The Eugenics Wars: Rise and Fall of Khan Noonian Singh v. 1 (Star Trek) CD

Star Trek has never been afraid to rewrite history, and Greg Cox's impressive first volume in The Eugenics Wars trilogy focuses on Trek's version of the late 20th century. It's the biography of charismatic dictator Khan Noonien Singh, the genetically engineered superman who featured in the original series episode "Space Seed" and the film "The Wrath of Khan". Kirk and crew appear briefly, visiting a planet of genetically enhanced humans, but most of the action takes place in Khan's time. In a fine piece of Trek continuity, the other main protagonists are the stars of original series episode "Assignment Earth": high-tech undercover agent Gary Seven and his assistants Roberta Lincoln and alien feline Isis. It's 1974, and they are investigating the Chrysalis Project, a secret research lab in India, where they find several hundred genetically enhanced children. Four-year-old "Noon" is already the leader of his toddler group. Seven and his sidekicks attempt to sabotage the project before the scientists' genetic tinkering can unleash deadly consequences. He watches over Khan's subsequent development, and 10 years later tries to recruit the boy to help in his own undercover work. The inclusion of Kirk and Gary Seven, as well as several bit-players from various Trek episodes, ensures that although the story takes place during our own recent past, and includes several real historical events, it always feels like a Star Trek novel. Khan himself is presented as a complex character, showing compassion as well as arrogance. This is a promising start to what should be a strong trilogy. --Elizabeth Sourbut Read More