A review by brassaf
Survivors by Jean Lorrah

5.0

I picked up this book because I'd read Lorrah's Metamorphosis, the first Star Trek The Next Generation "Giant Novel" (of which there were only two, before they switched to hardcover format for "bigger" books), and then subsequently learned that some of the characters in that book debuted in her earlier novel, Survivors, the fourth numbered Pocket Books novel from 1989. Wow, what a wonderful story. Lorrah really groks Tasha Yar. With Yar's sad exit during the first season of Star Trek The Next Generation, we as viewers were treated to precious little about her, although we got snippets, including a compelling scene of her on the run from the rape gangs of her home planet, almost a throwaway scene that nevertheless added depth to her character. Lorrah took this scene, and more, and fresh off the episode "The Arsenal of Freedom," penned this story which finally reveals not only Yar's past, including her life on New Paris, a forgotten Earth colony, her transition to Earth and Starfleet, a pivotal early mission, but also her current status as chief of security and her relationship with Data aboard the Enterprise. I was emotionally moved by the end of the book, which recaps and expands on the end scenes from Skin of Evil where Yar is slain by the black ooze creature, Armus. For any fan of the show, or even any fan of the character of Natasha Yar: you owe it to yourself to pick up this wonderful novel and treat yourself to some excellent insight into both Yar and Data, as they both struggle with duty, loyalty, love and what it means to be human and a survivor.