My Enemy, My Ally (Star Trek pro novel)

Title:	My Enemy, My Ally
Creator:	Diane Duane
Date(s):	1984
Medium:	tie-in novel, print
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
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My Enemy, My Ally is a 1984 Star Trek tie-in novel by Diane Duane.

Star Trek: TOS Pro Books with Fan Connections

• Star Trek: The New Voyages (1976, 1978)
• The Price of the Phoenix (July 1977)
• The Fate of the Phoenix (May 1979)
• The Prometheus Design (March 1982)
• Black Fire (January 1983)
• Triangle (March 1983)
• Web of the Romulans (June 1983)
• Yesterday's Son (August 1983)
• The Wounded Sky (December 1983)
• My Enemy, My Ally (1984)
• The Vulcan Academy Murders (November 1984)
• Ishmael (May 1985)
• Killing Time (July 1985)
• The IDIC Epidemic (February 1988)
• Time for Yesterday (August 1988)
• Strange New Worlds (1998-2000)

Fan Comments

"My Enemy, My Ally is W0NI3ERFUL--—much better than The Wounded Sky for us non-physics folk. Characterization of the regulars is quite good, and Duane has created a host of intriguing and memorable Romulan characters. The plot is believable, the action fast-paced, and the suspense well-handled. Also, we have a fascinating and plausible view of Romulan society—much more satisfying to me than Web of the Romulans or even Fate of the Phoenix. The writing is top-notch. My only quibble is with the horta ensign. I may have missed it, but I don't recall any explanation of how a silicon creature can survive in an oxygen-atmosphere ship. In "Devil in the Dark", it was made clear that the horta, could stay in an oxygen environment for only limited periods of time." : ((Forget the horta — what about the ship? How long can it last with that thing eating holes through the wails? - Deb))

My Enemy, My Ally caused me some problems, and I almost couldn't finish it. The first four or five chapters drag. If you survive to page 75, though, you've got it made, because Duane picks up the pace, and the rest of the novel is action-packed and relatively interesting. Several annoying flaws are present, however. First of all, there is no logic in making things difficult for the reader by using utterly unpronouncable names and words.

It interferes with reader enjoyment, concentration, and interest. If you are going to make up a new language, then at least put it in italics if not translating it as you go. Another annoyance to me was Duane's obsession with aliens, I enjoy seeing so many new species on the Enterprise even a lovable, eager young ensign of the Horta race! -— but the sheer number of them and their descriptions bog down the plot. In addition, it is not logical to assume StarFleet would assign that many different species to an old ship with mostly human-standard facilities, knowing how different many species' environmental requirements are, Another minor source of annoyance for me was Duane's constant use of "Jim" in reference to Kirk. It is redundant, unimaginative, and besides, it makes me uncomfortable, though I can't tell you why! Overall, however, Enemy is fairly interesting and enjoyable reading (past page 75!) Once again Kirk and company save the universe, this time by preventing genetic manipulations which would give Vulcan mental powers to the Romulans. There are a few interesting concepts, and a re—emphasis on a basic psychological premise that is a delight to see. I'm referring to the group interactions that take place when the Romulans and the Federation 'people' (can't well call them all humans) work together for a common cause. Some of the author's character-development scenes make delightful reading, especially the one in which McCoy beats Spock at a new form of chess! Kirk's final tribute to his enemy/ally, the Romulan commander, is the best scene of the novel. It makes the rest of the book, for all its flaws, worth reading.