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Captain James T. Kirk and the Starship Enterprise? have been sent to the planet Nador to participate in a watershed the Nadorians' first true election, to vote on whether or not to join the United Federation of Planets.
Supporting the Federation are the planet's joint Their Serene Highnesses Abon and Delor, Siamese twins joined at the spinal cord to represent the unity of the different tribes of Nador. But a shadowy group of fanatics wants nothing to do with the Federation, and will stop at nothing -- whether it be assassinating the princes or kidnapping Captain Kirk's nephew Peter -- to achieve their goals!
Kirk must work to stop the fanatics from wreaking havoc on Nador, and from harming his beloved nephew -- but even he may be hard-pressed to stem the tide of chaos when the princes' horrible secret is revealed!
Supporting the Federation are the planet's joint Their Serene Highnesses Abon and Delor, Siamese twins joined at the spinal cord to represent the unity of the different tribes of Nador. But a shadowy group of fanatics wants nothing to do with the Federation, and will stop at nothing -- whether it be assassinating the princes or kidnapping Captain Kirk's nephew Peter -- to achieve their goals!
Kirk must work to stop the fanatics from wreaking havoc on Nador, and from harming his beloved nephew -- but even he may be hard-pressed to stem the tide of chaos when the princes' horrible secret is revealed!
297 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 28, 2003
9 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Mike W. Barr
830 books73 followersMike W. Barr is an American writer of comic books, and mystery, and science fiction novels. Barr's debut as a comics professional came in DC Comics' Detective Comics #444 (Dec. 1974-Jan. 1975), for which he wrote an 8-page back-up mystery feature starring the Elongated Man. Another Elongated Man story followed in Detective Comics #453 (November 1975). He wrote text articles and editorial replies in letter columns for the next few years. By mid-1980 he was writing regularly for both DC and Marvel, including stories for Marvel Team-Up, Mystery in Space, Green Lantern, and various Batman titles.
Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.
His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.
In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.
In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.
Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.
His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.
In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.
In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2017
Bechdel test...total & complete fail.
Look, I know Kirk is on the make, but srs'ly I never really thought he cruised every woman he came in contact with to check them out as a potential bed partner. And god help a female if he doesn't find them attractive...referring to one as worse looking than a gargoyle on a medieval church. Really?
I don't usually pay attention to the criteria for the Bechdel test, it's not a driving concern for me when I'm reading Trek. But this book was creepy disgusting in its portrayal of a Kirk who couldn't keep his mind above his belt. So I thought I'd look to see if there was even one incident of a woman-woman conversation that wasn't about men & no. If there was a conversation between a woman & Kirk that he didn't think with his nuts. Total fail on both counts.
I won't be reading another by Barr...he's a creepster in my book.
Edited to add: I just saw Barr's picture. I'm going with thwarted sexuality.
Look, I know Kirk is on the make, but srs'ly I never really thought he cruised every woman he came in contact with to check them out as a potential bed partner. And god help a female if he doesn't find them attractive...referring to one as worse looking than a gargoyle on a medieval church. Really?
I don't usually pay attention to the criteria for the Bechdel test, it's not a driving concern for me when I'm reading Trek. But this book was creepy disgusting in its portrayal of a Kirk who couldn't keep his mind above his belt. So I thought I'd look to see if there was even one incident of a woman-woman conversation that wasn't about men & no. If there was a conversation between a woman & Kirk that he didn't think with his nuts. Total fail on both counts.
I won't be reading another by Barr...he's a creepster in my book.
Edited to add: I just saw Barr's picture. I'm going with thwarted sexuality.
June 5, 2021
The planet Nador prepares for a plebiscite on whether to join the Federation or remain as a constitutional monarchy. The 'U.S.S. Enterprise' is assigned to witness this historic occasion and to return the Federation Ambassador to Earth.
When a critical accident threatens the lives of the monarchs, Kirk realises that there are factions who want to use this transition to further their own agendas and no one is safe.
Barr has captured the feel of the original 'Star Trek' series very well. The characters are well portrayed and the plot bubbles along quite happily. The book was easy to read, but very enjoyable.
When a critical accident threatens the lives of the monarchs, Kirk realises that there are factions who want to use this transition to further their own agendas and no one is safe.
Barr has captured the feel of the original 'Star Trek' series very well. The characters are well portrayed and the plot bubbles along quite happily. The book was easy to read, but very enjoyable.
July 24, 2023
Solid TOS comfort food: a diplomatic crisis, a conspiracy, action scenes, well-drawn support characters, and the original crew firing on all cylinders. You can't ask for much more to hit the Trek sweet spot.
July 9, 2016
Definitely not the best novel from this franchise...but still good.
July 5, 2023
I picked this 2003 novel up exactly twenty years later, a used copy, filling in gaps in my Trek literary library (which is TOS focused). I must say, Mike Barr - whom I knew from his excellent DC Comics post-Wrath of Khan comics series - has written an excellent story, which reads like a classic episode of the series but more in depth of course.
Unlike many Trek lit authors, Barr has done a great job with his characterisations and I could often 'hear' the actors' voices in my head. However, the denouement did become Scooby Doo-like, as Kirk figuratively unmasks the 'baddie' and I half expected the (misguided but not evil) villain to say 'I'd have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for you pesky Starfleet officers' (though throughout the story, Kirk is the one who solves pretty much everything single-handedly).
Unlike many Trek lit authors, Barr has done a great job with his characterisations and I could often 'hear' the actors' voices in my head. However, the denouement did become Scooby Doo-like, as Kirk figuratively unmasks the 'baddie' and I half expected the (misguided but not evil) villain to say 'I'd have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for you pesky Starfleet officers' (though throughout the story, Kirk is the one who solves pretty much everything single-handedly).
December 9, 2019
This was a good story and would have been a fast read, but I chose to have this as my bedtime read. Took 2 weeks! But easily picked up as the plot and limited number of characters are easy to remember.
June 15, 2018
A bit predictable at times, but has a decent 'TOS' feel to it. Characterizations were fairly accurate for the most part.
December 5, 2025
This has such an odd premise and even how the events unfold are odd. The Gemini refer to the princes and the story revolves around them like a doughnut with them being the blank hole in the middle. I really feel like I didn't get to know these characters at all and have a better understanding of Sinclair. References and story beats come flying out of left field.
However there are things I liked about this book. The one-up-man-ship between Chekov and Sulu, the banter between Spock and McCoy, Kirk's solutions and even how they solved the situation I liked. So 4 is too high of a rating and 3 is too low so I think I am more in the 3.25 stars for this.
However there are things I liked about this book. The one-up-man-ship between Chekov and Sulu, the banter between Spock and McCoy, Kirk's solutions and even how they solved the situation I liked. So 4 is too high of a rating and 3 is too low so I think I am more in the 3.25 stars for this.
September 14, 2015
“Gemini” by Mike W. Barr is a pretty standard Star Trek story set during the original five year mission. The story follows the crew of the Enterprise as they are sent the planet Nador to assist in a vote that is being taken on whether the planet should join the Federation. The leaders of the planet, conjoined twins named Abon and Delor are advocates of joining the Federation but they are determined to let the people decide for themselves. However, a faction opposed to this are attempting to disrupt the vote and even threaten the lives of Abon and Delor resulting in Kirk and Co. stepping in to protect the twins and investigation the instigators.
To be honest, I can’t say it was the most enthralling of stories as the plot was quite basic and the twists and turns, whilst were reasonably interesting were quite obvious. The pacing and drama were adequate but the novel just seemed to be lacking a real feeling of excitement and tension. In addition there was a subplot involving Kirk’s nephew, Peter which seemed rather superfluous to the whole thing and I would rather have just seen it cut. I suspect it was added to try and further develop Kirk’s involvement in the story but it just didn’t really add anything to the storyline.
The best part of the novel is in regards to the treatment of Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Barr captures these main characters in competent manner that is reminiscent of how they appear during the original TV series. In addition, the camaraderie and engaging banter between them all shines through very well and these sections of the novel did have me smiling.
Overall, this is a standard Original Series novel that doesn’t try to be anything spectacular. I suppose, the best way I can describe it would be that it is simply average. So, if you are looking for something original within the Trek literary Universe then you will probably want to look at other offerings.
To be honest, I can’t say it was the most enthralling of stories as the plot was quite basic and the twists and turns, whilst were reasonably interesting were quite obvious. The pacing and drama were adequate but the novel just seemed to be lacking a real feeling of excitement and tension. In addition there was a subplot involving Kirk’s nephew, Peter which seemed rather superfluous to the whole thing and I would rather have just seen it cut. I suspect it was added to try and further develop Kirk’s involvement in the story but it just didn’t really add anything to the storyline.
The best part of the novel is in regards to the treatment of Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Barr captures these main characters in competent manner that is reminiscent of how they appear during the original TV series. In addition, the camaraderie and engaging banter between them all shines through very well and these sections of the novel did have me smiling.
Overall, this is a standard Original Series novel that doesn’t try to be anything spectacular. I suppose, the best way I can describe it would be that it is simply average. So, if you are looking for something original within the Trek literary Universe then you will probably want to look at other offerings.
February 14, 2017
Action, emotion, humor, mystery: it has it all. But it still leaves me with an unfulfilled feeling at the end. Maybe because the solution was so simple (though hard to find and prove). It feels like an unfinished story because it has so many elements left that amply provide for a further adventure.
July 23, 2012
If you are looking for a book with that Classic Trek feel that most of us all love, this book has that. The story is nothing spectacular, but it is really good and very enjoyable. The characters all are in their classic settings and follow their expected rolls that we all have grown accustom to and expect. This will be gladly added to my "keep it" stack and will be reading it again at some point.
October 7, 2014
Very enjoyable read. Granted, there are some predictable elements to the story, but most of the time it lives up to expectations. And ending was a really good solution. I've read this book a few years ago and it definitely in a line for re-reading
April 28, 2011
The characters and the story are loyal to the Original Series.
May 24, 2014
Best Star Trek book I've read yet. The plot is simple, but well written, and well characterized. It's always an adventure with the the crew of the Enterprise :)
June 28, 2013
This is a great Trek adventure, totally true to form. All of the characters are spot on, the story is engaging, and the plot was well conceived. It kept me guessing right up to the end.
August 9, 2016
A solid, if not spectacular, original series novel. I miss the numbering!
June 18, 2012
another reread, and a pleasant one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews