Editorial notes: In February 2009, Shai starts his rich blogging career with a blog dedicated to reviewing Wes Anderson films. Of the five posts written between February 2009 and April 2012 and dedicated to this topic, four are written on the blog and one is found in Shai’s Google Drive, perhaps written there with the intention of copying it across at a later stage. This specific post was found...
This blog was set up to allow me to post reviews of TNG novels, including thoughts and links to other pertinent reviews or resources. For the time being, new posts will appear once a week. At this time reviews will appear on the first Sunday of the month.
The author can be contacted easily, either by posting anywhere on the blog or else by sending an email to pastfarpoint (at gmail.com).
Ghost Ship (Diane Carey) was the first of the novel [sic] TNG novels. Given that it was released in mid-1988 it was most likely commissioned some time during the first season, which is a round-a-bout way of saying that perhaps there's a practical reason for the poor characterization which will inevitably dominate this review.
The Peacekeepers, by Gene DeWeese, is the second of the numbered TNG books. The plot begins with the Enterprise identifying a strange vessel which is completely self-enclosed and uniform in layout. Soon after Geordie and Data are lost (from the perspective of the rest of the crew) having been transported far away to some orbital station where they are regarded by the leader (who greets them) as...
Bottle Rocket (1996) was Wes Anderson’s first feature film, apparently co-written with Owen Wilson who also acts here, alongside his brother Luke Wilson. In brief the film plot begins with Anthony (L. Wilson) leaving (but appearing to escape for the sake of his friend) from a mental hospital, joining up with Dignan (O. Wilson), who wants the two to carry out a heist so that they can show up...
Children of Hamlin, by Carmen Carter, is the third of the numbered TNG books . There are two plots, the minor of which involves the ferrying of some “Farmers”, who eschew technology, to a new colony. The major plot begins with the discovery of a ship under attack by an unknown alien vessel. After sending the enemy ship into retreat they take on board the survivors, including one man...
Survivors, by Jean Lorrah, is the fourth of the numbered TNG novels. The story involves Data and Tasha being sent down to a potential Federation candidate planet (Treva) which has asked for help in quelling an insurrection by local warlords. Things happen, eventually they are captured by these warlords, who include Tasha’s former mentor and original rescuer and ex-lover (and who betrayed...
Strike Zone by Peter David the fifth novel in the TNG series. The plot involves the Kreel (who apparently are the most hated enemy of the Klingon due to their [thickly laid on] dishonourable nature) discovering an ancient stash of weapons, attacking the Klingon, etc., the Enterprise is called in to host talks which involve a journey with both parties aboard. A final resolution involves a failed...
Rushmore (1988) was the second full-length film directed by Wes Anderson, and like his first film Bottle Rocket, it was co-written with Owen Wilson. The story revolves around 15-year-old Max Fischer (played by Jason Schwartzman) who attends the socially selective school Rushmore on an academic scholarship, and who at the beginning of the story is being told that he will be expelled if...
Power Hungry by Howard Weinstein is the sixth numbered TNG novel. The plot involves the Enterprise being sent on a relief mission, bringing food and equipment, to a candidate Federation planet. The planet, Thiopia, has undergone until recently rapid development due to a trading agreement with Nuarans, which has resulted in extreme and ongoing ecological degradation. The plot involves slowly...
