk and Payton are pictured, but Payton is drawn in an Enterprise uniform although she is not of StarFleet. As a civilian, she would not be wearing the uniform. She is pictured with the "enhancement chip" that she uses for recording, although it appears larger in the picture than the text seems to indicate. This may simply be a matter of perspective.
In an interesting twist, Kirk is presented with a beautiful woman on board who is renedered unreachable, as Payton is involved with Commodore Fevere of Starbase 12. Thus our lecherous Captain must deal with a woman on a person-to-person basis, something rarely seen during the TV series, or the movies for that matter. It makes for an odd dynamic in the story, but provides a different sort of dramatic tension.
The characters are generally well-handled. Kirk is always the toughest to bring out, and his POV status gives him center stage at all times. This is done with mixed results, but the outcome is not bad. Of the others, only Spock and Dr. McCoy get a lot of time "on stage," and they are competently handled. Their function as Kirk's "Greek chorus" is utilized here.
It is the original characters of Payton, Omen and Kent that carry much of the plot, and by design must fade from view afterwards. Gilden does an interesting job here of feinting with the official (Kent) as villain, then removing him from the stage for most of the action. Thus a Star Trek cliche' is largely avoided, though not completely. However, the return to the Starbase at the end provides a long coda to the story, extending it well past the climax. That is a questionable dramatic decision. One must also question the staging of much of the novel inside Kirk's head, as it makes for slow story development at times.
All in all, not bad, and certainly readable by even younger readers. However, the writing style is simply not good or distinctive enough to make this book stand out. It's OK, nothing more.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Shell Game by Melissa Crandall (Star Trek #63, February 1993)
Near the Romulan Neutral Zone, the Enterprise encounters a large object moving on impulse power, no life signs aboard. Further investigation reveals it to be a Romulan space station, the first of its kind, and apparently empty. New regulations discourage captains from leading landing parties, to Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Lt. Chekov, and three security guards beam over to take a look. Soon, the power of the landing party's gear and the starship begin to wane, and the explorers start to see little hints of movement in their peripheral vision. They must find the cause of the power drain before it takes their lives.
Set between Star Trek original movies I and II, with Chekov as Security Chief but in the semi-formal red uniforms, this is something of a Star Trek ghost story. An eerie space station with minimal power and long empty corridors, where eventually dead bodies, dead Romulan bodies, are found evokes spookiness. Crandall uses this to some effect, but about 3/4 of the way through when she does the "reveal" of the cause (which has already been telegraphed several pages before) the book becomes a race against the clock. This is stressed even more when a Romulan ship shows up a couple of chapters later to amp up the tension. The theme is therefore lost.
The plot itself is not bad, though it is also not particularly noteworthy. A Romulan space station is an interesting idea, and an abandoned site does make for a moody setting for a story. Crandall doesn't do that much with the idea, at least not as much as a superior writer might have. There are a number of editing problems, such as nagging misspellings, and a paragraph that gets repeated in the middle of the book. Details, but bothersome details.
Crandall makes a decent enough first effort, but this was apparently her only ST novel. She wrote a couple of other licensed product books, for Earth 2 and Quantum Leap, but seems to have little other output. She may have written under another name, and Melissa Linbacher/Limbacher is listed as an alternate name for her at amazon.com for some reason, but I dont' really know.
The title is a curiousity as well. I have no idea what a "Shell Game" has to do with the plot of this book. Perhaps I am being obtuse, but I see no relationship here. At any rate, I'll listen to one of Scotty's ghost stories anytime, but Crandall's need a little work.
Near the Romulan Neutral Zone, the Enterprise encounters a large object moving on impulse power, no life signs aboard. Further investigation reveals it to be a Romulan space station, the first of its kind, and apparently empty. New regulations discourage captains from leading landing parties, to Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Lt. Chekov, and three security guards beam over to take a look. Soon, the power of the landing party's gear and the starship begin to wane, and the explorers start to see little hints of movement in their peripheral vision. They must find the cause of the power drain before it takes their lives.
Set between Star Trek original movies I and II, with Chekov as Security Chief but in the semi-formal red uniforms, this is something of a Star Trek ghost story. An eerie space station with minimal power and long empty corridors, where eventually dead bodies, dead Romulan bodies, are found evokes spookiness. Crandall uses this to some effect, but about 3/4 of the way through when she does the "reveal" of the cause (which has already been telegraphed several pages before) the book becomes a race against the clock. This is stressed even more when a Romulan ship shows up a couple of chapters later to amp up the tension. The theme is therefore lost.
The plot itself is not bad, though it is also not particularly noteworthy. A Romulan space station is an interesting idea, and an abandoned site does make for a moody setting for a story. Crandall doesn't do that much with the idea, at least not as much as a superior writer might have. There are a number of editing problems, such as nagging misspellings, and a paragraph that gets repeated in the middle of the book. Details, but bothersome details.
Crandall makes a decent enough first effort, but this was apparently her only ST novel. She wrote a couple of other licensed product books, for Earth 2 and Quantum Leap, but seems to have little other output. She may have written under another name, and Melissa Linbacher/Limbacher is listed as an alternate name for her at amazon.com for some reason, but I dont' really know.
The title is a curiousity as well. I have no idea what a "Shell Game" has to do with the plot of this book. Perhaps I am being obtuse, but I see no relationship here. At any rate, I'll listen to one of Scotty's ghost stories anytime, but Crandall's need a little work.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Death Count by L.A. Graf (Star Trek #62, November 1992).
Andorian scientist Muav Haslev has disappeared, and tensions are high between the Andorians and the Orions, suspected in his absence. War between the societies looms, and the Enterprise is in the middle of it. First, an incident on a space station involves Lt. Chekov. Then, shore leave is cut short as the ship and its crew are ordered to the Orion/Andorian border. When sabotage and deaths begin happening on the ship, it becomes apparent that an unwelcome passenger has made his way onto the Enterprise.
Julia Ecklar and Karen Cercone, writing under the pseudonym L.A. Graf, have written a solid novel here. Most novel outings, like the TV series and movies, center on Kirk, Spock and McCoy. This book features Chekov, Sulu, and Uhura, with the others in a supporting role, and is timely after the previous work that did just the opposite. Lots of plot and not much characterization here, as we mostly cover previously shown character traits.
Uhura is on-stage but not really given a lot to do other than be a supportive friend. Sulu's short attention span, boundless energy, and peerless piloting skills are all given play. But it is truly Chekov that one or both of the writing team likes, and the more mature version of security chief at the time period of the original Star Trek movie, rather than the young mop-haired navigator of TV fame.
The plot is involving. An Andorian scientist doing research in areas of weaponry, denied funding on Andor, is missing and reportedly is working for the Orions. This is the first depiction (as far as I know, there may be fan fiction) of Orions beyond pirates and slave girls. This book shows an Orion Empire with a functioning, if martial, government. It is actually refreshing to have Orions used rather than Klingons, the race that would normally be used in such an instance. A bit too much is made, however, of the home planet having "two Earth gravities," making the Orions much stronger than humans. That in itself is not such a bad thing, but the double gravity would make for gerat differences in structure, more than are shown here. The gravity would also affect the women as well as the men, and so the lithe and lithsome slave girls would actually be quite stocky and not as appealing to the average human. A difference of, say, 25% in gravity would be more realistic. Of course, these are the quibbles of a physicist.
The plot is quite involving, with hidden identities, unexplained power surgers, and lots of action. There is a somewhat misguided subplot with a group of "Federation auditors," of the same ilk of paper-pushers that have often bedeviled Captain Kirk, but this time they serve a plot purpose as fodder for the title death count. It's not easy to feel sorry for an unfeeling, pushy auditor who buys the farm, though.
The writing style here, as with other Graf books, is competent though not inspiring. The characterizations are thin but there is lots of plot and action, even if some of it is implausible. As has been shown recently, implausible plots and thin writing are not a barrier to writing a bestseller. It's not great literature, but it is involving and the excitement will keep the pages turning.
Andorian scientist Muav Haslev has disappeared, and tensions are high between the Andorians and the Orions, suspected in his absence. War between the societies looms, and the Enterprise is in the middle of it. First, an incident on a space station involves Lt. Chekov. Then, shore leave is cut short as the ship and its crew are ordered to the Orion/Andorian border. When sabotage and deaths begin happening on the ship, it becomes apparent that an unwelcome passenger has made his way onto the Enterprise.
Julia Ecklar and Karen Cercone, writing under the pseudonym L.A. Graf, have written a solid novel here. Most novel outings, like the TV series and movies, center on Kirk, Spock and McCoy. This book features Chekov, Sulu, and Uhura, with the others in a supporting role, and is timely after the previous work that did just the opposite. Lots of plot and not much characterization here, as we mostly cover previously shown character traits.
Uhura is on-stage but not really given a lot to do other than be a supportive friend. Sulu's short attention span, boundless energy, and peerless piloting skills are all given play. But it is truly Chekov that one or both of the writing team likes, and the more mature version of security chief at the time period of the original Star Trek movie, rather than the young mop-haired navigator of TV fame.
The plot is involving. An Andorian scientist doing research in areas of weaponry, denied funding on Andor, is missing and reportedly is working for the Orions. This is the first depiction (as far as I know, there may be fan fiction) of Orions beyond pirates and slave girls. This book shows an Orion Empire with a functioning, if martial, government. It is actually refreshing to have Orions used rather than Klingons, the race that would normally be used in such an instance. A bit too much is made, however, of the home planet having "two Earth gravities," making the Orions much stronger than humans. That in itself is not such a bad thing, but the double gravity would make for gerat differences in structure, more than are shown here. The gravity would also affect the women as well as the men, and so the lithe and lithsome slave girls would actually be quite stocky and not as appealing to the average human. A difference of, say, 25% in gravity would be more realistic. Of course, these are the quibbles of a physicist.
The plot is quite involving, with hidden identities, unexplained power surgers, and lots of action. There is a somewhat misguided subplot with a group of "Federation auditors," of the same ilk of paper-pushers that have often bedeviled Captain Kirk, but this time they serve a plot purpose as fodder for the title death count. It's not easy to feel sorry for an unfeeling, pushy auditor who buys the farm, though.
The writing style here, as with other Graf books, is competent though not inspiring. The characterizations are thin but there is lots of plot and action, even if some of it is implausible. As has been shown recently, implausible plots and thin writing are not a barrier to writing a bestseller. It's not great literature, but it is involving and the excitement will keep the pages turning.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Best Destiny by Diane Carey, Star Trek Hardcover #5, 1992.
Captain James T. Kirk is preparing to retire, following the events of Star Trek VI. So is most of the rest of the crew, willingly or not. A tragic event on the planet Faramond leads Kirk to recall a previous trip to Faramond, when he was a teenager. A bitter, troubled, sixteen year old Jim Kirk went on a trip to Faramond with his father on the original starship Enterprise, with the original crew including legendary Captain Robert April. Only that trip didn't go quite as planned, either.
As a few of the crew, including Captain April, Commander George Kirk, and young Jim Kirk, take a Starfleet "cutter" (in pre-shuttlecraft days) to look at a spectacular trinary star on the way to Faramond, they are waylaid by a group of pirates who emerge from the magnetic field of the star and take ships by surprise, then pillage them. But they haven't reckoned with the guts and smarts of a highly trained crew, nor a particularly resourceful teenager.
Carey's novel, the first after a four-year layoff while she and co-plotter/husband Gregory Brodeur worked on a trilogy of American Civil War historical novels, is a look at the history of James T. Kirk and how he came to be who he is. A comparison is made in the foreword, and hinted at through the novel, of Kirk being much like Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was a failure at nearly everything he tried, except being a commander of men and armies. This novel tries to take the same tack with Kirk.
Also a sequel of sorts to "Final Frontier," Carey's earlier novel about the first voyage of the starship Enterprise with the original crew, including Captain Robert April, who was in the first drafts of the TV series material by Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry eventually changed the name of his captain to Christopher Pike, then after the first pilot didn't sell he named the man James T. Kirk. Pike was used later in the series, but April was not, although the character surfaced in the animated series of the 1970s. April has always been taken by fans to be the original captain of the Enterprise.
April returns along with helmsman Carlos Florida, security man Drake Reed, and George Kirk himself, although Kirk is not April's first officer in this story as he was in the first one. However, for the voyage, April puts Kirk in command of the cutter, and this is where credulity begins to be stretched. The captain putting someone else in command of a flight, when he is right there? Possible, I suppose, but not practical. It would thoroughly confuse the command structure, as it does at one plot point, so I suppose that was why. But it's a cheap story gimmick, and doesn't add anything to the story.
Captain April was used to much greater effect in the previous book. Here, he does little more than spout platitudes. I'd still like to see a book where April is used well, instead of delegating his authority to someone else. Just why is the guy a captain, anyway? Carey tells us about it, but she doesn't use any of her 400 pages here showing us why Robert April is a great captain.
That Kirk could have had a misspent youth is not a great stretch, although my own imagination has always had it a bit differently. I can stretch it to include this plot, but in fact there is not much plot here. This is often a problem with Carey's books, that there is a seed of a plot, then lots of soul-searching and characters telling each other about their feelings. It is a commonly used technique in soap operas, and can be used well in the theater, but it gets tedious in this long hardcover form. I was struggling to get through to the end of the book, rather than excited to keep turning the pages as one should be in a suspenseful tome.
This was a low period for Star Trek novels, with the Next Generation series in full bloom and Deep Space 9 on the way, and corporate attention striking down nearly all threads of creativity in the companion properties. This one is certainly not a good example of the genre. It's not really a bad book, but it's certainly not of good quality.
Captain James T. Kirk is preparing to retire, following the events of Star Trek VI. So is most of the rest of the crew, willingly or not. A tragic event on the planet Faramond leads Kirk to recall a previous trip to Faramond, when he was a teenager. A bitter, troubled, sixteen year old Jim Kirk went on a trip to Faramond with his father on the original starship Enterprise, with the original crew including legendary Captain Robert April. Only that trip didn't go quite as planned, either.
As a few of the crew, including Captain April, Commander George Kirk, and young Jim Kirk, take a Starfleet "cutter" (in pre-shuttlecraft days) to look at a spectacular trinary star on the way to Faramond, they are waylaid by a group of pirates who emerge from the magnetic field of the star and take ships by surprise, then pillage them. But they haven't reckoned with the guts and smarts of a highly trained crew, nor a particularly resourceful teenager.
Carey's novel, the first after a four-year layoff while she and co-plotter/husband Gregory Brodeur worked on a trilogy of American Civil War historical novels, is a look at the history of James T. Kirk and how he came to be who he is. A comparison is made in the foreword, and hinted at through the novel, of Kirk being much like Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was a failure at nearly everything he tried, except being a commander of men and armies. This novel tries to take the same tack with Kirk.
Also a sequel of sorts to "Final Frontier," Carey's earlier novel about the first voyage of the starship Enterprise with the original crew, including Captain Robert April, who was in the first drafts of the TV series material by Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry eventually changed the name of his captain to Christopher Pike, then after the first pilot didn't sell he named the man James T. Kirk. Pike was used later in the series, but April was not, although the character surfaced in the animated series of the 1970s. April has always been taken by fans to be the original captain of the Enterprise.
April returns along with helmsman Carlos Florida, security man Drake Reed, and George Kirk himself, although Kirk is not April's first officer in this story as he was in the first one. However, for the voyage, April puts Kirk in command of the cutter, and this is where credulity begins to be stretched. The captain putting someone else in command of a flight, when he is right there? Possible, I suppose, but not practical. It would thoroughly confuse the command structure, as it does at one plot point, so I suppose that was why. But it's a cheap story gimmick, and doesn't add anything to the story.
Captain April was used to much greater effect in the previous book. Here, he does little more than spout platitudes. I'd still like to see a book where April is used well, instead of delegating his authority to someone else. Just why is the guy a captain, anyway? Carey tells us about it, but she doesn't use any of her 400 pages here showing us why Robert April is a great captain.
That Kirk could have had a misspent youth is not a great stretch, although my own imagination has always had it a bit differently. I can stretch it to include this plot, but in fact there is not much plot here. This is often a problem with Carey's books, that there is a seed of a plot, then lots of soul-searching and characters telling each other about their feelings. It is a commonly used technique in soap operas, and can be used well in the theater, but it gets tedious in this long hardcover form. I was struggling to get through to the end of the book, rather than excited to keep turning the pages as one should be in a suspenseful tome.
This was a low period for Star Trek novels, with the Next Generation series in full bloom and Deep Space 9 on the way, and corporate attention striking down nearly all threads of creativity in the companion properties. This one is certainly not a good example of the genre. It's not really a bad book, but it's certainly not of good quality.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Sanctuary by John Vornholt (Star Trek #61, September 1992).
The Enterprise is pursuing the pirate Auk Rex, fleeing in a small but fast ship just able to keep ahead of the starship. Unable to shake the larger craft, the pirate heads for an uncharted region of space. It is rumored to be the location of the planet Sanctuary, supposed place of safety for the fleeing. The smaller craft can travel to the planet's surface, so Kirk, Spock and McCoy take a shuttlecraft to follow the pirate to the ground.
Once on the planet, Kirk and company find that Sanctuary makes a very effective prison...no one is ever, ever allowed to leave. That includes those that want to leave, so the Federation crew is effectively stuck, as a defensive screen prevents them from flying out, or Scotty from beaming them up or even communicating with them. It is up to Kirk, Spock and McCoy to find a way out, or spend the rest of their lives on their new home.
John Vornholt writes his first original series Star Trek novel here, after a couple cracks at the Next Generation crew. It's not a bad story, pretty interesting, playing a lot like some of the later TV episodes with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy down on a planet for almost the whole time, and little focus on the ship aside from a few scenes on Scotty's troubles with keeping the Enterprise there long enough to rescue the lost crew, wangling with the bounty hunters in orbit there, and trying to find a solution.
But this book, like so many TV episodes, is about the Big Three. The characters are handled reasonably well, but we get nothing new here. The story has no real depth to it. The most interesting aspect is the planet itself and its keeper, the Senites. An androgynous race, their method of procreation is a mystery until the heroes stumble onto it and become quite horrified. The situation provides the needed impetus to inspire the escape by a quite primitive means. It's quite ingenious, actually, and is the second most interesting part of the book.
Vornholt has been quite a prolific author, mostly for licensed books. He has written a number of Next Generation novels, as well as Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Dinotopia (no, really, Dinotopia). Vornholt also wrote other kid-oriented fare such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Spider-Man books. He wrote the adaptations for the Next Generation cast movies. He wrote just one other ST original series book, #82, Mind Meld.
The story is something of a romp, an excuse to put the characters through their paces. There is no special style here, nothing to make the book stand out. A couple of good ideas here, but generally this is just a time-passer, a book to read if you like the genre and have some time to kill, as it could be had cheaply. Get it from the library.
The Enterprise is pursuing the pirate Auk Rex, fleeing in a small but fast ship just able to keep ahead of the starship. Unable to shake the larger craft, the pirate heads for an uncharted region of space. It is rumored to be the location of the planet Sanctuary, supposed place of safety for the fleeing. The smaller craft can travel to the planet's surface, so Kirk, Spock and McCoy take a shuttlecraft to follow the pirate to the ground.
Once on the planet, Kirk and company find that Sanctuary makes a very effective prison...no one is ever, ever allowed to leave. That includes those that want to leave, so the Federation crew is effectively stuck, as a defensive screen prevents them from flying out, or Scotty from beaming them up or even communicating with them. It is up to Kirk, Spock and McCoy to find a way out, or spend the rest of their lives on their new home.
John Vornholt writes his first original series Star Trek novel here, after a couple cracks at the Next Generation crew. It's not a bad story, pretty interesting, playing a lot like some of the later TV episodes with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy down on a planet for almost the whole time, and little focus on the ship aside from a few scenes on Scotty's troubles with keeping the Enterprise there long enough to rescue the lost crew, wangling with the bounty hunters in orbit there, and trying to find a solution.
But this book, like so many TV episodes, is about the Big Three. The characters are handled reasonably well, but we get nothing new here. The story has no real depth to it. The most interesting aspect is the planet itself and its keeper, the Senites. An androgynous race, their method of procreation is a mystery until the heroes stumble onto it and become quite horrified. The situation provides the needed impetus to inspire the escape by a quite primitive means. It's quite ingenious, actually, and is the second most interesting part of the book.
Vornholt has been quite a prolific author, mostly for licensed books. He has written a number of Next Generation novels, as well as Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Dinotopia (no, really, Dinotopia). Vornholt also wrote other kid-oriented fare such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Spider-Man books. He wrote the adaptations for the Next Generation cast movies. He wrote just one other ST original series book, #82, Mind Meld.
The story is something of a romp, an excuse to put the characters through their paces. There is no special style here, nothing to make the book stand out. A couple of good ideas here, but generally this is just a time-passer, a book to read if you like the genre and have some time to kill, as it could be had cheaply. Get it from the library.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Ice Trap by L.A. Graf (Star Trek #60, July 1992).
The Enterprise is called to Nordstral, an icy planet with a friendly native population and rich ocean life that is being harvested by a pharmaceutical corporation for its medicinal properties. But the planet is now wracked by strong magnetic storms and icequakes, and help is needed to find a stranded rescue team.
Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy take to a submarine to investigate underwater the causes of an odd mental illness befalling the human workers, while Lt. Cmdr. Uhura and Lt. Chekov patrol the ice sheet to find the missing rescue team. Both teams get into far, far more than they bargained for, as conditions rapidly worsen. McCoy experiences the mental illness close-up, while Uhura and Chekov find that not all the natives are friendly.
The writing team that is L.A. Graf would write a succession of the next few Original Series novels, following this one with #62, 68 and 70. Julia Ecklar and Karen Rose Cercone teamed for the first time on this book, and would go on to write a number of other books for the Star Trek universe as well as other science fiction series. Ecklar had previously published a solo effort as ST #47, "The Kobayashi Maru." Ecklar is an accomplished singer and songwriter, mostly in the realm of "filksongs," science-fiction type folk music. Cercone is also a writer of American historical fiction.
This book is written as a suspense novel, with the stakes continually raised in peril for the main characters. We feature four here, as Spock, Scott and Sulu remain on the ship but form the rescue party at the close of the book. Spock, logically, stays aboard the ship rather than go down to an ice planet since he is from a desert world. A lot more reasonable than his adventure on Zarabeth's planet in the TV episode.
Our authors maintain a feeling of desperation and tension throughout the book. The styling is reminiscent of the contemporary TV series "24" as time is the enemy, and the situation continues to get worse and worse until it is finally resolved. Kirk and McCoy face danger under the sea, and aboard ship as a madman tries to kill McCoy. Uhura and Chekov are chased by a native determined to rid this world of humans. Madness is a common theme in the book.
If you like the action and suspense of "24" and the like, you will probably like this book. I find such writing and film work tedious, and far too wearing. I did not like the book, but fans of the genre very well might. The writing style is neither exceptional nor poor, but there is little in the way of characterization here, and plot is mostly sacrificed for tension. The best character bits are McCoy's, and we see a bit of how he views his Captain and friend. Chekov gets lots of attention here, mostly as a worry-wart, but Uhura is not well used and that is disappointing with two female authors. You would think the only female main character would get better use.
It's not great, it's not bad. I am middle of the road here.
The Enterprise is called to Nordstral, an icy planet with a friendly native population and rich ocean life that is being harvested by a pharmaceutical corporation for its medicinal properties. But the planet is now wracked by strong magnetic storms and icequakes, and help is needed to find a stranded rescue team.
Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy take to a submarine to investigate underwater the causes of an odd mental illness befalling the human workers, while Lt. Cmdr. Uhura and Lt. Chekov patrol the ice sheet to find the missing rescue team. Both teams get into far, far more than they bargained for, as conditions rapidly worsen. McCoy experiences the mental illness close-up, while Uhura and Chekov find that not all the natives are friendly.
The writing team that is L.A. Graf would write a succession of the next few Original Series novels, following this one with #62, 68 and 70. Julia Ecklar and Karen Rose Cercone teamed for the first time on this book, and would go on to write a number of other books for the Star Trek universe as well as other science fiction series. Ecklar had previously published a solo effort as ST #47, "The Kobayashi Maru." Ecklar is an accomplished singer and songwriter, mostly in the realm of "filksongs," science-fiction type folk music. Cercone is also a writer of American historical fiction.
This book is written as a suspense novel, with the stakes continually raised in peril for the main characters. We feature four here, as Spock, Scott and Sulu remain on the ship but form the rescue party at the close of the book. Spock, logically, stays aboard the ship rather than go down to an ice planet since he is from a desert world. A lot more reasonable than his adventure on Zarabeth's planet in the TV episode.
Our authors maintain a feeling of desperation and tension throughout the book. The styling is reminiscent of the contemporary TV series "24" as time is the enemy, and the situation continues to get worse and worse until it is finally resolved. Kirk and McCoy face danger under the sea, and aboard ship as a madman tries to kill McCoy. Uhura and Chekov are chased by a native determined to rid this world of humans. Madness is a common theme in the book.
If you like the action and suspense of "24" and the like, you will probably like this book. I find such writing and film work tedious, and far too wearing. I did not like the book, but fans of the genre very well might. The writing style is neither exceptional nor poor, but there is little in the way of characterization here, and plot is mostly sacrificed for tension. The best character bits are McCoy's, and we see a bit of how he views his Captain and friend. Chekov gets lots of attention here, mostly as a worry-wart, but Uhura is not well used and that is disappointing with two female authors. You would think the only female main character would get better use.
It's not great, it's not bad. I am middle of the road here.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Probe, nee' Music of the Spheres, by Margaret Wander Bonanno (and J.M. Dillard, and Gene DeWeese), 1992.
The powerful probe that threatened the Earth in Star Trek IV is back, and it is again up to the Enterprise to fend it off. All this, just when it seemed the Romulan Empire was ready to negotiate peace, after the death of the Praetor led to a leadership shakeup. A meeting in the Neutral Zone coupled with a joint archaeological venture at the same site had raised hopes, but obstinancy by the Romulan diplomat had seemed to scuttle all hopes, even before the probe returned. And now, that power threatens everyone.
This is one of the most star-crossed books ever published in the Star Trek universe. It started life as "Music of the Spheres," a novel written by Margaret Wander Bonanno that was to be another hardcover book in the Star Trek line. Bonanno wrote a novel that incorporated the probe from the then-recent movie, music in the Star Trek universe, a Romulan peace initiative, and her characters from an earlier novel, "Dwellers in the Crucible," which was an attempt to examine a Kirk-Spock relationship between two female characters. Cleante al-Faisal and T'Shael, the stars of the earlier book, were main characters here: al-Faisal as an archaelogist leading the Federation team, and T'Shael as a translator for the negotiations.
By this time, however, Paramount and Pocket books had decided that the little industry of ST books must stay beholden to the video franchise, and not use much in the way of non-canonical characters, and definitely never reuse characters from novel to novel. Certainly such characters should not be used in lead roles.
According to Bonanno, there were also objections raised to the length of her title (essentially the same as that of her earlier best-seller) and other things. The former kibosh on identifying things as sequels, however, no longer seemed to be a concern, as her book was billed from the beginning as a sequel to ST IV. Bonanno attempted rewrites, but could never come up with a version acceptable to officials. The manuscript was passed in time to writer Jeanne Dillard for rewrites, then finally to Gene DeWeese for the same purpose. Bonanno estimates that of her original, seven per cent remained. Cleante and T'Shael were combined into one new female character (which was a bit unwieldy) and situations and some character names were changed.
The resulting novel is still a pretty good book, but the execution is clumsy. There are changes in writing style, sometimes from page to page. The plot, which essentially survives, flows reasonably well but goes by fits and starts. The book as published has a poor flow. Bonanno offered to do a final rewrite, but the book had already been delayed twice and a decision was made to publish it as it stood. Another rewrite by the original author may have helped, or may have just made it even more jumbled.
Thankfully, we can read how the book was originally written. Bonanno has posted a link to a zip file of the original manuscript on her website: http://www.margaretwanderbonanno.com/bio.htm
You can download the book from there, and read for yourself.
The powerful probe that threatened the Earth in Star Trek IV is back, and it is again up to the Enterprise to fend it off. All this, just when it seemed the Romulan Empire was ready to negotiate peace, after the death of the Praetor led to a leadership shakeup. A meeting in the Neutral Zone coupled with a joint archaeological venture at the same site had raised hopes, but obstinancy by the Romulan diplomat had seemed to scuttle all hopes, even before the probe returned. And now, that power threatens everyone.
This is one of the most star-crossed books ever published in the Star Trek universe. It started life as "Music of the Spheres," a novel written by Margaret Wander Bonanno that was to be another hardcover book in the Star Trek line. Bonanno wrote a novel that incorporated the probe from the then-recent movie, music in the Star Trek universe, a Romulan peace initiative, and her characters from an earlier novel, "Dwellers in the Crucible," which was an attempt to examine a Kirk-Spock relationship between two female characters. Cleante al-Faisal and T'Shael, the stars of the earlier book, were main characters here: al-Faisal as an archaelogist leading the Federation team, and T'Shael as a translator for the negotiations.
By this time, however, Paramount and Pocket books had decided that the little industry of ST books must stay beholden to the video franchise, and not use much in the way of non-canonical characters, and definitely never reuse characters from novel to novel. Certainly such characters should not be used in lead roles.
According to Bonanno, there were also objections raised to the length of her title (essentially the same as that of her earlier best-seller) and other things. The former kibosh on identifying things as sequels, however, no longer seemed to be a concern, as her book was billed from the beginning as a sequel to ST IV. Bonanno attempted rewrites, but could never come up with a version acceptable to officials. The manuscript was passed in time to writer Jeanne Dillard for rewrites, then finally to Gene DeWeese for the same purpose. Bonanno estimates that of her original, seven per cent remained. Cleante and T'Shael were combined into one new female character (which was a bit unwieldy) and situations and some character names were changed.
The resulting novel is still a pretty good book, but the execution is clumsy. There are changes in writing style, sometimes from page to page. The plot, which essentially survives, flows reasonably well but goes by fits and starts. The book as published has a poor flow. Bonanno offered to do a final rewrite, but the book had already been delayed twice and a decision was made to publish it as it stood. Another rewrite by the original author may have helped, or may have just made it even more jumbled.
Thankfully, we can read how the book was originally written. Bonanno has posted a link to a zip file of the original manuscript on her website: http://www.margaretwanderbonanno.com/bio.htm
You can download the book from there, and read for yourself.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
The Disinherited by Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman and Bob Greenberger (Star Trek #59, May 1992).
Uhura is sent on a mission with another starship to contact an alien race with a different way of communication, and the Enterprise is called to investigate attacks on colonies that have caused heavy losses of life and property. The incidents are near the Gorn territories, but no connection has been found. When the attackers strike again, the Enterprise must confront a smaller, more maneuverable foe that can strike quickly and cause heavy damage.
This tome by a trio of writers at times shows the effects of too many hands (abrupt scene changes, first Commodore Wesley is on the ship, then all of a sudden he's on the planet) but since all three are good writers with a strong background in Star Trek, the book works very well. David's often-humorous approach, Friedman's straight-ahead storytelling, and Greenberger's encyclopedic knowledge of the source material blend together to make a book that if not seamless, is certainly entertaining.
Uhura gets a chance to shine in another environment, using her communication skills to interpret the wishes of an alien race. It is a role that would be filled by Couselor Troi on Next Generation, but this story show that Uhura would have worked well in the role if the original series' stories had been written that way. Uhura is also able to uncover the key fact that links the stories together, and reveals the truth behind the identities of the raiders.
The story also features the early days of Chekov aboard the Enterprise, to excellent effect. Some other stories have had Chekov on board since the beginning of the five-year mission, simply behind the scenes when we do not see him during the first season. The coming-aboard after his Academy graduation is much more sensible, and makes for a good story as he must fit in with his new shipmates.
Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, and Sulu also get good moments here. The book was clearly written to feature Uhura and Chekov, but not to slight the other characters. That goal is accomplished with strong character bits for all, from Sulu's enthusiasm to McCoy's curmudgeon exterior, to Spock's always logical input. As always, Captain Kirk is the glue that holds it all together. It's a story that works on many levels.
For the first few chapters, the switch between scenes (and writers) is a bit stiff, but becomes much smoother as the book continues.
This book is a real page-turner, and it can be enjoyed by a variety of readers.
Uhura is sent on a mission with another starship to contact an alien race with a different way of communication, and the Enterprise is called to investigate attacks on colonies that have caused heavy losses of life and property. The incidents are near the Gorn territories, but no connection has been found. When the attackers strike again, the Enterprise must confront a smaller, more maneuverable foe that can strike quickly and cause heavy damage.
This tome by a trio of writers at times shows the effects of too many hands (abrupt scene changes, first Commodore Wesley is on the ship, then all of a sudden he's on the planet) but since all three are good writers with a strong background in Star Trek, the book works very well. David's often-humorous approach, Friedman's straight-ahead storytelling, and Greenberger's encyclopedic knowledge of the source material blend together to make a book that if not seamless, is certainly entertaining.
Uhura gets a chance to shine in another environment, using her communication skills to interpret the wishes of an alien race. It is a role that would be filled by Couselor Troi on Next Generation, but this story show that Uhura would have worked well in the role if the original series' stories had been written that way. Uhura is also able to uncover the key fact that links the stories together, and reveals the truth behind the identities of the raiders.
The story also features the early days of Chekov aboard the Enterprise, to excellent effect. Some other stories have had Chekov on board since the beginning of the five-year mission, simply behind the scenes when we do not see him during the first season. The coming-aboard after his Academy graduation is much more sensible, and makes for a good story as he must fit in with his new shipmates.
Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, and Sulu also get good moments here. The book was clearly written to feature Uhura and Chekov, but not to slight the other characters. That goal is accomplished with strong character bits for all, from Sulu's enthusiasm to McCoy's curmudgeon exterior, to Spock's always logical input. As always, Captain Kirk is the glue that holds it all together. It's a story that works on many levels.
For the first few chapters, the switch between scenes (and writers) is a bit stiff, but becomes much smoother as the book continues.
This book is a real page-turner, and it can be enjoyed by a variety of readers.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Faces of Fire by Michael Jan Friedman (Star Trek #58)
The Enterprise is called to Alpha Malurian Six to stem the tide leading to civil war there, and ferries Ambassador Farquhar there to work with the two contentious sides. Before that, however, Kirk stops by terraforming colony Beta Canzandia Three, as the small group there needs physicals and resupply. The Ambassador fights the Captain's decision.
Since a key piece of equipment is not performing as expected, Mr. Spock stays behind at the colony and the rest of the crew go on to the diplomatic assignment. The ship hasn't been gone very long when a Klingon vessel arrives and takes the colonists prisoner. Left uncaptured are Spock, and the children of the colony.
At the Malurian world, the situation has worsened and bloodshed seems imminent. Kirk and Scotty go undercover to find out the causes of the dispute, and Kirk comes up with an ingenious solution to the problem. Getting back to the colony, the crew finds Klingons preparing to leave the planet, and the aftermath of their visit. Spock, with help from the children, has thwarted the Klingons, but a price has been paid.
Fire is a recurring theme in this book, from the Klingon proverb that provides the title, to the tests the characters undergo, to the blaze that marks the story's climax, or actually just after the climax. Author Friedman uses the theme without beating it to death, a deft accomplishment by a now-veteran storyteller. Friedman's stories are often a bit stiff, his characters somewhat formulaic, but those shortcomings are minor and in the background here. The story and writing are well-handled.
The biggest hook of the story is the status of "prequel" to the Star Trek II-IV movie arc. Friedman introduces Dr. Carol Marcus as a colonist and botanist of the terraformers, a precursor to her "Genesis effect" creation in Star Trek II. Also introduced is her son David, here 10, who is also Kirk's son although he doesn't know it. We also see the Klingon Kruge, the main villain of Star Trek III played by Christopher Lloyd.
We get a nice introduction to these characters in the Star Trek canon, but also a continuity glitch: David's existence is revealed here to McCoy, Spock, and finally Kirk, although none of them appear to have any knowledge of it when he appears in the movie. It would have made some sense for Spock to find out, and maybe even McCoy, but to have Kirk know stretches credulity for the movie reaction, even given William Shatner's penchant for overacting and the ten-year gap in the timeline between meetings.
For all that, it's a good story, and a page-turner to read. This one is mostly for fans of the Star Trek series or movies, but it could be an entertaining read for general science fiction fans.
The Enterprise is called to Alpha Malurian Six to stem the tide leading to civil war there, and ferries Ambassador Farquhar there to work with the two contentious sides. Before that, however, Kirk stops by terraforming colony Beta Canzandia Three, as the small group there needs physicals and resupply. The Ambassador fights the Captain's decision.
Since a key piece of equipment is not performing as expected, Mr. Spock stays behind at the colony and the rest of the crew go on to the diplomatic assignment. The ship hasn't been gone very long when a Klingon vessel arrives and takes the colonists prisoner. Left uncaptured are Spock, and the children of the colony.
At the Malurian world, the situation has worsened and bloodshed seems imminent. Kirk and Scotty go undercover to find out the causes of the dispute, and Kirk comes up with an ingenious solution to the problem. Getting back to the colony, the crew finds Klingons preparing to leave the planet, and the aftermath of their visit. Spock, with help from the children, has thwarted the Klingons, but a price has been paid.
Fire is a recurring theme in this book, from the Klingon proverb that provides the title, to the tests the characters undergo, to the blaze that marks the story's climax, or actually just after the climax. Author Friedman uses the theme without beating it to death, a deft accomplishment by a now-veteran storyteller. Friedman's stories are often a bit stiff, his characters somewhat formulaic, but those shortcomings are minor and in the background here. The story and writing are well-handled.
The biggest hook of the story is the status of "prequel" to the Star Trek II-IV movie arc. Friedman introduces Dr. Carol Marcus as a colonist and botanist of the terraformers, a precursor to her "Genesis effect" creation in Star Trek II. Also introduced is her son David, here 10, who is also Kirk's son although he doesn't know it. We also see the Klingon Kruge, the main villain of Star Trek III played by Christopher Lloyd.
We get a nice introduction to these characters in the Star Trek canon, but also a continuity glitch: David's existence is revealed here to McCoy, Spock, and finally Kirk, although none of them appear to have any knowledge of it when he appears in the movie. It would have made some sense for Spock to find out, and maybe even McCoy, but to have Kirk know stretches credulity for the movie reaction, even given William Shatner's penchant for overacting and the ten-year gap in the timeline between meetings.
For all that, it's a good story, and a page-turner to read. This one is mostly for fans of the Star Trek series or movies, but it could be an entertaining read for general science fiction fans.
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Rift by Peter David (Star Trek #57, November 1991).
The Enterprise captained by Christopher Pike encounters a rift in space. They do some sensor readings and catalogue it, then move on to their scheduled starbase repair and medical update when a communication is received from within the rift. Taking the ship through the gap the crew, including a young Lieutennant Spock as well as Lt. Scott, encounters an advanced but insular civilization. They exchange information, but the Enterprise has only a few hours before the rift closes.
Some thirty-three years later, the Enterprise captained by Jim Kirk (sometime after the events of the movie Star Trek III) returns to the area of the rift to again make contact with the Calligar. On board is Commodore Jose Tyler, the navigator of that earlier Enterprise mission. Also aboard is Ambassador Fox, as well as Andorian and Tellarite representatives, plus Federation computer expert Dr. Richard Daystrom.
The conflict comes when a leader of the Calligar, who had been involved with Tyler during that earlier visit, announces her wishes to defect to the Federation. The Calligar decide to hold the visitor, including Spock and Scotty, until their citizen is returned. Kirk must figure out a way to resolve the situation, without losing any of his people.
Peter David is a long-time Star Trek fan with a real ear for the series, and a veteran comic book writer. His books are always funny, well-plotted, character-driven, and smart. This tome is no exception. An 80-page opening section on the Pike-era Enterprise is wonderful, and odd in that it comes right after Michael Jan Friedman's novel with some of the same themes. The final 190 pages are set in later times, after the death of David Marcus, and touch on themes of aging and self-image, as well as heroism.
David's stories are always funny, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny. Most characters are witty and make little quips, as we often like to do in real life. Of course, characters in print don't have our live limitations. David returns to the Andorian-Tellarite byplay from the TV episode "Return to Babel" with a cool, collected Andorian representative and a blustering piggish Tellarite. For all that, the characters never lose their sense of self, or sacrifice their potential for heroism. The villains are fighting merely for what they think is right, and it just happens to be at odds with our heroes.
This is David's first original series novel, although he already had Next Generation material published and had written for DC's comic book series. He would write many more for all the Star Trek series, plus his own creation of Star Trek material under the "New Frontier" imprint. It's all good.
This in particular is an excellent novel. The characterizations are just right, and David uses a comic book writer's touch to bring together some continuity. It's rather deft, and quite well written. Most important, it's a good, action-packed story. Top-notch stuff.
The Enterprise captained by Christopher Pike encounters a rift in space. They do some sensor readings and catalogue it, then move on to their scheduled starbase repair and medical update when a communication is received from within the rift. Taking the ship through the gap the crew, including a young Lieutennant Spock as well as Lt. Scott, encounters an advanced but insular civilization. They exchange information, but the Enterprise has only a few hours before the rift closes.
Some thirty-three years later, the Enterprise captained by Jim Kirk (sometime after the events of the movie Star Trek III) returns to the area of the rift to again make contact with the Calligar. On board is Commodore Jose Tyler, the navigator of that earlier Enterprise mission. Also aboard is Ambassador Fox, as well as Andorian and Tellarite representatives, plus Federation computer expert Dr. Richard Daystrom.
The conflict comes when a leader of the Calligar, who had been involved with Tyler during that earlier visit, announces her wishes to defect to the Federation. The Calligar decide to hold the visitor, including Spock and Scotty, until their citizen is returned. Kirk must figure out a way to resolve the situation, without losing any of his people.
Peter David is a long-time Star Trek fan with a real ear for the series, and a veteran comic book writer. His books are always funny, well-plotted, character-driven, and smart. This tome is no exception. An 80-page opening section on the Pike-era Enterprise is wonderful, and odd in that it comes right after Michael Jan Friedman's novel with some of the same themes. The final 190 pages are set in later times, after the death of David Marcus, and touch on themes of aging and self-image, as well as heroism.
David's stories are always funny, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny. Most characters are witty and make little quips, as we often like to do in real life. Of course, characters in print don't have our live limitations. David returns to the Andorian-Tellarite byplay from the TV episode "Return to Babel" with a cool, collected Andorian representative and a blustering piggish Tellarite. For all that, the characters never lose their sense of self, or sacrifice their potential for heroism. The villains are fighting merely for what they think is right, and it just happens to be at odds with our heroes.
This is David's first original series novel, although he already had Next Generation material published and had written for DC's comic book series. He would write many more for all the Star Trek series, plus his own creation of Star Trek material under the "New Frontier" imprint. It's all good.
This in particular is an excellent novel. The characterizations are just right, and David uses a comic book writer's touch to bring together some continuity. It's rather deft, and quite well written. Most important, it's a good, action-packed story. Top-notch stuff.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Legacy by Michael Jan Friedman (Star Trek #56, August 1991).
A survey mission to Alpha Octavius Four seems like a pleasant diversion to a lush jungle planet, until a huge creature emerges from underground and gives Mr. Spock a poison sting. Dr. McCoy beams back up with the first officer, and shortly thereafter Captain Kirk is caught in a sinkhole with three crewmen. Sulu investigates with his team, but almost immediately the Enterprise is called away. The Beta Cabrini mining colony is under attack.
It turns out the colony has been invaded by a pirate named Dreen, of the Merkaan race. The Merkaans are sort of a cross between Orions and Ferengi, brutal marauders who take whatever they can get their hands on. While Spock served under Christopher Pike on the Enterprise, Pike defeated Dreen by subterfuge when he attempted a similar action in Federation territory. Now Spock must rise from his sickbed and deal with Dreen.
Friedman has written a good solid novel here, one with appeal to Star Trek fans and novices alike. The author uses a device to move Kirk off stage and have a stressed Spock face an old foe, but gives Kirk something to do in the meantime: survive, and keep his team alive as well. It plays well, and also gives Friedman a chance to shed some light on the old Enterprise crew from Spock's first tour. Pike, Dr. Boyce, Jose Tyler, and Number One among others show up here and get some book space, wonderful for such underused characters. Frideman uses his knowledge of Star Trek lore well.
Dreen also makes for a good villain. He's big, brutal, greedy, and none too bright, the antithesis of Spock. Unable to beat Dreen's three ships with just the Enterprise, Spock must resort to subterfuge, and with his condition cannot confront the man directly. This is a script Leonard Nimoy would have loved to play out. It works much better than Friedman's first ST novel, "Double, Double" which was #45 in the series. Oddly, Friedman appears again in just two books, at #58. He was undoubtedly a favorite of the editor at the time.
Spock gets the lead role here, with Kirk getting good scenes as well. Dr. McCoy is important in a supporting role. He gets nerve-pinched by Spock at a key time which we can all see coming but enjoy nonetheless. Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov are not strongly featured but their presence is felt. Even Mr. Leslie appears here.
It's a good book with a strong plot that will keep the pages turning. It is also involving for longtime Star Trek fans who will see many of their favorites used well. This is one of the best of the series.
A survey mission to Alpha Octavius Four seems like a pleasant diversion to a lush jungle planet, until a huge creature emerges from underground and gives Mr. Spock a poison sting. Dr. McCoy beams back up with the first officer, and shortly thereafter Captain Kirk is caught in a sinkhole with three crewmen. Sulu investigates with his team, but almost immediately the Enterprise is called away. The Beta Cabrini mining colony is under attack.
It turns out the colony has been invaded by a pirate named Dreen, of the Merkaan race. The Merkaans are sort of a cross between Orions and Ferengi, brutal marauders who take whatever they can get their hands on. While Spock served under Christopher Pike on the Enterprise, Pike defeated Dreen by subterfuge when he attempted a similar action in Federation territory. Now Spock must rise from his sickbed and deal with Dreen.
Friedman has written a good solid novel here, one with appeal to Star Trek fans and novices alike. The author uses a device to move Kirk off stage and have a stressed Spock face an old foe, but gives Kirk something to do in the meantime: survive, and keep his team alive as well. It plays well, and also gives Friedman a chance to shed some light on the old Enterprise crew from Spock's first tour. Pike, Dr. Boyce, Jose Tyler, and Number One among others show up here and get some book space, wonderful for such underused characters. Frideman uses his knowledge of Star Trek lore well.
Dreen also makes for a good villain. He's big, brutal, greedy, and none too bright, the antithesis of Spock. Unable to beat Dreen's three ships with just the Enterprise, Spock must resort to subterfuge, and with his condition cannot confront the man directly. This is a script Leonard Nimoy would have loved to play out. It works much better than Friedman's first ST novel, "Double, Double" which was #45 in the series. Oddly, Friedman appears again in just two books, at #58. He was undoubtedly a favorite of the editor at the time.
Spock gets the lead role here, with Kirk getting good scenes as well. Dr. McCoy is important in a supporting role. He gets nerve-pinched by Spock at a key time which we can all see coming but enjoy nonetheless. Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov are not strongly featured but their presence is felt. Even Mr. Leslie appears here.
It's a good book with a strong plot that will keep the pages turning. It is also involving for longtime Star Trek fans who will see many of their favorites used well. This is one of the best of the series.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Renegade by Gene DeWeese (Star Trek #55, June 1991).
After one hundred years as a colony, Chrellkan III is scheduled for independence from its mother world and neighbor, Chrellkan IV. But violence has erupted between the formerly peaceful worlds, and the Enterprise is dispatched to mediate the disputes. The Premier of the home world is full of wild accusations, as well as tape of atrocities, so Spock and McCoy are sent to beam down and investigate. Shortly after they arrive, hostilities break out, and they are reported killed. As violence escalates, and ship systems behave oddly, Kirk must find out the truth without his two most trusted advisors.
DeWeese does much better in his third original series novel, although the plot is still contrived. The story flows more smoothly, and the characters are generally quite believable. Lt. Finney is brought back from a TV episode to once again play a role, and the plot is similar to that show. But there is the new spin of Klingon involvement.
The novel plays like a decent episode of the television program. Kirk is the center of things on the bridge, and must depend on Scotty with Spock and McCoy absent. Spock and McCoy are on their own on the planet, and must find their own way out of the situation without the ship's resources. The whole thing builds to a solid climax, even if the ending is pretty easy to see.
This is also the final Original Series book to date by DeWeese. A book that combines original and Next Generation that he wrote in 2000-01 was just published in early 2005 as "Engines of Destiny." DeWeese, a former electronics engineer who once worked for NASA, is still writing.
After one hundred years as a colony, Chrellkan III is scheduled for independence from its mother world and neighbor, Chrellkan IV. But violence has erupted between the formerly peaceful worlds, and the Enterprise is dispatched to mediate the disputes. The Premier of the home world is full of wild accusations, as well as tape of atrocities, so Spock and McCoy are sent to beam down and investigate. Shortly after they arrive, hostilities break out, and they are reported killed. As violence escalates, and ship systems behave oddly, Kirk must find out the truth without his two most trusted advisors.
DeWeese does much better in his third original series novel, although the plot is still contrived. The story flows more smoothly, and the characters are generally quite believable. Lt. Finney is brought back from a TV episode to once again play a role, and the plot is similar to that show. But there is the new spin of Klingon involvement.
The novel plays like a decent episode of the television program. Kirk is the center of things on the bridge, and must depend on Scotty with Spock and McCoy absent. Spock and McCoy are on their own on the planet, and must find their own way out of the situation without the ship's resources. The whole thing builds to a solid climax, even if the ending is pretty easy to see.
This is also the final Original Series book to date by DeWeese. A book that combines original and Next Generation that he wrote in 2000-01 was just published in early 2005 as "Engines of Destiny." DeWeese, a former electronics engineer who once worked for NASA, is still writing.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
A Flag Full of Stars by Brad Ferguson (Star Trek #54, April 1991).
In the time between the original TV series and the first Star Trek movie, Captain Kirk has been promoted to Admiral, and has moved from being a StarFleet troubleshooter to Chief of Operations, overseeing starship refits. The Enterprise is being readied for the command of new captain and Kirk protege' Will Decker. But an encounter with a Klingon scientist teaching on Earth causes Kirk to become embroiled in a sea of espionage and an arms race between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
This was originally scheduled as a hardcover, second in a trilogy with the overarching title "The Lost Years" and this book was to follow J.M. Dillard's "The Lost Years" as the second book in the series. But a change in editors happened between that book and this, and the planned hardcover became subject to rewrites, and was issued as this paperback.
Ferguson has said that some of the fault was his, as he became ill and was late delivering the manuscript, and also that rewrites demanded cut the soul out of the book. Finally, Dillard did a rewrite, and the result was something of a pastiche. Ferguson has posted the manuscript he wrote in the Internet, but I could not find a current copy posted.
The book as printed is not very good. I cannot judge, having not seen Ferguson's manuscript, how much damage was done by the changes and what was present beforehand. The plot does not get going until 100 pages into the book, which wouldn't be so bad if this were a 400-page hardcover but is a bit late for a 250-page paperback. The villains of the piece, such as they are, are not very effective. The two Klingons on assignment on Earth as spies to observe the Klingon scholar G'dath are ruthless and brutal, but not terribly effective.
While having a positive Klingon character in G'dath was a nice change, his scenes were not written particularly well. His universe-changing invention was also not well thought out, and was eliminated pretty cheaply. Playing the Organian card gets old. And while the use of twice-seen character Kevin Riley as Kirk's chief of staff is a good touch, his character is too much of a cipher in both this novel and the previous one in this series. Even Kirk is pretty uninteresting.
There's just not much here to recommend this book. Characterizations were not well done; the writing, perhaps owing to the combining of two different styles, is unsatisfying. The plot is uninvolving. This book falls short in every area. And if you like the original crew, only Kirk gets more than a cameo appearence, and in truth G'dath and not Kirk is the central character. Spock appears not at all, and is merely mentioned in passing. He gets overused, but there is little else here.
Give this one a pass, unless you are a completist.
In the time between the original TV series and the first Star Trek movie, Captain Kirk has been promoted to Admiral, and has moved from being a StarFleet troubleshooter to Chief of Operations, overseeing starship refits. The Enterprise is being readied for the command of new captain and Kirk protege' Will Decker. But an encounter with a Klingon scientist teaching on Earth causes Kirk to become embroiled in a sea of espionage and an arms race between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
This was originally scheduled as a hardcover, second in a trilogy with the overarching title "The Lost Years" and this book was to follow J.M. Dillard's "The Lost Years" as the second book in the series. But a change in editors happened between that book and this, and the planned hardcover became subject to rewrites, and was issued as this paperback.
Ferguson has said that some of the fault was his, as he became ill and was late delivering the manuscript, and also that rewrites demanded cut the soul out of the book. Finally, Dillard did a rewrite, and the result was something of a pastiche. Ferguson has posted the manuscript he wrote in the Internet, but I could not find a current copy posted.
The book as printed is not very good. I cannot judge, having not seen Ferguson's manuscript, how much damage was done by the changes and what was present beforehand. The plot does not get going until 100 pages into the book, which wouldn't be so bad if this were a 400-page hardcover but is a bit late for a 250-page paperback. The villains of the piece, such as they are, are not very effective. The two Klingons on assignment on Earth as spies to observe the Klingon scholar G'dath are ruthless and brutal, but not terribly effective.
While having a positive Klingon character in G'dath was a nice change, his scenes were not written particularly well. His universe-changing invention was also not well thought out, and was eliminated pretty cheaply. Playing the Organian card gets old. And while the use of twice-seen character Kevin Riley as Kirk's chief of staff is a good touch, his character is too much of a cipher in both this novel and the previous one in this series. Even Kirk is pretty uninteresting.
There's just not much here to recommend this book. Characterizations were not well done; the writing, perhaps owing to the combining of two different styles, is unsatisfying. The plot is uninvolving. This book falls short in every area. And if you like the original crew, only Kirk gets more than a cameo appearence, and in truth G'dath and not Kirk is the central character. Spock appears not at all, and is merely mentioned in passing. He gets overused, but there is little else here.
Give this one a pass, unless you are a completist.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Ghost-Walker by Barbara Hambly (Star Trek #53, February 1991)
A strategically-located planet is again a point of contention between the Federation and the Klingons. Midgwis, home to the Midgwins, a peaceful bird-like race, is claimed by both and the Klingons have a leg up on a Federation that was slow to respond. But, there is growing evidence that the natives will have to be taken into account, even though they have no technology to speak of, not even agriculture, and starvation looms.
The Enterprise crew brings a new contact team to pursue relations, and Captain Kirk has fallen in love with Dr. Helen Jones, a member of the team. Jones must decide whether to forsake this great career advancement for love, and remain with the Enterprise, or stay on the planet.
She decides to stay on the Enterprise. And then, after an odd incident with the transporter, Kirk begins acting strange, very strange. And Jones is attacked. There is no word from the party on Midgwis. All over the ship, strange things keep happening....knocking sounds when no one is there, objects moved through no apparent means.
Hambly follows her odd but charming novel of five years earlier, "Ishmael," with another unusual and compelling entry in the Star Trek line of novels. It works as a ghost story, a character study, and a science fiction tale. Kirk, Spock, and Uhura are well used here.
Between the time of her first ST novel, when she was just starting out as a writer, and this book, when she was well established as a short story writer and occasional novelist, Hambly grew greatly in confidence. She takes more chances with the story and writing, and while it's not all successful it is interesting. In the hands of another writer this plot could quickly disintegrate into listless pabulum, but here it works. There are mystical elements but they are not overused. Scientific points have their use as well. And secondary characters have a real life, when we pass through their midst.
There was one small sign that this was the beginning of a low point in Trek novel history, and it was the naming of "Reilly," apparently supposed to be Kevin Riley from the TV series. The only reason to give the character that nonsensical name, as must have been done by the editor, is to further an editorial policy of not highlighting characters beyond the typical seven from the TV show. And that was a very bad sign.
Still, this is a fine book. It is well worthy of a read by Star Trek fans and non-fans alike.
A strategically-located planet is again a point of contention between the Federation and the Klingons. Midgwis, home to the Midgwins, a peaceful bird-like race, is claimed by both and the Klingons have a leg up on a Federation that was slow to respond. But, there is growing evidence that the natives will have to be taken into account, even though they have no technology to speak of, not even agriculture, and starvation looms.
The Enterprise crew brings a new contact team to pursue relations, and Captain Kirk has fallen in love with Dr. Helen Jones, a member of the team. Jones must decide whether to forsake this great career advancement for love, and remain with the Enterprise, or stay on the planet.
She decides to stay on the Enterprise. And then, after an odd incident with the transporter, Kirk begins acting strange, very strange. And Jones is attacked. There is no word from the party on Midgwis. All over the ship, strange things keep happening....knocking sounds when no one is there, objects moved through no apparent means.
Hambly follows her odd but charming novel of five years earlier, "Ishmael," with another unusual and compelling entry in the Star Trek line of novels. It works as a ghost story, a character study, and a science fiction tale. Kirk, Spock, and Uhura are well used here.
Between the time of her first ST novel, when she was just starting out as a writer, and this book, when she was well established as a short story writer and occasional novelist, Hambly grew greatly in confidence. She takes more chances with the story and writing, and while it's not all successful it is interesting. In the hands of another writer this plot could quickly disintegrate into listless pabulum, but here it works. There are mystical elements but they are not overused. Scientific points have their use as well. And secondary characters have a real life, when we pass through their midst.
There was one small sign that this was the beginning of a low point in Trek novel history, and it was the naming of "Reilly," apparently supposed to be Kevin Riley from the TV series. The only reason to give the character that nonsensical name, as must have been done by the editor, is to further an editorial policy of not highlighting characters beyond the typical seven from the TV show. And that was a very bad sign.
Still, this is a fine book. It is well worthy of a read by Star Trek fans and non-fans alike.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Home is the Hunter by Dana Kramer-Rolls (Star Trek #52, December 1990).
The Federation is late to arrive at the planet Cragon V, and the Klingons have already gotten a foothold with the population. This isn't a good thing with the Organian Peace Treaty, as the Klingons thus have had time to establish themselves with the local populace. Nonetheless, Captain Kirk and his crew are sent to do their best to establish Federation relations with the people of Cragon. It's not easy, as the locals seem to have taken to the Klingons' aggressive ways.
The Enterprise crew gets in a bit of a tussle with the Klingons, and a native is hurt. Hostilities escalate to the ships in orbit until suddenly, just like over Organia, the controls become too hot to handle. It seems that Weyland, the "god" of the planet, has returned. And he's not happy.
After the fighting, one Enterprise crewman, Lt. Garrovick, is dead, and three are missing. Sulu, Chekov and Scotty are nowhere to be found. As it happens, Weyland has transported each of them to a different era of Earth's past, a time apt to their cultural heritage, and inherently very dangerous. Sulu is in feudal Japan, Scotty in Scotland at the time of Bonny Prince Charley as the Scots fought for independence against England, and Chekov in World War II Russia in the Siege of Stalingrad.
The crewmen must fight for their lives, and Kirk must figure out how to convince Weyland to return them to their proper time and place. Before anyone else ends up dead.
It's an interesting plot, and gives feature roles to supporting players, so this is a different sort of Star Trek book. It would have played well as a TV episode, but with all the period costumes and guest stars would have been extremely expensive to produce. But it certainly would have looked cool. The author is obviously a student of history.
And actually, author Kramer-Rolls is apparently many things. Not a prolific novelist, she has written a couple of short stories, often woman-oriented. Which makes it surprising that she does little with Uhura except give her a few funny lines. Chapel doesn't appear at all, except in a brief reference. Apparently the author is not impressed with the Enterprise women. Kramer-Rolls is also a professed "witch" and writer in "neo-Pagan" circles, and author of a few books on cats. Make of that whatever you will.
Another odd bit is the cover, which has pictures of Scotty, Chekov, and....Kirk. Why Kirk and not Sulu? Or why not Sulu also? An odd artistic choice.
At any rate, it's an interesting book, more for devotees of Star Trek characters of historical-reference novels, rather than of the "world" and trappings of Star Trek. Most of the action is set in the past. The book reads very well.
The Federation is late to arrive at the planet Cragon V, and the Klingons have already gotten a foothold with the population. This isn't a good thing with the Organian Peace Treaty, as the Klingons thus have had time to establish themselves with the local populace. Nonetheless, Captain Kirk and his crew are sent to do their best to establish Federation relations with the people of Cragon. It's not easy, as the locals seem to have taken to the Klingons' aggressive ways.
The Enterprise crew gets in a bit of a tussle with the Klingons, and a native is hurt. Hostilities escalate to the ships in orbit until suddenly, just like over Organia, the controls become too hot to handle. It seems that Weyland, the "god" of the planet, has returned. And he's not happy.
After the fighting, one Enterprise crewman, Lt. Garrovick, is dead, and three are missing. Sulu, Chekov and Scotty are nowhere to be found. As it happens, Weyland has transported each of them to a different era of Earth's past, a time apt to their cultural heritage, and inherently very dangerous. Sulu is in feudal Japan, Scotty in Scotland at the time of Bonny Prince Charley as the Scots fought for independence against England, and Chekov in World War II Russia in the Siege of Stalingrad.
The crewmen must fight for their lives, and Kirk must figure out how to convince Weyland to return them to their proper time and place. Before anyone else ends up dead.
It's an interesting plot, and gives feature roles to supporting players, so this is a different sort of Star Trek book. It would have played well as a TV episode, but with all the period costumes and guest stars would have been extremely expensive to produce. But it certainly would have looked cool. The author is obviously a student of history.
And actually, author Kramer-Rolls is apparently many things. Not a prolific novelist, she has written a couple of short stories, often woman-oriented. Which makes it surprising that she does little with Uhura except give her a few funny lines. Chapel doesn't appear at all, except in a brief reference. Apparently the author is not impressed with the Enterprise women. Kramer-Rolls is also a professed "witch" and writer in "neo-Pagan" circles, and author of a few books on cats. Make of that whatever you will.
Another odd bit is the cover, which has pictures of Scotty, Chekov, and....Kirk. Why Kirk and not Sulu? Or why not Sulu also? An odd artistic choice.
At any rate, it's an interesting book, more for devotees of Star Trek characters of historical-reference novels, rather than of the "world" and trappings of Star Trek. Most of the action is set in the past. The book reads very well.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Enemy Unseen by V. E. Mitchell (Star Trek #51, October 1990).
As Spock leaves to attend a physics conference on Vulcan, the Enterprise is given a diplomatic assignment. They will transport representatives of the Kaldorni, plus a Federation mediator, to a site where the claims to a colony planet will be decided. Preliminary negotiations will begin along the way. But things seem to keep going wrong. First, the Federation ambassador's wife is an old fling from Kirk's past. Then, the Kaldorni prove difficult to negotiate with, owing partly to culture differences. And then, orders to change course keep being issued by officers, but they have no recollection of giving such orders. And then one of the diplomats is murdered.
Victoria Mitchell has written four Star Trek books, including another one in the Original Series line, one for Next Generation, and a StarFleet Academy teen book. She has also written a couple other licensed property books as well, though she appears to have no original works of her own. This book has the feel of an average original series episode, with a bit of Next Generation (Spock on a field trip?) thrown in.
It's not a bad idea to move Spock off stage for a bit, especially since he has been such a major character in the last few books, but the reason given is simply a convenience. I can't even see how it is important to the story. The narrative would function just as well with Spock in it. His stand-in as first officer, a Commander Patrick Kelly who is Kirk's friend from the Academy, shows some promise as a character but is given little to do. The same with Tenaida, a Deltan science officer who serves mainly as Spock's thematic replacement here. Jenara Whitehorse, a half-human/half-Deltan character, seems to function as the "Mary Sue," the author putting herself into the story. Must see if author Mitchell has issues with her mother....
The story is big on plot, but low on characterization. And the plot is not so much plot as "happenings." Things happen, with a limited rhyme or reason. Motivations and characters are spelled out in simple terms by author's passages, not revealed with craft through dialogue and situations. The writing here is rather amateurish. This reads a bit like a children's book, with the straight-ahead thrust of action. And it's really a lot like reading a script for one of the many TV episodes where the Enterprise ferried diplomats to and fro.
Mitchell places all the events on board the Enterprise. This would have been a really cheap episode to film, aside from guest stars. Given the broad form of a book to work with, she limits herself to imaginings much like what we have all seen before. No great leaps here, just a bit of a look at the Kaldorni culture, and some material on Deltans, but not much beyond what has been written previously.
In short, it's really not a good book. Not that it's bad, but far from the best of its genre. For completists only.
As Spock leaves to attend a physics conference on Vulcan, the Enterprise is given a diplomatic assignment. They will transport representatives of the Kaldorni, plus a Federation mediator, to a site where the claims to a colony planet will be decided. Preliminary negotiations will begin along the way. But things seem to keep going wrong. First, the Federation ambassador's wife is an old fling from Kirk's past. Then, the Kaldorni prove difficult to negotiate with, owing partly to culture differences. And then, orders to change course keep being issued by officers, but they have no recollection of giving such orders. And then one of the diplomats is murdered.
Victoria Mitchell has written four Star Trek books, including another one in the Original Series line, one for Next Generation, and a StarFleet Academy teen book. She has also written a couple other licensed property books as well, though she appears to have no original works of her own. This book has the feel of an average original series episode, with a bit of Next Generation (Spock on a field trip?) thrown in.
It's not a bad idea to move Spock off stage for a bit, especially since he has been such a major character in the last few books, but the reason given is simply a convenience. I can't even see how it is important to the story. The narrative would function just as well with Spock in it. His stand-in as first officer, a Commander Patrick Kelly who is Kirk's friend from the Academy, shows some promise as a character but is given little to do. The same with Tenaida, a Deltan science officer who serves mainly as Spock's thematic replacement here. Jenara Whitehorse, a half-human/half-Deltan character, seems to function as the "Mary Sue," the author putting herself into the story. Must see if author Mitchell has issues with her mother....
The story is big on plot, but low on characterization. And the plot is not so much plot as "happenings." Things happen, with a limited rhyme or reason. Motivations and characters are spelled out in simple terms by author's passages, not revealed with craft through dialogue and situations. The writing here is rather amateurish. This reads a bit like a children's book, with the straight-ahead thrust of action. And it's really a lot like reading a script for one of the many TV episodes where the Enterprise ferried diplomats to and fro.
Mitchell places all the events on board the Enterprise. This would have been a really cheap episode to film, aside from guest stars. Given the broad form of a book to work with, she limits herself to imaginings much like what we have all seen before. No great leaps here, just a bit of a look at the Kaldorni culture, and some material on Deltans, but not much beyond what has been written previously.
In short, it's really not a good book. Not that it's bad, but far from the best of its genre. For completists only.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens. (Star Trek Hardcover, September 1990)
James Kirk is an outcast, and has resigned from StarFleet in disgrace. So have the rest of the bridge crew, now considered pariahs on all worlds within Federation influence. A world has been destroyed because of their actions, because of breaking the Prime Directive, also known as StarFleet General Order #1.
Or is that not the case?
The novel begins with the outcast Kirk trying to work using a disguise and an assumed name, but he is found out. The episodes are a nice way of fleshing out the captain's character, difficult to do in the novels at best. After showing the new situation, the next section of the 400-page plus book shifts to tell what happened on Talin IV, a first-contact situation on an emerging world. The planet is destroyed by a nuclear holocaust, ostensibly due to interference in violation of the Prime Directive.
Kirk and his crew must get back to the planet to find evidence that will prove their innocence. They go alone or in pairs, making passage as best as they can. Only Scotty has escaped disgrace, and he is trying to repair the ruined Enterprise and get it into spaceworthy shape. They'll need it.
The Reeves-Stevenses are now prolific Star Trek writers, but at this point they had produced only one ST book, "Memory Prime" which is #42 in the series. They had written a few science fiction novels previously, but most of their career still lay ahead. This book was part of what helped make their reputation. It led to a number of other ST novels, including many writing from William Shatner's plot outlines. They have also branched out into TV writing, working for "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World" as well as the final season of "Star Trek: Enterprise."
This novel, while an involving story, also shows off the writers' weak points. The plot is very implausible. It is written at the end of the original five-year mission, and yet the crew is not given a chance to defend themselves when disaster strikes? After the ship is destroyed, it takes four months to rebuild it, and then a bit later when it returns to Earth it undergoes a refit before the first movie takes place?
There is also the problem of a deus ex machina introduced to resolve the plot near the end. There is no warning of such a thing, a new factor is simply introduced. The story is nowhere near a "play-fair" mystery, and suffers a jarring climax due to this poor dramatic construction. It doesn't help that the Reeves-Stevenses are merely competent writers. The dialogue is OK, but not particularly crisp, and the appeal of the story is merely emotional, and does not reach deeper. This is melodrama.
It's not a bad story, but it's no great work.
James Kirk is an outcast, and has resigned from StarFleet in disgrace. So have the rest of the bridge crew, now considered pariahs on all worlds within Federation influence. A world has been destroyed because of their actions, because of breaking the Prime Directive, also known as StarFleet General Order #1.
Or is that not the case?
The novel begins with the outcast Kirk trying to work using a disguise and an assumed name, but he is found out. The episodes are a nice way of fleshing out the captain's character, difficult to do in the novels at best. After showing the new situation, the next section of the 400-page plus book shifts to tell what happened on Talin IV, a first-contact situation on an emerging world. The planet is destroyed by a nuclear holocaust, ostensibly due to interference in violation of the Prime Directive.
Kirk and his crew must get back to the planet to find evidence that will prove their innocence. They go alone or in pairs, making passage as best as they can. Only Scotty has escaped disgrace, and he is trying to repair the ruined Enterprise and get it into spaceworthy shape. They'll need it.
The Reeves-Stevenses are now prolific Star Trek writers, but at this point they had produced only one ST book, "Memory Prime" which is #42 in the series. They had written a few science fiction novels previously, but most of their career still lay ahead. This book was part of what helped make their reputation. It led to a number of other ST novels, including many writing from William Shatner's plot outlines. They have also branched out into TV writing, working for "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World" as well as the final season of "Star Trek: Enterprise."
This novel, while an involving story, also shows off the writers' weak points. The plot is very implausible. It is written at the end of the original five-year mission, and yet the crew is not given a chance to defend themselves when disaster strikes? After the ship is destroyed, it takes four months to rebuild it, and then a bit later when it returns to Earth it undergoes a refit before the first movie takes place?
There is also the problem of a deus ex machina introduced to resolve the plot near the end. There is no warning of such a thing, a new factor is simply introduced. The story is nowhere near a "play-fair" mystery, and suffers a jarring climax due to this poor dramatic construction. It doesn't help that the Reeves-Stevenses are merely competent writers. The dialogue is OK, but not particularly crisp, and the appeal of the story is merely emotional, and does not reach deeper. This is melodrama.
It's not a bad story, but it's no great work.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Doctor's Orders by Diane Duane (Star Trek #50, June 1990).
Veteran Star Trek novelist Diane Duane was tapped to write the 50th book in the series, and came up with another outstanding outing, with a memorable feat of leaving Dr. McCoy in command of the Enterprise, and then plunging the ship into a life-and-death struggle. A double-meaning in a title, indeed.
The Enterprise is sent to the newly discovered world colloquially christened "Flyspeck," rather off the beaten path, but inhabited by three sentient species, a rarity in the galaxy. A survey team has made preliminary contact, but our heroes must make a more thorough survey and invite the planet's inhabitants into the Federation.
As the work progresses, McCoy protests once too often and Captain Kirk designates the conn to the Doctor, beaming down to the planet himself. And the Captain promptly vanishes. Then, the Klingons show up. Under StarFleet regulations, the Doctor can only be officially relieved by the ship's commander, lost on the planet's surface. So McCoy must gambit with the Klingon forces while conducting a search for the Captain.
Once again, Duane deftly weaves together a story that has an involving plot and fully realized characters, both the established series heroes and those of her own design. A bit disappointing that her Horta, Lt. Naraht, does not show up here, but there is plenty to like. Duane has a special gift for creating truly alien alien creatures, and the inhabitants of Flyspeck certainly fit the bill. The protoplasmic Ornae, the treelike Lahit, and the ephemeral ;At are all very odd, seem fully real within the structure of the novel, and would be absolutely impossible to capture on TV or a movie screen.
Duane has a special gift for characters that gives strength and individuality to each of the people she writes, not robbing or demeaning one in order to build up another. This is a strength few writers have, and those lesser scribes must invent conflict by pitting characters against each other by painting one or more in a poorer light. Duane continually avoids that failing, even if her Klingons seem a bit too agreeable for normality. And yet, good reasons are given for their behavior. The only characters who fare badly here are Orion pirates, and they are never actually onstage.
This book is as superb as all Duane's novels, and comes highly recommended for all fans of science fiction and fantasy. A former nurse, Duane writes sensible medical jargon and situations, and also does well with astronomical and military venues. She remains my favorite Star Trek writer, and one of my favorites in all genres.
Veteran Star Trek novelist Diane Duane was tapped to write the 50th book in the series, and came up with another outstanding outing, with a memorable feat of leaving Dr. McCoy in command of the Enterprise, and then plunging the ship into a life-and-death struggle. A double-meaning in a title, indeed.
The Enterprise is sent to the newly discovered world colloquially christened "Flyspeck," rather off the beaten path, but inhabited by three sentient species, a rarity in the galaxy. A survey team has made preliminary contact, but our heroes must make a more thorough survey and invite the planet's inhabitants into the Federation.
As the work progresses, McCoy protests once too often and Captain Kirk designates the conn to the Doctor, beaming down to the planet himself. And the Captain promptly vanishes. Then, the Klingons show up. Under StarFleet regulations, the Doctor can only be officially relieved by the ship's commander, lost on the planet's surface. So McCoy must gambit with the Klingon forces while conducting a search for the Captain.
Once again, Duane deftly weaves together a story that has an involving plot and fully realized characters, both the established series heroes and those of her own design. A bit disappointing that her Horta, Lt. Naraht, does not show up here, but there is plenty to like. Duane has a special gift for creating truly alien alien creatures, and the inhabitants of Flyspeck certainly fit the bill. The protoplasmic Ornae, the treelike Lahit, and the ephemeral ;At are all very odd, seem fully real within the structure of the novel, and would be absolutely impossible to capture on TV or a movie screen.
Duane has a special gift for characters that gives strength and individuality to each of the people she writes, not robbing or demeaning one in order to build up another. This is a strength few writers have, and those lesser scribes must invent conflict by pitting characters against each other by painting one or more in a poorer light. Duane continually avoids that failing, even if her Klingons seem a bit too agreeable for normality. And yet, good reasons are given for their behavior. The only characters who fare badly here are Orion pirates, and they are never actually onstage.
This book is as superb as all Duane's novels, and comes highly recommended for all fans of science fiction and fantasy. A former nurse, Duane writes sensible medical jargon and situations, and also does well with astronomical and military venues. She remains my favorite Star Trek writer, and one of my favorites in all genres.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
The Pandora Principle by Carolyn Clowes (Star Trek #49, April 1990)
In the time between the first two Star Trek movies, the Enterprise encounters a Romulan Bird of Prey drifting over the Neutral Zone. Investigation reveals the Romulan crew dead, with no one of command rank aboard, and a new model of a cloaking device that would be able to be used while in warp or while firing weapons. Captain Kirk receives orders to bring the ship all the way into Earth, so it can be examined by the Federations' greatest experts.
And then something goes wrong. A box is opened, and like Pandora, a great evil is let out (although perhaps a Trojan horse would be a better analogy). In the ensuing events, Kirk is trapped deep below StarFleet headquarters in a secret installation, and Spock must command the Enterprise on a mission into Romulan territory to identify the source of a great plague, before Earth is destroyed and war breaks out with the Romulan Empire.
The book is very well-written, and it comes as a surprise that this is apparently the only novel that Clowes has ever written. She may have written at least one Star Trek short story, but information is sketchy. "Pandora" is a very enjoyable book that serves as something of a prequel to "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
This is also a rare find in that this story gives a leading role to Saavik, Spock's young Vulcan/Romulan student who plays a major role in ST II and III, but a minor one in ST IV and has not appeared since. Even novels and comic books do not usually depict Saavik. Clowes takes the background given her by Vonda McIntyre in the Star Trek II novelization, as a hybrid growing up on a (mostly) abandoned Romulan colony named Hellguard, with a hardscrabble existence, found by a Vulcan team including Spock. Mr. Spock then took responsibility for her upbringing and education.
That storyline was cut from ST II's movie script, although the Spock/Saavik relationship was shown but never explained. Clowes takes that plot point and expands on it, reviving Saavik as McIntyre's "wild child" but making Spock her father figure who tames her for Vulcan society and introduces her to StarFleet. He also answers her incessant questions, which is their bond: insatiable curiosity.
Clowes does something unusual in leaving Kirk off-stage for most of the book, and giving him little to do. Admiral Nogura also becomes a key character, and there is setup for Kirk being an admiral again and accepting an Earth assignment.
It's a fine book, more for Star Trek fans than non-fans. But that includes fans of the second movie.
In the time between the first two Star Trek movies, the Enterprise encounters a Romulan Bird of Prey drifting over the Neutral Zone. Investigation reveals the Romulan crew dead, with no one of command rank aboard, and a new model of a cloaking device that would be able to be used while in warp or while firing weapons. Captain Kirk receives orders to bring the ship all the way into Earth, so it can be examined by the Federations' greatest experts.
And then something goes wrong. A box is opened, and like Pandora, a great evil is let out (although perhaps a Trojan horse would be a better analogy). In the ensuing events, Kirk is trapped deep below StarFleet headquarters in a secret installation, and Spock must command the Enterprise on a mission into Romulan territory to identify the source of a great plague, before Earth is destroyed and war breaks out with the Romulan Empire.
The book is very well-written, and it comes as a surprise that this is apparently the only novel that Clowes has ever written. She may have written at least one Star Trek short story, but information is sketchy. "Pandora" is a very enjoyable book that serves as something of a prequel to "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
This is also a rare find in that this story gives a leading role to Saavik, Spock's young Vulcan/Romulan student who plays a major role in ST II and III, but a minor one in ST IV and has not appeared since. Even novels and comic books do not usually depict Saavik. Clowes takes the background given her by Vonda McIntyre in the Star Trek II novelization, as a hybrid growing up on a (mostly) abandoned Romulan colony named Hellguard, with a hardscrabble existence, found by a Vulcan team including Spock. Mr. Spock then took responsibility for her upbringing and education.
That storyline was cut from ST II's movie script, although the Spock/Saavik relationship was shown but never explained. Clowes takes that plot point and expands on it, reviving Saavik as McIntyre's "wild child" but making Spock her father figure who tames her for Vulcan society and introduces her to StarFleet. He also answers her incessant questions, which is their bond: insatiable curiosity.
Clowes does something unusual in leaving Kirk off-stage for most of the book, and giving him little to do. Admiral Nogura also becomes a key character, and there is setup for Kirk being an admiral again and accepting an Earth assignment.
It's a fine book, more for Star Trek fans than non-fans. But that includes fans of the second movie.
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