Marsha's Reviews > The Devil's Heart

I’m not a Star Trek aficionado. I’ve never been a fan of the series. Oh, I’ve watched the various shows. But I’m not a die-hard Trekkie. That being stated, I approached this story purely on a literal basis because it tells one of the oldest tales in the book: what happens when we are tempted with forbidden fruit. From the juicy piece dangled before Eve and Adam to Gollum’s ring, majestic stories rife with caution and danger arise.

Carmen Carpenter has concocted a tale epic in scope, sweeping through space and time, about a mystical artifact that fulfills dreams and compels people, that seduces, tantalizes and destroys in equal measure. It spans galaxies and millenia, combines wired action with vibrant dialogue.

The vignettes of unfamiliar characters, swirling in and out of Captain Picard’s dreams are just as gripping as the familiar creations from the show. The final denouement is one of grand theater, melodramatic, forceful and masterfully adept, just as stunning as any episode from the television show.

Ms. Carpenter proves her worth as a devoted fan and nimble storyteller. Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, this novel stands solidly on its own and soars to the stars.