I'm reading through the numbered TNG novels this year as part of a reading challenge to myself. (God only knows why, but the beginning of a year sees me grabbing at lists of random reading material in the hope of I don't know what.) This is, I believe, #18 in the series, and it's been an interesting run so far. Some have been good, some have been not so good, and the previous novels have covered all sorts of things but there hasn't been a funny one before. This is funny, and I enjoyed it. It's not particularly deep or anything, but it's a quick, enjoyable read and I'm glad I've finally read it.

I have to admit, Lwaxana Troi is a character I've always found a little grating, but that is absolutely the point of her and so it works. Also, David's done a good job here of making it clear that her over-the-top personality is a way of dealing with her fears for her daughter's safety and future, which is perfectly reasonable. Deanna Troi doesn't always have an easy run of it, and if she's not kicked about within the Trek franchise nearly to the extent of, say, Miles O'Brien, she's still far more often in danger than any parent would prefer. Q, on the other hand, is pure obnoxiousness hiding nothing, and I took deep pleasure in his comeuppance.