The Romulan War: Beneath the Raptor's Wing - Discuss (SPOILERS)

[DigificWriter]

I apologize for necro'ing this thread, but I just finished this book and wanted to review it.

This didn't occur to me until I finished reading it, but this book reminded me very much of 'Destiny', 'Full Circle', 'Rough Beasts of Empire', and 'Plagues of Night' in terms of its narrative structure, although its scope isn't as far-reaching.

There were parts of the story that probably would've made slightly more sense if I had read the previous 3 published ENT novels (Last Full Measure, The Good that Men Do, and Kobayashi Maru), but I was never so confused about what was going on that I was pulled out of the narrative.

I really liked the number of plot threads and perspectives the book dealt with and the number of different characters it introduced and followed (some familiar and some new), and was also pleasantly surprised by some of its plot twists (such as Travis leaving the Enterprise).

The perspective that I think I liked the most aside from the main characters from ENT was that of the reporter Gannet Brooks. Her character was one I wasn't familiar with from the series, so this book was my first introduction to her.

I also really liked the explanation given for the technological 'downgrade' necessary in order to reconcile ENT with later chronological canon. It gave the book a very nuBSG-esque feel that I thought was neat.

In fact, I liked all of the various attempts to reconcile ENT with later chronological canon.

Overall, I thought the book was very good, and the ending made me really want to start the second novel (which I've since started and am really enjoying).

 

[Christopher]

The perspective that I think I liked the most aside from the main characters from ENT was that of the reporter Gannet Brooks. Her character was one I wasn't familiar with from the series, so this book was my first introduction to her.

Wow, then you must've missed "Demons" and "Terra Prime," which are a very important 2-parter and essentially the de facto series finale (since we didn't see the actual NX-01 crew in "These Are the Voyages"). I'd recommend correcting that oversight.

 

[DigificWriter]

^ Yeah, I unfortunately never had a chance to see either episode when they first aired (I've forgotten why) and definitely ought to find and watch them.

I also liked Valdore's involvement in the story, and could really hear/picture Brian Thompson as I read he parts of the book that dealt with him.

 

[Christopher]

^If you have Netflix, every episode of every Star Trek series is available for streaming there.

 

[parsonsma81]

Just finished my read. Been making my way through the novels catching up to current releases, still a bit behind with enterprise. Starting to brave the storm today.

This was a good read - though i felt it was overlong, and tended to repeat some plot points more than was necessary.

I liked the portrayal of T'Pau, despite my tendency to mix up T'Pau and T'Pol when reading.

I think some of the flaws in the novel are extensions of flaws in the series. Travis Mayweather for instance, simply is not an interesting character, nor is hoshi.

Archer, Trip, and T-Pol are the core of Enterprise, and these characters need to be at the forefront.

I have enjoyed trips story line since the good that men do, and look forward to a hopeful reunion with archer one day.

The portrayal of the Romulans was great, and Valdore is a good character. Came across very well/