F/SF

McIntyre's novelization of what is arguably the most popular of the original-cast Star Trek movies feels oddly flat, dragging in the opening sections and wandering off on tangents that ultimately go nowhere (such as the backstory of the garbagemen who inadvertently saw part of the group's arrival in Golden Gate Park).

Possibly the best original subplot of the book deals with McCoy, and his continuing struggles to regain his psychological footing after having been the unwitting host to Spock's katra.

If nothing else, it's a testament to the visuals, pace, and musical soundtrack of the film, which did not transfer well to the written page. ( )

I was interested to find that the set-up--explaining what happened to Saavik, et cetera--took a huge chunk of the book. The actual action went quickly and there was little additional plot shoved in.

Once more.....

I really love McIntyre's telling of the Trek - both movies and her own books (Entropy Effect, in particular). I was recently working my way streaming the movies - and was on STIV... until 12/31 and the movies went offline, so... I picked up my e-book copy and finished the story. Next up, The Voyage Home. ( )

Audiobook adaptation of movie:

This is basically George Takei performing the movie script, with a bit of character internal dialogue and scene-setting, and Leonard Nimoy as Spock.