It's been a long time since I bought a Trek novel, but I picked up "Errand of Fury: Sacrifices of War" by Kevin Ryan as an impulse buy. I admit that the cover blurb "based on the episode 'Errand of Mercy' by Gene L. Coon" is what sold it to me: I was in the mood for some TOS lit and it looked like a "good read." The fact that it was "Errand of Fury Book Three" didn't deter me, I figured I would pick up the pieces, and assumed the author would expand upon the TV episode to a large degree.
I was surprised to find the book is really two stories in one, linked by the hostilities with the Klingons. The first half, completely Mr. Ryan's invention, has a swashbuckling feel of some of the best TOS actioners, with Kirk is at his heroic best. Lei and West are great characters and the nods to the names to various Trek production staff (not to mention Leslie Parrish) is fun without being distracting.
Also worth mentioning is the characterization of Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the crew. One can easily imagine the actors breathing life into these lines.
The book's second half, the actual adaptation of "Errand of Mercy," is mostly straightforward. It flows well from the first half and Ryan has added some links to strengthen the book's unity, but I really like the fact that part two is mostly a straight ahead "novelization." It kept me turning the pages and fondly recalling an episode I haven't seen in years.
On the strength of this book, I am going to dive back into the world of Trek literature. Thanks to Mr. Ryan for a great read!
I was surprised to find the book is really two stories in one, linked by the hostilities with the Klingons. The first half, completely Mr. Ryan's invention, has a swashbuckling feel of some of the best TOS actioners, with Kirk is at his heroic best. Lei and West are great characters and the nods to the names to various Trek production staff (not to mention Leslie Parrish) is fun without being distracting.
Also worth mentioning is the characterization of Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the crew. One can easily imagine the actors breathing life into these lines.
The book's second half, the actual adaptation of "Errand of Mercy," is mostly straightforward. It flows well from the first half and Ryan has added some links to strengthen the book's unity, but I really like the fact that part two is mostly a straight ahead "novelization." It kept me turning the pages and fondly recalling an episode I haven't seen in years.
On the strength of this book, I am going to dive back into the world of Trek literature. Thanks to Mr. Ryan for a great read!
