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inhonoredglory's review against another edition
4.0
This book was 70% amazing and 30% frustration. Amazing because the prose sparked of life and genuine dignity, detail, and unashamed description. This book brought Sarek to life for me, with his inherent dignity and his gentle, wise but still so human (sorry Sarek) personality. I got to experience a Vulcan bonding, dwell in Sarek's low-key but powerful love for Amanda, have my heart ripped out by Amanda's search for him I die for all-consuming descriptions of someone's state of mind, and Crispin had me at the melds. Such beauty. The emotional climax of the book was definitely around halfway,
I loved the quite-detailed and thought-out action plot and world-building this book had, especially how it connected quite integrally to The Undiscovered Country. The new characters like Valdyr were very well-drawn, and it was exciting to see Peter Kirk in action. However, three-quarters the way in I felt Crispin forgot the heart of her story as she geared over completely to the action plot and then crossed the Marty Stu line with Peter Kirk in a few scenes towards the end. I was quite miffed, to be honest.
But there's still so much to love about this book. The world, Amanda's journals, the Vulcan way of thinking, of feeling... and of course, Sarek and Amanda. Go listen to Tracy Chapman's "The Promise" and that's the quiet depth I felt out of their relationship. Four stars for that.
Spoiler
as she was dying.Spoiler
when Amanda died, and the search for him through her mind, with Spock's desperate attempts to reach Sarek for her.I loved the quite-detailed and thought-out action plot and world-building this book had, especially how it connected quite integrally to The Undiscovered Country. The new characters like Valdyr were very well-drawn, and it was exciting to see Peter Kirk in action. However, three-quarters the way in I felt Crispin forgot the heart of her story as she geared over completely to the action plot and then crossed the Marty Stu line with Peter Kirk in a few scenes towards the end. I was quite miffed, to be honest.
But there's still so much to love about this book. The world, Amanda's journals, the Vulcan way of thinking, of feeling... and of course, Sarek and Amanda. Go listen to Tracy Chapman's "The Promise" and that's the quiet depth I felt out of their relationship. Four stars for that.
gloriatraveler's review against another edition
5.0
A great novel that gives a glimpse into Vulcan culture, and a more detailed look at the life of Sarek himself. For fans of the series and fans of Spock's parents you will love this revealing look into the personal life of Vulcan's most famous Ambassador, but bring the tissue. ***Spoiler*** Crispin deals with death of Amanda in a way that maintains what we have always known about Vulcans. They do feel, but it is controlled and kept in check by logic.
In my mind, I can never fully accept Amanda's death; and since this is fiction, I will constantly rewrite any version of any story that kills her off. Despite her death here, I would not shy away from reading it.
In my mind, I can never fully accept Amanda's death; and since this is fiction, I will constantly rewrite any version of any story that kills her off. Despite her death here, I would not shy away from reading it.
kaydie96's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I’m a sucker for Vulcans so it was pretty inevitable I would enjoy this :)
maddox22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Confinement, Violence, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Kidnapping, Blood, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
msbananananner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
caffeine_books's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An enjoyable book, I loved the depth it added to Amanda & Sarek relationship, how truly a unit they were. It was sappy & I loved it. Also was enlightening to see the insight into why Sarek acts the way he does. Recommend.
bdplume's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly good, although this, The Last Roundup, and Assignment: Eternity have some conflicting events...not that I would have noticed that if I hadn't happened to read them in close succession.
daringpeg's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a must read. The depth of emotions shown for Spock and Sarek are wonderfully shown and explained. Even more, we are given an incredible look into the life of Spock's Mother Amanda Grayson. The telling of the past through her journal was a stroke of genius and shows both sides of the experience.
enoughgaiety's review against another edition
4.0
This and Diane Duane's [b:Spock's World|176544|Spock's World (Star Trek)|Diane Duane|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172442848s/176544.jpg|1471332] are by far the best Star Trek TOS tie-ins I've read.