Rating: Summary: Vulcan to secede from the Federation? Review: That is the plot that drives Spock's World, a novel that, as the traditional Star Trek intrigue unfolds on one level, treats us to a detailed history of the planet Vulcan on another. The pseudo-epic tale follows the planet and its inhabitants from its literal creation on through to the working out of the Vulcan government's current troubles with the Federation (cagily rooted in a particular episode of the original series).How well the novel adheres to the Trek Mythos I will leave to those more well versed in its complex and multiple series spanning arc. But taken as a novel in a genre I do not frequently read, I found it to be a well written and diverting piece of lightweight (despite its epic pretensions) entertainment, nothing more. Strictly for the fans or Trek curious.
Rating: Summary: One of the best Review: The manner in which this novel is written could, possibly, appeal to even non-Trekkers. It's more than just good Trek--it's good SF. This book fleshes out the Vulcans as a whole, past and present, bringing back old favorites and a slew of great new ones. Interspersed with the history of Vulcan, from the earliest stages of their unified culture to the birth of Spock, is shown. Even though the characters only appear for one chapter (with one or two exceptions), we can identify with them. In the ghastly, murderous feuds of one chapter and the often calculating violence, the Vulcans appear like Romulans in the past. At the same time, we see them growing more and more civilized. I even found the "cave-Vulcan" chapter appealing, making me wonder what the Vulcans would have been like if their planet had been lush. In the present, the Enterprise crew is drawn into a planetary conspiracy when a bunch of yahoo Vulcans decide that they want to secede from the Federation--and Our Heroes must get to the bottom of it, while making speeches. This part could have been solidly ordinary, but is saved by the fact that not only are the greatest SF trio in history at their funniest, but also it is populated by a motley crew of bizarre aliens in Starfleet, such as giant snowflakes and enormous dragon-creatures. The Vulcans themselves are also fleshed out: We get to see more of them than in "Amok Time," and a wider range of them, from farmers to redheads to the Zen guy that ended up being bitten on the leg. We see Sarek, Amanda, T'Pau, and a few Vulcans (one familiar) that you will LOVE to hate. Be sure to check out Kirk's scene in the pub. One interesting detail: Duane wrote in the Enterprise having what is essentially a posting board, before there were posting boards (I think). Good job keeping the future here, Ms. Duane! If you love people with pointy ears and bowl haircuts, read this book. Oh, and "I want popcorn!"
Rating: Summary: I expected better. Review: This book could have been good, except every other chapter is history of Vulcan and has little to do with the actual story. I suggest skipping over the history lessons and just reading the chapters entitled "Enterprise."
Rating: Summary: How's your Vulcan History? Review: This book is a Must read for anyone who wants to know their Vulcan history. It is actually two stories simmilar to "The Romulan Way" that don't interlink at the end. But of course, Duane always delves deep into the culture of whichever alien species she writes about making her a great author in my opinion. This book will tell the tale of Vulcan as it was, and how they have become the stoic and seemingly unemotional beings the are currently.
Rating: Summary: "Fascinating" (as someone we all know would say) Review: This book takes Star Trek beyond the world of the Starship itself and draws in the affairs of the planets themselves. It stands to reason that political goings-on would exist in Star Trek and have an impact - this is one of the few books to ever base a story on that underlying structure. The debate forums are a wonderful stage for the expression of fundamental truths both about Star Trek and our own world, and the arguements of Spock, Kirk, and McCoy remain thought provocking highlights. The story of Vulcan's history is also quite interesting, but I must confess it lacked the personal struggle and fundamental truths so wonderfully expressed in the modern story. Please do not take this to mean this part is not worth reading - it is far and away the most interesting overview of Vulcan's general history. No grand fleet battles in this book, but a more personal triumpth that leaves the satisfaction of justice won.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful insite to Vulcan and Spock..... Review: This informative as well as historic account of Vulcan and how it came to be, makes you understand Spock, his bond to Kirk, his relationship with his father and his respect for change. You must read this book to understand Vulcan and how it related to Romulus. You should read this book to understand Spock. You should read this book to understand why Star Fleet was his only option at a life of his own. A must read for any serious Star Trek fan. Read also Sarek which is a great partner to this book. Again, a must read!
Rating: Summary: one of the best Review: This is a well written and enjoyable read. It let's you see Spock and his parents in a whole different light. As well as the interaction with other in the Trek universe.
Rating: Summary: one of the best Review: This is a well written and enjoyable read. It let's you see Spock and his parents in a whole different light. As well as the interaction with other in the Trek universe.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful Review: This is my favorite Star Trek book. I loved all the Vulcan history, and the political half of the book was interesting too. I thought the charactors were portrayed very well. If you are interested in Vulcan culture, don't miss this book.
Rating: Summary: Quintessential Vulcan History Book Review: This is the best star trek book dealing with the history of Vulcan and Spock ever to be written. It has been a long time since I read it but I remember it being very engaging to read the two separate story lines and anticipate how they would eventually intersect. Diane Duane is a great author and this is one of her greatest books. The first ever star trek novel to be published in hard cover, it spent 8 weeks on the New York Times best seller list in 1988. It deserves nothing less than five stars.
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