Crossroad (Star Trek, Book 71)

Not too surprising, given that Barbara Hambly is a known quantity as a superb writer. Still, this was just a wonderful novel, handling both established characters and one-shots perfectly, excellent and novel concepts and storyline, and smooth, compelling writing style. It was interesting to see the Enterprise be on the RECEIVING end of a temporal visit from the future for a change.

I've read lots, and i mean lots, of ST novels, and Barbara Hambly is one of my favorite ST authors. In Crossroad, she takes the well-used time-travel theme and builds a truly engrossing and ST-worthy story. My standards for ST novels are admitedly different (not lower, but different) from my standards for other genres, and that's because i want the familiarity and predictability of the ST universe---and respect for that universe----mixed with the depth and nuance that a truly good writer adds. And all without ovetaxing my brain or, conversely, assuming I'll read anything if it's about ST. Satisfying light reading is hard to write. Hambly has the knack.

Set aside the photon torpedos. Prepare to make a command decision. On the outer marches, the U.S.S. Enterprise encounters an aging black starship. A Constitution-class ship, but one not listed on the Star Fleet registry. It's skeleton crew, a cosmopolitan band, claims to be freedom fighters from the Federation's future. This is a future where Big Brother does more than watching. The situation deepens when another starship, of unknown design, arrives claming to represent the future Federation. They want the "terrorist," but are unable to force the issue, fearing harming an unnamed crew member aboard the Enterprise. A person who will create the future Federation. What's Kirk's decision? What would be your decision?I liked this book for several reasons:1. The skeleton crew of the aging starship are the most interesting characters in the series since the first and last appearance of Dr.Evan Wilson in Uhuru's Song.2. We see the crew of the Enterprise acting like a crew. Teamwork on all levels. It's not just the bridge crew, Scott, and Bones.3. The future "propulsion" source is an example, in a crude metaphorical sense, of how a weed is any plant people have not yet found a use for. Except this "plant" is holy terror to the Federation of Kirk's time.4. The Enterprise crew member who will choose the path for the future will do so with good intentions. An example of unintended consequences.To compare your taste with mine, these are some of my favorites: My Enemy, My Ally / Final Reflection / How Much for Just the Planet? / Uhuru's Song / Ice Trap / The Romulan Way / Killing Time

I dunno about everybody else, but I honestly didn't think this book was all that bad. Though a bit convaluted and extremely hazy, it was a story worthy of every other Star Trek novel I've ever read. And I was pretty happy Barbara took time to develope and expand on Christine Chapel's character. Chris has always been one of my favorite characters on the original series and I liked that Barbara gave her character significance rather than commiseration.All in all, it was not that bad. There are worse Star Trek novels out there.

This is GREAT!!! This book is a page turner that will keep you safely enveloped in your own little world as you shun friends and family. The plot was a well used concept in Star Trek, with a little twist -Kirk's present is the past, rather than the future. I liked the villan as well, very nasty. This book is a must read! (I know, I have three copies, in case of fire!)