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Star Trek: The Original Series #96
Honor Blade
At last, the United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire have agreed to meet on neutral ground to attempt to resolve the tangle of intrigue and conspiracy that began with the hijacking of the "U.S.S. Intrepid" many years ago -- but the meeting may be as dangerous as the war they hope to avoid. As a show of good faith, the crew of the legendary "Starship Enterprise(TM) " has been ordered to attend the talks. In their informal charge is Romulan renegade Ael, the wanted fugitive who, with Kirk, served as a catalyst of the current troubles. Kirk must represent the interests of the Federation first and foremost, but the best approach to an agreement remains muddled in the ever-shifting Romulan order.
And the visiting Romulan party is as fractious and divided as their troubled world. Among the Romulan nobles in attendance are the hero and popular Senator Arrhae, who secretly helped rescue Dr. Leonard McCoy from a Romulan execution, and the very men and women who put McCoy on trial for treason -- and tried to carry out the sentence.
As Kirk and crew attempt to renegotiate a delicate peace, and Romulans attempt to restore their tarnished honor, it becomes increasingly apparent that their only course of action is to prepare for war!
And the visiting Romulan party is as fractious and divided as their troubled world. Among the Romulan nobles in attendance are the hero and popular Senator Arrhae, who secretly helped rescue Dr. Leonard McCoy from a Romulan execution, and the very men and women who put McCoy on trial for treason -- and tried to carry out the sentence.
As Kirk and crew attempt to renegotiate a delicate peace, and Romulans attempt to restore their tarnished honor, it becomes increasingly apparent that their only course of action is to prepare for war!
220 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
34 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Diane Duane
167 books2,416 followersDiane Duane has been a writer of science fiction, fantasy, TV and film for more than forty years.
Besides the 1980's creation of the Young Wizards fantasy series for which she's best known, the "Middle Kingdoms" epic fantasy series, and numerous stand-alone fantasy or science fiction novels, her career has included extensive work in the Star Trek TM universe, and many scripts for live-action and animated TV series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as work in comics and computer games. She has spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and has picked up various awards and award nominations here and there.
She lives in County Wicklow, in Ireland, with her husband of more than thirty years, the screenwriter and novelist Peter Morwood.
Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is a weird kind of Swiss scrambled-potato dish called maluns, she was born in a Year of the Dragon, and her sign is "Runway 24 Left, Hold For Clearance."
(From her official website)
Besides the 1980's creation of the Young Wizards fantasy series for which she's best known, the "Middle Kingdoms" epic fantasy series, and numerous stand-alone fantasy or science fiction novels, her career has included extensive work in the Star Trek TM universe, and many scripts for live-action and animated TV series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as work in comics and computer games. She has spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and has picked up various awards and award nominations here and there.
She lives in County Wicklow, in Ireland, with her husband of more than thirty years, the screenwriter and novelist Peter Morwood.
Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is a weird kind of Swiss scrambled-potato dish called maluns, she was born in a Year of the Dragon, and her sign is "Runway 24 Left, Hold For Clearance."
(From her official website)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 16, 2019
Part two of Duane's novel of the Rihannsu Empire picks up where the previous left off naturally enough. The rest of Star Fleet's task force is finally on hand for tense negotiations as events continue to spiral out of control in Romulan space.
The viewpoint characters are all outside the primary negotiating teams, so the main thing we see are some of the more public posturing, and a reception or two. Duane's cast is large enough to show a lot around this, and she introduces a new secondary character, Gurrhim, who turns into a plot-point, and is a great character on his own.
The final part of the novel dissolves down into action, which is well handled. Duane does a great job of showing a lot of what was going on, and yet when it's all over, it becomes apparent that, yes, other things were happening too. There's also a very well-done tense emergency surgery scene right at the end. She describes things well enough so you know what's going on even as a lot of unfamiliar terminology is thrown around; a neat trick.
However, while this is definitely the end of the novel, it is still not the end of the series. Things have come to a real head, and 'middle of trilogy' conclusion, but its not over yet.
The viewpoint characters are all outside the primary negotiating teams, so the main thing we see are some of the more public posturing, and a reception or two. Duane's cast is large enough to show a lot around this, and she introduces a new secondary character, Gurrhim, who turns into a plot-point, and is a great character on his own.
The final part of the novel dissolves down into action, which is well handled. Duane does a great job of showing a lot of what was going on, and yet when it's all over, it becomes apparent that, yes, other things were happening too. There's also a very well-done tense emergency surgery scene right at the end. She describes things well enough so you know what's going on even as a lot of unfamiliar terminology is thrown around; a neat trick.
However, while this is definitely the end of the novel, it is still not the end of the series. Things have come to a real head, and 'middle of trilogy' conclusion, but its not over yet.
August 20, 2021
I read “Swordhunt” and “Honor Blade” as one book so this is a review for both of them. I really want to say that it’s an excellent novel and express how much I adore it, but stating it would be so far from the truth. I still enjoy the characters, the worldbuilding is brilliant, and the plot is absorbing - to a certain extent; but the story also is extremely disjointed. Duane shifts back and forth between too many characters and some of the viewpoints seem superfluous because they don’t add anything to the main plot. Plus, the denouement is a major letdown. Duane's attempt at tying together several plot threads is sloppy, leaving me floundering with at least a dozen questions.
April 29, 2020
This was better than the previous book, Rihannsu Book 3--Sword Hunt, but it ends on a "To Be Continued." If I had gone in knowing the story wouldn't be completed in this novel, I probably would have liked it more.
The Federation and the Romulans are going to meet with a third party overseeing (and what a strong third party they are!) diplomatic discussions over what's to be done with Romulan "traitor" Ael and the symbolic sword she's stolen. There's a good build to the discussions, with some incidents interrupting on Romulan settled worlds where revolution is in occurring. There's a nice rise of tension, with something happening in the end that's engaging...but there's no conclusion to this tale.
I would have liked it more had there been some type of resolution, even a partial one for this installment. Instead, the events that are feared throughout the book for possibly occurring do occur.
The Federation and the Romulans are going to meet with a third party overseeing (and what a strong third party they are!) diplomatic discussions over what's to be done with Romulan "traitor" Ael and the symbolic sword she's stolen. There's a good build to the discussions, with some incidents interrupting on Romulan settled worlds where revolution is in occurring. There's a nice rise of tension, with something happening in the end that's engaging...but there's no conclusion to this tale.
I would have liked it more had there been some type of resolution, even a partial one for this installment. Instead, the events that are feared throughout the book for possibly occurring do occur.
September 11, 2021
Duane has a really nice feel for the core characters for TOS, and does a nice job with the "Enterprise Seven" while supplementing her cast with some original characters that are really welcome: Harb Tanzer (Chief of Recreation, a fine sounding board for Kirk), Lia Burke (a much more interesting nurse and foil for McCoy than the perpetually drippy Chapel), etc. She populates her Trek books with some really alien crew members as well which is a delight and lends wonder and interest.
Her earliest Romulan stories are really good, especially My Enemy, My Ally which is a classic of the form and a terrific adventure story with or without the trappings of Trek around it.
This one is...kind of boring, unfortunately. The Enterprise isn't given much to do, and that rarely works in a Trek book. There's not really enough of a hook to make the diplomatic conference as interesting as it should be, and the whole thing comes off as prelude to the "real" book which is supposed to follow.
Too bad.
Her earliest Romulan stories are really good, especially My Enemy, My Ally which is a classic of the form and a terrific adventure story with or without the trappings of Trek around it.
This one is...kind of boring, unfortunately. The Enterprise isn't given much to do, and that rarely works in a Trek book. There's not really enough of a hook to make the diplomatic conference as interesting as it should be, and the whole thing comes off as prelude to the "real" book which is supposed to follow.
Too bad.
September 29, 2018
Though the midpoint of this final trilogy of books the moments are tense as the events are building. It would have been nice if all three books were in one volume (which they may have done but I don't know) as this almost feels like a Tom Clancy novel set in the Star Trek universe. I have enjoyed this as well even though it is just another stepping stone so hopefully I can find the last in the series soon...
May 27, 2021
Bokserien närmar sig sitt slut och även denna bok kan inte missas om man vill förstå romulanerna. Karaktären senator Arrhae får vi en fördjupad bild av i denna bok - oerhört komplex personlighet, det kunde jag inte se lika bra från början (även om jag varit hemligt förtjust i konceptet med Arrhae från första stund). Nu väntar jag med spänning på den absolut sista boken. Hela bokserien har ju tagit tid att skrivas, med den första boken 1984 och den femte boken 2006.
February 6, 2021
I feel like we spend a bit more time analysing the Federation side of events in this book than in the previous books, although the Rihannsu thread continues to weave.
I enjoyed this one more than book 3 although was stunned that it was still not resolved by the end. It's a good thing I have book 5 ready to go as well.
I enjoyed this one more than book 3 although was stunned that it was still not resolved by the end. It's a good thing I have book 5 ready to go as well.
November 15, 2025
4.25 stars. A great addition to the series!! Everything is coming to a head and I can't wait to dive into the finale. Everything that has been setup over the course of the 3 previous books is paying dividends as trust between characters is tried, empires are at odds, and a sword has been drawn. Definitely worth owning as it's a series I'll be reading again!
May 29, 2025
Abruo, unresolved ending
After the disappointing cliff hanger of Swordhunt, the previous novel, it was doubly frustrating to find another such non-conclusion to this book. While well written and engaging, the story does not come to a resolute ending.
After the disappointing cliff hanger of Swordhunt, the previous novel, it was doubly frustrating to find another such non-conclusion to this book. While well written and engaging, the story does not come to a resolute ending.
April 9, 2024
I’m just warm on this book. There is a fifth written 22 years later. Seeing mixed reviews on it.
January 14, 2020
Honor Blade is basically an continuation of an overview of conflicts between Romulan/Rihannsu political powers, the people and the Federation. There are some nice character interactions but not much plot or conflict that I could sense. It's possible that I read the series too far apart or was determined to finish the series and not paying enough attention.
I didn't really find the author's writing style to my taste. It feels like she takes the long way around in describing relationships and historical events. I do like Star Trek characters and stories, based on what I know of the television shows, but I don't know that I see it the same way the author does.
The first half of the book kind of drags to be honest, but the last half moves the story along. I thought this was the last book of the series but there is another, The Empty Chair.
I didn't really find the author's writing style to my taste. It feels like she takes the long way around in describing relationships and historical events. I do like Star Trek characters and stories, based on what I know of the television shows, but I don't know that I see it the same way the author does.
The first half of the book kind of drags to be honest, but the last half moves the story along. I thought this was the last book of the series but there is another, The Empty Chair.
May 22, 2025
Picking up where the last book left off, The Enterprise is involved in tense negotiations with the Romulan Empire that could lead to all out war. Captain Kirk is caught between his loyalty to Starfleet and his sympathy for Romulan Captain Ael and her mission to better the Romulan people. On the other side, secret Federation agent Arrhae is sent to observe the negotiations, while she battles to keep her secret from being exposed and attempts to bring intelligence to the other side.
Really this and the previous novel are one book so if you liked the previous half, you’ll like this one. The schemes start becoming clear and the tension keeps on mounting. With the action rising to a climax in the final pages, we end on a monumental cliffhanger.
Really this and the previous novel are one book so if you liked the previous half, you’ll like this one. The schemes start becoming clear and the tension keeps on mounting. With the action rising to a climax in the final pages, we end on a monumental cliffhanger.
September 5, 2023
Too many characters for the size of the book. Not enough action. A lot of building in order to continue with next book
Here is my rating system. Of course this is all subjective
5 star exceptional. Must read book
4 star excellent book. I enjoyed it
3 star. Average. Take it or leave it. Just ok
2 star. Bad. I finished it but didn’t enjoy it
1 star. Did not finish or so bad I wouldn’t recommend it
Here is my rating system. Of course this is all subjective
5 star exceptional. Must read book
4 star excellent book. I enjoyed it
3 star. Average. Take it or leave it. Just ok
2 star. Bad. I finished it but didn’t enjoy it
1 star. Did not finish or so bad I wouldn’t recommend it
October 7, 2013
I am strangely conflicted by this book. Firstly, my suspicions about the previous book were confirmed when this book started with 'Chapter Six'. It however, did not just jump into the action, and spent another 2 overly long chapters continuing to set the stage. After that, it was all go, but still left me feeling empty, since it's clear the author is setting up for a conclusion book. Having said all that, I could not put it down, but given my problems with it, can not give 5 stars.
June 22, 2017
I'm not so sure why they split this story into two books. It was part of a series that gave a fantastic look at the history of Romulans and Vulcans. Point I disliked: after reading 1,000 plus pages of the "omnibus" version (which sometimes was a slog, despite the interesting points) it was left wide open until "The Empty Chair" resolved the whole thing.
January 9, 2012
Great plot and characterizations, the Rihannsu saga has done much to hold my interest. I am a huge admirer of Diane Duane's writing talents, and look forward to reading more by her. Already in the queue to be read at some future point are her novels Doctor's Orders and The Wounded Sky.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2011/12/h...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2011/12/h...
March 14, 2011
For the fourth in the series it was much like the third! Continuation of the buildup to a climax that has yet to be finished. There are a few minor battles, but otherwise (as with book 3) it's an unfinished story.
February 8, 2016
This was basically the set-up to the next book in the series. Not much happens until the last 40 pages and then ends with the infamous "to be continued." Still, it was well-written and kept my interest.
November 28, 2019
Definitely needed to set up The Empty Chair - the final book in the series - but of the set, my least favorite.
September 23, 2010
Can't believe I fell for it again! Nothing happens, and then "to be continued..." Ugh!
March 31, 2011
Star Trek, abrupt ending otherwise decent plot
May 18, 2013
Great Read!
Read
January 4, 2016See review for Sword Hunt--read the combined version.
November 8, 2015
It's ok. I might read more Star Trek in the future.
Read
November 14, 2017WTF in this case means "Where is the Finish?"
It is #96 in the Star Trek numbered books and the last of them.
Copyrighted by Paramont in 2000, it ends with the words "To be Continued"
After some research, I found the following:
The next book was published in 2006, "The Empty Chair" touted as
THE CULMINATION OF A SAGA TWENTY-TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING.
With 5 books over 22 years, Diane Duane seems to be giving G. R. R. Martin competition in reader torturing.
It is #96 in the Star Trek numbered books and the last of them.
Copyrighted by Paramont in 2000, it ends with the words "To be Continued"
After some research, I found the following:
The next book was published in 2006, "The Empty Chair" touted as
THE CULMINATION OF A SAGA TWENTY-TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING.
With 5 books over 22 years, Diane Duane seems to be giving G. R. R. Martin competition in reader torturing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews