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 EnterpriseTM 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. As reviewed by Bob Manojlovich on June 15, 1998 This is an excellent novel. Frankly, I do not understand all the criticism in the previous reviews. Every piece of work has its flaws, and Joy Machine's were easy to overlook for me. As a TOS fan, I thought that this book read like an episode right from the original run. Not only did it have the feel of TOS, it had a feel of old time SF. Characterizations were excellent, in that they were not portrayed as good/bad people. As in real life, these were complex people with unique perspectives and motives. You did not know what to expect from them The resolution of the novel's main conflict was handled exceedingly well. It was not clear as to what exactly was responsible for the resolution, and as a result Kirk & co. and readers alike, were treated to more realism as all questions were not answered. This was one of the main points of the book. The PURSUIT of knowledge and understanding is the essence of humanity, not the attainment. No doubt the talents of, and the relationship between Gunn and Sturgeon was responsible for this quality Star Trek production. All in all, this is Star Trek at its best. Very thought provoking during and after the read. An authentic return to early Star Trek as we knew it.