Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts
Monday, July 30, 2018
Would you live on a space station? - by Vijaya Schartz
Imagine debarking from a spaceship into a vast array of wide corridors like an airport terminal. Except that the entryway seals are hermetic, and the side windows show black space, with spaceships anchored to the giant circular wheel encircling the space station, like the rings of a planet. The station floats in space, orbiting a small planet. Or it could be in the wide orbit of a faraway sun. The station, built and expanded over centuries, would be made of many different parts, some older, others brand new. Size is irrelevant in space. It can be as big as needed.
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
Hundreds of thousands could live there. Even millions. They would have room for growing food without dirt in hydroponic tubs, they would manufacture artificial meat in labs, without raising animals, and they would make their own water and their own oxygen. The complex would function like a large city, not bound by the planetary cycles of day and night... although they may want to create a semblance of circadian rhythm for the comfort of their visitors and inhabitants.
The station could be a port for trading goods, with commercial docks and cranes to load and unload large containers from ships to dock and vice-versa. It could also be a pleasure destination. I imagine a Vegas type of atmosphere, with entertainment, gambling dens, spas, shopping, restaurants, and all the luxuries we imagine in the future, like cyber-pleasures... the legal and the illegal kinds. I personally like the idea of sex robots.
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
At the core of the structure, would be a reactor to generate the energy needed to keep that city in space running smoothly. As we know, reactors can become unstable. More fodder for future stories.
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
 |
| This is how I imagine Byzantium-5, the space station featured in the Azura Chronicles |
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
 |
| Hundreds of miles of corridors in a wide circle around the core. Fortunately, there are also levitating cars and carts to carry the luggage. |
 |
| Parks and gardens would provide oxygen and relaxation |
 |
| Here the scale is misleading. The craft would be tiny as it approaches the behemoth of a station |
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
 |
| Glass is not resistant enough and too breakable for these windows. I imagine they are made of transparent metal |
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
 |
| Although this is a futuristic design for a train station, I imagine the style would fit a space station as well |
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
Monday, July 2, 2018
Angels Against Robots - by Vijaya Schartz
Of course, I do enjoy the research. Who wouldn't like bingeing on the latest sci-fi movies and series (thank goodness for cable), reading great books and watching interviews of scientists on the advances of cybernetics, and the psychological consequences threatening future societies?
I love my job. Especially when the creative juices take me in unexpected directions. Book 2 will also have a big cat of a very different kind. I love researching cats.
Cybernetics, will you ask? Maybe I already said too much. But it's the future, after all, and I can't wait to pit angels against robots. This world of Azura also has a predatory fauna. Which side will the nightcrawlers take? And what role will my new kick-butt heroine and her brave hero take in this new adventure?
ANGEL MINE: 5-stars
find it on amazon
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
"I don’t know how Vijaya continues to write books that both aggravate you to no end and keep you on the edge of your seat. You can’t put it down until you know what happens next. Before you know what happened, you are at the end of the book and wondering how you got there so fast. It is hard not to get caught up in and lost in the imagery created on the pages of the locations. You can even smell what is in the air. Yet another page turner I couldn’t put down! Thank you Vijaya for keeping me entertained." 5-stars - Beverley J. Malloy on amazon
Happy Reading!
Vijaya Schartz
High Octane sci-fi fantasy romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Kobo - Facebook
Monday, May 7, 2018
Angels or extraterrestrials? by Vijaya Schartz
What are angels? Really... Since they do not come from this earth, it's safe to say they are extraterrestrials... or are they?
Different
versions of the Christian Bible name a few, but other ancient sacred
texts, like the Zohar, the Torah, the Koran, and the Vedas have long
lists of angels who descended to earth to deliver messages, warnings, to
teach, test, or punish man.
Angels
are legion, as I discovered in my intensive research. Some like Gabriel
and Raphael are messengers (which is the root meaning of the word
angel). Others like Michael who chased Adam and Eve out of Eden with a
flaming sword and destroyed the serpent, and Uriel the Avenging Angel,
are wielding deadly weapons.
But
there is also Lucifer, the brightest angel and mutinous leader cast
away for wanting to impart advanced knowledge to the lowly human race.
The records also list over a thousand good angels, fallen angels and
demons.
The
sex of angels has long been debated. Even as the tower of Babel fell,
that was the topic of conversation among the wisemen of the time.
As
for the Watchers, sent to watch over mankind, they were the ones who
found the daughters of man beautiful and took them for wives... They
mated with human females, producing the Nephilim, and triggering God's
wrath in the form of the great flood, to destroy their shameful
progeny... although a few survived. The giant Goliath is believed to be
descended from such hybrids.
As
I imagine a celestial power ruling the universe, it would have to be
organized. My research indicated that there is a very strict hierarchy
among angels, like in a military order. There are archons in charge of
entire planets, archangels, and many categories of angels whose
descriptions vary. Some have multiple pairs of wings, while others look
completely human. Others yet have multiple heads, animal heads, and
others yet look more like machines with turning wheels.
The
two angels who warned Loth and his family of the imminent destruction
of Sodom and Gomorrah looked like perfect human beings (no wings) and
the depraved denizens of the city found them so beautiful they wanted to
buy them for sexual pleasure.
Where
do all these angels reside? The universe is a big place and a spaceship
would not be enough to contain entire legions. I would surmise there
are planets out there, inhabited and ruled by angels.
For
the sake of my new series coming out this month, AZURA
CHRONICLES, one of these planets is AZURA. And what happens there is
mysterious indeed. In book One, ANGEL MINE, my heroine, Fianna is a
bounty hunter pursuing her mark, a convicted multiple murderer who just
escaped from a high security penitentiary on a space station.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement...
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Kobo - Facebook
Monday, April 9, 2018
Why I love Science Fiction - by Vijaya Schartz
I
would love to write a story where the problems we tackle today are
faraway in the past, where children are safe, where women are equal to
men in every way, where race or species do not matter, where people live
long lives free of diseases, where everyone feels appreciated and
loved, where society takes care of all its members regardless of age or
status, where greed is irrelevant, where power has no meaning.
Keep dreaming. We are not angels.
Keep dreaming. We are not angels.
Even as I envision the far future, I cannot imagine that human nature will evolve that much. Changing the laws for the better, yes. Treating everyone fairly or else, yes. Increasing longevity and good health, yes. So, what's the problem?
Have you noticed that when a refined society falls, it only takes days for it to reverse to bloodshed, savagery and oppression? Take away our power grid, food distribution, and communication systems, and we reverse to bloody savages fighting over the last water bottles and cans of tuna.
I like to think I would be one of the good guys, helping those who cannot help themselves. But I cannot condemn the mother picking up a gun to feed and protect her family, the older brother killing human predators to protect a younger sister. Then eventually, small groups get together around a leader to defend and organize themselves. New towns form, and new nations are born. Eventually they war against each other, then unite again... until a natural or man-made disaster sets them back to the dark ages.
I suspect the future will not be any different. Our very nature is emotional, volatile, ruled by self-preservation. As long as we carry these aggressive genes necessary for survival, we will fight. When we lose these genes, the human race will wither and disappear. So as long as there is a human race, we will fight for survival. The means of destruction and the weapons may change, but the motivations will remain the same.
This is why I enjoy science fiction so much. It's a magnifying glass to experiment with new ideas and build new worlds, and observe the far-reaching consequences of our actions. It's a learning tool to guide us into a better future. It may help us make better decisions.
In the meantime, I just finished some edits on the first book in a new romantic sci-fi series: ANGEL MINE. It's set on Azura, a planet populated by angels, an ideal society at odds with the harsh reality of intergalactic greed and domination... but no society is ever ideal. The heroine is a bad ass bounty hunter, and the hero is an angel... what else?
ANGEL MINE is set for release in May 2018 from BWL Publishing. Here is the blurb:
What
in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to
this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as
if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech
weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in
five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's hunter instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
Hope you will enjoy this new series.
Happy Reading.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
Find my list of books at:
Amazon
-
Barnes & Noble -
Smashwords - kobo -
Facebook
Monday, December 18, 2017
It takes a computer to really mess things up - by Vijaya Schartz
I remember a long time ago someone saying "If cars were as unreliable as computers, no one would drive." Well, now computers drive our cars as well. Last summer, a Tesla on autopilot ran full speed into a semi, killing the non-driver. As much as we would like to think technology is perfect, it isn't. And Uber is implementing driverless cars!
We have learned to accept these glitches as growing pains. And like everyone else, I did, gracefully... until a few days ago, when Firefox updated their browser.... and my personal nightmare started.
I tried to contact Cox, of course, but their automatic phone butler keeps you listening to music for hours and never lets you speak to an operator.
"Just reset your password," says one site... but in order to do so, they must accept my old password, which they don't. Then they say they'll send you an email to confirm and you will have to acknowledge the change by clicking the link they emailed you, before you can log in again.... but I can't access my email! Grrrrr.
Maybe there is a story in here... every life experience can be fodder for popular fiction, right? Imagine a world where glitchy computers make life and death decisions... Or is it already happening, and we are not aware of it?
There is a big difference between technology and progress. Although we are making great leaps in technology, progress lags behind, since progress is the evolution of the human mind and the human condition. I think mutual respect, quality of work and life, and caring customer service are part of progress, but these seem to be sorely lacking in today's society.
Sorry for venting here, but I was wondering if you had similar experiences with glitchy technology.
Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Facebook
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
WRITING ANGELS AS ALIENS, FANTASY OR SCIENCE FICTION? by Vijaya Schartz
It's
not always easy for a writer to figure out where what they write fits
in the cookie cutter categories imposed by booksellers and promoters.
Unfortunately, if the book doesn't fit perfectly anywhere, it might be
featured on the wrong sites and blogs, displayed on the wrong shelf
where it will not sell, or be ignored completely.
This
is especially true for writers like me, who like to mix genres. Since
I'm rarely satisfied with one straight genre as a reader, the same is
true when I write. My next book blends Science Fiction (set in space,
other planets, and a space station) with Fantasy (immortal angels with
amazing powers, telepathic felines) and Romance (the love story at the
crux of the book). I also like to write strong heroines, evil villains, a
lot of action, and I enjoy portraying the fight between good and
evil... where the margins are often blurred.
So,
where does my story fit? It's not literary since I write to entertain.
It's not mainstream since Science Fiction and Fantasy are small niche
markets. So, what is it?
One thing I have going for me is my voice. Whether I write medieval romance, fantasy, action adventure, or science fiction, the professional reviewers recognize my unique style... and they usually like my brand of fiction. "Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" CK2sKwipsandKritique.
Originality
and quality are good, I guess, but it takes longer for readers to
discover your particular brand when it is spread over several genres.
And not all are willing to cross genre from medieval to science fiction
to contemporary romance.
The solution? Write for the market? I would never do that. I am proud to write the books of my heart, and I will continue writing them. I may not have as many readers as other popular authors, but my readers are fiercely loyal. They love my stories, and I love them, too. Fortunately, my publishers stick with me because they like my books as well.
So
expect more romance, action, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, or
historical stories, with exotic settings, strong heroines and despicable
villains, where the fight between good and evil is front and center.
Happy Reading!
Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords
Facebook
 |
| White Tiger is an award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy romance featuring a medieval type of society on another planet along with technologically advanced aliens FREE in eBook everywhere |
 |
| The Ancient Enemy series features the "Worst villain in Science Fiction... Captain Kavak" The heroines carry guns, like many of my heroines. They are the key to saving the human race. And romance is their reward. |
One thing I have going for me is my voice. Whether I write medieval romance, fantasy, action adventure, or science fiction, the professional reviewers recognize my unique style... and they usually like my brand of fiction. "Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" CK2sKwipsandKritique.
 |
| Ashes for the Elephant God is a unique brand of reincarnation romance set in India. This award-winning book doesn't fit any category. |
The solution? Write for the market? I would never do that. I am proud to write the books of my heart, and I will continue writing them. I may not have as many readers as other popular authors, but my readers are fiercely loyal. They love my stories, and I love them, too. Fortunately, my publishers stick with me because they like my books as well.
 |
| My latest series, just completed this year, is Fantasy (based on authentic legends) and medieval, as well as romance. |
Happy Reading!
Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords
Monday, August 28, 2017
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets - by Vijaya Schartz
A phantasmagorie of epic proportions. A thousand worlds anchored into one single city floating in space. Virtual worlds to be sure, but worlds nevertheless, where people thrive and tourism brings millions of humans and alien species. I love the graphics, and the many worlds Luc Besson brought to life.
Impressive photography, I loved all the alien races represented and the many worlds, with their different civilizations. There, a tourist can travel through the universe without leaving the safety of the city in space. A very lucrative business, to be sure.
Of course, all repairs and maintenance are performed by robots... including security, by a cylon-like race of faceless military giants.
The heroes are young and fearless, kind and selfless.
Some aliens are peaceful and idealistic.
They have cute pets that can reproduce whatever you feed them... including priceless energy pearls... which they use to create their own virtual world.
But that world is threatened by greedy humans, bent on owning the adorable pets for the sake of controlling energy sources.
I loved that famous actors and personalities play secondary roles... including Rihana, who portrays an alien shapeshifter who helps the heroes along the way.
And of course, there are the alien races. Here are a few examples:
And the various habitats of the thousand planets, and the technology, the spacecraft...
All in all, the movie, like Avatar, is an experience you do not want to miss. As for the story and the characters, unlike in Avatar, I found them too simple, and the characters too young and lacking a back story, not deep enough to be interesting.
Still, if you like science fiction, you will want to see it.
And if you read it, don't miss my own sci-fi novels.
Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Facebook
Monday, September 26, 2016
Brand new covers for CRUSADER and CHECKMATE by Vijaya Schartz
Once in a while, my Canadian publisher, Books We Love, surprises me with fresh new covers for some of my older titles. I was thrilled to see these two offerings for my Archangel twin books.
CRUSADER
Archangel Book One
In kindle HERE
Archangel Book One
In kindle HERE
not all of them human...
Michael
Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single
father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have
fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a
seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets
Michael’s family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from
his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael
must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the
unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.
Fantastic Read ! This is one you'll be sorry to see end, and like me you'll be looking forward to the next book in the series. B&N Nook review - Five stars
"Brilliant!
A must-read book!
Relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept
this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put
it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!"
Metaphysical Reviews
- Five Stars
"Crusader
tells an age-old tale of good versus evil. Excellent. This one is a
true keeper. Schartz pens a
mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting."
Curled Up
With a Good Book
- Five Stars
"...engaging and fast-paced... harmonious mix of enticing story...
where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful...
fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a
marvelous tale of good and evil..." The
Charlotte Austin Review
- Five Stars
"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions
that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly
absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes
and no, the one and the many." The Book Reader
Archangel Book two
Find it in kindle HERE
Former bad
boy Michael Tanner is in a lot of trouble, and being an archangel
hardly helps at all
To quench
his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the
edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial
death of Michael's teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged
Archangel on his father's home world, Michael and his mate must
return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his
native planet from enslavement or worse... But the way home is
fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing
prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his
rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time...
"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer
than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel
universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." The Book
Reader
"...charm
that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer
entertainment." Rapport Magazine
"You will
be hooked... a good read from start to finish." Alan Caruba -
BookViews
"Rollicks
right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy
read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable."
Writer’s Digest
"Wickedly
insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel
Crusader." Five stars - Curled up With a Good Book
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks -
Monday, August 1, 2016
STAR TREK BEYOND - a movie review by Vijaya Schartz
Three years into the five year voyage of exploration, the Enterprise docks onto one of the federation's space stations and we get a taste of what this space station looks like. These scenes were filmed in Dubai, which lends its architecture to futuristic movies. What I found fascinating was the way the tall buildings all pointed to the center of the artificial open sphere, and how at the top the unreliable gravity played tricks on the unwary. Logical, but fascinating nevertheless.
The inciting incident is weak. The damsel in distress begging the federation to rescue her crew was obviously setting a trap. No responsible captain would have rushed without at least investigating. When Kirk said he guessed it was a trap early on, but not early enough, that was a gross understatement.
I liked that new female characters were given an important role. Love this new ally, who kicks butts and takes names, and I like the fact that at the end she plans to join Star Fleet. I hope we see her again.
The male villain had an interesting history, but not clearly explained. I won't spoil the story for you, but I don't understand what prompted his physical transformation. It lacked clarity and didn't seem to make much sense. Was he an alien from the start posing as a human? Or did something happen to him while he was on the alien planet?
Costumes, makeup and special effects were impeccable and breathtaking, as usual... even though I didn't see the movie in 3D.
I enjoyed the fact that the characters were made more human. Bones had a better presence than in the previous movie, and his character in opposition to Spok was funny and interesting, like in the original series, which is what I liked about him.
I enjoyed the motorcycle scene. Quite a stunt, and so fitting for Kirk. Only he would come up with such a dare-devil idea for a distraction.
I enjoyed seeing all the regular characters.
 |
| We also revisited an old federation ship |
It was somewhat sad to see Chekov again played by Anton Yelchin, who was killed by his own car in his driveway when the parking brake failed. it happened shortly before the movie release. Rumor has it that his role will not be recast in future movies.
 |
| R.I.P. Anton Yelchin - here in the role of Chekov |
As for Uhura, her love affair with Spok is still going strong. And on a different note, we learn in this movie that Mr. Sulu is gay. Possibly a wink to the original Mr. Sulu, George Takei.
How many times and in how many ways can we destroy the Enterprise? This
seems to be the recurring theme on all Star Trek movies. This time in
particular, I can't see how they could have possibly salvaged anything
after the destruction, or retrieved any of the pieces. Yet, curiously
enough, at the end of the movie, somewhat by magic, the ship
is restored to its pristine state... ready for the next adventure.
I enjoyed the movie. Hope you do, too.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Website: http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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