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lunarcatbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I love Star Trek novels, I love exploring those characters and what they get up to before, during, and after the series aired. I really enjoyed Star Trek Discovery and the final season is about to be underway. I received this book for Yule and was excited to jump back into that universe.
Imagine my surprise when it turns out it's not that universe, but a parallel universe where nothing is as I tenebrous because to them it all happened so differently, yet similar. I was so confused at the start of this novel because there was just this subtle "off" -ness that I couldn't figure out. It took almost 10 chapters to discover that this was not the Discovery crew I grew to know and love.
The story was engaging and enjoyable, but like a lot of ST novels it got bogged down in technobabble. I really wanted more stories from the crew I knew so this was disappointing for me.
redlotus_andjoy's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Definitely one of the better Star Trek novels I’ve read. The characters’ voices are accurate, the plot interesting, and the ending perfect.
crankyoldnerd's review
4.0
A prequel to the episode where Culbert is returned to the Discovery after his life in the network. Well written, took an intriguing turn and a good read
1outside's review
4.0
This was a delightful read. (Am I the only one hoping for more novels set in the "clearing" most of this novel takes place? Please please please make it so! Pun intended.)
The novel gave depth to Paul & Hugh's relationship to which Disco alludes to - frankly, mostly via Rapp & Cruz's wonderful acting, rather than any subtlety on the part of the show's writing.
And in general Dead Endless adds more dimension to pretty much every character.
I loved the aliens - even if the change of tone they ended up bringing might have been a little jarring.
I was deciding between 5 and 4 stars, bc. I enjoyed it *a lot*, but I think A Very Strong Four suits this novel the best.
The novel gave depth to Paul & Hugh's relationship to which Disco alludes to - frankly, mostly via Rapp & Cruz's wonderful acting, rather than any subtlety on the part of the show's writing.
And in general Dead Endless adds more dimension to pretty much every character.
I loved the aliens - even if the change of tone they ended up bringing might have been a little jarring.
I was deciding between 5 and 4 stars, bc. I enjoyed it *a lot*, but I think A Very Strong Four suits this novel the best.
whatiskendall's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jazzypizzaz's review
5.0
Everything more I wanted from the mycelial plane! A return of the tardigrade! Characterization so lovely I was swept away and taken off guard by the "twist"! A very nice first contact! Delightful little moments between characters both central and peripheral! Charming and funny and full of love! A book that makes me feel happy! (and sad, and lost and found)
gingerreader99's review
4.0
A very moving and touching entry into the Discovery series and Trek books generally. It goes to places emotionally that other books are unwilling to venture. Though Disco as a series is lovingly known for going where no one has gone before and undoubtedly traversing relationships , especially ones bound together across universes is somewhere it had yet to go. I'm settled on 4 maybe 4.5 stars, only because at times I find Stamets to be annoying as even Hugh points out. This other timeline was thrilling to explore though and I enjoyed the subtle differences between the two, as well as what connects back to Disco S1 which I havnt seen in years and now wish to go back and re-watch those earlier episodes. All told the story has a deep dive into a very loving and important relationship between Paul and Hugh, but on the second level includes what you always want in Trek, first contact and exploration. Let the haters get mad at this one! I don't care! I love it!
wondawilson's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
chapman's review
4.0
I'm happy to say I very much enjoyed this story. I was trying to work out where in the Discovery series it would fit, from the general premise of the story and it does indeed slot into it's place as you read.
I love the set up of the Discovery as we come to know it, a very interesting insight into the what ifs and might have beens. Coming from Hugh's perpsective, seeing the subtle differences in the characters lives and how that's changed them in small and large ways.
I can't deny my heart was both bursting and breaking for Hugh and Paul, who they are and aren't to each other. The coming anguish on their behalf, knowing what's to come. It's an interesting idea having the Tardigrade "Ripper" or Ephraim from season 1 returning. I haven't seen the Short Trek which seems to also have the Tardigrade in the story, which having the same name I'm assuming is the same one.
Unfortunately I must admit finding the conversations between Hugh and Ephraim the part that didn't work as well for me. I comepletely understand Hugh's frustration with the contstant repeat of "I will and I won't. I have and I haven't." Non linear comprehension is a tricky thing to discuss and for me, it was more annoying than anything else. There were a couple of times when it did work, but the rest I have to side with Hugh and beg him to stop.
Especially since Ephraim remembers the multiple conversations with Hugh, while Hugh does not, why hasn't he worked out that repeating that phrase doesn't help 80% of the time and just frustrates and upsets him?
Aside from that, I enjoyed it over all and it's lovely having a book focusing around Hugh and Paul's characters.
I love the set up of the Discovery as we come to know it, a very interesting insight into the what ifs and might have beens. Coming from Hugh's perpsective, seeing the subtle differences in the characters lives and how that's changed them in small and large ways.
I can't deny my heart was both bursting and breaking for Hugh and Paul, who they are and aren't to each other. The coming anguish on their behalf, knowing what's to come. It's an interesting idea having the Tardigrade "Ripper" or Ephraim from season 1 returning. I haven't seen the Short Trek which seems to also have the Tardigrade in the story, which having the same name I'm assuming is the same one.
Unfortunately I must admit finding the conversations between Hugh and Ephraim the part that didn't work as well for me. I comepletely understand Hugh's frustration with the contstant repeat of "I will and I won't. I have and I haven't." Non linear comprehension is a tricky thing to discuss and for me, it was more annoying than anything else. There were a couple of times when it did work, but the rest I have to side with Hugh and beg him to stop.
Especially since Ephraim remembers the multiple conversations with Hugh, while Hugh does not, why hasn't he worked out that repeating that phrase doesn't help 80% of the time and just frustrates and upsets him?
Aside from that, I enjoyed it over all and it's lovely having a book focusing around Hugh and Paul's characters.