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Star Trek: The Original Series #38
The IDIC Epidemic
I.D.I.C -- Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination. More than just a simple credo, for those of the planet Vulcan it is the cornerstone of their philosophy.
Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is being 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 whose origins 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.
Intersellar War
Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is being 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 whose origins 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.
Intersellar War
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1988
71 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Jean Lorrah
65 books65 followersJean Lorrah is a science fiction and fantasy author. She has produced several Star Trek novels and often collaborated with Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Her most recent work with Lichtenberg is on the Sime - Gen Universe. Her fantasy series The Savage Empire, from the 1980s, is mostly solo work. She is also a professor of English at Murray State University and received her PhD from Florida State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 20, 2023
Jean Lorrah dares ask the question what would happen if diversity, the Federation's greatest strength, became its greatest liability, due to an epidemiological catastrophe? Also, what if there were a group of bitchy Vulcan exiles there to exploit it and some Klingons actually willing to help? Kudos to her for challenging stereotypes, though it felt at times ham-fisted as well as sappy, and involved some bending of established fact regarding Vulcans in particular.
August 14, 2019
A medical mystery story that has a meaningful resolution keeping with Star Trek's ideals and ethics. The IDIC concept has become central to what Star Trek is all about, and I enjoyed reading a story that ended up reinforcing that concept. I didn't enjoy the story as much as the novel it is a sequel to, The Vulcan Academy Murders, but I very much appreciate Jean Lorrah's singular take on the Star Trek universe and the optimism of her characters.
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2019/08/tos38...
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2019/08/tos38...
October 28, 2022
Soon after leaving on a mission to transport a group of Vulcan extremists into exile, the U.S.S. Enterprise is diverted to deal with a crisis. The Vulcan science colony on Nisus, host to species from throughout the Alpha Quadrant, is gripped by a deadly plague that defies treatment, undergoing frequent mutations into ever-more lethal forms. Upon their arrival, the crew finds itself wrestling with an emergency seemingly beyond even the formidable skills of the doctors brought in to treat the sick and find a cure. And after someone aboard the Enterprise violates quarantine rules, Captain James Kirk discovers that the plague has even reached his own starship, jeopardizing the lives of everyone on board as well.
The IDIC Epidemic was Jean Lorrah’s second contribution to the Pocket Books series of Star trek novels, and in many respects it is an improvement upon the first. Instead of writing a mystery as she tried to do in The Vulcan Academy Murders, Lorrah provides a story more focused on suspense, with the crew racing against time in order to deal with a pressing emergency. Yet while the men and women of the Enterprise all are seen playing various roles in dealing with the pandemic, contrary to the artwork on the book's cover Lorrah’s main focus is on her own original creations. Some of them are holdovers from her previous novel, and while Lorrah claims in the foreword that reading it isn’t a prerequisite to enjoying this book, the familiarity she expects her audience to have with them and their backgrounds suggests otherwise. When coupled with her less-than-convincing portrayal of the 23rd century’s precautions against spreading disease (which always seem to fail whenever it’s necessary to move along the plot), it makes for a novel that, while better than Lorrah’s previous work for the franchise still falls short of the best works in the series.
The IDIC Epidemic was Jean Lorrah’s second contribution to the Pocket Books series of Star trek novels, and in many respects it is an improvement upon the first. Instead of writing a mystery as she tried to do in The Vulcan Academy Murders, Lorrah provides a story more focused on suspense, with the crew racing against time in order to deal with a pressing emergency. Yet while the men and women of the Enterprise all are seen playing various roles in dealing with the pandemic, contrary to the artwork on the book's cover Lorrah’s main focus is on her own original creations. Some of them are holdovers from her previous novel, and while Lorrah claims in the foreword that reading it isn’t a prerequisite to enjoying this book, the familiarity she expects her audience to have with them and their backgrounds suggests otherwise. When coupled with her less-than-convincing portrayal of the 23rd century’s precautions against spreading disease (which always seem to fail whenever it’s necessary to move along the plot), it makes for a novel that, while better than Lorrah’s previous work for the franchise still falls short of the best works in the series.
March 27, 2013
A rather interesting novel and the sequel to The Vulcan Academy Murders. The biggest downside of this book is that the Star Trek regulars (Kirk, McCoy, Spock, etc), are firmly pushed to the side. However it is in service to the story--the inhabitants of the multicultural science colony of Nisus are well drawn out and do not seen to be "Mary Sue's". If we were able to spin Nisus off into it's own book (or trilogy or full series outright) that would be terrific, but I've never encountered them elsewhere and Jean Lorrah's other Star Trek books take place during The Next Generation era. A pity.
April 17, 2017
This one had its moments, but was overall a dud.
October 11, 2025
I didn't realise there had been a sequel to the Vulcan Academy murders so after I re-read that one I immediately bought this one. I did enjoy it but not as much as the first one. I fear Jean does not like to write Amanda as much as she loves Vulcans as she was sick in the first book and sick in this one too!
But it was nice apart from that. There was a half Klingon wearing glasses named Kevin! Whose dad had an Orion wife! The characters were lots of fun. And it was nice to have a woman as one of the POV characters as that doesn't happen often in the Star Trek novels I've been reading lately.
It did feel like they solved everything a bit too early and then had to have another adventure tagged on the end to make it the right length. But I did still enjoy it. I'm definitely going to keep reading old Star Trek books for awhile longer.
But it was nice apart from that. There was a half Klingon wearing glasses named Kevin! Whose dad had an Orion wife! The characters were lots of fun. And it was nice to have a woman as one of the POV characters as that doesn't happen often in the Star Trek novels I've been reading lately.
It did feel like they solved everything a bit too early and then had to have another adventure tagged on the end to make it the right length. But I did still enjoy it. I'm definitely going to keep reading old Star Trek books for awhile longer.
August 14, 2022
I did not have high hopes for this one... Indeed, I was dreading it a bit. It's the sequel to The Vulcan Academy Murders, which was an okay story, but built around a "mystery" with a solution so painfully obvious so early on in the text that the rest of the book was an eye-rolling read. I was afraid this would be more of the same.
But this book, despite being set only a few weeks after the end of the first, is better by far. There are several unknowns, but I wouldn't classify it as a "mystery" by any means — nor does it try to be — and the story flows extremely well. The title, incidentally, is quite apt.
There is a throwaway line toward the end of the book that beautifully explains the look of TOS-era Klingons vs the look of TNG-era Klingons, which is the earliest example of an attempt at an explanation that I've seen (1988). It was so quick and easy, taking up not even half a page, that all I could think was "I wish Discovery had done that". (No hate! I love Discovery, but it would have just been so easy to clarify this issue that it's painful to me that they didn't [at least not through season 4, anyway].)
There is also a respectable attempt to reconcile Spock and Sarek, following on from the previous book's scenes. It was brief, but I did enjoy their interactions.
The part of the plot that never really went anywhere was the group of exiled Vulcans that started the story. I would have liked them to either have a real point or to have been cut out of the story entirely. Instead, they spent most of the story inexplicably locked in a sensitive section of the ship, yet somehow not managing to cause any real trouble.
But I found the rest of the original characters pleasant to get to know, and mostly well fleshed out (with the exception of Beau, who popped up out of nowhere far too late and seemed forced into importance).
All in all, this one was a pleasant surprise, and showed real growth from the author. I'd happily recommend it to Star Trek fans.
But this book, despite being set only a few weeks after the end of the first, is better by far. There are several unknowns, but I wouldn't classify it as a "mystery" by any means — nor does it try to be — and the story flows extremely well. The title, incidentally, is quite apt.
There is a throwaway line toward the end of the book that beautifully explains the look of TOS-era Klingons vs the look of TNG-era Klingons, which is the earliest example of an attempt at an explanation that I've seen (1988). It was so quick and easy, taking up not even half a page, that all I could think was "I wish Discovery had done that". (No hate! I love Discovery, but it would have just been so easy to clarify this issue that it's painful to me that they didn't [at least not through season 4, anyway].)
There is also a respectable attempt to reconcile Spock and Sarek, following on from the previous book's scenes. It was brief, but I did enjoy their interactions.
The part of the plot that never really went anywhere was the group of exiled Vulcans that started the story. I would have liked them to either have a real point or to have been cut out of the story entirely. Instead, they spent most of the story inexplicably locked in a sensitive section of the ship, yet somehow not managing to cause any real trouble.
But I found the rest of the original characters pleasant to get to know, and mostly well fleshed out (with the exception of Beau, who popped up out of nowhere far too late and seemed forced into importance).
All in all, this one was a pleasant surprise, and showed real growth from the author. I'd happily recommend it to Star Trek fans.
December 22, 2017
STILL NOT AS GOOD AS The Vulcan Academy Murders. The original characters aren't as compelling. But certainly still one of the good ones.
I wonder how many times I read these as a kid. It's probably been fifteen years and I remembered a lot more than I would've expected.
I wonder how many times I read these as a kid. It's probably been fifteen years and I remembered a lot more than I would've expected.
February 4, 2024
A satisfying pulp franchise novel, from the era before streaming when even syndicated repeats weren't reliable and people were hungry for their favorite characters. There's nothing particularly memorable about this EXCEPT...in a post-2020 world, it seems truly as if someone took notes from this book. That's all I'll say on a social platform.
The one stumble at the end is an irksome deus ex twist that seems more borne out of running low on pages remaining and therefore a need to tie things up in a bow. Everything else resolves a bit more organically. If anything, I think it's just that there's one plotline too many and no one can bat a thousand on wrapping it all up with less than 300 pages.
And while Star Trek has always excelled in this niche, and Star Wars was able to duplicate that success for a time as well, there's nothing to recommend this to non-fans. You have to be a part of the target audience to want to read it. Not a bug, just a feature.
Lorrah's writing style is engaging and mostly clear. Nice way to soak in the TOS vibe.
The one stumble at the end is an irksome deus ex twist that seems more borne out of running low on pages remaining and therefore a need to tie things up in a bow. Everything else resolves a bit more organically. If anything, I think it's just that there's one plotline too many and no one can bat a thousand on wrapping it all up with less than 300 pages.
And while Star Trek has always excelled in this niche, and Star Wars was able to duplicate that success for a time as well, there's nothing to recommend this to non-fans. You have to be a part of the target audience to want to read it. Not a bug, just a feature.
Lorrah's writing style is engaging and mostly clear. Nice way to soak in the TOS vibe.
December 15, 2024
I dont know, somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars. A friend gave me this book a few years ago; I started it and then left it on my bookcase for a while. I finally finished it. A bit gimmicky and the wrap up is a bit weak. However, the idea of children of multi races (Planetary races) being excluded and the need to work together are good themes. BTW, really liked the possible explanation for Klingons looking more humanoid during the time of Kirk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
Epidemiology. A commentary on the challenges but ultimate value of our differences. Compound disasters. What more can a man ask for 🥹
January 7, 2024
Science colony Nisus consists of a multitude of species which now is subjected to a deadly virus which soon spreads to the Enterprise which is circling the planet.
An entertaining story, another re-read.
An entertaining story, another re-read.
March 25, 2021
A classic from the Pocket Star Trek series; I'd rate it 3.5 if given half-stars.
The story is pretty straightforward: A rapidly-mutating virus hits a planet settled by many species within the Federation and without (there are Orions and Klingons), where it attacks the core tenet of Vulcan and Federation diversity (IDIC, or Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination) as the disease becomes more dangerous when it infects fusions between the different species. The Enterprise is of course dispatched to provide assistance.
It's a fast read (I picked it up at night, read 2/3 of it, then finished it the next morning) like most of the Pocket books, clocking in under 300 pages. Lorrah builds on characters and events from her prior novel in the Pocket series, The Vulcan Academy Murders, as well as references to other Pocket Star Trek (e.g. aspects of Klingon culture from John Ford's fantastic The Final Reflection) and even Heinlein's road cities (via the multiple speed bands of moving sidewalks for public transportation).
Overall, the story is rather simple and straightforward for even a Star Trek novel, and there's not as much character development as we saw in Lorrah's Vulcan Academy Murders, but you typically don't read Star Trek fiction for character development. You read it because you've got old friends waiting for you there in the pages, and the IDIC Epidemic has plenty of that to go around.
The story is pretty straightforward: A rapidly-mutating virus hits a planet settled by many species within the Federation and without (there are Orions and Klingons), where it attacks the core tenet of Vulcan and Federation diversity (IDIC, or Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination) as the disease becomes more dangerous when it infects fusions between the different species. The Enterprise is of course dispatched to provide assistance.
It's a fast read (I picked it up at night, read 2/3 of it, then finished it the next morning) like most of the Pocket books, clocking in under 300 pages. Lorrah builds on characters and events from her prior novel in the Pocket series, The Vulcan Academy Murders, as well as references to other Pocket Star Trek (e.g. aspects of Klingon culture from John Ford's fantastic The Final Reflection) and even Heinlein's road cities (via the multiple speed bands of moving sidewalks for public transportation).
Overall, the story is rather simple and straightforward for even a Star Trek novel, and there's not as much character development as we saw in Lorrah's Vulcan Academy Murders, but you typically don't read Star Trek fiction for character development. You read it because you've got old friends waiting for you there in the pages, and the IDIC Epidemic has plenty of that to go around.
July 20, 2020
Appropriately titled, promise satisfied.
Gene Rodenberry captured much more than my imagination by exposing me to his version to one possible future. He did so by wrapping his vision of a most positive tomorrow - one I could dream of for my future generations - in the characters that lived in that visionary universe! For me, what truly matters in good fiction are those characters and Trek has always revealed the challenges of tomorrow not through the new tech or discoveries but by studying the people inventing and deciphering and living through those challenges.
This story is about the diverse peoples and how they prepare for, meet, and face future challenges despite or because of their diversity. The author had to imagine many different worldviews and cultures and then identify the problems inherent in different cultures facing similar crises. I cared for so many of the souls sharing in this potentially perilous situation that I forgot the black and white labels of who were the good guys and bad guys and judged conflict by conflict, individual by individual. Well done, I say, and thank you.
Gene Rodenberry captured much more than my imagination by exposing me to his version to one possible future. He did so by wrapping his vision of a most positive tomorrow - one I could dream of for my future generations - in the characters that lived in that visionary universe! For me, what truly matters in good fiction are those characters and Trek has always revealed the challenges of tomorrow not through the new tech or discoveries but by studying the people inventing and deciphering and living through those challenges.
This story is about the diverse peoples and how they prepare for, meet, and face future challenges despite or because of their diversity. The author had to imagine many different worldviews and cultures and then identify the problems inherent in different cultures facing similar crises. I cared for so many of the souls sharing in this potentially perilous situation that I forgot the black and white labels of who were the good guys and bad guys and judged conflict by conflict, individual by individual. Well done, I say, and thank you.
May 24, 2015
I didn't enjoy it as much as The Vulcan Academy Murders. It was too slow and boring at first but got better in the second half.
July 22, 2022
I ran across this book quite by chance while perusing the 10 cent shelf of the local Orange County library. I had no idea that by selecting this book from the others, I would be introduced to the wonderful ideology that Gene Roddenberry stood for -as well as the Star Trek universe.
I.D.I.C. stands for Infinite Diversity Infinite Combinations. And the concept is simple. Every single person on this earth is compromised of an infinite amount of diversity based on the infinite amount of combinations that make that person who they are. (Genetics, personality, intelligence and so forth). Now imagine that infinite diversity, those infinite combinations in other people. And those infinitely diverse people are walking around, interacting, experiencing and combining with other infinitely diverse people. And that's just the people on Earth. Think about the other planets that were being explored on Star Trek, the infinite diversity and infinite combinations that could be explored there.
I shan't ruin the story for anyone who wants to read it, but: one of my favorite parts about that universe was how there were so many bizarre and wonderful cultures existing out there in space, and the Enterprise crew was curious and celebrated the discovery of every single new world it came across. They weren't exploring the stars to prove they were superior, to stake their claim on other planets, but simply to explore, study and experience.
Now it is so easy to try and fit someone in a box. To label them as "the cashier at the store," "my bartender," "my neighbor." It's easy to forget that every single person you meet is just as infinitely diverse and complex as you are. And that you are surrounded by other infinitely diverse and complex people that are constantly interacting, constantly creating new combinations, new experiences because we are all unique individuals. But that is what we should celebrate ❤ And that is what IDIC is about.
Even though there was a chance of conflict, of interacting with a culture that was not friendly, the crew of every star ship still chose to explore, to be curious and keep learning. Because finding some place new, discovering a new culture and celebrating their diversity was infinitely more valuable and worthwhile.
I.D.I.C. stands for Infinite Diversity Infinite Combinations. And the concept is simple. Every single person on this earth is compromised of an infinite amount of diversity based on the infinite amount of combinations that make that person who they are. (Genetics, personality, intelligence and so forth). Now imagine that infinite diversity, those infinite combinations in other people. And those infinitely diverse people are walking around, interacting, experiencing and combining with other infinitely diverse people. And that's just the people on Earth. Think about the other planets that were being explored on Star Trek, the infinite diversity and infinite combinations that could be explored there.
I shan't ruin the story for anyone who wants to read it, but: one of my favorite parts about that universe was how there were so many bizarre and wonderful cultures existing out there in space, and the Enterprise crew was curious and celebrated the discovery of every single new world it came across. They weren't exploring the stars to prove they were superior, to stake their claim on other planets, but simply to explore, study and experience.
Now it is so easy to try and fit someone in a box. To label them as "the cashier at the store," "my bartender," "my neighbor." It's easy to forget that every single person you meet is just as infinitely diverse and complex as you are. And that you are surrounded by other infinitely diverse and complex people that are constantly interacting, constantly creating new combinations, new experiences because we are all unique individuals. But that is what we should celebrate ❤ And that is what IDIC is about.
Even though there was a chance of conflict, of interacting with a culture that was not friendly, the crew of every star ship still chose to explore, to be curious and keep learning. Because finding some place new, discovering a new culture and celebrating their diversity was infinitely more valuable and worthwhile.
March 21, 2024
Exploring the core Star Trek concept of IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination) this novel, set in a multi-racial Vulcan science research centre has a mutating plague, spread by mixed race children. In light of COVID 19, this novel takes on a real gravitas, being so relevant today.
Jean Lorrah does love her Vulcans and we get plenty of Spock's parents Sarek and Amanda as well as Sorel, Daniel and T'Mir, characters from her previous novel The Vucan Academy murders. The new characters introduced for this story are great - I love the Klingon scientist Korsal and T'Pina the young beautiful vulcan and Beau Deaver the half human/half orian Han Solo style rogue.
I found the supporting cast, their histories and relationships here far more interesting than the original TOS cast who don't really get a chance to shine - Bones gets a fair bit of attention, but he's in his element doctoring. Kirk does his charismatic diplomacy thing and Scotty gets and engineering emergency - They all perform their roles, but this doesn't explore their characters or relationships much. We get a bit more with Spock, since he's mixed race, a scientist and has his parents aboard - however this is such a fast paced, busy novel, juggling so many new characters that we don't get much of a chance to get into anyone's head.
This one's definitely all about the story. I really enjoyed it, it's exciting and it does explore race tensions quite nicely - Klingons are immune - if they got their hands on this would they use it as a bioweapon? It also has some nice snippits of Orion and Romulan culture and of course the rebel Vulcan followers of T'Vet.
Fans of SNW will be delighted to see an early appearance of M'Benga - He ends up joining the Enterprise crew, being an expert on Vulcan biology. What made me giggle though is this was written before SNW gave him the official Christian name Joseph - so here he's Geoff.
A solid 3.5 from me, this was a pretty good Trek novel in terms of writing, story and Trekverse. It's just not quite so good on exploring the TOS cast, focusing instead on original characters, still these were likeable and I think this one has aged really well in light of COVID and SNW.
Jean Lorrah does love her Vulcans and we get plenty of Spock's parents Sarek and Amanda as well as Sorel, Daniel and T'Mir, characters from her previous novel The Vucan Academy murders. The new characters introduced for this story are great - I love the Klingon scientist Korsal and T'Pina the young beautiful vulcan and Beau Deaver the half human/half orian Han Solo style rogue.
I found the supporting cast, their histories and relationships here far more interesting than the original TOS cast who don't really get a chance to shine - Bones gets a fair bit of attention, but he's in his element doctoring. Kirk does his charismatic diplomacy thing and Scotty gets and engineering emergency - They all perform their roles, but this doesn't explore their characters or relationships much. We get a bit more with Spock, since he's mixed race, a scientist and has his parents aboard - however this is such a fast paced, busy novel, juggling so many new characters that we don't get much of a chance to get into anyone's head.
This one's definitely all about the story. I really enjoyed it, it's exciting and it does explore race tensions quite nicely - Klingons are immune - if they got their hands on this would they use it as a bioweapon? It also has some nice snippits of Orion and Romulan culture and of course the rebel Vulcan followers of T'Vet.
Fans of SNW will be delighted to see an early appearance of M'Benga - He ends up joining the Enterprise crew, being an expert on Vulcan biology. What made me giggle though is this was written before SNW gave him the official Christian name Joseph - so here he's Geoff.
A solid 3.5 from me, this was a pretty good Trek novel in terms of writing, story and Trekverse. It's just not quite so good on exploring the TOS cast, focusing instead on original characters, still these were likeable and I think this one has aged really well in light of COVID and SNW.
September 14, 2025
I don't read that many Star Trek novels, but I must say this was one of the best I've encountered. It's both very solidly Star Trek--not somebody's shelved SF manuscript remade to fit in the Trek universe--and yet centered around non-canonical characters who are interesting and appealing additions to the Star Trek universe. I especially love Korsal, who is sort of a Klingon nerd, more interested in engineering puzzles than in being a warrior, so that living in the multiplanetary science colony of Nisus is like discovering his true home. At the same time, he is very much a Klingon, deeply attached to the traditions of his homeland in his own way.
It's also interesting reading this novel of an interplanetary plague, written long before the COVID emergency, with the knowledge of how the pandemic affected our far-from-spacefaring society. Some things about the IDIC Epidemic are uncomfortably familiar: the rise of prejudice and xenophobia related to a plague arising in a multicultural society, details like masks and gloves becoming common everyday apparel, the suspension of normal life in the face of a plague. Other things they failed to anticipate: Korsal's kids are keeping up with some of their schoolwork online, but "of course" discussion subjects like English can't be taught remotely. Still, it felt kind of therapeutic to read about the plague knowing that the problem would be solved at the end in a way that affirms the value of peace and cooperation, because this was Classic Trek, born of a sense of hope and possibility--a view of the future that I'd like us to recapture.
It's also interesting reading this novel of an interplanetary plague, written long before the COVID emergency, with the knowledge of how the pandemic affected our far-from-spacefaring society. Some things about the IDIC Epidemic are uncomfortably familiar: the rise of prejudice and xenophobia related to a plague arising in a multicultural society, details like masks and gloves becoming common everyday apparel, the suspension of normal life in the face of a plague. Other things they failed to anticipate: Korsal's kids are keeping up with some of their schoolwork online, but "of course" discussion subjects like English can't be taught remotely. Still, it felt kind of therapeutic to read about the plague knowing that the problem would be solved at the end in a way that affirms the value of peace and cooperation, because this was Classic Trek, born of a sense of hope and possibility--a view of the future that I'd like us to recapture.
February 12, 2024
The IDIC Epidemic by Jean Lorrah
Challenging, emotional, informative,
inspiring, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0 Stars
I've been looking forward to reading this book...for a LONG time. The IDIC (Infinite Diversity, Infinite Combinations) is a belief system that a very logical race of beings have upheld.
I like also, that it other races were brought into the discussion within this story, too. Obviously, the Vulcans were talked about (and I feel that in future novels, this will be delved upon...even deeper, at least I hope so).
This planet seems to have a number of characters that real fed this story well.
Kevin (which I have to say, is a GREAT Klingon/Human name. Give it up to the author in putting this out there.
Also, within this story, they talked about the plague that has been ravishing the Klingon Empire...and that the Imperial Klingons have ridges on their foreheads and have longer hair (they didn't talk about their disposition, but we'll get there...soon enough).
Also, this book has some romance (nothing spicy), but at least some "hand holding".
Races that were important to the story: Vulcans, Humans, Klingons, Orions, and even Romulans. I loved that they mentioned the episode of Babel...and the struggles that occurred on that episode.
I really enjoyed this novel...and am looking forward to picking up Time for Yesterday by A.C. Crispin.
Challenging, emotional, informative,
inspiring, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0 Stars
I've been looking forward to reading this book...for a LONG time. The IDIC (Infinite Diversity, Infinite Combinations) is a belief system that a very logical race of beings have upheld.
I like also, that it other races were brought into the discussion within this story, too. Obviously, the Vulcans were talked about (and I feel that in future novels, this will be delved upon...even deeper, at least I hope so).
This planet seems to have a number of characters that real fed this story well.
Kevin (which I have to say, is a GREAT Klingon/Human name. Give it up to the author in putting this out there.
Also, within this story, they talked about the plague that has been ravishing the Klingon Empire...and that the Imperial Klingons have ridges on their foreheads and have longer hair (they didn't talk about their disposition, but we'll get there...soon enough).
Also, this book has some romance (nothing spicy), but at least some "hand holding".
Races that were important to the story: Vulcans, Humans, Klingons, Orions, and even Romulans. I loved that they mentioned the episode of Babel...and the struggles that occurred on that episode.
I really enjoyed this novel...and am looking forward to picking up Time for Yesterday by A.C. Crispin.
January 13, 2023
Overall, a quick and easy read with interesting characters and a plot that keeps moving. The main Enterprise crew are really just background characters in this one, which primarily focuses on a pandemic ravaging a scientific colony that’s a model for interspecies cooperation. There’s also some personal relationship subplots (which I thought were done pretty well) and a side story about Vulcan nativists that oddly fizzles out halfway through the book (although I sense that those characters’ stories were played out in the author’s previous book, which I haven’t read yet), then makes a weak attempt at tying into the main plot at the very end.
Honestly, I don’t know that I would have appreciated this book as much if I had read it before our own real-life global pandemic, but the author’s description of the plague’s impact on the planet’s society and the helplessness felt by the overwhelmed but determined volunteers dealing with it hit pretty close to home. The actual science of it all is a bit hand-wavy, but that doesn’t really detract from the story, and actually probably keeps it from getting bogged down in biology and medical jargon. The plague is omnipresent throughout the book, but the focus is squarely on the characters for the most part.
All in all, it’s exactly what these Star Trek Pocket Books paperbacks should be — light, enjoyable, and just a little thought provoking.
Honestly, I don’t know that I would have appreciated this book as much if I had read it before our own real-life global pandemic, but the author’s description of the plague’s impact on the planet’s society and the helplessness felt by the overwhelmed but determined volunteers dealing with it hit pretty close to home. The actual science of it all is a bit hand-wavy, but that doesn’t really detract from the story, and actually probably keeps it from getting bogged down in biology and medical jargon. The plague is omnipresent throughout the book, but the focus is squarely on the characters for the most part.
All in all, it’s exactly what these Star Trek Pocket Books paperbacks should be — light, enjoyable, and just a little thought provoking.
August 18, 2025
Basically a continuation of the Original Series (and the Animated Series). This relatively short novel sees Kirk and his intrepid crew coming to the rescue of a planet where different alien races from the Federation live together in diverse harmony to pursue research. The planet is gripped by a mysterious plague. Quarantine measures strain tolerance. About half the action involves inhabitants on the planet dealing with events not the Enterprise. Of the original Enterprise crew from the TV series only Kirk, Bones and Spock are extensively portrayed and even Bones and Spocks actual appearances are limited and even Kirk is often a secondary character in the story.
Also on the Enterprise a sect of atavistic emotional isolationist Vulcans, who create mischief for our favourite Starfleet crew. A few romantic subpots give some libidonousness to the proceedings. Hybrids abound. Kirk and crew slghtly off in their characterization. I think some of the elements lean on cliche and crowd pleasing. However the central plot hook of the plague, the logistical and psychological toll it takes on the planet and the toll on social bonds and the principles of tolerance exemplified by the IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations) is clever and well done.
I read this on my e-reader with no trouble.
Also on the Enterprise a sect of atavistic emotional isolationist Vulcans, who create mischief for our favourite Starfleet crew. A few romantic subpots give some libidonousness to the proceedings. Hybrids abound. Kirk and crew slghtly off in their characterization. I think some of the elements lean on cliche and crowd pleasing. However the central plot hook of the plague, the logistical and psychological toll it takes on the planet and the toll on social bonds and the principles of tolerance exemplified by the IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations) is clever and well done.
I read this on my e-reader with no trouble.
February 9, 2023
I was given this book by a friend, but I have read lots of Jean Lorrah’s works. I would say I enjoyed this more than her other works. I enjoyed her play on race stereotypes in the Star Trek universe. As much as I like Star Trek they fall into the pit-hole of having one-note races with greedy Ferengis, stoic Vulcans, and war hungry Klingons. She twists these stereotypes and shows that not everyone fits into those narrative with unreasonable Vulcans and emotional Klingons. The story at first is a little slow. With the world building, but really becomes fast pace the more it goes on. I don’t think it’s a right fit to have the main three on the cover, when I believe they weren’t the main characters at all, but her original characters are the one that shines. The setting and conflict of the book very much holds up with the current times, with the 2020 pandemic. This book is in a series, but just like Jean Lorrah’s other work, you don’t need to read the previous books to understand the latter books. The ending was satisfying yet a little generic, it wraps up all the lose ends like any media from the 80s; which is the biggest flaw of the book. I know it’s not everyone’s taste but I like loose ends, it lets readers wonder and want for a sequel.
August 27, 2017
This is a follow up to THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS. This story takes place a few weeks after the ending of THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS. Sarek and Amanda are heading off to a planet in need of Sarek's ambassador expertise. The T'Vet followers are being taken to a colony where they can practice their beliefs without harming any other Vulcans. The Enterprise is well on its way when they are diverted back to Vulcan to pick up additional medical and support personnel because of a plague that has broken out on a scientific research planet inhabited by most of the races in the Federation as well as a Klingon and his family. If there is anything that can go wrong once the Enterprise is in orbit around Nisus it does.
This is a fun read mainly because there are so many characters involved in the overall story. There is so much going on and the cooperation of the people on the planet and those on the Enterprise is very refreshing, especially with all that is going on in the world today. It would be nice to see people working for a common purpose instead of trying to destroy everything. I guess that is why Star Trek has endured for so long. It is a story of hope and cooperation and acceptance. I love these stories about the original series characters and I always look forward to reading the next one.
This is a fun read mainly because there are so many characters involved in the overall story. There is so much going on and the cooperation of the people on the planet and those on the Enterprise is very refreshing, especially with all that is going on in the world today. It would be nice to see people working for a common purpose instead of trying to destroy everything. I guess that is why Star Trek has endured for so long. It is a story of hope and cooperation and acceptance. I love these stories about the original series characters and I always look forward to reading the next one.
September 2, 2022
Loved every bit of this novel set on a multi-species colony in the federation and written in 1988. Much of this felt prescient to the present day COVID pandemic and the themes, messages, morals, and meanings go straight to the heart of our present day problems in the United States: we're really struggling with our identity regarding "who is an American?" and "what does it mean to live in a multi-ethnic pluralistic society?" The point of the book is this -although IDIC carries with it many new complex challenges, some of them painful, it is in IDIC where we also find the solutions."
For me one of the joys of this novel and these types of novels is that James T. Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Uhura and the rest are merely background characters. The real story centers around colonists Korsol, a Klingon, his family, and T'Pina, a young vulcan woman struggling with her identity and coming of age. It's a fun trek (pun intended) into the Star Trek universe. My head canon has expanded!
For me one of the joys of this novel and these types of novels is that James T. Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Uhura and the rest are merely background characters. The real story centers around colonists Korsol, a Klingon, his family, and T'Pina, a young vulcan woman struggling with her identity and coming of age. It's a fun trek (pun intended) into the Star Trek universe. My head canon has expanded!
March 4, 2023
TOS #38: the IDIC Epidemic by Jean Lorrah
This book… was a mixed bag for sure. The writing was perfectly serviceable but I wished I had read the Vulcan Academy Murders as I was confused by the random characters and the lack of focus on the original crew. I would have absolutely loved if this was entirely a Spock/McCoy story but it wasn’t and that’s ok. Korsal was the character I enjoyed the most as he went against the stereotype of a typical Klingon and was like a chill B’elanna Torres (ironic given his half human children). Also, I can’t wrap my head around the idea of what IDIC is, I understand the basic idea but it feels lost on me. Anyway, overall a decent book and you liked Metamorphosis, her TNG book I recommend this. 6.5/10
This book… was a mixed bag for sure. The writing was perfectly serviceable but I wished I had read the Vulcan Academy Murders as I was confused by the random characters and the lack of focus on the original crew. I would have absolutely loved if this was entirely a Spock/McCoy story but it wasn’t and that’s ok. Korsal was the character I enjoyed the most as he went against the stereotype of a typical Klingon and was like a chill B’elanna Torres (ironic given his half human children). Also, I can’t wrap my head around the idea of what IDIC is, I understand the basic idea but it feels lost on me. Anyway, overall a decent book and you liked Metamorphosis, her TNG book I recommend this. 6.5/10
April 30, 2025
Almost shockingly heterosexual.
Okay for the real review; in a world post-COVID, it was a fantastic book that really talked about the senseless sort of prejudices that can rise up in the face of crisis. The fretting about the different mutations and spread was so familiar in a terrible way. It felt good to have the ones that saved the lives of other be the ones that were originally being xenophobic against.
But also the late second act problem of the flood, it felt like there were just too many problems and barely enough pay off (Deus ex machina Klingons?) in the end.
Glad the last pages finally touched on the crew again lol. My first Star Trek book being so late in the collection also left me a little confused, but I love a good Sarek + Amanda moment (weird that Spock checked out his mom?)
Enjoyable enough for a book from pre-1990 for 5$
Okay for the real review; in a world post-COVID, it was a fantastic book that really talked about the senseless sort of prejudices that can rise up in the face of crisis. The fretting about the different mutations and spread was so familiar in a terrible way. It felt good to have the ones that saved the lives of other be the ones that were originally being xenophobic against.
But also the late second act problem of the flood, it felt like there were just too many problems and barely enough pay off (Deus ex machina Klingons?) in the end.
Glad the last pages finally touched on the crew again lol. My first Star Trek book being so late in the collection also left me a little confused, but I love a good Sarek + Amanda moment (weird that Spock checked out his mom?)
Enjoyable enough for a book from pre-1990 for 5$
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
3.5 stars-this was a fun, quick read, although like Jean Lorrah's loose prequel The Vulcan Academy Murders the original characters take center stage in this (Spock and McCoy are barely in it, despite what the cover would have you believe, and Kirk and the rest of the crew don't feature much either). Also as with the prequel, at least one of the reveals is extremely easy to figure out early on. But I have to say, these elements didn't really affect my enjoyment of the book too much! I think Lorrah is a better writer than many of the authors of the original series novels and her original characters are generally likable. Not the best of these books but nowhere near the worst.
February 17, 2025
1 STAR - I had read a comic meant to cover Year 4 of TOS and thought I'd read a classic Trek book to follow it up. This I found used for a dime annnnd unfortunately that was about as much as it was worth. Sure there are some good ideas here but they were assembled poorly...
Also this is connected to the Vulcan Academy Murders , which had recalled how much I disliked that book I never would’ve given this one a shot.
RECOMMENDATION: Yeah-NO.
Also this is connected to the Vulcan Academy Murders , which had recalled how much I disliked that book I never would’ve given this one a shot.
RECOMMENDATION: Yeah-NO.
June 2, 2021
In the midst of a pandemic I've steered clear of pandemic type fiction thinking I need a break from the bleakness of the real thing...I did however pick this up ages ago and yep despite it being from 1988 it has shades of here and now.
Quarantine..lockdowns.. masks...medics under stress ..the race for a vaccine....it's all here plus the regular cast.
Not bad all told and an entertaining and enterprising read....
Quarantine..lockdowns.. masks...medics under stress ..the race for a vaccine....it's all here plus the regular cast.
Not bad all told and an entertaining and enterprising read....
October 30, 2025
Great classic read
I love this sequel to The Vulcan Academy murders. It ties up a lot of loose threads left dangling in the previous story. The cooperation between all the different species is very gratifying. I wish Star Trek was required reading for all political parties as they might learn what cooperation instead of fighting could make and enormous difference in this current political climate. I would strongly recommend this story for any and all readers.
I love this sequel to The Vulcan Academy murders. It ties up a lot of loose threads left dangling in the previous story. The cooperation between all the different species is very gratifying. I wish Star Trek was required reading for all political parties as they might learn what cooperation instead of fighting could make and enormous difference in this current political climate. I would strongly recommend this story for any and all readers.
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