The Joy Machine
Timshel was once the vacation spot of the galaxy, full of culture, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable inhabitants. But now Timshel has cut itself off from the universe. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Concerned, the Federation has sent agents to investigate, but none have returned.
Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now they face the most seductive menace of all: perfect happiness.
And the rest of the Federation may soon fall under the irresistible control of the Joy Machine.
James Gunn
James Edwin Gunn (born 1923) is the author of 38 books, including The Joy Makers, Kampus, The Dreamers, and The Immortals.
James Gunn has served as the president of the Science Fiction Writers of America and the Science Fiction Research Association. He has won Hugo, Pilgrim, and Eaton awards and has been a professor at the University of Kansas for 40 years. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas.
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Star Trek: The Original Series (numbered novels)
Star Trek: The Original Series (numbered novels) consists of ninety-seven books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Star Trek: The Original Series
