Being Human

by Peter David

Book Overview

At last, the supernatural origins of Mark McHenry, navigator aboard USS Excalibur, are revealed. Always displaying talents far beyond those of mortal men, McHenry discovers the source of his power reaches back incredibly to ancient Greece - and to specific events from the Original Series.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671042408
• ISBN13: 9780671042400
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Star Trek
• Length: 267 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

My favourite book of the series, so far...

Intriguing and compelling. Of course, these adjectives could be used to describe almost any of Peter David's books, but this one happens to be one of my favourites. Although the main focus of the novel is McHenry, and the revelation that he is not quite human - which explains his almost supernatural abilities and Q's deference towards him - we also dip into the lives of the other characters. David's skill is his ability to intertwine science fiction with drama, and his characters are among the most complex out there. The story switches between the Excalbiur and the Trident, Calhoun and Shelby's ships respectively, and the various officers on each. High points of the novel (well, higher) included the M'Ress/Arex/Gleau interaction and the mysterious "changes" occuring in Zak Kebron. It had its funny, tongue-in-cheek moments, too, again typical of David. And, again typical of the most infuriating and brilliant writer in the field of Star Trek novels, it ends with multiple cliffhangers.

Being Human Star Trek New Frontier

Peter David is interesting as a writer, and we are not disappointed here either. I enjoyed this book as with most of the author's work. The book focus is on Mark McHenry and where he came from. As an avid Star Trek fan myself I was pleased to see a tie in with the original series. More specific when Kirk et. al. were on Pollux IV where they met Apollo. Now we find out that that Apollo was more randy then TOS lead us to believe. After all this is fiction and a good imagination from the author. Now enters Apollo's sister Artemis cunning and resourceful.We see a continuation from Restoration and tie ins from Gateway and the Double Helix series. Now we see Captains Calhoun and Shelby on different Starships doing what they do best after a conjugal tryst. And the interplay of all the other favorite characters was interesting and enjoyable. The Danteri make an offer to Si Cwan and his sister Kalinda can't refuse, but as with all interesting books the bad guys have a trick up their respective sleves. Remember Lodec well he surfaces here and proposes to bring back the Thallonian Empire... at what cost? Calhoun says never trust the Danteri.The book was well thought out and easy reading and the ending... well you have to read it. We now have the answer as to why Q could do nothing with Mark McHenry. This book is worth buying and answers some of the questions many of us had about how McHenry could do what he could do. From the author that created "Q" to put it in the words of Spock fascinating. I say captivating... read it and enjoy.

New Frontier vs. Greek Gods, a match of a lifetime

These past reviews have given you no real good reason other than 'its good' to read this book. The material in this book is creative and fresh and new and it has something for fans of all the Trek series. If you remember the episode of the Original Series where Kirk and crew meet the Greek god Apollo out in the middle of space, you'll have one leg up in reading this book. Even if not, you'll have one heck of a time having fun learning finally where Mark McHenry comes from. This book focuses on McHenry, his past and explains why Q was truly baffled by his pressence last year in the E-X-calibur series. Though it features McHenry, its also one that focuses on all the main Excalibur officers and picks up where Restoration left off. Though I advise you, if you want to get into Shelby's side of the story and learn more about her ship and crew of the Trident, one that does include some good characters, Mueller as the XO, and two characters from the short lived Animated Series, read Cold Wars ( plus it'll explain how Burgy is the new XO on the Excalibur. ) This book has other interesting story lines that you shouldn't miss out on. Keborn begins to question his friend and for once, we really get to see or get exposed to Keborn more than a giant wall that stands in the back of the Bridge. Soleta is focused on as well. Dr. Selar and Burgy's son Xyon has some good moments with Moke, Calhoun's new adopted son from Restoration and one of the biggest shockers and attention grabbers is that the Danteri summon Shelby and crew to bring Si Cwan and Kalinda to their homeworld to speak on the subject of a new Thallonian Empire. Peter David really leaves the fans crying for more at the end of this book for much is left open, especially for the characters of Robin Lefler, Morgan Primus, and McHenry. Artemis and her Greek gods plus some Egyptian gods show up in whats one of the more interesting space battles in Trek. This is a must read for New Frontier fans and everyone looking for a good and fresh book. Also read NF's Cold Wars to get the most out of the Excalibur, Trident and many familiar faces from Kira, Picard and DS9 characters as well as Gabreck from the Exeter ( Restoration, ) Jelico and Adm. Ross, Scotty and more in Cold Wars then a continuation in Being Human.

Alex's Review

This is, yet another awsome book by Peter David who is one of the best Star Trek novelists that I have ever read from. I can echoe the other persons review in asking "When will #13 be out?" I swear that anyone who is a star trek fan must read these books. This uncovers all the mysteries about Mark (Marcus) McHenry and his friend Missy...

So when is #13 coming out?

As usual Peter David is at his spectacular best. Anyone who read the Gateways books will agree that the 'New Frontier' was the best part of the entire series. Peter David expertly melds superb dialogue with action and a wry sense of humor. My only question is, "Exactly how long do I have to wait for the next book?"