The Patrian Transgression

I highly recommend this one, the plot is really good, the characters are true to form, even the subtle humor or McCoy and Scotty are dead on! There is plenty of action, and creative thought in this novel. And there are several subplots and little mysteries that will really engage you. I don't like giving plot details or spoilers, but I will say the character Iano who is introduced to the away team is unforgettable! It's action, and good character, a fun read!

I received the book on 12-18-08 and it was in excellent condition. David.

It was a close call as to whether to rate this book 3 stars or 4; it wasn't particularly exceptional, although it was competent and entertaining. Ultimately, the fact that it was entertaining was enough to push it to four stars, but only just; there was nothing particularly extraordinary here, but it was a perfectly adequate Star Trek story, well told and well-written.

The plot in its most basic description is an Original Series staple: the Enterprise is called in to negotiate with one of two warring factions, which the crew end up caught between, and with a Federation ambassador who is more of a hindrance than a help. In this case, the faction that has called in the Federation is the planetary government, and they seek help against rebels. The Enterprise crew quickly learns that the actions of the government are fairly questionable and the opposition of the rebels quite possibly justified. Overall, the book is a combination of investigation and action, mostly on the planet but with one space battle. The writing is good but never really impressive. The characters are well depicted, but not particularly distinctive and the interaction between them somewhat generic. Overall, the story is entertaining, but almost nothing in the book really stands out - apart from the depiction of the government's quite literal "thought police". That was well done, though disturbing.

The idea of a planet with artificially created mind police to perform law enforcement is quite orginal. Question: Doesn't the Patrian dude on the cover resemble Ted Kennedy, who played Ruk in "What are Little Girls Made Of" in TOS (he also played Lurch in The Addams Family sitcom)? I also liked that sport of fighting people with a staff by jumping from square to square. Involving Kirk in the game was an original way of talking to him while fighting with him.