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288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 3, 2023
I really like John Vornholt as a Star Trek writer. He usually has a really strong grasp of the characters that he writes as he does here. Mask is a Star Trek: The Next Generation novel #7 where the crew of the starship Enterprise travels to the planet Lorca. Lorca is a feudal society that establishes status by virtue of masks. Captain Picard and his landing party must don masks with colors and identifying marks to situate the wearer in a stratified society while simultaneously attempting to find the holder of the Wisdom Mask. The Wisdom Mask is the mask worn by the planetary leader of the Lorcan people. The crew of the Enterprise has been given a mission to take a Starfleet ambassador to the Lorcan people to establish diplomatic relations. Even after losing contact with the ship, the mission must move forward, and even if the ambassador sent, has somehow hidden his true motivations for going to Lorca, the Wisdom Mask may hold the key to whether the relationship will be an ongoing lasting friendship or a steadfast antagonism. Really good story with some strong Star Trek story beats.
December 19, 2013
I own, and have read, all the Star Trek novels published in the last 20 years. This, by far, is my favorite, and I've read it many times. For some reason, it reminds me of The Book of Swords series from Fred Saberhagen. It's a good blend of Science Fiction and Fantasy. I've actually gone through three or four copies of this book, and I've bought many copies to give to friends. If you only read one Star Trek novel, this is the one to read.
February 1, 2024
An enjoyable space opera.
January 13, 2012
The Enterprise is assigned a diplomatic mission to the Planet Lorca, which is practically foisted on them by the highly dodgy appearing character Ambassador Lewis. Lorca is a highly unusual planet where the entire population wear masks all day every day to show their rank and their job. In fact its considered extremely taboo to see a person's face 'naked' without a mask. So the enterprise away team (Picard, Worf, Deanna and Ambassador Lewis) is sent down with their own masks to search for the planet's only real leader - the wearer of the Wisdom Mask, and to begin diplomatic relations. The snag is that no one has seen or heard of the Wisdom Mask in years.
To add yet more difficulty, soon after landing, a volcanic eruption on the planet causes the away team to lose all contact with the ship, and are left to make their own way. After a period of non contact a second away team beams down to search for them (Riker, Data, dr Pulaski and 2 red-shirts). So then there are 2 separate away teams blundering about on the planets surface, trying to blend in with the locals, neither with any contact with the ship, and no one with any clue as to the whereabouts of the mysterious Wisdom Mask that was the original mission.
At first the Lorcan civilisation seemed like a slightly daft, but somewhat interesting concept, I was very interested as to whether the author could actually build it into a believeable novel. Unfortunately the whole masks concept didn't improve at all upon further reading, and if it had been anything other than a star trek novel I would have binned the book in disgust. The major problem with a civilisation like the Lorcans is this: That the mask you wear determines your status and role in society, ie wear a healer's mask and you're a healer, wear a mask maker's mask and you're a mask maker and so on. But anyone can be challenged to a duel (they can't refuse), and the winner of the duel takes the other's mask and has the right to wear it. Masks change hands so often due to these duels, that renders the entire civilisation laughable. Surely now everyone's mask (and therefore their role in society) depends entirely on their skill in swordmanship, and nothing else. How could a society like this possible continue? When so many people own and wear masks for which they cannot fulfil the job description, surely people would simply cease to put any value on the mask at all?
Hence the entire premise for the novel falls apart upon the mildest of scrutiny. I wouldn't even be sure that a short story would stand up founded on such an idea.. ridiculous to attempt a whole novel with this concept.
It might have been redeemed for it's Star Trek content, but it failed constantly on that point too. There were so many instances that were out of character, The computer constantly referred to itself in the first person "I do not understand", Data was constantly making mistakes and was half an hour late to the transporter room! And several other miscellaneos blunders.
Maybe I'm being harsh, but I think its only reasonable to expect an author to be able to keep everyone in character, seeing as this is set during season 2 (it's not like characters are not fully established). It truly read like the author had watched perhaps one episode of ST TNG before deciding to write a novel for the franchise. And some novels have been really quite good, so there is a certain standard to expect!
In conclusion, very disappointed. Would likely avoid other ST novels by this author in future.
See my other reviews of the Star Trek: The Next Generation novels:
← #6 Power Hungry | #8 (Plan to read soon!)
To add yet more difficulty, soon after landing, a volcanic eruption on the planet causes the away team to lose all contact with the ship, and are left to make their own way. After a period of non contact a second away team beams down to search for them (Riker, Data, dr Pulaski and 2 red-shirts). So then there are 2 separate away teams blundering about on the planets surface, trying to blend in with the locals, neither with any contact with the ship, and no one with any clue as to the whereabouts of the mysterious Wisdom Mask that was the original mission.
At first the Lorcan civilisation seemed like a slightly daft, but somewhat interesting concept, I was very interested as to whether the author could actually build it into a believeable novel. Unfortunately the whole masks concept didn't improve at all upon further reading, and if it had been anything other than a star trek novel I would have binned the book in disgust. The major problem with a civilisation like the Lorcans is this: That the mask you wear determines your status and role in society, ie wear a healer's mask and you're a healer, wear a mask maker's mask and you're a mask maker and so on. But anyone can be challenged to a duel (they can't refuse), and the winner of the duel takes the other's mask and has the right to wear it. Masks change hands so often due to these duels, that renders the entire civilisation laughable. Surely now everyone's mask (and therefore their role in society) depends entirely on their skill in swordmanship, and nothing else. How could a society like this possible continue? When so many people own and wear masks for which they cannot fulfil the job description, surely people would simply cease to put any value on the mask at all?
Hence the entire premise for the novel falls apart upon the mildest of scrutiny. I wouldn't even be sure that a short story would stand up founded on such an idea.. ridiculous to attempt a whole novel with this concept.
It might have been redeemed for it's Star Trek content, but it failed constantly on that point too. There were so many instances that were out of character, The computer constantly referred to itself in the first person "I do not understand", Data was constantly making mistakes and was half an hour late to the transporter room! And several other miscellaneos blunders.
Maybe I'm being harsh, but I think its only reasonable to expect an author to be able to keep everyone in character, seeing as this is set during season 2 (it's not like characters are not fully established). It truly read like the author had watched perhaps one episode of ST TNG before deciding to write a novel for the franchise. And some novels have been really quite good, so there is a certain standard to expect!
In conclusion, very disappointed. Would likely avoid other ST novels by this author in future.
See my other reviews of the Star Trek: The Next Generation novels:
← #6 Power Hungry | #8 (Plan to read soon!)
May 19, 2025
Okay...wow, this was bad.
Nevermind that Captain Picard has an Amazonian Warrior Queen Love Goddess on the planet.
Nevermind that a rather form-fitting mask deliberately designed for a Ferengi face sits easily upon a Human one.
Nevermind that the climactic final battle never happened for the exact tropey reason that I knew was going to happen as soon as it was set up.
So, the Lorcans are descendants of early Human explorers who got stranded on this planet - somewhere between what would become Federation and Ferengi space (presumably) a couple of centuries ago, somehow. Well, strike that, they weren't explorers, they were a traveling troupe of stage actors and performers. Traveling to where and for whom to put on shows? You got me? I even thought the concept was weird in TOS with the evil dictator guy...and these actors performed whilst wearing full face masks apparently - which, of course, then became an integral part of their culture as they survived on this world...so much so that to not wear a mask could mean death.
This story is very TOS...not a stitch of TNG anywhere.
Should you read it? I mean...are you like me and must devour the sum of all Human knowledge? Then, yes, of course. :)
Nevermind that Captain Picard has an Amazonian Warrior Queen Love Goddess on the planet.
Nevermind that a rather form-fitting mask deliberately designed for a Ferengi face sits easily upon a Human one.
Nevermind that the climactic final battle never happened for the exact tropey reason that I knew was going to happen as soon as it was set up.
So, the Lorcans are descendants of early Human explorers who got stranded on this planet - somewhere between what would become Federation and Ferengi space (presumably) a couple of centuries ago, somehow. Well, strike that, they weren't explorers, they were a traveling troupe of stage actors and performers. Traveling to where and for whom to put on shows? You got me? I even thought the concept was weird in TOS with the evil dictator guy...and these actors performed whilst wearing full face masks apparently - which, of course, then became an integral part of their culture as they survived on this world...so much so that to not wear a mask could mean death.
This story is very TOS...not a stitch of TNG anywhere.
Should you read it? I mean...are you like me and must devour the sum of all Human knowledge? Then, yes, of course. :)
June 4, 2022
I recognize the points that the negative reviewers make, but I don't agree with them. For example, I love that Picard got to spend time out of his element and therefore to engage in atypical behaviors. And I love the way the allegories and themes are both obvious, but also subtle if a reader wants to think about them at a deeper level. But I won't refute each review... I'll just say that I think this is one of my favorite entries in the TNG series... and that I'll keep reading the next coupla dozen that have been handed down to me.
January 4, 2025
Pretty dreadful. Commits the dual crimes of being both boring *and* stupid, and the characterisation is terrible.
April 9, 2023
The exploration leads to a planet that was colonized by humans with a bent to acting. They all wear masks that symbolize their rank and a mask may be taken with a challenge and win by combat. The Enterprise carries an ambassador of questionable ethics and Picard himself accompanies the ambassador. Due to seismic activity, the communicators and all electronics are neutralized. It has a lively plot and a good cast of characters. I truly enjoyed this episode.
October 7, 2021
This is deeply silly, but it's still pretty entertaining regardless. I lost count of the times I shook my head at the idiot decisions of the crew, but the pace zips along and the culture depicted is just odd enough - and over-the-top enough - to be interesting. Everyone wears masks, all the time, and the masks represent their function in society, albeit anyone at any time can be challenged to a duel and lose the mask they are wearing to the winner. There's a number of problems with this that are never, ever explored - if you're injured, do you really want to be treated by a healer who got their position by stabbing someone rather than study? - but it all becomes so farcical I found myself just going with it for amusement value.
Though I can't stop myself from asking: why is it, on this highly volcanic world where volcanoes blow at the top of a hat, is there no mention of masks as they relate to breathing problems? Instead, the crew beam down with Halloween masks, because Troi can order any fudge sundae she wants from the replicator, but no-one thinks to exploit this same technology when it comes to getting Worf something different to wear than a plastic pig face. And they're wandering round this pretty terrible landscape, and one of their local companions gets killed by a volcanic eruption and no-one, not even the doctor, says, "About all this ash... maybe we should adapt these masks so we're not breathing it in all the time and fucking up our lungs?" But nooooooo.
As I said, it's immensely silly. But it's entertaining in its silliness, certainly more so than the last few TNG tie-ins I've read, so I enjoyed myself reading it anyway.
Though I can't stop myself from asking: why is it, on this highly volcanic world where volcanoes blow at the top of a hat, is there no mention of masks as they relate to breathing problems? Instead, the crew beam down with Halloween masks, because Troi can order any fudge sundae she wants from the replicator, but no-one thinks to exploit this same technology when it comes to getting Worf something different to wear than a plastic pig face. And they're wandering round this pretty terrible landscape, and one of their local companions gets killed by a volcanic eruption and no-one, not even the doctor, says, "About all this ash... maybe we should adapt these masks so we're not breathing it in all the time and fucking up our lungs?" But nooooooo.
As I said, it's immensely silly. But it's entertaining in its silliness, certainly more so than the last few TNG tie-ins I've read, so I enjoyed myself reading it anyway.
June 14, 2021
Of all the out of character star trek books this one is the most out of character. Picard makes decisions and then immediately changes his mind, or if anyone else makes a suggestion he immediately says no - even if he goes back the next sentence to say it might work. He cheats in a sword duel for fucks sake. He falls in love with a large, strong woman only for her to end up being baby faced (presumably so the author can have Picard sleep with a young woman even if she's not really young), and she becomes a trembling child when faced with Picard's naked face - this is the stupidest thing I've read yet, plus the fact that Picard may, in the show, fall in love but it's not love at first sight and he certainly doesn't fuck. Fenton Lewis is puzzlingly written and there's a few things that aren't even actually answered about him: did he actually kill the ferengi to defend himself? Did he hit riker and knock him out? Why the fuck does he want to rule lorca, which is a murderous shithole apparently? Also, why did riker agree to let Wesley crusher fire a fucking torpedo into an active volcano? Any time any of them fucked something up on the planet they refused to actually acknowledge it was their fault. There was no actual satisfying conclusion because it happens off screen, after all that buildup. I read this book because i was angry at it lmao.
September 16, 2012
While a dedicated Trek fan in high school, I picked this up from a local used book for a couple of dollars.
The concept seemed intriguing, but I found myself a bit disappointed and distracted by the somewhat ridiculous, slightly farcical implementation of the mask plot device and related societal machinations. Such a society would have been mired in a state of perpetual chaos or extreme instability. The glints of allegory were not lost on me and I still recall several "I see what you did there" moments 15 years later.
Regardless, I soldiered on because it was a Trek book and found that it was not as bad as I had initially judged.
The concept seemed intriguing, but I found myself a bit disappointed and distracted by the somewhat ridiculous, slightly farcical implementation of the mask plot device and related societal machinations. Such a society would have been mired in a state of perpetual chaos or extreme instability. The glints of allegory were not lost on me and I still recall several "I see what you did there" moments 15 years later.
Regardless, I soldiered on because it was a Trek book and found that it was not as bad as I had initially judged.
August 7, 2020
What? I’ve read this?!? Someone recommended this title to someone else on FB and I searched for it here and discover I’ve read it already?! I have zero recollection. Also I only gave it 3 stars, which kind of surprises me, but I read it 25 years ago during a phase I had of reading pretty much only lit classics (Hardy, Austen, the Brontës) and classic SF/Fantasy, like Le Guin, Lewis and Tolkien. I think I might have been more snobbish back then. Anyway, I think I might have passed the book on, because I don’t think I own it anymore, otherwise, I’d reread it sooner rather than later.
September 1, 2014
A worthy installment in the Star Trek TNG book series. This novel features an interesting storyline while capitalizing on the characters and mythos developed around the Star Trek TNG series.
We get to again spend time with characters we enjoy and consider how the stage of development of a planet might affect its inhabitants. We also get to consider the roles of masks and identities and the roles that people are forced to play by society.
Overall a good, fun, and fast read.
We get to again spend time with characters we enjoy and consider how the stage of development of a planet might affect its inhabitants. We also get to consider the roles of masks and identities and the roles that people are forced to play by society.
Overall a good, fun, and fast read.
August 30, 2022
Only comfort reads for me rn. And that means certain TNG books.
October 13, 2022
I have established a separate sci-fi bookshelf for books based on Star Trek, Star Wars, and that ilk. Not exactly science fiction, but not really another category, either.
This is a typical TNG adventure, but too long to be filmed as a 1 hour TV episode. It contains many themes consistent with Star Trek novels in general
-Captain on the away team
-Guest star with dark past and ulterior motives
-Redshirt
-Love interest with potential hazards
-Wesley Crusher making bad decisions
In fact, this is probably fan fiction.
This is a typical TNG adventure, but too long to be filmed as a 1 hour TV episode. It contains many themes consistent with Star Trek novels in general
-Captain on the away team
-Guest star with dark past and ulterior motives
-Redshirt
-Love interest with potential hazards
-Wesley Crusher making bad decisions
In fact, this is probably fan fiction.
September 3, 2017
Bom, desta vez dou 4 estrelas (3,5?), pois gostei do argumento, interessante estória “medieval” e com um andamento que me agradou, em velocidade e no espaço (múltiplos locals). Não é, obviamente, “literatura”, mas gostei, dos melhores da série...
December 22, 2022
To me, this feels more like a TOS story than a TNG story. The characterizations of our heroes are fairly one-dimensional, with the exception of Data who gets a few good moments. Nevertheless, it’s a well-written entry by Vornholt.
January 22, 2023
Very entertaining. I enjoyed everything about this book. Had all the usual cast and everyone played a lead role. A few surprises packed in with an all together fun story.
September 25, 2017
The book had an interesting premise, but when executed, felt rather uninteresting. Plot points boiled down to a series of conveniences, and nearly all the resolutions seemed preposterous, pulling you out of the character on many occasions.
I've read a few other Vornholt ST novels, and had the same exact experience as this one. There's a neat premise, a rather dull journey that never quite explores the premise fully, and then a resolution that strikes me as nonsense, if not undermining the tension of the book entirely.
I'm not saying the book is unreadable. I found it engaging enough to finish. However, what bothers me the most is the missed opportunities. Instead of exploring the culture, we get a paper thin culture that can't stand any scrutiny, that constantly contradicts their own behavior. Resolutions seem to fall out of the sky, and in the end I'm left feeling the world was incredibly small and empty of anyone that wasn't of paramount importance.
I try not to go into details, and my perspective would be better founded by pointing out the many character flaws and plot holes, but for those that really love ST books, I'd rather you enjoy it on your own. Sometimes a bad book can still be enjoyable to kill your brain cells reading. I think this is one of those.
I've read a few other Vornholt ST novels, and had the same exact experience as this one. There's a neat premise, a rather dull journey that never quite explores the premise fully, and then a resolution that strikes me as nonsense, if not undermining the tension of the book entirely.
I'm not saying the book is unreadable. I found it engaging enough to finish. However, what bothers me the most is the missed opportunities. Instead of exploring the culture, we get a paper thin culture that can't stand any scrutiny, that constantly contradicts their own behavior. Resolutions seem to fall out of the sky, and in the end I'm left feeling the world was incredibly small and empty of anyone that wasn't of paramount importance.
I try not to go into details, and my perspective would be better founded by pointing out the many character flaws and plot holes, but for those that really love ST books, I'd rather you enjoy it on your own. Sometimes a bad book can still be enjoyable to kill your brain cells reading. I think this is one of those.
April 19, 2020
This would actually be a better story, I think, if it weren’t a STAR TREK novel.
The concept, plot, story, and original material Vornholt brings to the table are all varying degrees of solid, but his characterizations all seem...off. Riker is short tempered and hot headed; Picard is weirdly indecisive and a lot hornier than the audience is used to; Data gets a bit emotional at times. Funnily enough the one character that actually reads like her onscreen counterpart is Pulaski, the one character with the least screen time of all of them. (Actually, that not fair. Deanna is strongly written as well, and I could absolutely hear Marina Sirtis when I was reading her dialogue.)
Also, and this is a nit picky point, but holy f*ck does Vornholt use a lot of adverbs. It’s a crutch, and it’s unfortunate, because otherwise the craft of the story is pretty decent.
I won’t lie, I had fun with this one, and the first twenty pages especially pulled me in and got me hooked. I just wish it had maintained that momentum.
The concept, plot, story, and original material Vornholt brings to the table are all varying degrees of solid, but his characterizations all seem...off. Riker is short tempered and hot headed; Picard is weirdly indecisive and a lot hornier than the audience is used to; Data gets a bit emotional at times. Funnily enough the one character that actually reads like her onscreen counterpart is Pulaski, the one character with the least screen time of all of them. (Actually, that not fair. Deanna is strongly written as well, and I could absolutely hear Marina Sirtis when I was reading her dialogue.)
Also, and this is a nit picky point, but holy f*ck does Vornholt use a lot of adverbs. It’s a crutch, and it’s unfortunate, because otherwise the craft of the story is pretty decent.
I won’t lie, I had fun with this one, and the first twenty pages especially pulled me in and got me hooked. I just wish it had maintained that momentum.
October 8, 2009
i'm a dork. and when i was younger, my step father, knowing i loved start trek found a box of star trek books at a comic book store. he bought them all. this was my favorite
i think i would want to have another copy of this book. i'll have to look for it
i think i would want to have another copy of this book. i'll have to look for it
January 12, 2018
I own tons of Star Trek books. This along with Spock’s World and Children of Hamlin is by far my favorite. It’s like a great episode
July 12, 2020
This is copied and pasted from a Facebook post that I wrote...
Before I forget to do this...
Everyone [on my friends list] knows that I'm a Trekkie. The books are great, but do not always follow canon.
In this book, the crew from The Next Generation are sent to Lorca where, many years before, a human ship carrying a theatre troop and a group of people who wanted to move away from technology crashed. Without a rescue, the theatre troop and practically Amish-wanna-bes formed their own society and culture over generations. It's kind of feudal, but one could change their station in society through a new mask which could be made, bought, or fought for. The Lorcans don't go out in public without a mask unless they are exchanging it for another, and this is done in seconds. The Federation is concerned about a Ferengi ship nearby that is intent upon one of their own taking the monarch's mask and then taking advantage of the Lorcans' culture and planet. The enterprise handles this undercover allowing the reader a glimpse into how the masks play out in the Lorcans' daily life.
I first read this one in high school, and I thought the Lorcans' cultural development was intriguing. As an adult, at least double the age now, I have had time to watch groups both continue old traditions (high school tournaments, secular and religious celebrations, social events, some types of gestures, etc) and develop new ones. Groups generally tend to keep or revive those cultural elements which either are necessary to survival or express a value. Sometimes, these cultural elements may change in how they are expressed, even if the value or need doesn't change. Sometimes, an element will regain value.
In the midst of the COVID pandemic, as we attempt to protect ourselves and others, we have seen a lot of societal changes. It will be interesting to watch how human culture-live, real, and on our home planet; adapts and changes in response. What are we doing to suvive? What do we value? What regains value? How are we changing?
Before I forget to do this...
Everyone [on my friends list] knows that I'm a Trekkie. The books are great, but do not always follow canon.
In this book, the crew from The Next Generation are sent to Lorca where, many years before, a human ship carrying a theatre troop and a group of people who wanted to move away from technology crashed. Without a rescue, the theatre troop and practically Amish-wanna-bes formed their own society and culture over generations. It's kind of feudal, but one could change their station in society through a new mask which could be made, bought, or fought for. The Lorcans don't go out in public without a mask unless they are exchanging it for another, and this is done in seconds. The Federation is concerned about a Ferengi ship nearby that is intent upon one of their own taking the monarch's mask and then taking advantage of the Lorcans' culture and planet. The enterprise handles this undercover allowing the reader a glimpse into how the masks play out in the Lorcans' daily life.
I first read this one in high school, and I thought the Lorcans' cultural development was intriguing. As an adult, at least double the age now, I have had time to watch groups both continue old traditions (high school tournaments, secular and religious celebrations, social events, some types of gestures, etc) and develop new ones. Groups generally tend to keep or revive those cultural elements which either are necessary to survival or express a value. Sometimes, these cultural elements may change in how they are expressed, even if the value or need doesn't change. Sometimes, an element will regain value.
In the midst of the COVID pandemic, as we attempt to protect ourselves and others, we have seen a lot of societal changes. It will be interesting to watch how human culture-live, real, and on our home planet; adapts and changes in response. What are we doing to suvive? What do we value? What regains value? How are we changing?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
***1/2
"Masks," by John Vornholt, is thus far the best "Star Trek: TNG" novel I've read. Vornholt creates a planet, a fiery, volcanic rock, and inhabits it with descendants of Earth. These people come from two different groups, who departed Earth two centuries before: one is a troupe of actors, the other a group of agriculturists. Their expedition is immediately met with disaster, and the survivors develop into a society wherein each member wears a mask denoting their status; the masks are worn like clothes, and one would never consider leaving the house without one covering their face.
Into this world come the crew of the Enterprise, on a diplomatic mission to reach out to this non-Federation society and advise them that without immediate help the volcanoes on the planet will destroy its inhabitants.
No one seems to want to hear their message, however; there's a challenge going on for control of the greatest mask of them all, the one whose wearer is granted supreme leader. Soon a Ferengi spaceship is involved, and there are complications brought on by the acts of an overzealous, possibly criminal, Federation ambassador. In fact, this particular Federation-Ambassador-makes-things-difficult storyline is one of the best. "Star Trek" frequently features a weird ambassador with his own secretive goals, but this one stands out.
"Masks" is a fun read, with a wholly developed race of not-quite-aliens. I'd enjoy reading another story set on this planet. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure this is it.
"Masks," by John Vornholt, is thus far the best "Star Trek: TNG" novel I've read. Vornholt creates a planet, a fiery, volcanic rock, and inhabits it with descendants of Earth. These people come from two different groups, who departed Earth two centuries before: one is a troupe of actors, the other a group of agriculturists. Their expedition is immediately met with disaster, and the survivors develop into a society wherein each member wears a mask denoting their status; the masks are worn like clothes, and one would never consider leaving the house without one covering their face.
Into this world come the crew of the Enterprise, on a diplomatic mission to reach out to this non-Federation society and advise them that without immediate help the volcanoes on the planet will destroy its inhabitants.
No one seems to want to hear their message, however; there's a challenge going on for control of the greatest mask of them all, the one whose wearer is granted supreme leader. Soon a Ferengi spaceship is involved, and there are complications brought on by the acts of an overzealous, possibly criminal, Federation ambassador. In fact, this particular Federation-Ambassador-makes-things-difficult storyline is one of the best. "Star Trek" frequently features a weird ambassador with his own secretive goals, but this one stands out.
"Masks" is a fun read, with a wholly developed race of not-quite-aliens. I'd enjoy reading another story set on this planet. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure this is it.
August 15, 2021
There are two things the novels should be good at over the show, and Vornholt uses both of them. One is telling a story that would not technically work on television. Everyone having to go masked is antithetical to Star Trek's visual dogma. The other is creating detailed worlds and societies, because time wouldn't allow for the necessary explanations (which would require lots of dull exposition on television). Lorca is such a detailed world. Not only is the society unusual and interesting, but the it's also a fully realized environment. The plot makes good use of both in a rousing, almost fantasy-style, adventure where exploration, revelations, romance and brief but crisp action scenes are well juggled. It is surprising to me this was Vornholt's first adult novel. If there's a complaint, it's that there are some very big coincidences in it, but all the talk of destiny actually justifies them. A clear success with plenty to do for most of the characters, and where the Ferengi play an important but small role (a little of them goes a long way, shall we say).
July 11, 2021
A really damn good book. If Dumas or Feval or Zevaco would have written space roman "de cape et d'épée", this would have been worthy of their name. Strange enough for a ST-TNG book to see almost nothing but swords and knights and so and less of the space stuff which one can expect but the book is really good. I had no high expectations from this one (especially when you have in mind some seriously disturbing episode of TNG where masks are also involved) but the book was really good and was really interesting to see our Captain not only getting laid but dealing with an medieval society along with Riker, Deanna, Worf, Data and Dr. Pulawsky while Enterprise and Geordi are just on a secondary line waiting in space. The plot was really interesting with several plot twists carefully planned and a happy ending where a certain ensign is not saving again Enterprise. Or any one else, for once and at last. The best book so far of the ST-TNG novels together with Peter David's "Strike Zone"
December 23, 2024
TNG #7: Masks by John Vornholt
Written before the episode of the same name, is the book Masks by John Vornholt. This book was one of his weaker ones that I’ve read but not the worst by him ( Time to be Born looking at you). This book has an interesting premise with the whole idea that this culture wears masks. A sword and sandal or fantasy based genre book featuring the cast of TNG would be really good in my opinion. For example, Time for Yesterday is really good in this regard as it takes the main trio from TOS into a fantasy book and it’s really good because Crispin is such a good writer.
This book didn’t leave to its full potential into leaning into the fantasy elements more in my opinion. It could be have great in that regard. Also the villain was obivous, things were too convinent but there was still some mild enjoyment I got out of this book.
5.5/10
Written before the episode of the same name, is the book Masks by John Vornholt. This book was one of his weaker ones that I’ve read but not the worst by him ( Time to be Born looking at you). This book has an interesting premise with the whole idea that this culture wears masks. A sword and sandal or fantasy based genre book featuring the cast of TNG would be really good in my opinion. For example, Time for Yesterday is really good in this regard as it takes the main trio from TOS into a fantasy book and it’s really good because Crispin is such a good writer.
This book didn’t leave to its full potential into leaning into the fantasy elements more in my opinion. It could be have great in that regard. Also the villain was obivous, things were too convinent but there was still some mild enjoyment I got out of this book.
5.5/10
August 23, 2018
A swashbuckling, Shakespearean romp
Masks drops the Enterprise crew onto a dangerous planet of sinkholes, volcanoes and far too many fish dinners, but most of the peril comes from the dueling culture of the Lorcans. Descendants of human space travelers who combined theatrical tradition with an anti-technology bent, the mask-wearers of Lorca lead Picard, Riker, and the rest on a quest that will seem very familiar to readers of Shakespearean plays, with disguises, secrets, and the occasional sword-fight keeping things lively. Picard does his best Kirk impression on this outing, and readers may be surprised at what a good look it is on him.
Masks drops the Enterprise crew onto a dangerous planet of sinkholes, volcanoes and far too many fish dinners, but most of the peril comes from the dueling culture of the Lorcans. Descendants of human space travelers who combined theatrical tradition with an anti-technology bent, the mask-wearers of Lorca lead Picard, Riker, and the rest on a quest that will seem very familiar to readers of Shakespearean plays, with disguises, secrets, and the occasional sword-fight keeping things lively. Picard does his best Kirk impression on this outing, and readers may be surprised at what a good look it is on him.
April 10, 2025
An easy plane-ride book to read. It had small character inconsistencies, ways of speaking a character would not use. But these are to be expected when only one author is writing dialogue. There was nothing exceptional about this plotline and the overuse of masks as a social tool eventually became wearing, though I have no doubt it never lost its charm for its author.
The plot was about a diplomatic envoy sent to a planet on a mission to smooth things over for Star Fleet. The diplomat became power hungry and went rogue, requiring the Enterprise crew to reel him in. It was very similar to an Original Series plot. All in all, a worthwhile if not a particularly memorable read.
The plot was about a diplomatic envoy sent to a planet on a mission to smooth things over for Star Fleet. The diplomat became power hungry and went rogue, requiring the Enterprise crew to reel him in. It was very similar to an Original Series plot. All in all, a worthwhile if not a particularly memorable read.
February 18, 2023
If only that had focused more on the sociological aspects, then the slowness would've at least been interesting. But this way it felt more like a bad TOS book (I mean, the Captain takes the first woman to bed that he sees? Not very Picard of him.)
We still have no answer, why a human theater group would want a planet as home base that's not inside Federation space, why they didn't do any scans before settling, and what the heck the motif of the books villain was, except random "I want power" thoughts.
Yeah, no huge -isms, but that's the only good thing to be said about this novel.
We still have no answer, why a human theater group would want a planet as home base that's not inside Federation space, why they didn't do any scans before settling, and what the heck the motif of the books villain was, except random "I want power" thoughts.
Yeah, no huge -isms, but that's the only good thing to be said about this novel.
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