Reviews

Die Beste Verteidigung by David Mack

rachelcmahaffey's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Much more action packed than the last and, of course, it had way more McCoy than I was expecting, so that is an automatic fiver.

rachelbz's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

jarrahpenguin's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The Legacies trilogy continues with plenty of action as different players attempt to derail the Federation/Klingon peace talks. And in between the fights and chases there are some truly delightful scenes of Sarek's negotiations with Gorkon, and an interesting first look at the Jatohrs' dimension.

scottlukaswilliams's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is not as strong as book one but there are some things I really like about it. I love the inclusion of Sarek and Gorkon and their plot line. I also like the inclusion of Joanna McCoy who is one of the biggest missed opportunities from TOS. However, I'm not sure the characterization of Dr. McCoy is quite right.

This book has a lot more action than the first. The elements, when viewed individually, seem like fantastic ingredients for a novel celebrating Trek's 50th anniversary but somehow the combination of the elements is a bit off. This is still highly readable and entertaining but it's not my favourite of Mack's Trek work.

galacticvex's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Characters: 9/10
Relationships: 8/10
Atmosphere/Setting: 8.5/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot/Intrigue: 8/10
Internal Logic: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Overall: 59.5/70, 4.25*

another great entry, though I definitely preferred the first in the series. I appreciated the ways relationships between characters were explored, and the political intrigue. I generally find Romulan storylines to be less interesting (Evil Aliens just isn't for me), and unfortunately that was also true here. I found the chapters that went into Bones and his daughter's relationship to be the most interesting, and enjoyed seeing their complex relationship explored. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Una's perspective, though the seeming lack makes me more excited for the third book. 

drownedworld's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I didn't care for the first one and almost didn't read this one but I'm glad I did: Nicely executed political intrigue and Mack captured the characters' voices perfectly. Looking forward to #3.

starwarrior91's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Both continuing story threads from book one and expanding the narrative, Best Defense finds Kirk and crew on the front lines of political intrigue as Captain Una strives to save lost comrades from a strange alternate universe. Una’s story was probably my least favorite part. Since she was in a universe that has basically nothing in it I’m glad it was left as the side plot here. Was not expecting the major lore connections with regards to the Organian peace treaty and the characters involved. Loved seeing Sarek and Amanda and especially Gorkon, even if his presumed death derailing peace seemed very derivative of Star Trek 6. As a non canon book I can just sit back and enjoy the story without worrying about those kinds of details though. Joanna McCoy was a great addition to the story as well. I can’t recall if I knew that McCoy had an estranged daughter or not, but I’m so glad they included her, especially since she was in the series bible for TOS and therefore was always part of McCoy’s story. The Romulans were the MVPs of this story however. Our Tal Shiar operative was a great villain as was the perfect wild card in this book.

Chocked full of Star Trek references and still feeling very true to the world of The Original Series, Best Defense makes for a great part two of this 50th anniversary trilogy.

mkpatt's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

An Enjoyable Entry in the Series

This is the second entry of the Legacies trilogy and very satisfying. Pitting Federation against Klingon against Romulan in a story that that ties past chapters to present ones. Looking forward to the third book.

dan_quags's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

duparker's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars. I liked this story. It was a good continuation of the first book in the series. Fun and frivolous, with a bit of history thrown in.