Reviews

Black Fire by Sonni Cooper

Only show reviews with written explanations

vortimer's review against another edition

1.0

Almost an example of how not to write a novel, a series of bizarre adventures of Spock, against a background that simply makes no logical sense.
A lot of the Star Trek novels published in the first fifteen years or so are effectively fan fiction, and this mess is far from the worst.

swirls's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Objectively speaking, this book is terrible. It might even be one of the worst Star Trek books ever written, in the same realm as Spock's Brain and Tuvix. It's that bad.

That being said, I picked this up when I was 11, and I LOVED IT. This is why I don't judge people for enjoying crap like Twilight. My Twilight is Spock solving an interstellar mystery while being injured and kept as a "pet" by a rich alien woman, being wrongfully thrown into a Federation prison where he kicks ass and makes a new Romulan bestie, and dressing up a in shimmery black outfit while playing the part of the mysterious space pirate, Black Fire. There's even a ridiculous poem. It's unlikely. It's rampantly OOC. It's doesn't fit into the continuity at all. But almost 2 decades later, I still have my copy of Black Fire on my shelf and it's not going anywhere. It's absurdly fun! Thank you Sonni Cooper, you're the best!

skylar2's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book reminds me of a mashup of Star Trek with one of the 1960s Italian Hercules movies — just don't think too hard and accept the plot as it comes.

Spoiler

The gist of the book is there is an explosion on the Enterprise which Starfleet doesn't want to investigate but Spock does. He enlists the aid of Scott and they go on an epic adventure to track down the perpetrator. On their adventures, Spock is imprisoned, is enticed by women, becomes a pirate, and becomes a Romulan sub-commander. Meanwhile, Scott makes friends by setting up a makeshift distilling operation.

Like one of those Hercules movies, it's not good, but it's hilarious to read.

an_actual_floof's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Overall a pretty fun book! I have to say I was with Kirk for most of the book, raising an eyebrow myself at a lot of Spock’s actions throughout the story, but all that was put to rest with the conclusion of the story!! What a fun twist :) I found the first couple chapters a bit difficult to get through simply because of the unfamiliar environment/unfortunate state Spock was in, but once the other side of the story (with Kirk) was introduced, I found it easy to read. It’s not an overly extravagant style of writing but not difficult to get through at least, besides the somewhat noticeable spelling/grammar errors, it was a casual read. It was endlessly entertaining seeing Kirk be so bitchy to new members of the crew that were meant to replace Spock and Scott, the whole bridge crew vibe was like “damn, who told Kirk his boytoy was missing, we’re in deep shit” lol. But yeah it was a quick read and I had a good time <3

Content Warnings

littlemisselvis's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A bit far fetched in terms of both plot and character. Started strongly but then strayed into the realms of the ridiculous and too unlikely.

birdkeeperklink's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Spock as a pirate! This book gets points just for that.

I don't know that I'd enjoy it as much on a second reading, since all the mystery is taken out of it, but Spock the Pirate is just fun, and it gets all 3 stars just for that.

vesper1931's review against another edition

Go to review page

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

An explosion on the Enterprise causes death and injury to many of the bridge crew. Against orders Spock and Scott decide to go against orders and investigate leading to the Tomarii. A warrior race. But events lead to more complications.
An entertaining re-read.