Star Trek Voyager 16: Seven of Nine
                  Author: Christie Golden
               Paramount / Pocket Books œ4.99

                      Reviewed by Sue

Seven of Nine's normally well-ordered world is turned upside down
in this excellent book from Christie Golden which is the first
novel based on this enigmatic character. Part human, part machine,
once flesh and blood, later Borg, now none of these, yet all of
them, Seven is one of the more fascinating characters in the
series.

In Seven of Nine she experiences strange visions accompanied by
visitations in the form of huge black birds, accompanied by the
sickly scent of rotting meat. In her visions, she finds herself
living the lives of various aliens including a young cat like
creature, an elderly artist and a winged being.  As time passes,
her visions grow more overwhelming. Sometimes she can't escape
these overpowering impressions - and the birds grow in number,
invisible to all but her as they perch on equipment and even
people's shoulders!

But as she struggles with these visitations, Voyager travels
through Lhiaarian space, foiled by bureaucrats at every turn. Even
Neelix seems unable to help them to cut through the red tape which
entangles them. But aid comes from an unexpected source, a group
of nomadic travellers originally from a planet called Skeda, who
offer their help if Janeway will take them to Lhiaari.

Their usefulness is quickly proved and Janeway gratefully takes
them onboard. Everyone seems to like them, apart from B'Elanna who
has some misgivings which she can't quite explain, and they are a
welcome addition to the ship's company. So that when it transpires
that an insectoid race, the Ku, have vowed to exterminate the
Skedan race, the crew vow to protect them at all costs.
Meanwhile more ravens appear to torment Seven ...

This is an excellent story, absolutely gripping from start to
finish with some unexpected twists. Seven is one of my favourite
characters and she is portrayed well in this book as are the evil
Ku and the cute Skedans who look something like kangaroos. I found
the ending very emotional as Seven comes to understand her human
heritage a bit better.















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