Pick an author

[KRAD]

I think what Diane did in her books was portray the Enterprise as we saw it in the first half of season one of TOS: a place where Rand cracks wise about using phasers to heat coffee, where Sulu cares for plants that look like gloves, where Uhura sings a song that makes fun of Spock in the mess hall with Spock himself accompanying her on the ka'athyra, where Kirk jokes with the guys in the gym, where Sulu gives Bailey shit about trying to trade barbs with Spock, and so on.

 

[Christopher]

I can understand the perception that Duane's TOS crew is a bit idealized, maybe seen through a fan's rose-colored glasses. But it kinda works for me, especially in The Wounded Sky. To me, that book is Star Trek as epic mythology -- a pantheon of idealized archetypes on an existential cosmic quest.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I can understand the perception that Duane's TOS crew is a bit idealized, maybe seen through a fan's rose-colored glasses. But it kinda works for me, especially in The Wounded Sky. To me, that book is Star Trek as epic mythology -- a pantheon of idealized archetypes on an existential cosmic quest.

"Epic mythology" is how I'd describe a LOT of what Duane writes, both Trek and non-Trek. In particular the passion-play theme appears a LOT. Relationships and philosophical matters her bread and butter, coupled with a very lyrical style of description. (Sounds ponderous? Yet it really isn't...only if all you usually read is a very clippy, comic-book style, I suppose.)

I'm also hooked to her Young Wizards series, and to those who liked The Wounded Sky--I don't care how old you are...get the Young Wizards series!!! Not only is the story in itself cool, but there are some neat little references in there you'll get if you've read her Trek books.

 

[Kirk1980]

No joy for Peter David?

His books have always struck me as a parody of Trek, not the real thing. It's like someone took Trek and Monty Python and crossed them together. I'm sure that's fine to some people, but to me it just fails in the "authenticity" department.

Hm, that may be.... but he does certainly capture the tone of the more light-hearted stuff perfectly. His characters always seem in character. To me, anyway

 

[Kirk1980]

And thanks for the kind reply, KRAD. Hopefully the local library's got some of those in stock. The big bookstore around here has maybe... a shelf or two devoted to Star Trek.

Such a far cry from the day where two whole bookcases were needed....sigh!

Any other authors here want to recommend any of their books to me, I'll be glad to check them out and thanks in advance!

PS: KRAD, your site hopefully will get updated soon! The books you recommended are still noted as coming soon!

 

[JWolf]

Where's the KRAD list of the top then best Star Trek authors?