The Eugenics Wars Vol. 2: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh (Star Trek) (Hardcover)

~ Greg Cox (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"A strange, violent period in your history." -- Spock

Many unanswered questions remain about the terrible Eugenics Wars that raged on Earth during the 1990s, an apocalyptic conflict that brought civilization to the brink of a new dark age. Centuries later, as Capt. James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise™ are forced to defend a colony of genetically enhanced humans against Klingon aggression and sabotage, Kirk must probe deeper into the past -- and into the glory days of one of the greatest adversaries he has ever faced.

1992. Almost twenty years ago, Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln, undercover operatives for an unknown alien civilization, failed to prevent the Chrysalis Project from creating an entire generation of supermen and women, genetically engineered to be stronger, smarter, and more resourceful than ordinary human beings. Now, at last, the children of Chrysalis have grown to adulthood, and are rapidly demonstrating that superior abilities spawn superior ambition.

Perhaps the most formidable of this new breed of supermen is the charismatic Khan Noonien Singh. Working behind the scenes of history as head of a vast global conspiracy, Khan's power soon stretches across a quarter of the planet, but that is only the beginning of his grand design. Determined to unite humanity beneath the enlightened rule of a genetic elite, Khan dreams of leading his fellow superhumans to complete and total domination of the world.

But several of his gene-engineered brothers and sisters have equally grandiose visions for the future, visions that recognize no one but themselves as supreme ruler. Gary Seven and Roberta watch in horror as the children of Chrysalis wage a covert war against one another, threatening the safety of millions and the future of the entire world!

The Eugenics Wars: Volume Two is an earth-shattering thriller that reveals the secret history of the twentieth century -- and the ultimate destiny of the tyrant known as Khan.

About the Author

Greg Cox, author of The Eugenics Wars: Volume One, also wrote the bestselling Q Continuum trilogy, as well as such popular Star Trek® novels as Assignment: Eternity, The Black Shore, Devil in the Sky (with John Gregory Betancourt), and Dragon's Honor (with Kij Johnson). Greg is also the author of Roswell™: Loose Ends, and his short fiction has appeared in several anthologies, including Star Trek: Enterprise Logs and The Further Adventures of Xena: Warrior Princess. He lives in New York City.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 338 pages
• Publisher: Star Trek; First edition. edition (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743406435
• ISBN-13: 978-0743406437
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #780,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #41 in

  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Cox, Greg

• This is item 2 in The Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Definitely the lesser of the series, August 21, 2002

By	David E. Nedrow Jr. (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a firm believer that the only real Star Trek is the original series, so I was really excited about this series and bought the first volume the day it was released. Due to some issues I had with the first book, I wasn't as keen on buying this one right away, but I did anyway. So much for voting with my wallet. <G>

There is the same pointless bookending with Kirk and crew from the first volume that frankly could have been dropped all together.

The setup for the Eugenics Wars by Greg Cox was well thought out and believable (within the context of Star Trek). The use of Gary Seven was a very good idea and Cox does a good job with his characterizations of both Mr. Seven and his agent Roberta.

The major failing with the book is that, inexplicably, there are a number of references to characters that weren't created until TNG/DS9/Voyager, etc., are introduced. This was terribly distracting, though I expected it after the experience with the first book in the series.

Even worse, the author decided that we couldn't possibly differentiate between reality and science fiction and tried to hide the events of the Eugenics Wars in our modern milieu. So everything just kind of peters out, leaving one to wonder how, if the Eugenics Wars (was there a war somewhere I missed) were as non-impacting as shown here, there was even a record left for Kirk's time period.

Very disappointing.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Assignment Earth: The Eugenics Wars, May 4, 2002

By	Bill Lutz (Phoenixville, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Lets make this very clear: this is a Star Trek novel. Like most Trek novels, one does have to have some familarity with the characters and concept. So, when talking about this novel, let's keep it within the context it's about. It's Star Trek, and like many others, I have a fondness for Star Trek.
Based upon both the classic television series and the second Star Trek movie, the novel tells the continuing tales of Gary Seven, Roberta Lincoln, and the rise of the tyrant Kahn in the late 20th century.
The story flows smoothly, keeping the consistant development of the characters from which have known and are used too. It does whallop you with cameos from every series ('Enterprise' inculded) but that just for excessive continuity. It continues the tale of Kahn, how he took over one quarter of the planet, and lost his empire to his and other own egos. (You don't ahve to be superhuman to have an excessive ego.) Hey, its fun. It is interesting to see that Eugenics Wars were conducted covertly, and although I was not surprised with the way Kahn was portrayed, although at one monemt in the passages, Kahn did seem concerned about humanity, briefly. I was both interested and annoyed with the development of his super brothers and sisters. The Romainan butcher was acceptable, the yankee superman was stretched, but the Amazon women was pushed too far.(Someone's DNA molecule was dropped one too many times while gestating). I think, as the story flowed, we learned a great deal about Kahn and why he did (and the author stayed witin character. See the portaryal of Kahn by the actor in the episode 'Space Seed'. NOT The Wrath of Kahn.) what he did but we also saw what happened to two other characters we liked as well. While Gary Seven and Roberta were not played out a two diemnsional cartoons, I would have liked to have more development with them. They were there as the protagonists against Kahn's antagonist / rebellious protagonist. I was intriguied by the way the story unfolded. I already knew Kahn fled Earth. I liked learning how it happened.
To that, the author doesn't disappoint.
Isis was expected, I give it that, but I won't tell more as to ruin it for the reader. As a Star Trek novel, it fills the historical 'Trek' well. It is good reading, not cumbersome and overtly detailed, and the author handles the concept while blending in current events very well.
If you've read Book I, finish the tale with Book II. Its a fun, nicely written, action adventure tale with interesting characters. It fits well with the incredible amout of 'prequel' concepts we seem to be going through at this time. It's also interesting as the background or secondary story deals with Captain Kirk's crew in the 23rd century with 23rd cebtury supermen. And that stroy takes place BEFORE The Wrath Of Kahn.
Again, it Star Trek based; the author shows his like for the Star Trek mythos and in no way dishonors it. You can tell the author enjoys Star Trek.
And that's what a Trek novel should be, a fun, action paced adveture. Give it a shot, both Book I and Book II are really enjoyable and trek fans of all ages with appreciate it.
Maybe, we'll finally get more stories about Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln as well...

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, boring, often cringe-inducing, September 15, 2002

By	Squawky (Beaverton, OR United States) - See all my reviews

After a great start with Volume 1 of this series, this volume turned out to be a real disappointment. I loved the first volume so much that I ran right out and got the hardcover at full price. I must say I wish I had waited for a ... used copy at the Salvation Army.

What really ruins this version is Kahn. Where he was a complex and troubled character in Vol 1 (similar in many ways to Anakin Skywalker) he is now just a raving butthead. At times, his rants and posturing seem absolutely laughable. This guy controls 1/3 of the world? I wouldn't let this [man] rake my leaves, let alone run some shadowy government.

... At one point the line "like a poor marksman, he keeps missing the target" is used. Which is a direct quote from Shatner in Wrath of Kahn. When I read that line I cringed and thought: "oh come on, can't you think of anything more clever than that ...?"

I have high hopes that Volume 3 will improve as it is supposed to cover Kahn's time on Ceti Alpha 5.

Also, be prepared for some rather poor undercover work from Roberta and Gary 7. They seem to always drop their damn servo at the wrong moment.

If you're into this story, you're pretty much stuck reading this volume. But when you do, expect some rather lame characterizations, large plot holes, and rather tepid story telling.