Book Reviews
Strange New Worlds  Issue 14 - June/July 1994

Sarek
by A. C. Crispin

Is there a Star Trek fan anywhere who hasn’t been "fascinated" by Spock and by Vulcans in general? Part of the appeal is that Vulcans were the first truly alien culture on television. No doubt, too, I was not the only woman (well, girl, originally) who enjoyed the tension between Spock’s logical mask and his internal passion — or so we imagined! For years, "Amok Time" was my favorite episode. Imagine my delight upon discovering A. C. Crispin’s novel Sarek.

Set in the time period immediately following Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Sarek explores the gaps in our knowledge of Spock’s family history. After the death of Spock’s mother, Sarek reads Amanda’s journals, allowing us a glimpse into the past. We not only get to know Sarek in more detail, but also a great deal about Amanda: how they met and mated, their relationship as a couple, and how Amanda’s death further separated father and son. Crispin manages to work in most of the known details from the television series, including the fact that the first Romulan encountered by the Enterprise looked a lot like Sarek! Much of the fun of the novel (and it is fun) is in recognizing and tying together these threads. I won’t spoil it for your by listing any more, but I warn you: you will want to see many of the classic episodes again. I found I could hardly wait to dig out my complete library of tapes from the syndicated reruns.

The plot involves a conspiracy of Romulans, the mysterious Freelans, and a newly powerful crackpot organization called the KEHL (Keep Earth Human League). True to many of Roddenberry’s plot ideas, Crispin weaves twentieth-century human problems into a future format. Will the bigoted Earth folk drive Vulcan out of the Federation? How are the non-telepathic Romulans influencing human and Klingon minds? Who are the Freelans?

Along the way, we meet Kirk’s nephew Peter and a terrific Klingon heroine, Valdyr, ward of Kirk’s nemesis Kamarag. The plot elements past and present are woven together skillfully. The only criticism I have was that Spock’s emotional reaction to Amanda’s death seemed out of character for him. Eventually, the rationale for such a reaction is developed, but I was initially distracted by it.

Sarek’s book jacket includes a photograph of the author with Mark Leonard. Crispin’s acknowledgements include Leonard’s full support of her effort. I imagine that Roddenberry, too, could not help but be pleased by this novel. Sarek is a must-read for any fan who wishes to explore the interim between the Star Trek movies and The Next Generation. Read long and enjoy!

Reviewed by Meg Newsome