| Reviewer : |
dbs |
| Ave Rating : |
3.7500 for 4 reviews |
|
| Title : |
A Good Day to Die |
Rating : |
 |
| Writers : |
Keith R.A. DeCandido |
Year : |
2003 |
| Review : |
This is both a great action piece and a fascinating look into life in the Klingon Defense Force. The characters are quite well done and believable Klingons, with a few cameos of more regular characters. This book also offers a wonderful look into Klingon society, with some emphasis given to the Order of the Batleth and how conquered races fit into the Empire. I would have liked to see a little more use of the setting as a foil for the Federation characters we are used to. Aside from the passing comment, there is little to compare the two cultures, and without some prior knowledge of Starfleet and the Federation the parallels and differences are harder to spot. This is only the most minor of complaints, and in retrospect more of that description would probably have hurt the story-line. Overall, it is a fast-paced, engaging book, traits of the excellent writing and storytelling I have come to see as hallmarks of DeCandido's work, which for Star Trek has thus far been superb. |
|
| Title : |
Dark Mirror |
Rating : |
 |
| Writers : |
Diane Duane |
Year : |
1993 |
| Review : |
While the story was very well-done and the mirror characters thoughtfully written, this book is a clear example (and it is unfortunate) that virtually none of the books are canon. The entire thing is basically contradicted by DS9's treatment of the mirror universe, for good or ill. With that enormous caveat in mind, there are a few nit-picks, as one can find with any Star Trek book if you are really obsessed. For example, the treatment of the mirror universe was very similar to the treatment that the Original Series gave it, as far as characterization. However, in the episode the technologies (at least as far as the ships are concerned) are identical. In this book, the mirror Enterprise is far superior tactically, and in terms of performance. Basically, if DS9's version of events is true (and it is canon), the level of technology should be the same or even less, as a basic premise of Star Trek is that openness and freedom foster development better than militarism. This book unfortunatlely gives the exact opposite impression. Simply put, this story simply does not fit with the mirror universe as Trek has developed it. In 20/20 hindsight, a better story would have pitted the mirror Enterprise against a newborn Cardassian-Klingon Alliance, and is fighting a losing battle, needing the technology of the 'real' Enterprise to restore the Terran Empire. Long story short, if you like continuity and the mirror universe, this is not the book for you, try Shatner's treatment of it in his later books. If you like the speculative storytelling, and the interesting character development, this book is worth a look, but keep the salt handy. |
|
| Title : |
Probe |
Rating : |
 |
| Writers : |
Margaret wander Bonanno |
Year : |
1992 |
| Review : |
This is probably my all-time favorite Star Trek novel. The story is a fantastic elaboration of the 'Whale Probe' from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and covers more of it's journey, who sent it, how it really 'thinks'; just very good science fiction. By the way, I would call the treatment of the creators of the probe one of the best done non-humanoid species, even if we don't meet any, and this comment includes more recent books. As noted previously, the Romulan subplot is wonderfully done, and it is refreshing to see multiple facets of their society. A 'must have' novel for any Star Trek collection! |
|
| Title : |
Titan Book 1 : Taking Wing |
Rating : |
|
| Writers : |
Andy Mangels, Michael A. Martin |
Year : |
2005 |
| Review : |
This book was really, REALLY well written, and it is good to see it so well recieved. I suppose a case could be made that the 'shallowness' of the characters could relate to the fact that many of them will (hopefully) evolve over the course of the series. Reading the next two offerings, I believe that some critics will appreciate that they do in fact develop, some a great deal. As a Romulan fan, it seems to me that the authors are going out of their way to utterly destroy the Romulan Empire as we know it, but it truly seems a likely scenario. Even I must admit the Romulan story is logical and well done. For more background and continuation with the vast political motions the authors allude to, read "The Sundered" (Lost Era series) and of course the highly recommended "Articles of the Federation". The most recent additions to the Titan series ("The Red King" and "Orion's Hounds") are also excellent. If you liked this book, you will definitely want these others. Be warned, you won't be able to put them down. |
|
