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sil_the_lobster's review
4.0
This one. Ah. I’m torn in half. Fletcher DeLancey is one hell of a great writer and storyteller, and boy does she know her scifi. Even more so, does she know the Star Trek universe. I loved the geeky bits and the adventure story to bits. Her world-building is something else, and I loved the Tsian and Santori storyline. I especially loved how Janeway didn’t swan in to solve all of their problems for them. She very gently nudged a door open but didn’t push anyone through. That was cleverly done!
I also enjoyed reading about some of my favourite Voyager characters, Seven and Tuvok and B’Ellana, and she’s got them spot on. I could almost see Seven raising her eyebrows at Lynne, and hear Tuvok point out the benefits of proper security training. And Neelix and his “Turnover Delight”? Still laughing about that one! Oh, and Q was there, too! Who doesn’t equally love and hate Q? He’s such a pain and so smug and so intolerable, but also fun and charming in a weird way.
So yeah, I much much loved the Star Trek bits. But then there is the romance part, and that I was uncomfortable with. Not because it’s badly written, and not because I’m uncomfortable when reading sex scenes, hell no I’m not. But the thing is, well, how do I put it? I find it difficult picturing Captain Janeway in a romantic relationship. She’s a formidable woman and she’s far from cold, unattractive or anything that would make her an undesirable partner. But in my headcanon (to borrow a standard fandom term) she’s somewhat asexual. That’s probably because we see her as the ship’s captain – controlled, self-disciplined, with high moral standards and impeccable manners. Most of the time. Unless she loses her temper. Then add fearsome to the list. Of course there’s a private side to her, has to be, even the most formidable captain has a life. I know that and yet I had a massive problem wrapping my head around the concept of Lynne and Janeway. And their big talking scene? “It was my fault.” “No, it was my fault.” “I beg to differ but I’m the one to blame.” – ugh, that was very annoying. I think it’s one of the very few things I have in common with men: I hate discussing my feelings to death. And I hate it when others do it. You state what’s up, you discuss some, and that’s it. All that endless back and forth just won’t do for me, and I skipped through most of that passage.
Still, I’m giving four out of five stars for the brilliant storytelling and world-building (although it’s fanfiction and the rules have been set already, a good author will always add elements to what’s given and thus makes it even more interesting, and Fletcher is a very good author), and I’m much looking forward to reading the rest of the Voyager stories.
I also enjoyed reading about some of my favourite Voyager characters, Seven and Tuvok and B’Ellana, and she’s got them spot on. I could almost see Seven raising her eyebrows at Lynne, and hear Tuvok point out the benefits of proper security training. And Neelix and his “Turnover Delight”? Still laughing about that one! Oh, and Q was there, too! Who doesn’t equally love and hate Q? He’s such a pain and so smug and so intolerable, but also fun and charming in a weird way.
So yeah, I much much loved the Star Trek bits. But then there is the romance part, and that I was uncomfortable with. Not because it’s badly written, and not because I’m uncomfortable when reading sex scenes, hell no I’m not. But the thing is, well, how do I put it? I find it difficult picturing Captain Janeway in a romantic relationship. She’s a formidable woman and she’s far from cold, unattractive or anything that would make her an undesirable partner. But in my headcanon (to borrow a standard fandom term) she’s somewhat asexual. That’s probably because we see her as the ship’s captain – controlled, self-disciplined, with high moral standards and impeccable manners. Most of the time. Unless she loses her temper. Then add fearsome to the list. Of course there’s a private side to her, has to be, even the most formidable captain has a life. I know that and yet I had a massive problem wrapping my head around the concept of Lynne and Janeway. And their big talking scene? “It was my fault.” “No, it was my fault.” “I beg to differ but I’m the one to blame.” – ugh, that was very annoying. I think it’s one of the very few things I have in common with men: I hate discussing my feelings to death. And I hate it when others do it. You state what’s up, you discuss some, and that’s it. All that endless back and forth just won’t do for me, and I skipped through most of that passage.
Still, I’m giving four out of five stars for the brilliant storytelling and world-building (although it’s fanfiction and the rules have been set already, a good author will always add elements to what’s given and thus makes it even more interesting, and Fletcher is a very good author), and I’m much looking forward to reading the rest of the Voyager stories.
jamietherebelliousreader's review
5.0
5 stars. You do not have to be a fan of Star Trek: Voyager to enjoy this book. I picked it up because I am a fan and I am also in such a big fan fiction mood right now. This has been on my kindle sitting in my ‘Fan Fiction’ folder for a while and I am so glad that I finally picked it up. I did not put my kindle down once I started this. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t want to stop. It was fantastic.
The writing is brilliant and vivid. I had no problem envisioning everything. The plot was great with Lynne ending up on the Voyager after a mission. She and Janeway bump heads a bit in the beginning because Lynne’s big personality really pushes and challenges Janeway and I loved that dynamic so freakin’ much. The way their relationship gradually developed was great. They are both amazing characters and they both go through such fabulous development. I loved the way they communicated and how open and honest they were with each other even when it was difficult. There was a really well done conversation at the end about the power dynamic between them with Janeway being Captain. I loved every interaction between these two honestly.
There was some great action scenes and emotional moments that left me absolutely hooked. I’m glad that there are four more books to read because I don’t want to leave this world just yet. I need more.
The writing is brilliant and vivid. I had no problem envisioning everything. The plot was great with Lynne ending up on the Voyager after a mission. She and Janeway bump heads a bit in the beginning because Lynne’s big personality really pushes and challenges Janeway and I loved that dynamic so freakin’ much. The way their relationship gradually developed was great. They are both amazing characters and they both go through such fabulous development. I loved the way they communicated and how open and honest they were with each other even when it was difficult. There was a really well done conversation at the end about the power dynamic between them with Janeway being Captain. I loved every interaction between these two honestly.
There was some great action scenes and emotional moments that left me absolutely hooked. I’m glad that there are four more books to read because I don’t want to leave this world just yet. I need more.
bory's review
5.0
Sometimes, after a series of mediocre reads, you just need a palate cleanser. This is one of mine.
On this my third (fourth?) re-read of Past Imperfect, I'm again reminded why I love Fletcher Delancey's work so much. The characters of Voyager are true to form, Lynn Hamilton is a great addition to the series's cast, and the relationship between her and Janeway is great.
One thing that might not be to everyone's liking is DeLancey's tendency to lean a little much into the drama, but it works for me, for these characters, in this setting (though it does get a bit too much in book 3 - Future Perfect).
A 5 star first time read, and a 5 star on the n-th reread.
On this my third (fourth?) re-read of Past Imperfect, I'm again reminded why I love Fletcher Delancey's work so much. The characters of Voyager are true to form, Lynn Hamilton is a great addition to the series's cast, and the relationship between her and Janeway is great.
One thing that might not be to everyone's liking is DeLancey's tendency to lean a little much into the drama, but it works for me, for these characters, in this setting (though it does get a bit too much in book 3 - Future Perfect).
A 5 star first time read, and a 5 star on the n-th reread.
rogue_lurker's review
4.0
The first in a great fanfic series by Fletcher Delancey. If you like Voyageur but were kind of miffed at some of the storylines, this may be for you. Rather than going down the Janeway/Seven or Janeway/B'Elana path, Delancey creates a new character and inserts her into the Voyageur timeline and pretty much rewriting the series. This is fanfic - so it is long, full of hand-wringing angst, a bit of Mary Sue, and lots of kick ass action. But its also a hell of a good read. Honestly, I kind of liked this series better than the show that was broadcast. :)
wc4's review
4.0
Star Trek Voyager fanfic - I've never seen the show (though I've watched the original series and TNG), but still enjoyed the book immensely. Anybody who has read fan fiction can tell you there are various levels of quality, from really horrid to beautifully plotted and written. This belongs to the latter.
Captain Janeway rescues a human kidnapped by aliens from 400 years ago. They develop feelings for each other and romance, with its inevitable bumps along the road, ensues. Add to that aliens, temporal displacements, and the varied crew members of the spaceship, and it makes for a fun read. I can't wait to get to the rest of the series. Bonus: They're free to download from the author's website!
Captain Janeway rescues a human kidnapped by aliens from 400 years ago. They develop feelings for each other and romance, with its inevitable bumps along the road, ensues. Add to that aliens, temporal displacements, and the varied crew members of the spaceship, and it makes for a fun read. I can't wait to get to the rest of the series. Bonus: They're free to download from the author's website!
corrie's review
5.0
Fletcher DeLancey knows how to write sci-fi and write it well. It felt like I was on the bridge with Janeway and haven’t really seen any episodes of Star Trek Voyager for a long time it sure felt like meeting a dear old friend.
Past Imperfect is another example of fanfiction outclassing many published work by lightyears. DeLancey’s plot is engaging and intelligent and taps into that special Star Trek vibe that a real fan of the show will recognize in an instant. Her Kathryn Janeway, Seven of Nine, B’Elanna Torres and Tuvok are solid and come alive on the page. Even original character Lynne Hamilton was well fleshed out and felt like she belonged there. No small feat.
The book has everything you come to expect from a good Voyager episode like an alien encounter, life aboard Voyager, an adventurous away mission into unknown territory, emotional upheaval but also something Star Trek Voyager was never able to show us… a beautiful love story between two strong women.
Isn’t it glorious we have a gifted writer like Fletcher DeLancey who delivers all of that to us? And for free even? We are so damned lucky!
f/f
Themes: Star Trek Voyager, space the final frontier, I want a replicator and a holodeck for Christmas.
5 stars
Past Imperfect is another example of fanfiction outclassing many published work by lightyears. DeLancey’s plot is engaging and intelligent and taps into that special Star Trek vibe that a real fan of the show will recognize in an instant. Her Kathryn Janeway, Seven of Nine, B’Elanna Torres and Tuvok are solid and come alive on the page. Even original character Lynne Hamilton was well fleshed out and felt like she belonged there. No small feat.
The book has everything you come to expect from a good Voyager episode like an alien encounter, life aboard Voyager, an adventurous away mission into unknown territory, emotional upheaval but also something Star Trek Voyager was never able to show us… a beautiful love story between two strong women.
Isn’t it glorious we have a gifted writer like Fletcher DeLancey who delivers all of that to us? And for free even? We are so damned lucky!
f/f
Themes: Star Trek Voyager, space the final frontier, I want a replicator and a holodeck for Christmas.
5 stars
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