thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
3.0
Imagine the Exorcist set on the Enterprise and Vulcan and you have the basic idea for this book. The threat is scary and the tension is high in this engaging Star Trek novel. Probably my biggest complaint is that much of the difficulties in the story are perpetuated by Dr. McCoy begin stubborn and a bit love-sick. His actions threatened his companions several times, which got annoying. I don't think of McCoy as being this much trouble on most Star Trek adventures, so I don't consider this version to be in-character. Still it was an entertaining read.
birdkeeperklink's review against another edition
2.0
This one only gets two stars because of McCoy's prominence in the whole thing. I hated that Anita or Anitra or whatever the heck her name was--total Mary Sue. All the main characters want her and she saves the day every time? Pretty much the definition of a Mary Sue.
And, since Mary Sue is of course the center of attention most of the time, I hated most of the book, too. Only McCoy's grumbling made it bearable, and sometimes not even then.
Also, the idea behind the plot was actually fairly interesting, so it gets a few points for that, too.
And, since Mary Sue is of course the center of attention most of the time, I hated most of the book, too. Only McCoy's grumbling made it bearable, and sometimes not even then.
Also, the idea behind the plot was actually fairly interesting, so it gets a few points for that, too.
wetdryvac's review
4.0
Huh. One of those books that turns out not to be as nifty as my eighth grade self thought - but still a good bit of fun, and some interesting ideas.
david_agranoff's review against another edition
4.0
Above average almost Lovecraftian Trek horror novel.
taaya's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of things in this book are really annoying. The Mary Sue character that everybody loves, no matter how immature or even insulting she acts. And she's a better telepath than every Vulcan, can do a technician's job she never even heard of faster than the chief engineer, beats Spock in chess,... She can do everything and every man finds her attractive. Honestly? Insufferable!
And then killing of people of colour? Somehow all the non-Vulcan dead we learn of are all either Asian or Arabian. That's a bit... Well, it smells fishy.
But in the end the plot wasn't bad and it was nice to learn more about Spock's family.
And then killing of people of colour? Somehow all the non-Vulcan dead we learn of are all either Asian or Arabian. That's a bit... Well, it smells fishy.
But in the end the plot wasn't bad and it was nice to learn more about Spock's family.
frakalot's review against another edition
5.0
I always get excited when a story starts with an archaeological dig, but almost invariably this doesn't form much more than the seed of the story. Surprise! An archaeological expedition finds some relics that unleash an ancient terror. Well, aside from the cliches this is actually a top notch story.
Murder and mayhem. Demonic possession. Lust confused with love. Spock and McCoy on each other's nerves. It's a recipe that sounds fairly average but the meal is delightful.
Unexpectedly, this story included some early experiences of Sarek and Amanda's "romance" which was a pleasant surprise and was handled well. It was a bit of a jarring jump back in time from the main events of the book but nonetheless pleasant.
Murder and mayhem. Demonic possession. Lust confused with love. Spock and McCoy on each other's nerves. It's a recipe that sounds fairly average but the meal is delightful.
Unexpectedly, this story included some early experiences of Sarek and Amanda's "romance" which was a pleasant surprise and was handled well. It was a bit of a jarring jump back in time from the main events of the book but nonetheless pleasant.
santi_t's review against another edition
5.0
Tremendous novel, felt like it could've been its own movie, each character gets their chance to do something and it's nice to have a focus on the planet of Vulcan. Apparantly some other books follow on from this and I can't wait to read those too
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