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When the discovery of an ancient scroll places the Klingon legend of Kahless into doubt, the present-day emperor Kahless clone fears that his empire will be torn apart and turns to Picard and Worf for assistance. Reprint.
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
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576 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jan Friedman
374 books205 followersMichael Jan Friedman is an author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction, half of which are in the Star Trek universe. Eleven of his titles have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. Friedman has also written for network and cable television and radio, and scripted nearly 200 comic books, including his original DC superhero series, the Darkstars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 14, 2023
The characters are well portrayed and there are some entertaining action sequences, but overall the story is unremarkable and largely fails to scratch the surface of Kahless' character.
December 21, 2017
A good tale of the Klingon world. What if a hero is not as we think of him, but he is also a hero? Interesting idea well enough explored inside the world of Trek.
June 17, 2014
A cautionary tale, a parable if you will, on the dangers of placing too much importance on the historical literality of our mytho-historical cultural icons.
Most people would understand and agree, for instance, that it neither lessens nor invalidates the importance of either George Washington or the quality of honesty if he did not, in fact, chop down a cherry tree and then unequivocally plead guilty to having done so as a child, nor does it lessen his importance in the winning of the American Revolution if he did not, in fact, throw a silver dollar across the Delaware (Potomac?) River.
Yet unfortunately, just as this book finds many Klingons struggling with the validity of the qualities that they've been brought up to believe in -- honor and courage and valor -- when it is discovered that their mytho-historical proto-Klingon, Kahless, did not in literal fact climb an erupting volcano in order to singe a lock of his hair, nor spin the first bat'telh, a Klingon edged weapon deadlier than a sword, out of said lava-singed strands of hair, and worse, was not a paragon of honor himself, but just a (reasonably decent) fellow, struggling to get from day to day until fate caught him up in a revolution, so many people of our own culture feel that it would somehow invalidate the value of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" if the historical Jesus Christ did not, in fact, literally, physically, rise from the dead after three days. That it would render "Love thy neighbor as thyself" less meaningful if he did not, literally, feed a multitude with a few loaves and fishes. That if he was not literally born of a virgin, or did not literally raise Lazarus from the dead, it would make "The meek shall inherit the earth" or "blessed are the peacemakers" any less valid.
Those portions of the Bible (and there are many of them) that contain beauty, truth, and wisdom, do so regardless of the literal inerrancy of the "history" recorded. And those parts that do not (such as "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live") are vile and invalid, regardless. The message is neither improved nor damaged by the accuracy of the story it is set in.
And this story is a marvellous vehicle for making that point. Well-told, well-written, it's truly a joy to have read.
Most people would understand and agree, for instance, that it neither lessens nor invalidates the importance of either George Washington or the quality of honesty if he did not, in fact, chop down a cherry tree and then unequivocally plead guilty to having done so as a child, nor does it lessen his importance in the winning of the American Revolution if he did not, in fact, throw a silver dollar across the Delaware (Potomac?) River.
Yet unfortunately, just as this book finds many Klingons struggling with the validity of the qualities that they've been brought up to believe in -- honor and courage and valor -- when it is discovered that their mytho-historical proto-Klingon, Kahless, did not in literal fact climb an erupting volcano in order to singe a lock of his hair, nor spin the first bat'telh, a Klingon edged weapon deadlier than a sword, out of said lava-singed strands of hair, and worse, was not a paragon of honor himself, but just a (reasonably decent) fellow, struggling to get from day to day until fate caught him up in a revolution, so many people of our own culture feel that it would somehow invalidate the value of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" if the historical Jesus Christ did not, in fact, literally, physically, rise from the dead after three days. That it would render "Love thy neighbor as thyself" less meaningful if he did not, literally, feed a multitude with a few loaves and fishes. That if he was not literally born of a virgin, or did not literally raise Lazarus from the dead, it would make "The meek shall inherit the earth" or "blessed are the peacemakers" any less valid.
Those portions of the Bible (and there are many of them) that contain beauty, truth, and wisdom, do so regardless of the literal inerrancy of the "history" recorded. And those parts that do not (such as "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live") are vile and invalid, regardless. The message is neither improved nor damaged by the accuracy of the story it is set in.
And this story is a marvellous vehicle for making that point. Well-told, well-written, it's truly a joy to have read.
November 9, 2021
4.5 Stars
Kahless may or may not have been the Klingon I have been taught growing up, but my faith in his teachings to become an honorable warrior is as strong as ever.
Kahless may or may not have been the Klingon I have been taught growing up, but my faith in his teachings to become an honorable warrior is as strong as ever.
April 15, 2019
I do not know how the audiobook compares to the novel (I'm guessing since all of the other books I've listened to from these older years, it's abridged) but what I heard was good. I liked the idea of the crisis of faith in that what if the Kahless that the klingons worship that did incredible feats didn't actually do those things. Then what? That part was interesting - the rest, *shrugs* didn't need another conspiracy against Gowron, and having Picard there actually felt out of place - seemed like it could have been a good story for just Worf and his brother with Kahless; regardless, still a decent story to listen to.
June 15, 2021
My full review will be up on Roqoo Depot soon. I'll say that this book had some wonderful ideas, and had brilliant themes and scenes. Unfortunately, where it lacked was in execution. This book should have been much longer, and instead was entirely too short. 4 out of 5 stars.
Full Review: https://roqoodepot.wordpress.com/2021...
Full Review: https://roqoodepot.wordpress.com/2021...
March 6, 2018
An interesting look into the Klingon "Jesus" that is Kahless as the story tells two stories side-by-side as it tells of the original Kahless and then the clone that is striving to stay up to the original's name. I enjoyed the story - both of them. However, the question that arises in the book was not addressed in the best way as the question of whether Kahless did the things he claimed came into question. People still sticking with the ideals and beliefs continued on, even though the foundation of what those ideals are is taken out from under them rang a little false to me.
This book proposes the idea that those who follow in a faith or belief system are only deceiving themselves. That is a narrow point of view of belief/faith and those that have them. The main thrust of dealing with this problem is set aside to focus on a conspiracy plot to overthrow Gowron and that is how the story is resolved. I think that was too bad and left the book a little empty for what could have been a deeper, more interesting struggle for Worf and other Klingons.
This book proposes the idea that those who follow in a faith or belief system are only deceiving themselves. That is a narrow point of view of belief/faith and those that have them. The main thrust of dealing with this problem is set aside to focus on a conspiracy plot to overthrow Gowron and that is how the story is resolved. I think that was too bad and left the book a little empty for what could have been a deeper, more interesting struggle for Worf and other Klingons.
June 21, 2008
This book pissed me off like no other book I have ever read. It completely copied so many deferent stories that have been told and written. There was not one new idea in the book. It was like reliving Brave Heart, but William Wallace is Kahlass. I fill like I have been taken advantage of because an am such a geek to read these books. It is like the book someone wrote that put together Star Trek and X-men. The geeks of the world like X-men and the like Star Trek. Will lets put them together no matter how crappy the story may be and the geeks will make us rich. It is bull. I want to read the X-men/Star Trek read just to see. All of us geeks are thinking the same thing. 'That book is proubley the worst book ever, but lets see if Worf and Wovering fight to the death.' It is the same crap with Aliens VS Predator. It makes me so mad that these movies and books are made and it makes me madder that I can't stop myself from reading and watching them.
March 31, 2010
I definitely have a Vulcan attitude towards Klingons so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book so much as spend what would have otherwise been a boring eight hours with it. I was surprised by the masterful composition. I found myself enjoying descriptive writing rather than mentally tagging what system of composition the author had learned. I think the character development would be fun even for a non-Trekker, but don't trust me on that, as I am one. My inner religion geek was thrilled with the author's method of alternating accounts of the fall of the modern day (futuristic?) Klingon religion with the historical narrative of the central mythological figure.
November 16, 2018
Great fictional biopic with action, history, and plenty of background story on the greatest Klingon.
November 9, 2025
There's an author's note at the front of this book where Friedman says that, before he started writing for Star Trek, he authored a number of heroic fantasies that were influenced by Norse mythology, and that Kahless was written in that vein. It shows. That's not a bad thing - I too enjoy Norse myth - and it's a good fit for the Klingons. I think they and the Vikings would appreciate each other.
The story alternates between a "contemporary" narrative with Picard and the Kahless clone and a historic narrative that follows the legend of Kahless himself. In Picard's time, a scroll has been uncovered that undermines that legend, and the way the novel balances the two storylines while interrogating the latter is interesting, if not astonishing. There's nothing particularly unexpected here, except I note that fridging the love interest has apparently made its way to Qo'noS as well, which is uninspiring.
The story alternates between a "contemporary" narrative with Picard and the Kahless clone and a historic narrative that follows the legend of Kahless himself. In Picard's time, a scroll has been uncovered that undermines that legend, and the way the novel balances the two storylines while interrogating the latter is interesting, if not astonishing. There's nothing particularly unexpected here, except I note that fridging the love interest has apparently made its way to Qo'noS as well, which is uninspiring.
January 24, 2023
Kahless by Micheal Jan Friedman
Finishing off the Hands of Kahless Signature Edition, I came to Kahless by Micheal Jan Friedman… this book was alright. It’s very middle of the road for me. The writing is simple and easy to follow but predictable in a bit of a bad way. I honestly wished it focused more on the ancient Kahless, as that’s why I read the book as I wanted to find out about him. It’s better than some of the other Friedman Trek books I’ve read but definitely not my favourite.
Also, I wish we could more from Worf’s point of view instead of Picard. It’s a book about Kahless and Klingons but we don’t get much from his point of view. Kahless was good in it though and I liked his character in it. Picard didn’t have any character arc and he was just kinda there. Overall, a 3 of 5 for me.
Finishing off the Hands of Kahless Signature Edition, I came to Kahless by Micheal Jan Friedman… this book was alright. It’s very middle of the road for me. The writing is simple and easy to follow but predictable in a bit of a bad way. I honestly wished it focused more on the ancient Kahless, as that’s why I read the book as I wanted to find out about him. It’s better than some of the other Friedman Trek books I’ve read but definitely not my favourite.
Also, I wish we could more from Worf’s point of view instead of Picard. It’s a book about Kahless and Klingons but we don’t get much from his point of view. Kahless was good in it though and I liked his character in it. Picard didn’t have any character arc and he was just kinda there. Overall, a 3 of 5 for me.
April 1, 2025
This book deals (somewhat) with issues around religious archeology and faith. A scroll is uncovered, which brings into question the truth behind the legendary Klingon founder, Kahless. Because it's Star Trek, a clone of Kahless who has been implanted with all of Kahless's memories is running around, but his memories are of the legends and don't line up with the scroll. As stupid as it all sounds, the book brings up a controversy from the 90s (when the book was written). Back then, a lot of folks were talking about archeology proving or disproving the Biblical narrative. Big points of discussion at the time were the Shroud of Turin, the Ark of the Covenant in that Ethiopian Church, Noah's Ark being "found" on that mountain, the temple of King David, among others. This book takes a look at various Klingons' responses to this scroll. Some respond in typical Klingon anger, others say it doesn't matter because they believe in the lessons of the mythical Kahless, whether he was real or not, and others insist the scroll is a fake despite it being incontrovertibly proven to be authentic. Now, don't get me wrong, this book lightly brings up these ideas but veers away from making any statement or diving into any depth. It's only an OK book. But I did enjoy exploring the thoughts it brought to mind.
January 27, 2020
Well written, thought provoking, but typos
This was a surprisingly thought provoking exploration of the distinctions between faith, spirituality, ethics, and historical accuracy. I was delighted! I tend to expect a good story from Star Trek novels, and was pleased to see more layers of meaning and nuance. I appreciated the dual stories, the interweaving of history and the now of the story. Also the exploration of what is loyalty, honor, and how these can change given changes in context.
This was a surprisingly thought provoking exploration of the distinctions between faith, spirituality, ethics, and historical accuracy. I was delighted! I tend to expect a good story from Star Trek novels, and was pleased to see more layers of meaning and nuance. I appreciated the dual stories, the interweaving of history and the now of the story. Also the exploration of what is loyalty, honor, and how these can change given changes in context.
August 3, 2024
I've read a ton of Star Trek books over the decades, and most of them are forgettable. Not this one. This really went into the core mythology of Klingons and gave it a beautiful twist. This was one of those books I wish could've been made into an episode.
You do need to be a fan of ST:TNG in particular to have any clue what's going on. If you've only watched an occasional episode, leave this book alone and watch the whole series before tackling this.
You do need to be a fan of ST:TNG in particular to have any clue what's going on. If you've only watched an occasional episode, leave this book alone and watch the whole series before tackling this.
March 24, 2019
Take some of the style of Diane Duane's "Spock's World", add a heavy dash of William Wallace and samurai combat, and mash together with Klingons. If anything, I think this could and should have been on the level of "Spock's World", with extra historical detail and epicness...but I'm never unhappy when a novel leaves me wanting more, and this novel definitely had that effect.
January 19, 2022
Good book for what it is. I only have one other experience from reading a Star Trek book and from that disappointing endeavor, my expectations had nowhere to go but up. It was well written and a good page turner. Working in the struggle of reconciling one’s faith with new evidence would have made Roddenberry proud. I also enjoyed the (literally) unsung hero element. 3.5 stars.
December 13, 2024
The twist at the ending had me kicking my feet and squealing and in utter shock and delight. I loved the interwoven heroic age chapters with the modern, especially in the latter third of the book. And the epilogue was purely 🥹🥰 This is easily in my top three favorite Star Trek novels, if not my favorite. (I’m a sucker for Klingon lore and for anything Worf-centric okay so hush let me have this.)
May 27, 2025
Decent book, Friedman is a good storyteller. characters based on an earlier TNG episode (this story is original though), jumps back and forth though time between original Kahless and his clone in modern day. I don't know, star trek novelizations just don't get me all excited like they used to, I guess.
May 3, 2019
I liked this Klingon Story, The Clone of Kahless is a great idea, We are not that far away from being able to clone our founding fathers or Abe Lincoln, What a mess that would create, That would almost make a fun story, (Rebels without a cause). This was a Good Read
September 24, 2018
A quick read. I enjoyed it. The book was told in the "classic age" and "modern age." the classic age had a bit of a conan vibe to it. A fun little read
January 8, 2020
It was an interesting story. Not the best in Star Trek for me, but not the worst either. Middle of the road entertainment :-)
January 25, 2022
As far as Star Trek novels go it's pretty good, I enjoyed the 'heroic age' story more than the modern.
March 27, 2022
the pages turn themselves!
x-not-for-me
June 29, 2023In the box of books inherited from my brother, but I'm skipping this as it's not numbered, I'm not interested in the subject, and besides, didn't we see this as a tv episode?
July 26, 2025
Holy peak
December 10, 2025
Excellent read. Would definitely make for an outstanding motion picture. Perfect method of addressing the here and now of Kahless.
November 1, 2015
More like a 2.5. I just couldn't get into this one. It's told in alternating chapters. In the present day, the clone of Kahless and the emotional state of the Klingon empire is on a knife's edge. A scroll in the original Kahless's own hand has turned up and it blows the mythos out of the water. It would be the equivalent of Jesus's diary showing up and we learn he was just a man who did great things with the help of friends and that maybe that really great thing we thought he did, actually that was Peter. That is what the Klingons are facing and Worf's faith is shaken.
So the present story line follows an embattled Kahless with Worf, Kurn and Picard to help save Kahless and Goworn from a conspiracy to overthrown Goworn and Kahless and to sever all ties to the Federation (mixed in with a little Alexander angst that honestly goes nowhere).
The past storyline is the 'actual' story of Kahless who ended up an accidental outlaw who didn't really want to overthrow the evil overlord Molor but eventually was led to that point. Some of the stories of Kahless we heard during the actual series pops up here but in a more believable form and then, as stories do, we see the story inflate into the mythos we know the Klingons have about Kahless.
Maybe it was just overly long (about 300 pages) or something but it seemed to drag. I wasn't invested in any of it. Picard just seems to be along for the ride and honestly the story could have been told without changing much if he were gone. I've had this in my TBR pile for a decade so I'm glad I got it read so I can move it on out of here. I won't be keeping this one.
So the present story line follows an embattled Kahless with Worf, Kurn and Picard to help save Kahless and Goworn from a conspiracy to overthrown Goworn and Kahless and to sever all ties to the Federation (mixed in with a little Alexander angst that honestly goes nowhere).
The past storyline is the 'actual' story of Kahless who ended up an accidental outlaw who didn't really want to overthrow the evil overlord Molor but eventually was led to that point. Some of the stories of Kahless we heard during the actual series pops up here but in a more believable form and then, as stories do, we see the story inflate into the mythos we know the Klingons have about Kahless.
Maybe it was just overly long (about 300 pages) or something but it seemed to drag. I wasn't invested in any of it. Picard just seems to be along for the ride and honestly the story could have been told without changing much if he were gone. I've had this in my TBR pile for a decade so I'm glad I got it read so I can move it on out of here. I won't be keeping this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2013
Kahless the most revered of all historical Klingons. Through stories of Kahless they learn about what it means to be Klingon. They learn about honor, duty and warfare. It is now 1500 years in the future and there is a new Kahless. Kind of like how they select Dalai Lama's. The Tibetans look for attributes of the past Lama in young children to find the new one. These are Klingon's if there were a race completely polar opposite the Tibetan Buddists, it would be The Klingons!
So how do they do it? Or how did they do it in this novel? Or what device did this writer use to bring about a New Kahless? I'll give you a hint: The writer's name is Michael Jan Friedman, you know what they say about those who use 3 names? OK now that we've asked a few questions and familiarized ourselves with a steotype that is one of the very few you can remove and so sinister, so we have to ask those who chose to wear this stereotype, "Are you going to Assasssinate anyone b/c your easily removable stereotype says you are? Anyway back to the book. They clone Kahless!
At first, everyone is happy that the old Kahless has returned! Then he nearly destroys the entire empire. This portoin is also the exact opposite that will happen in Barack Obama cloned life series.
So, if you like Klingons, cloning, battle, saving empires go do it yourself you lazy bum! Just Kidding I know you would do it if you had time. Well, one of my favorite things about books are that they save time. We can learn, travel, be scared, happy, excited and entertained b/w those magical pages.
So how do they do it? Or how did they do it in this novel? Or what device did this writer use to bring about a New Kahless? I'll give you a hint: The writer's name is Michael Jan Friedman, you know what they say about those who use 3 names? OK now that we've asked a few questions and familiarized ourselves with a steotype that is one of the very few you can remove and so sinister, so we have to ask those who chose to wear this stereotype, "Are you going to Assasssinate anyone b/c your easily removable stereotype says you are? Anyway back to the book. They clone Kahless!
At first, everyone is happy that the old Kahless has returned! Then he nearly destroys the entire empire. This portoin is also the exact opposite that will happen in Barack Obama cloned life series.
So, if you like Klingons, cloning, battle, saving empires go do it yourself you lazy bum! Just Kidding I know you would do it if you had time. Well, one of my favorite things about books are that they save time. We can learn, travel, be scared, happy, excited and entertained b/w those magical pages.
June 7, 2013
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews