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Star Trek: The Original Series
Star Trek: The Original Series: The Weight of Worlds
The Ephrata Institute is an intellectual think tank at the outer fringes of the final frontier. Dedicated to the arts and sciences, the Institute seems an unlikely target for an invasion, but it proves easy pickings when the Crusade comes from beyond, determined to impose its harsh, unbending Truth on all the worlds of the Federation. Armed with weaponized gravity, the alien Crusaders will stop at nothing to rescue the universe from its myriad beliefs . . . even if it means warping the mind and soul of every sentient being they encounter.
Responding to an urgent distress signal, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise soon find themselves in conflict with the Crusade, and facing individual challenges. When Kirk and Spock are transported to the Crusade’s distant homeland to confront the source of the invasion, Sulu finds himself trapped behind enemy lines, while Lieutenant Uhura is faced with possibly the most difficult decisions of her career.
As the Crusade sets its sights beyond Ephrata IV, it is up to the Enterprise and its besieged crew to keep freedom of thought from being crushed beneath the weight of worlds!
Responding to an urgent distress signal, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise soon find themselves in conflict with the Crusade, and facing individual challenges. When Kirk and Spock are transported to the Crusade’s distant homeland to confront the source of the invasion, Sulu finds himself trapped behind enemy lines, while Lieutenant Uhura is faced with possibly the most difficult decisions of her career.
As the Crusade sets its sights beyond Ephrata IV, it is up to the Enterprise and its besieged crew to keep freedom of thought from being crushed beneath the weight of worlds!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 15, 2018
One of the charms of the often clumsy morality plays of the old Star Trek series was how they could often be pulled off with quite a bit of style when the episode was well-written. The leads of the series -- William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelley -- were competent professional actors with a lot of combined experience in television and when given some top-level TV material could make top-level genre entertainment surrounding the Moral of the Story.
In 2014's The Weight of Worlds, multiple Trek-novel author Greg Cox manages to pull off the part about writing a story with an Important Point. He comes nowhere close to offering anything like the panache of the best work old TV veterans like D.C. Fontana, Gene L. Coon, Jerome Bixby or even series creator Gene Roddenberry himself ("best work" is an important qualifier here. Coon was also responsible for "Spock's Brain.")
The Ephrata Institute is a think tank located on an isolated planet near the edge of Federation space. One day it sends out a garbled distress call, and Starfleet sends the Enterprise to investigate. Invaders from another dimension have attacked the institute, and their control of gravity threatens to render them too much for the Enterprise crew to handle. While Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock are brought to the invaders' homeworld to confront their leader, other landing party members must combat the invading force and help protect the Enterprise herself.
Cox offers up a couple of neat items -- dissidents on the invaders' homeworld chose Kirk as their potential champion because examining Ephrata's records showed he had a history of toppling false deities. And an injury to Engineer Scott puts Lieutenant Uhura in command of the Enterprise; a role that series backstory said she was trained for but which we never got to see.
But those are garnishes on an empty plate; Weight of Worlds reads like a low-end episode of the animated series of Star Trek aired in 1973-74. Cox has a penchant for name-dropping old series episodes in unnecessary and awkward ways. Kirk declines a party invitation with a memory of how a party attended by Dr. Helen Noel went awry in "Dagger of the Mind," for example. Lieutenant Sulu develops a crush on his fellow landing-party fugitive, but Cox is nowhere near talented enough to show that develop so he just tells us. And he is also nowhere near talented enough to make his central idea -- beware religious crusaders who are convinced their truth is The Truth -- anything more than a moralistic cliché that carries no weight. Cox has more than a dozen Trek novels and many more movie and video-game tie-in novelizations to his credit, so it's difficult to understand why at this point in his career he can't write a novel with enough skill to sell his simplistic sermon.
Original available here.
In 2014's The Weight of Worlds, multiple Trek-novel author Greg Cox manages to pull off the part about writing a story with an Important Point. He comes nowhere close to offering anything like the panache of the best work old TV veterans like D.C. Fontana, Gene L. Coon, Jerome Bixby or even series creator Gene Roddenberry himself ("best work" is an important qualifier here. Coon was also responsible for "Spock's Brain.")
The Ephrata Institute is a think tank located on an isolated planet near the edge of Federation space. One day it sends out a garbled distress call, and Starfleet sends the Enterprise to investigate. Invaders from another dimension have attacked the institute, and their control of gravity threatens to render them too much for the Enterprise crew to handle. While Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock are brought to the invaders' homeworld to confront their leader, other landing party members must combat the invading force and help protect the Enterprise herself.
Cox offers up a couple of neat items -- dissidents on the invaders' homeworld chose Kirk as their potential champion because examining Ephrata's records showed he had a history of toppling false deities. And an injury to Engineer Scott puts Lieutenant Uhura in command of the Enterprise; a role that series backstory said she was trained for but which we never got to see.
But those are garnishes on an empty plate; Weight of Worlds reads like a low-end episode of the animated series of Star Trek aired in 1973-74. Cox has a penchant for name-dropping old series episodes in unnecessary and awkward ways. Kirk declines a party invitation with a memory of how a party attended by Dr. Helen Noel went awry in "Dagger of the Mind," for example. Lieutenant Sulu develops a crush on his fellow landing-party fugitive, but Cox is nowhere near talented enough to show that develop so he just tells us. And he is also nowhere near talented enough to make his central idea -- beware religious crusaders who are convinced their truth is The Truth -- anything more than a moralistic cliché that carries no weight. Cox has more than a dozen Trek novels and many more movie and video-game tie-in novelizations to his credit, so it's difficult to understand why at this point in his career he can't write a novel with enough skill to sell his simplistic sermon.
Original available here.
September 19, 2025
The Weight of Worls, a novel by Greg Cox set in the Star Trek: The Original Series universe, was a big disappointment. Although the writer imagined an intriguing premise, an invading Crusade from another universe, plus new weapons based on gravity manipulation, it was all squandered in a dime a dozen action adventure short novel in which everybody runs around and there are a lot of fights. It wasn't even explained what were the religious beliefs of the Crusaders. I'm sure Spock would have bothered to ask.
June 17, 2022
Greg Cox knows how to write Treklit that feels like the Original Series, and The Weight of Worlds is a clear demonstration of that, ending as it does with Kirk facing off against an alien with delusions of grandeur -- as he has many times before. One can almost hear the classic fight theme in the background and see his two-handed neck chops. The premise of this one is that some aliens from another universe mastered anti-gravity weapons and learned to create openings into parallel universes: learning there were other species out there caused them to go barking mad, though, and their native religion radicalized into a crusade to wipe out those who don't accept The Truth. What is The Truth? Ehhhhhhh, that bit's not actually developed. It's goofy, but fun, and we get to see Uhura in the center seat.
January 2, 2025
When a Federation Research unit is attacked by crusaders from an alternative dimension, Captain Kirk finds that his reputation precedes him and only he can prevent a full scale invasion.
A great adventure romp, very much in keeping with the spirit of 'Star Trek'. Cox has written the characters well and the plot makes sense within the 'Star Trek' universe.
A great adventure romp, very much in keeping with the spirit of 'Star Trek'. Cox has written the characters well and the plot makes sense within the 'Star Trek' universe.
July 30, 2023
This one felt like a good old fashioned TOS adventure. This is the third Star Trek novel I've read from Greg Cox and was the most enjoyable of the three.
April 8, 2013
A serious issue in TOS style, handled with a light touch by Greg, who is no slouch when it comes to handling the characters. He gives most everyone something to do including challenging the regulars with unusual roles. A pleasant read although this is the second recent TOS to hinge on Spock's mindmeld techniques. He also demonstrated using the nerve pinch on various aliens without first knowing how their physiology works -- you have to watch those shortcuts.
January 19, 2023
A solid, well-written TOS entry, yet one I found to be a curiously detached reading experience. I can't point to anything I found particularly irritating...but in the end, I simply didn't connect with the story as much as I hoped I would. In the end, I found this a pleasant diversion.
July 7, 2019
A decent Original Series adventure.
January 25, 2020
Greg Cox is one of the more reliable writers of Star Trek: TOS novels, and The Weight of Worlds proves no exception. It's a solid romp that culls threads and themes from some of the classic TV episodes, while still having a few unique ideas in its story and presentation. Honestly, it reminded me of a cross between "The Return of the Archons" (which is referenced several times) and the original (1994) Stargate movie.
The Enterprise answers a distress call from The Ephrata Institute, a scientific outpost under attack from The Crusade, aliens from another dimension who use gravity-manipulating weapons to defeat their opponents. The Crusaders are proponents of a religion they call simply The Truth, and they can brainwash those they capture into become acolytes of their beliefs. After beaming down to Ephrata, Kirk and Spock are captured and taken through an inter-dimensional portal to the Crusaders homeworld of Ialat to meet their leader, the God-King Jaenab. They eventually escape, join a resistance movement, and work their way toward a confrontation with Jaenab. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is captured by a gravity cannon while in orbit around Ephrata and Uhura winds up in the Captain's chair after Scotty is injured. The other members of the original landing party, Lieutenant Sulu and Ensign Fawzia Yaseen, a security officer, remain on the surface, where they try to resist assimilation to The Truth, and look to wreak some havoc among the Crusaders from Ialat.
As always, Cox has a good handle on the core Star Trek characters and the style. The dialogue rings true, and despite the expansive plot, much of this would feel right at home on a 1960's television set. Once Kirk and Spock travel to Ialat, the scope of the action grows larger and more cinematic. It's the kind of tale Gene Roddenberry might have attempted had a larger budget been at his disposal - although some of the gravity bending effects might still have been out of reach until the advent of CGI.
The resolution of the story involves both a Vulcan mind-meld and Kirk going one-on-one with an alien baddie. So pretty standard stuff. However, a very Star Trek-esque plea for peace, love, and understanding lies nestled in the action packed climax. With the inclusion of a character of Middle Eastern descent in his main cast, it's easy to feel that Cox is reflecting on the current state of the world and looking for a way to comment on some of the "holy wars" being waged by a variety of international actors today. The Enterprise crew makes the case that The Crusaders can peacefully coexist with a wide variety of people and belief systems, if they will just give tolerance and understanding a chance. Sounds like a message that's relevant to our contemporary politics as well.
The Enterprise answers a distress call from The Ephrata Institute, a scientific outpost under attack from The Crusade, aliens from another dimension who use gravity-manipulating weapons to defeat their opponents. The Crusaders are proponents of a religion they call simply The Truth, and they can brainwash those they capture into become acolytes of their beliefs. After beaming down to Ephrata, Kirk and Spock are captured and taken through an inter-dimensional portal to the Crusaders homeworld of Ialat to meet their leader, the God-King Jaenab. They eventually escape, join a resistance movement, and work their way toward a confrontation with Jaenab. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is captured by a gravity cannon while in orbit around Ephrata and Uhura winds up in the Captain's chair after Scotty is injured. The other members of the original landing party, Lieutenant Sulu and Ensign Fawzia Yaseen, a security officer, remain on the surface, where they try to resist assimilation to The Truth, and look to wreak some havoc among the Crusaders from Ialat.
As always, Cox has a good handle on the core Star Trek characters and the style. The dialogue rings true, and despite the expansive plot, much of this would feel right at home on a 1960's television set. Once Kirk and Spock travel to Ialat, the scope of the action grows larger and more cinematic. It's the kind of tale Gene Roddenberry might have attempted had a larger budget been at his disposal - although some of the gravity bending effects might still have been out of reach until the advent of CGI.
The resolution of the story involves both a Vulcan mind-meld and Kirk going one-on-one with an alien baddie. So pretty standard stuff. However, a very Star Trek-esque plea for peace, love, and understanding lies nestled in the action packed climax. With the inclusion of a character of Middle Eastern descent in his main cast, it's easy to feel that Cox is reflecting on the current state of the world and looking for a way to comment on some of the "holy wars" being waged by a variety of international actors today. The Enterprise crew makes the case that The Crusaders can peacefully coexist with a wide variety of people and belief systems, if they will just give tolerance and understanding a chance. Sounds like a message that's relevant to our contemporary politics as well.
January 27, 2022
Alternatives
I found this to be an interesting and engrossing story. It had a good pace and held my interest throughout. I've been a Star Trek fan from around 50 years ago. I've also been reading the books for a long time and this one flowed very well with the original series. An old idea with new enemies and the crew does an excellent job getting through their predicament. If you want a Star Trek fan then I would definitely recommend this author and there works.
I found this to be an interesting and engrossing story. It had a good pace and held my interest throughout. I've been a Star Trek fan from around 50 years ago. I've also been reading the books for a long time and this one flowed very well with the original series. An old idea with new enemies and the crew does an excellent job getting through their predicament. If you want a Star Trek fan then I would definitely recommend this author and there works.
July 23, 2013
A great "Star Trek" novel that felt like it could have come straight out of the original television show. An original series "Star Trek" fan would not be disappointed.
June 28, 2021
I don't know how I missed picking up a physical copy of this book when it originally came out. I read this on Kindle during a trip and couldn't put it down once I began.
An advanced academic think tank on the outer fringes of the Federation is attacked by an invading force never encountered before. Without spoiling things, they have weapons to make phasers useless and the means to make their captives willing beings to their cause. I've read a lot of Star Trek novels and I've never encountered a race like this before, in how they look and what their technology is capable of, so my hat is off to writer Cox for creating something new for a franchise that began in the 60's.
The crew of the Enterprise is portrayed perfectly, with two of the big three cut off from the Enterprise on a parallel adventure that goes back and forth with the action at the think tank. Sulu and Uhura get some meaty scenes in this book, with Sulu's being my favorite. I especially like how the book leaves the helmsmen.
The climax of the novel has Kirk going one-on-one against the villain of the piece, but in a way (again) I've not encountered in any other Trek tale. Again, kudos to Cox.
If you're looking for a Star Trek story featuring the original crew, this would be one to read.
An advanced academic think tank on the outer fringes of the Federation is attacked by an invading force never encountered before. Without spoiling things, they have weapons to make phasers useless and the means to make their captives willing beings to their cause. I've read a lot of Star Trek novels and I've never encountered a race like this before, in how they look and what their technology is capable of, so my hat is off to writer Cox for creating something new for a franchise that began in the 60's.
The crew of the Enterprise is portrayed perfectly, with two of the big three cut off from the Enterprise on a parallel adventure that goes back and forth with the action at the think tank. Sulu and Uhura get some meaty scenes in this book, with Sulu's being my favorite. I especially like how the book leaves the helmsmen.
The climax of the novel has Kirk going one-on-one against the villain of the piece, but in a way (again) I've not encountered in any other Trek tale. Again, kudos to Cox.
If you're looking for a Star Trek story featuring the original crew, this would be one to read.
March 25, 2024
I really wanted to love this. The premise is fantastic and Cox has the characterisations of The Original Series characters down really well – the dialogue was some of the most enjoyable parts of the book, in fact. Somehow, it just missed the mark.
It felt slightly too long, and by the time I got 70% of the way through I knew what the ending was going to be (because it's Star Trek, and I've watched a lot of it, not because the plot was lacking in any way) and found myself rushing slightly to get to it. Plus, jumping between three focuses for the story was one too many, and added extra length the book didn't need. Cox's writing style had the characters down, but I found it repeated phrases and anecdotes to get that characterisation which made some passages annoying to read and overall wasn't a writing style I got on with very well.
If you want a modern Star Trek book in the Original Series setting, give this a read! The action and worlds Cox built were really enjoyable. This is definitely just a 'not for me' kind of book and still a good one!
It felt slightly too long, and by the time I got 70% of the way through I knew what the ending was going to be (because it's Star Trek, and I've watched a lot of it, not because the plot was lacking in any way) and found myself rushing slightly to get to it. Plus, jumping between three focuses for the story was one too many, and added extra length the book didn't need. Cox's writing style had the characters down, but I found it repeated phrases and anecdotes to get that characterisation which made some passages annoying to read and overall wasn't a writing style I got on with very well.
If you want a modern Star Trek book in the Original Series setting, give this a read! The action and worlds Cox built were really enjoyable. This is definitely just a 'not for me' kind of book and still a good one!
July 28, 2017
Greg Cox is one of my favorite authors, I thought this book was good. The planet Ephrata is attacked by aliens from another dimension. The Ialati think that anything that is different from them is a threat to what they call "The Truth" They use gravity as a weapon and cause havoc to the Enterprise and all aboard her.
I don't think this story was as good as "Rings of Time," but I do think it's a good read. I am looking forward to reading his "Assignment Eternity." Which I ordered and am waiting for it to arrive.
I don't think this story was as good as "Rings of Time," but I do think it's a good read. I am looking forward to reading his "Assignment Eternity." Which I ordered and am waiting for it to arrive.
January 30, 2018
The enterprise receives a distress call from the Enphrata institute, located on a planet on the edge of known space. When Captain Kirk and the crew arrive at the institute they find that it has been taken over by Crusaders from an alternative universe that have come to "bring the truth" to the Federation. The Crusaders have discovered a way to weaponize gravity, and use it to hold the Enterprise captive, while Kirk and the away team battle the Crusaders on site.
This is good fun. If you love the original series, then this is a book for you.
This is good fun. If you love the original series, then this is a book for you.
September 2, 2024
This one loses some points because the themes smack you over the head with a crow bar, and it’s not the most fun plot I’ve read, but neither is it the least fun. Characterization/dialogue is pretty spot on. Action scenes/later plot solutions are written well in that you can see them coming before you get to them. This does have the awkward side effect of the action sequences that come before those plot beats seeming extraneous and unnecessarily drawn out since you can predict what’s gonna happen next. A solid middle of the road Trek mission.
March 12, 2017
A clever idea that works well, utilising gravity as a weapon. The plot overall is broadly similar to the 50th Anniversary Legacies trilogy but obviously less expansive. I thought the banter was played for laughs a little too much, with specific references to the 'banter' highlighting it, but generally it had the feel of a good episode. This book gives Sulu and Uhura a chance to stretch themselves.
March 29, 2018
This was my first foray into Star Trek literature (outside of the movie novelizations) and was surprisingly interested. I had out off reading this book for so long because I'd feared that it wouldn't hold my interest and then would join my list of books that I couldn't finish. I loved that Uhura and Sulu got to share the spotlight in this story, especially Uhura.
June 19, 2020
Another fun action-packed story from Greg Cox, who never disappoints. With the exception of the reference to Spock's half brother (not considered canon) the book is an excellent nod to the original Star Trek. The characters were accurately written and the story is exciting and full of drama, like the original show.
August 13, 2023
Really enjoying this book ... reading on the kindle. The characters all seem to have equal time and are true to their characters that we all know.
***
Just finished.
It was wrapped up fairly quickly as it does on the series. It was enjoyable and the action moved along briskly. I missed some of the banter between the comrades but the dialogue was mostly between the alien population and the trek crew which was still enjoyable. I would recommend this author and I'd like to try another novel of his as well.
***
Just finished.
It was wrapped up fairly quickly as it does on the series. It was enjoyable and the action moved along briskly. I missed some of the banter between the comrades but the dialogue was mostly between the alien population and the trek crew which was still enjoyable. I would recommend this author and I'd like to try another novel of his as well.
January 16, 2021
Fun and easy read. Not much to interpret, even the "Truth" itself. The dialogue is a bit cheesy, but it fits the characters from The Original Series. The plot is uncomplicated and unoriginal, unlike latter series which sometimes dwell on heavy philosophical stuff.
March 10, 2023
Like the rest of the Star Trek books written by Greg Cox, I enjoyed this one as well. There were some very new ideas and some welcome changes - like Uhura finally getting to command the ship. It was also an interesting study in religious zealotry that was very relatable. Good book.
April 10, 2024
I have read several of Greg Cox's books, and all of them I would rate 5's! All the characters are "in character" and the stories are always interesting and a tribute to the show. This one was no different! Excellent Star Trek novel.
October 3, 2017
Great book
Starts a little slow at the beginning, yet builds to crescendo at the end. A good read. Fans of the original series should enjoy thus book.
Starts a little slow at the beginning, yet builds to crescendo at the end. A good read. Fans of the original series should enjoy thus book.
June 25, 2018
Good, fast pace book. Enjoyed seeing someone else in command of the Enterprise!
June 14, 2019
Pretty good. Lots of cliches and references to other episodes - it isn't the most unique book ever, but it is enjoyable
March 19, 2020
Amazing storyline. Great characters!
Grab this awesome read, you'll be glad you did! I couldn't put it down. I'll have to read it again.
Grab this awesome read, you'll be glad you did! I couldn't put it down. I'll have to read it again.
April 12, 2020
Weighty novel, if you've read it you'll understand, with Uhura, Sulu and Spock all using their unique skills to resolve the situation.
May 19, 2020
An easy to read newer entry into the Original Series saga. The book moved along quickly, ending up with a nice and tidy ending.
March 17, 2022
Fast paced and entertaining. I enjoyed this book. Would make a great movie!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews