Star Trek: The Klingon Gambit by Robert E. Vardeman
Star Trek: The Klingon Gambit
Author: Robert E. Vardeman
Published: January 2, 1990
158 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
The Klingons are hungry for war… their target: The Enterprise!
When Captain Kirk and his crew are ordered to Alnath II to challenge the deadliest Klingon starship Terror, they’re ready for anything–or so they think. But the defenseless Vulcan crew of a Federation science ship has been wiped out. The remaining members of the Alnath II mission have discovered a fabulous ancient city–but their report doesn’t make sense. The Klingon battle cruiser has the Enterprise in its sights, and is ready to destroy it.
But Captain Kirk can’t seem to make decisions. Spock has started to throw temper tantrums. And Chekov has disobeyed vital orders. The crew of the Enterprise are losing their minds… one by one… all victims of the Klingon gambit.
Kim’s Review:
This is a small book and more like a regular Star Trek episode than any I’ve read so far. It was simple and straightforward, but detailed enough to add a little oomph! While the action and story were classic Star Trek, it was nice seeing inside the minds and thinking of the characters. I never really thought to compare Kirk and Chekov while watching, but it’s true that Chekov always has the passion that Kirk is so known for. Chekov is definitely the more impetuous, but I liked seeing the similarities. Plus, Spock showing some intense emotion is always a fascinating ride!! Overall, I liked this book and it fit in well with the franchise! Definitely not one for anybody who has never watched Star Trek, but Trekkies would definitely enjoy it!
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Star Trek: The Next Generation: Section 31: Rogue
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Section 31: Rogue
Authors:
Andy Mangels
Michael A. Martin
Published: June 2001
360 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 3 stars
Book Description:
They are the self-appointed protectors of the Federation. Amoral, shrouded in secrecy, answerable to no one, Section 31 is the mysterious covert operations division of Starfleet, a rogue shadow group committed to safeguarding the Federation at any cost. Six months before their ultimate battle against the Borg for the fate of Earth, Captain Jean-Luc Piccard and the crew of the “USS Enterprise”™ face a very different kind of crisis. A world in turmoil becomes the focal point of conspiracies and betrayal as an unexpected reunion brings with it startling revelations. Old friends become bitter enemies and one young officer reaches a crossroad when he’s forced to choose between the greater good of the Federation and the ideals for which it stands.
NO LAW.
NO CONSCIENCE.
NO STOPPING THEM.
Kim’s Review:
While I really enjoyed the first book in the Section 31 series, this book was a bit of a dud. As much as I love the TNG crew, I sludged through this book. To be honest, I can’t really say I remember much of what happened. I did go back and re-watched a couple of episodes of TNG to make sure I had all the groundwork. I just couldn’t really get into the story. It all just felt a little forced. It’s so sad, but I don’t think I could give any details from the story. I know there were Romulans and I learned a little more about Lt. Hawk before First Contact … but other than that, not much else. I remember kinda enjoying it while I read, but nothing stuck with me.
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Star Trek: Section 31: Cloak
Star Trek: Section 31: Cloak
Author: S.D. Perry
Published: July 2001
211 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
They are the self-appointed protectors of the Federation. Amoral, shrouded in secrecy, answerable to no one, Section 31 is the mysterious covert operations division of Starfleet, a rogue shadow group committed to safeguarding the Federation at any cost. Once, in order to preserve the galaxy’s fragile balance of power, Captain James T. Kirk carried out a dangerous mission to capture a cloaking device from the Romulan Star Empire. Months later, while investigating a mysterious disaster aboard a Federation starship, Kirk discovers that the same technology he obtained for the sake of peace is being put to sinister purposes. What the crew of the “Starship Enterprise(TM)” uncovers will send shock waves through the quadrant, as Section 31 sets in motion a plan that could bring the major powers of the galaxy to their knees.
NO LAW.
NO CONSCIENCE.
NO STOPPING THEM.
Kim’s Review:
I actually had not heard of Section 31 until I watched Discovery. It’s really an interesting concept that Starfleet would have such an agency. Since Star Trek is all about ideals, it was definitely jarring and this series just added to the mystery. Cloak is the first book in the series and it’s a great introduction! Section 31 is barely mentioned, but Kirk taking the initiative and searching out questionable activity within the galaxy is pretty par for the course. The one thing that stuck out to me was small, considering the scope of the story, but I still liked that sometimes it’s the little things. Kirk gave Uhura an encrypted chip to try to translate and she got so frustrated by the encryption and the possibility of failure … I just loved her for it! She was that constant in the series that seemed to ground everybody and I liked seeing her human side.
Overall, this was an interesting book and a good introduction to the series. There’s definitely prep work to be done before reading it though. I went back and re-watched The Enterprise Incident and then the book made a lot more sense!
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