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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Dreams of the Raven is such a fun book. It’s got action, it’s got scary alien antagonists, it’s got good characterization and gives the side characters important things to do, and best if all, it dives into the past and psyche of Dr. McCoy—something sorely missing from TOS.
Author Carmen Carter uses the amnesia trope to explore how Leonard McCoy has grown as a person. By regressing his memory back 25 years, we not only get to learn what he was like as a 23-year-old medical resident, but also how this younger self grapples with the choices the older McCoy made throughout his life. It’s common for people to reflect back on their past mistakes, but how would you react to an older version of yourself who has lived a life so different from what you imagined? This is a really great use of sci-fi concepts to invoke self-reflection.
Bones is characterized very faithfully in this book, as are the rest of the characters. All of the dialogue and actions were very believable. An edited version of this book could have made a great TOS episode. But the book format benefits from its length, which allows more time for side characters like Sulu, Uhura, and Nurse Chapel shine. Everyone had a job to do here, and they did it well!
Character relationships also really shine in this story. I especially enjoyed the exploration of Bones and Spock’s relationship, and Bones’s relationship with Jim. But we also get to see some fun interactions between Bones and the rest of the Med staff, which really highlight their affection and respect for him. I didn’t even mind the weird, ethically terrible romance that was shoehorned in. (Okay, maybe I minded a little…) It’s all good, man! Just a fun romp in space.
Author Carmen Carter uses the amnesia trope to explore how Leonard McCoy has grown as a person. By regressing his memory back 25 years, we not only get to learn what he was like as a 23-year-old medical resident, but also how this younger self grapples with the choices the older McCoy made throughout his life. It’s common for people to reflect back on their past mistakes, but how would you react to an older version of yourself who has lived a life so different from what you imagined? This is a really great use of sci-fi concepts to invoke self-reflection.
Bones is characterized very faithfully in this book, as are the rest of the characters. All of the dialogue and actions were very believable. An edited version of this book could have made a great TOS episode. But the book format benefits from its length, which allows more time for side characters like Sulu, Uhura, and Nurse Chapel shine. Everyone had a job to do here, and they did it well!
Character relationships also really shine in this story. I especially enjoyed the exploration of Bones and Spock’s relationship, and Bones’s relationship with Jim. But we also get to see some fun interactions between Bones and the rest of the Med staff, which really highlight their affection and respect for him. I didn’t even mind the weird, ethically terrible romance that was shoehorned in. (Okay, maybe I minded a little…) It’s all good, man! Just a fun romp in space.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have read more Star Trek books then I care to admit (at least two dozen) and book has shot up to the top three best. I love Dr. McCoy and so any story that centers around him I grab. This story deals with memory loss/amnesia and while how the doctor received the initial head injury is a bit weak plot wise; however, the rest of the book deals with the question of if we could have our memories and mistakes wiped clean and start again would we become the same person? How would the 'death' of who we had become effect those around us? This book does a great job of not only show the imapct of the amnesia on McCoy but his two closest friends - Kirk and Spock. As Spock so wisely pointed out to McCoy, that the maturity and wisdom he had gained as a man and doctor came from the mistakes he had made. A great read.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
fast-paced
This book!!!! My friend read this and sent me enough quotes to get me interested. When I realized I already owned it? I picked it up immediately.
If you’re a Star Trek fan, I would absolutely recommend tracking this one down. Carmen Carter really understands the characters, and manages to sprinkle in fun character moments with emotionally poignant ones in a way that feels very natural and real. If Bones is your favourite character, this is a can’t miss book for you.
If you’re a Star Trek fan, I would absolutely recommend tracking this one down. Carmen Carter really understands the characters, and manages to sprinkle in fun character moments with emotionally poignant ones in a way that feels very natural and real. If Bones is your favourite character, this is a can’t miss book for you.
Definitely the best Trek book I have read so far. The characters were spot on and acted as they should, the villains were formidable and the story kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. The whole amnesia bit is a little overdone I'll agree, but in this story it worked out ok. The ending did seem a bit rushed, and I really wanted to see more of the Ravens. They left it open for a sequel, but I'm not sure there is one. And the title isn't very accurate either, come to think of it. McCoy's dreams aren't what's ultimately important as is his memories. Either way, it was a great book filled with action and mystery, and I would definitely recommend it to any TOS Trek fan.
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Stardate 5302.1. The Enterprise responds to a report of a Klingon attack in Frenni space. But all it not as it seems. Who are the Ravens, why has Doctor McCoy lost his memory.
Another entertaining re-read.
Another entertaining re-read.
Enjoyed this. Well paced and the McCoy storyline held up well through the action going on through the rest of the book.
The villains were scary. At least to me. I can see why McCoy would want to repress that.
The premise was interesting; I like the idea of amnesiac!McCoy, at least for a while. Particularly under the circumstances the author sets up beforehand. And the fact that there was a plot-relevant reason for it made it even more interesting.
The only thing I would've liked to see more of is the interactions between Spock and amnesiac!McCoy. There are a few, and they're a pretty awesome look at Spock's side of their relationship, but they barely touch the surface, and a deeper exploration would've been nice. Unfortunately, that type of exploration isn't really possible within the page constraints of an ST novel. Still, it would've been nice.
Highly recommend for McCoy fans in particular. Poor woobie! ;)
The premise was interesting; I like the idea of amnesiac!McCoy, at least for a while. Particularly under the circumstances the author sets up beforehand. And the fact that there was a plot-relevant reason for it made it even more interesting.
The only thing I would've liked to see more of is the interactions between Spock and amnesiac!McCoy. There are a few, and they're a pretty awesome look at Spock's side of their relationship, but they barely touch the surface, and a deeper exploration would've been nice. Unfortunately, that type of exploration isn't really possible within the page constraints of an ST novel. Still, it would've been nice.
Highly recommend for McCoy fans in particular. Poor woobie! ;)