I started typing "interesting but a little bland," for this review, which seems a contradiction, really, but I stand by it. The Enterprise is taken over by an intelligence made of clay, brought on board from an away mission to a geological research station. I don't have a whole lot of faith in the science here, but that's not the point. It reminded me of every blob-based B-grade horror ever made, and that isn't a criticism, I adore B-grade horror, but I can't say I was surprised at anything that happened... the opening hook was clearly never going to come to pass, so not much tension there. And as such, it was likeable enough and mildly interesting, but... yes, bland. Picard is a reserved personality, but there's a difference between reserved and muted and I think that got glossed over a bit here. On the other hand, I do enjoy seeing Troi acting as a counselor to people onboard, and her treatment of a young adult here was sympathetic and plot-relevant, although not being autistic myself I can't comment with any level of accuracy on Penelope's experiences.

Not the best Trek book I've read, but not the worst either. Just solidly average, I think.