Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Thread

[Defcon]

The Klingon Art of War by Keith R.A. DeCandido

Blurb:
Passed down from the time of Kahless,ten precepts have shaped Klingon culture andindoctrinated Klingons in the Way of the Warrior. With this new translation, people from all walks of life—and all worlds—can harness the ancient Klingon wisdom and learn to embody courage, discipline, and honor.

• Choose your enemies well.

• Strike quickly or strike not.

• Always face your enemy.

• Seek adversity.

• Reveal your true self in combat.

• Destroy weakness.

• Leave nothing until tomorrow.

• Choose death over chains.

• Die standing up.

• Guard honor above all.

You can see some preview pages from the book here.

​

 

[David Mack]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

Technically, The Klingon Art of War is prose; in some parts it's even fictional narrative — it's just not a novel.

This nitpick brought to you by your friendly neighborhood pedant. *bows*

 

[Defcon]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

Well, I tried to avoid non-fiction, as a it most certainly is a work of fiction. Guess I always had a wrong defintion of prose in my head.

Can't change it anymore, so Trampledamage will have to change it to Non-novel (?) I guess.

ETA: BTW Cross Cult revealed an hour or so ago, that they'll publish a German version of this in November.

 

[Deranged Nasat]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

It was very satisfying to have some KRAD back in the Trek lit diet. KRAD was never spectacular, but he was always solid - I looked forward to his continuity-rich, enjoyably-written entries, and I've been missing him. Having his familiar style back for The Klingon Art of War was welcome. It was like slipping back into something comfortable.

In fact, this book was like old friends week in more ways than one. The story of K'Zinn on Pheben III (and reference to Tabona), the gin'tak and his lady wandering the empire in search of the murderers of their patriarch (I forget their names), Kravokh and Ditagh, the House of K'Tal, the city of Krennla and its opera house, Ch'gran and Raknal V... all references to the established bank of Trek Lit lore, made fresh again, or placed in new and interesting cultural contexts. Of course, in a sense this book is a "best of" for KRAD's take on the Klingon culture, which is essential to the current backbone of the race as they appear in the novels. I enjoyed K'Ratak's voice and the nature of his commentaries, and there was plenty of "new" to balance the references to stories we already knew.

It may not be a novel, but really, it might as well be. If you've read the modern novels and particularly KRAD's Klingon books, you really should treat this as another entry, since it's written from in-universe viewpoints entirely. Since it makes reference to 2383 as the past, along with mention of the Typhon Pact, it's clearly set around about the leading edge of the timeline - I've slotted it into my personal re-read/re-watch timeline just after The Fall.

Nothing amazing or groundbreaking, but very enjoyable, and almost a relief after this disturbingly KRAD-less period.

(KRADless is not to be confused with Kahless).

 

[Markonian]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

This is an awesome book! I'm not particularly into reference works but this one is written so quasi-prose-style, almost like a short story collection. The icing on the cake is the strong connection to TrekLit.

On a continuity note, I've come across two references to 2160s events so far, so I'm curious whether that will be picked up on any of the future Rise of the Federation novels.

 

[Christopher]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

On a continuity note, I've come across two references to 2160s events so far, so I'm curious whether that will be picked up on any of the future Rise of the Federation novels.

This is the first I've heard about it. What events?

 

[Deranged Nasat]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

On a continuity note, I've come across two references to 2160s events so far, so I'm curious whether that will be picked up on any of the future Rise of the Federation novels.

This is the first I've heard about it. What events?

The first involves the death of Chancellor M'Rek, who kicks the bucket shortly after the Earth-Romulan War, having been hastened on his way by a son of Antaak armed with a viral weapon. A Denobulan doctor (apparently just a Denobulan doctor, I don't think we're meant to assume it's Phlox...) performed an autopsy, presumably because Klingons know they're useless at that sort of thing.

The second involves a Klingon attempt to launch a campaign against the nascent Starfleet, which falls to pieces when a captured Klingon captain behaves more reasonably than honourably and gives away their planned location of attack.

 

[Stevil2001]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

I'm disappointed to learn that "Non-Prose" doesn't mean The Klingon Art of War is written in verse.

 

[Masiral]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

I haven't started reading this yet, but I like how much content there is. I expected this to be a much shorter book, so I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[trampledamage]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

Well, I tried to avoid non-fiction, as a it most certainly is a work of fiction. Guess I always had a wrong defintion of prose in my head.

Can't change it anymore, so Trampledamage will have to change it to Non-novel (?) I guess.

Job done

The instinct to call it non-fiction is very strong

 

[KRAD]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

I like "non-novel." May need to start using that.....

 

[KRAD]

Re: Non-Prose: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

A Denobulan doctor (apparently just a Denobulan doctor, I don't think we're meant to assume it's Phlox...) performed an autopsy, presumably because Klingons know they're useless at that sort of thing.

You may assume whatever you want. Keep in mind that when K'Ratak discusses K'mpec's assassination, Picard is simply (and only) referred to in a parenthetical as "a human from the Federation," and that's it. Non-Klingons don't deserve the honor of being named.

So sure, assume it's Phlox. Or don't, I'm cool either way.

 

[Christopher]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

What are the years given, if any, for those 2160s events?

 

[Markonian]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

What are the years given, if any, for those 2160s events?

SPOILER!
Third Precept: K'ratak's commentary

Spoiler: Chancellor M'Rek

Chancellor M'Rek faces turmoil during the Earth-Romulan War. Other councillors plot against him for a) taking a stand in the war, and b) the QuchHa' issue.

The council is "sundered" when the war ends. Thre are factions with disagreements but all of them dislike M'Rek. "Shortly after" he becomes ill. There's an Arbiter of Succession and the Denobulan doctor determines in the autopsy that M'Rek was killed.

Eighth Precept: K'ratak's Commentary

Spoiler: Battle of Ardan IV

"The Federation had only just formed". Its founding is a black day for the Empire. To prevent its expansion into territory desired by the Empire, a surprise attack on a Federation relay is to be the start of an "all-out campaign against Starfleet".

The surprise attack fails. Captain Worik cowardly saves his crew. They commit suicide upon return for their dishonor. Worik is interrogated and Starfleet Intelligence learns much.

During the battle, all three Federation ships are lost: one is destroyed in battle, two more plunge themselves into Ardan IV to a) prevent their capture and interrogation, and b) to render Ardan IV uninhabitable and thus useless for the Klingons.

(I'd think ecocide is morally reprehensible in most circumstances? The loss of a unique ecosphere! Call me sentimental, but it's sad.)

 

[rfmcdpei]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

Ardan Ivc doesn't seem to have been too badly damaged. Memory Beta describes the world as one that was conquered by the Klingons in 2223 via a sneak attack. (LUG's Time Travel Sourcebook is the source.)

 

[Enterpriserules]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

We talked to KRAD about this new book on Literary Treks, enjoy!

 

[Sci]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

What are the years given, if any, for those 2160s events?

SPOILER!
Third Precept: K'ratak's commentary

Spoiler: Chancellor M'Rek

Chancellor M'Rek faces turmoil during the Earth-Romulan War. Other councillors plot against him for a) taking a stand in the war, and b) the QuchHa' issue.

The council is "sundered" when the war ends. Thre are factions with disagreements but all of them dislike M'Rek. "Shortly after" he becomes ill. There's an Arbiter of Succession and the Denobulan doctor determines in the autopsy that M'Rek was killed.

Eighth Precept: K'ratak's Commentary

Spoiler: Battle of Ardan IV

"The Federation had only just formed". Its founding is a black day for the Empire. To prevent its expansion into territory desired by the Empire, a surprise attack on a Federation relay is to be the start of an "all-out campaign against Starfleet".

The surprise attack fails. Captain Worik cowardly saves his crew. They commit suicide upon return for their dishonor. Worik is interrogated and Starfleet Intelligence learns much.

During the battle, all three Federation ships are lost: one is destroyed in battle, two more plunge themselves into Ardan IV to a) prevent their capture and interrogation, and b) to render Ardan IV uninhabitable and thus useless for the Klingons.

(I'd think ecocide is morally reprehensible in most circumstances? The loss of a unique ecosphere! Call me sentimental, but it's sad.)

Sounds like the timing is vague enough that it could all happen several years after the current RotF timeframe (late 2164).

 

[Markonian]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

When I read the precept about showing one's face to the enemy, I kept thinking that following that line strictly would mean that cloaking devices are inherently dishonorable. After all, the Klingons use them precisely for such attacks were the victim is caught by surprise.

 

[Deranged Nasat]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

When I read the precept about showing one's face to the enemy, I kept thinking that following that line strictly would mean that cloaking devices are inherently dishonorable. After all, the Klingons use them precisely for such attacks were the victim is caught by surprise.

Many would hold that honourable standards apply only when opposing those who are themselves honourable, and that the weak, cowardly or immoral don't deserve to be viewed as worthy opponents, hence the most honourable thing is victory. If you cloak to gain advantage over pirates, or Kreel raiders, or Jem'Hadar legions, or Kinshaya, or weakling Earthers, or any others who stand as an affront to honour, then it is no dishonour of yours.

Personally, I imagine it's only the zealots who take Kahless' supposed definitions of honour all that seriously. They're often philosophically or spiritually abstract, whereas I imagine most Klingons are more concerned with practical matters of honour as it relates to managing politics or battle.

Or, to put it another way - there's always an excuse when you really want something. And Klingons want to win. And Klingons are honourable, and winning is honourable. So whatever Klingons do to win is honourable. You wouldn't understand - you're not a Klingon. You're not honourable.

 

[Markonian]

Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa

<snip>

<snip>

While I understand your reasoning, the qeS'a makes it abundantly clear that Klingons have to behave honorable continuously, in every situation and regardless of who's involved. When Mizaria is conquered by a Klingon captain, she doesn't bombard the surface because the Mizarians surrender immediately, which she despises. But she doesn't answer their 'dishonorable' behavior by discarding honor herself. Other examples, perhaps better suited at driving home this point, involve the honorable treatment of Romulans.