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A review by graff_fuller
The Vulcan Academy Murders by Jean Lorrah
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
This is a mystery (obviously, by the title) and one that we all know the basic characters.
You don't HAVE to have know The Original Series on TV (1966-69), but it helps, I think. Also, some of the events in the past are referenced, which were parts of the episodes in the show...which I found really grounded the story.
The three leads, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy were very well realized within this story. Their motivations were perfectly done...like we've known them from the show, so stepping into this story was easy.
Unfortunately, I called out the murderer fairly early. I'm not usually good at that sort of thing...and I don't blame the author (in any way), it just felt LOGICAL.
It was also great to see Sarek and Amanda within the story. Their love for each other is astounding (in-world and from my point of view). Two very different people, finding commonality in a relationship, the "world be damned".
That foundational base is what has given us, one of Star Trek's most incredible characters...in Spock. Being the result of this relationship, not just by DNA, but by their gifts. Sarek in his tenacity to be diplomatic, but also go against the grain...for love; and for Amanda...to be logical like a Vulcan, but also allow her humanity to guide her in her decisions, too.
I had a LOT of fun reading this novel. This series rarely disappoints...and most of the time, tells a story that lands for me.
You don't HAVE to have know The Original Series on TV (1966-69), but it helps, I think. Also, some of the events in the past are referenced, which were parts of the episodes in the show...which I found really grounded the story.
The three leads, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy were very well realized within this story. Their motivations were perfectly done...like we've known them from the show, so stepping into this story was easy.
Unfortunately, I called out the murderer fairly early. I'm not usually good at that sort of thing...and I don't blame the author (in any way), it just felt LOGICAL.
It was also great to see Sarek and Amanda within the story. Their love for each other is astounding (in-world and from my point of view). Two very different people, finding commonality in a relationship, the "world be damned".
That foundational base is what has given us, one of Star Trek's most incredible characters...in Spock. Being the result of this relationship, not just by DNA, but by their gifts. Sarek in his tenacity to be diplomatic, but also go against the grain...for love; and for Amanda...to be logical like a Vulcan, but also allow her humanity to guide her in her decisions, too.
I had a LOT of fun reading this novel. This series rarely disappoints...and most of the time, tells a story that lands for me.