Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully done.
Review: This book manages to succeed with a basic plot device that I would have expected to be impossible: McCoy in command of the Enterprise.Granted, it isn't entirely plausible that McCoy would be unable to release the bridge into the hands of a line officer when one became available, but getting him into the seat in the first place was actually finessed quite well, and the scenes in which he handles a crisis were good enough for me to be willing to suspend disbelief on that previous count. All in all, this book is notable for two things: giving us a marvellous look at McCoy handling unfamiliar responsibilities (like successfully bluffing a Klingon captain) wonderfully, and quite plausibly, and giving us (as Diane Duane frequently does) not one, not two, but THREE sentient alien species none of which is even moderately hominid. (Ameboids, tree-like beings which do NOT resemble ents overmuch, and psionic rocks.) Highly recommended for any fan of Star Trek; in fact, any reader who isn't actively hostile to Star Trek.
Rating: 
Summary: Not perfect, but a good fun, mostly light read. Check it out
Review: This is an older Star Trek novel (I'm writing this in Jan 2005, about 15 years after it came out). But it's still a good one. It has a scenario that seems somewhat implausible, but is one of those things Trek fans kind of always wanted to see. In short, McCoy is forced to be captain of the Enterprise after Kirk goes "Oh yeah, well, if you think you can do it, go do it", but then disappears, forcing McCoy to be the Captain. Why Spock couldn't take over is mostly ignored, but still.. :)
Had some great McCoy lines, some intersting interaction with the Klingons, basically a good fun read. As one of the other reviews here said, it's not the most grandiose story - it's not a "Save the universe" type of thing, but is a good situational fun read.
I'm also biased somewhat, as I appear in the book. Some years ago I talked to Diane Duane online, and struck up a friendship. She had asked me about being in one of her books - this was it. I'm in there as one of Dr. McCoy's medial assistants. "Lt. Joe Siegler". I later get eaten by a tree. When Diane Duane asked me what I wanted my character to do, I said "die".
Rating:
Summary: McCoy as an unorthodox starship captain
Review: To me, the strength of Star Trek has always been the power of the characters. The personalities in the original series were all strong, even to the point of being overplayed. One of the advantages of the subsequent series of novels is that we get to see these characters expanded and learn more about their pasts as well as their personalities. In this novel, the grumpy, emotional Doctor McCoy is left in command by Captain Kirk in circumstances that seem very routine and as a consequence of Kirk wanting to turn the tables. However, it turns out that the circumstances are anything but safe and suddenly McCoy is required to command the Enterprise during an emergency. Kirk disappears under suspicious circumstances and the Enterprise is forced to fight a battle where it is extremely overmatched.
McCoy's coolness under fire and ability to make a Klingon captain into an ally are well described. McCoy is still emotional, yet he channels that emotion into the circumstances, turning it into an advantage in making his command decisions. This is one of the better of the Star Trek novels, in that while there is a bit of deviation in character, it was always understood that McCoy is an excellent officer and one who is very cool in difficult situations. In this case, he is able to show his capabilities, without having to be damped by those who outrank him.
Rating:
Summary: Just what the doctor ordered...
Review: What a great book! The characters are right on. Diane Duane's alien cultures are fantastic, and one of the best parts of the whole book is seeing how they research the Ornae's and Lahit's languages. You can't just expect the Universal Translator to pick it up right away. Finally we see how it really would work. And the ;At are really cool. Interactions between Spock and McCoy are really hilarious, and it's great seeing McCoy put in his place - rather, the Captain's place!
Rating:
Summary: Just what the doctor ordered...
Review: What a great book! The characters are right on. Diane Duane's alien cultures are fantastic, and one of the best parts of the whole book is seeing how they research the Ornae's and Lahit's languages. You can't just expect the Universal Translator to pick it up right away. Finally we see how it really would work. And the ;At are really cool. Interactions between Spock and McCoy are really hilarious, and it's great seeing McCoy put in his place - rather, the Captain's place!
Rating:
Summary: A great story if you like Dr. McCoy
Review: What's really interesting about this book is that for once
it puts McCoy in the spotlight. Basically, the story is
split into two plotlines: one with the Doctor, and Kirk.
The storyline with Kirk is really not as good, but seeing
Dr. McCoy lead the Enterprise into battle really is. There's
something for everyone in this book: Klingons, aliens, time
travel, and space pirates. This book is a must for anyone
whose a fan of the Doctor.
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