My Enemy, My Ally

I know that some of you Star Trek buffs ('Trekkies' as we are (affectionately?) referred to by American culture at large) will be surprised to find me reviewing this book so highly, because Ms. Duane has seldom, in her work, ever agreed with my phillosophical views. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by an element within My Enemy, My Ally which I will explain in a moment.The story is unique in that it centers around, not the Enterprise crew itself (Kirk, Spock, and co.) but around one Ael T'rellelieu -- a Romulan war hero who, disgusted and heartbroken by the supplantation of her culture by some young, politically motivated hotheads in the Senate, and horrified at a dehumanizing weapon of mass-destruction they have invented, turns to her despised enemies -- the Enterprise crew -- for assistance in its destruction, thus making herself and her family, in the eyes of her own culture, nonpersons and traitors, worthy of exile and vilest death.The surprising moment, for me, was the answer Ael gives when the Enterprise crew questions her as to why she a Romulan -- a race which prizes family loyalty above life itself -- would do what she has done in coming to them: "It is a matter of m'nhe'sahe." "M'nhe'sahe" -- an untranslatable Romulan word which the resident linguist among the Enterprise crew renders as, "The kind of love that requires you to give your last breath for the sake of an enemy, or kill a friend." Observant people familiar with Christianity will see what I'm getting at here. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Sound familiar? Ms. Duane, in the concept of "mn'he'sahe" has given us, whether intentionally or not, a surpassing picture of the love of God. Congratulations, Ms. Duane, you've not only given us a superb work of literature, you've also written on of the best parables I've seen in years. Keep it up!

This is the book to the latest of the series done by Diane Duane. She has really worked really hard to show there is more to the Enterprise then the Kirk, Spock, and the bridge personal. Here you see even a new horta from Janas VI, or a creature that plays the paino with 4 tenticles while at the same time keeping time with 2 others. This is one of the few that will be the clasic star trek.Kirk must trust an old enemy that he has delt with many times before, but this time he has a hard choice. Trust the old enemy, or let the federation be destroyed from a thought.

I have reread this novel several times over the last few years and I am impressed with every read. Diane Duane manages to bring forth a witty and entertaining star trek adventure while lending further depth and understanding to the Romulan culture only hinted at in the TV Series. For those of you who enjoyed learning about Vulcan history, you will surely find this book "fascinating". The character development and dialogue of this book was not disappointing. Diane continues painting Romulan history in the novel that follows this first.."The Romulan Way". I highly recommend this novel for Star Trek fans!

Ael t'Rlailiiu is a noble-and dangerous- Romulan Commander. But when the Romulans kidnap Vulcans to genetically harness their mind power, Ael decides on treason. Captain Kirk, her old enemy, joins her in a secret pact to destroy the research laboratory and free the captive Vulcans. When the Romulans discover their plan, the Neutral Zone seethes with schemes and counter-schemes, sabotage and war! This book is so interesting. You should buy it NOW!

This is one of my favorites because it gives a small glance at the lifestyle of the "Rihannsu" people...showing that they are far different than their enemies view them. I admire the Author's treatment of the people, and the story. She portrays them as having morals, honor, and a sense of duty not often seen. A fabulous book!!!