The energy and invention that made Sherman and Schwartz's previous Spock outing, Vulcan's Forge, so fascinating is fully in evidence in this even more ambitious follow-up. This time, the duo have added a satisfyingly complex level of political sophistication that makes the interstellar intrigues ring with a truly authentic note. Acting as a diplomat for the United Federation of Planets, Spock reluctantly undertakes a bonding with Commander Saavik. This betrothal-style rite is attended by Spock's father--along with an unconfident young Starfleet lieutenant. The latter is one of the book's many felicitous strokes, for the novice is no other than Jean-Luc Picard. Of the many attempts to meld the two Star Trek universes, this is one of the best integrated and most successful. As the narrative leaps forward many years, and Ambassador Spock is forced to travel incognito to Romulus to prevent catastrophe from descending on the entire quadrant, he has two pursuers: Saavik and Picard. As before, the narrative moves with real gusto, casually throwing in some impressive world-building. But what of Spock himself? One can only hope that Sherman and Schwartz are custodians of the legacy for quite some time, since they are adroit at creating a thoroughly rounded, conflicted, and sympathetic portrait of our favorite Vulcan. --Barry Forshaw, Amazon.co.uk