Gene Roddenberry Books

Back when there was little else written about Star Trek, before David Gerrold's great "World of Star Trek" analysis or Franz Joseph's blueprints, "The Making of Star Trek" was the ultimate. I devoured it as a boy in the early '70s. To this day I don't think anyone can consider themselves a true original series die-hard without having read this book. It really does take you inside the making of the show, but keeps it on a professional level, without salaciousness. That's because the book wasn't written as something for the few Star Trek fans that were known of then, but as a book about how to write for TV, as older printings stated on the cover. That does leave some things out, but those details have been covered since by other books and memoirs.

Since this was written while the series was in production, it's a good view into how people felt then, even refreshing because Trek had yet to become a pop culture colossus, so the book doesn't have any of that built-in reverence. They were making a good TV show that aspired to be something better than most everything else on then, but in the end it was considered just another TV job, certainly not anything that would become legendary.

For instance, "The Defenders," one of the highest praised, most thoughtful and well-written dramas of the '60s, is scarecely remembered by anyone not old enough to have seen it. Part of the issue with that series had to do with rerun-rights issues, but another part had to do with the times then, when TV was still rather young, and shows were thought of as rather disposable, coming and going without much of an afterlife except for "Lucy" and "Honeymooners" reruns. When you think of it in that context, it's easy to see why Gene Roddenberry bailed on Star Trek after it became clear NBC was out to kill it, even though the letter campaign forced them to bring it back for a third year.

The pics and blueprints within the book are cool but may not be as impressive today. At least the blueprints, while not "accurate" by today's standards, were drawn by Matt Jefferies himself. Remember, though, for a long time this was all the reference stuff available. However, if you want what is still a good insider's look into the making of the show, plus Gene Roddenberry's take before even he got sucked into the myth, this is a must-read.

hey Spouk

the capitalization of quotes from Roddenberry (aka the Great Bird of the Galazy) give one "the bizarre impression that he is a god" because for the series, he was :-)

i have a copy of the original publication, read it then and howled, still think it is a great read.

BTW Terry Pratchett uses the same literary device of all caps for Death, in the Discworld series.

Harlan Ellison's memories of the show are fascinating reading as well. As are David Gerrold's.

I read this in the Seventies and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I've bought it again and enjoyed it all over again. Fascinating behind-the-scenes look at TOS. You have to read this book to understand what a groundbreaking series Star Trek was. You also learn how grueling a TV series is to work on. This book is fascinating, and sometimes hilarious!

This is a classic. It is the first book of its kind, and probably the first book about Star Trek at all. But The Making of Star Trek is much more than any of the later books with similar names. This book doesn't idealize or simplify the making of the series. It doesn't enthusiastically praise everything and everyone involved in its production. It is an authentic and meticulous report on how TOS in particular and a TV series in general comes to life. It shows that it is a process of try and error, that aspects have to be taken into account the viewers wouldn't think of, and that the responsible persons don't always know exactly what they want ("I need some device that does something...").

The story how Stephen E. Whitfield (aka Stephen E. Poe) asked Gene Roddenberry if he could write a book about the series sounds like a fairy tale, but is true. The Great Bird was very forthcoming, and Whitfield was granted access to everything behind the scenes of the still running show, seemingly without any restriction. The book shows production schedules, budgets, private notes, script drafts, production sketches, all things that are usually kept secret or simplified for a larger public. I don't think that something like this would be still possible today. Compared to The Making of Star Trek, Whitfield's last book (he passed away in 2000) on Voyager seems rather superficial.

The Making of Star Trek may be over 30 years old, but it is of more than only historical value. It demonstrates that TV is a business that sometimes doesn't allow technical or artistic perfection. It also shows how many things we may take for granted and that are essential parts of the Star Trek Universe today have taken a rather surprising course change. Who would like Vulcans with names like "Spook, Spork, Splak, ..." as frequently suggested in the early days, or who would think that one race was originally described with the words, "Honor is a despicable trait.", namely the Klingons?

There are probably loads of 'Making of Star Trek' books out there, but this is particularly interesting as it was written in 1968, between the second and third series, before the show had become a phenomenon. Which is odd at first - everything is in the present tense, and there's nothing about the cultural impact of the show because that was all in the future. Doubly odd is the fact that all of the many quotes from Gene Roddenberry are reported IN BLOCK CAPITALS, giving the bizarre impression that he is not a television producer, but God Himself.

It's extremely detailed, and is as much about the making of any TV late-60s series as it is 'Star Trek'. There are bits from shooting scripts, set plans, photographs of noted theatre actor William Shatner in old-age makeup (looking nothing like he looks in genuine old age), profiles of production staff, and programme budgets which, translated dollar-for-dollar, would just about cover the catering bill on 'Star Trek : The Next Generation'. It's worth it for the stream of memos about Vulcan names alone.

I found this book in a used section at a local bookseller. I remembered the series from TV and thought what the hay. As a semi-regular fan of the series later years, this book filled in lots of details I had forgotten about, or didn't know. Auger is better than usual, Liam shows up alot. Unlike most franchise novels this is more than just one episode put into book form.

This is a good example of science ficture literature. Part of the series that was spawned by the popular TV program, this latest title follows protagonist Liam Kincaid as he once again battles the Taelons as they are planning to release a retrovirus on the unsuspecting people of Earth. If they survive, they will develop the Shaqurava that, until now, only the Taelons possess. The ending is somewhat predictable, but fun to read anyway. Check out Augur's computer variation of Lili. She's a hoot!

Many E:FC fans dislike Liam Kincade for various reasons. This book gives alot more insight into the character of Liam then was ever given in S2. The author seems to want to make Season 2 make more sence then it did on TV and does a very good job. I enjoyed the Conversation with Ha'gel and the Flashbacks of Ha'gels memories of the Atavus! The book goes into alot of detail of how the Jaridians and Taelons were split apart and how the Kimera were involved. In Season 1 and 2 We are often given sketchy, cryptic details by Da'an and Zo'or about the Atavus and the Kimera and how the Taelons were created. The author takes those and binds them all together so they make sence. Very well done and compelling reading. I couldnt put it down. The writers on the TV show should take lessons from this author. Who knows, maybe she can make Season 5 make some sence.

Heritage is the 5th EFC book, and almost certainly the best.

While "Arrival", "The First Protector" and "Requiem for Boone" focus on event before the show, and "Augur's Teacher" focuses on an original chracter, "Heritage" is purely about Liam.

The basis is that Zo'or's latest project is to give humanity shaquarava through a virus, shortly after the season two episode "Second Chances". (Shaquarava are the glowing things on Liam's hands, for those unfamiliar with the series) Not knowing that Liam is one-third Kimera, and has shaquarava of his own, Zo'or orders that Liam is administered the virus. The virus gives Liam access to some of his genetic memories, including the knowledge that it was the shaquarva that turned the Atavus into Taelons, and started them on that nasty treacherous path of theirs.

Hayley Simmons (from episodes "Second Chances", "Thicker Than Blood" and "Take No Prisoners") is a major player, and there are bits of Liam/Hayley romance. While it is questionable that Zo'or would attempt to give humans shaquarva (which could allow humanity to join the Commonality), this is a minor flaw.

The plot is mainly plausible, executed with a minimum of techno-babble, and makes sense in context with the rest of the series. There are excellent explanations for the Taelons' hatred of the Kimera and how the Taelons and Jaridians differ. All characters are very, umm... in character.

Anywho. It's a great book.

The book resolved quite a few open issues with regard to the origins of the Taelons and their connection to the Jaridians and the Kimera. The series was not very good at this. As a matter of fact, the series created a more questions in its fifth season that it neglected to answer. I enjoyed the book and hope to read more by this author and others writing about this sci-fi series.

This book probably does the best job of all the E:FC books so far at portraying the characters and feel of the TV show. The Taelons characterizations are bang on. Lots of references to the TV show, especially the episode "Cloister". I like the authors explanations of minor details of the show. Like the Taelons hand gestures and why protectors frequently wear jackets. The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Nice job blending Human and Taelon history. I liked the ending, just like the TV show. Leaves you with something to think about. Remains true to the spirit of the show. Just because the Taelons are powerful, Humans can be capable of something that they aren't. My one and only complaint would be that the chapters about the Taelons were too short! More like this please! =D

This book probably does the best job of all the E:FC books so far at portraying the characters and feel of the TV show. The Taelons characterizations are bang on. Lots of references to the TV show, especially the episode "Cloister". I like the authors explanations of minor details of the show. Like the Taelons hand gestures and why protectors frequently wear jackets. The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Nice job blending Human and Taelon history. I liked the ending, just like the TV show. Leaves you with something to think about. Remains true to the spirit of the show. Just because the Taelons are powerful, Humans can be capable of something that they aren't. My one and only complaint would be that the chapters about the Taelons were too short! More like this please! =D

Great characters with depth and complexity! Tense, mysterious, involving plot! Riveting action! Give me more like this...

I admit, I don't read media tie-ins very often. Since I like the Earth Final Conflict series---particularly the earlier seasons-I decided to take a chance on Glenn Sixbury's Legacy. To my delight, I discovered that Sixbury not only stays true to the characters, he gives them depth that is not apparent in a one-hour television show. He expands on the best features of the Earth Final Conflict series and adds a few twists of his own.

In particular, I found his scenes between Da'an and Zo'or riveting. Sixbury has captured the Taelon movements perfectly. His interpretations of their hand motions, their expressions, and their political machinations are fascinating and believable.

The plot is unique, as well. The story centers around Archeologist Waneta Long and her discovery of an ancient Cherokee artifact. It quickly becomes apparent that this artifact is of interest to the Taelons and therefore to the resistence movement, as well. Unknowingly, Waneta becomes a pawn in the three-sided struggles between the opposing Taelon factions and the human resistence movement.

Though she is not part of the series, I found Long to be a sympathetic character in a captivating situation. Sixbury's use of Cherokee mythology and mysticism dovetails nicely with Taelon "history." Overall, Glenn Sixbury's Legacy is a fun read, both for fans of the show and those who have never seen it before.

Archeologist Waneta Young uncovers a strange looking red crystal infixed inside a piece of pottery found at a dig on a sacred mountain in the Eastern Cherokee Nation. The crystal contains an ancient destructive power guarded by anointed Cherokee shamans against those who will abuse the frightful force.

However, the human freedom resistance and the competing Taelon factions learn of the find and each struggles to take control of the red crystal. Each group assumes possession means world domination. However, unleashing the genie from the bottle may prove more dangerous and deadly than any of the competitors realize as only the Cherokee Nation understand this doomsday machine that the red crystal contains. Emancipated from the crystal prison will mean the end of the world unless Waneta the chosen one retains control of a force that none of the triad will be able to direct.

This reviewer planned to invoke the fifty-page rule expecting to waste a half an hour reading GENE RODDENBERRY'S EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT: LEGACY because long running TV series adaptations into novels usually lose steam after a few novels. However, instead this reviewer finished a great tale in one sitting. Glenn R. Sixbury does the impossible of adhering to the nature of the TV cast while enhancing their known personality quirks and traits (Zo'or's depiction is amazing) yet provides freshness with a strong tale that includes the trifecta conflict and a deep look into Cherokee mythos. Fans of the series will relish this powerful action-packed tale while those not familiar will enjoy a strong speculative fiction novel.

Harriet Klausner

Yvonne Fern a former Nun, spent months with Gene and his wife Majel whom the book is dedicated to. I am not a Trekie and originally bought the book for my son who is a major Star Trek fan. But I opened the book and read a few pages, then a few more pages. Then within days I was 3/4 thru the book and had gained such respect for the man Gene Roddenberry and realized he was much more than the man behind Star Trek. On page 2 I see my Father speaking, thru MsFern/Mr Roddenberry: "Gene Roddenberry did not believe in time. He never spoke of the future in the future tense, to me. It was always, "the future is", not "the future will be".

The book is wonderful because it also covers the marriage he had, and the uniqueness of his personaility. On page 95 Ms Fern notes: "Like many writers he carries a population sround inside of him-ideas, fancies,noions,characters,theories,possibilities,dreams. They buzz constantly with opposing suggestions,contraditory philosphies, conflicting needs. They make demands on him that they begiven life." This is why he was a genius. An eccentric of sorts. So many people live "safe" lives. People like Mr Roddenberry take risks and lead the lives they are meant to live. Interetsing that people admire men/women like him, yet how few people are have that spirit of adventure. Mr Roddenberry didn't see race, religion, gender, but LIFE in its fullest form. The book covers his feelings on these subjects as well as sex.

This book is a modern day Homer. Everyone should buy it ! I bought copies for my local library.

James Blish was a science fiction writer who wrote over 27 novels, including "A Case of Conscience" for which he won a Hugo Award and one of the earliest Star Trek novels "Spock Must Die!" He also adapted the original Star Trek novels for a series of Star Trek Readers in the late 1960's and proved himself to be as good at novelization, or whatever we call it in this case, as anybody I have ever come across. The details he puts into the stories, without adding anything new to the actual tale, are amazing. Just read the beginning of his version of "The Trouble with Tribbles" where he talks about how the "harmless" little creatures.

The first volume in "The Star Trek Reader" series brings together volumes 2, 3 and 8 of the original "Star Trek" paperback series into one volume and what is arguably the best of Blish's efforts in this series in his version of "The City on the Edge of Forever." It is actually really and truly Blish's version because he takes what he thinks is the best of Harlan Ellison's original script and the teleplay of what actually aired way back when. Blish admits this was a tricky thing to try and manage and fretted that he might owe apologies all the way around. What Blish is able to salvage is mainly Ellison's original conclusion, although we know Harlan would have liked it if the character of Trooper had made it into Blish's version. But certainly it is a valiant effort.

The other episodes from "Star Trek 2" are "Arena," "A Taste of Armageddon," "Tomorrow Is Yesterday," "Errand of Mercy," "Court-Martial," "Operation--Annihilate!" and "Space Seed." If I remember, correctly, the rationale behind what episodes were included in each volume had to do with their relative popularity, which explains why you have several first-rate episodes in this particular volume. Blish was an excellent writer, who died well before his time, and his adaptation of the Star Trek episodes prove that it was the stories rather than the specific effects that made it a special series. From "Star Trek 3" we have "The Trouble With Tribbles," "The Last Gunfight," "The Doomsday Machine," "Assignment: Earth," "Mirror, Mirror," "Friday's Child" and "Amok Time." "Star Trek 8" provides "Spock's Brain," "The Enemy Within," "Catspaw," "Where No Man Has Gone Before," "Wolf in the Fold," and "For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky."

With not only "The City on the Edge of Forever" but "The Trouble with Tribbles," it is easy to make the case that "The Star Trek Reader I" is the best of the four volumes. "Space Seed," "Mirror, Mirror," and "Amok Time" are also episodes that tend to pop up on a lot of the Top Ten lists by "Star Trek" fans. In the old days, when the original "Star Trek" was in syndication in your market, if you were lucky and videotapes were way in the future, these books by Blish were pretty much all a lot of us had. So the only way to really enjoy the episodes was to collect the paperbacks with these adaptations. Now we just have to get these books reprinted again for the next generation of Trekkers to enjoy because in many ways they hold up better than the original series (better special effects in your mind's eye).

This is a good book. I like it because it has novelized eight different star trek episodes.

A scroll recovered from an archeological site throws into doubt the story of Kahless the Unforgettable, who is revered by the Klingons. The clone of Kahless enlists the aid of Captain Picard and Lieutenant Worf to prevent opportunists from using the occasion to effect a coup d'etat.

Although his prose is frequently clunky, author Michael Jan Friedman passes the test of a Star trek author, which is whether his novel would make an effective addition to the filmed canon. He has a firm grasp of the characters and his story fills an important gap in Trek history.

I've decided to get some of the Audiobooks of Star Trek novels that don't peak my interest. I am not a big fan of Audiobooks anyway so only the books that I will probably never get around to reading are the ones that I am going to be listening too. A friend of mine can get Audiobook real cheap. So I downloaded Kahless on my ipod and I was on the road.

I have heard nothing but good things about Michael Jan Friedman and I even own several of his novels but I haven't had a chance to read any of them. So I figured this would be a nice introduction, and it certainly was. I am not a big Worf fan... he's okay... but every since he punked out in Skin of Evil during season one I have never been able to respect him to the fullest. So that's why this book about the klingons was not a must read.

It started absolutely fascinating as the legend of Kahless was proved to be make believe. A scroll was found that pretty much said that everything klingons believed about Kahless was not true. This bit of information could break up the empire forever. So the "current" Kahless who is a clone of the original sets out to seek the truth and keep the empire in one piece. However, he needs help so Worf feels it is his duty to find out the truth. Picard also joins in the quest to find out the truth of the legend of Kahless and the conspiracy that is threatening the empire.

As far as in the Audiobook the only characters from TNG is Picard, Worf (they are in it throughout) and Riker and Troi have cameos. All four are written extremely well. With the help of Kevin Conway (narrator) it was very easy to imagine the story that is playing out right into front you. The fight scenes were explained by the author and narrator with a lot of feeling. The other klingon characters were introduced and handled well too. As with all Audiobooks I feel that a lot was missing. I serously doubt that I would ever give an audiobook above 3 stars. However, I really enjoyed this adventure and if you are a Next Generation fan then I think you will too. I recommend reading the book. This story was actually to good to just do the Audio on. I have just purchased the book and will get around to reading it soon.

The Three stars is for the Audiobook I think the book itself will get a much better score.

In this novel by Michael Jan Friedman we get to see the truth behind the legend. The novel is based on the events from the TV episode. The lie that is the legend and the truth are separated in this story. If you like Klingon battle scenes and history as it happened this was one of the first Klingon books of it's time. It's surprising to be that MJF wasn't allowed to expand on this concept. Currently, R. A. DeCandido writes about our favorite Klingons. However I'd still like to see a few by Friedman.

Klingon mythos are treated on the series as a footnote rather than an established fact.This Novel seperates the man from the myth.If you follow Star Trek closely like I do then you can easily recognized the legend of Kahless and instead of unknown references and stories about him,you'll get the truth from his own words.

It's amazing how well this Novel is written and how they really paid attention to detail.All the stories told always have a motitum of truth behind them as well as the actual truth inserted.You'll really see who Kahless was as a man and how he would in the coming centuries is remembered as a savior of the Klingon Empire and celebrated as a God.

Even the side story with Riker,Troi and Alexander Rozenko is really well done and doesn't suffers from the pitfalls of the side stories from previos ST Novels.

But the main plot will have reading until exhaustion.It's one of those rare Novels you simply can't put down.And if you're a huge Klingon fan like I am you have to read this Novel.One of the best Star Trek Novels in my collection and one that you can't aford to pass up.

Read and enjoy.You won't be disapointed I promise.

You had to know if Spock could meet the image of Surak, father of all the Vulcans now hold to be true, then we should not have been surprised that Worf would get to meet Kahless the Unforgettable. However, when the most famous Klingon of them all was resurrected via cloning in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "Rightful Heir," Kahless 2.0 became the Emperor of the Empire again and a symbolic but still unifying figure. "Kahless" is a "STNG" novel by Michael Jan Friedman (who wrote the comic book for DC), are purports to provide the truth behind the legend of the Klingon Empire's greatest warrior (and did you know they have trademarked the word "Klingon"?).

"Kahless" is a double-tracked novel, where we begin in "The Modern Age" of "STNG," and then go back to "The Heroic Age" in which the original Kahless lived. The story takes place in the eighth year of Jean-Luc Picard's command of the "Enterprise-D," which means it takes place between the events of the show's final episode, "All Good Things," and before what happens in the theatrical film "Star Trek Generation." Olahg, one of the clerics of Boreth, is part of a team excavating one of the sacred locations where Emperor Kahless had walked. He discovers a buried box that contains a scroll that purports to be the work of Kahless the Unforgettable, and written on the scroll are word that can only be considered blasphemy by the faithful in the Empire.

What the words on the ancient scroll do is through into doubt the ancient stories that have been passed down regarding Kahless. Of course, what this is really about is seeing the man behind the legends, and no one, not even Kahless the Unforgettable, can stand up to the mythology that has sprung up about him. For fifteen hundred years the Klingons have revered Kahless as not just their first emperor and the man who first united their people, but as the legendary warrior who taught the Klingons the meaning of honor. All Klingon children learn of how Kahless and his brother Morath fought for 12 days and nights because Morath had broken his word and killed their father, dishonoring their family. If the truth strips away the myths and fables, the Klingons might not like what is left.

With the Klingon Empire threatening to come apart at the seems, Kahless turns to the few people he can trust, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Lt. Worf of the starship "Enterprise." Friedman's book goes back and forth between the treachery, rumors, and possibility of civil war in the Modern Era with the story from the Heroic Age of the young Klingon warrior named Kahless who defied the tyrant Molor. The legend says Kahless forged the first bat'leth and founded the Empire after slaying the tyrant, a battle celebrated with the Kot-baval festival. But we learn that while Kahless was concerned with preserving his honor and the safety of his family, but once he reluctantly became the leader of the rebels, he had to make decisions on a more practical basis.

I appreciate the idea that myths and legends spring up around what we would call world historical individuals, and distort the "real" them. Abraham Lincoln was arguably the most hated man in America, in the North as well in the South, pretty much until the night he was assassinated. The problem, such as it is, would be that we only know bits and pieces of the legend and lore of Kahless from a handful of episodes, mostly from "STNG" and usually involving Worf because the big irony is that the one Klingon officer in Starfleet is probably the most ideologically pure follower of Kahless around, which is why the cloned emperor can trust him. But this gives Friedman plenty of space to flesh out the story so he gets to stack the deck the way he wants. Still, those who are particularly interested in the Klingon culture will have to at least check this one out and see what they think of what Friedman came up with. Just remember, "qaStaHvIS wa' ram loS SaD Hugh SIjlaH qetbogh Ilod" (I know others have said it here, but it is so true).

Do you love his wit? His cheerful smile? His omnipotence?
Well, here is the book for you - the scripts from all the times he decided to visit his friends in Star Fleet!
The book starts off with 'Encounter At Farpoint' and goes on to 'Hide And Q', 'Q Who?', 'Deja Q', 'QPid', 'True-Q', 'Tapestry', 'Q-Less', 'Death Wish', 'The Q And The Grey' and 'All Good Things'(which I think is the least interesting of all the encounters).

If you are into scripts and the technical aspects of seeing production scripts as they were used - this is a good set.

If you are a fan of Star Trek:The Next Generation era, and more specificlly, a "Q" fan..this is a must.

It features all the "Q" interuptions - interventions that John De Lancie performed brilliantly throughout the run of all four series. Great writing by the authors, but more memorable is the performances as you read through this journel of script.

Very entertaining and if you watch the episodes at the same time, you'll see the subtle differneces the actors bring to their characters. Get it!

I love the Q concept. We all have this spark of divinity, and power resonates with us. We also like a good smart alec like Lucifer in Milton's "Paradise Lost." Q whets both of these appetites. The Next Generation is an unusual series in that Q serves as a judge of humanity in the first and last episodes. It is a brilliant move by Rodenberry to have these bookends that frame the discussion and the series. There is something more than entertainment or collegiate forensics, but the actual question of humanities survival, with the Continuum as the metaphorical judges. You see a similar device used in the last episode of "Seinfeld," which was a clip show, but also Seinfeld on trial. Lucky, unlike Seinfeld, Picard was not found wanting.

This book has all the TV series scripts that have Q, expect "Q and the Grey," and any possible Cameo in "Enterprise." Aside from this one deletion, it's all here. It is titillating to watch the development of Q from a quasi-god or Loki being that were so prevalent in The Original Series (Melkots, Metrons, Orgainians, etc), but to a likeable almost Bart Simpson character. He was called the God of Lies, but he did let Data have a laugh.

This is not prose, but the actual scripts used in films, so keep that in mind whey you are buying. Remember the trouble you had with reading Shakespeare? Same format, so it is a little hard to read, and you need John de Lancie to breathe life into this one letter character.

There are several photos from the episodes, although I wish we had a better picture of the Continuum from "Death Wish." But the Q-Zone novel trilogy paints a better picture than they did with the voyager episode.

Aside from that one caveat, I recommend this for any Q-aholic as myself. Except for "Encounter at Farpoint," and "All Good Things," these episodes have not been novelized. This is your only source for the acid lines, with and wisdom of our favorite being.

I love this book. The schmuck above, my friend actually, didn't read far enough. That missing scene is indeed in the book. Hope to see more of Q in the future!

It's hard working in groups when you're omnipotent.

I love this character, he's a schmuck, but he's so damn fun, and irreprisible. When I grow up I want to join the Continuum.

This book is great. It is wonderful having access to the scripts. Being the Q nut that I am I could only give this book four starts. I was reading the episode where Amanda is involved. There is a part where Q tests here but inducing a warp core breach. He tells the crew he was responsible. They ask him what if Amanda had not been able to stop the breach, and he responds that then he would know she wasn't a Q. That part didn't appear in the transcripts.

All in all, great.

To my way of thinking, "Inside Trek" is one of the two most important Star Trek memoirs, presenting series creator Gene Roddenberry in breath-takingly sharp focus from about 1974 till his death in the eary 1990's (five years after the original series' cancellation, and up through the movie, "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country").

As unflinching in detail as the book by Herbert Solow and Robert Justman, Ms. Sackett manages to create a far more lively portrait of her boss, from the point of view of long-time office wife, and long-time secret lover. The portrait often not flattering, but invariably rings true.

Almost as heart-breaking as "My Tour of the Galaxy" (Grace Lee Whitney), with as strong a narrative as "Beam Me Up, Scotty" (James Doohan), "Inside Trek" also serves as a cold hard slap in the face for anyone with more than one or two illusions about Hollywood.

Perhaps the only unresolved question by the end of the book revolves around the role of Majel Barrett (Roddenberry's second wife) in his life. Based on Ms. Sackett's very convincing and detailed information, and my own reading between the lines, Ms. Barrett (Nurse Chapel, and other roles) comes off looking as utterly self-absorbed as William Shatner (and, to a lesser extent, Leonard Nimoy), to the great detriment of Mr. Roddenberry. As this "testimony" is not exactly corroborated elsewhere (notwithstanding NBC execs' complaints in the Solow/Justman book) we should probably not jump to any conclusions about Ms. Barrett (though she certainly seems awful in several of Ms. Sackett's colorful anecdotes).

New stories abound in this well-written (unauthorized) biography, which should make it extremely interesting to the Trek afficianado, and invaluable to any student of the Film & TV industry.

Susan Sackett's unique perspective brings new insight into Gene Roddenberry, the amazing creator of "Star Trek" who changed the face of filmed sci-fi forever. Their love story is touching and heartrending, and Susan's personal influence on Roddenberry's inventiveness has never before been revealed. Susan is a remarkable woman who has lived a one-of-a-kind life that's both fascinating and inspiring. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's ever seen "Star Trek" - or ever been in love.

Susan Sackett makes no apologies as she not only tells the reader about her contribution to the 'Star Trek' franchise, but her love affair with Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry. (And, for the record, she has no need to make any apologies).

As one who probably knew him best, Miss Sackett was one who kept Roddenberry on track (or at least attempted to) in his creative life, as she offers little tidbits of how she was there when the original series went off the air, up to the inception of 'The Next Generation' and the films...(And Miss Sackett would write a few books based on the original series, and show up as an extra in a 'Next Generation' episode 'The Neutral Zone' in the blue skirt and go-go boots uniform).

As a personal inspiration to Roddenberry, Sackett gives us a portrait of Roddenberry, who was definitely a flawed human (as we all are in some way), and was kept afloat somewhat by her presence as he endured ups and downs while dealing with 'Star Trek' productions.

As one of the other reviewers mentioned above, a good read for those in love, and those very much interested in 'Star Trek'...

This is not a biography nor is it an autobiography. It is a unique kind of document.

It is Susan Sackett's story and it is the story of Gene Roddenberry's final days, showing the roots of those final events within the years of Star Trek The Motion Picture, and Star Trek: The Next Generation and the deepening and developing intimacy between Susan Sackett and Gene Roddenbery.

Susan Sackett has taken an odd point of view to tell this story of her position in the world of Star Trek. As a writer, I have to admire the tight, disciplined writing.

The story she tells is searingly gut-wrenching, harrowing and filled with anguish dotted with moments of joy and happiness.

It haunted (still haunts) me day and night for a number of reasons.

As primary author of the Bantam paperback Star Trek Lives! and a professional sf/f writer active through those years in Star Trek fandom, I was aware of these events but from an entirely different perspective. This book has filled in the blanks and answered many questions for me.

During the intervening years, I have likewise been aware of the private lives behind the scenes of several very famous and popular writers who ended their days enmeshed in very similar kinds of situations.

Reading this book awakened the feelings of watching such events from the sidelines, helpless to affect the course of things. It also brought home how very ordinary such an extraordinary situation is among the famous and powerful figures of this world.

Sackett's writing style is factual, the language prosaic, completely devoid of purple prose, hyperbole, or passion. And that showcases the realities of this happy/sad situation that surrounded Gene Roddenberry as he fought to give the millions of dedicated fans the show they so richly deserved.

The point of view is entirely Susan Sackett's. These are the events behind the miraculous achievements of Gene Roddenberry, and this is what it felt like to be involved inside those events, and this is the enormous price Roddenberry paid to give us this miracle.

Not once in this narrative is there any speculation, accusation or finger-pointing. There is no blaming, no "flaming" and no attempt to present the motives of others which Sackett could not possibly have known except as supposition through a veil of emotion.

This document is an amazing piece of work, a tour de force of the writer's craft and a bit of history that may one day prove invaluable to researchers if enough copies survive here and there. Put one away for your grandchildren today.

I can't tell you that every word is true. I can tell you that you will not find a more objectively written account of a purely subjective experience anywhere in your public library. Just for that achievement, this book should be studied by every would-be writer. And while you're studying this book, do tally up the price of fame and the cost of glory and ask yourself if you really do want to be a writer after all.

Live Long and Prosper,
Jacqueline Lichtenberg...

I'm thinking perhaps this is a book with more appeal to women than to guys. I dunno. I've always admired Gene Roddenberry's accomplishments, but this book left me feeling very sad for him and his family.

The two main characters come off as rather pathetic. First, there's Roddenberry. It seems that, regardless of his marital status, pushes himself upon any reasonably attractive, reasonably intelligent woman within his sphere. The beginning of his affair with Sackett totally skeeved me out -- married (to Majel Barrett Roddenberry, his second wife), with a newborn baby in the house, he first manipulates Sackett, his newly hired assistant, into swimming naked in his pool. Then, despite being rebuffed, he continually solicits oral sex from her, until she finally gives in. Yuck. And throughout their affair he shows little interest in her pleasure; indeed, in his booze-and-pills-addled state there's not much he could do. Nor is he even capable of being "faithful" to her.

Then there' s Ms. Sackett. She is clearly warm and extremely intelligent, but is incapable or unwilling to engage in much self-assessment. OK, she falls in love, I get it. But to a man she can never have, Roddenberry being both married and impotent. And then she finds emotional consolation in two other men she can never have (they are gay). Anyone else see a pattern here?

Along with the stories of their motel-room trysts, afternoon sneak-aways and occasional trips, I anxiously wanted to find some sense of emotional growth, some movement beyond her self-described codependency. It never comes, and this is what left me feeling low. At one point, she attends a weekend seminar that sounds a lot like Landmark Forum, and claims to emerge feeling "empowered." But even that doesn't seem to spark any analysis of her codependency. Toward the end, as Roddenberry's health severely declined, she's asked to take a pay cut. Finally, she's shocked when his death leaves her on the outside. Isn't that the near-universal fate of the "other woman?" And yet, a decade and a half is insufficient time for Ms. Sackett to prepare herself professionally, legally or emotionally for the inevitable.

Sackett reports the details of her long affair in a dispassionate and believable way, backed up by ample photographs of the two of them. And others have written of Roddenberry's flaws; that's nothing new. Hollywood's "boom and bust" cycles have led many brilliant, talented people to alcohol and drug abuse or other questionable behaviors.

I initially began reading the book for some of the behind-the-scenes Trek details. There's not all that much that hasn't been revealed elsewhere. I do have a better understanding of why D.C. Fontana and David Gerrold, two wonderful talents, bailed on Star Trek: The Next Generation so early on -- Roddenberry's lawyer, whom he insisted on involving in script editing (despite no experience), comes across as a complete putz. It's no wonder they left, and I considered their departure a great loss for that show. But, as is clearly stated on the jacket, this book is primarily the story of Roddenberry's and Sackett's relationship.

In the end, if the story of this extramarital affair sounds intriguing, go for it! Being a rather pragmatic guy, I confess to a lack of empathy for Sackett's story, though I admire her matter-of-fact prose (you don't get the feeling she's trying to settle any scores with this book).

I suppose I'd feel better if I knew that this book was cathartic in some way for the author. A warm and witty woman like Susan Sackett deserved more than Roddenberry could give, and maybe this book helped her move on. At least, I hope she's taken down that portrait of him that she says she has hung in her hallway --it's time it got shoved in the attic.

This novel is essentially light reading -- a good novel to take to the beach. That said, I did feel the book was well plotted and well put together. It also had a number of very original creative flashes that keeps a reader going.

Two separate plot lines converge in the book. One involves a conference being held on the Andromeda Ascendant to determine the freedom or slavery of a planetary system. This involves some fun characters as diplomats, including a very bad Nietzschean admiral who -- as one might expect -- intends to enslave the captive planets and grind their populations into the mire. This meanie admiral engages in a delightful chess game of diplomacy with Dylan Hunt. I won't spoil anything for readers, but the battle of wits between the two holds one's interest well.

A second plot element that runs through the book involves a treasure hunt for artifacts of ancient technology -- think of "Indiana Jones" among the stars. This involves Beka, who emerges as perhaps the best-sketched character in the novel. Beka, her mom, and her ne'er-do-well brother all compete to find certain ancient artifacts. When -- after many chapters -- these artifacts are finally brought together, an ancient engine begins to shake the very foundations of space and time. How "Rommie" (avatar of Andromeda), Trance Gemini, and Dylan Hunt struggle to avert the consequences of Beka's foolishness makes for a good story.

Some great touches, with panache and originality, include an attack on a Nietzschean battle cruiser by a fleet of primitive "sail ships." These rag-tag, solar-powered fighters are the only craft the oppressed peoples of the planetary system are able to pull together. The battle is really David against Goliath. This was a wonderful development in the book and gives Seamus Harper his chance to take the spotlight.

Another very fun bit of writers' invention was the "warbot" (war robot) named Tweedledum, who plays a key part near the end of the novel. He doesn't make a very lengthy appearance, but he really stirs things up when he does!

The writers had to work with a "given" fictional world based on the TV series "Andromeda." This book could have been just "going through the motions" writing as some of these spin-off novels tend to be. But this one offers more. There are many very creative flashes, many little unexpected touches of imagination, that make the book very enjoyable. The main plot lines are well crafted, and the outcome knits together all the earlier developments. Someone on the writing team definitely knows how to outline!

I wish the writers knew a little about astrophysics. The black hole and quasar depicted in the book show an abysmal ignorance of the physics of such objects. And probability is stretched almost to the point of tossing the book down at a few points. But heck, this is strictly an entertainment novel. By that standard the book is very well done.

Recommended -- especially when you are looking for something light and fun.

Just faaaaantastic stuff!! I wasn't into Kevin Sorbo or anything, but Vare and Morris have made me an Andromeda fan for life. For life!! Great unique plot, especially for a science fiction book. I just hope that the next one will follow the Broken Places in this new direction.