The IDIC Epidemic

Rating:
Summary: Promising concept and characters
Review: Even though I had not yet read The Vulcan Academy Murders, I still found this novel quite enjoyable. It does touch upon an issue that can sometimes be difficult, especially in America--that of race and diversity, addressing both the benefits and challenges in allegorical form. However, despite the threat presented by the "IDIC Epidemic" as it was branded by the narrowminded Sendet, it is also the same IDIC principle that helps the characters work towards solving the dilemma. Many of the examples provided in the book seem very "real"--things you actually see in 21st Century society, all the way from the openly bigoted Followers of T'Vet, to the ones who fume silently...and to those who work diligently to bridge the gap. Sometimes the "accuracy" of the characterizations can be a bit unnerving, but I think that's actually a sign of the author's success.

In particular I was drawn to the characterizations of Korsal Katasai and family. I'd barely gone past page 10 before discovering that I already cared what happened to him. Korsal is a particularly well-developed character. He is a reminder of why one must not be too quick to prejudge. He has the Klingon upbringing, and many of their strengths and weaknesses, but at the same time he is also very much his own person--someone who forces the Enterprise crew to look beyond stereotypes and judge him on his individual merits. It is the same among the Vulcans portrayed here--from the accepting T'Mir and Spock, to the narrowminded Sendet, Ms. Lorrah does not allow one to forget that even a group with bonds of culture and blood is ultimately comprised of *individuals*.

Do be warned--don't expect the kind of melodic, graceful prose you'd find in a Diane Duane novel, the author I consider to be the premier writer of the series. At times the style of writing in this novel appears slightly amateurish, such as an annoying overuse of the exclamation point in places one does not normally see in narrative prose, or rather choppy, short paragraphs. The writing style is the factor that precludes The IDIC Epidemic from reaching a 5-star rating. However, this novel IS entertaining, thought-provoking, and well worth the reader's time, so I still give it a good recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: Promising concept and characters
Review: Even though I had not yet read The Vulcan Academy Murders, I still found this novel quite enjoyable. It does touch upon an issue that can sometimes be difficult, especially in America--that of race and diversity, addressing both the benefits and challenges in allegorical form. However, despite the threat presented by the "IDIC Epidemic" as it was branded by the narrowminded Sendet, it is also the same IDIC principle that helps the characters work towards solving the dilemma. Many of the examples provided in the book seem very "real"--things you actually see in 21st Century society, all the way from the openly bigoted Followers of T'Vet, to the ones who fume silently...and to those who work diligently to bridge the gap. Sometimes the "accuracy" of the characterizations can be a bit unnerving, but I think that's actually a sign of the author's success.

In particular I was drawn to the characterizations of Korsal Katasai and family. I'd barely gone past page 10 before discovering that I already cared what happened to him. Korsal is a particularly well-developed character. He is a reminder of why one must not be too quick to prejudge. He has the Klingon upbringing, and many of their strengths and weaknesses, but at the same time he is also very much his own person--someone who forces the Enterprise crew to look beyond stereotypes and judge him on his individual merits. It is the same among the Vulcans portrayed here--from the accepting T'Mir and Spock, to the narrowminded Sendet, Ms. Lorrah does not allow one to forget that even a group with bonds of culture and blood is ultimately comprised of *individuals*.

Do be warned--don't expect the kind of melodic, graceful prose you'd find in a Diane Duane novel, the author I consider to be the premier writer of the series. At times the style of writing in this novel appears slightly amateurish, such as an annoying overuse of the exclamation point in places one does not normally see in narrative prose, or rather choppy, short paragraphs. The writing style is the factor that precludes The IDIC Epidemic from reaching a 5-star rating. However, this novel IS entertaining, thought-provoking, and well worth the reader's time, so I still give it a good recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: What brings us together, can tear us apart!
Review: In this book (it takes place directly after "Vulcan Academy Murders") a plague like no others hits a planet where all races in the Alpha Quadrent are living in peace. It strikes across species lines and tears the community apart. Comming to the rescue is the Enterprise, the only pproblem is she gets the plague too. What happens to save the day? Read the book and find out!

Rating:
Summary: What brings us together, can tear us apart!
Review: In this book (it takes place directly after "Vulcan Academy Murders") a plague like no others hits a planet where all races in the Alpha Quadrent are living in peace. It strikes across species lines and tears the community apart. Comming to the rescue is the Enterprise, the only pproblem is she gets the plague too. What happens to save the day? Read the book and find out!

Rating:
Summary: Superb story, excellently written.
Review: It's good to see the characters introduced in "The Vulcan Academy Murders" again, plus new characters just as fascinating who I hope we'll see more of in a future book. "Vulcan Academy Murders" was a good book; this one is much better. I suspect Ms. Lorrah is improving with experience. The basic concept is good, the pacing of the plot is excellent, the characterizations are wonderful; all in all, this book is a delight for anyone even remotely fond of Star Trek. Even those indifferent to Star Trek should enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Superb story, excellently written.
Review: It's good to see the characters introduced in "The Vulcan Academy Murders" again, plus new characters just as fascinating who I hope we'll see more of in a future book. "Vulcan Academy Murders" was a good book; this one is much better. I suspect Ms. Lorrah is improving with experience. The basic concept is good, the pacing of the plot is excellent, the characterizations are wonderful; all in all, this book is a delight for anyone even remotely fond of Star Trek. Even those indifferent to Star Trek should enjoy it.