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Star Trek: The Original Series #35
The Romulan Way
They are a race of warriors, a noble people to whom honor is all. They are cousin to the Vulcan, ally to the Klingon, and Starfleet's most feared and cunning adversary. They are the Romulans, and for eight years, Federation Agent Terise LoBrutto has hidden in their midst. Now the presence of a captured Starfleet officer forces her to make a fateful choice between exposure and the chance to escape: maintain her cover -- or save the life of Dr. Leonard McCoy?
Here, in a startlingly different adventure, is the truth behind one of the most fascinating alien races ever created in "Star Trek" -- the Romulans.
Here, in a startlingly different adventure, is the truth behind one of the most fascinating alien races ever created in "Star Trek" -- the Romulans.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1987
About the author
Diane Duane
201 books2,356 followersDiane Duane has been a writer of science fiction, fantasy, TV and film for more than forty years.
Besides the 1980's creation of the Young Wizards fantasy series for which she's best known, the "Middle Kingdoms" epic fantasy series, and numerous stand-alone fantasy or science fiction novels, her career has included extensive work in the Star Trek TM universe, and many scripts for live-action and animated TV series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as work in comics and computer games. She has spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and has picked up various awards and award nominations here and there.
She lives in County Wicklow, in Ireland, with her husband of more than thirty years, the screenwriter and novelist Peter Morwood.
Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is a weird kind of Swiss scrambled-potato dish called maluns, she was born in a Year of the Dragon, and her sign is "Runway 24 Left, Hold For Clearance."
(From her official website)
Besides the 1980's creation of the Young Wizards fantasy series for which she's best known, the "Middle Kingdoms" epic fantasy series, and numerous stand-alone fantasy or science fiction novels, her career has included extensive work in the Star Trek TM universe, and many scripts for live-action and animated TV series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as work in comics and computer games. She has spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and has picked up various awards and award nominations here and there.
She lives in County Wicklow, in Ireland, with her husband of more than thirty years, the screenwriter and novelist Peter Morwood.
Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is a weird kind of Swiss scrambled-potato dish called maluns, she was born in a Year of the Dragon, and her sign is "Runway 24 Left, Hold For Clearance."
(From her official website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 1, 2023
The interleaved chapters of sometimes fascinating, sometimes dry Romulan history and socio-cultural exposition served to largely drown out an otherwise interesting story involving Dr. McCoy being imprisoned on Romulus and his contact there with a deep cover Federation agent. Duane is a fantastic writer, and one of the most talented in the Trek litverse, but the balance here of exposition vs story was just too skewed to the former to make this a truly engaging read. Recommended to those interested in discovering the origins of the Romulans and the circumstances surrounding their exodus from Vulcan society.
Want to read
November 30, 2016 I just received this book as an early Christmas present from the amazing and wonderful Branwen! She recently convinced me to start watching Star Trek, and I have been loving it. This book was a perfect gift, since she knows "Balance of Terror" with the Romulans has been my favorite episode so far...plus how much I love the ornery-but-so-good-at-being-ornery Dr. McCoy! :D
March 6, 2022
This book contains a great Romulan-centric story about espionage. It also contains a thorough, well-explained history lesson.
Unfortunately, it tells each of these stories in a back-and-forth seesaw manner that does a disservice to both.
The espionage story is excellent. It could easily have been expanded upon further and been its own standalone novel.
The history lesson, while inventive and descriptive, was was often dry and even boring. It would have been better served to have been told as an actual narrative story and also been its own standalone novel. It could have made for fascinating reading!
The spy story, while both interesting and exciting, was also understandably complex. Many of the characters had very similarly constructed unpronounceable names. When getting interrupted every single chapter by an entirely unrelated history lesson, it made it impossible to remain firmly ensconced in the story.
I often found my eyes glazing over while reading the history lesson chapters and had to set the book aside for a while. All in all, it took me 3 weeks to wade through. Just at the time the history lesson would get interesting, the chapter would end and we would be back to the spy story that I had forgotten about and I'd have to remember which character was which all over again.
Just about the time the spy story got really good and I had the characters straight my head again, that chapter would end and we would have to go back to the history lesson.
There were certain elements of the history lesson that became important in the story, but I suspect these elements could have been introduced in a much more cohesive way rather than continually interrupting the plot.
I can't fault the actual writing, inventiveness, or thoroughness, but the structure just didn't work for me. With apologies to the legendary Diane Duane, 3 stars.
Unfortunately, it tells each of these stories in a back-and-forth seesaw manner that does a disservice to both.
The espionage story is excellent. It could easily have been expanded upon further and been its own standalone novel.
The history lesson, while inventive and descriptive, was was often dry and even boring. It would have been better served to have been told as an actual narrative story and also been its own standalone novel. It could have made for fascinating reading!
The spy story, while both interesting and exciting, was also understandably complex. Many of the characters had very similarly constructed unpronounceable names. When getting interrupted every single chapter by an entirely unrelated history lesson, it made it impossible to remain firmly ensconced in the story.
I often found my eyes glazing over while reading the history lesson chapters and had to set the book aside for a while. All in all, it took me 3 weeks to wade through. Just at the time the history lesson would get interesting, the chapter would end and we would be back to the spy story that I had forgotten about and I'd have to remember which character was which all over again.
Just about the time the spy story got really good and I had the characters straight my head again, that chapter would end and we would have to go back to the history lesson.
There were certain elements of the history lesson that became important in the story, but I suspect these elements could have been introduced in a much more cohesive way rather than continually interrupting the plot.
I can't fault the actual writing, inventiveness, or thoroughness, but the structure just didn't work for me. With apologies to the legendary Diane Duane, 3 stars.
July 24, 2020
My very favorite Star Trek tie-in novel. More than most, this book explores strange new worlds, seeks out new life and new civilizations. Arrhe is a great chameleon character--an adaptable foil for Ael, who's defined by her refusal to change with the times. The chapters on Romulan history and religion don't feel like they interrupt the narrative--they feel like treats, giving a Romulan perspective on Vulcans and explaining the origins of the mysticism around names, among other things. McCoy feels very much like the show's McCoy.
Mnhei-sahe, the Romulan concept of honor, is in a way the real protagonist of this and "My Enemy, My Ally." It's one of the most memorable aspects of the books and Duane makes it feel both recognizable and alien. If I have a criticism, it's that I'm unconvinced that a slaveholding society would extend its concept of honor to enslaved people, as the Romulans seem to do (especially a slaveholding society which is, you know, based super heavily on the Roman Empire). A story where Arrhe was excluded from the demands of and respect granted by mnhei-sahe would be harsher but maybe more complex and nuanced.
Mnhei-sahe, the Romulan concept of honor, is in a way the real protagonist of this and "My Enemy, My Ally." It's one of the most memorable aspects of the books and Duane makes it feel both recognizable and alien. If I have a criticism, it's that I'm unconvinced that a slaveholding society would extend its concept of honor to enslaved people, as the Romulans seem to do (especially a slaveholding society which is, you know, based super heavily on the Roman Empire). A story where Arrhe was excluded from the demands of and respect granted by mnhei-sahe would be harsher but maybe more complex and nuanced.
December 6, 2008
As "Balance of Terror" is one of my favorite Star Trek episodes, in my youth I followed Diane Duane's collection of novels avidly as they explored who and what the Romulans really were.
I do not "agree" with her version of the Romulans (I have my own "private" Star Trek universe with my own take on these Vulcan offshoots; you can see some of it on my blog: http://spocksbro.blogspot.com/).
Ms. Duane is, nevertheless, a pretty good author and I like the character of Ael. I'm not so taken with Duane's rather simplistic view of "good," "evil" and "honor" but this isn't a likely prospect for a new Western Literary Canon, it's just good, solid, escapist fun.
I do not "agree" with her version of the Romulans (I have my own "private" Star Trek universe with my own take on these Vulcan offshoots; you can see some of it on my blog: http://spocksbro.blogspot.com/).
Ms. Duane is, nevertheless, a pretty good author and I like the character of Ael. I'm not so taken with Duane's rather simplistic view of "good," "evil" and "honor" but this isn't a likely prospect for a new Western Literary Canon, it's just good, solid, escapist fun.
September 21, 2021
Half this book is an exercise in building out the Romulan world with language, history, politics, and society. The other half is McCoy getting to play spy by being captured and charged with capital crimes against the Romulan Empire, and interacting with a long-term plant in Romulan society along with her background, and what she has to do to maintain her cover. Quite enjoyable and more so than I expected.
March 4, 2017
Definitely not my favorite of the series.
August 27, 2019
Duane's second Romulan (excuse me: Rihannsu) novel is also, or maybe more of, a follow up to Spock's World.
Like that book, which dived into the history of the most prominent member of the Federation after Earth, every other chapter of this book gives the history of the Romulans, starting with their original split from Vulcan society, and self-imposed exile among the stars.
This alternates with a far better, but very unusual plot centered around the head servant of a Rihannsu household that has seen better days. Other things intrude on this setting, including Ael from the first book near the end, but the only regular cast member who has a presence is McCoy. Rihannsu and Federation covert plots get involved, and what starts as a fairly sedate focus gets shaken to pieces. I don't buy some of how the Federation op is put together, but once that's accepted, everything els falls into place very well.
As such, much of the book is fairly actionless, and is a decidedly slow burn. Thankfully, the characters are well-done, and keep a creaky opening going. Things heat up over the course of the book, for a fairly epic conclusion, featuring, among other things, 'a good ol' southern fillibuster'. Duane doesn't do as much violence to the setting as some other novels, but this is an event that would go down in the history books.
Like that book, which dived into the history of the most prominent member of the Federation after Earth, every other chapter of this book gives the history of the Romulans, starting with their original split from Vulcan society, and self-imposed exile among the stars.
This alternates with a far better, but very unusual plot centered around the head servant of a Rihannsu household that has seen better days. Other things intrude on this setting, including Ael from the first book near the end, but the only regular cast member who has a presence is McCoy. Rihannsu and Federation covert plots get involved, and what starts as a fairly sedate focus gets shaken to pieces. I don't buy some of how the Federation op is put together, but once that's accepted, everything els falls into place very well.
As such, much of the book is fairly actionless, and is a decidedly slow burn. Thankfully, the characters are well-done, and keep a creaky opening going. Things heat up over the course of the book, for a fairly epic conclusion, featuring, among other things, 'a good ol' southern fillibuster'. Duane doesn't do as much violence to the setting as some other novels, but this is an event that would go down in the history books.
July 21, 2023
Of Diane Duane's magnificent Star Trek Rihannsu novels, this has always been my favorite. I had forgotten, coming back to it after nearly twenty years, that about two-thirds of it is the undercover agent Terise LoBrutto's dissertation/report on Romulan history and culture. Those sections are written in a scholarly tone that manages not to be dry and dull. I read somewhere that Duane and her husband Peter Morwood worked out most of this book on their honeymoon, and if that's true, what a remarkable way to spend that time. Duane's invention of the Romulan/Rihannsu culture captivated me as a reader of the original series novels, and when TNG came around and didn't adopt it, I was so upset. It fits with what was invented for Vulcan culture surprisingly well, and in the other books (most notably My Enemy, My Ally) the comparisons end up making for excellent stories.
But this is a review of The Romulan Way, in which a Federation officer undergoes surgical modification to pass as Romulan as part of a deep-cover assignment. Terise/Arrhae isn't meant to search out political or military secrets (okay, for the Romulans those are the same thing) but to gain a more cultural understanding of these enemies. The story has a slow, almost meditative start, and as I mentioned intersperses the dissertation sections that explain why Romulans broke from Vulcans and how they grew into an empire, so this isn't an action-packed novel right up until the ending. And yet I'm still fascinated by it. Duane has a gift for characterization that shows in all her works, and I found I remembered all the little details of the plot that ends up offering Terise a chance to choose the direction of her life.
There are only a few ST:TOS novels not told from the perspective of one of the Big Three, and in reviewing my shelves, I was struck by how many of those are the ones I remember after all these years. There's something about turning the stories on their heads to reveal Kirk and Spock and McCoy's character through the lens of another's viewpoint that makes me even fonder of them than when they're the POV characters. (My very favorite remains How Much for Just the Planet? but Paramount's publishing arm did an even crappier formatting job on that one than on the others, so I won't be re-reading it unless I remember to get it off the shelf in my library.) I do still recommend this one for anyone interested in creative worldbuilding and in seeing a direction the Star Trek universe might have taken.
But this is a review of The Romulan Way, in which a Federation officer undergoes surgical modification to pass as Romulan as part of a deep-cover assignment. Terise/Arrhae isn't meant to search out political or military secrets (okay, for the Romulans those are the same thing) but to gain a more cultural understanding of these enemies. The story has a slow, almost meditative start, and as I mentioned intersperses the dissertation sections that explain why Romulans broke from Vulcans and how they grew into an empire, so this isn't an action-packed novel right up until the ending. And yet I'm still fascinated by it. Duane has a gift for characterization that shows in all her works, and I found I remembered all the little details of the plot that ends up offering Terise a chance to choose the direction of her life.
There are only a few ST:TOS novels not told from the perspective of one of the Big Three, and in reviewing my shelves, I was struck by how many of those are the ones I remember after all these years. There's something about turning the stories on their heads to reveal Kirk and Spock and McCoy's character through the lens of another's viewpoint that makes me even fonder of them than when they're the POV characters. (My very favorite remains How Much for Just the Planet? but Paramount's publishing arm did an even crappier formatting job on that one than on the others, so I won't be re-reading it unless I remember to get it off the shelf in my library.) I do still recommend this one for anyone interested in creative worldbuilding and in seeing a direction the Star Trek universe might have taken.
July 21, 2023
The Romulan Way is widely considered one of the best classic Trek novels for good reason. Written before Star Trek: The Next Generation began to form a more solid canon interpretation of the Romulans, the novel gives an insight into the culture and history of a race millennia old, similar to Duane's treatment of the Vulcans in
Spock's World
. The Romulans are rendered in careful detail as a powerful, passionate, honorable, and highly independent people who are at the same time extremely distrustful of outsiders and deeply isolationist. In order to prevent a civil war on Vulcan between the followers of Surak, who prized logic and restraint, and the followers of the Romulan founder S'task, who valued passion and power, the Romulans left to find a new home, and invented their own language and religion along the way.
Interwoven with this account of Romulan history is a framing story involving Dr. McCoy's capture and imprisonment for war crimes by the Romulans -- an incident planned by Starfleet in order to send McCoy to investigate a deep-cover Federation spy on ch'Rihan (Romulus) whom they fear has "gone native." We see the current state of the Star Empire -- in a politically fractious place after the events of the preceding novel, My Enemy, My Ally , in which a high-ranking Romulan officer betrays her own people to prevent government-sponsored atrocities -- through the eyes of both McCoy and the spy, Arrhae, who is masquerading as a servant in a Romulan noble house. Arrhae -- born Terise Haleakala-LoBrutto -- still recalls her loyalty to the Federation, but has grown to love the Romulan people and worlds as well, and the tension between these serves to drive much of her story.
As usual, Diane Duane is a master of her craft; she writes both humans and aliens with believability and fluidity, in a distinctive, lyrical language. The characters always feel like real people, rather than cardboard cutouts. Her cowriter (and husband) Peter Morwood is as skilled an author; to this day I can't tell who wrote what, which I suppose must be a good thing.
Most of all, both of these authors love Star Trek, and it shows.
Interwoven with this account of Romulan history is a framing story involving Dr. McCoy's capture and imprisonment for war crimes by the Romulans -- an incident planned by Starfleet in order to send McCoy to investigate a deep-cover Federation spy on ch'Rihan (Romulus) whom they fear has "gone native." We see the current state of the Star Empire -- in a politically fractious place after the events of the preceding novel, My Enemy, My Ally , in which a high-ranking Romulan officer betrays her own people to prevent government-sponsored atrocities -- through the eyes of both McCoy and the spy, Arrhae, who is masquerading as a servant in a Romulan noble house. Arrhae -- born Terise Haleakala-LoBrutto -- still recalls her loyalty to the Federation, but has grown to love the Romulan people and worlds as well, and the tension between these serves to drive much of her story.
As usual, Diane Duane is a master of her craft; she writes both humans and aliens with believability and fluidity, in a distinctive, lyrical language. The characters always feel like real people, rather than cardboard cutouts. Her cowriter (and husband) Peter Morwood is as skilled an author; to this day I can't tell who wrote what, which I suppose must be a good thing.
Most of all, both of these authors love Star Trek, and it shows.
June 7, 2015
This is a horribly written book, fan fiction at its worst. There is honestly nothing of merit here, it is a ponderous read, like trying to run with your feet glued inside the trainers AND then glued to the ground. YECHHHH.
Do you want to know what's really embarrassing? my copy is signed by the authors.
I wonder, could I get a refund as my copy as been scribbled in?
P.S. It really is signed, I am not joking.
Do you want to know what's really embarrassing? my copy is signed by the authors.
I wonder, could I get a refund as my copy as been scribbled in?
P.S. It really is signed, I am not joking.
January 1, 2016
This is the first Star Trek book I've read, and I found it to be worth the read. The book basically has two stories that run alternately through it. The first is the story of the Romulans kidnapping Dr. McCoy to put him on trial for "war crimes", and the second is the back story of the Romulans' origins, history, and customs. Both were fun to read, but I think the back story on the second was almost the more interesting of the two!
December 17, 2009
Mind-numbingly bad, but a must-read for Star Trek: TOS fans anyway.
February 5, 2020
A short story with a Romulan (excuse me: Rihannsu) civics and history lesson added in, this sequel to My Enemy, My Ally is more of an epilog to that story. Ms. Duane was also working on Spock's World (released the following year), so the Vulcan/Romulan history was getting double duty. I just wish the story were better.
I can say with certainty that I haven't read this before, though I did purchase it for a complete collection of the Star Trek Pocket Books. It is followed by three more sequels in the Rihannsu series, and now I see the significance of the titles of those books. This was also a time when Star Trek the Next Generation was spinning up, and their take on Romulans was very likely influenced by these two books. Since this one is roughly half history, it makes sense.
That said, I would have hated rereading this as much as retaking a history course from the same professor in school. Cutting out the civics lesson, the remaining novella is just not that great, though the ending is fun to read. That said, I will very likely read the final three books.
I can say with certainty that I haven't read this before, though I did purchase it for a complete collection of the Star Trek Pocket Books. It is followed by three more sequels in the Rihannsu series, and now I see the significance of the titles of those books. This was also a time when Star Trek the Next Generation was spinning up, and their take on Romulans was very likely influenced by these two books. Since this one is roughly half history, it makes sense.
That said, I would have hated rereading this as much as retaking a history course from the same professor in school. Cutting out the civics lesson, the remaining novella is just not that great, though the ending is fun to read. That said, I will very likely read the final three books.
March 27, 2024
The closest look at the Romulans we’ll probably ever get. Of course this isn’t canon and was written before Next Gen even started so much has been contradicted. Still a great look at what could have been, and maybe should have been.
This book details the Romulan’s leaving Vulcan all the way to the TOS era. Really great anthropological sci fi stuff.
The main plot sees Bones being captured by the Romulans. Honestly, that part was mostly lame except for the ending when some familiar faces make an appearance.
Like it’s predecessor “My Enemy, My Ally” this is a must read for fans of classic Trek
This book details the Romulan’s leaving Vulcan all the way to the TOS era. Really great anthropological sci fi stuff.
The main plot sees Bones being captured by the Romulans. Honestly, that part was mostly lame except for the ending when some familiar faces make an appearance.
Like it’s predecessor “My Enemy, My Ally” this is a must read for fans of classic Trek
October 16, 2023
Much of this novel has gone to the wayside since several series and movies have come out featuring the Romulans. This would be an interesting book only if one is a major fan of Star Trek and/or loved to learn about the Romulans.
There are two plots to this novel. The first involves Dr. McCoy being taken prisoner by the Romulans and held in waiting. The servant who oversees him has a backstory that is interesting, but ultimate left me uncaring. Worse, it got very predictable in the last quarter.
The second plot, which is every other chapter, focuses on the ENTIRE history of the Romulans as a people. Beginning with their split from Sarek bringing peace to Vulcan, to finding a new world, and establishing their suspicion of aliens. This got tiresome. I wanted a story, not a history lesson. The closer this got to the present, the more interesting it was, but I was eager to get back to McCoy's situation.
This was a tough book to get through. It's different from all other Treks. It could be a good think for you. For me, it was not.
There are two plots to this novel. The first involves Dr. McCoy being taken prisoner by the Romulans and held in waiting. The servant who oversees him has a backstory that is interesting, but ultimate left me uncaring. Worse, it got very predictable in the last quarter.
The second plot, which is every other chapter, focuses on the ENTIRE history of the Romulans as a people. Beginning with their split from Sarek bringing peace to Vulcan, to finding a new world, and establishing their suspicion of aliens. This got tiresome. I wanted a story, not a history lesson. The closer this got to the present, the more interesting it was, but I was eager to get back to McCoy's situation.
This was a tough book to get through. It's different from all other Treks. It could be a good think for you. For me, it was not.
October 3, 2007
Either my first or second Star Trek book ever, this is phenomenal. A fantastic book on the origins of an offshoot race (Romulans from the Vulcans), I found the backstory chapters (interspersed with the 'modern time' chapters) far more interesting. Its also when I ran into the difference between "canon" and "non-canon", as well as my first introduction into the mind-bogglingly lame and obnoxious Trekker tendency to worship TV canon (to the point of needing to actively disparage book stories). That, and how trek fandom went off the deep end (see also the hella lame "call us Trekk-ERs" movement; if you're too sensitive to proudly call yourself a Trekkie and reclaim the word from the naysayers, get the F out) is what eventually killed my interest in most things Trek (that and Next Generation).
Ahem. Anyway, the book is awesome. So there.
Ahem. Anyway, the book is awesome. So there.
October 13, 2017
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I was getting kind of bored with the main story as I was not very entertained by what appeared to be a Romulan Jane Austen book mixed with chapters of Romulan history. At least the end got good but I was was fighting to read through this one.
It reminded me of the The Final Reflection in its establishing of history of one of the big powers in Star Trek but since these books are not canon it eventually all becomes a moot point with the Next Generation and all those series giving more history to these powers and seeming ignore the books. I wish there was more of a certain couple characters who showed up near the end of book and probably would have made it more interesting if they were there from the start.
It reminded me of the The Final Reflection in its establishing of history of one of the big powers in Star Trek but since these books are not canon it eventually all becomes a moot point with the Next Generation and all those series giving more history to these powers and seeming ignore the books. I wish there was more of a certain couple characters who showed up near the end of book and probably would have made it more interesting if they were there from the start.
August 20, 2021
This is a good book but I do not enjoy it as much as the previous one. The novel has two storylines: the first focuses on Aarhae, an undercover Federation agent disguised as a Romulan housekeeper, and the second is an anthropological study of the Rihannsu people, which dates back as far as the "Sundering" when they left Vulcan to find their place amongst the stars. While I love learning about Romulan history the first story can grow a bit stale. The ending is rushed and not exactly convincing. On the other hand, the historical exposition is rich, organic, and intriguing and, in my opinion, better than "Spock World," because, unlike that novel, this one does not tackle each section of history from a first-person narrative, an element that always takes me a while to adjust to.
3.5/5
3.5/5
February 6, 2021
This is an incredibly deep book with a plot woven intricately around Rihannsu history and culture, inescapably linked with Vulcan's past.
This story goes into a lot of detail and I have to admit that I was lost in those details. It was all utterly fascinating however I expect it will take a few rereads to sink in for me.
The purpose of the book is about illuminating The Romulan Way and the main plot seems to take up much less space. However McCoy is in fine form and the story is particularly potent and enjoyable.
This story goes into a lot of detail and I have to admit that I was lost in those details. It was all utterly fascinating however I expect it will take a few rereads to sink in for me.
The purpose of the book is about illuminating The Romulan Way and the main plot seems to take up much less space. However McCoy is in fine form and the story is particularly potent and enjoyable.
October 9, 2016
I enjoyed this, but I'm not sure it's going to wear well for re-reads. Every other chapter is a run down on Romulan history, and that could get a bit dry at times.
I think it'd also bug people who like to see the series characters interact; McCoy is the only one you see much of. I quite like Duane's original character and the story she and McCoy are in is good, but I'm less enthused about the book as a whole.
I think it'd also bug people who like to see the series characters interact; McCoy is the only one you see much of. I quite like Duane's original character and the story she and McCoy are in is good, but I'm less enthused about the book as a whole.
September 14, 2012
Nice look at the Romulon empire through the eyes of a deep cover spy for the Federation. Makes them come alive and feel like more than token bad guys.
Back in the day, when there was only about a half dozen people writing Trek novels, Diane Duane was one of the ones that I'd always buy. You knew you'd get a solid read.
Back in the day, when there was only about a half dozen people writing Trek novels, Diane Duane was one of the ones that I'd always buy. You knew you'd get a solid read.
August 10, 2009
I enjoyed the Romulan culture stuff (as usual, Duane should've been asked to write anything in the movies involving the Rihansu), but found the premise of the McCoy plot and the ending to be rather implausible and over the top for my personal taste. But, well, it's Star Trek.
May 11, 2022
I managed 120 pages. I have no idea what was going on. The parts with McCoy and the undercover agent were just about readable but the flashbacks to Vulcan history and the ships were just terrible. The worst Star Trek novel I have ever picked up.
May 4, 2014
If I could give this no stars I would. I couldn't even get past the first chapter and I usually love anything with McCoy in it.
January 10, 2022
Did not care for this style of writing. Couldn’t get thru it.
October 11, 2023
dry af
March 28, 2023
Basically we get two books for the price of one, and while I always love a lot of bang for my buck I have to admit that the format is as much a weakness as a strength. At times it felt a little too slow, though paradoxically I enjoyed everything and would not want to lose any information (especially on the Vulcan/Rihanssu history). Not sure what could be done here beyond perhaps making the chapters shorter to give the impression of greater speed a la James Patterson and others.
As for the “two books” format, The Romulan Way alternates chapters on ancient history and a thriller taking place in the “present” (the 23rd Century TOS setting). The history is presented as a dissertation on early Romulan and Vulcan history including the rise of Surak, Vulcan’s escalation to a spacefaring civilization, the Rihanssu exodus from Vulcan (referred to as The Flight) and surprisingly a brief overview of the formation of the Orion Pirates. In the present we are treated to an insider’s view of the running of an old, respectable house of a minor lord of Rihanssu society who becomes host to a prized political prisoner, one Dr Leonard E McCoy (no spoiler really, the book’s cover pretty much reveals this)
While reading the history chapters, I got the impression that Diane Duane has mistaken Heinlein’s Law “Never Attribute To Malice That Which Is Adequately Explained By Stupidity” for “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”. The first time I read this book I had made the same mistake, but have since learned that TANSTAAFL pre-dated The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I might be missing something, but the ‘malice’ quote doesn’t seem to fit, while ‘no free lunch’ does given the connection she makes between Heinlein’s Law and the grave economic concerns that The Flight represented to Vulcan society of the time.
Duane provides reasons for why Rihanssu do not seem inclined to psi talents despite being descended from Vulcans, how they came to be called ‘The Romulan Star Empire’ and gives insight into how the Romulan War started in the first place. By the end of the novel the Rihanssu history catches up to present day 23rd Century, where it wraps up with a thrilling escape attempt
As for the “two books” format, The Romulan Way alternates chapters on ancient history and a thriller taking place in the “present” (the 23rd Century TOS setting). The history is presented as a dissertation on early Romulan and Vulcan history including the rise of Surak, Vulcan’s escalation to a spacefaring civilization, the Rihanssu exodus from Vulcan (referred to as The Flight) and surprisingly a brief overview of the formation of the Orion Pirates. In the present we are treated to an insider’s view of the running of an old, respectable house of a minor lord of Rihanssu society who becomes host to a prized political prisoner, one Dr Leonard E McCoy (no spoiler really, the book’s cover pretty much reveals this)
While reading the history chapters, I got the impression that Diane Duane has mistaken Heinlein’s Law “Never Attribute To Malice That Which Is Adequately Explained By Stupidity” for “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”. The first time I read this book I had made the same mistake, but have since learned that TANSTAAFL pre-dated The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I might be missing something, but the ‘malice’ quote doesn’t seem to fit, while ‘no free lunch’ does given the connection she makes between Heinlein’s Law and the grave economic concerns that The Flight represented to Vulcan society of the time.
Duane provides reasons for why Rihanssu do not seem inclined to psi talents despite being descended from Vulcans, how they came to be called ‘The Romulan Star Empire’ and gives insight into how the Romulan War started in the first place. By the end of the novel the Rihanssu history catches up to present day 23rd Century, where it wraps up with a thrilling escape attempt
April 30, 2018
An unfortunate collision of two things that could have been much better had they been kept apart. On one hand there's a pretty neat history of Romulans. Though rendered noncanon, it's a great work of imagination. I found it to be the more compelling half of the book.
The other half is a stilted Heart of Darkness kind of story. Leonard McCoy is sent to exfiltrate a sleeper agent who has been living as a Romulan for years. Of course, she decides to stay. McCoy gets out of harms way with the help of a lovely Horta named Naraht. McCoy gets a chance to filibuster his trial. The circumstances of his capture and death sentence on Romulus just kind of exist. They were naturally arranged by Starfleet.
It's all kind of jumbled. And since chapters alternate between the two stories, the history, and the present stuff with McCoy, the plot details get kind of lost in the shuffle. Arrhae (the sleeper agent) has a barely noticeable arc. I was never quite sure if she was aware of her status as a sleeper. It could have been a cool little thing, her grappling with her past identity, but it's not really expanded upon. McCoy spends most of his time sitting in a room smug with his plan.
I wish it was worthwhile to gripe about why the hell McCoy of all people was chosen for this mission. The reason is because the books won't sell without one or all of the main characters on the cover. It's thoroughly unlikely that McCoy would've gone, even with the contrivance of the Romulans wanting someone from the Enterprise. They'd want anyone from the Federation, really. And they wouldn't kill them, they'd try to extract as much information on the Federation as they could. Definitely wouldn't let them stay in some house for a few weeks.
The history half was cool, the other stuff was fine but not really much to latch onto.
The other half is a stilted Heart of Darkness kind of story. Leonard McCoy is sent to exfiltrate a sleeper agent who has been living as a Romulan for years. Of course, she decides to stay. McCoy gets out of harms way with the help of a lovely Horta named Naraht. McCoy gets a chance to filibuster his trial. The circumstances of his capture and death sentence on Romulus just kind of exist. They were naturally arranged by Starfleet.
It's all kind of jumbled. And since chapters alternate between the two stories, the history, and the present stuff with McCoy, the plot details get kind of lost in the shuffle. Arrhae (the sleeper agent) has a barely noticeable arc. I was never quite sure if she was aware of her status as a sleeper. It could have been a cool little thing, her grappling with her past identity, but it's not really expanded upon. McCoy spends most of his time sitting in a room smug with his plan.
I wish it was worthwhile to gripe about why the hell McCoy of all people was chosen for this mission. The reason is because the books won't sell without one or all of the main characters on the cover. It's thoroughly unlikely that McCoy would've gone, even with the contrivance of the Romulans wanting someone from the Enterprise. They'd want anyone from the Federation, really. And they wouldn't kill them, they'd try to extract as much information on the Federation as they could. Definitely wouldn't let them stay in some house for a few weeks.
The history half was cool, the other stuff was fine but not really much to latch onto.
February 21, 2023
TOS: #35: the Romulan Way
Continuing my never ending Trek Lit journey, I come to the Romulan Way by Diane Duane and Peter Morwood. I very much enjoyed my Enemy, My Ally and it was an awesome, action packed book that left me with a smile on my face. The more and more I think about it, the more and more I like it. I had originally rated it an 8.5/10 but I’m gonna give it a perfect score of 10/10. The concept of it is just so much fun and so good.
Anyway, onto to the Romulan Way. I enjoyed this book even though it was a more slower, character driven book. This book also gave me what I wanted, which was a deep dive into Romulan history and culture. It was incredibly interesting to learn how the Sundering happened and how the exiled Vulcans established themselves on Romulus and Remus. Learning about their language, system of government and more was exactly what I asked for. It reminded me a lot of Spock’s World which goes into depth about the history of Vulcan. I slightly prefer that book in this case, as it’s more detailed but this is still a great book.
Terise is a very interesting character as she flips the idea of a sleeper agent on its head. Instead of still having her original identity along with her Romulan identity, she’s suppressed it and would rather be a Romulan. But McCoy changes that and also any book that features McCoy prominently scores brownie points with me.
Anyway, this book wasn’t as good as My Enemy,My Ally but still is a worthy follow up to it. 8/10
Continuing my never ending Trek Lit journey, I come to the Romulan Way by Diane Duane and Peter Morwood. I very much enjoyed my Enemy, My Ally and it was an awesome, action packed book that left me with a smile on my face. The more and more I think about it, the more and more I like it. I had originally rated it an 8.5/10 but I’m gonna give it a perfect score of 10/10. The concept of it is just so much fun and so good.
Anyway, onto to the Romulan Way. I enjoyed this book even though it was a more slower, character driven book. This book also gave me what I wanted, which was a deep dive into Romulan history and culture. It was incredibly interesting to learn how the Sundering happened and how the exiled Vulcans established themselves on Romulus and Remus. Learning about their language, system of government and more was exactly what I asked for. It reminded me a lot of Spock’s World which goes into depth about the history of Vulcan. I slightly prefer that book in this case, as it’s more detailed but this is still a great book.
Terise is a very interesting character as she flips the idea of a sleeper agent on its head. Instead of still having her original identity along with her Romulan identity, she’s suppressed it and would rather be a Romulan. But McCoy changes that and also any book that features McCoy prominently scores brownie points with me.
Anyway, this book wasn’t as good as My Enemy,My Ally but still is a worthy follow up to it. 8/10
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