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fruitkate's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
djwudi's review
3.0
A somewhat surprisingly Catholic approach to Star Trek. Not badly done, though as other reviewers have noted, does give it a very monotheistic viewpoint; though it does note that there are other options, those definitely aren’t its focus. Given that, outside of DS9, religion isn’t often focused on in Star Trek, I found it an interesting approach, particularly the choice to focus on Tori rather than Data, the perennial outsider (though his interest is a present side thread).
skylar2's review
2.0
Guises of the Mind combines a moderately interesting plot with an over-reliance on monotheism.
weaselweader's review
4.0
“Peace and the freedom to be alive is only found through accepting one’s self”
Captain Picard is looking forward to signing a treaty with planet Capulon IV and welcoming them into the Federation after many years of planning and waiting. But when the Enterprise arrives, they find themselves facing deceit, treachery, and violence. The crown prince, once eagerly awaiting his coronation, his marriage, entry into the Federation, his elevation under the beliefs of their world’s religion to the status of absolute deity, and the opportunity to modernize some of his country’s antiquated laws and beliefs now refuses to even meet with Picard and Troi. With her empathic powers and the telepathic assistance of a passenger on the Enterprise – a nun from one of earth’s oldest religious orders – Troi knows something is desperately amiss. But this clock is running quickly and time is short before the prince will have unstoppable power.
The main plot – a standard, but well conceived, riff on good vs evil using the metaphorical personification of good twin vs bad twin – is supplemented with a number of interesting sidebars. Data’s continuing quest for humanity and his search for the puzzling reasons for religion’s thousands of differing portrayals and perceptions of their god or gods; mental illness and the possibilities of its treatment with empathy and telepathy; an imagining of the long term effects of constant mental stimulus and intrusion on a telepath; and, (contrary to the typical Star Trek perception of religion as a quaint artifact of non-advanced societies), a discussion of the possibilities of good works promulgated by good people of religious faith.
GUISES OF THE MIND won’t be winning any Nobel prizes or Booker or Giller awards, but it’s an entertaining diversion and a worthy addition to the ever growing Star Trek canon. Author Neason has fully captured the spirit, the motivations, not to mention all of the personal quirks and foibles of the TNG cast of characters. “Make it so, Number One”.
Paul Weiss
Captain Picard is looking forward to signing a treaty with planet Capulon IV and welcoming them into the Federation after many years of planning and waiting. But when the Enterprise arrives, they find themselves facing deceit, treachery, and violence. The crown prince, once eagerly awaiting his coronation, his marriage, entry into the Federation, his elevation under the beliefs of their world’s religion to the status of absolute deity, and the opportunity to modernize some of his country’s antiquated laws and beliefs now refuses to even meet with Picard and Troi. With her empathic powers and the telepathic assistance of a passenger on the Enterprise – a nun from one of earth’s oldest religious orders – Troi knows something is desperately amiss. But this clock is running quickly and time is short before the prince will have unstoppable power.
The main plot – a standard, but well conceived, riff on good vs evil using the metaphorical personification of good twin vs bad twin – is supplemented with a number of interesting sidebars. Data’s continuing quest for humanity and his search for the puzzling reasons for religion’s thousands of differing portrayals and perceptions of their god or gods; mental illness and the possibilities of its treatment with empathy and telepathy; an imagining of the long term effects of constant mental stimulus and intrusion on a telepath; and, (contrary to the typical Star Trek perception of religion as a quaint artifact of non-advanced societies), a discussion of the possibilities of good works promulgated by good people of religious faith.
GUISES OF THE MIND won’t be winning any Nobel prizes or Booker or Giller awards, but it’s an entertaining diversion and a worthy addition to the ever growing Star Trek canon. Author Neason has fully captured the spirit, the motivations, not to mention all of the personal quirks and foibles of the TNG cast of characters. “Make it so, Number One”.
Paul Weiss
eliwray's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, really. This is possibly the best quality of writing I've found in a Star Trek book: elegant plotting and smooth pacing. Telepathy as a major theme is handled skillfully, and there are several strong female characters. It's heartwarming and thoughtful to boot, with an emotional arc between Troi and an OC (a sort of protege in telepathic skills) that's quite satisfying. There's even a decently handled thread of religious fervor and spiritual seeking throughout.
I think the only thing that might keep it from holding a special place in my heart is that the plot and moral center of the book is thoroughly monarchical in nature. The question of what makes a good king is not my thing at all, but there's still a lot to enjoy here.
I think the only thing that might keep it from holding a special place in my heart is that the plot and moral center of the book is thoroughly monarchical in nature. The question of what makes a good king is not my thing at all, but there's still a lot to enjoy here.
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