Star Trek: Troublesome Minds Book

This is my first Star Trek novel and I was heartily impressed by the author, Dave Galanter, and his obvious understanding and appreciation of Star Trek and its characters.

What first drew me into this story was the spot-on descriptions of the characters' movements, speech patterns, and pointed looks. I truly could envision it all unfolding before my eyes. While sometimes these detailed descriptions tended to slow- up the pace a little, for the most part I didn't mind because the references were so classic.

As far as the story itself, "Troublesome Minds" deals with the Enterprise, and her whole ensemble, but the focus is primarily on Kirk, Spock, and Bones, with a special emphasis on Spock's role in this mission.

I really enjoyed the plot for this book, and felt it fit well within the parameters of most Star Trek stories. Just like some of my favorite Star Trek episodes, "Troublesome Minds" didn't have a clear right/wrong moral decision that was obvious right away.

For this story, the Enterprise encounters the Isitri, a populace of telepaths, able to communicate thoughts and emotions mentally. While this presents a minor issue with initial communication between the crew of the Enterprise and the Isitri people, the real conflict centers around the Troublesome Mind, the Isitri who is born with such a powerful mind that he is able to control all the other minds of the Isitri, without the populace being aware that they are no longer in control of their thoughts.

But, what I love about the story were the multiple layers, the challenging questions it posed ' the Troublesome Mind isn't aware that he possesses such an ability, nor has he yet to control another mind. So, should he be banished simply because he possesses this capability but has yet to put it to use? Can he be punished for something he isn't aware he's done?

As the crew of the Enterprise try to answer these questions, Spock is given a central role. Because of Spock's Vulcan abilities for mind-melds, as well as his superior ability to submerge his emotions, he is entrusted with an incredible weight and responsibility for this mission.

I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the ending. It was good, but also not what I was expecting from the start (though, as the book progressed I should have wised up). It's not that there were any plot holes that I could detect, but I think I wanted either a little more after the climax, or more of a nicely tied up ending. This, however, is probably strictly personal preference. I don't mean to say Galanter's ending was inadequate, it's just *I* would have liked a little more or a little different. BUT, that said, I would definitely recommend this book!! And I really enjoyed and appreciated the author's acknowledgements at the end.

I wouldn't call myself a Trekkie, but I am a huge fan of Star Trek ' and reading this was like visiting friends every time I opened the book.

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An awesome Christmas gift from Katie! (thanks!!!)

All I can say is - woah! - from that first chapter Galanter has done an amazing job of writing these characters to a remarkable likeness! For example (plot details removed):

"Perhaps your human intuition is at work," Spock gibed, as McCoy joined them.
"How lucky for you not to be burdened," the doctor said.
Kirk allowed himself a slight smirk that pulled up the one corner of his mouth.
"Indeed," Spock replied.
"How long before we can talk to them again, Bones?"
The doctor's shoulders rolled in a lazy shrug, as he shook his head. "I'll let you know."
...Kirk told Spock. "I want you to talk with him again. Find out all you can..."
Spock, clasping his hands behind his back, nodded, saying, "Understood."

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Okay, maybe it doesn't quite come across out of context... Still, I feel as though I'm "watching" the show as I'm reading it. Here's hoping the rest of the book follows suit! :D