Tek Power / William Shatner

Tek Power

category: science fiction, author:

William Shatner

book 6 of Tekwar
original copyright 1994

read in February 2012

Agamedes' opinion: 6 out of 10: read to pass the time

A book by William Shatner... A man who has been type-cast as Captain James T. Kirk... An actor who has taken his type-casting -- and run with it!

Tek Power is a book for lovers of Captain Kirk. Fans who enjoy the adventures of a hero who is smart enough to solve puzzles, yet is willing and able to go one-on-one with his fists. Fans who enjoy a bit of heroics in a high-tech but very human science fiction universe.

Star Trek -- the original series -- was good science fiction. Each episode took an SF "what if" idea and expanded on its impact. Then the Enterprise arrived, and an ensign was killed to show that the situation was serious. Captain Kirk and his senior officers would rescue themselves and, perhaps, solve some idea-related problems.

The Star Trek characters were likable stereotypes. The solutions were related to the SF idea but could be simplistic. (How often did "the girl" save the day after falling in love with Kirk? How many evil geniuses were felled by Kirk's fists?) The SF ideas added depth to the plots. This was good science fiction.

Tek Power is a bit like that -- except without the driving force of a unique SF "what if" idea gone wrong.

It's a likable Kirk-type character battling evil. Lucky coincidences, close escapes, instant answers. Jumping from one situation to the next with scant regard for realism: ask the question, get the answer, move on... Set in an interesting universe with a touch of humour.

All good stuff!

Not great, but good.

I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I won't go out of my way to look for more in the Tek Wars series. But if they turn up, I look forward to reading them.

Well done, Captain Kirk!

..o0o..

These reviews are provided by Agamedes Consulting. For an independent and thoughtful review of your processes, problems or documents, email nickleth at gmail dot com.

PissWeakly: the Index

Collision Course / William Shatner et al

Collision Course

category: science fiction, author:

William Shatner, with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens

book 1 of Star Trek Academy
original copyright 2007,
read in October 2011

Agamedes' opinion: 8 out of 10

Okay, this is not great literature. I've said it before and I'll say it again: cliches are not all bad...

I mean...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: 8 out of 10 is my opinion. Based -- mostly -- on how much I enjoyed reading the book. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading Collision Course.

You have to admire William Shatner. He has taken to his role as ex-Starfleet Captain James T. Kirk. He has taken to it... but he has not taken it too seriously.

Better yet, he has written a pre-Star Trek novel which maintains the elements which made the original Star Trek great. Characters with high moral standards. With amazing -- unbelievable! -- skills. A lot of clever and intuitive problem solving by Kirk (and by Spock). Some fisticuffs and the ability to charm the socks off attractive women. (But only the socks...)

William Shatner "has written"...??

There are two co-authors. And a comment that this is "an imaginative work deriving solely from the author's personal vision." Perhaps Shatner simply added comments based on his memories of playing the role... Still. I'd rather he take advantage of his previous and most famous role. Rather than deny it. Or, worse yet, run it down. It's nice to have good memories untainted and unchallenged...

If you love the Start Trek characters -- the original Star Trek characters -- then you can't help but love this book.

On the down side, the "science fiction" aspect of the original series is a bit light on in this book. It's almost Star Wars: an adventure which happens to be set in a future world.

Still, who cares?! This is young Jimmy Kirk teaming with young Mr Spock to solve puzzles and beat the baddies! Sure, there are holes in the plot...

The starship is evacuated... Next minute the supposedly empty ship requests permission to leave dock... Permission granted... But who cares!

Just think, "Captain Kirk rules!" and sit back to enjoy the ride :-)

..o0o..

These reviews are provided by Agamedes Consulting. For an independent and thoughtful review of your processes, problems or documents, email nickleth at gmail dot com.