Jean-Luc Picard Books

As with many of the new Star Trek (Classic, Enterprise, TNG, DS9) figures from Diamond Select, this figure demonstrates excellent accuracy and attention to detail. Picard's face, uniform and accessories are all extremely accurate to Star Trek: First Contact and this figure pairs well with many of the Diamond Select/Art Asylum characters in Star Trek: Nemesis attire. Diamond Select never disappoints!

James T. Kirk is dead right? Nope, he didn't die alone. Don't forget in The Final Frontier he did say, he would die alone. He "died" with Picard standing there with him. Therefore I see where he was going. Despite some of his writing seeming a little on the corny side, it was still a great book and took a lot of imagination. I just don't see how the Borg would've cooperated at all with the Romulans and help to bring a Human back to life. Not to mention the Borg Dogs, that was a little... strange.

Okay, I confess-when I first sat down with this book, I wasn't really expecting much. I had picked up a used copy very cheaply, and was just looking for some light reading. My initial impression was that this was going to be a book waaaayyyyy off the Star Trek "canon", and that the authors weren't really going to be able to pull off the plot at all. Boy, was I wrong! Although it is still true that the book isn't really "canon", it probably should be! The writing itself is well-done, the plot isn't as out of place as I had imagined at first, and winds up quite well, with a decent amount of action. This could well have been made into a movie...

Greetings!

after the pointless death in the first next generation movie, William Shatner made a 40 page script for the next Star trek movie...paramount thought about $ and just wanted the TNG crew in the next movie series.

a mistake, after 4 okay-ish TNG movies -i will not go into that now- the next movie will again take place in the TOS era...

but what about that 40 page script for VIII? it was made into the best Star trek novel too date.

Shatner had the right idea.
no more TOS only movies..or a TNG movie series no...TOS, DS9 and TNG in one movie. one problem the Trek shows had was that they don't conect well, the movies was the perfect place too do just that.

too bad this never came too be.
why would DS9 fans go too a TNG movie? or a TOS fan? or a VOY fan? not every Trek fan likes all the shows.

Shatner had the right idea.

and thats why his books are so great...it shows how the Trek movies should have continued after Generations...

and of cource he tells the story of how the greatest Captain of all time James T.Kirk came back too live and continued too live in the 24th century!

i don't care what paramount says or does his books are canon!

bring back (Shatner) Kirk!

Who better to resurrect Kirk than the man who made the character who he is today? I wasn't 100% thrilled with Return to Eden, but this is one of thse Star Trek novels that I've read over and over--and I'm sure I'll read it again. William Shatner, along with longtime Trek consultants and novelists Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, begins an Odyssey which incorporates many beloved facets of the Star Trek Universe.

I actually enjoy both TOS and TNG so I was kind of in the middle on this book. Captain Kirk is one of my favorite characters. I also couldn't stand how he was killed in "Generations". So when I recently started reading Star Trek novels this book was at the top of the list.

The strengths of the book are what I consider to be great story telling by William Shatner. I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it but he gives the Borg a familar past. Which is worth the read. Very fast pace book that keeps you guessing. McCoy also makes a great cameo in the book. Shatner has always been able to write him great. To bad he is only around for a few pages. Exciting climax to the story that will keep you reading. I read the last 70 pages of the book in one night because I just couldn't put it down.

The weaknesses all center around the Next Generation. Picard was written fairly well as was Dr Crusher but the rest I didn't really relate with. Data was written like he was a child. I understand the emotion chip was screwing up about this time, but he was like a child... even some of his dialogue. As far as intellgence goes I believe he is the smartest character in the Star Trek universe. So that I didn't get. Geordi and Worf had very little depth at all. Another thing is that Kirk was also always one step ahead of all the members of the Next Generation cast whether it be in combat against them or when he was coming up with the plan on how to save the day. I have heard a couple of critics say that it is his book so of course he is going to save the day. However my response to that is Star Trek's success was not based on just Captain Kirk but all the characters same with TNG, DS9, and Voyager it was the team working together. For a Star Trek book to be great, in my opinion, it has to follow that same pattern. Another issue that I would have with the book is that even though it was written before First Contact came out, if you read this after you see that movie it is not going to make a whole lot of since because according to Shatner Kirk pretty much destroyed the Borg before First Contact. I don't know now that I am writing about this it might be 2 1/2 stars but I'll still round up. Overall on its own without taking Star Trek Canon into account it is good read.

I enjoyed the book and so will you if you are a Kirk and a fan of the original series. If you mainly became a fan with TNG and beyond then I don't think you will get a big kick out the this book.

This was one of my very first Star Trek Novels that I read. I really have a respect for these ladies ability to capture the essence of Vulcans and do it so well and make them almost seem more Human than they seem on the television shows. It was also a great insight into the Vulcan mind during Pon Var and it's affects on their minds. Have to respect Spock for holding on like he had.

Having read the Vulcan Soul series, this was a worthwhile read.
Spock fans will not be disappointed.

Exodus: Vulcan's Soul Trilogy, Book 1 (Star Trek)
Vulcan's Soul Trilogy Book Two: Exiles (Star Trek)
Vulcan's Soul Trilogy Book Three Epiphany (Star Trek: the Original Series)

1. Spock is betrothed to Saavik by T'Pau on the planet Vulcan reciting the words: "Parted from me and never parted..." and "Never and always touched."
2. Reunification: Ambassador Spock, son of Sarek. "Revisiting my request of 2342 that a research team be assembled with the long-term goal of evaluating the potential benefits and philosophical challenge of reunification with the sundered, I wise to observe that a study of Romulan linguistics does, indeed, point to a closer link between the Sundered and those of Vulcan than the Department of Xenolinguistics initially believed." The response, Vulcan Science Academy was solid, "Request denied" and reprimand that Spock's course was illogical in the extreme. Saavik would remind Spock that the Romulans had never withdrawn capital charges of treason against him. Oh well, Spock is determined to prove his cowboy diplomacy works and reunite beyond the balance of power between the Romulans and Federation. Secretly, since Khitomer, Spock had maintained communications with Pardek, but Pardek had faded from power and Parkek's populist views too blantant.
3. In 2296, Ruanek, of Obsidain, had proven for Spock, a honorable Romulan connection. Ruanek would provide the means to change the political power head.
4. Charvanek, Commander of the Romulan Star Empire had fallen in love with Spock and Spock under orders from Jim had betrayed her, saving the Enterprise. Charvanek kept the honor blade at her side. Spock betrayal did not destroy Charvanek's career, nor did the honor blade. What saved Charvanek was her kin line, the emperor's blood line. Charvanek no longer hated Spock, "he'd done only what he must do, in all honor, for his sworn allies."
5. Ruanek reveals to Spock an encoded message describing "something dangerous and underhanded is definitely being planned by the leader", Praetor Dralath. Praetor Dralath had built and designed a giant bird of prey, three times regular size. The weapon design was for offense to create a war and was a danger to the federation. The Romulan underground cooperated with Spock to save guard both empires from destruction. Dralath had become increasingly unpopular with the people. Dralath rules the military and so he rules the empire. "Once to be a ruler was to serve the people, once to be a Romulan was a matter of pride, of knowing that one's word was good, one's ways was pure, one's heart and soul were sharep and clean as the edge of a blade.'
6. On Ki Baratan, Spock was identified as Symakhos, First Academician of Bardat."
7. Spock found Charvanek pleased to see and realized she had been barely touched by the years. "The past is just the past." Spock combated Romulan emotions which could overpower Vulcan control, if caught off guard.
8. Captain Uhura contacts Saavik and tells her about Spocks defection, Saavik replies, "I assume that you wish me to extricate him", find Spock and bring him home. Uhura tells Saavik that Praetor Dralath has a condition known as T'Shevat's syndrome which involves green blood cell deterioration, increasingly debilitating and painful. Saavik will offer new medical research that suggests using RNA splicing and ribosome transfusions to force the syndrome into submission." That will be the ticket in and her betrothal with Spock, the ticket out.
9. Jean Luc Picard, captain of the StarGlazer will take Saavik into Romulan space using a small ship, a fast runner.
10. Saavik presents her information to Dralath. Dralath invites Saavik to his quarters. Spock comes under the influence of Pon Farr and provide no aid for Saavik and must mediate to control intense passionate outbursts. "Fingers steepled, Spock turned his mind and will inward, seeking the center, seeking control...down though levels of flame...down to the center...cool, logic at the center." Saavik gets Dralath to reveal an surprise attack plan on the Klingon colony of Narendra III and then to be followed by an attack on the Federation, Melville Colony. Dralath plans to use seven of the new war bird models. The new war birds can fire under cloak. Saavik nerve pinches Dralath and Spock and her reprogram his mind through mind control.
11. Charvanek says, "There are almost no warriors in the output, nothing but women, children, helpless elders-Dralath cannot possibly be unaware of that. Even for him such an attack would be obscene!" Dralath plans on war even at the cost of dishonor.
12. Saavik escapes back to Vulcan and warns the federation of the attack. The warning will not stop the massacre, as the Romulans overpower resistence and kill innocent men, women, and children. Captain Garret would listen to Saavik report of attack, intercept the Romulan invasion, engage in a brief fight, be defeat, transport of the enterprise prior to self-destruct, and become Romulan prisoners. One of the federation prisoners is Yasha Yar.
13. Saavik will not live without Spock. Spock must escape with Ruanek and reunite with Saavik in marriage before she or he dies for the pressures of Pon Farr.
14. Spock meets Narviat. Narviat will rise to power and become the new Pradeor after Dralath demise. After the massacre, Narviat speaks to the people revealing Dralath's treachery charging him with the destruction of four warbirds and their crew. Narviat's proof of the treachery is the testimony of Commander Charvanek. The people revolted against Darlath and put Narviat in power. The underground warriors attack Darlath and his guards and capture him and Narviat takes possession of Darlath. Narviat promises Justice, "I shall not stain my administration with murder, that-that is Dralath way. There shall be an honorable trial of criminal Dralath in accordance with our sacred customs." Dralath manages to escape by transported code sequence given verbally by himself.
15. The Klingon outpost Narendra III is attack without warning. Narendra III was destroyed. Charvanek attempts a fight with the Romulans aiding the federation, but is defeated in the space battle and taken prisoner back to Romulus. "In war, all men were women's enemies". Tasha must consent to the Romulans to save her crew. Vokskiar tells Tasha about Charvanek's defeat telling her, "This time, the old emperor won't be able to protect her, and you shall watch her punishment with me, and know how I have risen in importance."
16. Spock arrives at Vulcan. Sarek mindmelts with Ruanek and pronounces him clean and a non Romulan weapon. Spock and Saavik are married. Logical thinking would be impossible without emotion. Spock proves he can not exist without emotion. Love is the most powerful emotion and without it, existence is impossible.

(and about TIME too, geeze...)

Just an FYI, from all accounts a romance between Spock and Saavik was planned from the get go, but for some reason the plotline was dropped after ST3. From the beginning I saw this one coming and I was quite pleased that they were going there once I got a good look at Saavik.

I must admit I much prefer Kristie Ally's incarnation of the character to Robin Curtis's but in so far as the character is concerned I have nothing but affection.

I have enjoyed her appearences in other sanctioned books, and in this series in particular.

To those who decry the relationship as inappropriate may I point out the fact that during the time Saavik was growing up Spock was not acting as a parent per se, but more as a mentor. Most of the novels that have explored her history clearly indicate that she was reaching maturity during the time that Spock was still serving in Starfleet, on the Enterprise as Kirk's first officer.

No offense, but being a military brat myself I can tell you that attempting to parent a child while serving on a long term missions isn't really logical.

Saavik in ST3 stated that she had never previously been to Vulcan, but she does seem well known by Spock's family and it's implied that Spock's mother Amanda in particular is fond of her.

And that too is "logical" given that Sarek is a diplomat who has probably spent more time on Earth since his son's birth than not.

Spock may have been Saavik's legal guardian, but that doesn't make him her father.

From what we have seen a more likely conclusion would be that Spock took some time off to get her settled, probably with his folks who were likely living mainly on Earth at the time, and then returned to his duties on the Enterprise, keeping in touch as much as possible, and visiting when he could.

The Savvik Spock found on Hellgard wasn't an "innocent." Not even really still a child. She was an uncivilized savage who would do almost anything to survive. That she stole, lied, perhaps even killed to survive is likely as she DID survive in a place that even a devil would hesitate to call home.

She was most likely the product of rape, and she knew what that meant in terms of her joining Vulcan society. While they might shelter her and give her all she needed, being a half-breed, the likely result of an act of violence would put her at the fringes of Vulcan society, would be awkward, at least at first.

That she did not automatically lay a claim on being "Vulcan" that she instead chose to be her own person, to admit to being BOTH Romulan and Vulcan, says a lot about her. She could have chosen adoption into a Vulcan clan and completely disowned her Romulan half and perhaps in time married etc, but instead she chose to go to Earth, to find herself, and eventually to adopt the Vulcan way as something she wanted for HERSELF.

Probably she originally did that because she wanted to follow Spock's example, but in the end she was her own woman, and clearly much admired by those who encountered her.

When you think about it aiding Spock with his Pon Far on the Genesis world must have been horribly awkward for her, but she did it, to save him. To save him, as he had once saved HER.

That the act was likely to bring them together in a new way, that someday Spock might remember and that they would have to deal with being more than teacher and student, friend, that is a risk she must have considered immense but worthy of taking.

It is not logical to assume that Spock would remain unbonded for the rest of his life. Finally putting attempts at a more religious life behind him, Kohlinar, he like any other of his race, would therefore have to carry on with the matter of acquiring a mate at some point or another.

Sarek might have (as was custom) arranged it?

But I do think Saavik was SPOCK'S choice.

and I think Spock was SAAVIK'S choice.

I think Sarek realized it and being the ultimate dimplomat suggested the match to make it less awkward for both of them.

They are in a word "perfect" mates.

Who can understand Spock's struggles with his dual-heritage better than Saavik?

Who else but Spock can accept and understand her struggle to understand and to be herself?

I have often thought Spock's desire to unite the two people, Romulan and Vulcan must have started with his relationship with Saavik.

"It seemed the logical thing to do..."

That is what Sarek once said to his son about why he married his first human wife.

If you ask me that statement also applies to Spock and Saavik.

:)

As a couple of other reviewers have noted Spock and Saavik were introduced as teacher and student. She was his ward. The Pandora Principle did a beautiful job of telling that story. If you are going to change the nature of their relationship that dramatically you better do some darn good writing that explains how it happened. There was not one word in that book that explained this major role reversal. Quite frankly I felt the authors were demonstrating that they either didn't have the ability or didn't have the guts to tackle that very difficult and touchy issue. How and why does someone go from being a persons surrogate father to husband? Very disappointing book on many levels but this was the most egregious as far as I was concerned.

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).

Thought this book was an adult, paperback adaptation of this Star Trek Nemesis movie. If you aren't an adult, avoid this copy of the book!

There was never a happier time for the officers of Jean-Luc Picard's Enterprise, as Will Riker and Deanna Troi marry with their friends and colleagues surrounding them. Meanwhile, on far-off Romulus, the senate chamber lights with death planted by a saboteur - death that clears the way for a Human reared on Remus to take power there. Shinzon, the "Reman but not Reman" whom the long-enslaved inhabitants of that world claim as their prophesied savior, need Jean-Luc Picard in order to survive. Even though Picard, toasting Riker and Troi at their Alaskan wedding reception, doesn't yet know the much younger man exists.

J.M. Dillard's novelizations of the Star Trek films are always well done, and this book is no exception. It fills in much that the movie skimmed or skipped over entirely, and by so doing holds the reader's interest even if that reader recalls the film in detail. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO LIKES STAR TREK.
IT FALLOWES THE MOVIE, BUT GETS OFF THE SUBJECT SOMETIMES.
THE AUTHOR MAKES IT SOUND LIKE YOUR INSIDE THE CHARACTER, AS SOON
AS I STARTED READING THIS BOOK I DID NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN!
*********************READ!!************************

Hi, my name is Daniel Swain at Australia Winnipeg Nimmitabel first of all I am a big Star Trek fan and if you haven't seen Star Trek before I recomend it to evrey body! Any way I will have to give this book 5 stars! It is a excelent book it is based on a Starfleet Captian called Jean-luc Picard and his crew and his ship called Enterprise! Any way Picard encounters his counter part Shinzon who looks excactly like him. It is a big adventure/action story! I recomend this book to evrey body!

This auudio casette rules! Sound effects make you feel like you are on the Enterprise. The Narrator is really vibrant, and has some nice imitations! GREAT AUDIO!

Oh, it's far from the WORST Star Trek novel I've ever read, but it's even farther from the best. For one thing, the main plotline -- the one from which the title is taken -- is far too reminiscent of the original series episode "Amok Time" to avoid the charge of being derivative, and if it's better handled than that episode in some ways, it's also handled less well in others. The secondary plot, the one involving Commander Wu and the ship, is somewhat better, but still rather predictable. And the subplot of the admiral who has it in for Picard is getting annoying. Not to mention the nit-picky fact that the editing is rather sloppy; there are numerous places where we move from one scene to another -- from the primary plotline to the secondary one, for instance -- and ordinarily, there would be an extra linefeed to set the scenes off from one another, and there isn't, which makes a rather jarring transition as we go from "Commander Wu did thus-and-such" to "Picard did thus-and-such", without getting our standard hint that we're changing scenes from one in which he isn't present to one in which he is. Trivial, but sloppy and annoying.

If you liked the first book of this series, you may like this one. Then again, you may not.

In May 2002, Pocket Books published Michael Jan Friedman's Gauntlet and Progenitor, two novels set in the first year of Jean-Luc Picard's command of the USS Stargazer. It is over 30 years before his adventures as captain of the Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation and thus we have a Picard who is still urbane and cultured, but still a relatively unseasoned starship commander.

We meet again Picard's weapons officer, Lieutenant Vigo (introduced in the ST:TNG episode "The Battle"). As well, we are reintroduced to Picard's command staff who served with him for 20 years and more (shades of Kirk and his command staff): Gilaad Ben Zoma, his impulsive first officer; chief medical officer Carter Greyhorse, who is better at dealing with lab equipment than with people; earnest security chief Peter "Pug" Joseph; Idun and Gerda Asmund, twin sisters (humans raised by Klingons) who are the primary helm and navigation officers, respectively; and Phigus Simenon, the curmudgeonly chief engineer and member of the Gnalish species (think Jack Klugman crossed with a velociraptor). These characters were all first introduced 11 years ago in Friedman's novel Reunion and have also appeared in The First Virtue (Friedman's contribution to the "Double Helix" series, co-written with Christie Golden), Requiem and last year's The Valiant.

In Gauntlet, Picard is tasked with stopping the pirate known as the White Wolf. An ambitious admiral has given Picard this choice assignment on the assumption that he will fail and his new captaincy made a lauging stock. The White Wolf turns out to be something totally other than what Picard has expected. In Progenitor, chief engineer Simenon returns to the Gnalish homeworld - accompanied by several Stargazer officers -- to undergo a time-honored ritual that will determine the continuation of his bloodline. A comparison between this plot and the TOS episode "Amok Time" is inevitable, but it's an intriguing take on an old plot.

Among the new characters introduced in these novels are Juanita Valderrama, a middle-aged chief science officer whose complacency in her career leads her to an unwise choice; Joe Caber, scion of a Starfleet family, whose kindness towards some of his fellow officers doesn't offset some nasty personality traits; Martin Paxton, the Stargazer's chief of communications; Elizabeth Wu, a by-the-book second officer who is reminiscent of Commander Shelby from TNG "The Best of Both Worlds"; Jiterica, a young ensign of the low-density humanoid Nizhrak species who wears a containment suit while aboard Stargazer; Obal, a comical-looking Binderian engineer (he resembles a plucked bird and I visualized Daffy Duck on Prozac) who becomes the target of another officer's bigotry; and Dikembe Ulelo, a newly-transferred communications officer with a hidden agenda. Also appearing are relatives of Star Trek: Voyager characters (I won't spoil it for you by telling you who).

I enjoyed both novels. The 70-year "interregnum" between the events of Star Trek: Generations' prologue (set in 2293) and ST:TNG is still largely unexplored territory. Absent a television or movie series set during those years, a book series that fills in some of the gaps is very welcome. Friedman's handling of the gaps in the tapestry of Star Trek history is deft and fun to read. Each novel contains portents of plotlines for future Star Trek: Stargazer novels, which I ancticipate with enthusiasm.

This is a great series and it shows a young Jon Luc before the officers aboard the Enterprise followed him without question. It shows an untested captain and makes for much more interesting stories.. there is a scene in this novel where the characters are surrounded by intergalactic wolves. Greyhorse is another one of those Friedman characters that always surprise the reader.

This series is going to rival that of Peter David's Excalibur series. I just wish they would do more than two a year. At that pace no one is going to get into this series without having to wait a very long time for the next installment.

In this second part of the new Stargazer series the Chief Enginner and the Scond Officer Wu are the main focus. Simeon has to return to his world and has to participate in a race with other of his kind. In this race if you win you get to fertilize the eggs and continue your family line.
Simeon has to have some people with him in this race and he picks his Stargazer friends. His family members hav died off and only one remain so this is why he has to pick offworlders.
While this is going on Wu has to rescue a ship and decide if she wants to stay on board or become 1st office of her old ship.
If this was not enough we hav good old politics going on back at Fleet headquarters. This is a continuation from the first book where there is this admiral determine to mess up Jean-Luc.
The story also has some interesting cameos from people such as the Hansens (Seven's relatives), Rachel Garrett and a new crew member someone with the last name of Paris. The series is off to a good start and I can't wait for more.
The only flaws I saw was a printing mistake that merged some stories together without a break between them. I also saw that Picard's first officer referred as human which I believe he is not. But those errors are very minor and not important to the story.

Before the Enterprise, "Q," and the Borg, Captain Jean-Luc Picard's first command was on the U.S.S. Stargazer. This adventure of Star Trek: Stargazer - Progenitor by Michael Jan Friedman is about the continuing adventures of Captain Picard's first command.

This is a character driven adventure mainly focusing on two stories interwoven within the main theme of this book. But there are sub-stories within this tapestry... potential for sabotage, deceit, and intelligence gathering. Also, there is great character interaction and interplay. This is a well crafted story and will keep you interested... galactic heroism and a race for a bloodline survival... hence the title "Progenitor."

The book takes right off where "The Gauntler" left off and builds to two important climaxes as the captain and crew work their respective ways through a maze of twists and turns. All testing the mettle of the characters as self-doubts and second guessing play into the characters thinking. Also, as the characters work through the story, they find their respective talents and strong suits making an interesting story better.

This series called Star Trek: Stargazer has a lot of potential and so far has delivered... both in character crafting with a cohesive narrative along with action and adventure spiced with intrigue. This provides us with a much needed backstory for one of the most interesting of all captains Jean-Luc Picard.

If you are a fan of Jean-Luc Picard this is a good series to get to know him when he was a younger and more free captain. Start with "The Valiant" from the TNG series to get a good foot hold on the series... if you happen to have the "Double Helix #6: The First Virtue" it has background and is worthy of reading for this new series.

Fascinating potential for a new series in the STAR TREK Universe.

When I saw the title of this book, "I, Q", I thought to myself, here we go again. Now, who would want to read such an obviously self-centered egomaniacally titled book about an alien being, who believes he is Omniscent.

Well, let me answer myself - people like me!

But to say I was pleased upon reading it would be a slight under-statement. As a matter of fact, the book achieves a kind of satisfaction in phantasmogria that I've not read in quite some time.

The End of Everything - that's how Q addresses the pivotal event in the book time and again, and that's what I'll stick to - is at hand. The End of Everything, not just the present, but of the past, of the future, of this universe and all the parallel universes that might be out there - Everything, is happening and no one seems to be able to do anything about it. No one knows why it's happening and whether this is It, or would there be some sort of cosmic reprieve from it at the last moment by some Deity intent on impressing their presence and importance on the living...

No one know. Chaos rules.

In the midst of all this, we have Q, who, while on an idyllic fishing holiday with his family (Yes! you heard me! his family!) "Lady Q" and "q" (so much for originality from the Great Q!), is suddenly being sucked into the Maelstorm that is pulling every living thing into a gigantic black hole. He somehow escapes the initial tug, but loses his family. As part of the deluge that is passing him, he is able to rescue Picard and Data from the whirlpool, and the three set out a mission to revert the End.

What follows has to be read to be believed. Rarely have I read something that uses imagination so vividly and so effectively. At times I got the feeling that this would be just another ST book, with Picard and Data in the thick of things, with Q along for the ride. Well, I am glad to say I couldn't have been far from the truth. The book truly takes you to places no human has ever gone before, and there are sub-plots that show that a lot of effort has gone into writing this story.

Look out for a guest appearance from Locutus of Borg!

The characters are well depicted and they successfully convey the mood they are all known for from the TV series / movies. Lancie doesn't intend you to think of new characters, but to delve deeper into what you already know of Q (and at times Picard and Data!). The plot seems really far-fetched, but the good part is - its refreshing original.

Darn good read!

I'm going to try and get my hands on the other Q books out there, notably among them "Q Squared", "Q-in-Law", and "Dark Mirror".

Q is both the straight line and the punchline of this book. It's one of those books that you keep around for when you're going off the deep end; it refreshes your sense of humor and your imagination.

As those of us who know and love (and sometimes, love to hate) the maddening Q already are aware, the genius behind this incredible character is the equally amazing actor John De Lancie and now he has graced us with his thoughts as an author writing for his most famous and fabulous creation. For those who must had been in a coma during the Star Trek Next Generation's run, Q is an alien species from which all of his kind are referred to as "Q" who have the powers of what any of us would consider to be a god and yet somehow our dear Jean-Luc Picard manages to treate him as if he were some lowly mosquito! Anyway, for me, Q has always been hands down the best and most creative character ever conceived on the Next Generation. Unplug Data and throw him in the toy chest; give me Q and his madness anyday!
In this book, our dear Q must somehow (with the help of his sometimes friend, sometimes dire enemy Picard) save the universe from destruction in a way that only an incredibly funny, witty, and ultimately soulful being like Q can. I don't want to give more away; this is truly a book that you must read with all of its twists and turns to fully enjoy. Buy this book tonight people!!! You won't be sorry!

Here is what happen... I had started Q Squared, from what I have heard one of the best Star Trek books out there. I read 100 pages in the two days when I was visiting my dad. Great book!!!! Then I came back home and my book didn't, so it is 3 hours away. Since I am going back in a week and a half I didn't really want him to mail it. So I decided to pick up I,Q.

Two days later and I am done with the book. I will admit I did have some extra time on my hands but this is a book that I just couldn't put down. The story is very well written. Told by Q in the 1st person. You can almost here Q talking from the moment you open the book. Q will be telling the main story of the book and then that will remind him of a side story that will somehow connect to what is going on. Peter David is terrific. From what I have read from Q Squared and this book he can write Q very well. What am I saying? He writes everyone in the Star Trek universe well.

I mentioned the main story... here it is. The universe is coming to an end. Q is deep sea fishing with his family (They are at the bottom of the ocean) that what makes it "Deep Sea Fishing". Q and his wife and child end up being sucked down a drain and Q cannot find them when he reaches his destination. He does however, find Picard and Data who had a similar experience on the Holodeck and they decide to work together to find out what is going on. They come to find out that the world is coming to an end and every new place they go is a different level of exceptance of this event. As with all my reviews it will be a nonspoiler, but I strongly recommend this book. If you are a Q fan it is a can't miss.

There is one part of the book that I was unsure about. Q is very vulnerable at the end of this book. I am not sure if I like that or not. Certainly the man's family was involved which would humble anyone. On the other hand we have seen Q show signs that he has some good in him many times. The Borg was on there way to federation space anyway, so he sent the Enterprise to the Borg so that Starfleet could get ready for what would become their most terrifying enemy. He saved Picards life when his artificial heart stopped. You knew Q had a soft side but you had to look close to find it. Here you didn't, it was right there. I am pretty sure that I was ok with that but I might have to think on it a little more. I will also have to think on the end of the book. Get ready to do some thinking. I had to go back in the book to get an idea of what it meant. Happy Reading.

Having met John de Lancie a few weeks ago and then being privileged to watch him perform on stage, I think it's very reasonable to believe that the reason he was so good at playing Q is because he IS Q! Same quirky sense of humor, same exquisite manners, same take-charge attitude. After that experience, I had to get the book.

It's funny, charming, believable (if you believe in Q, that is) and well done. I don't recommend it to anyone who cannot suspend their disbelief, however. It's an essential requirement that will provide maximum entertainment benefits.

If you're old enough to remember the movie serials on Saturday mornings, you might almost equate this to a "Perils of Pauline" influence, only in this case, it would, of course, be the "Quandaries of Q" or some such. That's what happens when such a one marries (the Lady !Q) and has a son (q), and these hostages to fortune are swept away by a cataclysmic sort of crevice that suddenly presents itself.

Along the way to rescue, there's Jean-Luc Picard, Data, assorted Romulans and Klingons and other interesting and/or strange characters. There are also healthy batches of shaggy dog tales, tongue-in-cheek philosophy which unfortunately makes infinitely more sense than most diplomatic blatherings of today, and a gorgeous sense of self-deprecation.

There are also a variety of gods--sometimes reverent, sometimes irreverent. Satiric little asides, totally out of context, jump into the narrative here and there, along with a few probably unavoidable juvenile male puns. The ending is a tad strange, to be sure, but is a good reminder to be careful what you wish for--just in case it ends up in your lap. The book I read was a first run copy, so perhaps the few editorial glitches were dispatched for subsequent runs.

Do be sure you understand *irony* before embarking on this journey, however. You really shouldn't leave home without it.

Wow they defiantly answered a lot of q questions in this book especially liked the reasoning behind q going after picard so much.

This was an interesting, creative story, with a very imaginative and unique view of Q. The characterization of Q was layered and complex, and the plot was suspenseful and fun. This is one of the best Trek novels to come along in quite some time.

This book was well written and a welcome change from the Borg themed Next generation books that have been written lately. I found it very fun to read and couldn't put it down until I was finished.

Some fans are dissing the TNG episode references. But I've long felt that the movies do a disservice to their source material by neglecting their source material. The most successful Star Trek films (Khan and First Contact) were directly spun off from episodes, and this book does a great job shedding light on the Q continuum and the further exploits of the Enterprise E and her valiant crew. Witness parallel universes colliding, and everyone's favorite cosmic prankster's various past shenanigans are put in new perspective (some we didn't even know he had a hand in). If you thought Admiral Lameway had tamed the quirky ominiscient, au contraire mon capitane; he is back! All hail the continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

Been a while since I read Star Trek novels, but my friend got me a couple as a present and I've read both of them ("Resistance" and now "Q&A") in the span of two weeks. Maybe minor SPOILERS.

After going through Q&A, it seems to have the same problem as Resistance. The premise of "Q" being involved in a book is usually pretty exciting. I was curious what the authors could pull out this time. However, the story sort of dragged along with millions of cutovers to other people with Q popping up intermittenly. There are some funny moments (as usual) with Q's interaction with the crew.

However, the setup (while a little dragged) was ok, the climax and ending were (to me at least) a big "HUH" moment. Maybe I was just reading the book to late to grasp all the details, but I felt letdown at the end.

All in all, the book is not terrible and if you're a fan of Q, it's worth a look. But maybe you need to keep your expectations low.

This book, by Shatner, is somewhat keeping in the mood of self-praise that Kirk has become eponymous for. However, "Captain's Peril" is a good read, if for nothing else then for the two sub-plots of the book, and the intrigue that runs underneath the primary plot of the book.

The book begins off with a prologue, in which the Cardassians are fighing the Bajorans on the latter's home planet for control. Suddenly, chapter one begins some fifteen years later, with the two most celebrated Starfleet Captains taking a well-earned vacation, by planet-diving (diving from outer space, entering the planet's atmosphere in a pod, and later on, using the more orthodox (!) means of a parachute to land). This planet happens to be Bajor, still rebuilding after the Cardassian occupation ceased more than a decade ago, and where the natives are by nature suspicious of out-worlders.

Kirk, and Picard equally so, like to be in the middle of things, but not this literally when they find themselves first in the midst of the Bajor desert (with no means of communicating anyone, more so because they are not expected at their welcome site for another two days!) and later in the midst of a murderer's multiple attacks on the unsuspecting excavation camp inhabitants.

When Picard is deemed dead in the middle of things by 'something' which even Kirk can't explain, things begin to get murky and from there on, the story becomes dark and focused.

Shatner has tried the tactic of inter-mixing two plots in a single book, by alternating a couple of chapters from the present (at Bajor) and then putting in a few from some of Kirk's earliest command days on the Enterprise. While the two stories are interesting by themselves, sincerely speaking, I found a connect in the two missing. Agreed that the point of change-over is made almost seamless at times, but in the bigger scheme of things, the two stories simply don't gel together.

[Note: I understand that this book is the beginning of the Totatility trilogy. If that's the case, this was a rather lame attempt of introducing the concept.]

But as I said, the two plots by themselves are pretty good and well written. Also, adding to what I said at the beginning of this review, this book is perhaps 'not' so full of Kirk as some of the other ST:TOS books I've read so far.

Of the two captains, Kirk is the clear hero of the book. No prize for guessing that, though!

Overall score: 3.5 / 5 (benefit of prejudice --> 4 / 5)

This book is the first in a trilogy, and as such does a wonderful job introducing the reader to the Totality. The story is well written, and really fleshes out Kirk's character. Sadly, most other characters (including Picard) aren't given the same treatment. All and all the story is great with lots of action. This book is a fun read.

Anyone who enjoys Startrek books will enjoy this book by THE Captain himself. I recommend all three books by William Shatner.

This is the first chapter of the Captain's trilogy that leads into what's in my opinion an excellent conclusion to the Kirk Saga. After a couple of year break in between the Mirror Universe trilogy and this trilogy I had lost some interest in Star Trek. Even all of William Shatner's novels have been excellent, I had started college when this book came out (Summer 2001) and just didn't read it. This year (2006) I regreted that decision greatly after reading Captain's Blood and Captain's Glory (which I just finished Captain's Glory last week. Highly highly recommended).

Anyway, for me Captain's Peril acted almost like a prequel because I read parts 2 and 3 first. Let me tell you I really wish I had read Captain's Peril when it came out. It introduces the Totality, tells a great early adventure of James T. Kirk on his first Enterprise NCC-1701, and a great "bonding" adventure between Kirk and Picard that hasn't been in any of the previous novels. This novel is excellent and I would highly recommend you don't do what I did and read all three books in the totality trilogy in order. This book is a little slower than the ones in the past but still a very enjoyable and entertaining read. Highly recommended. 9/10.

Shatner's previous novels, while interesting and fun, had a bit too much of the tendancy to make "his character", James T. Kirk, into a superhero/demigod. This tendancy is hardly unique to Shatner, but it's even more unbecoming when coming from a mature man who clearly identifies with the character (for the rather obvious reason that he played it on TV and the movies) than it is when coming from an immature hero-worshiping fan. This book largely avoided that problem, and if some fans of "The Next Generation" will feel that Picard came off looking rather pale by comparison to Kirk, that was more because Picard was given somewhat short shrift than because Kirk was made to look too good. And it isn't entirely unfair to make Picard come across as stodgy and dull by comparison to Kirk; he IS.

There are really two stories here; one is set on post-Dominion war Bajor, where Kirk and Picard are "vacationing". The other is a flashback, told mostly by Kirk to Picard (although not in his own voice; we get it in standard third-person narrative while Picard is hearing it directly from Kirk), a story of his first real adventure on the Enterprise, many years ago. The transitions between stories weren't always entirely seamless, and some of the excuses used for returning to the flashback story when Kirk WASN'T telling the story to Picard were somewhat weak, but the story itself was extremely good, showing some of the tensions between Kirk and his crew (particularly Spock) before they became acquainted well enough to trust each other's style and judgement. We also see a cameo of Uhura's first taste of bridge action, which was handled very well.

The other story, the "current" one, wasn't quite as good, in fact started quite slowly, but actually picked up quite well by the end. By itself, I probably wouldn't have given it more than three stars, but it would have been a high three stars, almost good enough for four. I suppose it isn't surprising that Shatner continues to have a much better feel for the original series characters and settings than the later ones.

Bennett is an incredible world builder. The Star Trek universe presented in this novel is every tiny bit as consistent and plausible as any series of science fiction ever released, and applies such copious amounts of ingenious spackle that even TNG's first two seasons almost make sense. The achievements in this area should not be overlooked; I almost feel like one should read this before ever watching Star Trek, in much the same way that Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy so entirely improved the original Star Wars trilogy. The appearances of Janeway and all the main characters were absolutely perfectly characterized and realistically developed, especially Data. And Bennett gives Picard himself the greatest tragic flaw the character is capable of as well, one that unfortunately foreshadows First Contact a little too strongly, but is otherwise perfectly compelling. Bennet's ability to make this world and these characters come alive is stunning, every bit as much here as in his similarly wonderful Ex Machina.

Unfortunately, despite being a brilliantly conceived universe with perfectly realized characters, it still manages to be, well, sort of boring for about the middle half. Interesting stuff happens, it just happens very slowly and in a lot of detail. I'm not sure much of this could've been prevented, but the last quarter does an excellent job of skipping over important things to summarize them later, so I feel like the middle half could've been somewhat flensed.

Still, ultimately the story is so wonderful, and so perfectly realized, that it overcomes its lack of narrative drive and delivers a sweeping and legitimately sci-fi wondrous conclusion. Bennett does more to legitimize the show than the show does, and it's a fanboy's abject joy to read.

This book started out great don't get me wrong but then it just became bogged down with the technical stuff which ruined the series at times as well. I give it three stars just because we learn so much about Picard and other characters.

Covers period of Picard's life betweem loss of the Stargazer and Enterprise D (Next Gen). Predictible that the alien is going to fall for Picard and end up betraying him... ok for fans who want to fill in gap, but otherwise its obvious how book is going to end.

I can't praise this book more. Just to fair, Prime Directive is still my favorite Trek book of them all, but this one is in contention. C. Bennett has out-done himself (as well as most of Trek writers) with this terrific Trek addition. This author is clearly a fan of Trek as a whole and has seen through a novel that truly embodies the vastness of scale that the Trek Universe so wonderfully encompasses.

I've been a Trek fan as long as I can remember, and have read many Trek novels, but have encountered nothing like this. The sheer scale of Time and Space and the inclusion of the many older races like the Q, Dwoud, El-Aurian, and the Organians makes for one of the purest Trek books ever written. Perhaps it is to Gene Roddenberry's credit that the versatile nature of the TNG characters plays out so well, but Bennett wields these characters with the skill of a Maestro.

Christopher Bennett's "Star Trek The Next Generation: The Buried Age" is among the finer examples of "Star Trek" fiction that I've come across lately. It is a most engaging, quite exciting, exploration of first contact that works too as a decent space opera science fiction novel. Here we are given some interesting, quite tantalizing, glimpses into Jean-Luc Picard's character, looking more closely at his lifelong interest in archaeology, and the aftermath of losing the USS Stargazer. It is also a fine introduction to Picard's initial meetings with the entire command crew of the USS Enterprise-D. Told well by Christopher Bennett in clear, concise prose is Picard's unexpected encounter with the enigmatic alien Ariel. Anyone who is a fan of "Star Trek" fiction and of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", should add this book to their collection.