BOOK REVIEWS -------------- STAR TREK 64 - THE STARSHIP TRAP By Mel Gilden нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн After being fired upon by an Klingon Warship, it is soon discovered that the Klingons believe the Federation to be responsible for the disappearance of several of their craft. But it is soon realized that Romulan and Federation craft are also disappearing as well. The above really sums up this book. In a novel that has very little story content (perhaps I'm being over critical) it is a really disappointing read, and a let down as regards Mel Gildens previous Trek book, the Next Gen BOOGEYMEN. There was far to much inference made to people thinking that Starfleet was a military organisation and should be stopped at all costs. The book was predictable (especially Kirk), and read like the author was struggling to pad out a story idea! This comes across more than anything, as the story doesn't really take off untill about page 100! To try to hold somewhat to Classic Trek a reference is made to the episode THE IMMUNITY SYNDROME as the Enterprise is plummited into a universe similar to the one they encountered in the episode. But the worst idea was the introduction of the race of aliens encountered in one of the other universes the Enterprise enters. The Klingees (yes that is right) come across as being intergalactic nancys. They have a nice dusty rose coloured sensor, and jewels hanging from their sashes. Please how could these be taken seriously. I found myself laughing when they asked Kirk to "PLEASE" leave. The concept of the story isn't bad. The invention of the Alephs I thought is a good science fiction idea. But it would also appear from reading this book is that what it should have been (and may have been originally) a good sci-fi novel, and the Trek characters added later. Again yet another of the worst of the current Trek novels. After 66 books it would seem that Pocket have reached the end of their tether. I certainly hope not. I know that there are good Star Trek authors out there and I feel that more of a tighter check should be put on the novels so as not to let books like this past (it would make an okay fanzine). Who would agree with me that waiting an extra month for a good read to come along, instead of just printing material for profit sake as the recent novels imply, would be a good policy for Pocket to adopt? STAR TREK 65 - WINDOWS ON A LOST WORLD by V.E. Mitchell ннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн Whilst on what would appear to be a routine expedition of the planet Careta IV a landing party consisting of Kirk, Chekov, the Dejelifan scientist Talika and a small contigent of security guards, mysteriously disappear after entering what would seem like a window showing another part of the planet. What appears on the other side of the window are crab like alien beings with a high intelligence. I found this novel, while an interesting concept - that of first contact while inside an alien species brain - not as enjoyable as Mitchell's last classic Trek book ENEMY UNSEEN. The characterizations of Spock and notably McCoy were well handled particually the obligatory arguments and nit picking that are these two characters trademarks between themselves. The novel, I found had one glaring mistake in the handling of Spock. It was discovered that inorganic material such as a Tricorder, could not pass through the windows and emerge on the other side operable. So to monitor what emerges from the windows they set up a series of scanners at a safe distance. Why not have a landing party monitor the emergences. Spock would have certainly wanted to be on hand to see what emerged. That way instead of all the soul searching that took up a great part of the book they would have realised what had happened to the landing party and Kirk would not have gone through the window in search of Chekov and co. Instead I feel that more would have been gained in the exploration of this centuries old species. Of the new characters in the book I particually enjoyed Talika. She just wouldn't back down when it came to giving the good old Human race a kick in the backside. Her continual picks at Chekov were enjoyable to read and Chekov's reactions were typical of him as well. Another interesting slant on a character was on the old alien babe sex magnet himself Kirk, actually trying to fight the urge to mate with the female of the Klict species. How un-Kirk like. All in all, a disappointing Trek story. Badly written, but an enjoyable premise. STAR TREK 66 - FROM THE DEPTHS By Victor Milan нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн The Enterprise is called in to the ocean world of Okeanos, to help mediate between the two cultures that inhabit this world. Okay, the above would seem that this novel would fit into the category of previous Classic Trek books as being boring and not well thought out. And this was my first opinion upon reading the blurb on the back. Even the mention of Klingons playing a big part in this story did nothing to change my opinion. But I don't think that I have been more wrong about a book as I was with this. From the first chapter I was hooked. So hooked that I read this book in 3 sittings (this is a 279 page story!). Set during the 5th year of Kirk's first tour on the Enterprise, the story ties in beautifully with events chronicled in the original series 3 year run. Due to events on the K7 space station (THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES), Scotty feels it necessary to swat up on learning the Klingon language. Only so he can read the plans to the operation of Klingon ships. A true Scotty excuse so he can learn more about engineering techniques! As far as the characters go, this story handles all 7 in a well researched way. None are out of context and you can see them all doing the things in the story as if they would on screen. The novel touches on many topics that at one time or another have been head- lined in the times of today. Two themes handled which are fairly predominate in our times are the prejudices felt towards other people because they are different in some way to others, and the harrowing subject of child abuse at the hands of a father. The prejudice issue comes across through the character of Commissioner Moira Wayne, as come what may she can not accept the gene altered Discordians (who are descendants of the gene altering experiments directly related to Khan), and can not see past the fact that genetic engineering is banned by the Federation and so these people are criminals in her eyes regardless of the fact that these beings are a sentient living culture. To me this was handled in such a way that highlighted the stupidity of some of the lesser minded people of our world who think that just because of a different skin colour, or deformity that people shold be looked down on. An attitude that I have never been able to understand. Victor Milan should be praised for the way in this issue was used in his book. The main Klingon antagonist of the book is Kain, and is the consumate Klingon when it comes to wanting revenge on a certain Starfleet Captain. In many ways he and his female Lt. have similarity to Klaa and Vixis from STAR TREK V but this in no way harms their characters in any way. The second theme is a more disturbing one. As the novel progresses the attitude of Commissioner Wayne is called under question, and McCoy surmises that she is showing the classic symptoms of someone who may have been abused by a parent, namely her father. A later investigation showed that this was true and her father had abused her emotionally as well as phyisacally. The story expresses and brings across the emotional turmoil of a victim of this crime, and was handled with a compasson to the many people that this kind of abuse could have happened to. The only gripes I had with this novel were the use of the movie Klingons. In the story the main Klingon antagonist, Kain had apparantly had dealings with Kirk in the past (although it is said that they never met, but Kirk did meet his brother, FRIDAY'S CHILD). Then really it should have been the non-ridged foreheaded Klingons that appear. Another error, which has been evident in past novels, was the lack of the Organians. Okay, I'll admit that if they popped up everytime a fight broke out between the Federation and the Empire there probably wouldn't be much of a book left, but in this story, if the new Klingon warship had managed to elude the Enterprise (perish the thought) all hell would have broken lose. Lets admit this it was a fairly intense battle between Kirk and Kain and the Organians did say that they would intervene if such battles were to take place (again this theme is one that is frequently ignored in the movies). It would have been a nice touch to at least mention them so as to add to the continuity that this novel suceeded in setting up. Another error that has been occuring in the recent books is that of trying to make Starfleet out to be an military organisation. In past novels, and with this one there is someone from civilian life brandishing Starfleet as military. But this time we have Kirk himself admitting to having a military mind. I don't think any of the screen appearances of this character have ever conveyed this. I feel that perhaps the two Nick Meyer movies have in some way helped to convey Starfleet in this light. Another part of the story I had trouble with was the flippant remark (or it seemed to come across that way) and the way Kirk just accepted it, was when Aileea Arkazha, the Discordian that Kirk later comes to respect, was giving Kirk a tour of the Prawn farm which is under sea. They come across the mother of the creatures which is held in a certain reverance. The comment "No we won't eat her but we will eat her young" just didn't seem to fit at all. Perhaps it would have done if written a little differently. My final thoughts on this book, is that it is an excellent read and one that you should all go out and buy. It would have also have made a great Classic Trek movie. It's got everything going for it. Good character development, plenty of good story and the right blend of action that makes this one of the best Trek stories (filmed or written) that I've read. STAR TREK 67 - THE GREAT STARSHIP RACE By Diane Carey ннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн A race of beings, known as the Rey, make contact with the Federation. They are excited to learn that there are a myriad of cultures in space, and they are eager to become a part of them. As a form of introduction and celebration the Rey decide on holding the Great Starship Race and invite as many cultures that can participate to join in. All is going well, and than the Romulans wish to join in....... The book starts off well enough. 12 years ago the Romulan cruiser, Scorah, came across an alien vessel and investigated. When the crew of the vessel are taken onboard the Romulan ship, the mood of the crew begins to change, later leading in the massacre of its crew. All in all, this is a good beginning. There is some interesting interaction between the Romulans. In fact the Romulans have been very well written throughout the book. But from the title you may think, as I did, that this would turn out to be a very weak addition to the range of novels. To be honest, if it weren't for the main plot (the race is NOT the main storyline) then this novel would fail miserably! There are some instances in the story that shouldn't go unnoticed. The characters all seem to be portrayed completly off key. With the exception of Spock, I thought not alot of effort had been put into the main characters, particuarly Kirk. In the book, Kirk is portrayed as being a fierce competitor who doesn't like to lose. Okay, fair enough, this was explored to some degree in the series, and to a greater degree in the second film, but in this book it's blown completly out of proportion. And his attitude to his crew comes across as a Captain that is very brash and snaps alot. I don't think Kirk would have the strong devotion that his crew hold for him if he were like this. Okay fair enough, the Rey seem to be able to transmit whatever emotion that they are in, i.e. if they are scared then they transmit fear, but even before the Rey, Kirk seems to be a little off key towards his crew. As regards the race itself? The novel would have held together, and made a much better book, by NOT having the race in it at all. I just could not see the point of the race. Anything to do with it, seemed to be handled in a comedic manner. In the Captains meeting in chapter 1, the Captains, in places, came across as nothing but a bunch of mickey takers. And one line on page 42 sums up the race plot perfectly. Commanding one ship is Charles Goodyear the ninth. His ship, The Blimp. Get it, Goodyear Blimp. I got the impression that Diane had perhaps come up with the main plot of the story, the Romulan plot to destroy Gullrey, and than added the race in afterwards so as to flesh the book out a bit more. One chapter, 8, I just seemed to think was pointless the only decent thing coming out of it was in the last page when they discover the cloud. In conclusion. If at all possible it is best to read this book without the sections dealing with the race. The Romulan plot storyline is very good and makes in itself a good book. At a length of just over 300 pages, one would come to expect a book on par with Diane's past novels. But sadly this is not to be. It would have been much better if it were about the average length of a Trek book (270-90 pages). You could easily lose 30-40 pages of this novel and not notice they were gone. Saddly, this is Titan's last Classic Trek original book, as their contract with Pocket has come to an end. Now that Pocket have set up their London office I suppose it's pointless for them to both print the same book, but thank you Titan for bringing the U.S. novels over here so as to reach more UK readers. But not to be left out, Titan will still be involved with Trek with the Star Trek Adventures series. STAR TREK ADVENTURES 1 - THE GALACTIC WHIRLPOOL by David Gerrold нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн Originally published in the 70's when the only form of Trek fiction were the many excellent fanzines (some of which will now be featured in this magazine), this is one of the early Bantam novels now being reprinted by Titan Books. These novels were basically a `get on the band wagon' type merchandise and did not go through any of the many checks that the later Pocket novels had to endure (but not so much now it would seem). The book deals with an unusual case of first contact with the lost space colony that launched from earth centuries ago and was belived to be lost for good. The Enterprise accidently stumbles upon the vast ship while investigating the mysterious appearnce of a Klingon ship that doesn't seem to exist. Set during or after the cartoon period (evident with the mention of Lt. Arex on pg.39) the novel lacks in its ability to keep the story on line. There is far to many referances to how something works (giving the reader the impression that Mr. Gerrold is an all knowing Star Trek expert after writing 2 episodes of the show, 1 live, 1 cartoon, the occasional reader may believe this) and than after the lenghty explanations (for instance, how many of you really care how Kirk straps a lamp on to his belt?) it would seem that enough attention to the story was not being paid. For example there are some really careless mistakes in the book. One of the obvious ones being pgs. 124-125. The Enterprise legal advisor is first an Ensign and then a Lieutenant! Towards the end of the book the inhabitants of the colony ship begin to speak in perfect English and then revert back to their form of dis-jointed language. And it really shows that the author has suddenly realised his mistake by reverting back to the broken language and forget to rectify the earlier mistakes. I also found it difficult to believe that Kirk was being portrayed as someone who has more doubts about his abilities than confidence in them. Surely if this were the case he would not have been offered the command of a Starship at such an early age? If you were to strip away all the references to how something works then the novel would probably only be half its length, which I feel shows the novels weak point. There just isn't enough enough story development, or story full stop. It's a shame that this book is such a disappointment coming from an author that wrote one of the most memorable classic Trek episodes. STAR TREK ADVENTURES 2 - PRICE OF THE PHOENIX by Marshak & Culbreath нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн Kirk is killed whilst attepting to rescue a mother and her child from a burning building, and Spock assumes command of the Enterprise and attempts to try and solve if Kirk's death was an accident or premeditated murder. Coming up against the all powerful being, Omni, a battle of wits ensues between him and Spock as the true fate of James T. Kirk begins to unravel. I have to start by saying I don't like the writing of Marshak & Culbreath for reasons which will come out in this review. The authors seem intent of displaying the character Spock in a complete wrong light. And this shines through more than anything with this story. The novel starts out as what could become an interesting read - Kirk's lifless body is beamed aboard the ship and McCoy tries to save Spock from witnessing this event. This is true McCoy. We've seen from the series and films that McCoy would never if he could help it put Spock through anything as drastic as this. But then the novel just does not work! We have McCoy hold on to Spock in an attempt to give him some strength to get through the turmoil that he must be feeling. This is so wrong. Can you imagine the scene? McCoy is there with Spock at his side and McCoy has his hand on Spock's arm for comfort. I think not! Then Spock with nothing but murder on his mind. He actually WANTS to kill Omni! This is just not Spock. The novel also borders on the K/S stories that litter the deprived among Trek fandom. You can almost get the impression that it's more than friendship between the main two characters. The novel unfortunately falls heavily into the hurt/comfort category. A category (as with K/S) that I feel strongly against (OK the story MINDSIFTER is a H/C story, but it's a realy well written one). I just feel that the friendship between the two has been exploited beyond the point right into a mild sense of perversion by certain authors. This is by no means a dig at Titan but it was said that they would be printing books that were not printed in the U.K. before. PRICE was in fact printed by Corgi some years back and back then I felt that this novel should NEVER have seen print. Unfortunatly, now a little older and wiser my feelings towards this book have greatly escalated upon reading it again. This should never have been printed by Titan in its current series of ADVENTURES books. I hop they realize their mistake with this one and don't print its sequel FATE OF THE PHOENIX. Sorry Titan! STAR TREK - WHO KILLED CAPTAIN KIRK? (Graphic Novel) нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн From DC's original run of comics comes this excellent collection by Peter David (in my opinion one of the two best Trek storytellers around at the moment to write for the novels and comics). On what starts out as a seemingly quite lull in the voyages of the Enterprise, the crew begin preparations for a wedding aboard the ship. Kirk is stabbed and left for dead. And a renegade Starship is destroying colonies within the Federation. All these elements come together to form one of the best Trek stories you'll read in a long time. There is alot of character development gone into this story and you can tell that Peter David is a hard fan of the show as his writing shows. Some memorable scenes include a conversation between Kirk and McCoy where McCoy states "Oh I'll live another 87 years" and the best, which sums up Kirk perfectly is when he is asked about his domotion to Captain he replies that his demotion is a commemdation for work well done (ST4). There are numerous more character parts which all go to show that Peter David sees Trek as the characters being more important then the action, but there's plenty of that as well. This story also has some prophetic value as well. Written in 1987 (the comics appeared in 1988) we have a Klingon with the menacing eyepatch (ST6), a Klingon serving aboard the Enterprise (Next Gen), also his wedding to a human crewmember and there are talks of if it would be possible for them to sire children (K'Ehleyr - Next Gen - is half Human). Also on pgs 55-56 Spock's discussion with Nancy on her cancelling the wedding feels like the conversations with Data and Keiko and Data and O'Brien from the Next Gen episode DATA'S DAY. Read it you'll see what I mean. There are only a couple of things that I do not like about this book. I coudn't understand the artists (Tom Sutton) use of all those little cute furry creatures running around the decks of the Enterprise and didn't like the scene where Kirk could not reach the intercom and then you see two chipmunk like aliens, one climbing on the others back to switch on the intercom. It just did not work for me especially with Spock standing there just watching Kirks obvious struggle. Perhaps if Spock was left out of that scene it may have worked. On the mistake front we had a scene that should have seen Konom but instead Bearclaw was drawn. One of the biggest gripes is the book starts part way through a story! The text on the book states that this was Peter David's first Trek story (issue 49) when in fact issue 48 was his first. That issue set the scene for the stories that are reprinted in this collection. I feel that this would have made this Graphic Novel the best to date if they had included that first issue and would have helped the story no end. And I don't think there would have been a great differance in price (possibly an extra pound). But apart from that this book is a must and I strongly advise anyone who has not got the original comic run to go out and buy it. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 25: GROUNDED by David Bishoff нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Alex Kerr ннннннннннннннннннннн With "Grounded", David Bishoff sets a scene of some potential. The book opens to find Picard, Riker, Crusher and La Forge out of uniform and sitting in Starbase 210. The Starbase's commanding officer and its chief science officer soon join the scene and abruptly inform the four crew members that the Enterprise, positioned nearby, is a total loss and will be towed out into space and destroyed. The four officers are dumbstruck. Then: Flashback to a week earlier, and the Enterprise is en route to the planet Phaedra, in the Xerxes system. An ambiguous distress call from the son of Dr Adrienne Tillstrom, noted scientist and old friend of Picard, has alerted the Enterprise to some sort of emergency on the planet. Investigation discovers the Doctor and her son to be the only ones left alive (but comatose) in a wrecked science station, and also a large amount of indigenous clay spread everywhere... Unfortunately, from then on, David Bishoff never quite capitalizes on the initial potential of his story. A couple of sub-plots immediately rear their heads. Firstly, although hardly large enough to be called a sub-plot, are the two or three occasions on which we see the Enterprise "all star" volleyball team in practice for a Federation competion. However this mostly serves as a setting for the more significant second sub-plot which deals with the plight of a young, autistic, teenage girl who falls for Mr. Mikal Tillstrom, son of the aforementioned Doctor. Is this Mills and Boon? No, because it involves Data (why do these sub-plots often involve Data?), this time in the guise of male chaperon. This sub-plot is weak. It never really evolves into anything strong and generally appears in order to offer a break from the main storyline. The book is half way through by the time the crew discover that the innocuous looking clay is in fact... an alien life-form (what else?). *This* time, *this* alien life form has actually *become* part of the Enterprise (alien life forms are having to become quite innovative these days, aren't they?). The rest of the book involves the crews attempts, generally in the vicinity of the Starbase, to rid the Enterprise of the alien. This latter half of the book is actually quite interesting, and reasonably fast paced, and turns out to be the book's saving grace. Characterisation is okay, with all the main Enterprise characters getting a good look-in, apart from Worf, who only makes cameo appearances. Overall, not a wonderful read, but worth it nonetheless. Quite strong in places. 6/10. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 26 - THE ROMULAN PRIZE By Simon Hawke нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн The Enterprise hi-jacked by Romulans and the secret of the quarantined planet Hermeticus 2, make for what turns out to be yet another good release. What is happening, have the boys at Pocket finally got their act together? The Enterprise discovers a new design Romulan Warbird adrift in Federation space. On boarding her all the crew appear to be dead. But when Picard and his crew drop their guard the Romulans begin to come back to life one by one and capture the unsuspecting Enterprise crew. What follows is the taking over of the Enterprise and a Romulan mission to diiscover the secret behind the planet Hermeticus 2. All in all this novel ties in quite well with the series. Upon asking how the Romulans discovered the existence of the qurantine planet, a reference is made to the 4th season episode DATA'S DAY where the so-called Vulcan Ambassador turns out to be a Romulan spy. The pace of the story worked quite well also. You could almost sense Picard's frustration of having his crew separated by the Romulans so as not to be able to give Picard the chance to come up with some plan to free his ship. Worf was really good (although not used extensively) in the sections that he was in. Particularly when he is engineering the escape towards the end. You can tell (as in the show) this officer does not like Romulans. Read it you'll see. But alas as with ALL the novels there are some errors which are worthy of a mention. First off, try as I might I just cannot see a Romulan standing in a Shuttle bay piping in a fellow officer. Just imagine, a Romulan standing to attention with a small pipe in his mouth signalling aboard a ranking or high official of the Empire. Okay, fair enough we haven't seen anything in the episodes to say that they don't do this, but by their manner and arrogant pride portrayed by this culture I just can not see it. The characters are given a little bit of a background as to their origins. Particular to this is Data. But the way that this is written comes across as one of the most glaring mistakes made of this popular character and a little more research perhaps could have been done. Point in case, Data was found by Starfleet. No problem with that but how it is written would imply that the Enterprise found him! I think not. But saying all this if some one new to the novel scene asked me to reccommend a novel to read then probably this would be one of the novels I would suggest. A good novel with a good storyline that only fails in the research done of the Trek universe. I look forward to Simon's next effort. Reviewed by Alex Kerr ннннннннннннннннннннн From the outside, Simon Hawke's new novel appears promising. Reading the back cover blurb, one is certainly enticed to take a deeper look at the book. The story concerns Hermeticus 2 - "a planet so shrouded in secrecy that few in the Federation even know of its existence". The major involement of scheming Romulans adds even more intrigue. Inside, the story resets itself slightly, for Hermeticus 2 does not come up until the end of the third chapter. However, this doesn't mean that the interest level doesn't hit a high until then. After a short prologue covering Picard's precognitive dream of danger to come, the whole of the first chapter is devoted to the Romulans, and takes the trouble to offer a good introduction to one of the main characters in the book, a Romulan Commander named Valak. This sets a standard for the rest of the book, for all the characters are treated and described well. Then, in the second chapter, we're back on the Enterprise. However, it isn't long before the Romulans reappear. A coded distress signal leads the Enterprise to a Romulan warbird - a huge, brand new, Romulan warbird, dead and drifting on the Federation side of the Neutral Zone. Excitement mounts on the part of the Enterprise bridge crew, as the possibilities for intelligence gathering are realised. Away teams beam across and data begins to be downloaded from the Romulan computers. Then, the fun stops. (Or starts, depending on your point of view). The Romulan crew "reappear" in a rather interesting manner (read the book to find out how). As I have mentioned, the quality of characterisation is not lacking. In addition, on a detailed level, the story is detailed, precise, well paced, and well planned by the author. In other words, it appears to be a `good book', and certainly worth a read. That is until one gets to the ending, however. Frankly, I felt this was just a bit of a let down. I don't know what should have happened to the ending (that's the author's job), but I don't feel it should have happened like this. It just seems to tail off - we get a few explanations, Picard regains control of the Enterprise and then we get a rather abrupt ending. Certainly everything is resolved, it's just not resolved in a way that's on a par with the rest of the book. So, certainly worth reading, probably worth buying, but the ending could have done with a lift and more elaboration. 7/10. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 27 - GUISES OF THE MIND by Rebecca Neeson нннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн With no doubt one of the more endearing things about Star Trek is the way that it tackles contemporary themes of our day and age. And you don't get more contemporary than the way that religion plays a big part in the majority of people's lives. This novel, predominatly a Deanna Troi story, sets out to explore those very same issues. The novel begins with Troi feeling that she has not fullfiled her job as counselor and her deep regret at this loss. Trying to come to terms with this, a religous order, the Little Mothers, are beamed aboard as part of a group requested to go to the planet Capulon IV to help in that planet becoming members of the Federation. But all is not well with the Mother Abess of the group, a Mother Veronica, who it would seem is a latent telepath who has no control in the blocking off of other people's minds. Troi begins to help the Mother to control her ability, and to look on it as a great gift and not a curse as the Mother would seem to think of it. During all of this Data is curious as to the importance placed on religion and the many beliefs surrounding it. And in true Data style goes off to explore if he has any religous beliefs. In doing so he calls on his closest friends and colleagues to help in his quest. You can tell by the way Rebecca has written this that she has a great knowledge of the characters of the Next Generation. I couldn't find any fault in the way that she had written any of them (but no doubt other readers may). Data's quest to find religion is a really fine compliment to season 6 of the show as Data begins to change and more has been added to his character. But the thing that shines out most in this book is the amount of care taken in writing the part of Deanna Troi. Not being much of a Troi fan myself (the character, not the actress) I found myself pleasantly surprised in the way this book portrayed her. All of the compassion that she shows in the show has been translated well in this story. And the pressures that most be felt by someone in the job of counselor are made quite clear. In one line it sums it up. Deanna says to herself "And who counsels the counselor?". I found myself being more interested in the exploration of the characters in this story than the main story itself. Although even that is well written. I loved the anger and hatred being portrayed between the twins. As the ostrasized brother (believed to have been killed at birth) comes back to cause such chaos, as he imprisons the king and takes his place to wreck havoc with the joining up to the Federation, and to all the benefits that this would bring. He even goes as far as to imprison Picard, Troi and Mother Veronica. I just hope that Pocket can keep up this type of quality in their novels. This is a novel that is really close to the show, and the shows theme. After the recent novels that have emerged as just being average reads, this one shines out as being one of the best for quite some time. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - THE DEVIL'S HEART By Carmen Carter ннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Colin Gunn нннннннннннннннннннннн At last a novel worthy of reading! The past few novels released by Pocket have been mediocre at best with the occasional one gleaming through as been well written. After 2 years away from writting Trek novels, Carmen has returned with a bang. This book deals with the mysterious stone talisman known as the Devil's Heart. But is also known by other cultures. The Vulcans call it Ko N'ya, Klingons refer to it as the Pagrashtak. But what is common to all is that each believe it to posess vast powers that can be wielded by whom ever is the owner of the stone. Basically the story is that Picard and his crew are sent to investigate the silence that is prevalent on a Federation archology dig on a remote planet. Picard being familiar with the head of the dig, a Vulcan, T'sara, is alarmed to find all the scientists dead. It isn't long before he feels he should at least find what they were looking for and after some time come across the resting place of the Heart. From there the book unfolds into a really good story. Which I won`t spoil for those of you that have yet to read this book. It is clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into this book. It deals with alot of Trek history. Vulcans past is explored along with that of the Klingons and Andorians. Everything that a Trek fan would want in a novel is present. Good characters, plenty of action and a good storyline. Not to mention the Romulans making an appearance. The story ties in wonderfully with the series. Reference is made to Spock's underground movement on Romulus. Sarek's unfourtunate death from Bandi's syndrome and plenty more tie-ins. The only downer that I had was Worf's protectiveness towards Picard only because he was the current owner of the stone. Some of his reactions, like going up against Riker, I think were a little overdone. But the way that Picard's obsessive behaviour towards the stone and the way the crew were reacting to this read just like you would expect seeing on the screen. All in all a must read novel. And lets hope Carmen doesn't stay away from Trek fiction for so long for her next story. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE #4 ----------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- The latest issue of the Deep Space Nine magazine consists of sixty eight pages, seventeen (i.e. 25%) pages are various advertisements for merchandise. The renmaining fifty one pages are devoted entirely to the story synopsis that were not featured in the three previous issues. Amusingly the publishers boast on the cover "Special DS9 station log issue!", but you and I know that it is an episode guide. Each synopsis covers three to four pages and is accompanied by stills from the episode. In fact some eighty-eight photos are included. As for the synopsis themselves they are all written to the same standard so it's just a matter of deciding which episodes you like and which you don't. My personal favourites include "Progress", The Forsaken" and "Duet". Ones to avoid? Well in my opinion definately "Move Along Home" and "In the Hands of the Prophets". This magazine series has really improved since the first issue. Although there are no character profiles or interviews, it is still an enjoyable issue. If you want a reason for buying this magazine then buy it for the wonderful cover! STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 2 - THE SIEGE by Peter David ------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Matthew Dean ------------------------ As a beginner to Star Trek Novel reading, I thought that I would start with a fairly new book - The Seige, and I was pleasantly surprised. I found that I really enjoyed the book, and once I got into it, it was really difficult to put it down. There are so many plots and sub-plots, and a bit of gore here and there, that there is something interesting going on all of the time. A relationship between O'Brien and Odo is also developed, and some of the descriptions have you in fits of laughter. It may be hard to believe, but I have absolutely no complaints at all about this book - it is thoroughly well written, and finishes up on a hilarious note. It will also be of special interest to Odo fans - oh, and O'Brien gets a swear word or two in! STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 3 - BLOODLETTER by K.W. Jeter -------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Starfleet Command learns that the Cardassians are planning to construct a base on the other side of the Wormhole. It falls to Major Kira and Dr. Bashir to set up a Federation base there. But before they can establish the base, a violent figure from Kira's past appears.... This is the first Star Trek novel by Jeter, and only the third DS9 book in the series. After a promising start with an adaptation of "Emissary" the quality declined in the first original novel "The Siege", and I am sorry to say that it continues to decline with "Bloodletter". "Bloodletter" fails in every single aspect. In plot, in characters, in composition, and most definately in result. The plot is a cliched hash of a story involving the Cardassians trying to claim the Gamma Quadrant and a religous fanatic (yet again) planning to murder Major Kira. Not only is the basic plot cliched, but it is badly thought out and badly composed. If there is anything worse than the plot then it is the characters. The fanatic is from Kira's past. He saved her life once but now feels that she has betrayed his cause and must die for it. Hardly an original character. The established crew are completely unrecognisable from those portrayed in the television series. Bashir is the worst example of the tragedy being portrayed as brash and tough. His argument with Sisko would never happen in the actual show. He is far too in awe of his Commander. I find it hard to believe that Jeter has watched beyond "Enissary" or read the writers guide. He (or She) has made huge assumptions such as the ships passing through the Wormhole causing physical harm to the entities existing there. This has never been stated. Neither has Jeter's assumption that special buffers have to be fitted to every ship before it enters the Wormhole. He also writes of Odo changing into two different characters and perfecting their voices and mannerisims. If he (or she) had read the writers guide he (or she) would know that it is stated that Odo cannot do this. I could go on listing all the errors that Jeter has made, but I am not sure that there is room! Suffice to say that this is the worst Star Trek novel that I have ever reviewed. If I had not been reviewing it I would not have bothered finishing it. It's the sort of book that once you put it down you will find difficult to pick up. I do not give this score lightly, but 0/10. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 4 - THE BIG GAME by Sandy Schofield -------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by John Kitts ---------------------- This is actually written by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch - both unknown Trek authors and to be honest, with the indifferent standard of recent novels by a string of unknown Trek authors, I wasn't expecting much. Let me start by saying I actually like DS9 as a series but the novels, I think, will quickly hit the problem of not being able to boldly go anywhere. The game in question is the Quadrant's biggest poker game at Quark's but guess what - the station is in danger of destruction (surprise!), the Cardassians are giving trouble (surprise, surprise) and, well, that's about it! There are a couple of pointless subplots - one of the poker players is a murderer ("Only one of them?", say Odo!), there are some energy creatures to be saved (aaargh!), but this is mostly padding. On the plus side, the characters are well written, particularly Odo and Quark. There's a fair bit of humour and the authors try to throw in as many Next Gen references as possible (mostly insignificant poker players). Trouble is you know that DS9 won't be destroyed, the Cardassians are never any real threat so it's only the outcome of the poker game (which is fun) that holds you. A reasonable book, but г4.50 is getting too much for only okay paperbacks. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - THE COMIC - ISSUE 1 ------------------------------------------------ Reviewed by Simon Plumbe ------------------------ The first issue in this new comic series from Malibu premiered back in September and has been created by a few names that will be familiar to older Trek fans - Mike W. Barr handling the writing (he worked on the Classic Trek series for DC in the 80's), Gordon Purcell illustrating the book (again, he worked for DC) and the colouring being left to the very capable Terry Pallot. Issue 1, "Stowaway", comes in two distinct editions. The first features a much-seen photo of the DS9 cast with a still of the wormhole opening up in the background. The other is a stunning potrrait of the cast surrounding the station itself, drawn by the remarkable Jerome Moore, known for his stunning cover art work for DC throughout the years. The story itself revolves around a strange green slime that is slowly spreading throught the station after being accidentally let loose by Jake and Nog while playing in the lower levels of the station. This would be bad enough, but it is soon discovered that the slime is lethal to humans because it thrives on oxygen and replaces any oxygen it takes from the atmosphere with a toxic gas. Meanwhile, the station is assisting a Federation science vessel that has recently returned from the Gamma Quadrant with a number of artifacts that have been brought back by Dr Josiah Wembley and DS9 is being used for safe storage purposes. Dax and Bashir are left with the task of trying to isolate what the substance is, while trying to find a way to neutralise it. Sisko begins to wonder whether the artifacts they are storing could be the cause of the slime's growth, but all Sisko's attempts at talking to Dr Wembley fall on deaf ears. It doesn't help matters when Gul Dukat appears claiming that the slime is a Cardassian creation and he offers his "assistance" to DS9.... For a first issue, this is surprisingly good. The story is well-paced and is just the sort of action-packed adventure that you'd expect to see in the series. All of the characters behave exactly the way you'd expect and the tension builds up gradually throughout the book until the issue's climax when Gul Dukat arrives, his ship flanked by two other Cardassian warships. The artwork has to be seen to be believed. All of the likenesses are very good and the colouring is just superb. This has to be one of the best drawn comics I have seen in a long time. The standard is what you would expect to find in one of the better graphic novels, not a monthly comic book. There are also a couple of nice touches to look out for. The Cardassian clothier, Garak (from the episode "Past Prologue"), makes a small cameo appearance and the Captain of the Federation ship USS Armstrong - Captain Johnson - bears an uncanny resemblance to US TV presenter John Tesh (presenter of the American show "Entertainment Tonight" and who also appeared in TNG as a Klingon in "The Icarus Factor"). Well worth buying and a great start to the series. You may have trouble buying this now though, as it's been selling out very quickly everywhere! STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - THE COMIC - ISSUE 2 ------------------------------------------------ Reviewed by Simon Plumbe ------------------------ "Stowaway Part 2" brings this story to a thrilling conclusion. The slime is continuing to spread at an alarming rate throughout DS9 and Sisko is faced with the growing problem of finding space to keep the civilians on board the station safe. Things soon turn sour when the slime enters the air circulation system and small amounts of the toxic gas are beginning to be spread through the station affecting everyone, including Jake. Nog and Jake are convinced that it is all their fault and Jake struggles to decide whether to tell his father or not. Nog on the other hand has no trouble reaching a typical Ferengi-like decision - keep quiet and hope you don't get found out! The story moves along at a breakneck speed and no space in the comic is wasted with padding. It's just solid entertainment from cover to cover. There is one minor fault when Dax is seen using a transporter (it was stated in the TNG story "The Host" that Trills can't use transporters as it kills the symbiont), but this can be overlooked in an otherwise excellent story. The writing is still pretty much flawless and the artwork again is of a very high standard. The issue also features a very dramatic cover, courteousy of Gordon Purcell and Terry Pallot. Let's just hope the rest of the series can continue in this vein. As with the first issue, this is rather special in the fact that it comes in a pre-sealed bag with a limited edition trading card from SkyBox promoting their soon to be released DS9 series. A very nice collectors piece, but for those of you who haven't yet got this issue, the trading card is going to make it quite scarce if you leave it too long! STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - THE COMIC - ISSUE 3 ------------------------------------------------ Reviewed by Simon Plumbe ------------------------ A one-shot story this time in the form of "Old Wounds". This issue tells the story of a former Cardassian leader, Gul Trelar, once known as the "Butcher Of Bajor", who is arriving on DS9 to spend his dying days in the traditional Cardassian manner, returning to his birthworld - in his case, Bajor. The provisional government were reluctant to allow his on Bajor, and against Sisko's wishes, permission was granted for him to stay on DS9. Kira had previously encounted Trelar when she was a terrorist and she was captured along with two others. Trelar then killed one of the other two in order to try and find a fourth terrorist he was looking for. However, Kira was shocked when Trelar arrived on DS9 to find that he had brought his family with him, including his second wife - a Bajoran, Shiri Rond! Even more surprising for Kira, as Shiri was one of the three terrorists Trelar had previously captured and was a friend of Kira's! Accomodation was provided for Trelar in one of Quark's holosuites made to resemble his home of Bajor, but things take a turn for the worse when he is discovered dead the following morning is the holosuite with stab wounds to the chest and the computer has no record of anyone entering the holosuite... This is a very good murder mystery story, focusing mainly on Odo and Kira. Kira is automatically one of the prime suspects for Trelar's murder and it is left to Odo to discover the truth. Needless to say, he does, and the way the story is resolved is rather original to say the least! Once again, everything is of the high quality of the first issue, and there is another opportunity for Jerome Moore to shine with another fabulous cover. The only blot on what can only be described as being a wonderful issue is the fact that twice in the one story Odo is seen doing things that we know he can't accomplish. STAR WRECK: THE GENERATION GAP by Leah Rewolinski ннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннннн Reviewed by Marcus Priddey нннннннннннннннннннннннннн Ever wondered what would happen if the crew of the original Enterprise and that of NCC 1701-D ever met? Or what a spoof of Star Trek would be like? Well, Leah Rewolinski has managed to give us a combination of both with hilarious results in her first (yes, I said first as she has written 5 more with a sixth on it's way) parody. The front cover gives you some idea of the humour to expect inside. For a couple of examples a smiley has been drawn on the sensor dish of 1701-A which for copyright purposes (it is not an official parody, nor has it been endorsed by anyone who works on Star Trek, but it's still damn funny) has been renamed the USS Endocrine. Also, what goes on a saucer? Well, answer that and you can probably imagine what's on the saucer section of the Enter.. - sorry - Endocrine. Basically, the plot although thin, centres on Captain Jean-Lucy Ricardo and his crew sharing his ship with Captain Smirk's (love it!) crew as per Star Freak's orders. No-one likes this arrangement and before anyone knows what has happened, Captain Smirk and his crew have commandeered the saucer section and have separated in search of parties throughout the Galaxy. Ricardo, in the meantime, has awoken a group of Cellulites who are hell bent on eating everything in sight in their search for chocolate! Needless to say, Ricardo completes his mission and manages to get his ship back in one piece but it makes for some hilarious reading of how he does it. Like I said earlier, the plot is very thin, but it is packed with humour so you don't really notice. Nothing but nothing is left alone. Everything gets the farcical treatment and to full effect. What I also like about this book is that if you can not visualise the action, they have included illustrations which give the various characters the Spitting Image treatment - you can just imagine what they've done to Spock's ears (an easy target) and to Data's nose! All in all a very good effort to inject a (`helluva', as a certain Doctor might say) lot of fun into an already good thing. As good as "How Much For Just The Planet?".