The Book Report #81
Episode #80
Star Trek – Vulcan’s Forge
By Josepha Sherman & Susan Schwartz
The Book
The book was first printed in 1997 by Pocket Books, a subdivision or imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc. This is under the exclusive licence from Paramount Pictures.
Star Trek is a registered trademark of Paramount Pictures.
My copy is a first print hardback edition and consists of 346 pages. That includes an advertisement for the next book in the series. A small biography from Josepha Sherman. The same from Susan Shuwartz and About the Authors.
This is also another book from my TBR bookcase. I still have a long way to go.
What Did I Think
Kirk is dead! Well, he isn’t, but they don’t know that. This book is set after the events of Star Trek: Generations. But from the original series viewpoint, not The Next Generation. The Khitomer Accords have been finalised, and everyone is dealing with the loss of Captain Kirk.
Captain Kirk was sent into the Nexus, A realm outside of time and space that flies through the universe. The Nexus hit the Enterprise B on its maiden voyage. Taking Kirk with it.
Spock is now Captain of the Intrepid II, with Commander Uhura as his No.1. Bones has joined them as the ship’s doctor. And as an old country advisor, counsellor, and friend to the Captain. They are on a mission to help a friend from Spock’s past. Captain David Rabin is on the planet Obsidion and is trying to work with the local people, but some of the tribes are causing some problems for them.
The planet is also on the border of the neutral zone, the border of the Federation and the Romulan Empire.
More Than One
This story has many plots:
Plot 1, the main story of trying to work with the locals on the Planet Obsidion. Where a tribe under the influence of a Traitor Vulcan and some Romulans. And Spock finding out he’s not bad at diplomacy.
Plot 2: how Captain Spock and Captain Rabin met for the first time. And why Spock decided to join Starfleet.
1st Sub plot: How Spock, Bones and Uhura are dealing with the loss of Captain Kirk.
Sub plot 2: The relationship between Spock and his father, Sarek.
Sub plot 3: A change in the career path of Spock. And also possible new paths for Captain Kirk’s crew.
Moving On
I believe the main plot overshadowing everything is what happens next. A significant part of their journey has come to an end, and they are now deciding where to go next. They will all go and have their own adventures individually. But it won’t be the same as the adventures they had with their captain.
The overall story itself was good, and I know Spock was supposed to be the star of the book, but every character had a mission to prove something to themselves and those around them, even if they failed. The authors created a life for each character.
Even though I am more of a fan of the Next Generation, I am always pulled back to the Original Series. There is a certain charm that each series brings that I cannot get away from. The authors did an amazing job recreating that in this story.
Over the years, I have wondered how Spock traversed from Starfleet to becoming an Ambassador. And here we find out why, what caused his change in thought and how he went about it. Spock and his father have had a very turbulent relationship. And for this instance, Sarek was proud to have him home on Vulcan. And as Spock realised that Sarek was lonely, he was able to provide companionship while on his new journey.
Would I Recommend
Of course, there is no doubt in my mind about this. This is true, original series Star Trek at its best. If you miss the old crew and stories, or are new to Star Trek, read this for some old-school goodness.
Please give this book a go.
Would you like to purchase your very own copy?
You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/USA, Barnes & Noble or eBay UK/USA.
Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.
