Having recently read a DS9 young adult novel and found it thoroughly refreshing I though I'd try another in the Star Trek young adult book ranges. Satisfyingly this proved to be off the same level of quality as the previous Trek book. Books in these series are no great shakes and cannot be directly compared with original novels as there are certain restrictions the author must operate under. You will not for instance be able to kill off a major character which can restrict the possible story outcomes.

You are also using familiar characters and situations, ones that the reader will be very aware of, and as such there is a danger of imperfections with portayals detracting from the story. Not a case here though, as all are handled with a great deal of care and they behave as we would expect them.

Deanna Troi has left Betazed and he mother to join Starfleet Academy and is face with the holodeck simulation of 'Borocco-Kai'. This is a test which she must pass or be out of the academy (this is where the tension is lessened as she has to pass the test). However she also must cope with the suspicions of her classmates who suspect her empathic abilities give her an unfair advantage and her mother's continuing interference.

This is a quick read, an hour and it is gone. That's not to say it is without any substance. The hour spent was a good one and I do feel my reading brain cells have been refreshed so they can tackle weightier tomes. Every now and again it's good to read something clean and light. Of course it will help if you are a Star Trek fan.