If there ever was a book where you need to take notes in-between chapters just to keep up with what is going on, Q-Squared is the one. Renowned author, Peter David, writes the most ambitious Star Trek novel yet. And suffice to say: it is an incredible piece of literature!
Q-Squared is far beyond creative and original. On the surface, the most noticeable aspect is the ever-present Peter David humor--which is well alive and ever abundant in every chapter. However, this novel is so much more than the clever humor...
Plot wise, Q-Squared will take you on a wild adventure between two parallel universes--known in the novel as "Tracks". One of which we are very familiar with as it is the normal crew from the Next Generation television show (Track B). Then there is one that Peter David completely writes up himself where Jack Crusher is the Captain, Commander Picard is the first officer and Nurse Geordi La Forge ( with big brown eyes) is Dr. Beverly Howard's assistant (Track A). Towards the end of the novel, a third universe comes into play--one that is a spin off of the classic TNG episode Yesterday's Enterprise (Track C). Before you collapse from overwhelming confusion about half-way through the book--as you are jumping from track to track--you start to see the order of which everything takes places and how it all comes together. We are following the events of Q and Trelane, but not exactly in sequence. Towards the end of the book, the "walls" of the three universe begin to "fall" and it creates one of the most fantastic endings you will ever read. [Note: It is recommend that you view the TNG episode Parallels first as the concept in Q-Squared is partly based on this episode. It is also recommend you read the ending in one sitting.]
The characters were fabulously developed. You could hear John De Lancie's voice in your head as Q is talking. Trelane, seen in a total of one television episode--The Squire of Gothos, back in the 60's--gains much depth as a character. Although it is not considered "cannon" that Trelane is indeed a Q, can you watch Gothos and NOT think that he is? Peter David takes this obvious notion and completely runs away with it.
A word to the wise: Before you pick up Q-Squared, there are two warnings one must heed: (1) You will need serious Star Trek knowledge to make sense out of some events, and (2) you will need to read it within a few days or you'll get lost. Otherwise, take notes!
This is the most brilliant Star Trek novel you will read. And if you ever decide to re-read it , it will only get better.