Spock's World
By Diane Duane
A movement arises on Vulcan to secede from the Federation, stirred by a figure from Spock's past. Sarek, Amanda, and T'Pau aim for continued union.
It's the complete history of Vulcan! Well, historical recounts comprise half the text, and a contemporary political intrigue plot completes it. We're guided through all the eras hinted at in TOS (and the split with the Romulans), and characters like Surak and T'Pau gain great depth. Spock's story is naturally kept guarded until near the end, but our usual heroes are not ignored.
Ms. Duane writes this stuff masterfully, creating a coherent, convincing world from inconsistent details in the show. From the formation of the planet itself to the factors leading to the Vulcans' emotional restraint, it's all here and in more detail than ever. Her imagination extends also to the Enterprise crew compliment, featuring snow and dragon creatures. The figure behind the present-day conspiracy to have Vulcan leave the Federation might not be entirely appropriate, but she's at least familiar to fans. The other quibble is the slow-moving nature of the early historical chapters, but they are well written and worth enduring. Unlike the earlier The Wounded Sky, this isn't mind-expanding science fiction, but does expand one's knowledge of Vulcan and other aspects of the Star Trek universe. An excellent novel that makes most franchise tie-in novels look like cop-outs.