What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Trek: The Next Generation #34
Blaze of Glory
The "U.S.S. Enterprise" TM is assigned to the planet K'Trall, a planet just coming out from under the heel of barbarous suppression. When the planet's newly emerging freedom is threatened by a rouge ship attacking Federation shipping, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew put their lives on the line to protect K'Trall from the raids. But the planet itself holds a deadly secret, one that could lead to a resurgence of the despotic cruelty they have suffered for centuries. With time running out, Captain Picard must see his way past a maze of deadly deception, with billions of lives hanging in the balance.
277 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1995
17 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Simon Hawke
89 books239 followersAlso published as J.D. Masters.
He was born Nicholas Valentin Yermakov, but began writing as Simon Hawke in 1984 and later changed his legal name to Hawke. He has also written near future adventure novels under the penname "J. D. Masters" and mystery novels.
He was born Nicholas Valentin Yermakov, but began writing as Simon Hawke in 1984 and later changed his legal name to Hawke. He has also written near future adventure novels under the penname "J. D. Masters" and mystery novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 25, 2018
I would have enjoyed the adventures of the Enterprise crew, undercover on a pirate ship...but the overall premise of the novel is driving me to distraction. A system of planets...run by a military dictatorship...ruled by an overlord...and somehow it became part of the FEDERATION?!? I'm sorry...that flies completely and totally in the face of everything we know about the Federation...to say nothing of the fact that, if you accept this mind-wrenching premise, then AVOIDING a war when a massive incursion of Romulan ships and troops into Federation space has occurred makes my head spin! None of this makes any sense to me, and it is one of too many things that drove me crazy about this novel. The ripe dialogue straight out of the most pulpy SF novel ("the cybroid bitch is mine"), over the top characters, and small little fanwank details that shouldn't have been mistakes (calling Riker "William" when everybody calls him "Wil", identifying Data as the helm officer, when he is 2nd Officer and serves at Ops). Only the lightning fast nature of this story manages to just about hold all this together...but in the end, this is not one of the highlights of my personal journey through "Star Trek" prose.
March 27, 2017
A bit better than usual for this series.
March 19, 2019
Boy, Simon Hawke has done the ST universe well. This one also deals with Romulans, and their so called relatives, the K'Trall. The premise of the story is that a pirate named Blaze is pillaging Federation merchant vessels in the K'Tralli sector, and Starbase 37 under command of Captian Gruzinoz, and old friend of Picard's cannot handle the situation. Plus, Blaze has in his possession an old Constitution class ship he names Glory, and it has cloaking capability.
Well, Picard and the Enterprise arrive on scene to investigate. With Gruzinov and his security officer Dorn helping, they find that the Romulans and a corrupt K'Tralli overlord, J'Drahn, are trying to get the Federation to leave their territory or break the Prime Directive by intervening. Of course, K'Tralli space is on the Federation side of the Neutral Zone.
War with the Romulans seems likely, but after Riker and LaForge get captured by Blaze, things change.
Very well paced novel, with good dialogue as well as land and space battles.
Well, Picard and the Enterprise arrive on scene to investigate. With Gruzinov and his security officer Dorn helping, they find that the Romulans and a corrupt K'Tralli overlord, J'Drahn, are trying to get the Federation to leave their territory or break the Prime Directive by intervening. Of course, K'Tralli space is on the Federation side of the Neutral Zone.
War with the Romulans seems likely, but after Riker and LaForge get captured by Blaze, things change.
Very well paced novel, with good dialogue as well as land and space battles.
February 3, 2011
Yeah.... I really love Star Trek novels. This tale, about freewheeling 24th century pirates and a plot by the Romulan Empire, is not trying to be anything more than a fast-moving thriller that provides that sweet, sweet nudge to the guilty pleasure point in the brain. It made no literary advances to the genre, but I didn't need it to. Perfect travel reading
November 7, 2018
This one is a good choice for anyone who likes the episodes of TNG either dealing with diplomacy or in which Enterprise crew members go undercover in a dangerous situation. The premise is a bit convoluted, but things move quickly and the voicing of the familiar characters is mostly in keeping with their portrayals on television.
I haven't read many of these novels previously, so it felt a bit strange to read things that typically aren't conveyed on screen, and at times it slowed things down (for example, Riker's entire thought process about his options for how to quickly get from one place to another on a ship). There were a few moments that I consider anachronistic, such as the phrasing for commands on the Holodeck, which is a nerdy thing to criticize, but what else would you expect from someone reading a Star Trek novel?
There's is some misogynist language, an overly sexualized description of the body of one of the female characters, and stigma toward sex work and substance use. Perhaps that's a product of the book having been written in the '90s, but it's more overt than anything I can recall from the TV show and naive to think society's perspective on sex work and substance use wouldn't have progressed by the 24th century.
I haven't read many of these novels previously, so it felt a bit strange to read things that typically aren't conveyed on screen, and at times it slowed things down (for example, Riker's entire thought process about his options for how to quickly get from one place to another on a ship). There were a few moments that I consider anachronistic, such as the phrasing for commands on the Holodeck, which is a nerdy thing to criticize, but what else would you expect from someone reading a Star Trek novel?
There's is some misogynist language, an overly sexualized description of the body of one of the female characters, and stigma toward sex work and substance use. Perhaps that's a product of the book having been written in the '90s, but it's more overt than anything I can recall from the TV show and naive to think society's perspective on sex work and substance use wouldn't have progressed by the 24th century.
April 2, 2023
Now I want to read everything Simon Hawke has written.
"Life without risk is merely existence..."
Basically this was TNG crew vs space pirate, which doesn't sound great to me but it really was. There was some mystery and good suspense.
This was a bit of a hard start for me. It just didn't have 'that' hook for me but I got about 2 chapters in and I really warmed up to it. One huge thing that won me over was that this villain was not the most evil thing to ever exist with no redeeming qualities, he was still the bad guy but I could relate to him to a degree and understand how someone could turn like this guy did.
I enjoyed Picards friend that helped him but was not a successful I think all the non-regulars were well written and relatable that felt very real.
The only negatives for me was the story didn't feel as atmospheric as I normally like, the start was a bit slow (well I DNFd 2 other ST TNG books so maybe I was discouraged) and the ending wrapped up maybe too well but was still one of the better endings.
This is one of the best TNG books I've read not sure if it'll be 4 or 5 stars maybe 4.5. I definitely recommend unless you really want a bottle cap book, this one is heavier on adventure and other characters.
"Life without risk is merely existence..."
Basically this was TNG crew vs space pirate, which doesn't sound great to me but it really was. There was some mystery and good suspense.
This was a bit of a hard start for me. It just didn't have 'that' hook for me but I got about 2 chapters in and I really warmed up to it. One huge thing that won me over was that this villain was not the most evil thing to ever exist with no redeeming qualities, he was still the bad guy but I could relate to him to a degree and understand how someone could turn like this guy did.
I enjoyed Picards friend that helped him but was not a successful I think all the non-regulars were well written and relatable that felt very real.
The only negatives for me was the story didn't feel as atmospheric as I normally like, the start was a bit slow (well I DNFd 2 other ST TNG books so maybe I was discouraged) and the ending wrapped up maybe too well but was still one of the better endings.
This is one of the best TNG books I've read not sure if it'll be 4 or 5 stars maybe 4.5. I definitely recommend unless you really want a bottle cap book, this one is heavier on adventure and other characters.
March 30, 2019
This was about standard for an older Star Trek book, it had a decent plot that showcased a handful of well-liked characters in a fun situation. There's a few little flaws here and there that I don't think are worth mentioning in detail, one of my biggest complaints would be the pacing.
The set up felt really long to me, they give us the premise and then keep hammering it in over and over with a gratuitous use of the word "Freebooter". Once it gets past all the planning and all the discussion then it really starts to be enjoyable. The action is just enough to get you interested in reading more and the world starts to flesh itself out as you go. It sort of disappointed me with the end though, it was really fast especially when we had a ton of set up and we were just getting to some really interesting material.
Overall it's not terrible, I'm not sure if i'd read it again but I definitely don't regret reading it in the first place.
The set up felt really long to me, they give us the premise and then keep hammering it in over and over with a gratuitous use of the word "Freebooter". Once it gets past all the planning and all the discussion then it really starts to be enjoyable. The action is just enough to get you interested in reading more and the world starts to flesh itself out as you go. It sort of disappointed me with the end though, it was really fast especially when we had a ton of set up and we were just getting to some really interesting material.
Overall it's not terrible, I'm not sure if i'd read it again but I definitely don't regret reading it in the first place.
January 2, 2021
A fun read, though it is predictable.
The Enterprise goes to the planet K'Trall which is under attack from a mysterious ship. What follows involves warring factions, familiar foes, and the captain of a ship who is cut from the cloth of classic swashbucklers.
I enjoyed the action and the intrigue, but it plays out as expected. I liked the characterization of the crew, with Geordi really shining, and there's a new crew member who is fantastic. I also loved the actual antagonists. There's also an excellent turnabout--or is there?--in the end.
If a book has engaged me (no pun intended), I'll recommend it. This one did, so I will.
The Enterprise goes to the planet K'Trall which is under attack from a mysterious ship. What follows involves warring factions, familiar foes, and the captain of a ship who is cut from the cloth of classic swashbucklers.
I enjoyed the action and the intrigue, but it plays out as expected. I liked the characterization of the crew, with Geordi really shining, and there's a new crew member who is fantastic. I also loved the actual antagonists. There's also an excellent turnabout--or is there?--in the end.
If a book has engaged me (no pun intended), I'll recommend it. This one did, so I will.
November 10, 2020
This was a decent TNG story that could have easily been an episode for one of the later seasons. The main characters in this one are Picard and Riker, and their characterizations hold true to the series. The other cast members are really not even part of the story, but the plot line is compelling. Since this one was written in 1995, just as the series had ended, the characters reflected fit better into the middle seasons.
One deceptive minor nit is that Data is on the cover, and he really plays no role in this story. I would read other Simon Hawke TNG books based on this one.
One deceptive minor nit is that Data is on the cover, and he really plays no role in this story. I would read other Simon Hawke TNG books based on this one.
January 7, 2018
Fun story, not anything too great but it did have some interesting characters. The name Captain Blaze of the starship Glory made me roll my eyes though. Dorn, Gruzinov and Katana were interesting enough and I appreciated what they gave to the story. The story was pretty run-of-the-mill and I don't think anyone acted outside of their character. Mainly I was just glad the ship on the cover was not there in error by the artist.
September 5, 2024
It's what you would expect: a fun, quick Trek novel. You get pirates! Undercover operations with cool outfits! Sympathetic villains! Prime Directive! Exploring the flaws of the Federation! A (perhaps needlessly) convoluted plot with a lot of complicated politics and names to follow! Still, it's a good time.
November 7, 2024
I’ve actually read this book a number of times; needless to say, I enjoy it. When who you think is a bad guy turns up in an old Constitution call ship, well, it warns the cockles of this Star Trek nerd’s heart. Then, we find out he’s not that bad of a guy and helps win the day. I’ll be reading it again from time to time so I’d say I’d recommend it!
May 5, 2019
I really couldn't get into this one. An offshoot of the Romulan/Vulcan species sounds like a lot of fun to work with. I got through about a third of the book before dropping it, maybe I might pick it back up later.
April 16, 2023
There’s a guy named blaze and his ship is called the glory. This book is a solid Next Gen adventure, nothing great, nothing overly bad. Read it in an afternoon and enjoyed it and that’s about all it’s worth. That blaze of glory title pun is worth 5 stars though
May 22, 2023
Epitomizes the series as a whole. Silly, with all sorts of bits wrong, but fun enough nonetheless because of a few clever bits. I'm enjoying this box-o-books that I inherited from my brother, but tbh I'm pretty sure I'll be relieved when I'm done and won't seek out further than he got.
November 5, 2025
Adequate, but unexceptional. The pirate plot providing the action isn't particularly exciting, and the geopolitical element - the relations of this Federation border world with the Federation and the Romulans - has promise, but is sadly unexplored.
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed this episode...
November 2, 2012
Must read for any Star Trek TNG fans out there.
I am a huge fan of Star Trek The Next Generation and had not read any of the novels before. Now I am hooked. I don't know if they are all this good or somehow I started with the best one but it was great.
The crew of the Enterprise are called to the edge of Federation space to investigate a problem the system is having with a pirate vessel with a cloaking device by a friend of Picard. As the Enterprise arrive they find that the pirate is just the tip of the iceberg and the true plot involves Romulans making a play to expand their empire into Federation space.
The best compliment I can give this book is that it reads as though you are watching an episode. Down to the mannerisms of the familiar characters. I have read other books from other TV shows and never has one been written so true to the show. I am definitely going to read more now. I just hope they are as good as Blaze of Glory.
I am a huge fan of Star Trek The Next Generation and had not read any of the novels before. Now I am hooked. I don't know if they are all this good or somehow I started with the best one but it was great.
The crew of the Enterprise are called to the edge of Federation space to investigate a problem the system is having with a pirate vessel with a cloaking device by a friend of Picard. As the Enterprise arrive they find that the pirate is just the tip of the iceberg and the true plot involves Romulans making a play to expand their empire into Federation space.
The best compliment I can give this book is that it reads as though you are watching an episode. Down to the mannerisms of the familiar characters. I have read other books from other TV shows and never has one been written so true to the show. I am definitely going to read more now. I just hope they are as good as Blaze of Glory.
June 2, 2014
This is a Next Gen adventure that held my attention throughout. I won't get into the details of the plot but I loved how Picard and the crew were faced with a strategic problem and a race against time. It's great when thrillers like this amp up the peril for the characters and successfully make the reader nervous about the outcome. The undercover away-team made up of Riker, La Forge, and Dorn face the most threatening personal danger, including some exciting hand-to-hand combat situations. Throughout I was reminded of the nobility, bravery, and intelligence of these STNG characters. Additionally this book introduced a race of creatures with a fascinating back story. There was no hint of padding in this one. The story just jumped off the page. Easily one the better Trek novels I've read.
May 28, 2013
It was a fun and speedy read but I would have liked some better characterizations of some of the secondary characters and Picard's lines came off sounding like Data was speaking, sometimes. The story is about a planet, near the Neutral Zone, being wooed by the Romulans, though already part of the Federation. There is also a pirate vessel that is a salvaged Constitution class federation vessel and can cloak, so there's an obvious tie to the Romulans there. The pirate captain, "Blaze", is pretty good and the action aboard his ship is pretty good but the whole thing was kind of bland.
May 27, 2012
An entertaining little story that forgets the laws of plausibility from time to time. All the politics and diplomatic stuff are quite enjoyable though.
March 25, 2012
Pirates are causing trouble and the Romulans are involved somehow. A quick paced thriller mainly involving Riker. Some amusing bits when he's undercover, and I could see this being an episode.
December 24, 2013
One of the better TNG novels. Quick pace, little bit of cyberpunk flavor in areas. Worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews