The Devil's Heart

by Carmen Carter

Book Overview

An archaeological outpost has suddenly stopped responding to repeated outside requests for information. When the Enterprise crew is sent to look into the matter, they discover a devastated outpost and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067179325X
• ISBN13: 9780671793258
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

An excellent quest

This is a reverse quest in the tradition of the Lord of the Rings: Picard gains possession of an artefact that gives its wielder power over time, but will eventually betray him to his death, and every power in the Quadrant comes after the Enterprise to seize the artefact. In addition, we are shown how Trek ancient history has (supposedly) revolved around this artefact, including the rise and fall of the Iconians, Surak of Vulcan, the Romulan Empire, the Klingon Empire and the great plague on Andor. The tone of this book is quite sombre, but uniquely among Trek authors the book is still a very enjoyable read despite that. The quality of the writing is excellent. The descriptions and characterisations are very good, and the whole Enterprise cast has good roles in this. The book specific characters are well done also. There are many short sequences of people and action beyond the Enterprise and all are well done. The author captures the air of a truly epic quest, both in contemporary scope and through time. This is an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable book.

Excellent novel.

This is a very powerful novel, well-written and well-plotted. At first, I thought that it was going to bear too much resemblance to Original Series Novel #30, J.M. Dillard's "Demons" (Vulcan archaologist finds relic that proves dangerous, and leads to much death and devastation) but that is the extent of the similarities between the two; this book is much better written, and has a much more evolved plot. Then I thought that it was too close in concept to "The Lord of the Rings" (mystical item possesses its bearer, making him reluctant to let anyone else touch it, or to put it down, and becoming his "precious" to the detriment of his health, both physical and mental.) But there are enough differences to pass the "original concept" test, although if the book were not so well-written, I might be less tolerant on this score.Definitely one of the better Star Trek books, good enough to be worth a look from non-Trek fans.

Highly recommended

There are a handful of more entertaining TREK novels, but this one comes as close to being a literary masterpiece as an entry in this series can get. I was astonished by Carter's overall writing and storytelling abilities which weren't so evident in her previous entries for TOS and TNG. Be warned, however, that there are about twice as many words in this book as in your average TREK novel, while at the same time it's not the kind of book to put aside during a busy week. Immerse yourself in it.

go it, Picard!!

Another brilliant story, deepening the character of Picard further, and exploring the personalities of the Enterprise crew. A book so good, i read it twice before turning to another book - and i have read it again since then....

Excellent Book, excellent reading by Gates McFadden

This exellent Star Trek book is read with clarity and expression by Gates McFadden. Easily captivated my family during a LONG car trip.