Tears of Singers Star Trek

Read it twice. Wish I could read it again as though I hadn't. So excellent.

I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I admit to being skeptical when I saw the cover of this book and read the title. I thought it would be one of the 'goofier' star trek paperbacks. Luckily, I was wrong! Not only is this book far from goofy, it's one of the BEST star trek books I've read to date. A great adventure for Kirk and Crew as they encounter Klingons on the verge of mutiny, a strange alien race and a space phemonemon that could destroy life as we know it. And speaking of the Klingons, they were among my favorite characters in the book. It's nice when the author mixes things up from the norm. I leave it to the reader to find out the rest. Highly recommended! A favorite of mine that stands right up there with Black Fire, Way of The Romulans, My Enemy My Ally, Yesterday's Son and The Covenent Of the Crown. GREAT READ!

The great thing about these novels is that they allow authors to explore characters that were often left as bystanders in the television show. In this case, Uhura is the character that most of the action converges around. A plausible romance for her though one that progresses oddly and at times inappropriately (in my mind) for her position on the Enterprise, something I think the author was aware of but willing to ignore for the sake of her story. What was neat was how this book seemed to tie into parts of the Star Trek cannon that haven't even come into existance yet (at the time of the book's publication). The aliens, The Singers, are early on compared to Earth's humpbacked whales, and there is a space time rip that sucks in people and planets but doesn't actually kill them (Nexxus anyone?) Several non-bridge member characters played large roles in this book. Kor, one of Kirk's classic Klingon adversaries. His wife Kali, a neat addition, who I rather enjoyed, though might have been a bit more klingony. Two other klingons are relatively well developed as well, I really have to object to Kor's best friend's name though--Kandi, is not a male sounding name let alone a warrior klingon. And most importantly, Maslin, Uhura's love intereste. A sort of Beethoven-esque composer, though less endearing that perhaps that composer. A man of tempers and ill health, he is this story's martyr. I really loved the complexity of the plot and the aliens that Snodgrass created for this story. My only other complaint was that at times certain characters (such as Spock) spoke and acted in ways that seemed uncharacteristic to me. All in all this was a very enjoyable book, a nice bit of escapism, and one I could have seen as an episode on the show. Which to me is the ultimate test for these books.

This is one of the Best! classic Star Trek Novels I have ever read. I recomend it highly. Very well written. The romance between Uhura and Maslin is wonderful and made me cry. I have read this book more than a few times. If you like tear jerkers make sure you have a box of tissues while you read. Great storyLove and Peace Darlene Little Deer.

Star Trek-The Original Series: The Tears of the Singers written by Melinda Snodgrass is a classic Star Trek adventure. This book is one of the early TREK adventures as Captain James T. Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise crew join in with the Klingons to stop a disaster brewing in the Taygeta V star system.Classic TREK where a time/space warp without all of the baggage is how I'd call this book. The alien culture is interesting and working with the Klingons is difficult, but the storyline is captivating making for good action-adventure.In this book Uhura is the crew member that shines as this is a well-written book. Taygeta V is inhabited by a semi-aguatic race of beings that are being hunted for their tears. It seems that when they die they secreat a jewel-like substance. Of course Uhura is the communications officer and she can communicate with the Taygetians as they are the singers and they inform her of what is happening.Spock, of course, puts two and two together and suspects a link between the space/time anomoly with the Taygetians. While the Klingons will be Klingons, this makes for an interesting tale, with the fate of the Federation and with the entire universe to be saved Kirk and crew make it make a valent attempt to make things right. If you're looking for a classic TREK adventure this is a good book to read. This is early TREK, but the writing is excellent and things that happen in this book even though are minor, will be considered in the whole of the TREK cannon. A multitude of worlds would ring with their particular brand of music that sang to the spheres, the Taygetians are interesting race.

In my reviews of Classic Star Trek novels, it must be understood that I adhere to the original canon as invisioned by Gene Roddenberry, and not the "Star Trek" universe accepted by Rick Berman and company.I generally rate a classic novel thus:Adherence to Canon -- does this novel adhere to the vision of the original Star Trek?Yes, in my opinion, it does. The principles of the Prime Directive come very much to the fore.Believability (within the confines of 23rd century Star Trek viability) -- is this novel well-plotted and well written? Can I picture this novel or imagine myself in it?Again, yes. Quite so.Coherence and Consistency -- does this novel internally consistent? Is it consistent with other Star Trek novels by the same author? Is it consistent with what is known of the CLASSIC Star Trek universe?Again, yes. The fan of "Classic Trek" will appreciate the traditional Klingons.Mitigating Factors -- pluses or minuses which dramatically affect the enjoyment of this book As someone who appreciates fine music of many genres, the fact that the entire plot was based on a musical theme was an added bit of enjoyment. The notion of the (literally) creative properties of music was also interesting to me as a theologian. (See the creation sequences in both JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis).Altogether, an enjoyable "Classic Star Trek" experience.