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Summary: Because of this book, I hated the movie First Contact
Review: A thoroughly outstanding effort. Margaret did a wonderful job joining together time itself, as well as pointing out the basic fears we have of the unknown. While at times, the story seemed drawn, it became a fast-paced novel as the individual story lines began to collide. I found the tie to one of the original Star Trek episodes intriguing, with the development of character relationships that actually went a long way toward explaining the TV episode itself. An even more intriguing relationship was the tie to Medievil lore. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: Story is like a first or second season STTOS TV episode...
Review: Audio version is read by George Takei (Sulu). This story time line is before the first TV episode of "Where No Man Has Gone Before". The story, to me, follows like a typical TV episode. Maybe it was a screenplay theat never aired? Characters include Lee Kelso, Gary Mitchell,Elizabeth Daner, Spock, Kirk, and so on. Brief reference to Khan in the story. Story doesn't really follow the movie "First Contact". I didn't like the character of the sorceror either, as mentioned in another review. This is the only voice I didn't like George Takei doing. The sorcerer was used as an excuse for their time travel. All the other voices by Takei are great! Leonard Nimoy does Spock's voice a few times in transitions between chapters.
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Summary: Unique tale to say the least...
Review: Consider the fact that Admiral Kirk in the future is reading this book in regards to how the Vulcans crashed into one of our oceans to be discovered by humans who must decide if these aliens are here as friends or possible invaders as well as what to do next. As great a sci-fi as: "2001", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Childhood's End", "Foundation", "Ringworld", "Advent of the Corps", and so forth.
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Summary: First Contact rules
Review: Down with this book. Heck, the First Contact movie is ten times better than this book.
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Summary: Does Spock have a Jewish ancestor?
Review: I originally bought this book in connection with a writing project (still in progress) regarding possibly Jewish characters in the Star Trek universe. And yes, there *is* such a reference in "Strangers in the Sky" -- check out pages 228-29, where Professor Grayson (an ancestor of Amanda Grayson, Spock's mother), is wearing a yarmulke (Jewish skullcap). He then explains to Spock that he is really only an "honorary Jew" for having married his wife Dora -- who, we can assume from that remark, really is Jewish. Apparently the Graysons were not very observant of other Jewish traditions, however, because the Professor then offers Spock BACON and eggs (which he, being a vegetarian, declines.) Nevertheless, the implication here is, that Spock had a Jewish ancestor on his mother's human side. Aside from this interesting little tidbit for my own research, I found the book itself to be a very good read. Yes, it was longer than many of the newer Trek novels being produced today, but in my opinion, that was its strength. (Remember, folks, "Moby Dick" is also a very long book, and although Lily had not actually read it in "First Contact," Captain Picard obviously had!) The extra length of "Strangers" gave the author enough room to really develop the characters and go into some detail about the issues of fear, prejudice, and distrust that would be involved in first contact with aliens. And, like some of the other reviewers here, I like the way that Ms. Nonanno picked up on some of the early characters in the TOS series and told us about some of their accomplishments before getting killed off in "Where no Man Has Gone Before." Live long and prosper!
Rating: 
Summary: Better than 'First Contact'?
Review: Kudos to Margaret Wander Bonnano in fleshing out characters that died in the episode 'Where No Man Has Gone Before' namely Lt. Comdr. Gary Mitchell, Lieutenant Lee Kelso, and Dr. Elizabeth Dehner. All of them contributed significantly in saving the marooned Vulcan scientists. Mitchell is a wonderful character intelligent, brash, daring and a good friend to Kirk. Lee Kelso turned out to be a very resourceful officer, his ease with 21st century technology; becoming an excellent forger of documents and currency so that the group could freely move around 21st century earth in search of Spock and the Vulcan scientists marooned on earth. And there's the cool headed and highly competent Dr. Dehner who used 21st century drugs to humanely brainwash all directly involved with the Vulcans encounter so that effectively it never happened. Her acerbic exchanges with Mitchell bespoke a very interesting relationship had they not met their untimely ends. The mother and s! ! on scientist team were revealed to be very intuitive, dedicated and willing to die rather than be poked, prodded and exploited. 'Strangers From The Sky' was refreshingly different and poignant considering the fate of most members of the landing party. It's a good read.
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Summary: The best of what makes Star Trek great!
Review: Margaret Wander Bonanno demonstrates what so many Star Trek novelists have not -- her ability to capture the voices of the characters we love. Additionally, she successfully brings out the magic of their relationships. So many of the shorter S-T novels jump right into the plot, ignoring character development and the "painting" of the scenery. Furthermore, many are mere sci-fi tales with Star Trek characters inserted, where any other characters would do just as well -- our friends don't speak or act like we know they should. Ms. Bonanno writes as if she knows Kirk, Spock and McCoy personally, and every word is totally believable and within the context of the Star Trek universe as we know it. Margaret's talent for painting with words makes the re-reading of this adventure all the more enjoyable, as I caught more of the subtlety and detail upon the second trip (and third and fourth...!) Finally, the writing is colorful and mature, requiring the reader to stretch a bit (which perhaps explains why younger readers might find the book a bit tedious.) This is, by far, my favorite!
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Summary: one of best old time trek early 5 year mission story
Review: one of best old time trek early 5 year mission story of kirk with is best old frind be for he had killd him when he be came a god like evil. i love it in all! 2207 AD. ENTERPRICE 2207-2212 AD. AS WELL 20 YEARS EARLY BE FOR FRIST CONTACT! WHAT TIME LOOP!
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Summary: A Reasonably Enjoyable ST: TOS Story Foreshortened for Audio
Review: The audio adaptation of this book feels a bit too heavily abridged. I could readily sense that there was much more to this. I enjoyed some elements of the story very much. Spock seeking out his human grandfather was a brilliant touch. I also liked the reference to a "missing" DY-100 class vessel in a launch facility (Khan was here). Some of the story has been contradicted by Star Trek: First Contact, but that's of little consequence. The biggest negative I had was the sorceror. It's an obvious Merlin reference, and I didn't buy it. It was a plot device to get the time travel story going. George Takei's reading is very good. It's that voice of his.
Rating: 
Summary: First contact or should it be?
Review: This book tells the story of a first contact that should not have been. Vulcans arriving on planet earth before their time. An interesting book which is slow at times but does get interesting. It is a large novel which I found too much of a read to begin with but as the story progressed I could not put it down.
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