Review: "Architects of Infinity (Star Trek: Voyager) by Kirsten Beyer, 2018

Architects of Infinity by Kirsten Beyer, 2018
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Architects of Infinity" by Kirsten Beyer is a multifaceted narrative that resonates strongly from an LGBT perspective, especially through the character of Icheb. Set against the backdrop of the Delta Quadrant, the novel re-introduces us to the familiar faces of Admiral Kathryn Janeway and Captain Chakotay, leading the USS Voyager and its fleet in a mission of discovery rather than survival.

 

Central to the plot is the discovery of a planet teeming with unique biospheres in a binary star system. This scientific enigma initially aimed at boosting morale, gradually unfolds into a complex tale interlaced with personal and ethical challenges. The narrative adeptly incorporates the looming threat of the Krenim Imperium, known for their time-altering capabilities, adding a layer of urgency and historical intrigue to the expedition. The Department of Temporal Investigations (DTI) also plays a crucial role, reminding us of the broader implications of time manipulation in the Star Trek universe.

 

Initially, the introduction of numerous new characters felt overwhelming, leaving me unsure of their significance. However, Beyer's skillful storytelling uses the well-established, beloved characters of Voyager as anchors, around which the narratives of the newer characters are intricately woven. This approach brilliantly ties the ensemble together, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that culminates powerfully in the novel's conclusion.

 

Among the main characters, Janeway and Chakotay’s evolving relationship provides a strong emotional core, while Harry Kim and Nancy Conlon’s personal dilemma adds depth to the theme of choice and consequence. Tom Paris and B’Elanna Torres’s family life offers a relatable touchstone of normalcy amidst the extraordinary.

 

Yet, it's Icheb's portrayal that stands out for its nuanced approach to LGBT themes. His relationship with Bryce Finn is explored with sensitivity and depth, delving into his struggle with identity and orientation in a universe often fixated on heteronormative narratives. Icheb’s journey is a heartfelt representation of self-discovery and acceptance, mirroring real-life experiences within the LGBT community.

 

The subplot involving Ensign Gwyn, her Kriosian heritage, and the consequential medical intervention, skillfully intertwines cultural intricacies with personal identity, enriching the narrative fabric.

 

In conclusion, "Architects of Infinity" is a commendable addition to the Star Trek lore. It excels not only in delivering a compelling story filled with exploration and intrigue but also in offering profound reflections on diversity, identity, and the complex tapestry of experiences that define us. For readers, particularly those from the LGBT community, this novel is a significant, progressive exploration of identity and belonging, set in the endlessly fascinating Star Trek universe.

 

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Review: Star Trek: Voyager: Mosaic, by Jeri Taylor, 1996

Mosaic by Jeri Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Star Trek: Voyager: Mosaic, by Jeri Taylor, 1996

Jeri Taylor's "Mosaic," a Star Trek: Voyager novel delves into the past of Captain Kathryn Janeway while simultaneously presenting a Delta Quadrant escapade. As a fan, I found myself engaged by the interweaving narrative strands that took me through Janeway's early life, her time as an ensign, and her relationship with familiar characters like Admiral Paris and Commander Riker.

As the story unfolds, we witness Janeway's extraordinary growth and development, which Taylor masterfully showcases with a seamless blend of action and character development. While the other storyline of the stranded away team initially piqued my interest, I eventually found myself drawn more to Janeway's backstory, particularly her time as an ensign and her interactions with other Starfleet officers.

Despite some minor distractions from occasional technobabble and a slightly rushed ending, the novel's pacing is good, ensuring a entertaining journey from start to finish. Only a few times did I find the connection between the two main narrative strands jarring, but overall, the integration was satisfactory.

"Mosaic" deepens our understanding of Janeway's character, revealing the pivotal experiences and choices that shaped her into the strong, resilient leader we know and admire. For fans eager to explore the untold story of Captain Janeway, this book is a must-read that adds a new dimension to the Star Trek: Voyager universe.

I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

#CaptainJaneway #StarTrekVoyager #MosaicNovel #DeltaQuadrant #JeriTaylor #JanewaysBackstory #StarTrek #Janeway #BookReview #ScienceFiction

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Review: Imzadi by Peter David, 1992

Imzadi by Peter David, 1992
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a long-time Star Trek: The Next Generation fan and on reccommendation , I was excited to dive into "Imzadi" by Peter David, a novel that explores the complex romantic history between Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi. I have to say, it didn't disappoint.

What struck me the most about "Imzadi" was its focus on character development. The story offers a unique glimpse into Riker and Troi's lives before their service on the U.S.S. Enterprise, providing valuable insights into their personalities and the enduring bond they share. As a fan, I appreciated the authenticity of the characters' voices and the way their dialogue often infused humor into the narrative.

David's nonlinear storytelling also piqued my interest, as it added an element of surprise and kept me guessing throughout the novel. I found this approach to be a refreshing departure from the typical prequel format.

However, I must admit that "Imzadi" isn't without its flaws. At times, the novel felt overly melodramatic, and I couldn't help but wish for more focus on Troi's character development instead of centering mainly on Riker's perspective. The time-travel elements, while fascinating, were occasionally confusing, and the book's meta-commentary sometimes felt dated or out of place.

Despite these issues, "Imzadi" remains a memorable and emotionally compelling addition to the Star Trek literary universe. For me, the exploration of Riker and Troi's relationship deepened my understanding of their characters and added a new layer to my appreciation of the show. The novel's blend of romance, action, and mystery kept me engaged and invested in the story.

"Imzadi" may not be perfect, but if you're a fan of the show and interested in a unique take on Riker and Troi's relationship, then I recommend giving "Imzadi" a read.

I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

#Imzadi #StarTrekTNG #RikerAndTroi #PeterDavid #StarTrekNovel #SciFiRomance #TrekLit  #StarTrekBooks #BetazoidLove #StarTrekFans #StarTrek #Trek

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Review: Shadows Have Offended by Cassandra Rose Clarke, 2021

Shadows Have Offended by Cassandra Rose Clarke, 2021
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the vast landscape of Star Trek literature, Cassandra Rose Clarke's "Shadows Have Offended" is a delightful throwback to the golden days of The Next Generation. A breath of fresh air, this standalone novel set during TNG's seventh season brings us back to the beloved characters and invites us on an adventure that feels like a lost episode.

The narrative unfolds in a classic TNG format, with engaging A and B plotlines centered around Dr. Beverly Crusher and Counselor Deanna Troi. Clarke's understanding of these iconic characters shines through, her words effortlessly bringing their voices to life. The story ventures beyond the confines of the television series, adding depth to our understanding of their personal lives and quirks (such as Beverly's love for ham and cheese sandwiches and Deanna's teenage holonovel obsession).

In one plotline, we are treated to a vivid exploration of Betazoid culture and history as Troi returns to her home planet for a long-awaited ceremony. Clarke weaves a tapestry of tantalizing descriptions, transporting us into the midst of Betazed's festivities, complete with ornate costumes, music, and delectable treats. The world-building is immersive, and as we delve into the history of the five houses of Betazed, layers of intrigue and secrecy are peeled back.

Lwaxana Troi, the ever-entertaining Madame Ambassador, graces the pages with her larger-than-life presence. We witness her relationship with Captain Picard evolve, showcasing her often-overlooked ambassadorial skills. Meanwhile, the early stages of Troi and Worf's relationship provide a perfect blend of fluff and professionalism, as they work together on a mission involving ancient Romulan vendettas and a mysterious Betazoid.

The second storyline follows Dr. Crusher as she joins an away team on a seemingly peaceful planet. However, true to Star Trek form, things go awry, and the team is thrust into a bizarre series of events. Clarke's introduction of original characters, like the endearing Lt. Rikkilä, adds depth and intrigue to the tale.

The novel's charm lies in its nostalgic feel and attention to detail, reminiscent of the TNG novels many of us grew up with. While not a heavy-hitter in terms of themes or morality issues, "Shadows Have Offended" is a warm, comforting read that will transport you back to the Enterprise-D and leave you hoping for more adventures from Clarke in the TNG universe.

I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

#StarTrekTNG #ShadowsHaveOffended #DeannaTroi #BeverlyCrusher #BetazoidCulture #CassandraRoseClarke #EnterpriseD #TNGNovel #TroiAndWorf #StarTrekLiterature

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Review: Second Self by Una McCormack, 2022

Second Self by Una McCormack,2022
My rating: 4.33 of 5 stars

In "Second Self," author Una McCormack takes us on a captivating journey through Raffi Musiker's life between seasons one and two of Star Trek: Picard. The novel delves into Raffi's past as a Starfleet Intelligence officer, her personal struggles with addiction, and her re-emergence into the world after the events of Picard's first year. The story unfolds across three time periods, exploring the complex history of the planet Ordeve and its impact on the Bajorans, Cardassians, and Romulans.

McCormack masterfully weaves Raffi's personal story with the larger narrative, as she navigates a world where right and wrong are often blurred. The novel also features Elim Garak, a Cardassian favorite, whose ultimate fate is poignantly revealed. Other beloved characters, such as Admiral Picard, Captain Rios, and Elnor, make appearances and contribute to the rich world-building.

The intricate structure of the novel, which requires careful attention from the reader, pays off as it explores themes of sadness, regret, and the consequences of one's past actions. "Second Self" enhances the Star Trek universe by shedding light on Raffi's character, her relationships, and the Dominion War's aftermath.

I rate this novel 4.33 out of 5 stars.

#SecondSelf #StarTrekPicard #RaffiMusiker #UnaMcCormack #Cardassians #Romulans #Bajorans #ElimGarak #StarTrekNovel #DominionWar #StarTrek

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Review: Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events, by Brent Spiner, 2021

Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events by Brent Spiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events, by Brent Spiner, 2021

Weird, fun, loopy, and self-referential, I think you have to be a Star Trek: TNG fan to be able to appreciate this book. It's not groundbreaking nor probably turn into a future classic, but it had its moments. It's part memoir, part fiction-noir pastiche, but generally entertaining and makes me wonder how much is true.

The story starts off with a pig's penis, death threats from Lal, Data's android daughter, twin ladies of interest, and some killings or murders. Along the way, we get tidbits of what set life is like for an actor working on a Star Trek set in Hollywood.

Overall, Brent Spiner did manage to get more than a few hearty chortles out of me, out loud. I say listen to the audiobook, read by Spiner himself, and it'll be worth your while, mostly.

I rate this book 3.75 stars out of 5 stars.

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Review: Star Trek: Picard: Rogue Elements (Star Trek: Picard #3), by John Jackson Miller, 2021

Rogue Elements by John Jackson Miller
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Star Trek: Picard: Rogue Elements (Star Trek: Picard #3), by John Jackson Miller, 2021

Synopsis:

Starfleet was everything for Cristóbal Rios—until one horrible, inexplicable day when it all went wrong. Aimless and adrift, he grasps at a chance for a future as an independent freighter captain in an area betrayed by the Federation, the border region with the former Romulan Empire. His greatest desire: to be left alone.

But solitude isn’t in the cards for the captain of La Sirena, who falls into debt to a roving gang of hoodlums from a planet whose society is based on Prohibition-era Earth. Teamed against his will with Ledger, his conniving overseer, Rios begins an odyssey that brings him into conflict with outlaws and fortune seekers, with power brokers and relic hunters across the stars.

Exotic loves and locales await—as well as dangers galore—and Rios learns the hard way that good crewmembers are hard to find, even when you can create your own. And while his meeting with Jean-Luc Picard is years away, Rios finds himself drawing on the Starfleet legend’s experiences when he discovers a mystery that began on one of the galaxy’s most important days…

 

Review:

What a dump-truck-on-fire of a novel this was. I tried hard to like the book, and I even almost abandoned it several times, but I had to plow through it because I wanted to get to know more of Rios' backstory and how he came to be the captain of his starship of La Sirena. Considering these novels in the Picard book trilogy are to be regarded as canon, I had a certain level of expectation. But this author did the character Rios and the Star Trek franchise some grave disservice. 

The author reduced Rios into a wise bumbling fool who can't catch a break and is always a victim of circumstance. Such a shame and waste of opportunity to bring Rios to life with a rich backstory. Instead, we get the one-trick pony slapstick humor repeatedly throughout the book, minor characters with no dimensions who we will probably never hear of again, and the Iotians.

I rate this book 1.5 star out of 5.

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Review: The Dark Veil (Star Trek: Picard #2), by James Swallow, 2021

The Dark Veil by James Swallow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Dark Veil (Star Trek: Picard #2), by James Swallow, 2021

Taking place after the Synth revolt on Mars Shipyard but before the Romulan Star supernova, this second installment in this series isn't a direct sequel but could have easily been a standalone novel. The book follows the adventure of the USS Titan, captained by Will Riker. Here we learn more about the secret Tal Shiar subcompartment Zhat Vash their plottings mired in paranoia and subterfuge by way of how the story's adventure unfolds.

I feel as though the point of this book is to give weight and provenance to the Zhat Vash threat, who are introduced in the television show Picard season 1. Perhaps reading this book first before watching the first season of Picard might have eased stalwart Star Trek viewers into the existence of a credible threat that underpinned the entire show. Much of what happens in the book doesn't really move Star Trek lore forward, as most things that occur are sealed in a bubble of confidentiality, never to be shared with anyone else nor put in any Starfleet reports.

Overall, the book moved at a decent pace, became engaging about a quarter of the way in, and was a fun read.

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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Review: The Last Best Hope (Star Trek: Picard #1), by Una McCormack, 2020

The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Last Best Hope (Star Trek: Picard #1), by Una McCormack, 2020

The book follows Picard from the first moment he learns about the Romulan supernova, all the way through his eventual resignation from Starfleet after the synth attack on Mars — the final scene in the book takes place just moments before Picard and Raffi discuss his resignation in “The End is the Beginning.”

2019 Comics Countdown #1 and #2 by Kirsten Byer seems to be the blueprint for this novel. Between reading the comics and watching Season 1 of Picard, I wasn't sure how much I would get out of this book, so I set my expectations accordingly. To my delight, I enjoyed this read quite so. If the comics were the skeleton, then this book is the meat that thoughtfully fleshes out the characters and fills in the details the television show expects us to accept. I feel the author truly captures Picard's essence yet transforms him into the much older Picard character depicted on the television show. If I had read this book before season 1 of Picard, the depiction of the older Picard wouldn't have been so jarring and easier for me to accept. Another brilliant move by the author was to explain Raffi Musiker's relationship with Picard in a manner that allows us, the reader, to understand her motivations and experiences when she was a Starfleet officer. How she came to call him JL and her position as Picard's new "number one" on the USS Verity was handled carefully and just as craftily.

I rate this 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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Review: Star Trek: Picard: No Man's Land: An Original Audio Drama

Star Trek: Picard: No Man's Land: An Original Audio Drama by Kirsten Beyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Star Trek: Picard: No Man's Land," by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, 2022

"No Man's Land" is an audio drama read by Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd along with other voice actors. The story takes place between ST: Picard Season 1 and Season 2 and revolves around Seven and Raffi.

The story fills in some blanks of what happened with Seven and Raffi between season 1 and season 2 of Picard. It's partly a love story (or a breakup, depending on how you view it), wrapped around the adventures of Seven with the Fenris Rangers.

Seven is definitely more human and less borg in this audio drama which makes sense as it would align with her character on the tv show. I found myself not caring much about what the bad guy did or even the plot, and just the interaction between Sever and Raffi was enough for me to enjoy the story.

I rate the story a 2.5 out of 5, and performance 5 out of 5.

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Review: Star Trek Destiny: Lost Souls (book 3 of 3)

Lost Souls by David Mack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final installment to this trilogy nicely bookended the origin and demise of the Borg. The story revolves around three starships captained by Ezri Dax, Riker, and Picard and Erika Hernandez who is living with the Caeliar. A smaller portion, but no less important, is spent telling the story of the MACOs stranded with the Caeliar's city of Mantilis-- where the Borg originated.

I liked everything about this book except for two things; Picard made to seem so impotent and unlike his established character, and Troi painted out to be a real b*itch without a good reason. 

"Star Trek: Discovery: Desperate Hours" by David Mack, 2017

"Star Trek: Discovery: Desperate Hours" by David Mack, 2017

Writing the very first Star Trek Discovery tie-in novel was bestowed upon David Mack, and, in my opinion, he did not disappoint.

 "Star Trek: Discovery: Desperate Hours" takes place one year before the "Star Trek: Discovery" pilot episode and one year after the U.S.S. Enterprise visited Talos IV. We know that the characters and ships we see in the pilot are going to make it through the ordeal in this book. But, for me, that doesn’t detract from the tension or suspense whatsoever – there is excellent pacing and even better character development. And that’s what this novel needed to be: A way for us to get to know these new characters and their relationships on a deeper level, and Mack accomplishes this goal by teaming them with the characters that we already know-- Captain Pike and Spock of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The story begins with Captain Phillipa Georgiou offering a conditional promotion to Lieutenant Michael Burnham as first officer. This places Burnham in conflict with Kelpien science officer Lieutenant Saru, who was the more seasoned officer and only receives a promotion to second officer. Georgiou, Burnham, and Saru must take the Shenzhou to Sirsa III where a mysterious craft, dubbed the Juggernaut, is attacking the colonists. When it becomes clear that the Juggernaut may pose a threat to the Federation should it leave the planet, Starfleet sends Captain Christopher Pike and the Enterprise to destroy it, with the colony as collateral damage. The story focuses on the conflict between the two ships and their crew, with both trying to do what they think is best for the galaxy.

I was pleased at the amount of insight the novel gives into the characters of Captain Georgiou, Michael Burnham, and Lieutenant Saru, but also by the excellent treatment of some old Trek favorites. Through the story and along the way, Mack includes interesting character studies through combined boarding parties, such as Una from the Enterprise and Saru, but particularly through Burnham and Spock. After the death of her parents, Spock's father Sarek raised Burnham on Vulcan, where she attended the Vulcan Science Academy. In this way, she is like a distorted reflection of Spock, who was estranged from his father while struggling to balance his human and Vulcan ancestry, eventually leaving Vulcan to attend Starfleet Academy. Their interaction drives the story and, as this focuses on a younger Spock, Mack has the ability to present a character still developing into the more familiar iteration of the character.  

It’s a good sci-fi book in general, and an almost-outstanding Trek novel in particular. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy the Burnham-Spock part of the narrative.Well worth the purchase for any fan of the franchise.

Book description from cover:

Aboard the Starship Shenzhou, Lieutenant Michael Burnham, a human woman raised and educated among Vulcans, is promoted to acting first officer. But if she wants to keep the job, she must prove to Captain Philippa Georgiou that she deserves to have it.

She gets her chance when the Shenzhou must protect a Federation colony that is under attack by an ancient alien vessel that has surfaced from the deepest fathoms of the planet’s dark, uncharted sea.

As the menace from this mysterious vessel grows stronger, Starfleet declares the colony expendable in the name of halting the threat. To save thousands of innocent lives, Burnham must infiltrate the alien ship. But to do so, she needs to face the truth of her troubled past, and seek the aid of a man she has tried to avoid her entire life—until now.

My rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars) - I liked it.

The Valiant (Star Trek: The Next Generation), by Michael Jan Friedman, 2000

The Valiant (Star Trek: The Next Generation), by Michael Jan Friedman, 2000

USS Stargazer’s latest tour of duty, second officer Lt Commander Jean-Luc Picard, is ordered to investigate the rumors of an alien species, the Nuyyad, that is reportedly planning to invade the Federation.

The Captain of the ship dies during a battle, while his first in command enters a coma, leaving Jean-Luc Picard acting captain. After a subset of the crew fails to mutiny, Picard solidifies his role as the leader of the and captain of the ship. They finally head off across to the Galactic Barrier to investigate the Nuyyad, Magnians, and Kelvans.

Once they arrive at the destination, Picard deals with a human race capable of telepathy, like Mitchell from TOS, some saboteurs, and an all out battle with an alien star base. In the end, Picards proves triumphant and earns the permanent commendation of Captain of the USS Stargazer.

This book is not what I expected. I went into this book thinking I can get through it fairly leisurely and without much attention to the details. This book read much like other Star Trek books in such that it read like a tv episode. What made this a bit different is the amount of backstory and subplots compressed into such a small amount of space. I  found myself frequently backtracking and examining how the current events relate to the previous ones and how they would be relevant to the upcoming  ones.

I think the story could be expanded and layered; building a stronger connection from one plot to the next. It might also be easier to follow.

My rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 5 stars) - It was okay.

http://memory-beta.wikia.com/wiki/The_Valiant

The 34th Rule (Star Trek Deep Space Nine #23), by Armin Shimmerman, 1999

The 34th Rule (Star Trek Deep Space Nine #23), by Armin Shimmerman, 1999

The Ferengi declare war on Bajor and Starfleet evacuates DS9. All for what?  All for that religious belief relating to the Orb (the 9th one).

The war comes about when the Grand Nagus decides to exclude the Bajorans from the line of authorized bidders of the 9th Orb of Celestial some sort of other blah blah blah.

The Bajorans, as usual, come off as terroristic, and Major Kira especially cunty. Yes, cunty, to a point where her character is just plain despicable.

As it turns out, the Ferengi engineered the entire turn of events to maximize their profits by manipulating purchases and capitulations of all species involved.

This novel is one of the few I know about that depicts the Ferengi as a non-comedic relief. The Ferengi in this book had substance and might and taken seriously by the Federation and Bajor.

Personally, I could have done without the internment camp sub-plot. I mean, it has some small role that contributed to the twist and added to the allure of a "strong Ferengi Empire". It was cheesy as far as I'm concerned.

My rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars) - I liked it.