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2.0 out of 5 stars
A well-written book with an utterly despicable plot., Jul 1 2004
If you're not overly inclined to question the validity of the plots or your Star Trek novels, but are happy to simply read a good action-based story, root for the lead character to succeed and be happy when he does, you'll probably like this book, unless you have a dislike for overly convoluted, cloak-and-dagger type stories. If, on the other hand, you expect your Starfleet officers to not simply accomplish great ends, but to do so honorably and, what's perhaps more important, PLAUSIBLY, then you will find this book, as I did, very disturbing.Because the plot to this book depends so heavily upon secret twists that the reader is not fully aware of until they are revealed, it is impossible to detail much of the problem without unacceptably spoiling the book for those who actually choose to read it in spite of my negative review; suffice it to say that while this book COULD have been a very interesting look at whether a noble goal can and should be achieved by dishonorable means. Instead, those aspects of the story were only given the most skimpy of attention; there is no real question raised as to the morality of the actions of our "hero". There is no indication that he suffers any second thoughts, no indication that any of his friends would think less of him if they knew what he had done. There IS an indication that he and his friends both are concerned with the riskiness of the plan, which quite honestly was an incredible long-shot and which would have made things much WORSE than they would otherwise have been had it failed (which is another reason for refusing to accept the scheme.) But no one seems to question the idea, debatably acceptable but not nearly as much of a given as the story would make it, that lying, cheating, slandering, and committing sabotage are acceptable if they're done in the interest of preventing an interstellar war. This would have been an interesting question, but was NOT interesting as an idea presented for unquestioning acceptance.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
This books is a real nail-biter!, Jun 18 2004
I love the introduction of the UNIVERSE, a new and experimental starship, as tensions mount between the Klingons, Romulans, and the Federation. Tons of action and, more importantly, believable political intrigue. I rank this book up there with: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Puppet Masters", "2001", "2010", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Ringworld", all the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" books, as well as books as new to the genre as "Advent of the Corps" and others.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best in "The Lost Era" Star Trek series, Feb 28 2004
David R. George III is unquestionably, along with Diane Duane and Peter David, among the best writers working in the "Star Trek" universe today. "Serpents Among The Ruins" is a spellbinding account of the events which led to the infamous "Tomed Incident" between the Romulans and the United Federation of Planets. Not surprisingly caught in the middle of escalating tensions between both powers is the Federation flagship USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-B, commanded by Captain John J. Harriman, Jr. with Hikaru Sulu's daughter Demora, as his Exec. Harriman goes on a desperate undercover mission which will involve Starfleet Intelligence officer Lieutenant Elias Vaughn, seeking to stop an insane Romulan admiral. We are also witness to the signing of the Treaty of Algernon, which reaffirms the existence of the Neutral Zones between the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation and Klingon Empires. There is ample political intrigue on Romulus and the Klingon homeworld which will satisfy diehard fans familiar with the politics of both interstellar empires. Without question, this was an enjoyable read and a worthy addition to "Star Trek" fiction.
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