IDIC EPIDEMIC (CLASSIC STAR TREK 38) [Mass Market Paperback]

Jean Lorrah (Author)

Book Description

Series: Star Trek | Publication Date: January 2, 1990

I.D.I.C., Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination, is more than just a simple credo, it is the cornerstone of Vulcan philosophy.

Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is being put to its sternest test. For here, on a planet where Vulcan, Human, Klingon, and countless other races live and work side by side, a deadly plague has sprung up. A plague whose origins are somehow rooted in the concept of I.D.I.C. itself. A plague that threatens to tear down that centuries-old maxim and replace it with an even older concept, interstellar war.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Star Trek (January 2, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067170768X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671707682
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,709,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Promising concept and characters, July 30, 2003

By 

FloydWaters - See all my reviews

This review is from: The IDIC Epidemic (Star Trek, Book 38) (Mass Market Paperback)

Even though I had not yet read The Vulcan Academy Murders, I still found this novel quite enjoyable. It does touch upon an issue that can sometimes be difficult, especially in America--that of race and diversity, addressing both the benefits and challenges in allegorical form. However, despite the threat presented by the "IDIC Epidemic" as it was branded by the narrowminded Sendet, it is also the same IDIC principle that helps the characters work towards solving the dilemma. Many of the examples provided in the book seem very "real"--things you actually see in 21st Century society, all the way from the openly bigoted Followers of T'Vet, to the ones who fume silently...and to those who work diligently to bridge the gap. Sometimes the "accuracy" of the characterizations can be a bit unnerving, but I think that's actually a sign of the author's success.

In particular I was drawn to the characterizations of Korsal Katasai and family. I'd barely gone past page 10 before discovering that I already cared what happened to him. Korsal is a particularly well-developed character. He is a reminder of why one must not be too quick to prejudge. He has the Klingon upbringing, and many of their strengths and weaknesses, but at the same time he is also very much his own person--someone who forces the Enterprise crew to look beyond stereotypes and judge him on his individual merits. It is the same among the Vulcans portrayed here--from the accepting T'Mir and Spock, to the narrowminded Sendet, Ms. Lorrah does not allow one to forget that even a group with bonds of culture and blood is ultimately comprised of *individuals*.

Do be warned--don't expect the kind of melodic, graceful prose you'd find in a Diane Duane novel, the author I consider to be the premier writer of the series. At times the style of writing in this novel appears slightly amateurish, such as an annoying overuse of the exclamation point in places one does not normally see in narrative prose, or rather choppy, short paragraphs. The writing style is the factor that precludes The IDIC Epidemic from reaching a 5-star rating. However, this novel IS entertaining, thought-provoking, and well worth the reader's time, so I still give it a good recommendation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Star Trek books, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: IDIC EPIDEMIC (CLASSIC STAR TREK 38) (Mass Market Paperback)

The IDIC Epidemic is the sequel to The Vulcan Academy murders, but you don't need to have read the first to enjoy the second (though the first is just as good-- go check it out!) The characters, both from the series and original, are made well-developed and appealing, and the plot is involving and exciting. The book is extremely well-written and would stand on its own as a good sci-fi story without the Star Trek name. Read it, you'll love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, February 3, 2007

By 

Jeanne Tassotto (Trapped in the Midwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: IDIC EPIDEMIC (CLASSIC STAR TREK 38) (Mass Market Paperback)

IDIC EPIDEMIC follows the events of THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS by a few weeks. Most of the characters from that novel are present in this one but it would be quite possible to read and enjoy them out of sequence.

As the Enterprise was enroute to another mission they were diverted to an medical emergency on a Vulcan colony. The colony was set up as a scientific research facility, one reflecting the Vulcan concept of IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. The colony's population included all members of the Federation and even a few citizens of non-Federation worlds. A flu-like illness had struck the peaceful colony, a nuisance at first but soon the disease had mutated into a highly contagious and deadly form. The medical facilities were overwhelmed and despite all precautions the epidemic contined to spread. The Enterprise soon discovered that they had problems on board as well problems in the planet surface.

The story is well written, the plot compelling and the characters engaging. This is one of the best entries in this series, and a definite 'must read' for anyone who enjoyed THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS.