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highly recommended |
well done! 
As I read more and more of the old Star Trek books, I have come to realize that anything written by Diane Duane is going to be a winner. This book is no exception. She is able to present the family aspect of the Enterprise crew much better than most. In this story, the command structure is much more apparent than in other stories, due largely in part by the plot device of leaving McCoy in command of the Enterprise. The Doctor handles it well and with good humor. As with Duane's other Star Trek books, linguistics plays a significant role in the story line. I really should read some of her non-commissioned work.
Kudos to Duane - a great read!
Thanks so much for this, Ms. Duane! A humourous, thought-provoking, complex novel that, above all, presents the Star Trek characters with their dignity intact, doing what the Enterprise crew is supposed to do: helping out folks in need and, at the same time, learning lessons of their own.
And what else does this novel offer, you may ask? Surly Klingons, cute little protoplasmic beings, amoral pirates, and walking trees. And don't forget the time-travel. Oh, yes, and the snortweed!
Dr. McCoy was always my favourite Star Trek character, and this novel really gives him a chance to shine. We're inside his head a lot of the time during this novel, and one of the things I really enjoyed was watching McCoy, in his role as unwilling captain, realize why Kirk has developed some of the quirks which the good doctor hitherto criticized. It was ... er ... fascinating (and refreshing!) to see how well McCoy and Spock functioned together as captain and first officer. I also very much enjoyed McCoy's interactions with the Klingon captain. Psychology, psychology. And a little medical knowledge to pin down a case of Klingon Arthasomiasis Syndrome surely gave the good doctor even more of a much-needed edge.
In some of the Star Trek series novels I've read, the characters seem very stereotyped and predictable. It's as if the author has a checklist for each crewmember's gestures, appearance, thought-patterns and dialogue. Doctor's Orders presented well-developed characters who grew and changed as the novel progressed. I didn't want it to end!
The grass is always greener
The Enterprise has been assigned to survey a most interesting planet, one that has three sentient species, all of which are unusual by even Federation standards. While in the midst of gathering data McCoy has made a comment about Kirk having an 'easy job' and the Captain has seized the opportunity this remark has presented. By placing McCoy in temporary command Kirk will not only remind the doctor how demanding command can be and it will give Kirk enough free time to go down to the planet himself. At least that was the plan, a plan that of course quickly fell apart. Before Kirk is able to once again take over control of the Enterprise he will take a most surprising journey that will cause him to question his understanding of space and time. McCoy will find himself facing not the quiet routine few hours on the bridge that Kirk had envisioned, but missing crew members, irate Klingons, Orion pirates and Star Fleet command breathing down his neck.
As is typical with Duane's novels this one is character, rather than plot, driven. Here the focus is on McCoy and how he copes when he is the one in the 'hot seat'. Also as is expected from this author, DOCTOR'S ORDERS is quite well writen, the characters are handled well, in a believable manner. The new species are well thought out and intriguing, ones that the reader might hope to meet again in another Star Trek novel.
The only problem with this novel is the concept that there is no way for the Doctor to be removed from command in this situation. In spite of this, DOCTOR'S ORDERS is an excellent read, one that would be enjoyed by even a casual fan.
Not perfect, but a good fun, mostly light read. Check it out 
This is an older Star Trek novel (I'm writing this in Jan 2005, about 15 years after it came out). But it's still a good one. It has a scenario that seems somewhat implausible, but is one of those things Trek fans kind of always wanted to see. In short, McCoy is forced to be captain of the Enterprise after Kirk goes "Oh yeah, well, if you think you can do it, go do it", but then disappears, forcing McCoy to be the Captain. Why Spock couldn't take over is mostly ignored, but still.. :)
Had some great McCoy lines, some intersting interaction with the Klingons, basically a good fun read. As one of the other reviews here said, it's not the most grandiose story - it's not a "Save the universe" type of thing, but is a good situational fun read.
I'm also biased somewhat, as I appear in the book. Some years ago I talked to Diane Duane online, and struck up a friendship. She had asked me about being in one of her books - this was it. I'm in there as one of Dr. McCoy's medial assistants. "Lt. Joe Siegler". I later get eaten by a tree. When Diane Duane asked me what I wanted my character to do, I said "die".
reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Doctor's Orders When Dr. McCoy grumbles once too often about the way the U.S.S. Enterprise? ought to be run, Captain Kirk decides to leave the doctor in command while he oversees a rountine diplomatic mission. Kirk beams down to a strange planet nicknamed "Flyspeck" to negotiate its admission into the Federation, leaving Dr. McCoy to enjoy his new authority. However, the doctor soon learns that command is a double-edged sword when Kirk disappears without a trace. Desperately trying to locate his catain, McCoy comes under pressure from Starfleet to resolve the situation immediately. Matters go from bad to worsewhen the Klingons arrive and stake their own claim on Flyspeck Then another, more deadly power threatens them all, and suddenly Dr. McCoy and the Starship Enterprise find themselves pitted against an alien fleet in a battle they have no hope of winning.
doctor's orders, doctor, orders
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