Death's Angel by Kathleen Sky

[Nerdius Maximus]

Anyone ever read this? I've been reading through some of the old Bantam titles I picked up at Half Price books and recently started on this one. It's interesting for two reasons: There's an organization within Starfleet which bears more than a passing resemblance to Section 31, and There's talk from Sarek and Spock about reunification between Vulcan and Romulus. This was published in 1981, over a decade before those concepts were introduced on TNG and DS9. I'm sure it's coincidence, but it's interesting nonetheless.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Although it was a while ago (err...around a year) and my memory's fuzzy, I'm a fan of Death's Angel. I prefer it to Kathleen's other TOS novel, "Vulcan!"

I loved the big, colourful and cartoony aliens in this one. I liked the implication that their species had all visited Earth at points in the past and infuenced the culture, Stargate style.

In an ultra-nerdy way I'd like to see the weird aliens (bipedal croc? Vampire? Shape-shifting pyramid blob thing? Big beetle? Kzinti-style big kitty? Mermaid? Or am I blending dozens of novels here ) in modern stuff, just to go "Yay! Old novel reference!". Plus a fight between a big crocodile and a Gorn would be awesome

I didn't think the special department was much like S31 - didn't it operate in the open? I may be misremembering. Kirk falling in love and wanting to marry the special agent woman (whose name escapes me) was rather surreal.

I always get lots out of classic Trek novels, from when the canon was smaller and assumptions more varied...

 

[Christopher]

I didn't think the special department was much like S31 - didn't it operate in the open? I may be misremembering.

You're right. It was a special division of Starfleet Security, as I recall.

Kirk falling in love and wanting to marry the special agent woman (whose name escapes me) was rather surreal.

Mary-Surreal is more like it. Schaeffer is possibly the most blatant, textbook Mary Sue ever to appear in professional Trek literature, rivalled only by Sola Thane from Triangle.

 

[Nerdius Maximus]

Although it was a while ago (err...around a year) and my memory's fuzzy, I'm a fan of Death's Angel. I prefer it to Kathleen's other TOS novel, "Vulcan!"

I loved the big, colourful and cartoony aliens in this one. I liked the implication that their species had all visited Earth at points in the past and infuenced the culture, Stargate style.

In an ultra-nerdy way I'd like to see the weird aliens (bipedal croc? Vampire? Shape-shifting pyramid blob thing? Big beetle? Kzinti-style big kitty? Mermaid? Or am I blending dozens of novels here ) in modern stuff, just to go "Yay! Old novel reference!". Plus a fight between a big crocodile and a Gorn would be awesome

I didn't think the special department was much like S31 - didn't it operate in the open? I may be misremembering. Kirk falling in love and wanting to marry the special agent woman (whose name escapes me) was rather surreal.

I always get lots out of classic Trek novels, from when the canon was smaller and assumptions more varied...

Yeah, they operated in the open, but under their own rules, almost to the point of being comical. The agent keeps threatening to blow up the Enterprise if they don't fully cooperate with her investigation.

 

[Captain Robert April]

I remember it being an interesting read, but the best part was probably the cover art.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I'd probably love "Death's Angel" if I read it today, but I was very disappointed when it first came out. I was taking my newfound ST very seriously, and the comedy elements and silly names annoyed me.

Several of my friends loved it, and one made this parade-winning Si-s-s-s-(click) costume - which is still stored at my place after he emigrated to the UK.

 

[F. King Daniel]

That suit is awesome!

I can totally see him fighting the Gorn (v-e-r-y slowly)!

 

[Joel_Kirk]

I'm a fan of 'Vulcan' by the same author....(probably because of the female lead, who is described as being buxom, insanely hot) although, she comes off as a 'racist bitch'...but turns out to be missing her

Spoiler: spoiler

Vulcan lover, who died on a vessel

...

One of the many books I am looking forward to reading--time permitting with less distractions--I am looking forward to reading 'Death's Angel'....

 

[Steve Roby]

One of my least favourite Bantam Trek novels, thanks to the lazy/cutesy alien design and naming. And the soap operaness.

 

[Nerdius Maximus]

I'd probably love "Death's Angel" if I read it today, but I was very disappointed when it first came out. I was taking my newfound ST very seriously, and the comedy elements and silly names annoyed me.

Several of my friends loved it, and one made this parade-winning Si-s-s-s-(click) costume - which is still stored at my place after he emigrated to the UK.

How delightfully obscure! Awesome. It's funny, that's exactly how I pictured him.