Bok's Review Thread

[bok2384]

I have recently taken a six month sabatical from reading Star Trek fiction as I had become burnt out with it. Fortunately, I'm back in the fold now and have started to read through the stories from 2376 in chronological order as per the timeline in Voyages of Imagination.

Anyway, the first full novel I came to was KRAD's Diplomatic Implausibility, which was without a doubt one of the best Trek novels that I have ever read. Now I first read the novel when it first came out in the UK in 2001, but unfortunately I was reading it around the time that my grandmother died and I obviously didn't take a lot of it in.

At first I was a bit baffled as a TNG novel hardly featured the TNG cast at all, except Worf. However, I found I didn't miss them as we got to know the Gorkon's crew. The crew were all amazing characters, with my favorites being Klag, Toq and Leskit (especially the liaison with him and Kurak). The character of Giancarlo Wu (sp.) was also a great addition, although I initially saw him as a weasely little man, him standing up to Worf with a bat'leth gave me a renewed appreciation for him, and also reminded me somewhat of Jeeves in Jeeves and Wooster.

The returning characters such as Drex and Rodek was also handled well. I truly felt Worf's sorrow at seeing his brother's fire be extinguished while trapped in the body of Rodek. And I hope that Drex will carve out his own honor in future.

All in all, an enjoyable tale and a refreshing take focusing on the al'Hmmat (sp.). It was also great to see an appearance by the Kreel.

 

[KRAD]

^ Thank you so much!

Jeeves was one of the prime inspirations for the character of Giancarlo Wu, yes.

 

[greenmystik]

I have to echo the sentiment of Bok. I first read the book when it came out as well and found it a little confusing since I was expecting a TNG book and got Worf instead. It put me off a little and I remember not caring for the book much.

Now fast foward some years and I just finished reading it about a month ago. Totally different view. KRAD you did an awesome job with this book, especially introducing us to the now famous crew of the Gorkon. I especially like Toq and Leskit. Even though Leskit has been on DS9 you wrote him exceptionally well, and right now he is one of my favorite Lit characters out there right now.

I haven't had a chance to read any of the Gorkon books but since rereading Diplomatic Implausibility I now must go scrounge some change from beneath the cushions and go buy the series.

Excellent work KRAD and I hope you don't stop writing for this series.


PS: Are you the only one who does Gorkon (a la PD) or do other writers get to take a shot at it?

 

[Rabid Trekkie]

Guess I'm getting to third the sentiment. I had already read the first two books in the Gorkon series and was looking for something to tide me over till the third book came out and heard about how DI had the crew of the Gorkon in it also. Finally found it at a bookstore and read it in two days, and it was wonderful.

Haven't read a Burning House but so far the Gorkon/Klingon series is tied with New Frontier as my favorite Star Trek lit series.

 

[Trent Roman]

PS: Are you the only one who does Gorkon (a la PD) or do other writers get to take a shot at it?

Robert Greenberger wrote the Klag story in Tales from the Captain's Table.

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

 

[KRAD]

Excellent work KRAD and I hope you don't stop writing for this series.

Thanks!

PS: Are you the only one who does Gorkon (a la PD) or do other writers get to take a shot at it?

More or less, though, as Trent said, Bob Greenberger wrote the Klag story in Tales of the Dominion War, and Bob also wrote a Klag cameo into "The Other Side" in Gateways: What Lay Beyond, and S.D. Perry put a similar Klag cameo into Avatar Book 2. Also Klag played a supporting role in "Improvisations on the Opal Sea" by Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels in Tales from the Captain's Table.

 

[bok2384]

I haven't read the Klag story in Tales from the Captain's Table yet, but is Klag's visit in that story the one that was briefly referenced in Diplomatic Implausibility?

 

[KRAD]

I haven't read the Klag story in Tales from the Captain's Table yet, but is Klag's visit in that story the one that was briefly referenced in Diplomatic Implausibility?

No.

 

[bok2384]

Maximum Warp - Book 1: Dead Zone

Well I've just finished Book 1 of the Maximum Warp duology, and I must say that I am mightily impressed. I'll post more detailed thoughts upon reading the second book, but I have to say that this novel built up the tension brilliantly. Cameos by the Deep Space Nine and Voyager crews were quite welcome, and I must say that I am looking forward to reading more with Tiris Jast as her conversation with Bashir was brilliant.

However, the one thing that slightly worried me about this book was the inclusion of Spock. Sure, Spock was a necessary tool to allow T'sart to escape from Romulan space, but once he was aboard the Enterprise, I felt that he served no additional purpose, although I must admit the fan in my was feeling nostalgic with him serving as Picard's first officer, but I could read dozens of novels with Spock as Kirk's first officer aboard another starship Enterprise.

I do however, have high praise for the characterizations in this novel. Data gets some brilliant lines (and an excellent scene with Spock which mirrors the conversation in Unification), and the Riker-Troi "discussions" are also a highlight for me.

All in all, a great book, but I guessed what the resolution to the cliffhangar would be before I even started the second book.

 

[bok2384]

Re: Maximum Warp - Book 2: Forever Dark

Well I've just finished Book 2 and I must say that I loved it. Riker and Deanna on Romulus was definitely one of the highlights of this novel for me, with Riker being bought by a brilliant Romulan character named Nien and Deanna being purchased by a seedy Romulan, who bought more than he bargained for when he tried to get fresh with her .

Characters were definitely a strong point to the story, although Spock's presence in the story still baffles me. Yes he brought the shuttle that allowed him to get into the Caltiskan system and his Vulcan appearance allowed him to get aboard the Makluan, but as soon as he was captured he gave away who he was. Don't get me wrong, it was good to see Spock in action and he got a couple of great lines, but I don't buy his presence in the story.

My only problem was the very brisk ending to the novel once the dead zones had been deactivated and the galaxy was safe again. The fate of all the characters were relegated to a brief conversation between Riker, Troi and Folan while on the way to Nien's in the form of "by the way, T'sart's transport was destroyed." "Oh well." It would have been good to "see" this murdered meet his end.

Anyway, another great novel 3/5. Next stop, returning to Star Trek: New Frontier after a lengthy absence with, The Quiet Place.

 

[bok2384]

Re: The Quiet Place

Well I've just finished The Quiet Place by Peter David, and this is the first New Frontier novel I have read in several years. I must admit I was looking forward to an excellent story involving Mac Calhoun and the fantastic crew of the Excalibur, only to be slightly disappointed that they were reduced to cameos in this story. Although, Lefler mistakenly professing her undying love to Mac made me double over with laughter

Fortunately, I grew to love the new characters that were introduced in this story especially Xyon, a cross between Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and his excellently funny computer, Lyla. I instantly liked his character from the execution scene and though that he held his half the story fantastically. Similarly, I thought the Dogs of War was another great addition to the story, definitely faring better than the other hunter species seen in Trek, most notably the Hirogen.

However, the main focus was obviously on Riela, and her quest to unravel her dreams and find "The Quiet Place". I though the mystery was handled very well, but as soon as Zoran came on the scene I just knew that she would turn out to be Kalinda. Besides that, she got some excellent scenes in the novel, notably with the Redeemer Overlord and the Dog Leader (sorry forgot his name), as well as with Xyon.

From what appearance there was of the Excalibur crew, they all fared well. Although, Zak Kebron is definitely shaping up to be one of my favorite characters in TrekLit with his sarcastic remarks and baiting of Si Cwan. The cliffhanger at the end of the story has definitely left me hungry for more.

 

[Elemental]

S.D. Perry put a similar Klag cameo into Avatar Book 2.

Could someone remind me what role Klag played in this novel? It's the only one mentioned that I have read and I cannot recall what he was up to.

 

[Turtletrekker]

Klag was the Klingon representative who responded to the rogue Jem Hadar attack on the station. I'm not even sure if he even had any dialogue.

 

[bok2384]

Re: Dark Allies

Well I've just finished Dark Allies and I loved it. It answered all of my complaints from The Quiet Place by having Mac and the Excalibur crew in the fore, but also put Xyon and Kalinda to good use in the story.

This novel has some of my favorite moments in the Trek novels I have read, the fight between Si Cwan, Xyon and Kebron; Burgoyne's sympathy pains while Selar was in labor; Burgoyne fighting the beast on Tulaan V while Selar gave birth; Janos teasing the Redeemer High Priest; the scenes between Xyon and Mac. Just excellent.

While some people have complained about the humor in the NF novels, I found that it feels quite refreshing compared to some of the other novels out their. Two of my favorite comedy moments in this was Cwan "obliviously" driving a wedge between Xyon and Kalinda upon suggesting marriage, and Kebron's response to a casualty report that was sent to the bridge.

"I'm getting reports of some serious bumps and bruises, several fractured ribs, a couple of broken arms and legs, one concussion."

"Poor bastard," rumbled Kebron.

"I think it was more than one crewman who sustained the injuries, Zak," Soleta said. "Not one person with bumps and bruises, fractured ribs, broken limbs and concussion."

"That's a relief."

On the whole then a brilliant novel and I will return to my 2376 marathon shortly with "Brief Candle" from Distant Shores, but before that I'm paying a brief visit to Bajor for the eagerly anticipated Day of the Vipers.