A review by bobpony
The Questor Tapes by D.C. Fontana

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

I've been struggling getting into a different, larger book, so I set it aside and switched to this.  I'd thrifted it last month at a flea market - grabbed it right away, because I still remember watching the TV film of the story back in the 70's.  This is the novelization of a Gene Roddenberry pilot that was never picked up as a series.  It has a really interesting premise, and definitely serves as a solid 'pilot' for continuing adventures.  You're got a global network, international travel, and the notion of giving mankind an 'assist'.  It struck me as a combination of Thunderbirds Go (there's definitely a Lady Penelope figure here) and the Gary Seven episode of Star Trek.  And a few ideas that probably led into Data from The Next Generation.  Lots of good ingredients, but unfortunately it's a short, crisp story - and that's all there is.  No further novels that I'm aware of.  But I was happy to find that my vague childhood memories of the ending were largely valid!  I'd always wondered if I'd made some of that up in my head.   :)