A review by caffeine_books
Ex Machina by Christopher L. Bennett

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This novel does a wonderful job at looking at two aspects of Star Trek.  First, the aftermath of The Motion Picture and the fallout that Kirk had to face (both good and bad) not only with how he is perceived by the Federation at large but his crew, a majority of whom are still fiercely loyal to Decker. This part of the novel also ahs McCoy and Spock dealing with their own flaws and how they fit in a world that is seeming to outpace them.  
The second aspect is a reflection on society at large as the novel brings a conclusion to the episode "For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky." It is the age old battle of religion versus science and if those two can co exist.  I think this book does a wonderful job of bringing depth to characters and showing their battle with their own mortality as well as belief systems.  
Wonderful book, highly recommend.