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Star Trek: The Original Series #74
The Fearful Summons
Captain Sulu of the U.S.S. Excelsior and his crew are kidnapped. When Federation-conducted negotiations come to a standstill, Captain James Kirk and the former officers of the U.S.S. Enterprise reunite to rescue their old comrade.
The officers learn carrying out their mission could prove difficult when they encounter the kidnappers -- a greedy little-known race called the Thraxians, who believe their way is the only way. Now the Thraxians are demanding super-powerful weapons in exchange for the hostages.
With no other alternatives, Kirk is forced to consider giving in to the Thraxians to save the Excelsior crew -- a decision that could save a few, but endanger the lives of an entire star system...
273 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 25, 2017
Captains Kirk & Sulu together again!
FRIENDSHIP, THE FINAL FRONTIER
James T. Kirk is finally retired and his only official business scheduled is to attend the fateful maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise-B, which is still months ahead...
...however, one close friend is in peril and Kirk need to gather "the ol' gang" to help him...
...Captain Hikaru Sulu and the crew of the USS Excelsior had been kidnapped by a hostile race known as Beta Prometheans and demanding advanced and dangerous weapons in exchange to free them.
Starfleet Command is in a diplomatic mess deciding what do about it.
Kirk isn't interested in diplomatics, a friend is in need and he'll do whatever at his hands to help him, gathering again his other friends.
However, it won't be easy, since they haven't the "old" Enterprise-A anymore since it was decommisioned months ago, so Kirk and friends need to become resourceful and inventive...
...what else is new?...
...to reach the world where Sulu and the Excelsiot crew are trapped.
Maybe Kirk and the rest are active Starfleet officers anymore, but...
...true friendships never got retired.
Once again, Kirk needs to save the day!
FRIENDSHIP, THE FINAL FRONTIER
James T. Kirk is finally retired and his only official business scheduled is to attend the fateful maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise-B, which is still months ahead...
...however, one close friend is in peril and Kirk need to gather "the ol' gang" to help him...
...Captain Hikaru Sulu and the crew of the USS Excelsior had been kidnapped by a hostile race known as Beta Prometheans and demanding advanced and dangerous weapons in exchange to free them.
Starfleet Command is in a diplomatic mess deciding what do about it.
Kirk isn't interested in diplomatics, a friend is in need and he'll do whatever at his hands to help him, gathering again his other friends.
However, it won't be easy, since they haven't the "old" Enterprise-A anymore since it was decommisioned months ago, so Kirk and friends need to become resourceful and inventive...
...what else is new?...
...to reach the world where Sulu and the Excelsiot crew are trapped.
Maybe Kirk and the rest are active Starfleet officers anymore, but...
...true friendships never got retired.
Once again, Kirk needs to save the day!
January 16, 2018
The writing was good...but, the story was just plain dull.
November 25, 2023
A sadly disappointing re-read. I remember not entirely loving this novel as a young man, but I didn't recall it being quite this frustrating. The rough characterizations of the TOS crew don't match at all with what we know of the characters, the plot itself is very thin, and the huge errors that stem from a seeming lack of editorial insight are extremely disheartening and throw the reader right out of the story. I wish I could say better things about this novel, but I will have to leave it with a strong not recommend from me.
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2023/11/tos74.html
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2023/11/tos74.html
January 18, 2011
The worst Star Trek novel I ever read -- believe me...that's actually a very HARD label to earn. How can a man who co-wrote the excellent "Star Trek VI" produce such tripe, with the same cast of characters? These are NOT the icons I have known for decades...in fact, the novel presents them as strangers unto themselves...which is RIDICULOUS! As the first post-STVI/Captain Sulu/Excelsior novel, it's a complete and utter waste of time.
August 2, 2020
On a humanitarian rescue mission, Sulu and an Away Team are kidnapped by Beta Promethean pirates. Politically, the Federation can do nothing, so Captain James T. Kirk (Ret) reassembles his former Command Crew to extract the hostages.
Flinn's central premise is good and the plot has many knowing winks to bridge the gap between Kirk's era and Picard's, but there are some glaring howlers, such as O'Marla tapping her insignia to activate the communicator and Vulcan 'Excelsior' officer Sencus extending an outstretched hand to Spock in greeting, which pull readers out of the narrative.
Flinn's central premise is good and the plot has many knowing winks to bridge the gap between Kirk's era and Picard's, but there are some glaring howlers, such as O'Marla tapping her insignia to activate the communicator and Vulcan 'Excelsior' officer Sencus extending an outstretched hand to Spock in greeting, which pull readers out of the narrative.
October 22, 2020
Simply awful. First Sulu acts like a crazy grandfather practically forcing a potential hobby (whittling, no less) on a hapless junior officer who dropped by his quarters to make a report on a detected anomaly in person (comms down?). Next we have Sulu portrayed as completely incompetent. He takes a landing party to help out an apparently stranded starship with a crew that has already started to raise red flags to him (inspiring a paragraph or two of exposition on what a Trojan Horse is to boot...) and getting the whole party kidnapped. One simple scan would have put the lie to the kidnappers, but Sulu just decides to forego that, because no one would pretend to be in distress ever, right? Third, the kidnappers—they are described as vaguely humanoid with mottled grey snakeskin and short spikes of hair that give them a resemblance to ancient Mongolian warriors. 23rd Century Yellow Peril anyone? All this is by page 28, so yeah, I’m done.
Bonus complaint—the book is billed as a sequel to Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country, but no plot points from the film seem to be addressed here. The only thing that ties the book to the film is that Sulu is in command of the USS Exselsior, at least for a little while, all things considered. Thank God this was never canon. Sulu deserves better and this deserves to be forgotten. Skip it.
Bonus complaint—the book is billed as a sequel to Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country, but no plot points from the film seem to be addressed here. The only thing that ties the book to the film is that Sulu is in command of the USS Exselsior, at least for a little while, all things considered. Thank God this was never canon. Sulu deserves better and this deserves to be forgotten. Skip it.
April 4, 2017
Quite possibly the worst Trek novel I've read. Okay, many of these aren't exactly high art, but this one is just, simply, _bad_. The characterizations are entirely off (this book has the smiling-est Vulcans since Sybok) and everything is a jumbled mess of cliches…it reads much more like a half-rate generic space adventure that got pulled out of a dusty file cabinet and sloppily rewritten just enough to slap the Star Trek logo on the front. I thought Pocket books had some form of editorial oversight to keep their books from going too far out of bounds; this one must have slipped through the cracks. It bills itself as a sequel to STVI, but it's no more a sequel than any other Trek novel that comes chronologically after that film, just has occasional brief mentions of one thing or another that happened in that film. The author was apparently one of the co-writers for STVI, but I find it hard to believe he had that much to do with it, given how little he obviously actually knew about the property. And I have to wonder if Pocket knew they were dumping trash on the market, as the primary antagonist alien species are Beta Prometheans in the book, but Thraxians on the back cover blurb. Really, it's just embarrassing.
March 31, 2016
A pretty weak sequel to The Undiscovered Country
March 12, 2016
Everyone was out of character. By a lot. The plot was weak and had no tension, and the romance was unnecessary and bothersome. I repeat, everyone was out of character.
October 21, 2020
Doesn't feel like Star Trek
I have been reading about Star Trek for over 35 years and this is the first book about TOS that I hated. From start to finish none of the characters felt like themselves and the writing seemed like a first draft rather than a finished product. One part has Spock saying "oh, no" in response to a question. Does that sound like something Spock would say?, Oh no? None of the characters were believable in how they spoke and Kirk went from Admiral to Captain to Commander (?) during the course of events. Since when has Kirk been referred to as a Commander in TOS exploits? The book goes on in similar fashion and I can't recommend to anyone that has a working knowledge of the true characteristics of TOS players.
I have been reading about Star Trek for over 35 years and this is the first book about TOS that I hated. From start to finish none of the characters felt like themselves and the writing seemed like a first draft rather than a finished product. One part has Spock saying "oh, no" in response to a question. Does that sound like something Spock would say?, Oh no? None of the characters were believable in how they spoke and Kirk went from Admiral to Captain to Commander (?) during the course of events. Since when has Kirk been referred to as a Commander in TOS exploits? The book goes on in similar fashion and I can't recommend to anyone that has a working knowledge of the true characteristics of TOS players.
April 12, 2024
There is something exciting about the adventures of the old enterprise crew. But not as exciting as the desperation in the
tough times of when retired crew mates who feel their usefulness has diminished. Many things are gone here- decommissioned enterprise ship and their status in starfleet has rendered our heroes into a most makeshift moment in their lives. A search for a comrade who was once their helmsman. Captain Sulu. All of this was great and the pace of the story, especially in the beginning, was good. The end had a twist but hardly warranted really. Either way. Entertaining indeed!
tough times of when retired crew mates who feel their usefulness has diminished. Many things are gone here- decommissioned enterprise ship and their status in starfleet has rendered our heroes into a most makeshift moment in their lives. A search for a comrade who was once their helmsman. Captain Sulu. All of this was great and the pace of the story, especially in the beginning, was good. The end had a twist but hardly warranted really. Either way. Entertaining indeed!
September 24, 2020
2.5 out of 5
September 28, 2024
2294. A.D. Captain Sulu captain of the Excelsior with 10 of his crew are kidnapped and held for ransom. Kirk and his former bridge officers unite to attempt an unsanctioned rescue.
An entertaining re-read
An entertaining re-read
September 5, 2012
For my full review, visit: http://maryellenherrera.com/2012/06/1...
In The Fearful Summons the Excelsior is exploring the outer limits of space when they encounter the Maldari, a Thraxian trader. Tricked into boarding Maldari’s ship, Sulu and ten other crew mates are kidnapped, taken back to Maldari’s planet, and held for ransom. Starfleet’s hands are tied since they do not negotiate ransom demands, so it’s up to Kirk and the original crew to discover where Sulu is being held and rescue him without the aid of Starfleet. Can Kirk pull his friends together for this ultimate adventure?
Hmmm, I think I have mixed feelings on this one. Although it was nice to read about the original crew coming back together for another adventure, I didn’t really feel the connection with them that I normally enjoy when reading books about them. Part of the problem was the characters themselves. Although Kirk is known for his independent thinking, his actions on this adventure just didn’t quite fit him. Sure there were moments in the book where the Kirk from the series came through, but in other spots in the story it just didn’t gel.
I liked the aliens in the book, the Thraxians. The split between their religious and political branches was interesting, as were the interactions with Maldari and his crew. The only other part I really enjoyed reading about was the beginning of the adventure when Kirk had to find Checkov, Uhura, Scotty, Bones, and Spock. Seeing where they decided to spend their “retirement” was entertaining, although I was not entirely pleased with some of the choices the author decided to put them in.
In The Fearful Summons the Excelsior is exploring the outer limits of space when they encounter the Maldari, a Thraxian trader. Tricked into boarding Maldari’s ship, Sulu and ten other crew mates are kidnapped, taken back to Maldari’s planet, and held for ransom. Starfleet’s hands are tied since they do not negotiate ransom demands, so it’s up to Kirk and the original crew to discover where Sulu is being held and rescue him without the aid of Starfleet. Can Kirk pull his friends together for this ultimate adventure?
Hmmm, I think I have mixed feelings on this one. Although it was nice to read about the original crew coming back together for another adventure, I didn’t really feel the connection with them that I normally enjoy when reading books about them. Part of the problem was the characters themselves. Although Kirk is known for his independent thinking, his actions on this adventure just didn’t quite fit him. Sure there were moments in the book where the Kirk from the series came through, but in other spots in the story it just didn’t gel.
I liked the aliens in the book, the Thraxians. The split between their religious and political branches was interesting, as were the interactions with Maldari and his crew. The only other part I really enjoyed reading about was the beginning of the adventure when Kirk had to find Checkov, Uhura, Scotty, Bones, and Spock. Seeing where they decided to spend their “retirement” was entertaining, although I was not entirely pleased with some of the choices the author decided to put them in.
February 13, 2011
This was my second star trek book in the row, first being on the Typhon pact. There is a world of a difference between the books, this book is a cliched old man getting his men back for a mission plot. The action is pretty fast paced, and it keeps you engrossed. However I was pretty disappointed by the characterization of the main cast, the old enterprise was never my favorite series, but surely the characters were not so ridiculous and type-caste. This will be last star trek book for the year, have a couple of epic fantasy lined up :)
March 26, 2018
It was fine, if you are invested in the Star trek Universe, but so poorly written (both on a personal note or from a science perspective) I would not suggest it unless you were bored (me), or just had nothing else to read (me).
August 2, 2010
A mediocre plot from an author with no knowledge of spatial distances.
December 9, 2014
Writing was poor and cliché. Story not very interesting and no sense of impending disaster. Glossed over the dangers of rigid fundamental religious beliefs. Very shallow story telling.
October 28, 2019
How was this book allowed to be published? It is utter garbage, even taken as just a book and not trying to relate it to Star Trek, it’s terrible. The plot it astonishingly thin, the characters (both known and new) are just appalling, our cherished characters behave and speaking in ways that they would never do. I was a third of the way through when I looked up other reviews and found out that I wasn’t going mad, others thought it was terrible too. I’m at 56% now and I’ve stopped. I cannot bring myself to read another word.
I looked up the author and found to my astonishment that he had participated in writing the screenplay for “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”. What? I beg your pardon? How could this book be so awful then? The plot is badly conceived, the descriptions are dreadful, the author clearly hasn’t done their research on the characters from the show, the universe they inhibit (the book started referencing Starbase 10, then it changed to Starbase 499, Kirk travels from Vulcan to Earth in a day (I seem to recall “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” where Scotty claims they can have Spock there from Earth in 4 days) countries on Earth are in the wrong place, our beloved crew came across extremely wooden to name just a few instances), nor even some basic facts about science and geography. The author clearly doesn’t give the impression of being a good storyteller either, which raises the question of how they were allowed to write this book. It beggars belief. This book was very difficult to relate to Star Trek other than the character, race, starship and location names. There was another Star Trek book, “Triangle”, that I read back in the 80’s or 90’s that was worse that this and I don’t think that I got further than the first or second chapter of that book, but this one is on the shelf with that one.
How on Earth did it get published? Did no one edit it? Did no one with Star Trek knowledge review it before publication? For that matter did anyone review it prior to publication or was this droll allowed simply because it had “Star Trek” attached to it? It is simply terrible and adds nothing to the Star Trek universe.
I purchased it for £0.99, so it’s not too much of a waste of money but if you’re reading this review, even for £0.99 it’s not worth purchasing. This book has been uninstalled from my Kindle app and I shall not be finishing it. My advice to you: don’t buy it, don’t read it (even if you get it free).
The characters do things they never would - McCoy at one point addresses Kirk as "Kirk". The plot is wafer thin. The baddies are called Thraxians on the precis but are Beta Prometheans in the book. The by line is "A stunning sequel to Star Trek VI by one of the writers". Stunningly poor more like. I couldn't believe how bad this book is
It adds nothing to Star Trek but a sense of disbelief they let this dross be published.
This had to be the worst Star Trek book I ever read. I can't believe this writer ever had anything to do with Star Trek VI. If I didn't know any better, I would think this writer never saw one episode of Star Trek. Nothing in this book felt "Star Trekish" from the story line to the interaction of the characters, it was ALL BAD. Don't waste your time. (Note: this review if for the Kindle edition).
I looked up the author and found to my astonishment that he had participated in writing the screenplay for “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”. What? I beg your pardon? How could this book be so awful then? The plot is badly conceived, the descriptions are dreadful, the author clearly hasn’t done their research on the characters from the show, the universe they inhibit (the book started referencing Starbase 10, then it changed to Starbase 499, Kirk travels from Vulcan to Earth in a day (I seem to recall “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” where Scotty claims they can have Spock there from Earth in 4 days) countries on Earth are in the wrong place, our beloved crew came across extremely wooden to name just a few instances), nor even some basic facts about science and geography. The author clearly doesn’t give the impression of being a good storyteller either, which raises the question of how they were allowed to write this book. It beggars belief. This book was very difficult to relate to Star Trek other than the character, race, starship and location names. There was another Star Trek book, “Triangle”, that I read back in the 80’s or 90’s that was worse that this and I don’t think that I got further than the first or second chapter of that book, but this one is on the shelf with that one.
How on Earth did it get published? Did no one edit it? Did no one with Star Trek knowledge review it before publication? For that matter did anyone review it prior to publication or was this droll allowed simply because it had “Star Trek” attached to it? It is simply terrible and adds nothing to the Star Trek universe.
I purchased it for £0.99, so it’s not too much of a waste of money but if you’re reading this review, even for £0.99 it’s not worth purchasing. This book has been uninstalled from my Kindle app and I shall not be finishing it. My advice to you: don’t buy it, don’t read it (even if you get it free).
The characters do things they never would - McCoy at one point addresses Kirk as "Kirk". The plot is wafer thin. The baddies are called Thraxians on the precis but are Beta Prometheans in the book. The by line is "A stunning sequel to Star Trek VI by one of the writers". Stunningly poor more like. I couldn't believe how bad this book is
It adds nothing to Star Trek but a sense of disbelief they let this dross be published.
This had to be the worst Star Trek book I ever read. I can't believe this writer ever had anything to do with Star Trek VI. If I didn't know any better, I would think this writer never saw one episode of Star Trek. Nothing in this book felt "Star Trekish" from the story line to the interaction of the characters, it was ALL BAD. Don't waste your time. (Note: this review if for the Kindle edition).
May 7, 2024
Well I have owned this book since it was first released on paperback and now I have FINALLY got around to reading it. I enjoyed it but I can't say it was worth the wait. Ha ha!
An interesting follow-up to Star Trek VI and probably the only book post Star Trek VI that actually allowed these characters to retire - although Chekov probably should have continued his career...anyway I liked that they retired and had to get the group all back together but the story and series of events plays pretty fast and loose with time and distance.
First off, Kirk gathers all the crew in a day including a trip to Vulcan. These events are taking place out in deep space but the Plus Princess (which is established later can't exceed Warp 5) gets there in an afternoon. Things all just seemed a little too convenient and the story focuses more on putting the team together than actually executing a mission and plan.
I did like the humour and character interactions but some events just seemed a bit implausible and Sulu and the Excelsior just seemed to be crewed by idiots.
An interesting follow-up to Star Trek VI and probably the only book post Star Trek VI that actually allowed these characters to retire - although Chekov probably should have continued his career...anyway I liked that they retired and had to get the group all back together but the story and series of events plays pretty fast and loose with time and distance.
First off, Kirk gathers all the crew in a day including a trip to Vulcan. These events are taking place out in deep space but the Plus Princess (which is established later can't exceed Warp 5) gets there in an afternoon. Things all just seemed a little too convenient and the story focuses more on putting the team together than actually executing a mission and plan.
I did like the humour and character interactions but some events just seemed a bit implausible and Sulu and the Excelsior just seemed to be crewed by idiots.
November 23, 2021
Excellent Adventure
This book has all the ingredients of classic Trek. It is set after the retirement of the original crew of the enterprise,who have to spring into action when one of their own is captured by an alien race.
The characters are well drawn and rounded, although a minor quibble is that sometimes McCoy and Scotty's character traits seem mixed. McCoy calls Kirk Captain instead of Jim, and Scotty uses Jim instead of captain.
The adventure itself is standard but well handled, fast paced and each character gets their own time to shine. A new alien race is well developed and you get a sense of who they are.
Overall a really good read.
This book has all the ingredients of classic Trek. It is set after the retirement of the original crew of the enterprise,who have to spring into action when one of their own is captured by an alien race.
The characters are well drawn and rounded, although a minor quibble is that sometimes McCoy and Scotty's character traits seem mixed. McCoy calls Kirk Captain instead of Jim, and Scotty uses Jim instead of captain.
The adventure itself is standard but well handled, fast paced and each character gets their own time to shine. A new alien race is well developed and you get a sense of who they are.
Overall a really good read.
May 19, 2019
Retconned out of existence
It actually makes me it better to know that this book's events are premise were wiped out by the events of Star Trek: Generations. It allows the reader to understand why the characters seem off, why everything just sort of happened. I'm glad this was only 99 cents, it would have been maddening otherwise.
It actually makes me it better to know that this book's events are premise were wiped out by the events of Star Trek: Generations. It allows the reader to understand why the characters seem off, why everything just sort of happened. I'm glad this was only 99 cents, it would have been maddening otherwise.
May 14, 2019
The Author Potrays the Enterprise crew as depressed retired officers. And I dont like at all that's how they are written. It makes it really hard to enjoy the book. And I feel like the author didnt quite capture spock's true essence when writing him.
April 20, 2020
It was just ok. Occasionally off on characterizations and "in universe" feel. Kirk somehow hooks up with a girl who could be his granddaughter. Weird. The Last Roundup was a much better post-VI follow up.
July 29, 2018
Exciting read with an often used story line: getting the old gang back together to help save a friend and the federation. Would have been better without all the sexual overtones.
September 15, 2018
Not a standout, even of its kind. I'm not sure the plot would have made it through to one of the original episodes, silly as some of them were. Harmless fun, however.
April 27, 2020
Good read, almost got the characters and characteristics down. Somethings did not read true
May 7, 2020
Great read!
Great story, couldn't put it down! Interesting story of the original crew's adventures. Definitely recommend for fans of the original series.
Great story, couldn't put it down! Interesting story of the original crew's adventures. Definitely recommend for fans of the original series.
October 24, 2020
Standard fare set after Star Trek VI. The title is a bit misleading though - there are no summons and there is nothing fearful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews