The Children of Hamlin

This is by the same author as "Dreams of the Raven," and I liked it more than that book - in fact I liked it enough that I think she's one of my preferred authors. I thought that the idea of interacting with a very foreign alien presence was well developed here, as well as some of the ethical tensions and political tensions within the Federation around what to do about children who had grown up in different circumstances. I particularly liked the character of Ruthe; I found her a little transparent, but not in a bad way. And apart from a couple flourishes that probably come from the fact that it was such an early TNG extension (since when does Picard say 'Merde'?) I thought it was well in character, as well.

Better reviews are avl. This provoked some thoughtfulness among readers, not just me.

There are a lot of nits I could pick, like the spelling of the names, and the picture on the cover, and things mentioned in those other reviews... but mostly I think this one of the better TNG numbered novels and so am rounding up to four stars.

I will continue to read this series that I was given by my brother; it makes a good comfort read while I still deal with insomnia and stress.

This story is from the early days of Star Trek: TNG, and it reads like a Season One story. And there's an awful lot of Wesley, so be warned if that kind of thing bugs you. It's a quick read, but every so often there's an expression like "a dazzling screech of light" that can bring one up short.