Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1981] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1981. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ----------------------------------------------------- 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1981 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #2 The Entropy Effect June 1981 8.0 #3 The Klingon Gambit October 1981 6.5 #4 The Covenant of the Crown December 1981 7.5 ------------------- Year Average: 7.3 So, before we get into the subject: Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '81. >#2 The Entropy Effect Copyright June 1981 >Author: Vonda N. McIntyre >StarDate: 5001.1 > >Plot Summary: > The Enterprise is summoned to transport a dangerous criminal >from Starbase prison to a rehabilitation center: brilliant physicist >Dr. Georges Mordreaux, accused of promising to send people back >in time -- then killing them instead. > But there's more at stake than just a few lives. For Mordreaux's >experimients have somehow thrown the entire universe into a deadly >time warp. All of existence is closing in on itself -- and only >Spock can stop THE ENTROPY EFFECT! > > "Vonda McIntyre's STAR TREK adventures always have many extras." > -- Gene Roddenberry Vonda McIntyre must be one of the best Trek writers around. This was a very enjoyable novel, with good characterization, plot, and narrative. Was this one written before RA became such an influence? We actually have events which touch both the characters *and* the reader. If you're a fan of time-travel adventures, this is a must read! (Numbers aren't the best indicators of the quality of anything, be it book, episode, movie, what-have-you, but they do give a better understanding of what worked/didn't work in the piece. [The Entropy Effect] Characterization: 8 Premise: 7 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.0 Next: The Klingon Gambit >#3 The Klingon Gambit Copyright October 1981 >Author: Robert E. Vardeman >StarDate: 4720.1 > >Plot Summary: > THE KLINGONS ARE HUNGARY FOR WAR ... THEIR TARGET: THE ENTERPRISE! > > When Captain Kirk and his crew are ordered to Alnath II to >challenge the deadliest Klingon Starship Terror, they're ready >for anything -- or so they think. But the defenseless Vulcan >crew of a Federation science ship has been wiped out. The >remaining members of the Alnath II mission have discovered a >fabulous ancient city -- but their report doesn't make sense. >The Klingon battle cruiser has the Enterprise in its sights, >and is ready to destroy it. > But Captain Kirk can't seem to make decisions. Spock has >started to throw temper tantrums. And Chekov has disobeyed >vital orders. > The crew of the Enterprise are loosing their minds... >one by one... all victims of... THE KLINGON GAMBIT I don't have much to say about Vardeman. The characterization is average, and the plot is decent, but the story is basically forgettable. I don't remember much about it myself, and I just recently read it... All in all I'd call this a complacently average novel. [The Klingon Gambit] Characterization: 7 Premise: 5 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 7 Total: 6.5 Next: The Covenant of the Crown >#4 The Covenant of the Crown Copyright December 1981 >Author: Howard Weinstein >StarDate: 7815.3 > >Plot summary: > THE SHADDAN CROWN IS THE KEY TO POWER > -- AND THE KLINGONS HAVE THE ADVANTAGE! > > An Enterprise shuttle is forced to crash-land in a violent >storm on the barren planet Sigma 1212. Spock, McCoy and Kailyn, >the beautiful heir to the Shaddan throne, survive in the near disaster. > Now, pursued by primitive hunters and a band of Klingon scouts, >they must reach the mountain where the fabulous dynastic crown is >hidden. With the help of Spock and McCoy, and her own fantastic >mental powers, Kailyn must prove that she alone is the true heir to >the throne. > If they fail, they will open the door for Klingon takeover of the >whole quadrant -- and the galaxy's hope to live long and prosper will >fall in the shadow of a cruel tyranny! I'll say this: I don't care for Mr. Weinstein's sometime practice of bashing his readers over the head with whatever message he's trying to convey. That tendency was notably absent from this novel, however. I enjoyed this one. It's a story of self-trial and self-discovery, and quite well done in that respect. I also found it refreshing to have some of a character's background revealed. We get some interesting tidbits about an early mission of James T. Kirk, when he was just a Lieutenant... [The Covenant of the Crown] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 7 Total: 7.5 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1982] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1982. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1982 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #5 The Prometheus Design March 1982 5.0 #6 The Abode of Life May 1982 6.0 ------------------ Year Average: 5.5 There doesn't seem to be much to comment on here... but Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '82. >#5 The Prometheus Design Copyright March 1982 >Authors: Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > CAN THE GALAXY'S GROWING VIOLENCE BE STOPPED? > > Captain Kirk and his crew are on a mission to investigate the >mysterious wave of violence that has overtaken the Helvans -- >revolutions, mass riots, horrible tortures. But this chaos is >all part of an experiment by an unimaginable power that soon >grips even the crew of the Enterprise... > Captain Kirk is plagued by violent hallucinations and removed >from command. Spock takes charge but his orders seem irrational >-- even cruel. > Unless this terrible power can be stopped, not only the >Enterprise, but an entire galaxy will be ensnared in the deadly >grip of the... > > PROMETHEUS DESIGN This is a story ripped from today's headlines; but only if the headlines you're reading are in the National Enquirer or some other tabloid practicing the 'art' of yellow journalism. Kirk and company are abducted by aliens more advanced than themselves. (Hmmm... does this sound familiar to anyone?) The aliens are using them in a giant experiment, and the universe will be destroyed if the Enterprise crew can't convince the aliens that humanity (and all other races) are worthy of continued existence... Based on such a poor premise, this novel was basically dead before it ever got started. Everything about _Prometheus..._ is decidedly average, except for the plot, which is god-awful. So... [The Prometheus Design] Characterization: 4 Premise: 2 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 7 Total: 5.0 Next: The Abode of Life >#6 The Abode of Life Copyright May 1982 >Author: Lee Correy >StarDate: 5064.4 > >Plot Summary: > ON THE PLANET MERCAN THERE ARE NO STARS, NO MOON, NO OUTER SPACE... > > The citizens of Mercan cannot conceive of worlds beyond their own. >Their sun, Mercaniad, is prone to deadly, radioactive flare-ups, and >the Mercans have organized their life around the need to survive The >Ordeal -- until a strange visitor appears from out of nowhere... > The Enterprise, badly crippled and in desperate need of repairs, >must seek help from a people who cannot believe in its existence. >Mercaniad is about to blow, and James Kirk faces an impossible choice: >to attack the sun itself and save his ship and crew -- or let a people >live in peace, in the only world they know... > > THE ABODE OF LIFE 1982 didn't seem to be a very good year for Pocket Books. This is another novel which is just an average offering. The basic premise saves _Abode_ from being as bad as the other release of the year; a civilization which considers their world to be the center of the universe is nothing new, but one with a level of technology great enough to use transporters as the central form of transportation around their world certainly IS. [The Abode of Life] Characterization: 6 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 5 Narrative: 6 Total: 6.0 Don't lose faith, anyone. 1983 proves to be a much better year for Star Trek novels.... Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1983] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1983. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1983 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #8 Black Fire January 1983 6.5 #9 Triangle March 1983 4.8 #10 Web of the Romulans June 1983 7.5 #11 Yesterday's Son August 1983 9.0 #12 Mutiny on the Enterprise October 1983 5.0 #13 The Wounded Sky December 1983 10.0 ------------------ Year Average: 7.1 Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '83. >#8 Black Fire Copyright January 1983 >Author: Sonni Cooper >StarDate: 6205.7 > >Plot Summary: > SPOCK A TRAITOR? > > There is sabotage aboard the Enterprise, and Spock's investigation >leads him into defiance of the Federation and a bizarre alliance with >the Romulan and Klingon Empires against the bloodthirsty Tomarri -- a >savage race for whom war and battle are life itself. > Now Spock has been declared a traitor and condemned to the shame >of the Federation's highest security prison. And now Captain Kirk >must face the toughest decision of his command, while a lifelong >friendship and the destiny of the universe hang in the balance! This is one of those novels that most people either love or hate. Personally, I enjoyed this. It's a decent adventure story, even though the characterization is not exactly top-of-the-line. [Black Fire] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 4 Total: 6.5 Next: Triangle >#9 Triangle Copyright March 1983 >Authors: Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > KIRK'S SOUL... SPOCK'S LIFE > > A dark plan has been unleashed in the galaxy, a design so vast, >only a collective -- and ruthless -- mind like the Totality could >have conceived it. > Now, Captain Kirk must battle the seductive force of the >Totality's will... > It was reasonable that Captain Kirk and Federation Free Agent >Sola Thane would fall in love. But no reasoning in the universe >could have foreseen the tragedy of Spock's own passion for the >same woman. > Now this unimaginable conflict could cost Captain Kirk his very >soul, and bring death to the proud Vulcan. But in the unimagin- >able lies their only chance, and the freedom of the galaxy depends >on the outcome of the... > TRIANGLE Marshak and Culbreath are back, but don't seem to have improved much since their last novel. The characterization is poor, especially in Spock's case, and the dialogue and narrative are overly dramatic. The whole idea of group-consciousness/Totality is probably an attempt at intellectual commentary on something, but the story is so poorly done that whatever theme was intended, it doesn't come across. The only character to come close to being interesting here is that of Sola Thane, but the almost comical push and pull between her character and Kirk & Spock interferes... This one gets low marks across the board: [Triangle] Characterization: 4 Premise: 7 Plot Handling: 4 Narrative: 4 Total: 4.8 Next: Web of the Romulans >#10 Web of the Romulans Copyright June 1983 >Author: M.S. Murdock >StarDate: 3125.3 > >Plot Summary: > Ravaged by a killer virus, the Romulans enter Canara, where the >only antidote can be found. Desperate, they incite a victorious >Enterprise attack on one of their vessels -- but Kirk discovers >their ruse. > Meanwhile the central computer has fallen in love with him, >severely crippling the Enterprise. Now Kirk must bring the antidote >to the Romulans -- before the galaxy crashes over the brink of war! Finally a novel that is better than average! I found this to be a better than average adventure story. The characterization is on target, and the basic plot is quite good. We get Romulans that are portrayed as worthy opponents, instead of buffoonish paper cut-outs, and their scheme is one that is actually workable. If you enjoy reading about Romulans, this is a good choice. [Web of the Romulans] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 7 Total: 7.5 Next: Yesterday's Son >#11 Yesterday's Son Copyright August 1983 >Author: A.C. Crispin >StarDate: 6324.09 > >Plot Summary: > The Romulans attack the planet Gateway, where Federation scientists >are studying the Guardian of Forever -- the mysterious portal to the >past. > The Enterprise must protect the Guardian -- or destroy it. But >Spock has already used the portal to journey to the past. On the >planet Sarpeidon, 5,000 years ago Spock knew a beautiful, primitive >woman. Now he has gone to meet his son! Here's one to get excited about. Ann Crispin is one of the few writers who can get Spock and McCoy characterized right. In addition, the premise is, to coin a phrase, 'Fascinating', and the plot is well-paced, well-done and believable. We get some keen insights into Mr. Spock through his interaction with his son Zar, as well. [Yesterday's Son] Characterization: 9 Premise: 9 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.0 Next: Mutiny on the Enterprise >#12 Mutiny on the Enterprise Copyright October 1983 >Author: Robert E. Vardeman >StarDate: 4769.1 > >Plot Summary: > The ship is crippled in orbit around a dangerous, living, >breathing planet, and a desperate peace mission to the Orion >Arm is stalled. Kirk has never needed his crew more. But a >lithe, alien woman is casting a spell of pacifism -- and now >mutiny -- over the crew. Suddenly Captain Kirk's journey for >peace has turned into a terrifying war -- to retake command >of his ship! Robert Vardeman strikes again. This one is so full of holes, it makes 'The Next Phase' seem likely. Actually this is a slightly less than average story, with an unlikely plot. [Mutiny on the Enterprise] Characterization: 6 Premise: 4 Plot Handling: 4 Narrative: 6 Total: 5.0 Next: The Wounded Sky >#13 The Wounded Sky Copyright December 1983 >Author: Diane Duane >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > A pretty alien scientist invents the Intergalactic Inversion Drive, >an engine system that transcends warp drive -- and the Enterprise will >be the first to test it! The Klingons attempt to thwart the test, but >a greater danger looms when strange symptoms surface among the crew -- >and time becomes meaningless. > Now Captain Kirk and his friends face their greatest challenge -- >to repair the fabric of the Universe before time is lost forever! WOW. The Enterprise once again saves the universe from destruction, but Duane is such a craftsman that it is absolutely believable. There can be no doubt that she knows how to write dialogue for Spock and McCoy better than any other writer of Star Trek today. Ms. Duane seems to craft species and worlds for a hobby. Anyone know how many she's created? At any rate, this is a first rate novel. [The Wounded Sky] Characterization: 10 Premise: 9 [ Enterprise saves the universe, again ;-) ] Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1984] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1984. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1984 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #14 The Trellisane Confrontation February 1984 4.5 #15 Corona April 1984 7.8 #16 The Final Reflection May 1984 9.8 #18 My Enemy, My Ally July 1984 10.0 #19 The Tears of the Singers September 1984 8.5 #20 The Vulcan Academy Murders November 1984 8.0 ------------------ Year Average: 8.1 /* Looks like Pocket did something right this year. */ Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '84. >#14 The Trellisane Confrontation Copyright February 1984 >Author: David Dvorkin >StarDate: 7521.6 > >Plot Summary: > The Enterprise has rushed to war-torn Trellisane! Kirk is on >the bridge of a Klingon warship, McCoy is dining with cannibals, >and the ship is surrounded by Romulans. In the Neutral Zone, >power is up for grabs. Now only the ingenuity and raw courage >of the Enterprise crew can avert catastrophe! Probably the most *forgettable* Trek novel to come along in a great while. I read this just recently, and I can't remember one significant thing about it. Dvorkin writes well, but seems to have trouble coming up with involving, significant plots. [The Trellisane Confrontation] Characterization: 5 Premise: 4 Plot Handling: 4 Narrative: 5 Total: 4.5 Next: Corona >#15 Corona Copyright April 1984 >Author: Greg Bear >StarDate: 4380.4 > >Plot Summary: > An awesome, sentient force of protostars -- Corona -- has >taken control of a stranded team of Vulcan scientists. The >Enterprise has come on a rescue mission, with a female reporter >and a new computer that can override Kirk's command. Suddenly, >the rescuers must save themselves and the entire Universe -- >before Corona unleashes a Big Bang! Now here's an interesting concept. A star which is sentient, plotting to create a new Big Bang, so that more sentient stars can evolve and keep it company. The plot is interesting, and Bear keeps things moving along nicely. He also does a competent job of portraying the Vulcans. I enjoyed this one; it's a good light read. [Corona] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 7 Total: 7.8 Next: The Final Reflection >#16 The Final Reflection Copyright May 1984 >Author: John M. Ford >StarDate: 8405.15 > >Plot Summary: > Klingon Captain Krenn is a ruthless war strategist. But on a >mission to Earth, Krenn learns a lesson in peace. Suddenly he >must fight a secret battle of his own. His Empire has a covert >plan to shatter the Federation. Only Krenn can prevent a war -- >at the risk of his own life! Probably the authoritative work on the Klingons. This is a fabulous novel, if you can get over not seeing much of the usual central characters. In addition to gaining new insights into the Klingons (and their form of chess, Klin Zha), we get to see a very young Spock, and meet McCoy's Great-Grandfather. [The Final Reflection] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.8 Next: My Enemy, My Ally >#18 My Enemy, My Ally Copyright July 1984 >Author: Diane Duane >StarDate: 304.6 > >Plot Summary: > Ael t'Rllaillieu is a noble -- and dangerous -- Romulan Commander. >But when the Romulans kidnap Vulcans to genetically harness their >mind power, Ael decides on treason. Captain Kirk, her old enemy, >joins her in a secret pact to destroy the research laboratory and >free the captive Vulcans. When the Romulans discover their plan, >the Neutral Zone seethes with schemes and counter-schemes, sabotage, >and war! If John Ford's _Final_Reflection_ was the authoritative source on the Klingons, _My_Enemy_ is its Romulan counterpart. An excellent plot and superior characters make this action-packed novel a one-of- a-kind happening. An absolute must-read. [My Enemy, My Ally] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: The Tears of the Singers >#19 The Tears of the Singers Copyright September 1984 >Author: Melinda Snodgrass >StarDate: 3126.7 > >Plot Summary: > Captain Kirk and the Enterprise join the Klingons to avert disaster >in the Taygeta V system -- where a time/space warp has swallowed a >spaceship without a trace. Spock suspects a link between the anomaly >and the inhabitants of Taygeta, semi-aquatic creatures killed for the >jewel-like tears secreted at the moment of death. But a mutinous >Klingon officer threatens the vital mission, as a desperate Kirk and >Spock race to save the Taygetians, the Federation -- and the entire >universe! Another great novel in a year with several. Snodgrass has created a fantastic race in the Singers. This one also makes quite a statement regarding current times' hunting practices... The characterization here is very good. The reader is actually able to feel what the characters are going through; and that's something that happens all too seldom in Trek novels of late. [The Tears of the Singers] Characterization: 10 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 Next: The Vulcan Academy Murders >#20 The Vulcan Academy Murders Copyright November 1984 >Author: Jean Lorrah >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Kirk and McCoy accompany Spock to the Vulcan Academy Hospital, >seeking experimental treatment for a badly wounded Enterprise >crew member. Spock's mother is also a patient in the hospital, >and Kirk soon becomes involved in the complex drama of Spock's >family... > Suddenly, patients are dying, and Kirk suspects the unthink- >able -- murder on Vulcan! But can he convince the Vulcans that >something as illogical as murder is possible? Until the killer >is caught, everyone is in danger! A murder mystery set in the Vulcan desert. This is a good read. That familiar Spock-McCoy give-and-take is something which is too often absent from the novels, and it's good to see it work here. [The Vulcan Academy Murders] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.0 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1985] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== [Ed. note to the "Moderator Guy": please crosspost to rec.arts.startrek.misc.] Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1985. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1985 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #21 Uhura's Song January 1985 10.0 #22 Shadow Lord March 1985 6.8 #23 Ishmael May 1985 7.8 #24 Killing Time July 1985 8.5 #25 Dwellers in the Crucible September 1985 10.0 #26 Pawns and Symbols November 1985 8.0 ------------------- Year Average: 8.5 /* Good stuff follows :-) */ Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '85. >#21 Uhura's Song Copyright January 1985 >Author: Janet Kagan >StarDate: 2950.3 > >Plot Summary: > Years ago, Lt. Uhura befriended a diplomat from Eeiauo, the land >of graceful, cat-like beings. The two women exhanged forbidden >songs and promised never to reveal their secret. > Now the Enterprise is orbiting Eeiauo in a desperate race to save >the inhabitants before a deadly plague destroys them. Uhura's secret >songs may hold the key to a cure -- but the clues are veiled in layers >of mystery. The plague is killing humans, threatening other planets >-- and Kirk must crack the code before the Enterprise succumbs! An auspicious start to 1985. This is a wonderful novel. Kagan has come up with some of the most wonderful characters I've ever seen. This is one of the handful of novels which I would concede are masterful. Characterization, plot, dialogue, everything comes together to create a thoroughly involving, entertaining book. [Uhura's Song] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Shadow Lord >#22 Shadow Lord Copyright March 1985 >Author: Laurence Yep >StarDate: 1831.5 > >Plot Summary: > Angira is a primitive, violent planet -- and yound Prince Vikram >returns from Earth filled with new ideas. When Sulu and Spock >accompany Vikram home, they walk into a bloodbath: reactionary >forces, afraid of any modernization, have seized Vikram's rightful >throne. Suddenly the men from the Enterprise are on an underground >journey with a Prince who is coming of age. The future of Angira >is at stake, and each man's survival depends on his skill -- and >daring -- with a sword! This one was less than average. I don't really know what put me off of this novel, but I just didn't like it. Perhaps it was because the characterization wasn't quite up to par, or just that I didn't like Prince Vikram..... [Shadow Lord] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 6 Narrative: 6 Total: 6.8 Next: Ishmael >#23 Ishmael Copyright May 1985 >Author: Barbara Hambly >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > The Enterprise is on a peaceful mission at Starbase 12 when a >bizarre cosmic phenomenon causes a Klingon ship to suddenly vanish >-- with Spock aboard for the ride. Spock's last message from the >Klingon ship is cryptic and frightening. The Klingons are traveling >into the past, searching for the one man who holds a vital key to >the future. If they can kill that man, the course of history will >be changed -- and the Federation will be destroyed! This would seem to be another novel that you will either love or hate. I quite enjoyed it. If you enjoy time travel stories, then you might like this one... but this novel's resemblance to 'Here Come the Brides' may be a hindrance. Even with that, seeing a bit of Spock's distant past was quite interesting enough to keep me interested, and the novel was quite well-written. [Ishmael] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 8 Total: 7.8 Next: Killing Time >#24 Killing Time Copyright July 1985 >Author: Della Van Hise >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Second History: a Romulan time-tampering project that has transported >the Enterprise and the galaxy into an alternate dimension of reality. >Now, Kirk is an embittered young ensign and Spock is a beseiged Starship >commander. > Lured into a Romulan trap, Captain Spock and Ensign Kirk must free >themselves from both their captors and their own altered selves ... >before the galaxy hurtles toward total destruction! Another story involving time travel. Due to a Romulan time- tampering experiment, Spock is now Captain of the "Enterprise", and Kirk is just an ensign. The two must work together to restore the universe to the proper time-line. Van Hise has done a great job on the interaction between Kirk and Spock. And the rest of the characters are as well done. The plot rolls along just fine, and works very well... [Killing Time] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 Next: Dwellers in the Crucible >#25 Dwellers in the Crucible Copyright September 1985 >Author: Margaret Wander Bonanno >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Warrantors of Peace: the Federation's daring experiment to prevent >war among its members. Each Warrantor, man or woman is hostage for the >government of his native world -- and is instantly killed if that world >breaks the peace. > Now Romulans have kidnapped six Warrantors, to foment political chaos >-- and then civil war -- within the Federation. Captain Kirk must send >Sulu to infiltrate Romulan territory, find the hostages, and bring them >back alive -- before the Federation self-destructs! The only thing I can say about this one is Incredible. _Dwellers_ is a fascinating study of friendship between a Vulcan and a Human. Not the Vulcan and Human we all know so well, but two women. This one's too good to spoil here, but it is an absolute must-read. [Dwellers in the Crucible] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Pawns and Symbols >#26 Pawns and Symbols Copyright November 1985 >Author: Majliss Larson >StarDate: 5960.2 > >Plot Summary: > Threatened by a deadly famine, the Klingon Empire is on the verge >of igniting a mad interplanetary war of conquest. When an earthquake >destroys a remote Federation research station, Jean Czerny, agricultural >scientist, succumbs to amnesia. Stranded on enemy borders, she is >imprisoned by Kang, the evil commander of a Klingon battleship. Now >Kirk must play a dangerous game of mind strategy to prevent a savage >attack on the Federation! This one's another interesting study of the Klingons and their culture. It's a bit slow going, though. It is interesting, but the plot does drag at points. [Pawns and Symbols] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 6 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.0 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1986] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1986. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1986 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- #27 Mindshadow January 1986 9.0 #28 Crisis on Centaurus March 1986 8.5 #29 Dreadnought! May 1986 7.5 #30 Demons July 1986 8.3 G1 Enterprise: The First Adventure September 1986 10.0 #31 Battlestations! November 1986 8.5 ------------------ Year Average: 8.6 Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '86. >#27 Mindshadow Copyright January 1986 >Author: J.M. Dillard >StarDate: 7003.4 > >Plot Summary: > The tranquil planet of Aritani has suddenly come under attack >by a vicious and unknown enemy. The Enterprise rallies to the >scene, only to plunge into a deadly nightmare: Spock is found >mysteriously injured, his mental powers crippled and weak, and >Kirk uncovers an evil Romulan plot -- with a cunning double agent >in the middle. As Spock begins to regain his memory, Kirk strives >to expose the agent. But only Spock's knowledge can stop the >Romulans... from controlling the universe! J.M. Dillard has always been one of my favorite authors. Her characters are always more real than those of most other authors. This novel is no exception. _Mindshadow_ is thoroughly enjoyable. [Mindshadow] Characterization: 10 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 9 Total: 9.0 Next: Crisis on Centaurus >#28 Crisis on Centaurus Copyright March 1986 >Author: Brad Ferguson >StarDate: 7513.5 > >Plot Summary: > Massive computer malfunctions are plaguing the Enterprise when Kirk >suddenly receives a shocking message from Starfleet Command: Centaurus >has been bombed and annihilated; thousands are dead. Give whatever >help you can. Centaurus is a beautiful, peaceful planet, home to many >humans -- including McCoy's daughter Joanna. > The crew risks beaming down to investigate. But Kirk is thrown into >a deadly struggle between violent enemy terrorists and vengeful Centaur- >ians. Now Lt. Uhura, left alone in command, must jeopardize the crippled >Enterprise to save Centaurus, Kirk -- and Joanna McCoy! We finally get to meet an individual whom we've been hearing about in some of the other novels for quite a whill -- Joanna McCoy. We've seen stories giving some background on Kirk and Spock, here's on that deals slightly with McCoy. _Crisis_ is an excellent read, well worth the time. [Crisis on Centaurus] Characterization: 8 Premise: 9 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 Next: Dreadnought! >#29 Dreadnought! Copyright May 1986 >Author: Diane Carey >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Star Empire is the Federation's most powerful new weapon -- a >dreadnought, first in a class of super-starships -- capable of >outgunning a dozen Klingon cruisers, or subduing a galaxy. > On the eve of her maiden voyage, Star Empire is stolen by >terrorists who demand a rendezvous with the Enterprise -- and >with Lieutenant Piper, stationed aboard Kirk's ship on her first >training cruise. Now Piper must discover why her friends from >Starfleet are among the terrorists... and why they insist the >ship was stolen not to attack the Federation -- but to save it! Current discussion on the net shows quite a division of opinion on this one, but I liked it. True, the adjectives used to describe Kirk occasionally lean toward juvenile hero- worship, but the rest of the novel is better-than-average fare. [Dreadnought!] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 7 Total: 7.5 Next: Demons >#30 Demons Copyright July 1986 >Author: J.M. Dillard >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Long before the Federation, a powerful force invaded our galaxy >and almost destroyed it... a force that began with possession and >madness, and ended in murder! > A Starfleet research expedition to the farthest reaches of the >galaxy has unearthed that force once again... and brought its silent >evil back to the planet Vulcan. Now Spock must defeat the demons >that threaten his friends and family, or the Enterprise will become >the instrument of the galaxy's destruction! It seems this year was one for better than average novels. The only problem I found with this one was with the basic premise, and there wasn't much problem there, either. Spock and McCoy are once again in rare form with regard to dialogue. I think the numbers will say this better... [Demons] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 9 Total: 8.3 Next: Enterprise: The First Adventure >G1 Enterprise: The First Adventure Copyright September 1986 >Author: Vonda N. McIntyre >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > THE ADVENTURE BEGINS > > He was the youngest man to captain a starship in Federation >history. His crew included an untried first officer -- and a >maverick ship's surgeon. In the years to come, the voyages of >Captain James T. Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise would become >legend. > But before their historic five-year mission began, before the >crew meshed into the superb unit that would journey across the >galaxy, before the legend took shape, there was the mission that >brought them together for the first time. > Here, at last, is that untold story -- the first voyage of >Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy and all the rest of the >Enterprise crew -- the most eagerly-awaited Star Trek adventure >of all! McIntyre is one of Trek's great writers. Here is a wonderful tale of the first mission of the Enterprise under Kirk's command. We also get a good deal of insight into the past of Yeoman Janice Rand, which is absolutely fascinating... This is among the few must-reads in the Trek novel series. [Enterprise: The First Adventure] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Battlestations! >#31 Battlestations! Copyright November 1986 >Author: Diane Carey >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Back on Earth enjoying a well-deserved shore leave, Captain Kirk >is rudely accosted by a trio of Starfleet Security Guards. It seems >he is wanted for questioning in connection with the theft of trans- >warp -- the Federation's newest, most advanced propulsion system. >Could Captain Kirk, Starfleet's most decorated hero, be guilty of >stealing top-secret technology? With the aid of Mr. Spock, Lt. Cmdr. >Piper begins a desperate search for the scientists who developed >transwarp -- a search that leads her to an isolated planet, where >she discovers the real -- and very dangerous -- traitor! The second part of the Piper saga. Unlike most sequels, this one turned out rather well.. The story is just as well written and characterized as its predecessor. It's also a bit faster moving, and keeps to a steadier pace. [Battlestations!] Characterization: 8 Premise: 9 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 All in all, I'd say 1986 was an outstanding year for Pocket Books. Unfortunately we all know their recent history... will 1987 mark the beginning of the decline? Stay tuned and see... ;-) Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1987] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1987. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1987 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ #32 Chain of Attack February 1987 7.0 #33 Deep Domain April 1987 7.5 #34 Dreams of the Raven June 1987 10.0 G2 Strangers from the Sky July 1987 10.0 #35 The Romulan Way August 1987 8.0 #36 How Much for Just the Planet? October 1987 8.3 #37 Bloodthirst December 1987 7.3 ------------------ Year Average: 8.3 /* A Year when every book is *excellent*? Pocket must be slipping.. */ Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '87. >#32 Chain of Attack Copyright February 1987 >Author: Gene DeWeese >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > While mapping a series of gravitational anomalies, the Enterprise >is suddenly hurled millions of light-years through space, into a >distant galaxy of scorched and lifeless worlds... into the middle of >an endless interstellar war. > With no way back home, the crippled starship finds itself under >relentless and suicidal attack by both warring fleets! And Captain >Kirk must gamble the lives of his crew on his ability to stop a war >that has raged for centuries -- and ravaged a galaxy... This is an intriguing tale, and quite well-written. The plot is solid, and the characterization and dialogue are above average. Nothing outstanding here, but no real problems either. [Chain of Attack] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 6 Total: 7.0 Next: Deep Domain >#33 Deep Domain Copyright April 1987 >Author: Howard Weinstein >StarDate: 7823.6 > >Plot Summary: > A routine diplomatic visit to the water-world of Akkalla becomes >a nightmarish search for a missing Spock and Chekov, a search that >plunges Admiral Kirk headlong into a corrupt government's desperate >struggle to retain power. > For both a Federation Science outpost and Akkalla's valiant >freedom fighters have begun uncovering the ancient secrets hidden >beneath her tranquil oceans. Secrets whose exposure may mean civil >war for the people of Akkalla -- and death for the crew of the >starship Enterprise. Here is an interesting, involving tale. Howard Weinstein manages here to generally avoid his usual downfall of beating readers about the head and shoulders with a heavy theme. True, we still can see the message clearly, but it's the purpose of a good novel to bring its message across without making it tedious to the reader; this novel succeeds at that. Character- ization is good and the plot is solid. Quite enjoyable. [Deep Domain] Characterization: 6 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 7.5 Next: Dreams of the Raven >#34 Dreams of the Raven Copyright June 1987 >Author: Carmen Carter >StarDate: 5302.1 > >Plot Summary: > A merchant ship's frantic S.O.S. sends the Enterprise speeding to the >rescue! But the starship's mission of mercy soon becomes a desperate >struggle for survival against a nightmarish enemy Captain Kirk can neither >identify nor understand, an enemy he must defeat without the aid of one >of his most trusted officers. > For the Leonard McCoy Kirk knew is gone. In his place stands a stranger >-- a man with no memory of his Starfleet career, his family, his friends... >or the one thing James T. Kirk needs most of all. > His dreams. Carmen Carter has written an absolutely enthralling novel. Everything about this piece is well-crafted, from characters to dialogue and plot to action... The Ravens are a fascinating creation, which I would love to see more of. This is a novel which makes you feel what its characters are going through, and that is something which has been sadly lacking in recent Pocket Books outings. You may laugh, you may cry, but you certainly will *not* be bored. This is a "Must-Read". [Dreams of the Raven] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Strangers from the Sky >G2 Strangers from the Sky Copyright July 1987 >Author: Margaret Wander Bonanno >StarDate: 8083.6/1305.4 > >Plot Summary: > IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: United at last after countless years of >warfare, humanity turns toward the stars. But when an alien spacecraft >crashlands in the South Pacific bearing visitors from another world -- >the Vulcans -- Earth must decide whether to extend the hand of friendship, >or the fist of war... > While in the distant future, horrible dreams torment Admiral James T. >Kirk, dreams prompted by his reading of STRANGERS FROM THE SKY, a book about >that historic first contact. Dreams of an alternate reality where he >somehow changed the course of history -- and destroyed the Federation >before it began! Ms. Bonanno turns in another stellar product with this novel. The characterization and dialogue are superior, and the plot is rock solid. Fans of Lee Kelso and Gary Mitchell will probably want to check this one out. This is definitely one of the elite "Must-Read" releases in the novel series. [Strangers from the Sky] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: The Romulan Way >#35 The Romulan Way Copyright August 1987 >Author: Diane Duane and Peter Morwood >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > They are a race of warriors, a noble people to whom honor is all. >They are cousin to the Vulcan, ally to the Klingon, and Starfleet's >most feared and cunning adversary. They are the Romulans -- and for >eight years, Federation Agent Terise LoBrutto has hidden in their >midst. > Now the presence of a captured Starfleet officer forces her to >make a fateful choice -- between exposure and escape. Between main- >taining her cover -- and saving the life of Dr. Leonard McCoy. > Here, in a startlingly different adventure, is the truth behind >one of the most fascinating alien races ever created in STAR TREK -- >the Romulans. By now, you're probably used to my ravings about what a good (no, a great) writer Diane Duane is. You'll be surprised, then to see that I didn't think this novel was Duane's best effort. Don't get me wrong, _The_Romulan_Way_ is a *good* novel. I certainly found it quite fascinating. But the same elements which made _Way_ such fascinating material for me will cause most people to say this was not a good novel. You see, every other chapter is basically a lesson in history -- the history of the Romulan (er, pardon me, Rihannsu) people. And this will bore most people to tears; I must admit, those chapters did get a bit long and tedious at times. This is a very unusual novel in that way, and also in one other way: Doctor McCoy is the **only** one of the "Enterprise 7" that you will see in this novel. Kirk and the rest of the crew never even make a single appearance, and that will do this book in with some people automatically. But, overall, I found this to be a well written saga, and a decent McCoy story, to boot. [The Romulan Way] Characterization: 10 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 7 Total: 8.0 Next: How Much for Just the Planet? >#36 How Much for Just the Planet? Copyright October 1987 >Author: John M. Ford >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Dilithium. In crystalline form, the most valuable mineral in the >galaxy. It powers the Federation's starships... and the Klingon >Empire's battlecruisers. Now on a small, out-of-the-way planet named >Direidi, the greatest fortune in dilithium crystals ever seen has been >found. > Under the terms of the Organian Peace Treaty, the planet will go to >the side best able to develop the planet and its resources. Each side >will contest the prize with the prime of its fleet. For the Federation >-- Captain James T. Kirk and the starship Enterprise. For the Klingons >-- Captain Kaden vestai-Oparai and the Fire Blossom. > Only the Direidians are writing their own script for this contest -- >a script that propels the crew of the Enterprise into their strangest >adventure yet! In a complete change of style compared to his _Final_Reflection_, Mr. Ford turns in an absolutely hilarious frolick that is sure to put a smile on your face (unless you're a Trek purist, in which case you will probably hate this novel)... We get every comical stunt possible, from people singing to the tune of "Rawhide", to Scotty playing golf with a Klingon in a mine field, to a good-ol'-fashioned pie fight. There's even a character (in a brief scene) named Ensign Ann Crispin... ;-) Good clean fun... [How Much for Just the Planet?] Characterization: 6 Premise: 9 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 9 Total: 8.3 Next: Bloodthirst >#37 Bloodthirst Copyright December 1987 >Author: J.M. Dillard >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > A class one medical emergency summons the Enterprise to the >Federation outpost Tanis. There, a grisly surprise awaits them. >Two of the lab's three researchers are dead, their bodies almost >entirely drained of blood. There are no clues. No records of >their research. No remnants of their work. > There is only the outpost's sole survivor, Dr. Jeffrey Adams. >A man with a secret that will rock the very foundations of Star >Fleet... and a terrible, all-consuming hunger that will bring >death to the crew of the Starship Enterprise. Ms. Dillard has written a bit of a murder mystery with _Bloodthirst_. And like a good murder mystery, the reader is kept guessing as to the outcome until the very end. Characterization here is about average, but the plot and dialogue are solid and well-done. Mildly enjoyable. [Bloodthirst] Characterization: 6 Premise: 7 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 7.3 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1988] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1988. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1988 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ TOS G3 Final Frontier January 1988 9.3 TOS #38 The IDIC Epidemic February 1988 9.5 TOS #39 Time for Yesterday April 1988 10.0 TOS #40 Timetrap June 1988 6.3 TOS #41 The Three-Minute Universe August 1988 6.5 TOS H1 Spock's World September 1988 10.0 TOS #42 Memory Prime October 1988 7.8 TOS #43 The Final Nexus December 1988 9.3 ------------------ TOS Average: 8.6 ------------------ Year Average: 8.6 /* Quite a good year, I'd say */ Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '88. >TOS G3 Final Frontier Copyright January 1988 >Author: Diane Carey >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > This is the story of a hero -- and a moment forever lost to history. > > It is a tale of Starfleet's early days, of a time before the STAR TREK >we know. The story of a secret mission gone horribly wrong -- and an >instant in time when the galaxy stood poised on the brink of one final, >destructive war. It is the story of a ship since passed on into legend, >and a man we know only as the father of Starfleet's greatest captain. > His name is Kirk. Commander George Samuel Kirk. He is a warrior, >born and bred to battle. Now destiny has placed the fate of a hundred >innocent worlds on his shoulders. > > And put the power of the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen >in his hands... The predecessor to _Best_Destiny_, this is a great novel about Starfleet's early days. And even though we see little of the usually central characters, this is a thoroughly enjoyable tale. Carey does her usual good job of bringing her characters to life. At times, she does fall prey to the habit of describing Kirk with a sort of awe-filled, teenage hero-worship, but it doesn't become all that distracting... [Final Frontier] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 9 Total: 9.3 Next: The IDIC Epidemic >TOS #38 The IDIC Epidemic Copyright February 1988 >Author: Jean Lorrah >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > I.D.I.C. -- Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination. More than >just a simple credo, for those of the planet Vulcan it is the cornerstone >of their philosophy. > Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is >being put to its sternest test. For here, on a planet where Vulcan, >Human, Klingon, and countless other races live and work side by side, a >deadly plague has sprung up. A plague whose origins are somehow rooted >in the concept of I.D.I.C. itself. A plague that threatens to tear down >that centuries-old maxim and replace it with an even older concept. > Interstellar War. Ms. Lorrah proves once again that not everything that comes out of Kentucky is unworthy of notice... ;-) This story is well-crafted and solid. The characterization is excellent as is the interaction between characters. The dialogue, unfortunately, is mostly average. Overall, though, I'd say this is a thoroughly entertaining entry in Pocket Books' repertoire. [The IDIC Epidemic] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 9 Total: 9.5 Next: Time for Yesterday >TOS #39 Time for Yesterday Copyright April 1988 >Author: A.C. Crispin >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: _Time_for_Yesterday_ takes place after the > events chronicled in "Star Trek: The Motion > Picture" and Howard Weinstein's novel _Deep_Domain_. > >Plot Summary: > Time in the galaxy has stopped running in the normal course. That >can mean only one thing -- the Guardian of Forever is malfunctioning. >To save the universe, Starfleet Command reunites three of its most >legendary figures -- Admiral James T. Kirk, Spock of Vulcan, and Dr. >Leonard McCoy -- and sends them on a desperate mission to contact the >Guardian, a journey that ultimately takes them 5,000 years into the >past. They must find Spock's son Zar once again -- and bring him >back to their time to telepathically communicate with the Guardian. > But Zar is enmeshed in troubles of his own, and soon Kirk, Spock, >McCoy find themselves in a desperate struggle to save both their >world -- and his! I'm generally not very enthusiastic about sequels. They never quite seem to measure up to the original. But this novel, the sequel to _Yesterday's_Son_, is one I can be enthused over. This novel is every bit as good as its predecessor, in every way. Characterization and plot are both dead on, and additionally, the reader can really *feel* what is going on... If you enjoyed reading _Yesterday's_Son_ you won't want to miss this one. [Time for Yesterday] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Timetrap >TOS #40 Timetrap Copyright June 1988 >Author: David Dvorkin >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > In a remote area of Federation space, the Enterprise picks up an >urgent distress signal -- from a Klingon vessel! Tracing the S.O.S., >the crew finds the Klingon cruiser Mauler, trapped in a dimensional >storm of unprecedented power. Yet paradoxically, the ship refuses >both the Enterprise's call and the offers of help. > Determined to discover what the Klingons are doing in Federation >space, Kirk beams aboard their ship with a security team, just as >the storm flares to its highest intensity. As the bridge crew >watches in horror, Mauler vanishes from the Enterprise's viewscreen. > And James T. Kirk awakens... one hundred years in the future. Well, that was... interesting. It was good, I suppose; nothing was really appealing or enthralling, however. It just sort of had a used feeling, I guess... There was nothing fresh here. There was also nothing very thought provoking. On the other hand, nothing was terribly wrong with it either. Characterization and plot were at least average... [Timetrap] Characterization: 7 Premise: 4 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 7 Total: 6.3 >TOS #41 The Three-Minute Universe Copyright August 1988 >Author: Barbara Paul >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > The Sackers. In all Captain James T. Kirk's travels, he has >never found a race more universally shunned and abhorred. Their >mere appearance causes most Federation members to become violently >ill. > Now the Sackers have performed a deed whose brutality matches >their horrifying exterior. They have stolen a revolutionary new >scientific device -- murdering an entire race in the process -- >and used it to create a rip in the fabric of space, a hole through >which another universe is rapidly leaking. Unless Captain Kirk >and the crew of the Enterprise can find a way to stop the new >universe's expansion, it will consume -- and utterly destroy -- >our own. This one had the potential to turn into one of your standard "Enterprise saves the universe" story-lines, but surprisingly enough, turned out rather better than that. Barbara Paul has a definite grasp on how to create interesting characters (not to mention new races ;-) ). The action moves along nicely, and the plot has no major problems. No great philosophy here, but an interesting read. [The Three-Minute Universe] Characterization: 6 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 6 Narrative: 6 Total: 6.5 Next: Spock's World >TOS H1 Spock's World Copyright September 1988 >Author: Diane Duane >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Ever since 1966, when the very first episode of the original >STAR TREK television series aired, casual fans and devoted Trekkers >alike have been captivated by the alien Mr. Spock and his enigmatic >home planet Vulcan. Now, for the first time anywhere, here is an >in-depth look at the secret history of both. > > It is the twenty-third century. On the planet Vulcan, a crisis >of unprecedented proportion has caused the convocation of the planet's >ruling council -- and summoned the U.S.S. Enterprise from halfway >across the galaxy, to bring Vulcan's most famous son home in its hour >of need. As Commander Spock, his father Sarek, and Captain James T. >Kirk struggle to preserve the very future of the Federation, the >innermost secrets of the planet Vulcan are laid bare before us, from >its beginnings millions of years ago to its savage prehistory, from >merciless tribal warfare to medieval court intrigue, from the >exploration of space to the development of c'thia -- the ruling ethic >of logic. And Spock -- torn between his duty to Starfleet and the >unbreakable ties that bind him to Vulcan -- must find a way to >reconcile both his own inner conflict and the external dilemma his >planet faces... lest the Federation itself be ripped asunder. I can't say very much about this one, except that it is a fabulous story. Diane Duane continues her stellar trend. The only thing that may detract from this novel (for some people; I certainly didn't find it a problem) is that Duane has adopted a sort of back-and-forth type of story; every other chapter is devoted to chronicling a part of the history of the planet. Those chapters may get a little tiring to some readers, but to me they were just another great facet of the book. This one's a Must Read(tm)... [Spock's World] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 >TOS #42 Memory Prime Copyright October 1988 >Authors: Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > It is the central core of an immense computer library -- an entire >network of research planteoids. Here, the Pathfinders -- the only >artificial intelligences legally permitted to serve the Federation -- >control and sift the overwhelming dataflow from thousands and >thousands of research vessels across the galaxy... > Now the greatest scientists in the Federation have gathered here >for the prestigious Nobel and Z-Magnees prize ceremonies -- unaware >that a deadly assassin is stalking one of them. And as Captain Kirk >struggles to save his ship from sabotage and his first officer from >accusations of murder, he discovers the hidden assassin is far from >the deadliest secret lurking on Memory Prime... Well, that was... intriguing. Actually, this is a better than average outing, considering that this was basically a modified murder- mystery. The plot is rather well handled, keeping the reader totally in the dark as the the outcome, and all other elements seem to be on keel. [Memory Prime] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 7 Total: 7.8 >TOS #43 The Final Nexus Copyright December 1988 >Author: Gene DeWeese >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Uncounted centuries ago, an unknown race from beyond our galaxy >created a series of interstellar gates -- shortcuts across our >universe -- and then disappeared, leaving behind no clues to their >fate, or the operation of their system. Twice before, the Enterprise >has used the system to traverse the galaxy, and returned each time >no wiser to the gates' operation. > Now it is imperative that they find out. For the gates are >breaking down, taking the very stars in the sky with them. The fate >of the galaxy rests in the hands of the Enterprise crew, and their >ability to communicate not only with creatures from another world -- >but from another universe as well. In this fascinating sequel to _Chain_of_Attack_, Gene DeWeese weaves a spellbinding tale of adventure. Everything is very well done here, from characterization to plot to dialogue... it seems that Mr. DeWeese is an on-again, off-again, hit-and-miss type of author... [The Final Nexus] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.3 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1989] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1989. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1989 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory February 1989 9.8 TOS #45 Double, Double April 1989 5.0 TOS H2 The Lost Years October 1989 9.8 TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies October 1989 3.0 TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru December 1989 8.5 -------------------- TOS Average: 7.2 -------------------- Year Average: 7.2 Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '89. >TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory Copyright February 1989 >Author: D.C. Fontana >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Here is a very special STAR TREK novel -- from the woman consistently >voted by the fans as their favorite writer from the original STAR TREK >television series! > D.C. Fontana, writer of such classic STAR TREK episodes as "Journey >to Babel" and "This Side of Paradise," here brings us the never-before- >told story of a very young Mr. Spock, on his first mission aboard the >U.S.S. Enterprise. You'll also meet Captain Christopher Pike and his >enigmatic first officer "Number One" (previously seen only in the orig- >inal STAR TREK pilot "The Cage"), as well as the ship's brand new >engineering officer, Montgomery Scott. > VULCAN'S GLORY is the tale of Spock's struggle to reconcile his many >obligations -- those forced on him by his Vulcan heritage, and those >chosen by him upon his elistment in Starfleet -- to balance the wishes >of others against the desires of his own heart. This is the kind of novel we could use more of. Something fresh and inventive, and most especially, well written. D.C. Fontana has written a fascinating tale about Spock's first adventure aboard the Enterprise. The characters are alive and interesting, the plot is solid, and the dialogue is more realistic than any I've seen in a Trek novel in some time. This is a Must-Read(tm), folks. [Vulcan's Glory] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.8 >TOS #45 Double, Double Copyright April 1989 >Author: Michael Jan Friedman >StarDate: 4925.2 > >Plot Summary: > On a routine exploratory mission, the Starship U.S.S. Hood picks up >a distress signal from a research expedition thought lost long ago -- >the expedition of Dr. Roger Korby, one of the centuries' greatest >scientific minds. Korby himself is dead, it seems, but his colleagues >have made a most incredible discovery -- a discovery they insist the >Hood's captain see for himself. Reluctantly, the captain agrees to >beam down... > Meanwhile, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise begins long-overdue >shore leave on Tranquility Seven. James T. Kirk is looking forward >to a few days of rest and relaxation... until what seems like a >bizarre case of mistaken identity plunges Kirk into a whirlpool of >mayhem and murder. > And puts an inhuman stranger with his memories and abilities in >command of the Enterprise. For an author who has done such generally *good* work as Michael Jan Friedman, this is an incredibly pitiful novel. It seems almost like (dare I say it?) *plagiarism*. This one is a decent adventure story, in a way. Someone who has never seen "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" might indeed enjoy it. But I found it to be consistently predictable, and at times, even *boring*. I find there's very little to recommend this novel. [Double, Double] Characterization: 7 Premise: 3 Plot Handling: 4 Narrative: 6 Total: 5.0 >TOS H2 The Lost Years Copyright October 1989 >Author: J.M. Dillard >StarDate: 6987.31 > >Plot Summary: > What exactly happened to the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise after >the end of their five-year mission? How did that mission end? What >did they do before they were reunited for the STAR TREK films? Even >the casual STAR TREK fan finds him/herself asking these questions >from time to time... > Here at last, is the book that provides the answers to those >questions -- a book as anticipated, in its own way, as SPOCK'S WORLD >was and one that promises to equal its New York Times bestseller >success. > THE LOST YEARS tells the story of Captain Kirk's final hours in >command of the U.S.S. Enterprise, and how he, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy >struggle to establish new lives apart from each other and the starship. >We see the newly-promoted Admiral Kirk, in charge of a specially- >created Starfleet division, as he attempts to defuse a critical hostage >situation; Mr. Spock, who in the midst of a teaching assignment on >Vulcan, finds the one thing he least expected; and Dr. McCoy, whose >unerring instinct for trouble lands him smack in the middle of an >incident that could trigger an interstellar bloodbath.... > In THE LOST YEARS, J.M. Dillard, author of the STAR TREK V: THE >FINAL FRONTIER novelization, has written her best book to date -- >and has bridged a gap in STAR TREK history in a manner sure to >excite and delight STAR TREK fans everywhere. I have to agree with the publishers about this novel. Ms. Dillard has written a novel easily equal to _Spock's_World_. This is a truly great story, with solid plot, and interesting characters. I had a slight problem with the apparent ease with which Kirk was talked into accepting promotion into the Admiralty, but that's a small sticking point. One more book which can be called a Must-Read(tm). [The Lost Years] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.8 Next: The Cry of the Onlies >TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies Copyright October 1989 >Author: Judy Klass >StarDate: 6118.2 >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place during the U.S.S. Enterprise's > initial five-year mission, sometime after the events chron- > icled in the television episodes "Miri" and "Requiem for > Methuselah". The reader may wish to consult those episodes > as referents. > >Plot Summary: > Boaco Six -- a once-tranquil Federation colony, now caught up in the >throes of revolution. The Enterprise's mission: re-establish contact >with the planet, and determine whether or not formal ties between the >Federation and Boaco Six should be strengthened. > Negotiations between Captain Kirk and the planet's ruling Council of >Youngers are proceeding smoothly, until the atmosphere of goodwill is >shattered by the sudden destruction of a Boacan ship -- at the hands >of an experimental Starfleet vessel! > Now, in order to prevent full-scale war from breaking out, the >Enterprise must recapture the stolen Starfleet vessel and its abductors. >A mission that will require the aid of the galaxy's most reclusive >genius -- and bring Captain Kirk face-to-face with the long-buried >secrets of his past... This one goes into my top five *worst* Star Trek novels of all time... (It makes the top *three* worst TOS novels.) The author seems to have the idea that tossing in a few familiar characters (Flint, Pal, Jahn, etc...) will make for a great story. But she's just proved herself wrong, as this never even approaches greatness. The narration is heavy-handed, the dialogue is strained and out of character, and the plot moves along like a drunken mime. This book, overall, is just plain *TEDIOUS* (I barely forced myself to finish reading it), and that's a pretty sad statement. [The Cry of the Onlies] Characterization: 4 Premise: 2 Plot Handling: 2 Narrative: 4 Total: 3.0 >TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru Copyright December 1989 >Author: Julia Ecklar >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place shortly after events > chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. > >Plot Summary: > A freak shuttlecraft accident -- and suddenly Captain Kirk and >most of his senior officers find themselves adrift in space, with >no hope of rescue, no hope of repairing their craft, or restoring >communications -- with nothing, in short, but time on their hands. > Time enough for each to tell the story of the Kobayashi Maru >-- the Starfleet Academy test given to command cadets. Nominally >a tactical exercise, the Kobayashi Maru is in fact a test of char- >acter revealed in the choices each man makes -- and does not make. > Discover now how Starfleet Cadets Kirk, Chekov, Scotty, and >Sulu each faced the Kobayashi Maru... and became in turn Starfleet >officers. This novel is thoroughly enjoyable; it's a fine accounting of some of our heroes' antics during their Academy days, centered around the Kobayashi Maru scenario... The plot is solid, the characterization well done... I can't find much room to fault this one. High marks. [The Kobayashi Maru] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1990] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1990. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1990 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ TOS #48 Rules of Engagement February 1990 7.8 TOS #49 The Pandora Principle April 1990 9.5 TOS #50 Doctor's Orders June 1990 10.0 TOS H3 Prime Directive August 1990 9.5 TOS #51 Enemy Unseen October 1990 8.8 TOS #52 Home is the Hunter December 1990 8.8 ------------------ TOS Average: 9.1 ------------------ Year Average: 9.1 /* An really *outstanding* year for Pocket Books */ Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '90. >TOS #48 Rules of Engagement Copyright February 1990 >Author: Peter Morwood >StarDate: 2213.5 >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place sometime between > the events chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion > Picture and those related in Star Trek II: The > Wrath of Khan. Readers may wish to consult > those two movies, as well as the television > episode "Errand of Mercy", as referents. > >Plot Summary: > A sudden revolution on the planet Dekkanar brings Captain Kirk >and the Enterprise running to evacuate Federation personnel trapped >there. But their orders from Starfleet are quite clear: the >Enterprise is to assist in the evacuation, no more. No weapons are >to be displayed, no shields raised, no shots fired. > Meanwhile, halfway across the galaxy, an experimental Klingon >warship sets forth on a mission of its own, a warship with hidden >-- and heretofore undreamed of -- capabilities, commanded by a >warrior who will stop at nothing to bring glory to his Empire -- >and restore his own lost honor. > The Klingon ship's destination? The planet Dekkanar... Peter Morwood does *good* work. This is a great novel, with a solid, believable plot, and characters that are far better developed and used than in recent entries in Pocket's lineup. The only real problem I saw was in the handling of the Klingon situation. I mean, there were *three* Starfleet vessels in orbit, but only the Enterprise could fight?? Otherwise, this is quite an outstanding effort. [Rules of Engagement] Characterization: 8 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 7 Narrative: 8 Total: 7.8 >TOS #49 The Pandora Principle Copyright April 1990 >Author: Carolyn Clowes >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > A Romulan Bird of Prey mysteriously drifts over the neutral zone >and into Federation territory. Captain Kirk and the crew of the >Enterprise investigate, only to find the ship dead in space. When >Starfleet orders the derelict ship brought to Earth for examination, >the Enterprise returns home with perhaps her greatest prize. > But the Bird of Prey carries a dangerous cargo, a deadly force >that is soon unleashed in the heart of the Federation. Suddenly, >the only hope for the Federation's survival lies buried in the >tortured memory of Commander Spock's protege, a cadet named Saavik. >Together, Spock and Saavik must return to the nightmare world of >Saavik's birth -- a planet called Hellguard, to discover the secret >behind the Romulans' most deadly threat of all... We may be about to make some history here. Most first-time Trek authors don't do very well in my ratings, but this is the exception that proves the rule. This is an outstanding novel. Conflict, drama, action; there's a little bit of everything. The characters are very convincing and the plot is unbelievably solid. This, like a few others, offers some interesting insights into our Mr. Spock, not to mention his relationship to Saavik. Here's history for you: this is a Must-Read(tm). [The Pandora Principle] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.5 >TOS #50 Doctor's Orders Copyright June 1990 >Author: Diane Duane >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > When Dr. McCoy grumbles once too often about the way the Enterprise >ought to be run, Captain Kirk decides to leave the doctor in command >while he oversees a routine diplomatic mission. Kirk beams down to a >strange planet nicknamed "Flyspeck" to negotiate its admission into >the Federation, leaving Dr. McCoy to enjoy his new authority. > However, the doctor soon learns that command is a double-edged >sword when Kirk disappears without a trace. Desperately trying to >locate his captain, McCoy comes under pressure from Starfleet to >resolve the situation immediately. Matters go from bad to worse >when the Klingons arrive and stake their own claim on Flyspeck. > Then another, more deadly power threatens them all, and suddenly, >Dr. McCoy and the Enterprise find themselves pitted against an alien >fleet in a battle they have no hope of winning. McCoy fans are guaranteed to love this one. Diane Duane once again turns in a fantastic effort. You'll find a little bit of everything in this novel: we've got space battles, time travel, and lots of aliens. What more could you ask for? ;-) Besides that, though, the plot is solid, and the dialogue is as snappy as we've come to expect from this author. [Doctor's Orders] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 >TOS H3 Prime Directive Copyright August 1990 >Authors: Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: The events of this book take place in the final > year of the Enterprise's original five-year mission. > >Plot Summary: > Starfleet's highest law has been broken. Its most honored captain >is in disgrace, its most celebrated starship is in pieces, and the >crew of that ship scattered among the thousand worlds of the Federation.... > > Thus begins PRIME DIRECTIVE, an epic tale of the STAR TREK universe. >Following in the tradition of SPOCK'S WORLD and THE LOST YEARS, both >major New York Times hardcover bestsellers, Judith and Garfield Reeves- >Stevens have crafted a thrilling tale of mystery and wonder, a novel >that takes the STAR TREK characters from the depths of despair into an >electrifying new adventure that spans the galaxy. > Journey with Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the former crew of the >Starship Enterprise to Talin -- the planet where their careers ended. >A world once teeming with life that now lies ruined, its cities turned >to ashes, its surface devastated by a radioactive firestorm -- because >of their actions. There, they must find out how -- and why -- this >tragedy occurred... and discover what has become of their captain. Well, for once, I have to agree with Pocket (record that somewhere, you may never see it again) about a novel. Although I wouldn't put it as melodramatically as they did above, this really is a fantastic novel. The authors have created an intriguing mystery which has a solid plot, good characterization, and more than enough action to keep any reader involved. (The scenes involving Scotty and Styles are priceless). [Prime Directive] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.5 >TOS #51 Enemy Unseen Copyright October 1990 >Author: V.E. Mitchell >StarDate: 8036.2 >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place shortly after the > events chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. > >Plot Summary: > Transporting a diplomatic party is nothing new for Captain James >T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise -- but this particular mission >promises trouble from the start. > For one thing, the wife of the Federation ambassador on this trip >is an old flame of Kirk's -- and she's determined to see that they >resume their romance where they left off. Of course, when another >ambassador presents Kirk with three of his wives, finding time for >the first romance, let alone any of his other duties, is going to >prove nearly impossible. > When a diplomatic attache is murdered, and the prime suspect is >one of his crewmembers, Kirk begins to wish that Starfleet Command >would consider using some other Starship to ferry diplomatic >personnel.... That plot (non)summary doesn't even begin to hint at what this novel is about, or how good it is. For someone's first published Trek novel, this is truly a holdout. It's a well-crafted murder-mystery from the very beginning, and not a hint escapes from the author about "who-dunit" until the very end. My only real problem with the plot is Spock's absence. Ms. Mitchell went out of her way to get rid of Spock for the major portion of this book, and there is nothing wrong with that in and of itself. But when he is replaced by two characters (Whitehorse and Tenaida) who act and speak much like him, I don't see the point... [Enemy Unseen] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 9 Total: 8.8 >TOS #52 Home is the Hunter Copyright December 1990 >Author: Dana Kramer-Rolls >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place shortly after the > events chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. > >Plot Summary: > A dispute over a planet and its primitive people leads Captain Kirk >and a Klingon Commander to pit their ships against each other in battle. >But the fight is stopped by a mysterious and powerful alien being named >Weyland, who decides to punish three Enterprise crewmembers with their >own history. He places Sulu in feudal Japan during the period's most >important and bloody power struggle, Scotty in 18th Century Scotland on >the eve of revolt, and Chekov in WWII Russia. > Now, the three time travellers must face overwhelming dangers as they >are pulled by conflicting forces: their allegiance to their homelands, >their duty to the Federation they serve, and the demands of history. I've got conflicting feelings about this novel. On one hand, it's three fascinating tales about three different periods in Earth's history, and how Chekov, Scotty, and Sulu deal with being a part of that history. But on the other hand, the rest of this novel is just above average, and there are problems with how the officers got back to the past in the first place... Those problems being that Weyland is not consistently portrayed. His actions first seem to follow no pattern, then they do adhere to one. First we believe he has a higher wisdom/perspective, then we're expected to believe he doesn't... But this is just a minor problem. Overall, characterization is good, narration is fabulous, and the plot is basically solid. [Home Is the Hunter] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.8 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1991] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1991. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1991 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- TOS #53 Ghost Walker February 1991 9.5 TOS #54 A Flag Full of Stars April 1991 9.0 TOS #55 Renegade June 1991 8.5 TOS #56 Legacy August 1991 8.0 TOS #57 The Rift November 1991 9.5 ------------------- TOS Average: 8.9 ------------------- Year Average: 8.9 Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '91. >#53 Ghost Walker Copyright February 1991 >Author: Barbara Hambly >StarDate: 5947.3 >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place during the fourth > year of the starship Enterprise's original five- > year mission. > >Plot Summary: > Elcidar Beta Three -- a tranquil, undisturbed planet strategically >located between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Home to the >Midgwins, a race of people who throughout all time have lived in peace >with their planet, and themselves. But now, times are changing. >Unwilling to embrace any form of technology, the Midgwins have exhausted >their world's natural resources, and stand on the brink of global famine. > When Captain Kirk and the Enterprise arrive to aid the Midgwins, >they find themselves caught up in that race's struggle for survival... >a struggle whose climactic battle pits them against a creature of >darkness and shadow -- an entity who roams the Enterprise corridors >as if it owned them -- an enemy who will not hesitate to kill to >achieve its ultimate goal... Barbara Hambly proves that it's possible to write good science fiction, even if it is Star Trek science fiction. _Ghost_Walker_ is a fabulous read, even after two and three times through it. The Midgwins are a fascinating race of beings that I wouldn't mind seeing again in the future. Hambly has woven a tale of suspense that is not surpassed (or even equalled) in any recent Trek novel. We don't see a great deal of new details about Kirk and his senior staff, but the characterization of Kirk and Spock is right on the mark, and what little we see of the others is also well handled. The plot is more than solid; it's intricate and completely engrossing. This is a Must-Read, especially if you're a fan of Barbara Hambly. [Ghost Walker] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.5 >#54 A Flag Full of Stars Copyright April 1991 >Author: Brad Ferguson >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: This adventure takes place shortly before the > events chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. > >Plot Summary: > It has been eighteen months since the Starship Enterprise completed >her historic five-year mission and her legendary crew has separated, >taking new assignments that span the galaxy. > > On Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk has married and started a new life >as the Chief of Starfleet operations where he is overseeing the refit >of his beloved ship, now commanded by a new Captain -- Willard Decker. >Kirk's only tie to his former crewmates is his Chief of Staff, a young >Lieutenant Commander named Kevin Riley. > But Kirk's new, quiet life changes when he meets a scientist named >G'Dath who is on the brink of perhaps the greatest scientific discovery >in a century. G'Dath's invention could mean tremendous strides in >Federation technology, or -- in the wrong hands -- the subjugation of >countless worlds. > When Klingon agents capture this new technology, Admiral Kirk and >Lt. Commander Riley are all that stands between peace and devastation >for the entire Federation. Brad Ferguson has disclaimed ownership of this piece of work, due to rewrites executed by J.M. Dillard at the request of Pocket in order to make his work "in line". Not having read his original manuscript, I can't speak to the quality of the unmutilated work; but _A_Flag_Full_of_Stars_ as it was published is a fabulous book anyway. If you liked _Crisis_on_Centaurus_ you'll probably like this one as well. The plot and characterization are on target, and the story has enough action to suit most people... [A Flag Full of Stars] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 8 Total: 9.0 >#55 Renegade Copyright June 1991 >Author: Gene DeWeese >StarDate: UNKNOWN >Historian's Note: The events of Renegade take place during the last > year of the Enterprise's original five-year mission. > >Plot Summary: > For nearly a hundred years, the planet Chyrellkan IV has enjoyed a >peaceful relationship with the colony on the third planet of its star >system. However, relations between the two worlds take a deadly turn >as rebel colonists take over Chrellkan III and turn against their >mother world. > To prevent the conflict from escalating into full-scale war, Star- >fleet orders Captain Kirk and the Enterprise to moderate the dispute. >On arrival, Kirk sends Spock and McCoy to investigate the rebel's >claims. But seconds after beaming down, the two officers are taken >hostage and then -- according to sensors -- killed. Devastated by >his loss, Kirk must try to learn the truth behind the mysterious >rebellion that has claimed the lives of his two closest friends. > Kirk's investigation leads him to uncover a dangerous plot against >the Federation -- a plot driven by revenge that may make the Feder- >ation's highest law, the Prime Directive, an instrument of violence >and destruction. _Renegade_ is a highly enjoyably adventure, that is well-paced and plotted. The characterization is solid, though not extraordinary. The only real problem is a part of the ending; we're never given any good reason for the Klingons to be interested in Chyrellka and Vancadia. This rather gaping hole brings the novel down somewhat, but doesn't reduce its entertainment value much... [Renegade] Characterization: 8 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 8.5 >#56 Legacy Copyright August 1991 >Author: Michael Jan Friedman >StarDate: 5258.7 >Historian's Note: This story begins on Stardate 5258.7, which would > place it approximately four-fifths of the way through > the starship Enterprise's original five-year mission. > >Plot Summary: > A routine survey of the planet Alpha Octavius Four turns disastrous >as Spock is attacked and poisoned by a huge creature and Kirk's landing >party is trapped underground by a violent earthquake. As Spock fights >for his life in sickbay, Scotty organizes a search for Kirk and his men. >However, rescue efforts must cease when the U.S.S. Enterprise is called >away to the Beta Cabrini system where a mining colony is under heavy >attack. > At Beta Cabrini, the U.S.S. Enterprise faces off against a Marauder >named Dreen -- a man that Spock had watched his former captain Christopher >Pike defeat years before. Fighting the effects of the poison, Spock >struggles to his feet and takes command of the ship. Soon, Spock and >Dreen are locked into a deadly game of cat and mouse -- a game driven >by mad revenge that can have only one survivor! This is a fine novel, and far better than Mr. Friedman's first TOS novel, _Double,_Double_. That doesn't mean it has no faults, but we'll get to those later. Characterization and plot handling were about as good as its possible to get, and the premise is outstanding. The narrative itself is the only detracting factor, and only at times. But, boy when it detracts, it does so in a big way. The author's method of switching tenses for Spock's flashbacks -- using present tense instead of past tense to describe the action -- is *extremely* distracting. I'm not a big fan of rules, but "Don't interchange your tenses" is one I can't quite get away from. Aside from the flaws in the narration, this is a truly engaging read; definitely a must for Friedman fans. [Legacy] Characterization: 9 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 9 Narrative: 6 Total: 8.0 >TOS #57 The Rift Copyright November 1991 >Author: Peter David >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Every thirty-three years, a rift in space connects the Federation >with a mysterious race called the Calligar who live on a planet >hundreds of light years away -- much too far to travel in a Starship. >Captain Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise are dispatched to transport a >Federation delegation of diplomats, scholars and scientists who will >travel to Calligar directly during the brief period of time that the >rift will be open. > Mr. Spock leads the Federation party as they travel by shuttle >through the rift just as a group of the aliens arrive in Federation >space. The meetings go smoothly until the Calligar take Spock's >party hostage and Kirk discovers that the aliens are keeping a deadly >secret. With angry Tellarite and Andorian fleets ready to attack the >Calligar, Kirk must save Spock and the others before war breaks out >and the rift closes for another fifty years. It's said that Peter David wrote this one in two months (or was it two weeks??). At any rate, it shows just enough that this isn't quite up to PAD's usual 10-rated standard. Don't get me wrong, this is a great novel, with well drawn characters, and a reasonably solid plot. But there are a few little points that detract from the overall effect. First off, I don't entirely buy Ecma's decision to leave her people for a life with Jose Tyler. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see how a person could leave behind a world they've called their own for years, based solely on a person they've known for a few short days... That's really the only major sticking point. But there was one small but highly irritating point that I have to mention; PAD calls Number One a *Lieutenant*. Sorry, but there is very little chance that a Lieutenant would ever be made first officer of a Starship... But overall, this is *almost* PAD's usual involving tale. [The Rift] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 10 Total: 9.5 Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1992] Reviews by Ron C. Carman =============================================== Now that all the data gathering is finally done, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the reviews as there seems to be plenty of interest in them.. This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published during 1992. Ratings translate as follows: Rating Meaning ------------------------------------------------------ 9.0 -10.0 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW 7.0 - 8.9 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon 5.0 - 6.9 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow 4.0 - 4.9 POOR: Wait for your tax refund 0.0 - 3.9 TRASH: Burn every copy you find 1992 Releases-at-a-glance: ----------------------------- Book # Title Date Published Rating / 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- TOS #58 Faces of Fire March 1992 7.0 TOS H4 Probe April 1992 4.0 TOS #59 The Disinherited May 1992 7.8 TOS #60 Ice Trap July 1992 0.5 TOS #61 Sanctuary September 1992 5.5 TOS H5 Best Destiny November 1992 10.0 TOS #62 Death Count November 1992 0.0 -------------------- TOS Average: 5.1 -------------------- Year Average: 5.1 >TOS #58 Faces of Fire Copyright March 1992 >Author: Michael Jan Friedman >StarDate: 3998.6 > >Plot Summary: > En route to Alpha Maluria Six to settle a dispute between two religions, >the U.S.S. Enterprise first stops to do a routine check on the progress of a >terraforming colony on Beta Canzandia Three -- a colony whose inhabitants >include Carol and David Marcus. > While Spock is left behind at the terraforming colony to continue his >scientific studies, the rest of the crew heads to Alpha Maluria Six to find >the dispute has turned to war. > As Kirk, McCoy, and Scotty search for a solution to end the conflict, a >ship piloted by a Klingon faction arrives at the terraforming colony to take >control of the facility. When colonists are imprisoned, Spock and David must >defeat the Klingons or face certain death... A lot of people have a preference as to writing styles, and so many dislike Mr. Friedman's work. Personally, I don't care what kind of style an author uses as long as it works for him/her and keeps me interested in the story. I enjoyed this one. Characterization of the central characters was better than average, and the basic premise and plot handling were very good. I also consider it a plus when a novel shows some continuity between itself and the series or the other novels, and seeing Carol and David Marcus here falls into the category of an interesting tie-in. [Faces of Fire] Characterization: 6 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 6 Total: 7.0 Next: Probe >TOS H4 Probe Copyright April 1992 >Author: Margaret Wander Bonanno >StarDate: 8475.3 > >Plot Summary: > THE SPELLBINDING SEQUEL TO STAR TREK IV... > > Winds of change are sweeping the galaxy. The Romulan Praetor >is dead, and with his passing, the Empire he ruled is in >chaos. Now, on a small planet in the heart of the Neutral >Zone, representatives of the United Federation of Planets and >the Empire have gathered to discuss initiating an era of true >peace.... > But the talks are disrupted by a sudden defection -- and as >accusations of betrayal and treachery swirl around the >conference table, news of the probe's reappearance in Romulan >space arrives, and the Enterprise crew find themselves headed >for a final confrontation with not only the probe -- but the >Romulan Empire. As most of you probably already know, Margaret Wander Bonanno "has disclaimed ownership to this novel because of the changes imposed by the powers-that-be and the 'editing' done by Pocket Books to 'bring her novel into line". Faced with this fact, I think one word accurately describes this release: FRAUD! This is not, by far, the worst Trek novel written this year, but it certainly comes close. This one is average fare from beginning to end, and that is nothing but a travesty; the original is a fascinating, enthralling read from the opening moments to the last sentence. Don't bother reading this one; attempt to get your hands on the original. You won't regret it. I'm going to give you a comparison of _Probe_ and _Music.._ here just to show you how far apart the two really are... [Probe] [Music of the Spheres] Characterization: 3 Characterization: 9 Premise: 8 Premise: 9 Plot Handling: 3 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 2 Narrative: 10 Total: 4.0 Total: 9.5 >TOS #59 The Disinherited Copyright May 1992 >Author: Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman and Robert Greenberger >StarDate: 3034.6 > >Plot Summary: > Gamma Xaridian -- a peaceful Federation research colony that >becomes the third Federation world to suffer a brutal attack at >the hands of a mysterious alien fleet. With Lt. Uhura gone on an >important mission of her own, Captain Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise >are dispatched to investigate the attacks, only to find the planets >completely devastated. > When another nearby colony is attacked, the U.S.S. Enterprise is >ready and encounters a fleet of quick, small and deadly ships. Though >Kirk and his crew manage to turn the raiders away, the U.S.S. Enterprise >is severely damaged and the aliens escape. > As Kirk and his crew prepare for their next encounter with the raiders, >Mr. Spock makes a startling discovery about the purpose behind the alien >attacks -- a purpose that, if realized, could have deadly consequences >for the Federation and the U.S.S. Enterprise... Despite its multiple-authorship, this one comes out as a fairly good read. What we have is basically a good mystery. Who are the raiders, and why are they attacking Federation colonies? The plot is involving, and the dialogue is entertaining. [The Disinherited] Characterization: 7 Premise: 8 Plot Handling: 8 Narrative: 8 Total: 7.8 >TOS #60 Ice Trap Copyright July 1992 >Author: L.A. Graf >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > Sent to the icebound planet of Nordstral to investigate a >mysterious outbreak of insanity, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise >find themselves drawn into another, even deadlier mystery upon >their arrival. A team of research scientists has disappeared >on Nordstral's frozen wasteland, leaving no clue to their where- >abouts, and no hint of their fate. > While Uhura and Chekov tackle the mystery surrounding the >scientists' disappearance, Kirk and McCoy search for the truth >behind the outbreak of mental illness. But both teams soon find >themselves in danger, as the planet undergoes a series of massive >earthquakes and electromagnetic disruptions. Unable to contact >the U.S.S. Enterprise, both teams must fight for their lives as >they try to solve the mystery of Nordstral -- before the world >tears itself apart! I mentioned earlier that _Probe_ wasn't the worst Trek novel ever. Well, it is saved from that distinction by this novel. The characters are two-dimensional and paper-thin, the plot is a transparent roller-coaster ride that only goes down, and the premise is nearly ridiculous. Add to this the terrible portrayal of the central characters, and you have the makings of a total disaster.... I would urge you to not only avoid reading this, but burn any copies of it you may find. :-) [Ice Trap] Characterization: 0 Premise: 1 Plot Handling: 1 Narrative: 0 Total: 0.5 >TOS #61 Sanctuary Copyright September 1992 >Author: John Vornholt >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > The planet Sanctuary -- A fabled world in unexplored space which is >thought to be the last refuge of the persecuted, home to both the justly >and unjustly accused. Though its name has been translated into every >language in the galaxy, Starfleet has never known its exact location. > When the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is assigned to capture a >dangerous criminal named Auk Rex, their pursuit takes them to an >unexplored sector of space. Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy >continue the pursuit in a shuttlecraft, following Auk Rex to the surface >of the planet, Sanctuary. Soon, Kirk and his crew are locked in a life >and death struggle on the mysterious planet, which harbors deadly >secrets and never releases its visitors. John Vornholt seems to have tried to do just a little too much this year. Two novels published within two months of each other leads me to believe that both got short shrift. This is a passable story, but not more than that. The obviousness of the plot, and the way the readers are treated as if they are stupid bothers me quite a bit. Was it really necessary to *SPELL OUT* for us the method which the native species uses to reproduce? And how many people were surprised to learn that the girl the landing party meets in the woods is Auk Rex? I certainly wasn't. Other than those points, this worked pretty well, but it still comes out as just average or less than average. [Sanctuary] Characterization: 6 Premise: 6 Plot Handling: 4 Narrative: 6 Total: 5.5 >TOS H5 Best Destiny Copyright November 1992 >Author: Diane Carey >StarDate: UNKNOWN > >Plot Summary: > As James T. Kirk prepares to retire from a long and illustrious >Starfleet career, events in a distant part of the Federation draw >him back to a part of the galaxy he had last visited as a young >man -- a mysterious world called Faramond whose name takes Kirk >on a journey back to his youth. > At sixteen, Kirk is troubled, estranged from his father, and >has a bleak future. However, a trip into space with Kirk's father >George and Starfleet legend Captain Robert April changes James >Kirk's life forever, when a simple voyage becomes a deadly trap. >Soon, Kirk and his father find themselves fighting for their >lives against a vicious and powerful enemy. > Before the voyage ends, father and son will face life and >death together, and James T. Kirk will get a glimpse of the >future and his own BEST DESTINY... Diane Carey revives some of her characters from _Final_Frontier_ in this novel. We get to see what James T. Kirk was like at the age of sixteen, as well as some of the events that shaped him into the Starship Captain we know. The heavy Gothic focus on Kirk-as-god is noticeably absent here, thankfully. You won't get the impression from this one that she's in love with Kirk, either... All you get is a fantastic journey into Kirk's past. [Best Destiny] Characterization: 10 Premise: 10 Plot Handling: 10 Narrative: 10 Total: 10.0 Next: Death Count >TOS #62 Death Count Copyright November 1992 >Author: L.A. Graf >StarDate: 5711.12 > >Plot Summary: > The disappearance of Andorian scientific genius Muav Haslev fuels >tensions between the Orions and Andorians -- tensions that come >dangerously close to full scale war. Captain Kirk and the crew of >the U.S.S. Enterprise are called to Starbase Sigma 1, located on the >edge of Andorian-Orion space, to patrol the sector as a deterrent >to hostilities. > On arrival, the crew encounters an inexplicable series of events, >beginning with missing equipment and shipboard malfunctions. After >a deadly transporter accident, Kirk suspects sabotage -- suspicions >that are confirmed by the mysterious murders of three Federation >officials. Now, Kirk and crew must put together the fragmented >pieces of the puzzle, before the Starship Enterprise faces destruction >and the galaxy faces interplanetary war. L.A. Graf strikes again. The characters this time out are just as flat as in _Ice_Trap_. After two of these fiascos from Graf, I think it's time we oust Kevin Ryan, and start publishing novels ourselves... I've seen fan fiction over in alt.startrek.creative that is better than this by a long shot... [Death Count] Characterization: 0 Premise: 1 Plot Handling: 0 Narrative: 0 Total: 0.0