Customer Reviews (15)

The Vulcan are interesting, Kirk is an idiot
This book would deserve four stars for the beautiful setting and all the insight in the life of the people on Vulcan - I loved Corrigan and Sorel. But only two for the actual plot. The culprit was obvious from the get-go and Kirk fumbled the investigation really badly. Wow, I couldn't believe that he was the captain of the Enterprise, he behaved like a love-struck rookie!

I liked this one a lot
This is a Star Trek whodunnit, set on the planet Vulcan.Without giving anything away, essentially the plot involves a series of what appear to be sophisticated murders and murder attempts at the Vulcan Science Academy.Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are on leave on Vulcan when these occur.As a whodunnit, this one is so-so -- I knew within thirty pages who the real perp was.

On the other hand, the author gives us a very interesting speculation as to the nature of Planet Vulcan and its inhabitants, with even a glimpse of Vulcan politics and societal issues.I very much enjoyed this.Further, the author's prognostications about Vulcan ecology, predators, etc. were well-developed, imaginative, and very much held my interest.

I was less impressed with the author's portrayal of the interaction between Spock and Sarek.Most interpretations of this relationship show the two never fully reconciled, with Sarek every bit as stubborn as Spock.(Many fathers and sons can relate to this.)Here, however, reconciliation is almost complete, which I thought robbed the relationship of depth.Well, that is my opinion, but after all, it is the author's story to tell.

Another quibble: the overuse of telepathy as a story device.This is a phenomena of dubious reality, and if it were as well-developed and powerful among Vulcans as the author portrays here, in my opinion their society would be unimaginably different.Telepathy, like time travel, tends to be overused by science fiction writers, and I thought that to be the case here.I found the author's interpretation of Vulcanian telepathic abilities to be overdone, which detracted from the plausibility of the novel.Again, just my opinion.

Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot.It is a quick read, but holds the Star Trek enthusiast's interest throughout.Star Trek lovers will like this one.I did.

Anyone can figure out the killer very quickly... but it is still a fun ride. 3 1/2 Stars
The book is very fast paced!A Klingon ship attacks the Enterprise and a member of the ship named Ensign Remmington is almost fatally injured.Spock is getting ready to take leave to Vulcan as his mother is in a similar situation recommends that Remmington comes to get treatment their too.At the Vulcan academy, they are working on rejuvenating the body from many different injures as severe as that of Ensign Remmington.Kirk, Spock & McCoy take leave together on Vulcan.As they transport Ensign Remmington to attempt to save his life.Sarek and Spock have a very positive relationship at this point in their lives due to the events of "Journey to Babel" as Spock saved Sarek's life.As a member of the stasis starts dying, Spock and Sarek figure out that the computer has been tampered with and their is murder on Vulcan.

The strength of this book was the character development.Not only are Kirk, Spock & McCoy written great and recognizable but the characters that are introduced in this book are great.Lorrah does a great job of painting a portrait of all the characters.You actually care about the characters that are introduced not just the familiar Star Trek characters and that is rare.Lorrah also knows the Star Trek universe, especially the Vulcans.There were a whole lot of subtle things that made the book great.The enemies Kirk faced in the desert showed that the author had watched the animated series, plus the customs, information from past original series episodes, and the main three characters, she has done her homework.Lorrah also did a great job of keeping the reader interested.She would give you clues every so often to keep you wondering if your guess is correct.

The big thing that I noticed was the fact this mystery was easy to figure out.Since it was a "who did it" book even though a science fiction book it should have confused me a little longer than it did.I had things figured out by about page 50 or so.Another thing that I noticed was the way Sarek was written.He was a whole lot looser than the Sarek that I know from the Original Series episodes, TNG series, and the movies.He seemed to be a whole lot more vocal with his feelings than I was used too.The plot slowed down every once and a while.There was a lot of mind melding, and explaining the detail the mind melding, sometimes to a fault.The only other thing I noticed was Dr. M'Benga had not been aboard the enterprise yet as he was in the OS episode "A Private Little War" from season 2.However, apparently this book took place about two years after "Amok Time" so to say that two years went by between "Amok Time" and a "Private Little War" is not accurate.

This is not the best mystery that you will ever read.However, it is a great adventure.Lorrah knows her Star Trek characters, how to develope new characters, and alot about Vulcan customs and the planet in
general.

Grade: B

A great book
This is one of the best Original series books Ive ever read.

A 'cozy' Vulcan story
Those familiar with the mystery genre of writing will recognize may elements featured in this TOS story.The amateur detectives drawn into a crime among friends/family, a small, homey setting for the crime, a red herring or two to misdirect the reader and the mystery element taking a secondary role to the characters and romance.

An accident on the Enterprise has left a young crewman horribly injured.His only hope for recovery is an experimental medical technique being researched at the Vulcan Science Academy.After they arrive at Vulcan the subjects of this new proceedure begin to die under questionable circumstances.Soon the questionable aspects become the unthinkable - murder - a crime that simply does not happen on Vulcan.

The mystery aspect of the story is quite weak. Most readers will be far ahead of the characters in finding the culprit.So if the mystery is so lacking why five stars?This novel is absolutely filled with information about Vulcan society in general and Spock's past in particular.For fansTrek fans (and who else would be reading this?) in general, and particularly for TOS fans especially those fans of a certain Vulcan this one is fascinating.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Didn't Have to be So Long...
This was the first Next Generation "Giant Novel", but I don't think it really warrants being quite so long.

In this story we get to explore Data, both as a sentient machine and a newby human. Personally, I found Data the sentient machine infinitely more interesting than newby human Data.

The story: Enterprise D is rescues 2 ships containing the crew of Daryl Adin (Tasha Yar's lost and rediscovered love-see the Next Generation novel Survivors). Strong gravitational forces emanating from the planet Elysia caused the problem, and the Enterprise crew tries to discover what causes these gravitational surges and can they be mitigated in some way so that other ships are not similarly effected.

Data ends up joining one of the residents of Elysia on her Quest to meet the gods of Elysia and have her wish granted. This part of the novel could definitely have been trimmed. The quest starts out fairly interesting, but continues on far too long. Data and the woman successfully complete their quest, and are both granted their fondest wishes-she to unite her land with another, he to become human.

Data then returns to the Enterprise and has a difficult time convincing his crewmates that he is in fact Data, but now a human. Data must now come to grips with all that he has lost (the ability to compute at lightening speed, indestructibility, strength, endurance, etc.) and all that he has gained (emotions, human senses-especially taste, touch and smell-the ability to feel pain, etc.). There are some very interesting scenes where Data must deal with some of the realities of being human, such as when Data realizes he must now take care of personal grooming and tries to purchase basic toiletry items such as toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant for the first time and becomes completely bewildered by the wide variety of choices avaiable. However, these realities and experiences soon take a backseat to hormones, romance, lust and love. I'm not much of a romance novel fan, so I found the endless scenes of Data becoming aware of various crewmates as women, and his kind of romance (mutual lust) with one woman rather tedious. I also found his "love story" ludicrous, and was relieved when it was quickly pre-empted.

If I had been reviewing the book on the first two thirds of the story, it would probably have only warranted 2 or 3 stars. However, once Data is returned to his android form (obviously, since he was an android for the rest of the series) the story really picked up for me. The story of the planet where the population is being ruthlessly killed by another group who takes over their lands, cities and technology was very interesting.

This novel is worth a read for the exploration of the character of Data, but I would recommend that you read Jean Lorrah's previous Next Generation novel, Survivors. It would probably be enjoyed more by the casual fan, than the die-hard fan.

STNG - Metamorphosis - A compelling story!
Sadly enough, this was author, Jean Lorrah's fourth and final venture into Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek universe.Conversely, this was the first Star Trek The Next Generation non numbered novel that set the path for many more to come, both in paperback and hardback.As many good authors do, she drew characters from her earlier novel, STNG #4 "Survivors" and pulled them into this new adventure.In this first grand novel adventure, Jean Lorrah presents to the reader what the episodes never did, Data actually becoming human and the consequences of that.

The premise:

The Enterprise is called to the planet Elysia when it starts to experience unexplained gravitational disturbances.Captain Picard quite fatefully assigns primary control of the mission to Lieutenant Commander Data who sets out to accomplish the mission.While on the mission he meets an Elysian named Thelia who believes that Data has been sent by the Gods to help her on her quest and in helping her do so, he meets these "Gods" who grant him the one thing he's not capable of doing himself; they make him human.

What follows from there is an intriguing and compelling story that at times doesn't quite live up to what the reader might expect but still carries the story along rather well.Overall, this was a good first "novel" for the Star Trek The Next Generation series and sadly, the last visit into this "universe" by its author.Hopefully in the future, she will come back as some of the authors who disappeared from the rolls have.

I would definitely recommend this early STNG novel to any and all fans, casual or die hard alike.{ssintrepid}

It had to happen sometime . . .
Jean Lorrah's book explores an issue that the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series never tackled: what would it be like for Data to get his wish of understanding what it is to be human?
Metamorphosis is reasonably well-written, at least for a Star Trek novel - the problems lie in plot and character.
Essentially, Data stumbles into a "quest to the gods" while on an away mission to the planet Elysia, and when he successfully completes his quest he is given (without specifically asking for it) humanity - flesh, blood, and all. The book then deals with Data's experience of his new humanity, and the unexpectedly serious problems that result from his transformation.
The plot is quite enjoyable, but too contrived. That the existence of a single android in a single place and time should be of such vital signficance, and that the Elysian "gods" should demonstrate this to Data by showing him what would result if he was human and then wiping that knowledge from his memory, all seems a little silly in the end - since Data cannot even be said to have learnt anything from the experience. (After multiple re-readings, I'm still not sure exactly what happened in the scene where Data is changed back, I have to say) The love story angle with Thelia was also contrived and pointless. Yet Lorrah, to her credit, did try to bring some deeper themes to the book, and her take on a horrible Prime Directive dilemma was well done.
I've never felt that Lorrah does a good job of bringing Data to life in either of her books that I've read, and he even seems quite at variance with his portrayal by Brent Spiner. It's more like she turns the character into what she wants him to be, rather than using the character as he is. Her depictions of the other characters from the TV series are more on the mark, though.
Lorrah reintroduces, rather gratuitously, a number of her characters from Survivors, namely Darryl Adin and his crew. While Adin, an interesting character himself, interacts well with Data in some useful scenes, the book could have done without him and the tired re-exploration of the whole Tasha Yar business.
I had two major issues with this story. One is not entirely Lorrah's fault, but it was intensely annoying all the same. Because the TV series had only had a few seasons when this was published and showed no signs of ending, Metamorphosis could not allow anything sigificant to happen to the characters. But changing Data's experience as a human to "it was only a dream" (or in this case, "it was only one out of many lines of probability") is an awful plot device that I was warned off using in high school. The other major flaw to this book was that Lorrah seemed to believe that exploring Data's new humanity meant only the physical experience of being human. Since he got emotions along with his humanity, it was astonishing that Lorrah did not explore this aspect at all.
Yes, Metamorphosis was quite an entertaining read. But I think that people tend to expect far too little of Star Trek novels. I wanted this to be better, and it could have been better.

Data finally gets to be a real boy
"Metamorphosis" was "the first giant novel" for Star Trek: The Next Generation, although Jean Lorrah's story is bigger in its ambition than it is in length.I have always thought that most Star Trek novels written while that particular series is still in production fall into two ends of the spectrum, either they are not worthy of being filmed as episodes or they involves things that make them too costly to do.In the middle there are books that go back and fill in the gaps in the show's history.However, "Metamorphosis" is different because it tells a story you would have thought they would get around to on STNG sooner or later: Data becomes human.

The Enterprise is studying unexplained gravitational disturbances on the planet Elysia.On the planet's surface Data meets a young woman named Thelia who thinks the android has been sent by the gods to accompany her on her quest.Data believes these "gods" might be the legendary Preservers and the pair proceeds on the quest together.To Data's surprise, whatever the Elysian gods are they grant his fondest desire and turn him into a human being.When he returns to the Enterprise and is immediately accosted by security guards demanding to know what has happened to Commander Data.

"Metamorphosis" takes place during the show's second season (obviously, since Katharine Pulaski is the ship's doctor), and takes place after "The Measure of a Man," the episode where Data has to defend his right to exist in a Starfleet court.The set-up is a tad on the mystical side, but Lorrah is on firmer ground in detailing the actual consequences of Data no longer being an android.I loved the irony that Pulaski, who has always been the one who treated Data least like he was human, is the only one who recognizes that Data looks exactly like he would if he was human.I do not think any one reading this book will be surprised that in the end Data discovers being human is not all he thought it would be, but this simply speaks to how on target Lorrah is in this novel.For fans of Data, this is certainly the STNG novel that should be first on their list for tracking down and checking out.

The sequal to Survivors ST-TNG #4
What is unique about this book is that it is the first "giant" book to be released, as well as being a sequal to a previous book. Of course, this was before the Hardcover books started coming out and before there were any miniseries. A good read, but make sure you read Survivors #4 first! ... Read more

Product Description
DRACULA MEETS DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!

"In Blood Will Tell, Jean Lorrah creates an intriguing blend of police procedural, science fiction, and romance with a heroine as strong and appealing as Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs. Comparable to the vampire mysteries of P. N. Elrod and Tanya Huff, this novel is a must-read for the discriminating fan."--Margaret L. Carter, Author, The Vampire in Literature

"...Blood Will Tell is the best read I've had in several months.... When I finished it, I wandered around my house from stack to stack of books disconsolately looking for another book that good. There wasn't one. I wish every book on the stands was this satisfying, this exciting and profound.
"I love this book. It's right." --Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Author, Those of My Blood, Boxmaster ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Some good ideas, but skipable
It's by no means the worst thing I've read, but it's not really worth spending that much time with, either.It's kind of a shame, because there are some interesting twists on the genre.Most of the vampires seem to want to have a mainstream life, which could be interesting, and she does deal a little with the difficulties for the vampire characters of trying to have a normal life while you have to keep changing identies.She also makes vampirism a genetic disorder, which is a nice science-y variation, but it gets screwed up with a goofy twist.It's genetic, so you can't pass it on, but if the vampire's really, really in wuv with a soulmate, they get to live almost as long as the vampire.Aaaw. This basically is to allow having your cake & eating it too for the main characters, and it's kind of annoying since the vampire character asserts that there's nothing supernatural about the disorder.
The big problem is that main characters aren't really that interesting, and have one of the flattest romances I've seen in a while. The "mystery" is see-through, and if the main character were actually as smart and inquisitive as she's supposed to be, the book would be about 100 pages shorter. The book is also trapped in a "Young Adult" writing style, so much so that I wonder if it was originally intended as one.If so, it would explain at least one of the rythm-killing tangents the book takes, where lead character cop Brandy goes to give a "keep your kids off drugs" lecture to the local PTA for an otherwise inexplicable half a chapter.

I really wanted to like this book...but I didn't.
I was so excited to find this book by an author who is from and still lives in my home state of Kentucky.The excitement ended by chapter two.The romance portion of the story is frustrating and the mystery predictable.The two main characters get together in chapter 1 (yes, chapter 1) and they are in limbo until later in the book...much later.The "mystery" in the story is probably only a mystery if you don't own a tv or this is the first book you've ever picked up.Free time is precious, spend it on Charlaine Harris or
Laurel K. Hamilton.

Hang in there
This book does start slow - but if you hang in there it is a great story. No real surprises - the hero is the hero and the villian is the villian (if you know what I mean...)A new slant on the old blood-sucker. I cared about Brandy and Dan and would like a sequel. The ending suggests there could be more...

One of the worst books I've ever read
The dialog is stilted, the characters boring, their relationship emotionless and it falls apart leaving the reader wondering why they ever bought this book.How it ever won an award is beyond me.I ended up skipping pages, but even that didn't help, so I just threw it away.If I could give it a zero I would.

AuthorZone.Com Book Review
Plain clothes officer Brenda Mather answers a late shift call from Jackson Purchase State University. There is a dead body of an elderly man in Callahan Hall. Her partner Church, Churchill Jones has already left for the weekend so Brandy answers the call alone. Lucky for her Campus Security Chief is Howard McBride a retired police officer. Coroner Troy Sanford's autopsy results disclose the ancient fellow laying dead in the History Department has died of natural causes due to old age. The case takes a definite turn for the peculiar when dental records reveal that the body is that of Professor Everett Land who everyone knows is a robust man in his forties.

Brandy engages the help of Dr. Dan Martin one of the school's professors in the Computer Science department. The pair determine Professor Land assumed a new identity some thirty or so years ago after he had reached his sixties under his previous name. Brandy is dumbfounded when the police chief declares the case closed and tells Brandy to get back to her other cases.

As Dr. Martin and Brandy develop a caring relationship she is convinced there is more to her loved one than is apparent. As time goes on Brandy begins to know for certain that Dr. Martin is not your average college professor.

Blood Will Tell is a page turner daring to take what is accepted lore regarding vampires and turn that cliché inside out. Writer Lorrah presents a well crafted work filled with good writing, fiduciary situations and characters, thought provoking situation and stimulating dialogue. Blood Will Tell is an appealing amalgam of romance, science fiction, and police procedure in which solidly punctilious main characters exhibit great strength of character in the face of impossible situation. Blood Will Tell stands in the class of P.N. Elrod's vampire mysteries.

Writer Lorrah sets the stage for excitement from the opening paragraph then carries the reader on a roller coaster of excitement right to the last page. Blood Will Tell is not a narrative for a dark stormy night alone when the lights are flickering and the reader is home alone.

Reviewed by: molly martin ... Read more

Product Description
Treva is an isolated human colony on the fringes of known space on the verge of becoming a true interstellar community, a full fledged menber of the Federation. But now the U.S.S. EnterpriseTM has received a distress signal for Treva is in the throes of a violent revolution, a revolution led by a merciless warlord who has committed countless atrocities in the name of freedom.

Data and Lt. Tasha Yar are dispatched to investigate. Once they reach Treva, they discover the truth, and any possible solution may be far more complex than a simple rebellion.Treva's president wants more then Starfleet's good words in her fight against the rebels, she wants their weapons technology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great book!
I just finished this book and I really enjoyed it! It fills you in on the backstory of Tasha Yar. How rough was her life before? How did she get rescued? All these questions and more are answered. I really didn't like this character before reading this book. There just wasn't enough information about her. I'll admit though I still got teary eyed hearing her farewell message and Data's confusion to Capt. Picard. It also fills you in a little bit about what happened after Tasha and Data's tryst. All of this and there's a second story. Data and Tasha have benn sent to investigate a distress call on Treva. They soon figure out things are not what they seem. Tasha is reunited with a old flame. We see that Data really does have feelings for Tasha. I liked this it showed him more human than machine. It ends with Tasha's death in Skin of Evil. As a finishing touch Data asks Cpt. Picard to let him deliver Tasha's last farewell message to Darryl Adin(Her rescuer, her old friend, lover and supposedly betrayer) All in all I think this book is the best in the series so far. Don't get me wrong they are all pretty good better than some in the Voyager series. I would definitely recommend this one and also Imzadi(Focuses on Deanna and Riker's relationship)

Captivating
Survivors centers around my two favorite ST:TNG characters, namely Lt. Tasha Yar and Lt Cmrd. Data. It reveals intimate details of Tasha's past that were never allowed into the series due to her untimely demise at the hands of the creature Armus (she was killed because he was BORED?! How dumb is that?!). Her relationship with Dare, a man from her past, as well as her friend Data, the android, create an air of tension you normally wouldn't find in a story invovling Data pre-emotion chip. His constant thoughts about the event that 'never happened' and his jealousy (if it can be called such) directed at Dare and Tasha's rekindling relationship create a very 'humanizing' face for the seemingly emotionless android.

This is a touching, emotional must-read for any Data or Tasha fans. Tasha/Data shippers unite!

STNG #4 - Survivors - A superb early STNG novel!
Of all of the early Star Trek The Next Generation novels, this one definitely stands out among the rest as being one of the better ones.Granted, there are a few back story or canon errors within this one but that is to be expected as this one was written very early in the series run on television and the author had no idea where the series was going to go with respect to certain aspects.The sad thing is that this fine author has only published four novels in the Star Trek arena, two Original Series novels and two STNG novels.Considering how well she wrote these novels, it would be very nice to see her make a foray back into Gene Roddenberry's universe.For fans of Lieutenant Tasha Yar, this quick but excellent novel is a real treat.

The premise:

As this was written very early in the television series, the author picked up well on the dynamic interpersonal relationship between Commander Data and Lieutenant Tasha Yar.In doing so, she put these two characters in the midst of away mission on their own, dropping them off on a human colony known as Treva.They quickly become embroiled in the situation to include running into a Starfleet fugitive that just so happens to have been Tasha's former fiancé.While this human colony "was" intent on becoming a Federation member (which is a bit of an irony considering that it is a "human" colony), they find themselves having to deal with a violent revolution.Now Data and Yar find themselves in the middle of a bloody revolution and having to find a way to end the bloodshed and stay alive at the same time.

What follows is as I stated above, an excellent early STNG novel that captures the dynamic of the relationship between Data and Yar extremely well.The last chapter of this outstanding novel is also quite intriguing as well.

I highly recommend this novel to any and all fans; die hard or casual, of the Star Trek genre as it well exceeds the Star Trek novels of its time.{ssintrepid}

Fabulous Book
Alright, this is my favorite book. I began reading and watching Trek in June and even if I wasn't a Trekker, I would love this book. I picked it up at the library b/c it had Tasha Yar on the front, my favorite character (and I'm not asking for hatred for speaking my beliefs: I get that enough!) and I had no idea what a great book this was. If I hated Tasha Yar, I would still like it. It is well written and well paced, and a fine book all-around.

As fine a story of people, feeling beings, as you will ever
Trust me, this is one fine novel.

I'm a 57 year old, very practical, lawyer.I'm not a particular Trekkie, though I have watched and read a fair amount of it.And of all I've ever seen, this is absolutely the finest.

But it would be excellent if it weren't Star Trek.This is a story of God's greatest effort, human beings, sentient, feeling, caring, helping-one-another beings, as you will ever find.In my experience developing characters is the hardest of all things for writers to do well.This is as fine a job as I recall seeing.

Star Trek or not, READ THIS BOOK!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

DragonLord of the Savage Empire
I have read and reread this book.This is 2nd book in the Savage Empire series.Two different societies which fear the each other.One has the gift of telepathy, the other society has the all other extrasensory(telekinetic, etc) abilities. The writer has made the charactorsinteresting, the story is well written and keeps one interested to the veryend.I'm not sure who wrote the editorial review, but it could not havebeen about this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This second book in the Savage Empire series introduces two new continuing characters to the saga of the Savage Empire. Zanos the Gladiator and Astra, a master reader, are loyal citizens of the Aventine Empire. Nevertheless, one holds a deadly secret and the other is drawn into a high-level conspiracy that brings them together and propels them into a desperate flight to the Savage Empire. A prophecy of peace and hope might provide a new life for them there-if their pursuing enemies don't kill them first. One of Zanos and Astra's new friends in the Savage Empire is the blind reader Torio, who has unexpectedly gained the rare talent of prophecy. The cryptic messages of his new gift send Zanos, Astra, Torio, and his beloved Melissa on a danger-filled journey north to Zanos's homeland. There, each one finds a personal destiny, and all must pay a price for confronting the lethal Sorcerers of the Frozen Isles. ... Read more

Product Description
I.D.I.C., Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination, is more than just a simple credo, it is the cornerstone of Vulcan philosophy.

Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is 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 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, interstellar war. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations
IDIC EPIDEMIC follows the events of THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS by a few weeks.Most of the characters from that novel are present in this one but it would be quite possible to read and enjoy them out of sequence.

As the Enterprise was enroute to another mission they were diverted to an medical emergency on a Vulcan colony.The colony was set up as a scientific research facility, one reflecting the Vulcan concept of IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.The colony's population included all members of the Federation and even a few citizens of non-Federation worlds.A flu-like illness had struck the peaceful colony, a nuisance at first but soon the disease had mutated into a highly contagious and deadly form.The medical facilities were overwhelmed and despite all precautions the epidemic contined to spread. The Enterprise soon discovered that they had problems on board as well problems in the planet surface.

The story is well written, the plot compelling and the characters engaging.This is one of the best entries in this series, and a definite 'must read' for anyone who enjoyed THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS.

An excellent Star Trek novel
This is an extremely well-written and thought-provoking novel -- one of the best in the Star Trek series. Characters are nicely developed, plot lines are intriguing, and everything fits in nicely with the established Star Trek universe. The novel is partly a morality play, but it never gets preachy. Occasionally author Jean Lorrah is unable to sustain interest among her multiple plot lines, but "The IDIC Epidemic" is still an entertaining read.

Promising concept and characters
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.

Superb story, excellently written.
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.

What brings us together, can tear us apart!
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! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful, hard to put down.
Two Kingdoms in deadly battle. One has the power of sight and the other the gift of destruction... ... Read more

Product Description
The Aventine Empire is crumbling under the attacks of savages armed with strange and dangerous powers. Exiled from the empire, a powerful telepath named Leonardo is captured by the savages, and finds himself in unfamiliar territory. Prepared for their brutality and mindless aggression, Leonardo learns their world differs from what he has been taught, and he is forced to question all of his previously held assumptions. This edition includes the first three works of the seven-volume Savage Empire series, last issued more than 10 years ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Savage Empire
This is the first book in the Savage Empire Series.From page 1 to the end, this book stays interesting and enjoyable.I have read this book several times and will keep it in my library for future use.It is a storyof two empires, each with different extrasensory abilities, whom fear eachother.I hope that someday, the entire series will be reprinted. JeanLorrah is a gifted writter.

One of the best Fantasy series ever written.
The entire Savage Empire series is one of the most entertaining, well thought-out series I've ever read.Although lacking the humor of some other popular stories (the Jhereg books and the Belgariad come to mind)this series kept me reading to the point that I devoured 6 out of 7 booksover a weekend.Savage Empire is a little easier reading than Jhereg andnot as long as, say, Pawn of Prophecy. These stories are so well writtenthat events in the seventh book actually disturbed me to some degree. THAT'S good writing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Sci Fi
This is an excellent, fascinating series.Unfortunately, I got rid of the ones I had long ago, but I do recommend them! I'll have to repurchase them! ... Read more

Product Description
The saga of humanity's destiny...Following a cataclysm, humanity has been divided into two mutant forms: the Simes and the Gens. Gens consider themselves to be the true humans, with little outward change, but their bodies produce selyn, an energy that Simes can't live without. The stronger and faster Simes develop the means to extract selyn from the Gens, a method that kills the Gen in the process. Gen communities are raided by Simes, the Gens rounded up and held in pens for Simes to use when needed. This is the saga of how these two disparate peoples learn to live as one.Sime~Gen: The Unity Trilogy presents three classic novels of the future struggle of humanity:In House of Zeor by Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Hugh Valleroy, a Gen, must rescue the woman he loves from Sime raiders. To do so, he must learn to cooperate with and trust a renegade Sime, leader of the infamous House of Zeor.In Ambrov Keon by Jean Lorrah, Risa Tigue, having just witnessed her father's death in a hurricane, stumbles upon a Gen man who saves her life and discovers that she is much more than what she seems. Can she admit the truth of this discovery?In Zelerod's Doom by Lichtenberg and Lorrah, Gen numbers are dwindling, which spells the end of Simes as well. As Gens rise up to fight back against the tyranny of the Simes, the two must find a way to live together or both will be destroyed.Sime~Gen: The Unity Trilogy kicks off a massive six-book series, featuring the reprints of all eight classic Sime~Gen novels as well as brand new novels and short stories. The Unity Trilogy will be followed in July of 2004 with the first new Sime~Gen novel in over 20 years, To Kiss or to Kill by Jean Lorrah!The Unity Trilogy will be available in both hard cover and soft cover. The hard covers will be shipped with a beautiful bookplate designed by Sime~Gen art director Patric Michael and autographed by Jean and Jacqueline! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Sime~Gen
Anyone reading the Unity Trilogy SC for the very first time will be amazed at just how incredibly fantastic it all is. But for those who are more familiar with her writings there should be no real surprise. Anything by Jacqueline Lichtenberg is always ranked among the very best in fantasy and science fiction.

Jacqueline has been a professional author and member of the Science Fiction Writers of America for many years. Her vivid imagination has taken readers to places well beyond wherever most other sci fi can only pretend to. Her Sime~Gen works are just such wonderous reading.

There are always curious twists and turns along the plotlines, as well as a wide array of interesting characters. Even for those who are not fanatical sci fi enthusiasts, the Unity Trilogy will still hold interest. Jacqueline always includes a wide scenereo of sub-plots, highly believable relationships, and endless difficulties to overcome.

The reader finishes the book always wanting more, but nevertheless having enjoyed it thoroughly. And, perhaps best of all, actually having learned much. But don't just stop with this work, by all means go on to any and all other Lichtenberg books. There's many more surprises in store. And the educational adventure, combined with the entertainment value, never fails.

You definitely won't be disappointed.

{:-) Jeff Redmond
redmondjeff@hotmail.com
www.erdabooks.net

Symbiosis Out of Balance
The Unity Trilogy is a book that landed in my lap -- nearly literally! I swear, I showed up one night for the writers' group I'm in and my friend Alan was there with a white box. "Hey, remember how I mentioned we could maybe use you as a proofreader?" he asked, before handing over the box. Inside were three manuscripts, since it was a trilogy being republished as an omnibus by Meisha Merlin. A couple of weeks later, I went to start proofing and boom, I was totally hooked by the first page!

So what is Sime~Gen about?

Let see... Set some centuries in the future, Sime~Gen has the human race divided (through either evolution or genetic manipulation, nobody knows) into two groups: Simes and Gens. Both groups basically look the same, but there is one big difference which dominates all goings-on between them: Simes have tentacles on their arms and need selyn to survive, while Gens don't have tentacles and produce selyn. Selyn isn't any type of bodily fluid but an invisible life force almost like chi, which builds up naturally in Gens but whose absence in Simes will kill them if they go more than a month.

Ever since the mutation divided the species, Simes and Gens have understandably been at war. In Sime-controlled territories, Gens are raised in pens like animals and bought and sold like they're food - stripped of their selyn and tossed away. In Gen-dominated territories, by contrast, there is a saying that "The only good Sime is a dead Sime." And what makes it scary is that Gens can have Sime children and vice versa - nobody knows until they hit puberty. If Gens have Sime children, they kill them, and when Simes have them, they can of course kill them or sell them to Gen dealers.

This is the basic set up of the trilogy and the plot, as it develop, involves efforts on part of Simes and Gens to overcome all the prejudice and enmity and achieve unity. After all, if Simes kill all the Gens, they'll die, and it's already a given than Gens can't kill all the Simes.

None of this is explained in boring history lessons, but laid out in the stories of individuals. In House of Zeor the story centers of a Gen named Hugh Valleroy, who goes on a dangerous, secret assignment into Sime territory in order to rescue an important Gen official who also happens to be his girlfriend. (Yes, this sounds cheesy and it sort of is.) Hugh doesn't infiltrate Sime territory on his own, however, but instead is paired up with Klyd Farris, head of the titular House of Zeor. Even though Hugh has actually grown up as a Sime sympathizer (who expected he'd "changeover" at puberty), he's never been to Sime territory and arrives completely unprepared for what he finds.

House of Zeor is a "householding" which, running again most prevailing laws and attitudes, is a community where Simes and Gens live in harmony. Harmony is achieved by a special kind of Sime called a Channel. Unlike regular Simes, Channels don't need to kill Gens to get the selyn they need. Channels have two "selyn transport systems" and can collect selyn from dozens of Gens, just like milking cows almost, and then go to Simes, who then take the selyn - instead of killing Gens. Channels also have selyn needs of their own, of course, and for that reason, and because they're just so important to householdings, each Channel has a Companion. Companions, Hugh learns, are Gens who produce an extraordinarily large quantity of selyn and are able to give their selyn freely to serve the appetite of the Channel. Little does Hugh know that he's natural Companion material - for Klyd, the head channel of House of Zeor!

There's an awful lot of plot over the course of these three books. House of Zeor is a dive into the world of Simes and Gens and follows the story of Hugh and Klyd, while the middle book, Ambrov Keon, takes place in another part of the world. It centers on another householding, Keon, starting with the arrival of Risa Tigue, a "junct" (killing) Sime who stumbles upon a householding and learns she is a Channel. Risa has a lot to learn and although she fights it, she ends up being a big part of bringing her corner of the world towards unity. The final book, Zelerod's Doom, brings Hugh and Klyd together with the cast of of Ambrov Keon for a battle that eventually achieves the beginning of what gets to be called Unity - the day Simes and Gens begin to forge a truce. This story gets deeper into some of the relationships, in particular Hugh and Klyd's, and reveals a race struggling to figure out what they are about and how they can survive.

One thing I'll say about these books is that although I did enjoy them quite a lot, the writing style, plotting and other bits of it can get to sounding cheesy. It certainly isn't the sort of rich descriptive narrative I'm used to reading (Storm Constantine, Ursula Le Guin). Instead, it's more the kind of writing you'd find in a Star Trek book, which makes a lot of sense since the authors are huge Star Trek fans and have, in fact, written Star Trek novels. This doesn't stop the books from being enjoyable, but I think it is something that needs to be noted, in case a reader is expecting great literature.

Since reading Sime~Gen I have found myself wanting to read more and luckily, there is more to read, not only more books, which Meisha Merlin will be publishing over the next few years, but whole novels already online and a huge load of fan fiction, which the authors are OK with and even host on their own web site. I am so glad Alan handed me that white box!

One of my Longtime Favorites
When you open the cover, you first "see" (visualize) two army professionals nervously awaiting a meeting with some type of spy.As yet, there is little hint that you have entered a world where emotions become real flaring beacons, where actually destroying the people you love the best is a literal possibility, and where philosophical questions take on a new depth of tangibility and beauty.The characterization brought me to these books the first time, and kept me reading as I struggled through the trick of reasoning within an alien world (a mental challenge that is incredibly attractive to science fiction readers).House of Zeor (the first book in the trilogy) has a point of view character who is also unfamiliar with the key concepts, so it makes a good starting place, and I caught on just by reading.There is a world of incredible beauty and fascination between these covers.They remain some of my favorite books (over five years after my first introduction to House of Zeor), and I am very pleased that they are finally republished.Keep on reading even through the alien words like "zlin" and "field gradient" --trust me, it's worth it.You meet people like Klyd Farris, who has a "brittle strength" and more courage than I can fathom; Risa Tigue, who says the funniest things; Muryin and Virena, two girls who come from almost opposite interpretations--and you unveil philosophical questions that seem so simple at first glance, but continue to develop and deepen, and finally remain unresolved--but tantalizing and invigorating.I would highly recommend this trilogy--probably because I still read it!

Alisa from alisaandmike.com
I just finished House of Zeor from Sime~Gen and loved it!I look forward to finishing the other two stories.I have actually spent my entire night reading - it's now 5:36am and I have had no sleep.Shame on Jacqueline Lichtenberg for writing such a captivating story!What a brilliant feat to create the Sime~Gen world.It is hard to believe this is her first novel published in 1974.It is not dated at all.I look forward to loosing more sleep.

# sf classics that are great today
Background.Humanity evolved into two species following the cataclysm.On the surface the only obvious physical difference is the arms of the Sime.However, in reality, the Simes were much bigger, faster, and deadlier than the Gens.The Sime need selyn to survive while the Gens contain that energy source within their bodies.Over time the Sime began drugging and herding the Gen into pens so that they could suck dry selyn from its source leaving the Gen dead.

"House of Zeor".Gen intelligence operative Hugh Valleroy is considerably distraught over his beloved Aisha being apparently abducted by the Sime.He plans to risk his life to bring her home, but to do so he must meet with Klyd, a Sime.Klyd is a new type of Sime.He serves as a channel between the species, killing no one but providing nutrients for his race.Both are little regarded amongst their respective people.Hugh is considered a Sime lover because he speaks the language, which he learned from his Sime expatriate mother.Klyd and his House of Zeor are considered lunatics because the Gens are a source of food and death is a by-product of that feeding frenzy.Neither trusts the other.Yet if they fail to cooperate, they not only will falter on their quest to save Aisha, but they will also destroy any hope of peaceful coexistence as dreamed of by both men.

"Ambrov Keon".Simes Morgan Tigue and his daughter Risa were sailing home on the Mizipi River when the storm suddenly hit killing the father.Risa barely survives, but to do so drains much of her internal supply of life energy selyn.She must find herself a Gen so that she can replenish her source of life-energy.Risa meets Gen Sergi ambrov Keon, who has the uncanny ability to provide selyn yet control the Sime so as to give enough for the feeder to live yet not die in the process.Sergi offers shelter and selyn to Risa.Having just failed to keep alive a channel, he hopes she is the one that along with him will prove they can live in harmony.Sergi believes she has that ability, but can he persuade her to stop the killing.

"Zelerod's Doom".The end times have arrived for both species of the human race.To survive the life giving Gens and the feeder Simes must find a way to cooperate with channels being the obvious avenue.Failure to do so means the end of the Gens, which mathematically implies the termination of the Simes.Most Gens never heard of channels while most Simes think these renegades are depraved lunatics.Humanity is on the brink of extinction unless the two species stop the animosity and prejudice to reunite the human race into one people.Together in harmony all live, but divided in discord all die.

The Sime-Gen novels are some of the best post apocalypse books written and to see this reprinting in one volume will bring plenty of pleasure to genre fans.The tales focus on the Gen-Sime relationship, but the key to these three books is that the two species seem real regardless of whether Jacqueline Lichtenberg or Jean Lorrah or both wrote the tale.Readers will be caught up in the action, but will appreciate the depth to the prime cast members such as Hugh and Risa.Whether the player is a Sime or a Gen they seem genuine and stay true to their people.Fans of vampire tales in a different setting than Transylvania or London will clearly want to read the great Unity Trilogy novels rolled together in one superb collection.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description
Nessie Inspires a Child's Love

A boy must choose between keeping a treasure and saving a monster in Nessie and the Living Stone, by Lois June Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah.

Craig's family, including his bratty little sister Linda, are on holiday at Loch Ness where Craig has plans to capture Nessie, the famed Loch Ness Monster. Instead, she captures him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A New look at an Old Legend
Wickstrom and Lorrah create an enchanting underwater world for their characers to explore.What child wouldn't want to find a magic stone that allows them to travel to the Lochness Monster's grotto, filled with singing flowers and colorful dinosaur babies?This is a well-written adventure for all ages, but particularly suited for the 7-10 year old age group. ... Read more