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Spock's World [Mass Market Paperback]

Diane Duane
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and logical... Feb 28 2006
By FrKurt Messick HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:Audio Cassette
While I have long been a fan of the Star Trek series (from the original series through the successive spin-offs: Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and the films), I rarely have time to read fiction, so it was only after great prodding on the part of a friend that I got this novel. I had once complained that the Star Trek universe seems to have far more affinity for the aggressive, combative Klingons (warrior schools, language camps, etc.) than the erudite and level-headed Vulcans. Perhaps that is why my friend thought this novel would have particular appeal. She was right.

This novel is a grafting-in of the original series, with Spock, Kirk and McCoy as primary characters, along with the rest of the usual crew of the Enterprise. It seems there is a Federation-threatening crisis on Vulcan, and the planet is in the process of a referendum, to decide whether or not to remain as part of the Federation with the humans of earth and other constituent planets. Entering in the situation is a formidible character from the original series episode Amok Time, the Vulcan mating time -- T'Pau, remarked by Kirk as being the only person to ever turn down a seat on the Federation council. Does this speak of a mistrust that could lead the Vulcans out of the Federation? The referendum is not merely a breaking of alliances, but rather an isolationism -- all Vulcans will be required to return home, or permanently exiled. All diplomatic, trade, and military ties will be severed.

The psychological and political make-up of the Vulcan world is explored from the very outset of Vulcan civilisation through different historical periods that would have made up the equivalent of classical, medieval and reformation times. One seed of Vulcan xenophobia is their first contact situation, which turned out to be with pirates who were intent on invasion and looting. As it turned out, Vulcan was a heavily armed planet at the time, warring with itself (Vulcan's history parallels Earth's in that respect), and that armament was unexpectedly turned against the invaders. Vulcans, far from evolving without emotions, displayed the most dramatic and intense emotions for a long time in their history. The character of Surek is prominent here, the one who led Vulcan out of its emotionalism for its own survival.

Another character who makes an appearance is T'Pring, Spock's 'intended', the woman to whom he was betrothed, and who subject Spock and Kirk to the combat in the mating ritual. It turns out that T'Pring has never lost interest in Spock, nor in the humiliation she suffered in front of T'Pau. Vulcans are not without emotions, it seems, but rather, a people who have mastered them to a greater degree. But not always, apparently.

Diane Duane puts chapters about the Vulcan history interspersed with the 'present day' action aboard the Enterprise as it journeys to Vulcan, and then the final debate and referendum vote. The text is engaging and well-developed in terms of fitting in with the overall narrative strands of the Star Trek universe.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and logical... Feb 28 2006
By FrKurt Messick HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
While I have long been a fan of the Star Trek series (from the original series through the successive spin-offs: Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and the films), I rarely have time to read fiction, so it was only after great prodding on the part of a friend that I got this novel. I had once complained that the Star Trek universe seems to have far more affinity for the aggressive, combative Klingons (warrior schools, language camps, etc.) than the erudite and level-headed Vulcans. Perhaps that is why my friend thought this novel would have particular appeal. She was right.

This novel is a grafting-in of the original series, with Spock, Kirk and McCoy as primary characters, along with the rest of the usual crew of the Enterprise. It seems there is a Federation-threatening crisis on Vulcan, and the planet is in the process of a referendum, to decide whether or not to remain as part of the Federation with the humans of earth and other constituent planets. Entering in the situation is a formidible character from the original series episode Amok Time, the Vulcan mating time -- T'Pau, remarked by Kirk as being the only person to ever turn down a seat on the Federation council. Does this speak of a mistrust that could lead the Vulcans out of the Federation? The referendum is not merely a breaking of alliances, but rather an isolationism -- all Vulcans will be required to return home, or permanently exiled. All diplomatic, trade, and military ties will be severed.

The psychological and political make-up of the Vulcan world is explored from the very outset of Vulcan civilisation through different historical periods that would have made up the equivalent of classical, medieval and reformation times. One seed of Vulcan xenophobia is their first contact situation, which turned out to be with pirates who were intent on invasion and looting. As it turned out, Vulcan was a heavily armed planet at the time, warring with itself (Vulcan's history parallels Earth's in that respect), and that armament was unexpectedly turned against the invaders. Vulcans, far from evolving without emotions, displayed the most dramatic and intense emotions for a long time in their history. The character of Surek is prominent here, the one who led Vulcan out of its emotionalism for its own survival.

Another character who makes an appearance is T'Pring, Spock's 'intended', the woman to whom he was betrothed, and who subject Spock and Kirk to the combat in the mating ritual. It turns out that T'Pring has never lost interest in Spock, nor in the humiliation she suffered in front of T'Pau. Vulcans are not without emotions, it seems, but rather, a people who have mastered them to a greater degree. But not always, apparently.

Diane Duane puts chapters about the Vulcan history interspersed with the 'present day' action aboard the Enterprise as it journeys to Vulcan, and then the final debate and referendum vote. The text is engaging and well-developed in terms of fitting in with the overall narrative strands of the Star Trek universe.

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Format:Mass Market Paperback
Vulcan is considering secession from the Federation and this dramatic predicament provides the backdrop for an examination of the history of Vulcan down through the years from its most primitive origins up to the present day. Stories from many different stages of Vulcan history provide a tremendous insight into one of the most interesting alien races portrayed in the Star Trek universe. The only downside is the tacked-on ending. I mean come on! Spock's Ex? Alas, even on Vulcan, there is no fury like a woman scorned! Fascinating!
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Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Vulcan to secede from the Federation?
That is the plot that drives Spock's World, a novel that, as the traditional Star Trek intrigue unfolds on one level, treats us to a detailed history of the planet Vulcan on... Read more
Published on Dec 12 2001 by Chadwick H. Saxelid
5.0 out of 5 stars Vulcan history
Would Vuclans leave the federation ? That's the (excellent) background used by the authors to show us the main steps of vulcans history.
A huge book that you MUST read !
Published on Sep 19 2001 by "vincent_defrenne"
5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best
This is a well written and enjoyable read. It let's you see Spock and his parents in a whole different light. As well as the interaction with other in the Trek universe.
Published on Sep 16 2001 by Mary E. Mcgarvey
3.0 out of 5 stars Good SF, poor Star Trek
I guess someone has to disagree...

Diane Duane is one of the better writers to work on the Trek novels. Read more

Published on July 6 2001 by sdelmonte@aol.com
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best ST novels
This was one of the books that made me a Star Trek fan. All Star Trek novels are basically fanfic. Happily, this is an example of good fanfic: it remains true to what we knew... Read more
Published on Jun 26 2001
4.0 out of 5 stars Hey,even speeches can be fun sometimes... :)
I liked the speeches(evident from my review title ;)),and the Enterprize crew interactions - bulletin board and in person. Read more
Published on Jan 2 2001 by "light_catcher"
5.0 out of 5 stars A Vulcan History Guide
For the Vulcan officianados, this book has it all. The history of the Vulcan species and a comprehensive list of all their psionic abilities. Read more
Published on Nov 15 2000 by DaK
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best
The manner in which this novel is written could, possibly, appeal to even non-Trekkers. It's more than just good Trek--it's good SF. Read more
Published on Oct 7 2000 by E. A Solinas
4.0 out of 5 stars Vulcan for Dummies
Spock's World fleshes out the background of one of ST:TOS's most beloved characters. Who are these people with the odd years and horrible haircuts? Read more
Published on Aug 16 2000 by D-Bo
5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential Vulcan History Book
This is the best star trek book dealing with the history of Vulcan and Spock ever to be written. It has been a long time since I read it but I remember it being very engaging to... Read more
Published on Aug 16 2000 by Dissatisfied
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