Customer Reviews

IDIC EPIDEMIC (CLASSIC STAR TREK 38)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This is an extremely well-written and thought-provoking novel -- one of the best in the Star Trek series. Characters are nicely developed, plot lines are intriguing, and everything fits in nicely with the established Star Trek universe. The novel is partly a morality play, but it never gets preachy. Occasionally author Jean Lorrah is unable to sustain interest among her multiple plot lines, but "The IDIC Epidemic" is still an entertaining read.

This is the follow up and it is good. Spock, Sarek and Amanda are brought together here. Their bond grows tighter, as they find that children of mixed heritage are more likely to get a plague that will kill them. This novel brings together many greats to battle the plague on Nisus. It is refreshing that at the end the Klingons are not the enemies. This book is good for all fans of Classic Trek.

The IDIC Epidemic is a fast paced book that goes into a genre that most Star Trek books do not, that of the medical thriller. The crew of the Enterprise is tasked with helping a science colony come up with a cure to a plague that kills at an alarming rate. What is unique about this story is that Kirk and the rest of the enterprise crew are not central to the story. Instead the author uses characters from a previous novel The Vulcan Academy Murders to drive the story along. Even if you have not read the first book however you will still find this one highly entertaining. If there can be one criticism of the book it is that one of the subplots does not really add to the story and seem a little tacked on. This book is a entertaining read that I recommend.

It's good to see the characters introduced in "The Vulcan Academy Murders" again, plus new characters just as fascinating who I hope we'll see more of in a future book. "Vulcan Academy Murders" was a good book; this one is much better. I suspect Ms. Lorrah is improving with experience. The basic concept is good, the pacing of the plot is excellent, the characterizations are wonderful; all in all, this book is a delight for anyone even remotely fond of Star Trek. Even those indifferent to Star Trek should enjoy it.

I.D.I.C.--Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination. That has always been the heart of Vulcan ideals. But will it stay that way?

The planet Nisus has 11 humaniod species living & working together, and in some cases, married. It also has a deadly plague. And the only ones that appear immune to it are the sole Klingons living there. Is this a plot, a test of a new biological warfare weapon by the Klingons?

The Enterprise is sent to investitgate, with Spock's parents, Daniel Corrigan & T'Mir, his Vulcan wife, & Sorel, her father (characters from The Vulcan Academy Murders) on board. As Corrigan, T'Mir, Sorel, & McCoy try despartely to find a cure, the story starts revolving around a young Vulcan woman who has been adopted by a Vulcan family. T'Pina's natural parents are unknow, and on a planet full of diverse species, this story comes into it's own as to why T'Pina may become their best and only hope.

A good read for Star Trek fans

This is a creative book. Recently a similiar premise is used in a series of Trek books called: Double Helix.