The Last Roundup

Star Trek: The Original Series

by Christie Golden, David Kaye (Narrator)

Soon the torch will be passed to a new generation.
But not just yet...

Having saved the Federation one more time in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country®, Capt. James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise™ have finally gone their separate ways. Spock, McCoy, Sulu, and the others are spread out across the galaxy, pursuing their individual destinies -- until an interstellar crisis touches all their lives.

Bored with retirement and ill-suited to teaching at Starfleet Academy, Kirk jumps at the chance to help his nephews colonize an uninhabited planet in a distant corner of the Alpha Quadrant. He even manages to persuade Scotty and Chekhov to come along for the ride.

But Kirk soon discovers that the hardy human colonists are not alone on the planet they call Sanctuary. An alien race, of whom little is known, has also establish an outpost on Sanctuary for its own mysterious reasons. Suspicious, Kirk investigates, only to discover a terrifying threat that strikes at the security of the entire Federation.

Light-years from Strafleet Command, without a ship or a crew to call his own, Kirk thinks he faces the menace alone. yet the bonds of loyalty transcend even the awesome distances of space, bringing together a legendary crew for one final, fantastic adventure.

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space

3 pages, Audio CD

First published June 25, 2002

About the author

Award-winning author Christie Golden has written over thirty novels and several short stories in the fields of science fiction, fantasy and horror. She has over a million books in print.

2009 will see no fewer than three novels published. First out in late April will be a World of Warcraft novel, Athas: Rise of the Lich King. This is the first Warcraft novel to appear in hardcover. Fans of the young paladin who fell so far from grace will get to read his definitive story.

In June, Golden’s first Star Wars novel, also a hardcover, sees print. Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi—Omen is the second in a nine-book series she is co-authoring with Aaron Allston and Troy Denning. Also in June comes the conclusion of Golden’s StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga with the release of Twlight, the third book in the series. The first two are Firstborn and Shadow Hunters.

2004 saw the launch of an original fantasy series called The Final Dance, from LUNA Books. The first novel in the series, On Fire's Wings, was published in July of that year. The second, In Stone’s Clasp , came out in September of 2005. With In Stone’s Clasp, Golden won the Colorado Author’s League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel for the second time. The third book, Under Sea’s Shadow, is available only as an e-book

Golden is also the author of two original fantasy novels from Ace Books, King's Man and Thief and Instrument of Fate, which made the 1996 Nebula Preliminary Ballot. Under the pen name of Jadrien Bell, she wrote a historical fantasy thriller entitled A.D. 999, which won the Colorado Author's League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel of 1999.

Golden launched the TSR Ravenloft line in 1991 with her first novel, the highly successful Vampire of the Mists , which introduced elven vampire Jander Sunstar. Golden followed up Vampire with Dance of the Dead and The Enemy Within . In September of 2006, fifteen years to the month, The Ravenloft Covenant: Vampire of the Mists enabled Jander Sunstar to reach a whole new audience.

Other projects include a slew of Star Trek novels, among them The Murdered Sun , Marooned , and Seven of Nine , and "The Dark Matters Trilogy," Cloak and Dagger , Ghost Dance and Shadow of Heaven .

The Voyager novel relaunch, which includes Homecoming and The Farther Shore , were bestsellers and were the fastest-selling Trek novels of 2003. Golden continued writing VOYAGER novels even though the show went off the air, and enjoyed exploring the creative freedom that gave her in the two-parter called Spirit Walk, which includes Old Wounds and Enemy of my Enemy .

Golden has also written the novelization of Steven Spielberg's Invasion America and an original "prequel," On The Run , both of which received high praise from producer Harve Bennett. On The Run, a combination medical thriller and science fiction adventure, even prompted Bennett to invite Golden to assist in crafting the second season of the show, if it was renewed.

Golden lives in Loveland, Colorado, with her artist husband and their two cats.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot feels a bit contrived, but it's a decent romp. Apparently Kirk has some estranged nephews. Who knew. Apparently he barely did himself.

[Pinkerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Premetto che non sono un fan della serie, conosco il significato giusto di 3 cose: Enterprise, Kirk e obv Spock, per questo affrontare un libro del genere non mi entusiasmava particolarmente, fra l’altro pensavo non ci avrei capito granché; invece si è rivelata una di quelle situazioni in cui posso felicemente ammettere che la mia impressione era sbagliata.
I protagonisti qui sono già affermati e chiunque li tiene in gran considerazione, ma alcuni di loro vivono una sorta di crisi di mezza età… con qualche annetto in più diciamo. Un ambizioso progetto dei due nipoti di Kirk li farà salire nuovamente a bordo, di un nuovo pianeta! in un modo molto meno tranquillo di quanto immaginassero. Oltre ad una bella avventura con qualche efficace battutina, questo racconto è dotato anche di una forte componente drammatica familiare che gli dà un ottimo “sapore”. Unico difetto, un aspetto sempre difficile da gestire, quello dei combattimenti: in questo caso i nomi blasonati se la cavano sempre e comunque, seppur con qualche acciacco, quando sono confinati in soverchiante inferiorità numerica - una sorta di A-Team spaziale.
Però è stata, inaspettatamente, una lettura molto scorrevole e piacevole. Se l’ho gradita tanto io che di Star Trek non so nulla, chissà gli appassionati del famoso titolo, a cui la consiglio vivamente.

[Jonathon Laudinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Christie Golden, her new Star Trek Voyager relaunch books are excellent...this is her early work, and it shows. I over all liked the novel, and want to see the old crew's last mission. The book leads right into the Star Trek Generations prologue, which is neat. It also contradicts Star Trek Ashes of Eden...which also was the "last mission" of the original crew. Many Trekkies would disagree with me, but I think Ashes of Eden does a better job of Kirks last mission. The two books are simular. Kirk goes to help a planet outside of the Federation, and has to fight hostile foes. Trekkie? read The last round-up. Casual fan? don't read it, they don't even use the Enterprise in this novel!

[Katharine Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

David Kaye is a terrible reader. All the men and the narrator have the same voice. Uhura sounds just like the men. Scotty misplaces his accent. No one sounds like the emotion they're supposed to be feeling. David Kaye should find another line of work. As for the novel itself, it's a lackluster plot. Big climactic techno plot point was just not believable. Orion Syndicate is made to look wimpy.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a loss following the decommissioning of his beloved 'Enterprise', Captain Kirk is convinced to help with the setting up of the Sanctuary Colony by his nephews, Alexander and Julius. When a secret is discovered, it not only threatens the safety of the colonists, but the very way of living of every space borne race in the galaxy.

Golden's novel is good at what it does, suffering only from the glut of novels set between 'The Undiscovered Country' and 'Generations'. It deals with Kirk's feelings of old age and obsolescence very well and its theme of forgiveness is quite touching.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

A method of bridging the gap between The Undiscovered Country and the prologue of Generations, I wasn't wholly satisfied with this book. Christie Golden has written some amazing books for Star Trek in the past (her Dark Matters trilogy is one of my favorites), but I just didn't feel like she had the same grasp of these characters like she does of those for Voyager.

The story starts out much the same way that many of the books about Kirk's later life begin -- he's depressed that he's no longer out 'making a difference' or what not. Then insert an opportunity for him to do so. Trouble ensues, as it inevitably does when James T. Kirk is involved, and he's given a chance to relive his glory days one last time. This occurs with a clumsy attempt to draw in the rest of the original crew (Checkov and Scotty are actually fairly involved in the plot, but not exactly memorable or interesting) by pulling them from all over the galaxy (Uhura, McCoy, and Spock are involved in the ongoing Klingon peace process, and Sulu's off enjoying being a badass captain of his own ship -- and annoying Tuvok at the same time even though canon states that Tuvok resigned his first Starfleet commission after the Khitomer crisis). It was all very haphazard.

The inclusion of two of Kirk's two nephews didn't really help matters. Alex's naivity would have totally made him a redshirt if he'd been a Starfleet officer. He wouldn't have lasted five minutes in the profession. Julius was by far the more interesting of the two, but he kind of ruined it by spending half the time being a spoiled, whiny brat. It was hard to feel sorry for him when his part in the crisis came to light.

The villains... *sigh* Yeah, they didn't help matters. Utterly naive and just plain stupid.

It really surprised me that this book didn't turn out so well. Like I said, I think Golden has a better understanding of the Voyager characters, and not having that grasp really showed in this book.

[David Griffiths · Rating 2 out of 5]

A middling adventure

Trek fans won't find a great deal to enjoy here. A thin plot is stretched to breaking point as a routine story is afforded more significance than it warrents

[Micah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whenever I see a Star Trek book at a thrift store or library book sale, I usually pick it up if there is any chance I haven't read it because reading these books give me a pleasant sense of nostalgia. However, this one was so poorly executed that I received no enjoyment at all. I've been off and on reading it for the last couple months because i hate to leave a book unfinished, but I have finally given up over 200 pages in. The writer has a decent understanding of structure, and the novel cuts from scene to scene and character to characters appropriately. Her writing style is effective, if not innovative, and the editing is clean. Unfortunately, all the strong points are wasted on a convoluted story with poorly written characters (especially Kirk) that do not match everything we know so well from the Star Trek universe. I often read the words that a character is saying in my head using their "voice," and I found this book made that nearly impossible. Although each author is entitled to their own take on even the most familiar characters, the problem is that everyone is so transparent and simple that even the Enterprise crew has to be "dumbed down" to fit in with the absurdity going on around them. I liked some of the underlying ideas the author used to build the background of the two closely related races that are introduced and whose history informs the plot, but Kirk's nephews, the colonists, and the bad guys are all so single note that they come across like annoying adolescents and have nothing resembling a complex or multi-faceted persona. Coincidentally it is a little similar to when I try watching the classic series now, and compared to TNG and the shows that followed, many of the characters in the original seem undeveloped. Of course this has been remedied in the movies and countless books, but here they seem just as limited and much more inconsistent. I've read the reviews that mention this author's later work was much better, and I can certainly see the potential for that here in this mess.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. For it being a "last roundup" it mainly stuck to just three of the original cast and the others showing up late and it wasn't even the three that you think. The premise and set-up was a bit of a stretch and a big moment that could have been interesting to see happened "off screen". I have lost track of how many immediate sequels to Star Trek VI there have been and this book would have benefitted from putting more time between it and rushing into the events of Generations. There were some good moments but nothing spectacular- just right down the middle. Also, minor gripe for being a "last roundup" and including Tuvok on Sulu's bridge, but Rand is just referred to as the "Communications officer." Did Golden not know that was Rand? What a missed moment.

[Lois Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

*the usual mention of I listened to the abridged audio, so do not know how it compares to the full novel*

It was okay; it was interesting to get the crew together one more time after their one more time in Star Trek 6, but this one was easy to forget the details afterwards because it just didn't really stick with me.

[Joe Seliske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Trek. Kirk is bored. He gets a chance to go to a new space colony with his two nephews. There are problems on the colony planet. Kirk orchestrates the process to save the day. Throw in Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura and Chekov and the cast is complete. The plot moved quite quickly but a Klingon opera singer becomes smitten with Uhura. A good read.

[SCOTT NILES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Star Trek

Although I have not read the other two books, this story had a life of its own, which I liked. The story flowed, and poked back in time to let you catch up. Although there were elements of a story familia, I liked Spock borrowing the Klingon ship to get it done. Can't wait to get book on a and two.

[Brandon Harbeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is not quite as much Spock and McCoy as the cover would indicate. However, all seven of the main TOS stars do show up and lend a hand.

I liked this story a lot. It used its post-TUC setting well, and it introduces one of my favorite book-original characters in Skalli.

[William H. Haugland III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

If you grew up watching the series in the 70’s and 80’s. If you loved the movies (even the Motion Picture) You will enjoy reading this book. For me it’s reading about old friends.

[Megs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only so-so. It was mostly Kirk regretting getting old and useless, and the Debating Duo were only there for about 5 min. It did have some good classic Star Trek 'this episode is about slavery and its aftermath' vibes.

[Rebekah Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. I kept waiting, hoping the story would pickup and it just didn't. It was well written and everything. Had all the regular gang up to their usual shenanigans but unfortunately it just didn't have a very exciting middle or conclusion. I often fell asleep trying to get through it.

[Tomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think I would enjoy it, but it really got interesting about a third of the way in.

[Eric Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

By-the-numbers Star Trek story. I enjoyed it.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have made another great movie with the original cast, all the Chemistry is there. This was a Good Read.

[Kosar7480 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Great handle on the characters, I could hear them saying the dialogue in my head. Fits easily between VI and Generations, pulling on plot threads from both.

[Justin Speck · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Star Trek books I’ve read. I loved that it’s a bridge between Star Trek VI and Generations. I think I’d like to read more from Christie Golden.

[Steve Matthewman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

[John Barclay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but mostly just a obvious story.

[Wesley Asbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up for BookTrek2024 (a booktube event) and it turned out to be a very satisfying afternoon read, like a short visit with old friends. The characters were all true to form, especially Captain Kirk. The events of the book take place right before Generations, and Golden has captured the voice of the aging, introspective Kirk seen there to perfection.

[Paul Riches]

DNF. Could not get into it.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

The latest Star Trek hardcover novel, "The Last Round-Up" promises to be the "final" adventure of the origianl series crew. However, instead of sending the crew riding off into the sunset in a blaze of glory, we instead get them slumping to the finish line in a novel that is rather derivative of a lot of things you've read before in Trek fiction.
The story starts out with Captain Kirk, teaching classes at the Acadamy, but not fully satisfied with his life now that he's not commanding a starship (shades of Star Trek II). He is approached by his two nephews about going out to help them start a colony, based upon peaceful principles and doing pure scientific research. Figuring he could use the adventure and to get away from a student who is annoying him (a character created specifically for this book called Skalli, who gets real old, realy fast), Kirk agrees. But it turns out the planet his nephews and company are colonizing isn't all it was advertised to be (imagine that) and before you know it Kirk is up to his neck in a plot that threatens the entire future and stability of the Federation.

Christie Golden's first attempt at writing a classic Star Trek novel comes off as a rather pedestrian affair. It's got the feeling of the been-there, done-that throughout. In a lot of ways, the idea of Kirk heading out to set-up a colony echoes the six-part summer series New Earth from two summers ago. There are some twists and turns, but they are fairly obvious what they will be long before they are revealed in the book.

But for all it's disappointing aspects, the Last Round-Up has a few things to recommend. Golden does a decent job capturing the character of Kirk and she does have an intriguing idea of the Klingons owing him a favor and wanting to repay it after the events of Star Trek VI. However, these two things don't add up to enough to really make this one worth the hardcover price. The Last Round-Up is a fairly quick and then largely forgettable read. If you're really interested, I'd recommend waiting for paperback on this one.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

The latest Star Trek hardcover novel, "The Last Round-Up" promises to be the "final" adventure of the origianl series crew. However, instead of sending the crew riding off into the sunset in a blaze of glory, we instead get them slumping to the finish line in a novel that is rather derivative of a lot of things you've read before in Trek fiction.

The story starts out with Captain Kirk, teaching classes at the Acadamy, but not fully satisfied with his life now that he's not commanding a starship (shades of Star Trek II). He is approached by his two nephews about going out to help them start a colony, based upon peaceful principles and doing pure scientific research. Figuring he could use the adventure and to get away from a student who is annoying him (a character created specifically for this book called Skalli, who gets real old, realy fast), Kirk agrees. But it turns out the planet his nephews and company are colonizing isn't all it was advertised to be (imagine that) and before you know it Kirk is up to his neck in a plot that threatens the entire future and stability of the Federation.

Christie Golden's first attempt at writing a classic Star Trek novel comes off as a rather pedestrian affair. It's got the feeling of the been-there, done-that throughout. In a lot of ways, the idea of Kirk heading out to set-up a colony echoes the six-part summer series New Earth from two summers ago. There are some twists and turns, but they are fairly obvious what they will be long before they are revealed in the book.

But for all it's disappointing aspects, the Last Round-Up has a few things to recommend. Golden does a decent job capturing the character of Kirk and she does have an intriguing idea of the Klingons owing him a favor and wanting to repay it after the events of Star Trek VI. However, these two things don't add up to enough to really make this one worth the hardcover price. The Last Round-Up is a fairly quick and then largely forgettable read. If you're really interested, I'd recommend waiting for paperback on this one.

[Shane Amazon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over the past few years I've read a fair share of Christie Golden books, and particularly enjoyed her recent work in the Star Wars franchise. However, this book is probably the worst written book I've read in a while, by any author. For me the book's writing is bland but readable, it's the way the story is told that is its own worst enemy. Golden builds suspenseful story arcs that in the end she just gives up on. Never before have I seen such a lazy execution to a compelling idea.

I don't want to give the whole story away, but there are some things I'd like to point out. In the book Golden takes an idea involving a nano-virus that infects ship's warpcores and turns it in to a suspenseful plot. However, as the story goes on she seems to get lazy and just gives up on the story, as if she couldn't figure out what to do next so she just gave up. After Kirk and a few others break in to the facility that controls the virus she has Kirk about to self-destruct the facility in order to stop the virus. Then out of nowhere Spock swoops in and solves every problem Kirk and gang where faced with. No action, no suspense, no entertainment - just over like that.

Nothing worst than an author inflating the imagination of a reader and then coming along to burst their bubble. Huge mistake letting this get to print with such a horrible conclusion to the stroylines created. Skip this one, you won't be missing anything here.

[Rich Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting little novel, set right before the events of Star Trek: Generations, and features two of Jim Kirk's rarely-seen nephews, Alexander and Julius, and their efforts to start a rather utopian colony. Unfortunately, not everyone can live up to the Kirk legacy...

Well-written and crafted using the original series cast and some interesting new characters, The Last Roundup is a fun story. It reads like one of the movies, rather than an episode of the TV series. IIRC, this was the first novel in a new series looking back at characters and situations from TOS, and I think it was a good place to jump into the fray.

[Yosef Shapiro · Rating 2 out of 5]

This audio adventure takes place shortly after Star Trek VI . The story was rather weak. But even more troubling , was the voice acting . All of these characters are iconic and the listener knows how they should sound. The reader does not do a good job with the voices. You gave generic Scottish and Russian accents as well as lackluster attempts at the other main characters. I recommend that you skip this one!