In terms of quality writing that could stand up against some of the best episodes of West Wing, Articles of the Federation does not disappoint. The au...moreIn terms of quality writing that could stand up against some of the best episodes of West Wing, Articles of the Federation does not disappoint. The author has created a very believable and compelling cast of characters which presides over the Federation and the interaction between the President and her Chief of Staff, and the Chief of Staff and everyone else is especially strong. This story covers pretty much the entire gamut of things that a president (and her staff) would encounter in a year: crisis, brink of war, scandal, conflict, resignations, negotiations and pretty much everything in between. This book achieves a nice balance and despite being very light on typical Sci-Fi type action, and paints a picture of what it would be like behind the scenes if a person of integrity were faced with the decisions that the President has to make.
The dialog is probably the best, most believable and compelling dialog I've read in a Trek book to date and went a long ways to keeping my interested in how the story even when I didn't necessarily care about the situation or the players involved. It's creative in how it frames these conversations sometimes as a news-feed where we're watching the events unfold from a college dorm room, sometimes as historical documents being read from far in the future and often write inside the "oval office" itself. The book also helps one appreciate what it must be like to be a position of power like that and be faced with the tough decisions and even though the situations rarely work out like they had hoped, they push on to achieve the best balance possible.
All in all, it makes for some pretty interesting and compelling story telling most of the time which was more thought provoking than I would have guessed going into it. In fact, I suppose if I were more politically minded and cared about what goes on behind the scenes of a govt., I would have even found this book to be a brilliant novel. However, for a jaded person like myself who thinks very lowly of his own govt. and most of the people in power, it was difficult for me from time to time to stay plugged into the story. So, while I found the writer very good and often compelling, there are times when I wasn't as engaged in the story or the discussions that were going on because I just didn't care at times about the players involved or the outcome. This isn't an indictment of the writing, however, just an indication as to where my own interest lay.
I will say that this story adds a whole new dimension of realism to the Star Trek Universe as it fleshes out an aspect of that universe that was previously occupied by rather 1 dimensional and somewhat pointless figureheads up until now. The author has created a president who is both wise and compassionate and yet tough and knows how to fight her battles well. If only America had anywhere near as good a president in the last 20 years as her............
All in all I found this to be a high quality book that for many people would probably rate 5/5 stars, but for me personally didn't hold my interest all the time, but enough that I enjoyed the book and would gladly read another by the author. (less)
Well, this has to be one of the best written books that I didn't really like in a lot of places. This is a very well told story with intelligent, enga...moreWell, this has to be one of the best written books that I didn't really like in a lot of places. This is a very well told story with intelligent, engaging dialogue (in fact, some of the best dialogue I've read in a Trek book to date) that should give one pause and consider how tolerant a person they really are towards others and the story is competently handled as well.
The problem here, which might just be me, is that I really didn't need the lion's share of a Sci-Fi fiction book to serve as catalyst for personal growth in the area of tolerance among diversity. This book, and the Titan series in general, continually bludgeons me over and over and over with how diverse the crew - and life in general in that galaxy. Don't get me wrong, I agree and the topic is treated fairly and intelligently and the discussions and stories in the books are well done. Problem is, it's more of a distraction than it should be and I'm really just looking for a little Sci-Fi escapism and a bit more fun in the Trek books I read. Intelligent fun to be sure, but still, fun.
That's my biggest beef with the book, really.....not much really happens. At 50% of the way through the book it was largely set up and a lot of discussions with just a couple important scenes of any substantive action. It picks up a bit in the last half, but it's still largely intellectual and not enough mystery, action, suspense of the other elements that made for some classic Trek.
So, bottom line, I rate it 3.5/5 stars because I recognize this is quality, intelligent writing....I just wish the balance that's so often talked about in the book could have been achieved with other elements in the story. Beyond that, I did like the author and have hopes that his next novel will achieve a bit better balance. (less)
So, 2 parts "Best of Both Worlds", 2 parts "First Contact", 1 so-so story = been there, done that, but mo...moreI'd rate this at about 2 1/2 stars...........
So, 2 parts "Best of Both Worlds", 2 parts "First Contact", 1 so-so story = been there, done that, but moderately enjoyable at times, mostly early on in the story before it deteriorates into a bit of a mess. This book started out relatively decently despite the overuse of the Borg in modern day trek and in fact, up until the very middle of the book seemed liked it was going to overcome those obstacles and serve up a relatively interesting story, However, then some pretty mind-boggling decisions in the story were made and for the most part it just fell apart into fairly nonsensical and illogical or predictable story telling that left me unimpressed and wondering why revisit almost the same story lines that have already been done so many times before?
That's not's to say that there aren't some redeeming parts of the book.....it did start out well until about chapter 8 and I did like the new Vulcan counselor as well as dealing with Worfs' past with Jadzia and I liked how this sets up Picard's new crew after Riker/Troi leave to take the Titan on. Still, there wasn't enough of substance that I enjoyed and that didn't feel like rehash to make the story a quality addition to Trek lore.
So, all in all, a sub-par effort largely undercut by implausible choices, predictable outcomes and a mediocre narrative made worse by rehashing one of Trek's most overused villains to date. (less)
Loading...
