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As the USS Voyager travels though a fairly
empty part of the Delta Quadrant, they receive and general invitation
to come to the planet Ryolanov. Being that it has been weeks
since the crew has had shore leave, and nerves are frayed, they
decided to check it out. After contacting the Eldest of the Ryol,
Varathael, they transport down and make first contact. Laazia,
Varathael’s daughter, instantly latches onto Tom Paris,
which another of the Ryol, Naxor, seems to greatly disapprove.
After spending some time on the plant, the crew begins to notice
the smaller creatures that serve the Ryol. The Ryol refer to
them as “neffaler”, and usually say it in disgust.
Kes, while on the beach of the planet, psychically hears screams
of many voices. Meanwhile, Tom, who already had one run-in with
Naxor, is confronted him and a few of his friend on the beach.
Though a fierce fight ensues, Tom realizes that he and his two
friends can defeat the Ryol easily until…his friends collapse
on the sand with one look from Naxor. The Ryol are not the nice
beings that they appear to be, they feed on the living souls
of other beings. And now it looks like Tom Paris is going to
find out about that the hard way.
This is a Star Trek Voyager book.
It is #13. It takes place about three years into the journey.
Kes is still alive and on board and Seven of Nine has not joined
the crew yet.
The book is well written and
fun to read. There is a scene with the doctor that is extremely
funny, at least I thought so since I love the show. The nice
thing about the story is that it really doesn’t focus on
just one or two of the characters. All are involved, but a lot
of the story revolves around Chakotay, Kes, Tom and B’Elanna.
I found it nice to read about Kes again because it has been a
few years since she has been on the show. It took me awhile to
remember about her psychic talents and little characteristics,
but they soon came all back. I found the story to be believable,
as a Voyager story, that is. There are a few really cool surprises
about the Ryol that I found to be really entertaining…and
unexpected. You know that they are too perfect to be trusted,
but you don’t know why. The explanation is fantastic! If
you like Star Trek Voyager, or even if you have never seen the
show, this is a good read.
I rated this book an 8 out of
10. |
