A Rock and a Hard Place
ISBN: 9781852862770
Description
Under the best circumstances, terraforming is a tough, dangerous task that pits the hardiest of pioneers against an unforgiving environment. When the terraformers on the planet Paradise fall behind the schedule, Commander Riker is given temporary leave from the Enterprise and sent to assist. Riker's replacement on the Enterprise is a volatile officer named Stone whose behaviour soon raises questions about his ability and his judgement. Meanwhile, Commander Riker has become enmeshed in a life and death struggle with Paradise's brutal landscape. However, he soon learns that not all of the planet's dangers are natural in origin - as he comes face to face with Paradise's greatest danger and most hideous secret.
Reviewed on 9th September 2023
Back to the early 90s with the tenth Next Generation novel.
Some of the edges still feel a bit raw, with elements of characterisation feeling enhanced upon what’s in the TV show. But then it’s Peter David, who is one of the great authors of this era of Trek, and who has definitely earned the right to expand the canon. I really liked the dynamic he adds between Troi and Riker - definitely feels like it’s leading up towards his later Imzadi novels.
There are some notable guest characters, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about them. They frustrated me a little, but I think that’s the point, especially when I have such an established relationship with the main characters.
All in all, a good book, particularly standing out against others of the early 90s. Definitely maintains its readability.
