Friday, October 28, 2011
Author Interviews: Keith R.A. DeCandido and Michael Martin
At The Chronic Rift, in the latest episode of Dead Kitchen Radio, Keith R.A. DeCandido reflects on Star Trek: S.C.E., a series of novels he co-created. Meanwhile, StarTrek.com offers another great Star Trek author interview, this time an epic two-parter with Star Trek: Enterprise: The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm author Michael Martin.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Star Trek: New Frontier #10: Excalibur: Renaissance
By Peter David
As in the first book of the Excalibur trilogy, this novel follows some of the former members of the crew of the recently destroyed starship Excalibur as they go their seperate ways and have their own adventures. One storyline involves Selar, Burgoyne, and their child, Xyon,whose gender is at last revealed...he's a boy. Selar has taken Xyon back to Vulcan to be raised as a member of that species. Burgoyne is furious about this, desiring a relationship with hir son and convinced the child must be raised as both a Vulcan and a Hermat. S/he pursues Selar to Vulcan and eventually challenges her to ritualized combat similar to that seen in the famous Original Series episode Amok Time. I have always thought that episode was interesting because of Spock's repressed sexual energy being channeled as violence towards Kirk (a man he loves), so it was fun to see that sexual tension brought to the surface between these two characters in this way. The Selar/Burgoyne/Xyon storyline is brought to a satisfying conclusion, and provides a nice ending (for now) to the soap operatic relationship between those characters that New Frontier fans should enjoy. My only gripe with this section of the book involves a surprise guest star brought in at the end. I didn't really understand why this character would involve himself in Burgoyne's and Selar's domestic dispute.
Meanwhile, Robin Lefler and her enigmatic mother, Morgan, take a vacation on the pleasure planet Risa. While there, they encounter Montgomery Scott, always a welcome presence in any Star Trek story. Scotty and Morgan have a bit of a flirtatious relationship, and Robin seems to have found romance as well, but the young man she has met is harboring dark secrets. This storyline is not wrapped up completely in this novel and leads directly into the final book of the Excalibur trilogy.
I liked this book more than the previous novel in the series, mostly for the resolution of Selar and Burgoyne's relationship and the appearance of Scotty. It still feels like a bit of an appetizer before the main course, but a tastier one this time out.
As in the first book of the Excalibur trilogy, this novel follows some of the former members of the crew of the recently destroyed starship Excalibur as they go their seperate ways and have their own adventures. One storyline involves Selar, Burgoyne, and their child, Xyon,whose gender is at last revealed...he's a boy. Selar has taken Xyon back to Vulcan to be raised as a member of that species. Burgoyne is furious about this, desiring a relationship with hir son and convinced the child must be raised as both a Vulcan and a Hermat. S/he pursues Selar to Vulcan and eventually challenges her to ritualized combat similar to that seen in the famous Original Series episode Amok Time. I have always thought that episode was interesting because of Spock's repressed sexual energy being channeled as violence towards Kirk (a man he loves), so it was fun to see that sexual tension brought to the surface between these two characters in this way. The Selar/Burgoyne/Xyon storyline is brought to a satisfying conclusion, and provides a nice ending (for now) to the soap operatic relationship between those characters that New Frontier fans should enjoy. My only gripe with this section of the book involves a surprise guest star brought in at the end. I didn't really understand why this character would involve himself in Burgoyne's and Selar's domestic dispute.
Meanwhile, Robin Lefler and her enigmatic mother, Morgan, take a vacation on the pleasure planet Risa. While there, they encounter Montgomery Scott, always a welcome presence in any Star Trek story. Scotty and Morgan have a bit of a flirtatious relationship, and Robin seems to have found romance as well, but the young man she has met is harboring dark secrets. This storyline is not wrapped up completely in this novel and leads directly into the final book of the Excalibur trilogy.
I liked this book more than the previous novel in the series, mostly for the resolution of Selar and Burgoyne's relationship and the appearance of Scotty. It still feels like a bit of an appetizer before the main course, but a tastier one this time out.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Author Interviews: Mike Johnson, James Swallow, and Chris Bennett
These have been online for a little while now, but for those who haven't seen them: startrek.com interviews Mike Johnson and Roberto Orci about the new Star Trek comic book series, and also chats with Chris Bennett about his new e-book, The Struggle Within. Over at Unreality SF, Cast No Shadow author James Swallow discusses his work in novels and video games.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Star Trek: The Return
By William Shatner with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens
The Return was originally conceived by William Shatner while he was filming Star Trek: Generations, wherein Captain Kirk was killed. While Paramount rejected Shatner's proposal to resurrect Kirk in the films, that story idea became an excellent novel.
Picking up immediately where Generations left off, Ambassador Spock has come to Veridian III to pay his final respects to his friend James Kirk, who had been buried on the planet's surface by Captain Picard after having fallen in battle. Also on Veridian III is Commander Riker, heading an honor guard to remove Kirk's remains from the planet for a proper burial. Suddenly, an unknown alien ship attacks, transporting Kirk's remains away. It turns out that the alien ship is part of a Romulan/Borg alliance, led by a female Romulan Commander who wants revenge on Kirk, who she holds responsible for the death of her father. The Borg resurrect Kirk using alien technology, and brainwash him for use as an assassin. His ultimate objective is the murder of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who the Borg see as a particular threat given his prior experience as a part of the Borg Collective.
The resurrected Kirk spends most of the book in a state of confusion. He is uncertain of his own identity, but is manipulated by the Romulans to attack various crew members of the recently destroyed Enterprise-D on his trail to assassinate Picard. Picard, meanwhile, is on a covert mission, along with Beverly Crusher, to infiltrate and investigate the Borg in hopes of preventing a suspected invasion. Eventually, the Romulans' hold over Kirk is broken, and he, Picard, and the crew of the Enterprise-D (along with Scotty and a very aged Dr. McCoy) travel to the Borg homeworld for a final confrontation with the Collective. Characters from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also appear in the novel.
Shatner really makes an effort not only to tell an entertaining Kirk story (as only the man who portrayed him for so many years can), but also crafts a fine novel set in the timeline of Star Trek: The Next Generation that allows those characters to shine. In fact, I would argue that in its blending of the two generations of Star Trek characters, this novel was more successful than the Generations film. It is also interesting that Shatner chose an epic confrontation with the Borg as a follow-up to Generations, as this was of course the approach taken by the next film, Star Trek: First Contact. That film and subsequent episodes of Star Trek: Voyager probably contradict some of the Borg material in this novel, but I'm not the type of Star Trek fan who is bothered by that sort of thing. I would rather have a cool story first and let the continuity sort itself out later. And, indeed, Shatner's depiction of the Borg here is really fantastic. Giant, multi-limbed Borg, Borg animals, interlocking Borg cubes, Borg space stations inside transwarp space, the Borg Homeworld, and a suprising connection between the Borg and the events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture are all elements that make for a really exciting science fiction adventure, regardless of whether or not they fit into established Star Trek continuity.
I basically loved everything about this novel. Captain Kirk vs. Captain Picard. Captain Kirk and Captain Picard allied against a Borg/Romulan threat. An epic adventure that spans the galaxy, and an ambiguous ending that suggests Kirk's adventures in the twenty-fourth century are only just beginning. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. If this isn't great Star Trek fiction, I don't know what is.
The Return is the second book in the "Odyssey" trilogy, preceded by The Ashes of Eden and followed by Avenger.
The Return was originally conceived by William Shatner while he was filming Star Trek: Generations, wherein Captain Kirk was killed. While Paramount rejected Shatner's proposal to resurrect Kirk in the films, that story idea became an excellent novel.
Picking up immediately where Generations left off, Ambassador Spock has come to Veridian III to pay his final respects to his friend James Kirk, who had been buried on the planet's surface by Captain Picard after having fallen in battle. Also on Veridian III is Commander Riker, heading an honor guard to remove Kirk's remains from the planet for a proper burial. Suddenly, an unknown alien ship attacks, transporting Kirk's remains away. It turns out that the alien ship is part of a Romulan/Borg alliance, led by a female Romulan Commander who wants revenge on Kirk, who she holds responsible for the death of her father. The Borg resurrect Kirk using alien technology, and brainwash him for use as an assassin. His ultimate objective is the murder of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who the Borg see as a particular threat given his prior experience as a part of the Borg Collective.
The resurrected Kirk spends most of the book in a state of confusion. He is uncertain of his own identity, but is manipulated by the Romulans to attack various crew members of the recently destroyed Enterprise-D on his trail to assassinate Picard. Picard, meanwhile, is on a covert mission, along with Beverly Crusher, to infiltrate and investigate the Borg in hopes of preventing a suspected invasion. Eventually, the Romulans' hold over Kirk is broken, and he, Picard, and the crew of the Enterprise-D (along with Scotty and a very aged Dr. McCoy) travel to the Borg homeworld for a final confrontation with the Collective. Characters from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also appear in the novel.
Shatner really makes an effort not only to tell an entertaining Kirk story (as only the man who portrayed him for so many years can), but also crafts a fine novel set in the timeline of Star Trek: The Next Generation that allows those characters to shine. In fact, I would argue that in its blending of the two generations of Star Trek characters, this novel was more successful than the Generations film. It is also interesting that Shatner chose an epic confrontation with the Borg as a follow-up to Generations, as this was of course the approach taken by the next film, Star Trek: First Contact. That film and subsequent episodes of Star Trek: Voyager probably contradict some of the Borg material in this novel, but I'm not the type of Star Trek fan who is bothered by that sort of thing. I would rather have a cool story first and let the continuity sort itself out later. And, indeed, Shatner's depiction of the Borg here is really fantastic. Giant, multi-limbed Borg, Borg animals, interlocking Borg cubes, Borg space stations inside transwarp space, the Borg Homeworld, and a suprising connection between the Borg and the events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture are all elements that make for a really exciting science fiction adventure, regardless of whether or not they fit into established Star Trek continuity.
I basically loved everything about this novel. Captain Kirk vs. Captain Picard. Captain Kirk and Captain Picard allied against a Borg/Romulan threat. An epic adventure that spans the galaxy, and an ambiguous ending that suggests Kirk's adventures in the twenty-fourth century are only just beginning. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. If this isn't great Star Trek fiction, I don't know what is.
The Return is the second book in the "Odyssey" trilogy, preceded by The Ashes of Eden and followed by Avenger.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
This Month in Star Trek Books: October 2011
The following Star Trek books are available this month:
Star Trek Vault: 40 Years From the Archives
by Scott Tipton
available: now
From the Publisher:
Star Trek Vault charts the remarkable history of the world's most popular science fiction series, examining the franchise's first 40 years. Covering all six Star Trek television series and the ten original feature films, the book highlights the far-reaching social and scientific optimism that underpins the franchise, dwelling on milestones such as its groundbreaking mixed-race casts and technologies that have since become commonplace, before taking an in-depth look at the making of each series and movie. Fully illustrated with more than 350 images, and including 13 interactive reproductions of the most fascinating memorabilia from the CBS archives--on-set signage, hand-drawn storyboards, blueprints for Picard's captain's chair, and a vintage T-shirt transfer--Star Trek Vault provides a broad perspective on the voyages of Captains Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, and Archer. The ultimate treasure trove of Star Trek imagery and memorabilia, Star Trek Vault is sure to appeal to both the casual and the die-hard fan.
Star Trek: Typhon Pact: The Struggle Within
by Christopher L. Bennet
available exclusively as an e-book: now
From the Publisher:
An original e-novella in the acclaimed Typhon Pact series! The Enterprise-E is on a diplomatic mission to the Talarian Republic, the last holdout in the Federation’s efforts to expand the Khitomer Accords in response to the emergence of the Typhon Pact. In the wake of Andor’s recent secession, the Federation is more concerned than ever with strengthening its alliances. The Talarians have been a tenuous potential partner at best, given the history of conflict and mistrust between them and the Federation. But the negotiations between Picard and the Talarians are disrupted by a growing public protest of those who are demanding greater rights—and before long, it becomes clear that the dissidents are not limiting themselves to nonviolent means….
Shatner Rules: Your Key to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large
by William Shatner
available: now
Not, strictly speaking, a Star Trek book, but of interest to Star Trek fans for obvious reasons. From the Publisher:
You love William Shatner.
You admire his many and varied talents.
You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks.
You want to learn his master negotiation techniques.
You wish you could hang out with him.
Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner.
And now...you can (almost).
This collection of rules, illustrated with stories from Bill's illustrious life and career, will show you how Bill became WILLIAM SHATNER, larger than life and bigger than any role he ever played. Shatner Rules is your guide to becoming William Shatner. Or more accurately, beautifully Shatneresque.
Because let's face it...Shatner does rule, doesn't he?
Star Trek: Enterprise: The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm
by Michael Martin
available: 10/25/2011
From the Publisher:
EARTH STANDS ALONE
The Coalition of Planets has shattered, with Vulcan, Andor, and Tellar abrogating the treaty. Their pledge to come to the mutual defense of any power that is attacked has been shunted aside. Horrified by how easily the Romulans can seize control of their advanced starships, turning them into weapons, Andor and Tellar have joined Vulcan on the sidelines. Humanity is now the only thing that stands between the Romulan Star Empire and total domination of the galaxy.
To drive humans from the stars, the Romulans employ ruthless and murderous tactics . . . and even dare to strike on the Vulcan homeworld with the hopes of demoralizing their Vulcan brethren. Heartened by their victories, the Romulans carry their all-out war assault closer to the heart of humanity—Earth.
But the tattered remains of Starfleet stand unwavering, with the resolution that never again would any enemy strike ever reach Earth. On the front lines of the Earth- Romulan War is the United Earth flagship, the Starship Enterprise. Her captain, Jonathan Archer, has seen his vessel of exploration become a battleship. Once hailed for his work bringing the Coalition of Planets into existence, Archer is now a pariah. Undaunted, the captain keeps fighting, searching for allies and determined to do his duty: to save Earth and forge a new federation of planets.
Star Trek Movie Universe Box Set
by David Messina (artist), Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Mike Johnson, and Tim Jones
available: 10/25/11
From the Publisher:
Relive the Star Trek franchise re-launch on the comic book page with this collector's edition slipcase containing all three Star Trek movie-related trade paperbacks. Find out how and why Nero and Spock have such a tenuous relationship in Countdown! Learn about the dark years Nero spent plotting his revenge against Spock and the Federation in Nero! And finally, experience the motion picture all over again in the strikingly stylish Official Motion Picture Adaptation!
Star Trek Vault: 40 Years From the Archives
by Scott Tipton
available: now
From the Publisher:
Star Trek Vault charts the remarkable history of the world's most popular science fiction series, examining the franchise's first 40 years. Covering all six Star Trek television series and the ten original feature films, the book highlights the far-reaching social and scientific optimism that underpins the franchise, dwelling on milestones such as its groundbreaking mixed-race casts and technologies that have since become commonplace, before taking an in-depth look at the making of each series and movie. Fully illustrated with more than 350 images, and including 13 interactive reproductions of the most fascinating memorabilia from the CBS archives--on-set signage, hand-drawn storyboards, blueprints for Picard's captain's chair, and a vintage T-shirt transfer--Star Trek Vault provides a broad perspective on the voyages of Captains Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, and Archer. The ultimate treasure trove of Star Trek imagery and memorabilia, Star Trek Vault is sure to appeal to both the casual and the die-hard fan.
Star Trek: Typhon Pact: The Struggle Within
by Christopher L. Bennet
available exclusively as an e-book: now
From the Publisher:
An original e-novella in the acclaimed Typhon Pact series! The Enterprise-E is on a diplomatic mission to the Talarian Republic, the last holdout in the Federation’s efforts to expand the Khitomer Accords in response to the emergence of the Typhon Pact. In the wake of Andor’s recent secession, the Federation is more concerned than ever with strengthening its alliances. The Talarians have been a tenuous potential partner at best, given the history of conflict and mistrust between them and the Federation. But the negotiations between Picard and the Talarians are disrupted by a growing public protest of those who are demanding greater rights—and before long, it becomes clear that the dissidents are not limiting themselves to nonviolent means….
Shatner Rules: Your Key to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large
by William Shatner
available: now
Not, strictly speaking, a Star Trek book, but of interest to Star Trek fans for obvious reasons. From the Publisher:
You love William Shatner.
You admire his many and varied talents.
You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks.
You want to learn his master negotiation techniques.
You wish you could hang out with him.
Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner.
And now...you can (almost).
This collection of rules, illustrated with stories from Bill's illustrious life and career, will show you how Bill became WILLIAM SHATNER, larger than life and bigger than any role he ever played. Shatner Rules is your guide to becoming William Shatner. Or more accurately, beautifully Shatneresque.
Because let's face it...Shatner does rule, doesn't he?
Star Trek: Enterprise: The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm
by Michael Martin
available: 10/25/2011
From the Publisher:
EARTH STANDS ALONE
The Coalition of Planets has shattered, with Vulcan, Andor, and Tellar abrogating the treaty. Their pledge to come to the mutual defense of any power that is attacked has been shunted aside. Horrified by how easily the Romulans can seize control of their advanced starships, turning them into weapons, Andor and Tellar have joined Vulcan on the sidelines. Humanity is now the only thing that stands between the Romulan Star Empire and total domination of the galaxy.
To drive humans from the stars, the Romulans employ ruthless and murderous tactics . . . and even dare to strike on the Vulcan homeworld with the hopes of demoralizing their Vulcan brethren. Heartened by their victories, the Romulans carry their all-out war assault closer to the heart of humanity—Earth.
But the tattered remains of Starfleet stand unwavering, with the resolution that never again would any enemy strike ever reach Earth. On the front lines of the Earth- Romulan War is the United Earth flagship, the Starship Enterprise. Her captain, Jonathan Archer, has seen his vessel of exploration become a battleship. Once hailed for his work bringing the Coalition of Planets into existence, Archer is now a pariah. Undaunted, the captain keeps fighting, searching for allies and determined to do his duty: to save Earth and forge a new federation of planets.
Star Trek Movie Universe Box Set
by David Messina (artist), Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Mike Johnson, and Tim Jones
available: 10/25/11
From the Publisher:
Relive the Star Trek franchise re-launch on the comic book page with this collector's edition slipcase containing all three Star Trek movie-related trade paperbacks. Find out how and why Nero and Spock have such a tenuous relationship in Countdown! Learn about the dark years Nero spent plotting his revenge against Spock and the Federation in Nero! And finally, experience the motion picture all over again in the strikingly stylish Official Motion Picture Adaptation!
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