Spoilers TOS: A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox Review Thread

I will note that the possibility of an addiction had occurred to me at least by the time McCoy's cure had failed (can you say "felicium"?). And the idea of a voting system with a single point of failure and no backup seemed a bit short-sighted. But really, the only serious flaw I found was the one I cited above (#25).

 

I was going to buy this, based upon the partisan discussion here, sadly will give it a pass. I know that my political views are in a minority of fandom, which is fine as I respect everyone’s views as I believe in diversity including political diversity, I have a feeling that I know what the storyline about the extremist leader is supposed to represent, and I don’t want to read that. Just my humble opinion.

 

It's not nearly as close a parallel as you're assuming. The candidate in question is a seasoned general who objects to the replacement of the former military dictatorship with a democratic system and to the pursuit of peace with a longtime enemy planet. Certainly his faction's perception of the opposition as traitors bears a resemblance to the polarization in our society, but that's been going on for quite a while now and isn't about any one political figure.

Also, the book depicts misdeeds by partisans on both sides, so it isn't really taking a stance, beyond that of democracy being better than fascism (which you'd think would not be a controversial position).

 

For what it's worth, I can assure you that the "extremist leader" is absolutely NOT based on Trump. He's an old-school military strong man type, more akin to Juan Peron than Trump. And, honestly, General Gogg, as portrayed in my book, has way more dignity and integrity than Trump. He's a hard-line relic of the old military regime, not a narcissistic buffoon.

In my head, he's played by Christopher Lee, not Alec Baldwin.

 

While I respectfully disagree with your views regarding the President, Greg, I just want you to know that I wish you good luck with the book.

 

Thanks. Just wanted to make it clear that, regardless of my personal views, Contest is NOT a deliberate exercise in Trump-bashing. Indeed, given my views on Trump, I would have written General Gogg very differently if I'd actually seen him as a stand-in for Trump.

 

Do you picture him as Christopher Lee at the age he would've appeared on TOS, contemporaneous with his "co-stars" in the novel, or a later-era Lee?

 

Ooh. Good question. Probably somewhere between Hammer-era Lee and STAR WARS-era Lee.

If I recall correctly, I was rewatching HORROR HOTEL (1960) when it occurred to me to "cast" Lee as Gogg.

 

Hmm. I dunno who I was picturing as Gogg, but it wasn't Christopher Lee.

(Anytime I see, or hear of, Christopher Lee, I think of him on SNL. As an apologetic "Mr. Death," and introducing Meat Loaf [anybody have any idea whether the whole "I'd like you all to meet . . . Loaf" bit was scripted or genuine?]).

 

Think: tall, saturnine, rather grave and intimidating. Now imagine Lee in, say, THE DEVIL RIDES OUT or HORROR EXPRESS or, yes, as Count Dooku in the STAR WARS prequels.

 

My mental image of Gogg was more of a big, burly type, more broad than tall. In face and voice, somewhere in the ballpark of Idris Elba and Ernie Hudson.

 

I should be getting this book soon. I tried Amazon but they said I would have to wait until January. Order from the Book Depository instead.

 

You do know that The Book Depositary is owned by Amazon? I doubt they’ll have it any sooner.

 

Would you care to try Barnes & Noble?

As to my vision of Gogg, what Mr. Bennett said, except that always pictured him as white, and possibly a redneck (and Sozz even moreso on both counts).

Maybe Barry Corbin? (And no, he doesn't appear to be any more of a redneck in real life than Carroll "Archie Bunker" O'Connor).

 

They seem to have totally different supply chains.

 

I use Book Depository sometimes as a back up for ordering anything Doctor Who if Amazon drag their heels with availability of an item. The Timelord Victorious books are the most recent thing. I'm surprised that BD and Amazon might be connected.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_Depository

 

Just bought the book and just wanted to say that I love the cover more than many of the recent books published in the Trek line recently. From the bright color scheme (which I absolutely love) to the split image of the big 3 near the top, I just thought it was very eye catching and really well done. Seems like a fun story and it really put me in a great frame of mind for reading. Pushing it to the top of my to do list.

Not sure if you had anything to do with the cover @Greg Cox but I feel it made a huge difference in my excitement level for a new Trek book. Please let the brass know to keep these cool covers coming.

 

I can take no credit for the cover, but I'm quite happy with it. Not only is it eye-catching, it captures the structure of the book quite nicely.

 

I’m enjoying it so far. Nothing amazing but it’s a enjoyable read. The Kirk story is a bit on the nose with the current events I feel