A review by gillthequill
How Much for Just the Planet? by John M. Ford

Did not finish book. Stopped at 86%.

I picked up this book because it showed up on a list of best Star Trek books of all time. I also picked it up because it was $2 and many reviews praised it. I can see why it is so highly praised--to some fans. Some of the jokes made me laugh. Mostly the first fourth of the novel, which was fun, engaging, and enjoyable in both the lampshading, Klingon and Federation interactions, and the set up. However, things quickly went downhill as we went down to the planet and engaged in the plot proper. 

This novel will be for you if you are a fan of the really goofy Star Trek: The Original Series episodes. Think Season 3 levels of goofy. I saw people compare this to the episode "Shore Leave" and it shows. Frankly, if the author just focused on the Klingons and Federation having to play nice because of a supernatural treaty, that would have been amazing. Even the focus on the inherent absurdity of being in space and commanding a ship. But once the locals got involved and the singing started, the novel just lost me. If you like your Trek heavy on the goofy and camp, this one may be for you.