Customer Reviews

The Patrian Transgression (Star Trek, Book 69)

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

 

 

The plot in its most basic description is an Original Series staple: the Enterprise is called in to negotiate with one of two warring factions, which the crew end up caught between, and with a Federation ambassador who is more of a hindrance than a help. In this case, the faction that has called in the Federation is the planetary government, and they seek help against rebels. The Enterprise crew quickly learns that the actions of the government are fairly questionable and the opposition of the rebels quite possibly justified. Overall, the book is a combination of investigation and action, mostly on the planet but with one space battle. The writing is good but never really impressive. The characters are well depicted, but not particularly distinctive and the interaction between them somewhat generic. Overall, the story is entertaining, but almost nothing in the book really stands out - apart from the depiction of the government's quite literal "thought police". That was well done, though disturbing.

The idea of a planet with artificially created mind police to perform law enforcement is quite orginal. Question: Doesn't the Patrian dude on the cover resemble Ted Kennedy, who played Ruk in "What are Little Girls Made Of" in TOS (he also played Lurch in The Addams Family sitcom)? I also liked that sport of fighting people with a staff by jumping from square to square. Involving Kirk in the game was an original way of talking to him while fighting with him.

The story line of telepathic cops was pretty interesting, but the execution of the overall story line was very slow and lacking. I could easily put this book down and found it hard to finish the book in favor of starting a whole new book. It wasn't much of a mystery, I could tell you who the bad guy was from the beginning, but I read it more for the characters. Not a lot of interaction between the main characters, and I thought McCoy was out of character throughout the entire book, but it was alright.

This book is really a 3.5 but that's not an option. Okay to pick up, but definitely not my favorite.

I highly recommend this one, the plot is really good, the characters are true to form, even the subtle humor or McCoy and Scotty are dead on! There is plenty of action, and creative thought in this novel. And there are several subplots and little mysteries that will really engage you. I don't like giving plot details or spoilers, but I will say the character Iano who is introduced to the away team is unforgettable! It's action, and good character, a fun read!

The Enterprise has been sent to Partria I on a diplomatic mission. The Patrians have reached the level of development required to be considered for membership into the Federation. The diplomat in charge of the mission is a former classmate of Kirk's, one who decided that the diplomatic service was more to his liking than Starfleet. Once the Federation team of Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the two diplomats arrive at Patria I they discover that there is a strong rebel faction attempting to overthrow the local government, a faction that appears to be getting military aid from the Klingons. Further investigation into the matter uncovers even more secrets that the Patrians have been hiding.

This is not a particularly bad novel, nor is it an especially good one. It is formulistic, Kirk meets an old friend who is involved in the current mission, the mission becomes more complicated, one or more Enterpise crew members are in peril, the Enterprise comes under attack, there is a romance. Anyone who has seen more than a dozen of the episodes or read that many of the novels has seen it before. Even the surprise twists have been done before. On the plus side, the Hawke has gotten the characters right, for the most part. A dedicated fan will probably discover a few spots that disagree with the canon of the original series and earlier novels. Overall if this book happens to come your way it is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours but it is not one that needs to be sought out.

It was a close call as to whether to rate this book 3 stars or 4; it wasn't particularly exceptional, although it was competent and entertaining. Ultimately, the fact that it was entertaining was enough to push it to four stars, but only just; there was nothing particularly extraordinary here, but it was a perfectly adequate Star Trek story, well told and well-written.

I received the book on 12-18-08 and it was in excellent condition.

David.

Thought police and Kirk do not mix. Sets a lively tone for the story.

See if you can find the errors on pages 14, 100, 146, 157, 164, 225, and 267.