Product Description
A no-holds-barred look at the complex and driven visionary who created Star Trek gives a backstage portrait based on inside sources that reveals the whole man, alcoholic, self-promoting, womanizing, yet intensely creative. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Was it A Waste of Time?
I have been a Trekker since the beginning.I have always liked Star Trek in all it's incarnations.I have read everything I could about the stars, the shows, and the creator -- Gene Roddenberry.I am about half way through this book by Joel Engel.I have read other Roddenberry biographies.This one I could have done without.It appears to be biased and sort of a witch hunt.In an effort to make sales, the author appears to look and find everything bad he can about Roddenberry.I can only assume that this approach seemed to have some merit with Mr. Engel.I can not with good conscience reccomend this book to other Star Trek fans.It would tarnish the Great Bird of the Galaxy's reputation too much.

Roddenberry the flawed human being
Well written and well researched Joel Engel's book on Gene Roddenberry provides a unique glimpse into the man who created the most durable franchise in the history of science fiction. Following Roddenberry from his earliest beginnings in the police force through to his work on "Have Gun Will Travel" and, of course, "Trek". We discover that "the Great Bird of the Galaxy" feared that "Trek" would be seen as a fluke and struggled with creating something comparable throughout his career as a writer. We also learn that Roddenberry could be generous to a fault but also a glory hound taking credit for what others did on "Trek".

Engel's done a pretty thorough job of interviewing both admirers and critics of Roddenberry (and the Harlan Ellison issue with "City on the Edge of Forever" gets revisited although it isn't the sole focus of the book). Many of Roddenberry's peers including Samuel Peeples (who wrote the pivotal "Where No Man Has Gone Before" which sold "Trek" when Roddenberry's pilot "The Cage" failed to garner support because it was thought to be too intellectual)laud Roddenberry for his insight, his ability to see the problems with a script and fix them the first time around while critics like Ellison suggest that he "could barely write". Everybody has their own ax to grind and it's pretty apparent from the interviews.

Engel also documents Roddenberry's descent into drug and alcohol abuse as well as his erratic behavior after the series of strokes that incapacitated him. While Roddenberry might not have been a writer on the level of the best of the day he truly was a visionary that believed and could see his future like no one else. Unfortunately he couldn't be part of it as the typical flaws of human nature controlled his life just as much as any one elses. This book is a nice companion piece to the preening book written in cooperation with Roddenberry and his estate. Engel's book often isn't pretty but it does contain a warts and all portrait of a complex, driven man that wanted recognition for his contribution even if that meant sometimes not recognizing others.

The Myth debunked, the man revealed...
Reading this book knocked Gene Roddenberry off thepedestal that I had put him on for so many years -- and that's why it's such an important book for anyone interested in the history of Star Trek.Basing his researchprimarily on interviews, firsthand accounts, studio memos and other sourcematerials, author Joel Engels dares to go where no biographer had gonebefore.He gives Gene credit where credit is due, but does not shrink fromreporting the less-than-savory sides of his life, too.The result is abook that, as the title says, explores both the Myth and the man.

Itwas in this unauthorized bio that I first learned of Roddenberry's lifelongabuse of alcohol and other substances, his deep insecurities about hiswriting career, the origins of his animosity toward religion, hisinappropriate fixation onsex, and the fact that he did notsingle-handedly create Star Trek.In short, he was a fallible human beingwith some serious character flaws.But, as the Myth grew, Gene felt thathe had to mold his public image into the "Star Trek Creator" thatthe fans expected him to be.Unfortunately, in the process, he oftenfailed to give credit where credit was due, and ended up alienating many ofthe actors, writers, and producers who had also contributed to the groupeffort that became the Star Trek universe.

One of the mostinteresting chapters in this book is about a project for a film called"The Nine," in which Roddenberry was hired to write a scriptabout a skeptic who was investigating a group of psychics that channeledNew-Age type messagesfrom UFO aliens. (No, I'm not making this up -- it'sin the book!)As part of the research for this movie, Gene actuallyattended a spiritualist retreat for a while, and even got a past-lifereading about what purported to be his previous incarnations.The scriptitself was never produced, but one gets the feeling that Gene had his mindstretched a bit on paranormal issues.But, oddly, there is no mention of"The Nine" in the official biography (Star Trek Creator), exceptto list it as an unproduced script in his writing credits.Which is why,if you are interested in a balanced understanding of the life of GeneRoddenberry, you should read BOTH the authorized version and this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on interviews with Gene Roddenberry in the last months of his life, a portrait of the creator of Star Trek describes the creative spirit that brought the television series to life. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Nun and the Genius
Yvonne Fern a former Nun, spent months with Gene and his wife Majel whom the book is dedicated to. I am not a Trekie and originally bought the book for my son who is a major Star Trek fan. But I opened the book and read afew pages, then a few more pages. Then within days I was 3/4 thru the bookand had gained such respect for the man Gene Roddenberry and realized hewas much more than the man behind Star Trek. On page 2 I see my Fatherspeaking, thru MsFern/Mr Roddenberry: "Gene Roddenberry did notbelieve in time. He never spoke of the future in the future tense, to me.It was always, "the future is", not "the future willbe".

The book is wonderful because it also covers the marriage hehad, and the uniqueness of his personaility. On page 95 Ms Fern notes:"Like many writers he carries a population sround inside of him-ideas,fancies,noions,characters,theories,possibilities,dreams. They buzzconstantly with opposing suggestions,contraditory philosphies, conflictingneeds. They make demands on him that they begiven life." This is whyhe was a genius. An eccentric of sorts. So many people live"safe" lives. People like Mr Roddenberry take risks and lead thelives they are meant to live. Interetsing that people admire men/women likehim, yet how few people are have that spirit of adventure. Mr Roddenberrydidn't see race, religion, gender, but LIFE in its fullest form. The bookcovers his feelings on these subjects as well as sex.

This book is amodern day Homer. Everyone should buy it !I bought copies for my locallibrary. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Felt like I was watching the show!
This is one of the better books that I've read having to do with the Andromeda series. It was written by an actual writer for the first two seasons of the show, and it's very apparent as you start reading the book. I could actually see what was going on played out in my head, fantastic detail and a wonderful plot.

The only reason that I give this book four out of five stars is for a simple reason: I found the first few chapters to be a little slow. I'm not a big fan of Beka's brother Rafe, so I found the bits with them looking for their mother rather slow, but that's just personal opinion. I still found it wonderful to finally know what the Engine of Creation actually does, I had been curious about the item since they had picked it up on the show, but it was never used. Otherwise, the book has some great writing and some great scenes. Trance is used in an interesting way, Tyr and Harper have a friendly moment, Dylan does some negotiating, Rev Bem is used nicely as well--starting to notice the oddities that revolve around Trance.

Besides the storyline with her brother, I found this to be an amazing read, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new adventure of Andromeda!

A great story!
Of the six novels based on the Andromeda series,this one is by far the best. I really liked the focus on Beka and the story of her family. Rafe,her brother,while being a conartist of the first order,does seem to have a caring attitude towards his sister. The story flows smoothly and thankfully,Dylan is there when she needs him most. While I wholeheartedly recommend all six books in the series,I really think you will enjoy this one the most.

Well put together . . .and lots of fun
This novel is essentially light reading -- a good novel to take to the beach. That said, I did feel the book was well plotted and well put together.It also had a number of very original creative flashes that keeps a reader going.

Two separate plot lines converge in the book.One involves a conference being held on the Andromeda Ascendant to determine the freedom or slavery of a planetary system.This involves some fun characters as diplomats, including a very bad Nietzschean admiral who -- as one might expect -- intends to enslave the captive planets and grind their populations into the mire.This meanie admiral engages in a delightful chess game of diplomacy with Dylan Hunt.I won't spoil anything for readers, but the battle of wits between the two holds one's interest well.

A second plot element that runs through the book involves a treasure hunt for artifacts of ancient technology -- think of "Indiana Jones" among the stars.This involves Beka, who emerges as perhaps the best-sketched character in the novel.Beka, her mom, and her ne'er-do-well brother all compete to find certain ancient artifacts.When -- after many chapters -- these artifacts are finally brought together, an ancient engine begins to shake the very foundations of space and time.How "Rommie" (avatar of Andromeda), Trance Gemini, and Dylan Hunt struggle to avert the consequences of Beka's foolishness makes for a good story.

Some great touches, with panache and originality, include an attack on a Nietzschean battle cruiser by a fleet of primitive "sail ships."These rag-tag, solar-powered fighters are the only craft the oppressed peoples of the planetary system are able to pull together.The battle is really David against Goliath.This was a wonderful development in the book and gives Seamus Harper his chance to take the spotlight.

Another very fun bit of writers' invention was the "warbot" (war robot) named Tweedledum, who plays a key part near the end of the novel.He doesn't make a very lengthy appearance, but he really stirs things up when he does!

The writers had to work with a "given" fictional world based on the TV series "Andromeda."This book could have been just "going through the motions" writing as some of these spin-off novels tend to be. But this one offers more. There are many very creative flashes, many little unexpected touches of imagination, that make the book very enjoyable. The main plot lines are well crafted, and the outcome knits together all the earlier developments.Someone on the writing team definitely knows how to outline!

I wish the writers knew a little about astrophysics. The black hole and quasar depicted in the book show an abysmal ignorance of the physics of such objects.And probability is stretched almost to the point of tossing the book down at a few points.But heck, this is strictly an entertainment novel.By that standard the book is very well done.

Recommended -- especially when you are looking for something light and fun.

Best Andromeda Ever!
Just faaaaantastic stuff!! I wasn't into Kevin Sorbo or anything, but Vare and Morris have made me an Andromeda fan for life. For life!! Great unique plot, especially for a science fiction book. I just hope that the next one will follow the Broken Places in this new direction. ... Read more

Product Description
The Andromeda Ascendant is the last surviving ship of the long-dead Systems Commonwealth interstellar empire. It's captain, Dylan Hunt, with the crew of the Eureka Maru, has been trying to contact outlying planets who might rejoin the revived Commonwealth. But one such planet responds to the Andromeda's friendly advances with an all-out attack that cripples the Andromeda. Fleeing on the limited power that the ship can muster, Hunt, Beka Valentine and the rest of the crew seek a resupply depot, but none is near enough for them to reach before repairs, except for an abandoned station, uninhabited since the collapse of the empire.

When Hunt, systems analyst Seamus Harper, and Andromeda's AI Rommie get into the station, they find it's not quite uninhabited. Strange presences assail them. Something very dark, evil, and entirely unknown. And while they try to get what they need without being killed by whatever is lurking on the station, something is attacking the Andromeda itself. There's plenty of action and suspense before this routine resupply mission can be finished . . . if it can be finished.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Surprisingly good
This is a surprisingly good entry in the Andromeda tie-in series.

While it reads much like two sequential episodes from the series, it is nonetheless tightly plotted, and takes advantage of some of the untapped potential of the complex universe the Andromeda inhabits. This is a Trace-centric book, but nonetheless all the characters are given their moments in the spotlight. More importantly, McDonald took care to have a sustained, believable, rich plot.

This is one I'll re-read.

Gene Roddenberry's Waystation

Loved it 5 stars all the way.Loved the story line.It gripped me from the start to the finish.I highly recomend this book.

Jenny

A Very Good Read
This is a very enjoyable read.The story is fast paced and all of the characters have their opportunities to shine.The story is primarily centered around Trance who is experiencing quantum leaps of reality and living other potential time lines while the crew of the Andromeda are desperately trying to find a way to repair the ship and a dark secret awaits them on the 'abandoned' Waystation.... pretty good stuff!I definitely recommend this book.

A Good Two-Thirds of a Novel . . . .
I began WAYSTATION without high expectations, since spin-off novels from video series or films are rarely masterpieces.I was pleasantly surprised.The novel shows some surprising quality in places. It really had me turning pages and enjoying myself.Too bad that, overall, it lacked a satisfying ending and -- at the end -- just sort of twittered out into limbo.

At first I was a bit put off by the constant flip banter between the characters.However, this constant banter became more familiar by the second chapter and I started to flow with it.Perhaps because I came to enjoy the characters. I have seen the Andromeda TV show and expected the characters to be cardboard cut-outs from the show, but the author did a surprisingly good job of bringing them to life. The best developed character by far was Trance Gemini, that peculiar little elfin woman whose role I never understood in the TV series.She becomes the focus of this book, and carries it. I need to give Mr. McDonald a gold star for developing her into an interesting character for the reader, given that I am not sure the TV show provided him withmuch to work with in this regard.

The novel also helped me to understand some riddles of the TV series that never made sense to me.Like, why there are TWO Andromedas -- one a hologram and one an android.Turns out they are two different characters.At times they even begin to argue with one another.

The plot started so well.The ship Andromeda Ascendant has been badly shot up in a battle with defense forces of the planet Kantar; she escapes, limping, into Slipstream drive, but is forced to drop out of hyperspace when systems fail.The ship thus defaults into a very bad location, a quadrant with little but empty vacuum.No planets, no moons, no asteroids.However, by good fortune Andromeda's star charts reveal an old waystation, built centuries earlier to service starships in the early days of exploration.The plot centers on a desperate effort to (1) travel to the waystation, (2) find materials necessary to effect repairs on the Andromeda Ascendant, and (3) return.

Here's where the book runs into major problems.At least three-quarters of the book (roughly 200 pages) has concluded before members of Hunt's crew even REACH the waystation.Thus the author has only about 65 pages to roll out most of the plot and wrap up the book.Scene follows scene in a rush, blurring past the reader as the author tries to tie everything up in a few tens of pages. Even with all this haste and compression, a lot is left hanging as the book ends.

Perhaps the author might have had more room to conclude the book if he did not devote so many pages to Trance Gemini's dimension doors and encounters with quantum alternates of herself.While this element worked well for a while, and was genuinely interesting when first introduced, it eventually got to be very repetitious and overworked.I kept asking, "oh, no, not again -- haven't we been there before-- like four times at least?"A sub-plot that got out of control?

To wrap this up -- this novel had many elements I liked a lot.The characters, plenty of drama, great sense of humor, and a fast-moving action plot that takes us to about page 200.At that point structure seems to break down.The ending is compressed, cursory, and disappointing.

This book is too good to pan, but too weak to praise.

fast-paced entry in Gene Roddenberry�s Andromeda universe
The last remaining High Guard Starship from the defunct Systems Commonwealth, the Andromeda Ascendant, heads to Kantar on the outer rim of the galaxy in their quest to rebuild galactic society.However, instead of a friendly welcome, hostile fire batters the Andromeda forcing the crew to flee the planet in a crippled vessel.

Desperately in need of repair, but near nothing except a three century abandoned Waystation, Captain Dylan Hunt lands on the frozen orb over the warnings of time traveling crew member Trance Gemini.The Captain will find his belief system, already shaken to the core, further wrecked on this tundra as the so-called empty station has a creature stalking the crew with a different justice system than the corrupt Commonwealth had.

WAYSTATION is a fine fast-paced entry in Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda universe that is clearly targeted for fans of the series though newcomers will enjoy the unique cast, the moral question of what is justice, and the outer space action.Trance steals the show, but she is a two edged humanoid like heroine as she is an intriguing distinctive protagonist, but her time travels can become quite confusing when the audience tries to follow her non-linear movements especially when she argues with herself at loci when "two" of her converge (will need more than a scorecard to keep track).The Roddenberry faithful will especially take delight with Steven E. McDonald's entry in this long running space opera.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Only for Star Trek Completists
If you've read Joel Engel's riveting biography of Gene Roddenberry that Hyperion Books published in 1994, chock full of scathing revelations about Roddenberry, then you can safely skip Ms. Sackett's memoir of her relationship with Roddenberry. Sackett became Roddeberry's personal secretary around 1974 and idolized him. While Sackett's writing indicates that she is an intelligent woman, she seems to have been emotionally needy and very naive, because Roddenberry played her like a violin, getting much more out of their relationship than she did.

After working for Roddenberry for a year and observing his troubled marriage, Sackett succumbed to his sexual advances and entreaties for oral sex. Sackett writes, on page 19, "He was still a god to me, but he was a god in pain." On page 26: "Then he'd beg for oral sex and I'd reluctantly comply, while remaining completely frustrated. Then he'd hug me and kiss me and we'd chat. That was the best part. Although I felt somewhat used and left out, I was convinced that I was really a very lucky girl, to be here in this time and place. It was almost as if I felt a responsibility to the fans, to keep our hero happy. I was still in awe of this great man, falling in love with him, and I would have done anything to please him. And so, to paraphrase Queen Victoria's suggestion to young English brides, I closed my eyes and thought of Star Trek."

Roddenberry was rarely able to perform due to impotence resulting from his poly-drug addiction and the attendant physical debilitation it caused. Evidently, Roddenberry believed it was better to receive oral sex than to give it. Sadly, Sackett rationalizes Roddeberry's exploitation of her, as when she researched and wrote the book about the making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. On page 71, Sackett writes, "I shared the book's writing credit with Gene (although he got the lion's share of the royalties - and rightly so, since it was his baby)."

This book's back cover boasts that "Inside Trek is an unauthorized, behind-the-scenes look at the making of television's most beloved series..." Uh, no it's not. Sackett began working for Roddenberry several years after Star Trek was canceled and has nothing to reveal about the original series. The information revealed about the Trek films and Star Trek: The Next Generation is neither as comprehensive or as interesting as what Joel Engel and even William Shatner provides in his book, Star Trek Movie Memories.

Coming out in 2002, long after two full biographies of Roddenberry appeared and after everyone else involved in the show (except for DeForest Kelly) have shot their wads in print, Sackett's memoir is (ahem) anti-climactic.

Very Interesting Look inside Star Trek behind the scenes
I enjoyed Susan Sackett story about her relationship with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. I was a ST fan from the very beginning in 1967. Sometimes in real lives of our heroes can be less than what we expect. I have learned to not hold movie and TV star in too high esteem because they are still humans just like us who makes mistake and don't live up to the level we expect. This book is worth the cost and every ST fan should add it to your collection.

Gene Roddenberry:Human at last
To my way of thinking, "Inside Trek" is one of the two most important Star Trek memoirs, presenting series creator Gene Roddenberry in breath-takingly sharp focus from about 1974 till his death in the eary 1990's (five years after the original series' cancellation, and up through the movie, "Star Trek VI:The Undiscovered Country").

As unflinching in detail as the book by Herbert Solow and Robert Justman, Ms. Sackett manages to create a far more lively portrait of her boss, from the point of view of long-time office wife, and long-time secret lover.The portrait often not flattering, but invariably rings true.

Almost as heart-breaking as "My Tour of the Galaxy" (Grace Lee Whitney), with as strong a narrative as "Beam Me Up, Scotty" (James Doohan), "Inside Trek" also serves as a cold hard slap in the face for anyone with more than one or two illusions about Hollywood.

Perhaps the only unresolved question by the end of the book revolves around the role of Majel Barrett (Roddenberry's second wife) in his life.Based on Ms. Sackett's very convincing and detailed information, and my own reading between the lines, Ms. Barrett (Nurse Chapel, and other roles) comes off looking as utterly self-absorbed as William Shatner (and, to a lesser extent, Leonard Nimoy), to the great detriment of Mr. Roddenberry.As this "testimony" is not exactly corroborated elsewhere (notwithstanding NBC execs' complaints in the Solow/Justman book) we should probably not jump to any conclusions about Ms. Barrett (though she certainly seems awful in several of Ms. Sackett's colorful anecdotes).

New stories abound in this well-written (unauthorized) biography, which should make it extremely interesting to the Trek afficianado, and invaluable to any student of the Film & TV industry.

A very sad story.
I'm thinking perhaps this is a book with more appeal to women than to guys. I dunno. I've always admired Gene Roddenberry's philosophy and accomplishments, but this book left me feeling very sad for him and his family.

The two main characters come off as rather sad. First, there's Roddenberry. From this account, it seems that, regardless of his marital status, he pushes himself upon any reasonably attractive, reasonably intelligent woman within his sphere. The beginning of his affair with Sackett totally skeeved me out -- married (to Majel Barrett Roddenberry, his second wife), with a newborn baby in the house, he first manipulates Sackett, his newly hired assistant, into swimming naked in his pool. Then, despite being rebuffed, he continually solicits oral sex from her, until she finally gives in. Yuck. And throughout their affair he shows little interest in her pleasure; indeed, in his booze-and-pills-addled state there's not much he could do. Nor is he even capable of being "faithful" to her.

Then there' s Ms. Sackett. She is clearly warm and extremely intelligent, but is incapable or unwilling to engage in much self-assessment. OK, she falls in love, I get it. But to a man she can never have, Roddenberry being both married and impotent. And then she finds emotional consolation in two other men she can never have (they are gay).Anyone else see a pattern here?

Along with the stories of their motel-room trysts, afternoon sneak-aways and occasional trips, I anxiously wanted to find some sense of emotional growth, some movement beyond her self-described codependency. It never comes, and this is what left me feeling low. At one point, she attends a weekend seminar that sounds a lot like Landmark Forum, and claims to emerge feeling "empowered." But even that doesn't seem to spark any analysis of her codependency. Toward the end, as Roddenberry's health severely declined, she's asked to take a pay cut. Finally, she's shocked when his death leaves her on the outside. Isn't that the near-universal fate of the "other woman?" And yet, a decade and a half is insufficient time for Ms. Sackett to prepare herself professionally, legally or emotionally for the inevitable.

Sackett reports the details of her long affair in a dispassionate and believable way, backed up by ample photographs of the two of them. And others have written of Roddenberry's flaws; that's nothing new. Hollywood's "boom and bust" cycles have led many brilliant, talented people to alcohol and drug abuse or other questionable behaviors.

I initially began reading the book for some of the behind-the-scenes Trek details.There's not all that much that hasn't been revealed elsewhere. I do have a better understanding of why D.C. Fontana and David Gerrold, two wonderful talents, bailed on Star Trek: The Next Generation so early on -- Roddenberry's lawyer, whom he insisted on involving in script editing (despite no experience), comes across as a complete putz. It's no wonder they left, and I considered their departure a great loss for that show. But, as is clearly stated on the jacket, this book is primarily the story of Roddenberry's and Sackett's relationship.

In the end, if the story of this extramarital affair sounds intriguing, go for it!Being a rather pragmatic guy, I confess to a lack of empathy for Sackett's story, though I admire her matter-of-fact prose (you don't get the feeling she's trying to settle any scores with this book).

I suppose I'd feel better if I knew that this book was cathartic in some way for the author.A warm and witty woman like Susan Sackett deserved more than Roddenberry could give, and maybe this book helped her move on.At least, I hope she's taken down that portrait of him that she says she has hung in her hallway--it's time it got shoved in the attic.

Gut Wrenching and Haunting Story of the Price of Fame
This is not a biography nor is it an autobiography.It is a unique kind of document.

It is Susan Sackett's story and it is the story of Gene Roddenberry's final days, showing the roots of those final events within the years of Star Trek The Motion Picture, and Star Trek: The Next Generation and the deepening and developing intimacy between Susan Sackett and Gene Roddenbery.

Susan Sackett has taken an odd point of view to tell this story of her position in the world of Star Trek.As a writer, I have to admire the tight, disciplined writing.

The story she tells is searingly gut-wrenching, harrowing and filled with anguish dotted with moments of joy and happiness.

It haunted (still haunts) me day and night for a number of reasons.

As primary author of the Bantam paperback Star Trek Lives! and a professional sf/f writer active through those years in Star Trek fandom, I was aware of these events but from an entirely different perspective.This book has filled in the blanks and answered many questions for me.

During the intervening years, I have likewise been aware of the private lives behind the scenes of several very famous and popular writers who ended their days enmeshed in very similar kinds of situations.

Reading this book awakened the feelings of watching such events from the sidelines, helpless to affect the course of things. It also brought home how very ordinary such an extraordinary situation is among the famous and powerful figures of this world.

Sackett's writing style is factual, the language prosaic, completely devoid of purple prose, hyperbole, or passion.And that showcases the realities of this happy/sad situation that surrounded Gene Roddenberry as he fought to give the millions of dedicated fans the show they so richly deserved.

The point of view is entirely Susan Sackett's.These are the events behind the miraculous achievements of Gene Roddenberry, and this is what it felt like to be involved inside those events, and this is the enormous price Roddenberry paid to give us this miracle.

Not once in this narrative is there any speculation, accusation or finger-pointing.There is no blaming, no "flaming" and no attempt to present the motives of others which Sackett could not possibly have known except as supposition through a veil of emotion.

This document is an amazing piece of work, a tour de force of the writer's craft and a bit of history that may one day prove invaluable to researchers if enough copies survive here and there.Put one away for your grandchildren today.

I can't tell you that every word is true.I can tell you that you will not find a more objectively written account of a purely subjective experience anywhere in your public library.Just for that achievement, this book should be studied by every would-be writer.And while you're studying this book, do tally up the price of fame and the cost of glory and ask yourself if you really do want to be a writer after all.

Live Long and Prosper,
Jacqueline Lichtenberg... ... Read more

Product Description
Suddenly, Captain Dylan Hunt isn't himself.

Our heroes were travelling in deep space, navigating the Andromeda through a maze of space anomalies and wormholes when a surprise attack by an unidentified fleet of ships forced them into a space anomaly they could not avoid. Suddenly the crew finds themselves in another dimension.The Dylan they know is gone, his place taken by a green-skinned, cold, logical, Nietzschean Dylan who's more reptilian than human.The crew must band together and choose between an act of obedience or an act of mutiny as they follow a dangerous course into deeper space with an alien captain they cannot trust.

Meanwhile, Dylan finds himself on a very different Andromeda in another dimension.His new crew is comprised of green-skinned reptilians, engaged in a deadly conflict with rebels who would have been, in Dylan's original dimension, the civilization he has tried to restore.His entire alien crew seems to be involved in a vast interstellar conquest, one that he must stop.The Captain realizes he must resolve a conflict in which his royalties are torn, and somehow get back to his original dimension. Can Dylan survive his alien ship?

The decisions both Andromeda crews and captains make will affect not only them; their choices may cause ripple effects that save or destroy both dimensions.
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Customer Reviews (4)

It wasn't perfect, but I'll take it.
This particular Andromeda book is a little different than the others. First off, if alternate dimensions isn't your thing, you should NOT check out this book, because that's really what the whole plot is about. To be honest? I'm a die-hard Andromeda fan, but after about 100 pages of Dylan surrounded by a bunch of boring, scaly aliens, I started to wonder if I could finish it. However, Dylan actually makes multiple jumps in time, and one of them starts out rather funny and newly refreshing and interesting. Back on the Andromeda, most of the others get a line in here or there, but it's from Beka's perspective mostly. This book is mostly about Dylan, and the different "versions" of himself that the crew has to deal with while their "Dylan" is traveling through the dimensions his "other selves" were sent from.

It isn't the best thing I've ever read, but I'd read it again (although the first 100 pages aren't the most interesting, I do love Andromeda quite a bit) without question.

Overall, I give this a three for the following reasons:
-The plot was a bit of a drag, but still managed to have its interesting points.
-The other characters were all included, however small their parts.
-The Andromeda holo-image and widescreen were mentioned, but nothing about the avatar in any of the dimensions, or the proper one.
-The first and last chapters when the crew is together are the best. I like the crew as a hole, which means a book about them being separated isn't my first choice, but it still had that "Andromeda" feel.

So, I recommend this book to anyone who loves everything about Andromeda. At least give it a chance. If you're a so-so fan, or anything below that, I don't recommend this book to you.

If you do try it out, at least finish it!

It arrived in good and readible condition
My purchased "Gene Roddenberry's Anromeda: Through the Looking Glass" by Josepha Sherman arrived in good and readible condition.I am happy with my order.

A Travesty!
Generally, you would think that authors, especially reputed ones such as Josepha Sherman, would actually watch an episode of a show they were doing a tie-in novel of.Not so in this case.Sherman's complete lack of understanding of the Andromeda universe, from the absence of the Eureka Maru, to the fact that the crew was reduced to a collection of cardboard and sound-bytes, with a plot that's been done to death, this was perhaps the worst of any of the tie-in novels that I've seen come out from TOR or Tribune.In fact, it reads like it was written by using a search-and-replace treatment from a generic "Star Trek" novel, before they started making the effort they have of late.Given that this book followed "Waystation," which was thoroughly researched and actually captured the flavour of the series, it makes this book all that much more of an appalling, hollow sham of what tie-in novels should be.

worst book ever
... EVER.i couldn't even read all of it.the only Andromeda novels worth reading, thus far, have been Distruction of Illusions and The Broken Places.Waystation was awful too, don't bother. ... Read more

Product Description
Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda™ is the continuing story of Captain Dylan Hunt of the starship Andromeda Ascendant, in his quest to restore the Systems Commonwealth that fell three hundred years ago.When the series opens, Hunt and the Andromeda have been rescued by the independent cargo ship, Eureka Maru.How the Maru got there is a fast-paced, exciting space adventure that Andromeda™ fans and SF readers will love.

The Eureka Maru has been impounded for non-payment of bills.Captain Beka Valentine and her crew daringly liberate the ship, and soon get a chance for a big score: pick up a Nietzschean princess, pregnant with a child that might be heir to the Nietzschean throne.Surviving betrayal and vicious attack ships, the Maru must bring the princess to safety before the child is delivered.Along the way, they gain a mysterious new crew member.

Unknown to them, Nietzschean warrior Tyr Anasazi is on a mission to restore the glory of his people.To raise money for an army, he's accepted an offer to a High Guard ship that's been stuck in a black hole for 300 years.The money would be fabulous, but he needs a ship and crew.The Eureka Maru fits the bill.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Interesting Background
Consistent with the Andromeda universe, and it was interesting to learn what took place before the Andromeda Ascendent was taken out of the blackhole. However, as with all Andromeda books; far too much profanity. It's not necessary to the story line and doesn't make it more real. Show me more drama in place of the profanity.

Rather disappointing....
I had high hopes for this book to fill out the background on the shows main characters, other than Dylan, but found it rather lacking.If you want to know more about Beka, Tyr and Rev. Bem, the book does a fairly good job but hardly expends any effort on Trance and Harper who have great potential for interesting story lines.In fact, there is far more expansion upon a tertiary character who is barely memorable from the first episode than for Trance and Harper put together.In addition, if you're a Trance fan, you likely won't care much for the less than flattering descriptions.Anyway, it's not a bad story but could have been a lot better.

DeCandido can write 'em!
Oh, the beauty of the backstory, the prequel, the whatEVER you want to call it, especially when it comes to novel vs. television.It gives a writer a goodly amount of space to supply the characters with all the depth and strange habits that make for meaty personalities - something TV viewers might have to wait a long time to see, if they *ever* get to.And, as has been the case with pretty much every one of Keith DeCandido's novels, the man doesn't disappoint, providing us an excellent and plausible look at how it came to be that Beka Valentine should rescue Dylan Hunt in the pilot episode of "Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda."Of course, now I really wanna go back and watch that pilot again, armed with this new information.Nice job, oh Great Hairy One.

Not Bad, but could have been better...
I found this book rather enjoyable but, despite the great details, still somewhat lacking.A lot of effort was put into giving great insight into the characters of Beka, Tyr, and to a lesser extent Rev Bem, but Harper and Trance (my two favourite characters) get rather short shrift.I had high hopes that there would be more about Harper and his life while on earth, but there was more detail on the thoughts and history of a tertiary character that I barely remember from the first episode.In addition, it is plain that the Author doesn't care much for the character of Trance, as displayed by his repeated less than flattering descriptions.Given all this I'm rather surprised that I even gave it a 3!However, I am an Andromeda fan and the book definitely gave a better insight into where Beka, Tyr, and to a lesser extent the rest of the crew, were coming from.
So, if you like Beka, buy the book and you won't be disappointed.For everybody else.... you most likely will be.

Better Than A Lot Of The Episodes
Man, I can't believe it's come to this: that I'm writing reviews of novels based on "Andromeda". My mother begged me to become a doctor, but instead I decided to go into the highly exciting world of Betamax sales, and now I'm reduced to this. Look for me to cough up a review of a "Red Dwarf" episode guide soon or something.

Anyway. This novel is by Keith DeCandido and is the first published volume of "Andromeda" fiction. It's a prequel to the show's pilot episode and establishes backstories for Tyr and for how Trance (her happy and guileless purple version, not the later enigmatic and secretive gold version) hooked up with Beka and stuff. DeCandido does a good job of capturing the flavor of the show's first season (by far the best out of the four that have aired thus far), and even throws in cryptic citations and sayings as chapter headers, just like the actual TV episodes do. Lot of Nietzschean maneuverings and plots. The bits about Tyr and his ilk are really nice. The biggest bonus, though, is that Dylan only appears in about five pages. Yay! 'Cuz he is just terrible.

This is better than a lot of the recent episodes and is worth reading if for no other reason that that DeCandido wrote it. He's done a lot of excellent Trek work and if you like reading this sort of thing, I would highly recommend that you pick up his efforts. He shows a great deal more imagination than most authors in these series and does some real nice character work. If you've got some time to blow and you want a taste of "Andromeda" in its "almost good" period, give this book a try. ... Read more

Product Description
The popular SF/adventure series Gene Roddenberrys Andromeda is syndicated in all major US markets and the SciFi Channel. The Andromeda Ascendant and its crew arrive at Paradise Drift in need of rest and relaxation. The drift, a recreational asteroid, wants to join the new Systems Commonwealth, and offers visitors fantasy scenarios of all kinds. It all seems wonderful, but complications arise: a young woman has unfinished business with Harper, Beka is pursued by a bounty hunter, and Captain Hunt learns that gambling in the drift isnt as no-strings-attached as the other fantasies. On-ship, Tyr stands guard, but despite his vigilance theres trouble afoot. It all adds up to an exciting, suspenseful deep-space adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

for fans of the series
Working long and hard hours to re-link the Systems Commonwealth, the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant deserves some R&R.While Tyr is stuck watching the ship, most of the crew transfer to Paradise Drift, a place where the squad can unwind and have some harmless fun playing in a vast variety of virtual games.Adding to the pleasure is that everything is gratis as the leaders of Paradise Drift want to be become members of the revised Systems Commonwealth.

However the bone weary crew quickly learn that there is no such thing as a free lunch as sh** happens.Harper is attacked by a woman who believes she owes him from a past transgression and a bounty hunter Steeleblade stalks Beka.However, Captain Hunt wants Director Vandat, but worries about political repercussions cause by his desires and to make things even worse, he loses a fortune in real money at the gambling tables while unbeknownst to him the ship is under attack.R&R is proving more harrowing than any operational mission.

The sixth entry, as with the previous Andromeda tales, is a fine science fiction tale that is clearly for fans of the series.The action-packed story line focuses on several members of the ensemble cast as each expects to unwind with a little fun, but instead ends up in some harrowing scenario.This will elate the Andromeda audience, but the multitude of subplots will drive new fans elsewhere.Still Sherwood Smith does a wonderful job with the familiar players as readers will appreciate R&R on Paradise Drift.

Harriet Klausner
... Read more

Product Description
This is the book Star Trek fans have been waiting for! The one and only authorized biography of Gene Roddenberry, the creative force behind the classic and increasingly popular science fiction show. 16-page insert. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Well-documented, fairly well-balanced
I very much enjoyed this book. Why?

Lots of detail: the writer unearthed old documents and interviewed aging witnesses to put together a portrait of Roddenberry which starts from before his birth to the moment of his death.

Is it hagiographic? No. Why?

The author clearly, and repeatedly, reveals Roddenberry's tendency to be a womanizer and does not directly excuse him for this. He merely reports it.
The writer also reveals at least one episode of outright gratuitous cruelty on the part of Roddenberry.

Is it fully satisfying? Not quite. Why?

I wish there was more material on Roddenberry's home life with his first wife and their children. I also wish there were more material about Roddenberry's non-professional interests, hobbies, if any, etc. However, I forgive this lack because I know that a larger and longer book might not have been economically viable. And, after all, it is Roddenberry's role as the creator of Star Trek that we care about.

What about the controversies regarding other peoples' contributions to Star Trek?

This book, and indeed every other book I have ever read about Star Trek over the past 30 years including interviews with Roddenberry, make it very clear that MANY people contributed to Star Trek. But, the concept was Roddenberry's and he was the necessary and unique filter through which everybody else's ideas had to pass. This has been obvious to me for decades and I was happy to see that this book touched on this as well. There is really no basis for controversy.

I see Roddenberry as a loving and creative man who allowed himself a great deal af latitude in matters of sex (hardly a capital crime, and hardly unique), did abuse substances to some extent (which probably contributed to his death, but again, hardly unique especially in the culture of Hollywood), and occasionally was involved in wrangles about creative priorities, responsibilities and credit (again, very garden-variety stuff in the business culture he was a part of). It would be nice if he could have risen completely above such things, but I feel he did the best he could while, at the same time, producing something of lasting humanitarian and entertainment value to the world. Only he could have done it in that way with that degree of success.

Without putting him on a pedestal, he is a heroic figure. And one the world sorely needs again.

More Insight into Star Trek
Offers a different treatment of Star Trek. Contains many documents Roddenberry wrote to promote the idea of ST. Gives interesting insight of Gene's early life with the Los Angeles Police Department and his conversion to TV. There are many ups and downs. I know him better due to this book. ST is the biggest thing in TV, the hottest property, an expansive franchise, and it almost didn't happen at all. Not many TV shows reach from 1966 to beyond our lifetimes. Star Trek will.

Great and enjoyable
The other reviewer was overly harsh. This book was a wonderful telling of Gene Rodenburry's life. Was it perfect? No, but I do feel that I have a greater appreciation for the man and his life. I have a much better understanding of what motivated him and his ideas. This book is so cheap that you can't lose.

The usual problems of "authorized" biographies:
1) This is a hagiography written by a friend, not an objective biography.Roddenberry's character flaws (and there were many) are barely touched upon or completely glossed over.(The one-sided, multi-page attempt to discredit detractor David Gerrold is embarrassingly silly, for example.)

2) For a book written by someone who was supposedly Robbenberry's friend, precious little of the story comes from the man himself.Nearly half the book (and almost all of the latter sections) consists of transcripts of memos and letters written by Roddenberry.

3) The editing is sloppy; typos abound, most frequently in people's names.Usually they're just annoying, but when you see uncorrected misspellings such as "Harland Ellison" and "Leslie Nielson," you have to wonder just how well the author knew the details of what he was writing about, and whether he was simply parroting material given to him by others.

I'd recommend sticking with Joel Engel's biography of Roddenberry as an antidote.It too has its slant, but it's nonetheless a far more rounded effort than this volume. ... Read more

Product Description
It seemed too good to be true...

When marauding ships attack the Andromeda Ascendant, the Andromeda crew, desperate to save their ship, slipstream to a world called Festival, which fends off their mysterious attackers and welcomes the crew with open arms. The crew couldn't be happier. Festival wishes to join the Commonwealth, and, as its name implies, is a safe haven, a perfect place for relaxing and indulging in life's finer pleasures.

But there's something not quite right about Festival. Captain Dylan Hunt is suspicious of the large number of armed soldiers who are ostensibly providing security for their visit. And when his crew finds a big underground bash, the revelers seem more tense than happy. Dylan and crew uncover a diabolical scheme seething beneath the planet's utopian façade: Festival's planetary government is really a powerful militant regime bent on forcing neighboring worlds to join the new Commonwealth against their own volition.

Before the Andromeda crew can do anything about Festival's strong-arm tactics, they receive a distress call from a renowned peace ambassador whose ship is being attacked by space pirates. In a bloody battle, Dylan and his crew defeat the attacking pirates. After the smoke clears, they learn from the ambassador the rulers of Festival don't just want to join the Commonwealth . . . they want to rule it! Suddenly, Festival seems like the Andromeda's worst nightmare. Captain Hunt and the crew have their hands full escaping from the clutches of Festival's power-hungry government, and trying to keep the peace within the Commonwealth.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Pretty good.
I'd have to say that this book is a must for fans of Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda. The plot is pretty solid, although by the end of the book I was left with some nagging complaints about how things wrapped up so quickly. The characters are very "in" and each is given a chance to speak. If you're a Rev Bem fan, this might not be the book for you, though. He's used quickly and not often. The main point that really bothered me about this novel was the use of Andromeda and Rommie. There wasn't much separating the android from her holo-image and her screen image. I felt that they were all the same entity, which isn't what Andromeda's about. I thought Rommie was acting a little strange throughout the novel, but her oddness is explained by the end, so don't be too put off.

Another great thing about this book was the way Dylan Hunt was written. I found him to be charismatic, enjoyable, and the perfect man to bring back the High Guard. He seemed a bit different on the show portrayed by Sorbo--but I really enjoyed the way he was written in the book. This was my first Andromeda book, so I might be a little bias, but it's worth a read if you love the show.

A Solid Read, But Not Perfect
"The Attitude of Silence" was a decent Andromeda tie-in novel, and certainly much better than the travesty that was the previous one ("Through The Looking Glass")."The Attitude of Silence" was better researched, had a story that fit well into the timeline (it seems to take place between the late Season One episodes "It Makes A Lovely Light" and "Its Hour Has Come `Round At Last"), and the characterisation for the most part was pretty solid.This isn't to say that there weren't a few problems-Trance's looking at probabilities was a little too mathematical, Rev Bem did little besides pray a lot, and Mariotte didn't differentiate enough between the personalities of Rommie and the Andromeda AI and hologram.While the research was there for the most part, Mariotte seems to have overlooked the fact that Vedrans are blue and have four legs, and are decidedly not human, and that Sani Nax Rifati was a Vedran who lived some 5800 years previous (yes, this is a fairly important plot point).There are a few other nitpicks that distracted (which the editor should have caught), but none of them were glaring beyond the Vedran one.Overall, "The Attitude of Silence" was a pretty solid read that captured the spirit of the show, even though it may not be quite the love-letter to the show and its fans that "Waystation" was. ... Read more

Product Description
Waneta Young, a woman of Cherokee descent, finds a mysterious red crystal lodged in a piece of pottery discovered at an archaeological dig. This red crystal contains a centuries-old destructive force guarded by tribal shamans against those who might misuse its terrible power. When the Taelons discover the crystal, Zo'or is determined to wrest its power from its Native American guardians.

Liam Kincaid and Renee Palmer find themselves caught in a desperate struggle between humans and Taelons, who would resurrect a creature only, the power of Cherokee legend can hold at bay.

When the terrible power is unleashed, humans and Taelons discover a danger that threatens to end all life. A danger that seemingly cannot be stopped . . .
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

E:FC fans get this book!!
This book probably does the best job of all the E:FC books so far at portraying the characters and feel of the TV show. The Taelons characterizations are bang on. Lots of references to the TV show, especially the episode "Cloister". I like the authors explanations of minor details of the show. Like the Taelons hand gestures and why protectors frequently wear jackets. The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Nice job blending Human and Taelon history. I liked the ending, just like the TV show. Leaves you with something to think about. Remains true to the spirit of the show. Just because the Taelons are powerful, Humans can be capable of something that they aren't. My one and only complaint would be that the chapters about the Taelons were too short! More like this please! =D

If you are a fan get this book!!
This book probably does the best job of all the E:FC books so far at portraying the characters and feel of the TV show. The Taelons characterizations are bang on. Lots of references to the TV show, especially the episode "Cloister". I like the authors explanations of minor details of the show. Like the Taelons hand gestures and why protectors frequently wear jackets. The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Nice job blending Human and Taelon history. I liked the ending, just like the TV show. Leaves you with something to think about. Remains true to the spirit of the show. Just because the Taelons are powerful, Humans can be capable of something that they aren't. My one and only complaint would be that the chapters about the Taelons were too short! More like this please! =D

Loved it!
Great characters with depth and complexity! Tense, mysterious, involving plot! Riveting action! Give me more like this...

strong speculative fiction
Archeologist Waneta Young uncovers a strange looking red crystal infixed inside a piece of pottery found at a dig on a sacred mountain in the Eastern Cherokee Nation.The crystal contains an ancient destructive power guarded by anointed Cherokee shamans against those who will abuse the frightful force.

However, the human freedom resistance and the competing Taelon factions learn of the find and each struggles to take control of the red crystal.Each group assumes possession means world domination.However, unleashing the genie from the bottle may prove more dangerous and deadly than any of the competitors realize as only the Cherokee Nation understand this doomsday machine that the red crystal contains.Emancipated from the crystal prison will mean the end of the world unless Waneta the chosen one retains control of a force that none of the triad will be able to direct.

This reviewer planned to invoke the fifty-page rule expecting to waste a half an hour reading GENE RODDENBERRY'S EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT: LEGACY because long running TV series adaptations into novels usually lose steam after a few novels.However, instead this reviewer finished a great tale in one sitting.Glenn R. Sixbury does the impossible of adhering to the nature of the TV cast while enhancing their known personality quirks and traits (Zo'or's depiction is amazing) yet provides freshness with a strong tale that includes the trifecta conflict and a deep look into Cherokee mythos.Fans of the series will relish this powerful action-packed tale while those not familiar will enjoy a strong speculative fiction novel.

Harriet Klausner

Legacy lives up to potential
I admit, I don't read media tie-ins very often.Since I like the Earth Final Conflict series---particularly the earlier seasons-I decided to take a chance on Glenn Sixbury's Legacy.To my delight, I discovered that Sixbury not only stays true to the characters, he gives them depth that is not apparent in a one-hour television show.He expands on the best features of the Earth Final Conflict series and adds a few twists of his own.

In particular, I found his scenes between Da'an and Zo'or riveting.Sixbury has captured the Taelon movements perfectly.His interpretations of their hand motions, their expressions, and their political machinations are fascinating and believable.

The plot is unique, as well.The story centers around Archeologist Waneta Long and her discovery of an ancient Cherokee artifact.It quickly becomes apparent that this artifact is of interest to the Taelons and therefore to the resistence movement, as well.Unknowingly, Waneta becomes a pawn in the three-sided struggles between the opposing Taelon factions and the human resistence movement.

Though she is not part of the series, I found Long to be a sympathetic character in a captivating situation. Sixbury's use of Cherokee mythology and mysticism dovetails nicely with Taelon "history." Overall, Glenn Sixbury's Legacy is a fun read, both for fans of the show and those who have never seen it before. ... Read more

Product Description
Go behind the scenes on the making of Star Trek -- from ''the Cage'' (the first episode) & the original series through 7 feature films, The Next Generation, Deep Space, & Voyager -- with the creators of the 20th cent. most enduring TV & film series. Here the makers of the Trek magic discuss 30 years of science fiction success. You'll visit with these pioneers of the final frontier, starting with Gene Roddenberry, the original ''Great Bird of the Galaxy.'' Beyond Trek, he was the creative force behind Genesis II & The Questor Tapes, & this vol. provides episode guides to the unfilmed scripts for both. Also meet Gene Coon, Fred Freiberger, Nicholas Meyer, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Rick Berman, Maurice Hurley, Jeri Taylor, & Michael Piller. Illus. ... Read more

Product Description
The historic 5-year mission of the U.S.S. EnterpriseTM is over. But when three Klingon starships are destroyed by a massive machine/organism called the V'Ger, the Enterprise is refitted and the crew is asked to investigate.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Motion Picture Comes Up Short
Hello everyone,

Don't get me wrong... Gene Roddenberry is a great guy and I think we're all very greatful to him for creating Star Trek.My belief is that this book came up extremely short of the standard of Star Trek novels, and novelizations especially.Granted, this book was written almost 25 years ago, but still, it was not all that good.

Admiral Lori Ciani, Kirk's wife?Where did this come from?It comes out of thin air.Nobody knows anything about this woman.And apparently they were "married" during Kirk's stint on Earth.Not a necessary part of the book.

In my opinion, this could have been a lot better.

The New Adventures Begin here.
The five year mission has ended, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise has moved on to other assignments and been promoted.Life has moved on.Then, from the depths of space, comes a huge cloud with incredibly destructive powers, and it is on a course for Earth.Once again James T. Kirk, now an Admiral, must lead the U.S.S. Enterprise on an incredible adventure.

This novelization of the plodding movie that detractors call Star Trek - The Motionless Picture was ghostwritten for Roddenberry by Alan Dean Foster, the man who penned the unoriginal concept story the script was based on.Although little more than the script in narrative form, Foster gives the tale a sense of urgency and tension that the film sorely lacked.It also reads better than it plays.Still it's strictly for Trek buffs.

Better than the movie
This book is a must for every fan of the movie. It actually starts some time before the movie scenario, showing Kirk pursuing the command of the Enterprise at Starfleet. It reveals the identities of the 2 people caught in the transporter accident and their connection to Kirk, along with more backstory on Spock's adventures. And it cuts out the long boring trip through V'jer's special effects cloud.Can't beat that!

A Novelization
I haven't seen the movie in about fifteen years, but this book is adequate.That's about all I can say about that.

The Motion Picture: A Life Story
I agree with Joe's comments.This book has changed my life so much, that I find myself helping all men.I was once a conservative, this book transformed me into a liberal, for it shows all men as they should be -- working together for the Common Good. I joined the Peace Corps and I wear V-Neck jump-suits made of spandex.I have my own personal pleasure room.Just like Spock..... Thank you Gene, I hope when we meet in the future, we can have some of those experiences you always dreamed about. ... Read more

Product Description
Cecilia RomanLia to her friendsis a simple fourth grade school teacher with a mild distrust of the Taelons. When a group of them suddenly show up at her school and interview her, her curiosity is piqued. Later, when shes contacted by a former studentnow a member of a splinter group of the Resistanceher world is turned upside down. The splinter group has chosen Lia to assassinate Zoor. Stunned, she leaves the groups compound and is picked up by Augur, the only man who can protect her. With the Taelons gunning for the would-be assassin, and the splinter group aiming to wipe out a liability, its up to Augur to keep his favorite teacher alive long enough to get her in the clearsomething that will take all of his cunning and skill, and may just cripple the Resistance in the doing ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not bad at all... My first E:FC read
Ive heard bad things about some of the previous E:FC books but this one was the first I decided read. I must say it was very well done. The premise was very Season 1' ish for those of you dislike subsequent seasons of the show. Although Boone is absent in this one the story features Auger and Da'an heavily and Dr. Bellman makes a cameo as well which was a nice touch. I dont want to get into the details too heavily but Ill say that this would make a great episode of E:FC and leave it at that. There were a couple of inconsistancies but nothing important. Overall an excellent read and E:FC fans will enjoy it. I hope Heritage is half as good.

Read it even if you haven't seen the series!
I know zilch about the series Earth: Final Conflict, but I immensely enjoyed this book. It isn't at all confusing, and there's a lot of suspense, action, and fun. The main character, Cecilia, is a middle-aged teacher in Los Angeles. Her serene life is shattered to pieces when she receives an ominous summons to speak with a Taelon official (the Taelons are a race of highly advanced aliens who are quietly taking over Earth). Cecilia runs, seeking shelter from a resistance group to which one of her former students belongs. Cecilia doesn't like the Taelons, but when the rebels ask her to assassinate the Taelon leader Zo'or, she refuses--only to be locked up. Hours later she's sprung by Augur, a member of *another* resistance group, and they go on the run together. The plot quickly blossoms into complexity, with mysterious attacks, would-be assassins, sinister plots, and teenage hackers. This book is a romping adventure anyone can enjoy, and which I highly recommend. Buy it, read it, and then go check out some of Sherwood Smith's other books. ... Read more

Product Description
Gene Roddenberrys Earth: Final Conflict has been a successful syndicated science fiction TV series for the past three and a half years. Each tie-in novel explores events and issues suggested by the TV series and dramatizes parts of the characters lives never explored on television. In Heritage, Liam Kincaid discovers a plot that may involve a Jaridian threat to Earth. He has to delve into Taelon secrets and face some of the shadows in his own past if hes going to protect Earth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Better than expected
I found this book in a used section at a local bookseller.I remembered the series from TV and thought what the hay.As a semi-regular fan of the series later years, this book filled in lots of details I had forgotten about, or didn't know.Auger is better than usual, Liam shows up alot.Unlike most franchise novels this is more than just one episode put into book form.

Pretty Good Title in the Series
This is a good example of science ficture literature. Part of the series that was spawned by the popular TV program, this latest title follows protagonist Liam Kincaid as he once again battles the Taelons as they are planning to release a retrovirus on the unsuspecting people of Earth. If they survive, they will develop the Shaqurava that, until now, only the Taelons possess. The ending is somewhat predictable, but fun to read anyway. Check out Augur's computer variation of Lili. She's a hoot!

Great book!!Better than the season five series plot
The book resolved quite a few open issues with regard to the origins of the Taelons and their connection to the Jaridians and the Kimera.The series was not very good at this.As a matter of fact, the series created a more questions in its fifth season that it neglected to answer.I enjoyed the book and hope to read more by this author and others writing about this sci-fi series.

Awesome Cool!
Heritage is the 5th EFC book, and almost certainly the best.

While "Arrival", "The First Protector" and "Requiem for Boone" focus on event before the show, and "Augur's Teacher" focuses on an original chracter, "Heritage" is purely about Liam.

The basis is that Zo'or's latest project is to give humanity shaquarava through a virus, shortly after the season two episode "Second Chances". (Shaquarava are the glowing things on Liam's hands, for those unfamiliar with the series) Not knowing that Liam is one-third Kimera, and has shaquarava of his own, Zo'or orders that Liam is administered the virus. The virus gives Liam access to some of his genetic memories, including the knowledge that it was the shaquarva that turned the Atavus into Taelons, and started them on that nasty treacherous path of theirs.

Hayley Simmons (from episodes "Second Chances", "Thicker Than Blood" and "Take No Prisoners") is a major player, and there are bits of Liam/Hayley romance. While it is questionable that Zo'or would attempt to give humans shaquarva (which could allow humanity to join the Commonality), this is a minor flaw.

The plot is mainly plausible, executed with a minimum of techno-babble, and makes sense in context with the rest of the series. There are excellent explanations for the Taelons' hatred of the Kimera and how the Taelons and Jaridians differ. All characters are very, umm... in character.

Anywho. It's a great book.

Great Read... Better than the show ever was...
Many E:FC fans dislike Liam Kincade for various reasons. This book gives alot more insight into the character of Liam then was ever given in S2. The author seems to want to make Season 2 make more sence then it did on TV and does a very good job. I enjoyed the Conversation with Ha'gel and the Flashbacks of Ha'gels memories of the Atavus! The book goes into alot of detail of how the Jaridians and Taelons were split apart and how the Kimera were involved. In Season 1 and 2 We are often given sketchy, cryptic details by Da'an and Zo'or about the Atavus and the Kimera and how the Taelons were created. The author takes those and binds them all together so they make sence. Very well done and compelling reading. I couldnt put it down. The writers on the TV show should take lessons from this author. Who knows, maybe she can make Season 5 make some sence. ... Read more