Non-Star Trek works full of Klin

[qarSuv]

Savan <Greetings, y'all>

I propose we set up a discussion of books outside the Star Trek franchise which nonetheless are WAY too Klingon in spirit to overlook. I'll go first with a recommendation:

I have come across the Empire trilogy by Raymond E. Feist & Janny Wurtand, while reading it, I could not help thinking, "This is SO Klingon!" and "Is this coincidental, or did the authors just change a couple of exterior things so that they could write unhampered by Paraborg?" Even the magical elements, mainly in the third book, can be a pertinent allegory - for restrained potential, knowledge, technology... I wholeheartedly recommend these books for a detailed look into line politics and what lies beyond, into the intertwining of the personal and the social in the Game of the Structures Which Grow. (I don't know about others, but this concept always makes me think of systems and fractals...)

Dream, grow and LIVE!

qarSuv qemara

[Abbot Nej vIt]

qarSuv,

Great topic!

One series of books which I have often reflected on reminding me of a Klingon cultural exploration (Out of context with the Star Trek universe of course), is C.J. Cherryh's, (Cherryh is pronounced "Cherry" according to the author), Foreigner series.

I think that the obvious Klingon connection I find in these books is likely the very Eastern inspired portrayal of an "Alien" (To Humans anyway) culture in flux due to premature contact with another species.

If one imagines that the series might almost describe a "What if the H'urq had never occupied Qo'noS, Humans had never met the Vulcansand Humans had been the first aliens to make contact" concept, there are a lot of potential parallels. It is not a perfect fit of course, which is good because the Foreigner series is a unique piece of science fiction that stands perfectly well all on its own.

The novels are not so much an exploration of a war like honor bound species, as they are a look at how very different cultures interact with eachother when speciescentric ideals and sensibilities are applied to unknown quantities. The results can be either catastrophic or mutually enriching depending on one's perspective and long term objectivity.

That said, the "Atevi," which are the "Aliens" encountered, are in fact a war like honor bound people, and there are a variety of possible similarities to Klingons which might be drawn. If nothing else, there is an unapologetic process of evaluating Humans as an "Alien" species.

The series is written in three, three book cycles starting with the series namesake, Foreigner. Even if folks read these and find that they disagree with my opinions on possible similar cultural icons, I still think that Sci-Fi fans are likely to appreciate these books for what they are. Which is good science fiction.

Again, great topic!

maj! {Good}...

[qarSuv]

Thank you for the compliment and for the recommendation. I challenge any and all other members to come up with at least one work to present!

[Klythe]

     Yipes.  That is quite a challenge...  So far all I can think of is the Aliens vs. Predator series, where we get to see a female hyoomin go hunting with Predators.  It goes into a little more detail about the predators or the "Yuatja" as the call themselves, but she never really learns their language so being written from her perspective, it's very limited to get into their heads and understand them.  But they do seem to have concepts of Klin and honor. 

    I have heard that as far as "First Contact" scenarios, James Clavell's novel "Shogun" has been recommended as an oft forgotten but incredibly appropriate work, as first contact between Western European culture and Feudal Japan.  One of many books I've been meaning to read for quite a while.   And reading this thread it's rapidly going to be getting longer and longer.

[Kesvirit]

quoth qarSuv: I challenge any and all other members to come up with at least one work to present!

Ever since I received your PM proposing this thread, I have been wracking my brains trying to come up with an example to contribute. All I can come up with are numerous examples of un-Klingon Klingons. *sigh* I used to consider myself fairly well-read.

*goes back to pounding head against wall in the hopes of shaking something loose*