Uhura's Song

Hey! This one isn't just a great read. It's really beautiful! I read it years ago and it's still one of my favorite books. Not just a favorite star trek but a favorite book!! If you have not read it give yourself a treat. It's truly a joy. PS -- note added a year or two later-- just read it a third time and it just gets more beautiful! A really wonderful book!!

As a fan of Uhura, I often feel that not enough novels use her character well. This novel was a wonderful book, and it really showcased Uhura's character (without forgetting anyone else). There were a lot of fun elements to this novel, and it definitely surprised me several times. It's one I'll definitely read again!

And I've read dozens. The characters are marvelously portrayed, to the point that established characters are shown to have abilities and talents previously unsuspected, but absolutely plausible and in-character for them (if you feel Chekov's generally gotten the short end of the stick, you'll love seeing him pull a few rabbits out of his hat in this one), and there are several new characters introduced that I would definitely like to see more of. The plot moves well, and is truly compelling; generally, I'm reading about a dozen books at a time; I'll read a chapter of one, then a chapter of another, in no particular order. After about the midway point of this book, I simply couldn't put it down; that almost never happens with me. And while Uhura IS the primary focus of the story, in that it is HER idea that leads to the solution of the problem, and her talents ARE vital to the mission, it is still plausible in that she does not take over the role that Kirk and Spock usually play (and still do) as the leaders of the crew. Some might find that disappointing (one reviewer here did, at least) but it seems to me that it is far more plausible and pleasing to see Uhura (and Chekov, for that matter) play major roles, far more so than usual, while still remaining junior officers. Kirk and Spock are handled with a sure hand, and play their usual roles WITHOUT putting the junior characters in their shadows as they so often do.This is the first Star Trek book I've ever given a rating of 5 stars. That should say something.

This is, without any question, my favorite Star Trek novel. You may very well like it even if you don't generally read Star Trek novels. I have read my old copy to shreds and will be ordering a new one soon. The characters in this book are wonderful - intriguing and full of surprises, yet internally consistant. She manages to retain the flavors of the core Trek characters, and yet show us a different side of them. And Evan is magnificent. I want to meet her! The different world-views that the various characters have are, as Spock would say, fascinating. The plot has several threads running through it. The main one has to do with finding a cure for a devastating plague. In addition there is a thread about what it means to be a grown-up and the ramifications of being different. There is suspense in plentiful supply in both lines. Ms. Kagan challenges the readers' assumptions in many ways, and as result provides a great deal more substance in her books than most authors manage. Her books are fun, as well. Her other books (Hellspark and Mirabile) and her short stories are equally good. My only complaint is that she is not prolific. However, if one has to wait a bit longer for such high quality and entertaining books, then wait I will. Ms. Kagan has expressed her appreciation of James Schmitz, and if you have not read any of his work, and you enjoy this book, you might want to try his work, as well. There is a new set of compilations of his work coming out; 2 volumes published and 1 or 2 more to come.

One of my top-5 favorite original series novels! I've already worn out 2 copies!Janet Kagan paints a very complete picture of two different alien worlds - one at risk and the other, if it can be found, with the potential for an answer. This book gives you a chance to see interesting aspects of Uhura's, Chekov's and Spock's characters. Like all the best Star Trek stories, it lets us examine our personalities and prejudices through the alien species.This isn't just a serious story. There are some wonderful scenes - singing "The Volga Boatman", fun with spicy food, fighting saber tooth tigers, calling Scotty on the communicator just to hear his accent, Spock's eyebrow and more. Janet Kagan is a wonderful writer and her other books (non Star Trek) are also worth reading.

This book was so good, I felt like hugging it at the end. Also, this book is most likely the main idea for so many of the star trek books that deal with the main characters having to undergo an "age of ascention" ritual (for lack of a better word, sorry, Klingon fans)to achieve a particular status that will solve their problems. It has a refreshing alien spieces, much more interesting than the "human" aliens('sept for the Romulans, of course), but, I must admit that I'm slightly partial, since I love cats. Humorous at some times, this is a book that goes beyond star trek. It's sad, touching, funny, about characters that are couragous, believable, and sometimes stubborn. A unique view of beings that denied their past,or tried to hide it, and how they finally, after millenia, reunite and come to terms with themselves.This book delivers all that without being profound or preachy. I don't have a single "favorite" trek book, because there are so many good ones, so I have a list:Janet Kagan,for "Uhura's Song" (drama/adventure);John M. Ford,for "How Much For Just the Planet?" (hilairious comedy); Diane Duane, for all her books; J.M. Dillard, for "Demons" and "Bloodthirst" (thriller/suspense); A.C. Crispen,for "Yesterday's Son" and "A Time For Yesterday"; and Gene Deweese, for all his books. These authors are all good writers, so check them out. And one last comment: "Uhura's Song" was Ms. Kagan's first book, and it is monumentally better than some other trek authors' books. Some author who have been writing for more than ten years, and are still writing, like Peter David (urrgh!). Why didn't Pocket Books ask Ms. Kagan to write more trek novels?

Set against an epidemic reminiscent of Earth's own AIDS crisis, Janet Kagan's imaginative story about a house divided against itself takes the original crew on an adventure not quite like any other. Lt. Uhura plays a major part in both the setup and the action; Mr. Scott is moved to take command matters into his own hands on behalf of friends new (from the planet Sivao) and old (the missing command bridge crew members). A doctor who isn't named McCoy "bedevils" Spock well beyond the point of "fascination." Captain Kirk falls for the female chief of an alien culture -- although not in his usual fashion -- and Mr. Chekov provides an unexpected but crucial bit of information toward the eventual success of the mission. The book feels like a lost episode, or a movie begging to be made; the interchange of cultures, customs and beings can hardly fail to please a fan of the original series.