Star Trek novels
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc
From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman)
Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1989]
Message-ID: <rccarm00.726564704@mik.uky.edu>
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 07:31:44 GMT
Lines: 463
This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published
during 1989.
Ratings translate as follows:
Rating Meaning
--------------------------------------
5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW
4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon
3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow
2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund
1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs
1989 Releases-at-a-glance:
-----------------------------
Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TNG #4 Survivors January 1989 5-
TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory February 1989 5+
TNG #5 Strike Zone March 1989 4+
TOS #45 Double, Double April 1989 2+
TNG #6 Power Hungry May 1989 3+
TNG #7 Masks July 1989 5
TNG #8 The Captain's Honor September 1989 3+
TOS H2 The Lost Years October 1989 5+
TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies October 1989 1+
TNG #9 A Call to Darkness November 1989 4
TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru December 1989 4+
------------------
TNG Average: 4+
------------------
TOS Average: 4-
------------------
Year Average: 4
/* Not a bad year... */
Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '89.
>TNG #4 Survivors Copyright January 1989
>Author: Jean Lorrah
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Treva -- a human colony on the fringes of known space. Isolated from the
>rest of the galaxy, at last report they were on the verge of becoming a
>true interstellar community -- a full fledged member of the Federation. But
>now the Enterprise has received a distress signal. Treva is in the throes
>of a violent revolution led by a merciless warlord who has committed
>countless atrocities in the name of freedom.
> Data and Lt. Tasha Yar are dispatched to investigate. But once they
>reach Treva, they discover the truth, and any possible solution may be far
>more complex than a simple rebellion. For Treva's president wants more than
>Starfleet's good words in her fight against the rebels.
> She wants their weapons. And before the battle is over, she means to get
>them. Over Data and Yar's dead bodies, if necessary.
This novel fills the gap between 'The Arsenal of Freedom' and
'Skin of Evil'. Ms. Lorrah gives a fascinating look into Tasha
Yar's past, and invents fabulous characters which are so uncommon
in the rest of the series.
Dialogue, plot, and characterization are all excellent, and
the premise is quite sound..
[Survivors]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 5-
Next: Vulcan's Glory
>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: 5
Premise: 5+
Plot Handling: 4+
Narrative: 5
Total: 5+
Next: Strike Zone
>TNG #5 Strike Zone Copyright March 1989
>Author: Peter David
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Deep in the uncharted regions of our galaxy, a primitive, warlike
>race -- the Kreel -- have stumbled upon weapons powerful beyond their
>wildest imaginings. The Kreel have used those weapons to attack their
>most bitter enemies -- the Klingons.
> Now Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise have
>been called in to mediate the dispute. The Enterprise will ferry diplomatic
>teams from the two warring races to the source of their conflict -- the
>mysterious planet where the weapons were discovered -- in an attempt to find
>a peaceful solution to the conflict, and discover the origins of the
>super-powerful weapons.
> Before the galaxy erupts into full-scale war...
Peter David seems to have a magic touch when it comes to writing
Star Trek novels. This is an at-times humorous, adventuresome tale,
with a subtle, tongue-in-cheek condemnation of the arms-race.
The characters are vivid and real, and the plot rolls along
nicely, with no noticeable holes.
[Strike Zone]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 4+
Next: Double, Double
>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: 3+
Premise: 2-
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Power Hungry
>TNG #6 Power Hungry Copyright May 1989
>Author: Howard Weinstein
>StarDate: 42422.5
>
>Plot Summary:
> Sent to deliver emergency famine relief to the planet Thiopa -- the
>Federation's only allies in a critically important sector of space -- the
>crew finds a brutal dictatorship -- one more concerned with preserving its
>own powers that protecting its citizens, or the world they all share.
>Captain Picard is hesitant about turning over the supplies to the
>corrupt government: he fears they may never reach their intended
>destination. But can he convince the ruling council to change their
>ways, before it is too late -- for the government, and Thiopa itself?
Weinstein delivers a thoroughly enjoyable, if not thoroughly
solid piece. The dialogue and characterization are a bit shaky,
but the plot holds them up nicely.
[Power Hungry]
Characterization: 3+
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
Next: Masks
>TNG #7 Masks Copyright July 1989
>Author: John Vornholt
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Enterprise journeys to Lorca, a beautiful world with a feudal
>culture where the inhabitants wear masks to show their rank and
>station. There, Captain Picard and an away team don masks of their own
>to begin a quest for the planet's ruler and the great Wisdom Mask that
>the leader traditionally wears. Their mission: to establish diplomatic
>relations.
> But shortly after transporting, Picard and his party lose contact with
>the ship, and Commander Riker leads a search party down to the planet to
>find them.
> Both men, however, are unaware that their searches -- indeed, the ship's
>entire mission -- are part of a madman's plan. A madman who is setting the
>stage for a trap that will ensnare both Enterprise landing parties, and
>leave him poised to seize control of the awesome Wisdom Mask...
> And the planet Lorca itself.
Unlike some of his most recent work, _Masks_ is an absolutely
great piece of work. Mr. Vornholt creates a splendid culture for
the people of the planet Lorca -- a medieval society where one's
mask determines one's status...
Characterization is right on target, and the plot couldn't
possibly get any better.
[Masks]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 5
Total: 5
Next: The Captain's Honor
>TNG #8 The Captain's Honor Copyright September 1989
>Authors: David and Daniel Dvorkin
>StarDate: 41800.9
>
>Plot Summary:
> A series of vicious attacks by the enigmatic M'Dok Empire has devastated
>the planet Tenara -- bringing the Enterprise and another Federation
>starship, the Centurion, to the planet's aid. The Centurion's captain is
>Lucius Sejanus -- a powerful magnetic man who favors taking a far stronger
>stance against the M'Dok than Captain Picard. And as the conflict
>escalates, Sejanus's instincts seem to be correct... for it appears only
>extreme measures can stop the murderous raids on Tenara.
> Now the people of Tenara must decide which path they will follow -- the
>way of peace, or the road to war. But unknown to any, one of the
>Centurion's officers has made that decision for them -- and plans to
>provide a full-scale ware between the Federation and the M'Dok Empire!
This novel relies heavily on the Starfleet-officer-gone-bad schtick,
and sours about half way through. The characters aren't quite right,
and the plot is slow as molasses at points where it shouldn't be.
Even for all that, this is still your average adventure story.
[The Captain's Honor]
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 3
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
Next: The Lost Years
>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 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: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 5
Total: 5+
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: 2
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 2
Total: 1+
Next: A Call to Darkness
>TNG #9 A Call to Darkness Copyright November 1989
>Author: Michael Jan Friedman
>StarDate: 42908.6
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Enterprise discovers a lifeless Federation research vessel, orbiting
>a planet hidden behind a mysterious energy shield. Over the strong
>objections of his senior officers, Captain Picard and an away team beam
>over in search of the missing crew --
>
> And Vanish.
>
> But soon his captain's disappearance is not the only problem facing
>Commander Riker. For a mysterious disease has begun, ravaging the
>Enterprise crew. Now Riker must unravel the secrets of the planet below
>in order to rescue Picard -- and prevent the starship's destruction...
This is a good novel. It is unique in one respect: it is the one and
only time that the character of Dr. Katherine Pulaski aspires to be anything
more than a McCoy-clone.
[A Call to Darkness]
Characterization: 4
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4
Next: The Kobayashi Maru
>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: 4
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4+
--
/=======================================================================\
| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. |
| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc
Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1992]
Message-ID: <rccarm00.725002444@mik.uky.edu>
Date: 22 Dec 92 05:34:04 GMT
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences
Lines: 545
This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published
during 1992.
Ratings translate as follows:
Rating Meaning
--------------------------------------
5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW
4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon
3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow
2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund
1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs
0 EXCREMENT: The bookstore should pay *you*
1992 Releases-at-a-glance:
-----------------------------
Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TNG #20 Spartacus February 1992 3-
TOS #58 Faces of Fire March 1992 4-
TOS H4 Probe April 1992 2+
TNG #21 Chains of Command April 1992 2
TOS #59 The Disinherited May 1992 4-
TNG #22 Imbalance June 1992 4-
TOS #60 Ice Trap July 1992 0+
TNG H2 Imzadi August 1992 4
TOS #61 Sanctuary September 1992 3-
TNG #23 War Drums October 1992 2+
TOS H5 Best Destiny November 1992 5-
TOS #62 Death Count November 1992 1
TNG #24 Nightshade December 1992 1-
-------------------
TNG Average: 3-
-------------------
TOS Average: 2+
-------------------
Year Average: 2+
/* The worst year in a while...
Bail out now, if you can't stand the carnage. */
Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '92.
>TNG #20 Spartacus Copyright February 1992
>Author: T.L. Mancour
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Answering a distress call, the U.S.S. Enterprise finds a damaged alien
>vessel -- the Freedom -- crewed by a race known as the Vemlans. Their
>captain, Jared, asks for assistance in repairing his ship -- assistance
>fleet from Vemla, who claim that Jared and his crew are escaped slaves --
>and their property!
> As Jared and his people plea for protection and the right to be free,
>Captain Picard is caught between the demands of his conscience and the
>dictates of the Prime Directive. And when the Vemlan fleet threatens to
>fight if the U.S.S. Enterprise doesn't stand aside, Picard must choose
>between the safety of his ship... and the annihilation of an entire race.
Well, this newcomer to the Trek novels certainly gets points for
an innovative approach to an old topic. But apart from the premise,
this novel just doesn't work out. The dialogue is stilted, and the
characters are nearly flat.
Characterization: 2
Premise: 3+
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Faces of Fire
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
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: 2 Characterization: 4
Premise: 4 Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 2 Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 1 Narrative: 5
Total: 2+ Total: 5-
Next: Chains of Command
>TNG #21 Chains of Command Copyright April 1992
>Author: Bill McCay and Eloise Flood
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> While exploring a group of devastated class-M planets in a remote sector
>of of space, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is shocked to discover a group
>of human slaves on a forbidding, glacial world. When the slaves revolt
>against their human overseers, Captain Picard and his crew sympathize with
>the slaves plight but cannot interfere in the conflict.
> After the revolt is a success, Captain Picard learns that both the slaves
>and the overseers were controlled by a mysterious bird-like race called the
>Tseetsk, who are coming to reclaim their property. With time running out,
>the rebels kidnap Captain Picard and Counsellor Troi -- drawing the U.S.S.
>Enterprise into the middle of their deadly plan of vengeance.
Well, this makes two TNG novels in a row dealing with a race of slaves.
This one works no better than the last one. The narrative and dialogue are
uninvolving, and the plot is choppy. Unless you're a die-hard Trek-novel
collector, this is one to avoid buying.. if you must read it, wait and get
it from the library.
Characterization: 2
Premise: 2
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 2
Total: 2
Next: The Disinherited
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4-
Next: Imbalance
>TNG #22 Imbalance Copyright June 1992
>Author: V.E. Mitchell
>StarDate: 44839.2
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid beings with an extreme
>devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open
>diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S.
>Enterprise are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of
>Ambassadors.
> When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly.
>The invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed
>both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut
>off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate
>an unprovoked attack on the ship. Now Picard must unravel the aliens'
>mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Ms. Mitchell has a good premise here: another encounter with the
Jarada, a race of insectoid beings last seen in the TNG episode
'The Big Goodbye'. It's also good to be seeing more of O'Brien and
Keiko, but there are problems with that...
This was quite a good novel, but one big thing kept detracting
from the story. O'Brien and Keiko have a spat near the beginning of
the novel, and for most of the rest of it, the two engage in what
becomes extremely tiresome and annoying bickering... This would
have fared slightly better if their dispute had been resolved more
quickly.
Characterization: 3 [too much fighting between Keiko and O'Brien]
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3 [ditto]
Total: 3+
Next: Ice Trap [shudder]
>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. :-)
Characterization: 0
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 0
Total: 0+
Next: Imzadi
>TNG H2 Imzadi Copyright August 1992
>Author: Peter David
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Years before they served together on board the U.S.S. Enterprise,
>Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi had a
>tempestuous love affair on her home planet of Betazed. Now, their
>passions have cooled, and they serve together as friends. Yet the
>memories of that time linger and Riker and Troi remain Imzadi --
>a powerful Betazoid term that describes the enduring bond they
>still share.
> During delicate negotiations with an aggressive race called the
>Sindareen, Deanna Troi mysteriously falls ill... and dies. But
>her death is only the beginning of the adventure for Commander
>Riker -- an adventure that will take him across time, pit him
>against one of his closest friends, and force him to choose between
>Starfleet's strictest rule and the one he calls Imzadi.
Finally, Peter David returns. I see some people say that
his plots are transparent and predictable, that the conclusion
can be seen after the first two chapters. I certainly don't
agree with that. And even if it were true, I think I'd still
enjoy PAD's books, because the narration is so well done.
This novel is a great one for fans of time travel. The
part about the early history between Riker and Troi does tend
to get thick, slow and wearying at points, but that is a minor
sticking point. I really enjoyed this one.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4
Next: Sanctuary
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 3
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 3-
Next: War Drums
>TNG #23 War Drums Copyright October 1992
>Author: John Vornholt
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> The planet Selva -- a lush colony world settled by a hardy group of
>humans, who found the planet already inhabited by a small gang of young
>Klingons. When violence erupts between the two groups, Captain Picard
>and the U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to render assistance.
> Worf leads a landing party to the planet while the Starship Enterprise
>is called away on another urgent mission. On Selva, Worf and his party
>find that the old hatreds and prejudices between humans and Klingons are
>revived, and the settlers are out for blood. Now, Worf must prevent
>a horrible massacre, before all of them fall prey to Selva's deadly
>secret... and raging fury.
Vornholt's second offering in as many months, this one fares con-
siderably worse than _Sanctuary_. If you're sick of seeing Worf por-
trayed as a buffoonish wimp, then avoid this one... I mean, come on;
Worf has difficulty defeating a teenage Klingon boy in hand-to-hand
combat?? Ridiculous.
I was gratified to see Ensign Ro finally get a place in the novel
series -- until I read the novel, that is. She seems to care quite a
bit too much what the colonists think of her... And there are other
characterization problems. Look at Guinan. She is talking to Ro
in Ten Forward and says "I have a feeling you're desperately needed
down there"... NOT. Wouldn't happen. If a writer can't use a
character well and correctly, they shouldn't attempt it.
Vornholt's last two novels are decidedly disappointing after
his outstanding work in _Masks_ and the slightly less equivocal
_Contamination_.
Characterization: 1
Premise: 3
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Best Destiny
>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.
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 5-
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...
Characterization: 0
Premise: 2
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 1
Total: 1
Next: Nightshade
>TNG #24 Nightshade Copyright December 1992
>Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> After two hundred years of civil war the planet Oriana is dying.
>Most of the surface vegetation is gone, the air is nearly unbreathable,
>and the people themselves are dying. Now, the two warring factions
>have finally sat down to talk peace, and Captain Picard and the
>U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to help them negotiate a settlement.
> Picard, Lt. Worf, and Counsellor Troi beam down to Oriana, just
>as the Starship Enterprise is called away on another urgent mission.
>Alone on the planet, the U.S.S. Enterprise team learns that there
>are people that would rather finish the devastating conflict than
>talk peace. Suddenly, Picard is accused of murder and the delicate
>negotiations have fallen into the hands of Lt. Worf.
> Now, Worf and Troi must unravel the truth and prevent planet-wide
>disaster, before time runs out for the people of Oriana and the crew
>of the Starship Enterprise.
I have quite a bit to say about this one, but this is supposed
to be a quick review :-). The characterization is lousy, the
premise is rather tired, and the dialogue is completely forgettable.
Add to this the plot that's about as deep as a cookie-sheet, and
you've got a real loser of a novel. Avoid this one, everyone.
Characterization: 0
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 1
Total: 1-
RC Carman
p.s. Look on the bright side: Things *can't* get any worse!.. ;-)
--
/=======================================================================\
| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. |
| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman)
Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1989]
Message-ID: <rccarm00.726564704@mik.uky.edu>
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 07:31:44 GMT
Lines: 463
This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published
during 1989.
Ratings translate as follows:
Rating Meaning
--------------------------------------
5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW
4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon
3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow
2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund
1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs
1989 Releases-at-a-glance:
-----------------------------
Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TNG #4 Survivors January 1989 5-
TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory February 1989 5+
TNG #5 Strike Zone March 1989 4+
TOS #45 Double, Double April 1989 2+
TNG #6 Power Hungry May 1989 3+
TNG #7 Masks July 1989 5
TNG #8 The Captain's Honor September 1989 3+
TOS H2 The Lost Years October 1989 5+
TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies October 1989 1+
TNG #9 A Call to Darkness November 1989 4
TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru December 1989 4+
------------------
TNG Average: 4+
------------------
TOS Average: 4-
------------------
Year Average: 4
/* Not a bad year... */
Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '89.
>TNG #4 Survivors Copyright January 1989
>Author: Jean Lorrah
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Treva -- a human colony on the fringes of known space. Isolated from the
>rest of the galaxy, at last report they were on the verge of becoming a
>true interstellar community -- a full fledged member of the Federation. But
>now the Enterprise has received a distress signal. Treva is in the throes
>of a violent revolution led by a merciless warlord who has committed
>countless atrocities in the name of freedom.
> Data and Lt. Tasha Yar are dispatched to investigate. But once they
>reach Treva, they discover the truth, and any possible solution may be far
>more complex than a simple rebellion. For Treva's president wants more than
>Starfleet's good words in her fight against the rebels.
> She wants their weapons. And before the battle is over, she means to get
>them. Over Data and Yar's dead bodies, if necessary.
This novel fills the gap between 'The Arsenal of Freedom' and
'Skin of Evil'. Ms. Lorrah gives a fascinating look into Tasha
Yar's past, and invents fabulous characters which are so uncommon
in the rest of the series.
Dialogue, plot, and characterization are all excellent, and
the premise is quite sound..
[Survivors]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 5-
Next: Vulcan's Glory
>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: 5
Premise: 5+
Plot Handling: 4+
Narrative: 5
Total: 5+
Next: Strike Zone
>TNG #5 Strike Zone Copyright March 1989
>Author: Peter David
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Deep in the uncharted regions of our galaxy, a primitive, warlike
>race -- the Kreel -- have stumbled upon weapons powerful beyond their
>wildest imaginings. The Kreel have used those weapons to attack their
>most bitter enemies -- the Klingons.
> Now Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise have
>been called in to mediate the dispute. The Enterprise will ferry diplomatic
>teams from the two warring races to the source of their conflict -- the
>mysterious planet where the weapons were discovered -- in an attempt to find
>a peaceful solution to the conflict, and discover the origins of the
>super-powerful weapons.
> Before the galaxy erupts into full-scale war...
Peter David seems to have a magic touch when it comes to writing
Star Trek novels. This is an at-times humorous, adventuresome tale,
with a subtle, tongue-in-cheek condemnation of the arms-race.
The characters are vivid and real, and the plot rolls along
nicely, with no noticeable holes.
[Strike Zone]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 4+
Next: Double, Double
>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: 3+
Premise: 2-
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Power Hungry
>TNG #6 Power Hungry Copyright May 1989
>Author: Howard Weinstein
>StarDate: 42422.5
>
>Plot Summary:
> Sent to deliver emergency famine relief to the planet Thiopa -- the
>Federation's only allies in a critically important sector of space -- the
>crew finds a brutal dictatorship -- one more concerned with preserving its
>own powers that protecting its citizens, or the world they all share.
>Captain Picard is hesitant about turning over the supplies to the
>corrupt government: he fears they may never reach their intended
>destination. But can he convince the ruling council to change their
>ways, before it is too late -- for the government, and Thiopa itself?
Weinstein delivers a thoroughly enjoyable, if not thoroughly
solid piece. The dialogue and characterization are a bit shaky,
but the plot holds them up nicely.
[Power Hungry]
Characterization: 3+
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
Next: Masks
>TNG #7 Masks Copyright July 1989
>Author: John Vornholt
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Enterprise journeys to Lorca, a beautiful world with a feudal
>culture where the inhabitants wear masks to show their rank and
>station. There, Captain Picard and an away team don masks of their own
>to begin a quest for the planet's ruler and the great Wisdom Mask that
>the leader traditionally wears. Their mission: to establish diplomatic
>relations.
> But shortly after transporting, Picard and his party lose contact with
>the ship, and Commander Riker leads a search party down to the planet to
>find them.
> Both men, however, are unaware that their searches -- indeed, the ship's
>entire mission -- are part of a madman's plan. A madman who is setting the
>stage for a trap that will ensnare both Enterprise landing parties, and
>leave him poised to seize control of the awesome Wisdom Mask...
> And the planet Lorca itself.
Unlike some of his most recent work, _Masks_ is an absolutely
great piece of work. Mr. Vornholt creates a splendid culture for
the people of the planet Lorca -- a medieval society where one's
mask determines one's status...
Characterization is right on target, and the plot couldn't
possibly get any better.
[Masks]
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 5
Total: 5
Next: The Captain's Honor
>TNG #8 The Captain's Honor Copyright September 1989
>Authors: David and Daniel Dvorkin
>StarDate: 41800.9
>
>Plot Summary:
> A series of vicious attacks by the enigmatic M'Dok Empire has devastated
>the planet Tenara -- bringing the Enterprise and another Federation
>starship, the Centurion, to the planet's aid. The Centurion's captain is
>Lucius Sejanus -- a powerful magnetic man who favors taking a far stronger
>stance against the M'Dok than Captain Picard. And as the conflict
>escalates, Sejanus's instincts seem to be correct... for it appears only
>extreme measures can stop the murderous raids on Tenara.
> Now the people of Tenara must decide which path they will follow -- the
>way of peace, or the road to war. But unknown to any, one of the
>Centurion's officers has made that decision for them -- and plans to
>provide a full-scale ware between the Federation and the M'Dok Empire!
This novel relies heavily on the Starfleet-officer-gone-bad schtick,
and sours about half way through. The characters aren't quite right,
and the plot is slow as molasses at points where it shouldn't be.
Even for all that, this is still your average adventure story.
[The Captain's Honor]
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 3
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
Next: The Lost Years
>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 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: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 5
Total: 5+
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: 2
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 2
Total: 1+
Next: A Call to Darkness
>TNG #9 A Call to Darkness Copyright November 1989
>Author: Michael Jan Friedman
>StarDate: 42908.6
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Enterprise discovers a lifeless Federation research vessel, orbiting
>a planet hidden behind a mysterious energy shield. Over the strong
>objections of his senior officers, Captain Picard and an away team beam
>over in search of the missing crew --
>
> And Vanish.
>
> But soon his captain's disappearance is not the only problem facing
>Commander Riker. For a mysterious disease has begun, ravaging the
>Enterprise crew. Now Riker must unravel the secrets of the planet below
>in order to rescue Picard -- and prevent the starship's destruction...
This is a good novel. It is unique in one respect: it is the one and
only time that the character of Dr. Katherine Pulaski aspires to be anything
more than a McCoy-clone.
[A Call to Darkness]
Characterization: 4
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4
Next: The Kobayashi Maru
>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: 4
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4+
--
/=======================================================================\
| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. |
| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc
Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1992]
Message-ID: <rccarm00.725002444@mik.uky.edu>
Date: 22 Dec 92 05:34:04 GMT
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences
Lines: 545
This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published
during 1992.
Ratings translate as follows:
Rating Meaning
--------------------------------------
5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW
4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon
3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow
2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund
1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs
0 EXCREMENT: The bookstore should pay *you*
1992 Releases-at-a-glance:
-----------------------------
Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TNG #20 Spartacus February 1992 3-
TOS #58 Faces of Fire March 1992 4-
TOS H4 Probe April 1992 2+
TNG #21 Chains of Command April 1992 2
TOS #59 The Disinherited May 1992 4-
TNG #22 Imbalance June 1992 4-
TOS #60 Ice Trap July 1992 0+
TNG H2 Imzadi August 1992 4
TOS #61 Sanctuary September 1992 3-
TNG #23 War Drums October 1992 2+
TOS H5 Best Destiny November 1992 5-
TOS #62 Death Count November 1992 1
TNG #24 Nightshade December 1992 1-
-------------------
TNG Average: 3-
-------------------
TOS Average: 2+
-------------------
Year Average: 2+
/* The worst year in a while...
Bail out now, if you can't stand the carnage. */
Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '92.
>TNG #20 Spartacus Copyright February 1992
>Author: T.L. Mancour
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Answering a distress call, the U.S.S. Enterprise finds a damaged alien
>vessel -- the Freedom -- crewed by a race known as the Vemlans. Their
>captain, Jared, asks for assistance in repairing his ship -- assistance
>fleet from Vemla, who claim that Jared and his crew are escaped slaves --
>and their property!
> As Jared and his people plea for protection and the right to be free,
>Captain Picard is caught between the demands of his conscience and the
>dictates of the Prime Directive. And when the Vemlan fleet threatens to
>fight if the U.S.S. Enterprise doesn't stand aside, Picard must choose
>between the safety of his ship... and the annihilation of an entire race.
Well, this newcomer to the Trek novels certainly gets points for
an innovative approach to an old topic. But apart from the premise,
this novel just doesn't work out. The dialogue is stilted, and the
characters are nearly flat.
Characterization: 2
Premise: 3+
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Faces of Fire
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3
Total: 3+
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: 2 Characterization: 4
Premise: 4 Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 2 Plot Handling: 5
Narrative: 1 Narrative: 5
Total: 2+ Total: 5-
Next: Chains of Command
>TNG #21 Chains of Command Copyright April 1992
>Author: Bill McCay and Eloise Flood
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> While exploring a group of devastated class-M planets in a remote sector
>of of space, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is shocked to discover a group
>of human slaves on a forbidding, glacial world. When the slaves revolt
>against their human overseers, Captain Picard and his crew sympathize with
>the slaves plight but cannot interfere in the conflict.
> After the revolt is a success, Captain Picard learns that both the slaves
>and the overseers were controlled by a mysterious bird-like race called the
>Tseetsk, who are coming to reclaim their property. With time running out,
>the rebels kidnap Captain Picard and Counsellor Troi -- drawing the U.S.S.
>Enterprise into the middle of their deadly plan of vengeance.
Well, this makes two TNG novels in a row dealing with a race of slaves.
This one works no better than the last one. The narrative and dialogue are
uninvolving, and the plot is choppy. Unless you're a die-hard Trek-novel
collector, this is one to avoid buying.. if you must read it, wait and get
it from the library.
Characterization: 2
Premise: 2
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 2
Total: 2
Next: The Disinherited
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4-
Next: Imbalance
>TNG #22 Imbalance Copyright June 1992
>Author: V.E. Mitchell
>StarDate: 44839.2
>
>Plot Summary:
> The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid beings with an extreme
>devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open
>diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S.
>Enterprise are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of
>Ambassadors.
> When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly.
>The invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed
>both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut
>off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate
>an unprovoked attack on the ship. Now Picard must unravel the aliens'
>mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Ms. Mitchell has a good premise here: another encounter with the
Jarada, a race of insectoid beings last seen in the TNG episode
'The Big Goodbye'. It's also good to be seeing more of O'Brien and
Keiko, but there are problems with that...
This was quite a good novel, but one big thing kept detracting
from the story. O'Brien and Keiko have a spat near the beginning of
the novel, and for most of the rest of it, the two engage in what
becomes extremely tiresome and annoying bickering... This would
have fared slightly better if their dispute had been resolved more
quickly.
Characterization: 3 [too much fighting between Keiko and O'Brien]
Premise: 4
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 3 [ditto]
Total: 3+
Next: Ice Trap [shudder]
>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. :-)
Characterization: 0
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 0
Total: 0+
Next: Imzadi
>TNG H2 Imzadi Copyright August 1992
>Author: Peter David
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> Years before they served together on board the U.S.S. Enterprise,
>Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi had a
>tempestuous love affair on her home planet of Betazed. Now, their
>passions have cooled, and they serve together as friends. Yet the
>memories of that time linger and Riker and Troi remain Imzadi --
>a powerful Betazoid term that describes the enduring bond they
>still share.
> During delicate negotiations with an aggressive race called the
>Sindareen, Deanna Troi mysteriously falls ill... and dies. But
>her death is only the beginning of the adventure for Commander
>Riker -- an adventure that will take him across time, pit him
>against one of his closest friends, and force him to choose between
>Starfleet's strictest rule and the one he calls Imzadi.
Finally, Peter David returns. I see some people say that
his plots are transparent and predictable, that the conclusion
can be seen after the first two chapters. I certainly don't
agree with that. And even if it were true, I think I'd still
enjoy PAD's books, because the narration is so well done.
This novel is a great one for fans of time travel. The
part about the early history between Riker and Troi does tend
to get thick, slow and wearying at points, but that is a minor
sticking point. I really enjoyed this one.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 4
Total: 4
Next: Sanctuary
>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.
Characterization: 3
Premise: 3
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 3-
Next: War Drums
>TNG #23 War Drums Copyright October 1992
>Author: John Vornholt
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> The planet Selva -- a lush colony world settled by a hardy group of
>humans, who found the planet already inhabited by a small gang of young
>Klingons. When violence erupts between the two groups, Captain Picard
>and the U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to render assistance.
> Worf leads a landing party to the planet while the Starship Enterprise
>is called away on another urgent mission. On Selva, Worf and his party
>find that the old hatreds and prejudices between humans and Klingons are
>revived, and the settlers are out for blood. Now, Worf must prevent
>a horrible massacre, before all of them fall prey to Selva's deadly
>secret... and raging fury.
Vornholt's second offering in as many months, this one fares con-
siderably worse than _Sanctuary_. If you're sick of seeing Worf por-
trayed as a buffoonish wimp, then avoid this one... I mean, come on;
Worf has difficulty defeating a teenage Klingon boy in hand-to-hand
combat?? Ridiculous.
I was gratified to see Ensign Ro finally get a place in the novel
series -- until I read the novel, that is. She seems to care quite a
bit too much what the colonists think of her... And there are other
characterization problems. Look at Guinan. She is talking to Ro
in Ten Forward and says "I have a feeling you're desperately needed
down there"... NOT. Wouldn't happen. If a writer can't use a
character well and correctly, they shouldn't attempt it.
Vornholt's last two novels are decidedly disappointing after
his outstanding work in _Masks_ and the slightly less equivocal
_Contamination_.
Characterization: 1
Premise: 3
Plot Handling: 2
Narrative: 3
Total: 2+
Next: Best Destiny
>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.
Characterization: 5
Premise: 5
Plot Handling: 4
Narrative: 5
Total: 5-
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...
Characterization: 0
Premise: 2
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 1
Total: 1
Next: Nightshade
>TNG #24 Nightshade Copyright December 1992
>Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
>StarDate: UNKNOWN
>
>Plot Summary:
> After two hundred years of civil war the planet Oriana is dying.
>Most of the surface vegetation is gone, the air is nearly unbreathable,
>and the people themselves are dying. Now, the two warring factions
>have finally sat down to talk peace, and Captain Picard and the
>U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to help them negotiate a settlement.
> Picard, Lt. Worf, and Counsellor Troi beam down to Oriana, just
>as the Starship Enterprise is called away on another urgent mission.
>Alone on the planet, the U.S.S. Enterprise team learns that there
>are people that would rather finish the devastating conflict than
>talk peace. Suddenly, Picard is accused of murder and the delicate
>negotiations have fallen into the hands of Lt. Worf.
> Now, Worf and Troi must unravel the truth and prevent planet-wide
>disaster, before time runs out for the people of Oriana and the crew
>of the Starship Enterprise.
I have quite a bit to say about this one, but this is supposed
to be a quick review :-). The characterization is lousy, the
premise is rather tired, and the dialogue is completely forgettable.
Add to this the plot that's about as deep as a cookie-sheet, and
you've got a real loser of a novel. Avoid this one, everyone.
Characterization: 0
Premise: 1
Plot Handling: 1
Narrative: 1
Total: 1-
RC Carman
p.s. Look on the bright side: Things *can't* get any worse!.. ;-)
--
/=======================================================================\
| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. |
| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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