Dwellers in the Crucible (Star Trek, No 25) [Paperback]

Margaret W. Bonanno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1985

Dwellers in the Crucible (Star Trek, No 25)

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Star Trek; First Edition edition (September 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671603736
• ISBN-13: 978-0671603731
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,746,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of the star trek books, January 15, 1998

By 

carlaf "carlaf" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DWELLERS IN THE CRUCIBLE (CLASSIC STAR TREK 25) (Paperback)

I found this book to be absorbing;brutal at times. There were parts I found difficult to read. However, the growth of the friendship, the bond between the two women;the understanding of the word t'hy'la;the sacrifices they made for each other and the obvious parallels between the Spock and Kirk relationship are evident yet not handled in a heavy-handed manner. Truly believable. It was interesting to see a book which did not have the Enterprise crew as the main focus. It allowed for that which should exist in a books;a particular uncertainty as to outcome. This made the book even more interesting. However, that was before Paramount began its "guidelines" of what it would and would not accept. Happily, this marvelous book;a true expression of IDIC was written before this occured and can still be enjoyed. It introduced a wonderful new writer (at the time) Margaret Wander Bonanno. I highly recommend this book despite the difficulty in finding it. A caveat, however, there are scenes of violence and brutality which have made certain portions difficult to re-read. It's main message,however, is the importance of friendship in a brutal situation and the concept that love can transcend hatred and brutality. Perhaps, there is hope for us yet.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Star Trek novel I've ever read, October 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: DWELLERS IN THE CRUCIBLE (CLASSIC STAR TREK 25) (Paperback)

The two previous reviewers just about said it all, and I can't add much more than my endorsement of this book. I read this book for the first time when it was first released, and it has yet to be surpassed by any other Trek book I've read since. Like the previous reviewer pointed out, it was written before the writers' guidelines were established for Trek novels, and the result is an engaging, original story. I wish Pocket Books would throw out the formula guidelines and bring us more books like this one.

I also enjoyed Margaret's book co-authored with Nichelle Nichols, "Saturn's Child", and look forward to its upcoming sequel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An emotional rollercoaster ride!!!, April 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: DWELLERS IN THE CRUCIBLE (CLASSIC STAR TREK 25) (Paperback)

It is a shame that Dwellers in the Crucible is no longer in print. This novel is not only a fine Star Trek novel, it is an excellent piece of literary art. As is true for many of the first Star Trek novels, Dwellers was written before Paramount enfranchised Star Trek and issued content guidelines for the book series. Therefore it does not suffer from the "canned" and commercial feel typical of the more recent entries in this series.

Dwellers introduces two new characters, Cleante al-Faisal and T'Shael, students at the academy on Vulcan. This story explores their developing relationship, their relationships with their families, and the differences and similarities between human and Vulcan cultures. This story also deals with the trauma experienced by victims of violence. Cleante and T'Shael, as well as several other students, are kidnapped and tortured. As they experience personal horrors, their somewhat cool initial relationship changes--becoming deeper and stronger and altruistic.

While set in the Star Trek universe, this story easily stands on its own as a marvelous piece of literary art and should not be lightly brushed off as pulp fiction. Margaret Wander Bononno crafted an excellent tale that captures reader's heart and will set your emotions rocketing on a rollercoaster ride as you experience first-hand their nightmare of violence and the joys of their developing friendship.

Definitely worth hunting for in a used bookstore.