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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent, charachter accurate, TNG novel, August 15, 2003
This review is from: Guises of the Mind (Star Trek The Next Generation, No 27) (Mass Market Paperback)
I was very plesantly surprised when I read this book. I've read more than my share of badly written TNG novels lately, and picked up this one from the library with a bit of trepidation, wondering if there were no more TNG books worth the time to read them. Fourtunatly, this was an excellent book. Dianna Troi is well portraied, and her empathic talents are streched to the limit in this mission. This book also has religion as a central theme for a change. As someone who is facinated by the study of various religions I found this to be a refreshing change, however I would have liked to see something a little less centered on catholicism and/or christianity. The religion of the people on the planet is also very similar to catholicism. The Enterprise is on a mission to take two members of the religious order "The Little Mothers" to a planet who has requested thier assistance and Picard is on a mission to bring a treaty to the planet for entrance into the Federation as the monarch heir is being corinated as the supreme leader of the planet. The Little Mothers care for orphans and unwanted children no matter what thier physical or mental condition. Thier being sent on this mission turns out to be an unexpected godsend for one of the little mothers who comes to term with a gift which she has always seen as a curse. However, there is something devious happening there which you should discover by reading on your own. This is a well written, enchanting story which is a great addition to the trek world.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A brave exploration of outer space and inner spirituality, November 4, 1998
This review is from: Guises of the Mind (Star Trek The Next Generation, No 27) (Mass Market Paperback)
Contrary to the previous review, this book was successful since it tackled the often awkward topic of religious belief with respect and sensitivity. There were two related sub-plots: Deanna's work with the telepathic nun, ultimately enriching the latter's spiritual life, and Data's search for religious truth, another angle in his quest to become more human. It was well written, and the "main" plot served as a good vehicle for the two sub plots.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ST-TNG: Guises of the Mind, June 29, 2003
This review is from: Guises of the Mind (Star Trek The Next Generation, No 27) (Mass Market Paperback)
Star Trek - The Next Generation: Guises of the Mind written by Rebecca Neason is an excellent change-of-pace novel where the isn't much action-adventure but there is a high quotient of intrigue making for an enjoyabe read. This book delves into some religion but it's only superficial. The main theme of this book is about the Crown Prince being kidnapped by his lost twin brother usurping to the planetary thrown of absolute.
There are two plots in this book the main plot is where Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Deanna Troi, and a nun Mother Veronica beam to the surface of Capulon IV to start final preparations to signing a treaty with the planet and the UFP. Also, to set-up the necessary facilities for the order of nuns to help the downtrodden and the young children. The second plot is where Data is trying to find his spiritual self as he asks his crew members for their spiritual beliefs as he trys to reconcile his existence.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns throughout the book to keep the reader's interest as this book is mainly written with Deanna Troi in mind and also Mother Veronica as they try to find out what is happening. Mother Veronica is telepathic and Deanna is trying to help the Mother to cope with her ability through Betazed techniques. As these two sense treachery and quile in the Prince they also sense a duality and try to get to the bottom of it.
I found this book to be an excellent change-of-pace to the norm of the TREK universe where the main characters are seeking truth and enlightenment to some pretty heavy questions. It is dealt with in an understandable mannor and the story doesn't stall but moves on. The intrigue level is high in the book as the Enterprise crew works to solve problems not generally dealt with in TREK.
This is a solid 5 star book but remember there is not a lot of action-adventure, but nonetheless, it is a very interesting story.
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