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Star Trek: Odyssey #2
The Return
Veridian III: A world has been saved, the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-D lies in ruins, and one of the galaxy's greatest heroes rests beneath a simple cairn of rocks on a lonely hillside. But as a legendary Vulcan ambassador comes to the last grave of his best and dearest friend, the adventure is only beginning.
The Borg and the Romulan Empire have joined forces against the Federation, and their ultimate weapon is none other than James T. Kirk, resurrected by alien science to destroy the Borg's most formidable enemy: Jean-Luc Picard.
The astounding return of Kirk - as only William Shatner can tell it!
The Borg and the Romulan Empire have joined forces against the Federation, and their ultimate weapon is none other than James T. Kirk, resurrected by alien science to destroy the Borg's most formidable enemy: Jean-Luc Picard.
The astounding return of Kirk - as only William Shatner can tell it!
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
32 people are currently reading
1113 people want to read
About the author
William Shatner
133 books803 followersWilliam Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
November 22, 2016
This is one of the best Star Trek novels ever written.
KIRK IN OWN WORDS
I consider this book the second best Star Trek novel that I have ever read.
Even better since it's by William Shatner, who was the original actor who played the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk.
If somebody would resurrect Kirk, should be Shatner.
There are people who argue about the validity of the involment of Shatner in the novel.
I think that it's pointless to argue about that.
Sure, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens were the writers who helped William Shatner to materialize the book, but I am sure that Shatner has the original idea and key elements of the story, the Reeves-Stevens couple helped with their experience as proper novelists with experience in the field.
Also, this wasn't the first rodeo of Bill Shatner, since he did his Tek War book series, years ago. Furthermore, in the Star Trek universe he did a previous novel too, and after this one, he has made several others, even this novels are called "Shatnerverse" in Star Trek since the fact that James T. Kirk is alive again but in the 24th Century is kinda not mentioned in the other Expanded Universe novels of the franchise, BUT they also didn't contradict it.
Shatner as written too some biographies and recently (2016) he wrote yet another sci-fi novel, sure, always it's mentioned some collaborator writers, but again...
...It's like George Lucas when he wrote the original first Star Wars novel that later Alan Dean Foster got credit by the work, no one can deny that Lucas did the main plot, but he didn't the time and proper education as novelist writer to sit for months and do the field work.
So, Alan Dean Foster got into the formula.
The same with the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture that it's credited only to Gene Roddenberry but I'm sure that Alan Dean Foster helped him with the construction of the proper book.
So, what is the point to diminish the merit of William Shatner if he actually wrote or not the novel?...
...He is Kirk! And you're reading a novel about Kirk, written by William Shatner!
Enjoy it! Don't question it! Just enjoy it!
HEROES FALL, HEROES RISE AGAIN
Now, getting over with that.
I want to comment my personal experience with the book.
I read it in an important moment in my life (1997).
At that moment, my grandfather (from my mother's side of the family) passed away.
In the process of the wake, I wasn't in the mood of being too chatty, so I focused in the reading of the novel.
And I don't know, I guess that being reading a novel about a hero of the past, that died saving lives and returning from the death, helped me in some way to embrace in a better way the idea of that my grandfather was dead.
The book helped at that moment of not being sad about death, but celebrating life, even if that life passed away.
UNHOLY ALLIANCE
Commenting about the actual book...
...It has an impressive and irresistible premise.
The events are set after the film Generations, where Captain James T. Kirk died (in the 24th Century) while helping Captain Jean-Luc Picard to save a whole civilization of an alien world.
The United Federation of Planets lost a hero, again, since Kirk was considered dead when he disappeared (in the 23rd Century) while saving the Enterprise-B on its maiden voyage in the middle of a rescue mission.
He didn't die then, but got trapped in the Nexus, a strange dimension where time is meaningless and where you can be happy forever, if you let it happens.
Captain Picard got trapped in the nexus too, but in the 24th Century, but since time has no meaning there, Picard found Kirk and asked him to help him against Dr. Soran.
Kirk was a hero once again...
...and he fell, now for real.
But true heroes never die...
...The Borg Collective and the Romulan Star Empire plot against the greatest threat that both powers ever faced...
...Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
And they are choosing an unique "weapon" to kill him.
These two powers are forming an unholly alliance to resurrect Captain James T. Kirk, submiting him to brainwash and ordering him to murder Picard.
If with this I can't convince you to read this book, I don't know what will do!!!
Due the events of this adventure are between Generations and First Contact, there isn't a starship Enterprise on active status, but I can assure that this is one of the best adventures that you will ever read, where Shatner really know how to use the full potential of an unified Star Trek universe.
Since you will have characters from Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation and The Original Series and in a certain way that I won't spoil in detail, you can count that Voyager isn't left out of the party.
And you can bet that they indeed will...
...boldly go where no one has gone before!
Kirk Lives!
KIRK IN OWN WORDS
I consider this book the second best Star Trek novel that I have ever read.
Even better since it's by William Shatner, who was the original actor who played the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk.
If somebody would resurrect Kirk, should be Shatner.
There are people who argue about the validity of the involment of Shatner in the novel.
I think that it's pointless to argue about that.
Sure, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens were the writers who helped William Shatner to materialize the book, but I am sure that Shatner has the original idea and key elements of the story, the Reeves-Stevens couple helped with their experience as proper novelists with experience in the field.
Also, this wasn't the first rodeo of Bill Shatner, since he did his Tek War book series, years ago. Furthermore, in the Star Trek universe he did a previous novel too, and after this one, he has made several others, even this novels are called "Shatnerverse" in Star Trek since the fact that James T. Kirk is alive again but in the 24th Century is kinda not mentioned in the other Expanded Universe novels of the franchise, BUT they also didn't contradict it.
Shatner as written too some biographies and recently (2016) he wrote yet another sci-fi novel, sure, always it's mentioned some collaborator writers, but again...
...It's like George Lucas when he wrote the original first Star Wars novel that later Alan Dean Foster got credit by the work, no one can deny that Lucas did the main plot, but he didn't the time and proper education as novelist writer to sit for months and do the field work.
So, Alan Dean Foster got into the formula.
The same with the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture that it's credited only to Gene Roddenberry but I'm sure that Alan Dean Foster helped him with the construction of the proper book.
So, what is the point to diminish the merit of William Shatner if he actually wrote or not the novel?...
...He is Kirk! And you're reading a novel about Kirk, written by William Shatner!
Enjoy it! Don't question it! Just enjoy it!
HEROES FALL, HEROES RISE AGAIN
Now, getting over with that.
I want to comment my personal experience with the book.
I read it in an important moment in my life (1997).
At that moment, my grandfather (from my mother's side of the family) passed away.
In the process of the wake, I wasn't in the mood of being too chatty, so I focused in the reading of the novel.
And I don't know, I guess that being reading a novel about a hero of the past, that died saving lives and returning from the death, helped me in some way to embrace in a better way the idea of that my grandfather was dead.
The book helped at that moment of not being sad about death, but celebrating life, even if that life passed away.
UNHOLY ALLIANCE
Commenting about the actual book...
...It has an impressive and irresistible premise.
The events are set after the film Generations, where Captain James T. Kirk died (in the 24th Century) while helping Captain Jean-Luc Picard to save a whole civilization of an alien world.
The United Federation of Planets lost a hero, again, since Kirk was considered dead when he disappeared (in the 23rd Century) while saving the Enterprise-B on its maiden voyage in the middle of a rescue mission.
He didn't die then, but got trapped in the Nexus, a strange dimension where time is meaningless and where you can be happy forever, if you let it happens.
Captain Picard got trapped in the nexus too, but in the 24th Century, but since time has no meaning there, Picard found Kirk and asked him to help him against Dr. Soran.
Kirk was a hero once again...
...and he fell, now for real.
But true heroes never die...
...The Borg Collective and the Romulan Star Empire plot against the greatest threat that both powers ever faced...
...Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
And they are choosing an unique "weapon" to kill him.
These two powers are forming an unholly alliance to resurrect Captain James T. Kirk, submiting him to brainwash and ordering him to murder Picard.
If with this I can't convince you to read this book, I don't know what will do!!!
Due the events of this adventure are between Generations and First Contact, there isn't a starship Enterprise on active status, but I can assure that this is one of the best adventures that you will ever read, where Shatner really know how to use the full potential of an unified Star Trek universe.
Since you will have characters from Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation and The Original Series and in a certain way that I won't spoil in detail, you can count that Voyager isn't left out of the party.
And you can bet that they indeed will...
...boldly go where no one has gone before!
Kirk Lives!
August 31, 2009
I can't help it- I LOVE this book.
There will be many of the "Redshirt" Star Trekkers who hate this book because Shatner "wrote" it, or because it elevates Kirk into almost super-human status, or just because every character in both TOS and TNG is in it.
But that's why I LOVE THIS book.
This is one of my all-time favorite STAR TREK experiences. I have told many people that if they read it and don't enjoy it, that I would buy it from them. I have read it three times, and writing this review makes me want to read it again.
I WISH they could make this into a movie, and maybe sometimes in the future, technology permitting, somebody will.
PUH-LEEZE read this book!
There will be many of the "Redshirt" Star Trekkers who hate this book because Shatner "wrote" it, or because it elevates Kirk into almost super-human status, or just because every character in both TOS and TNG is in it.
But that's why I LOVE THIS book.
This is one of my all-time favorite STAR TREK experiences. I have told many people that if they read it and don't enjoy it, that I would buy it from them. I have read it three times, and writing this review makes me want to read it again.
I WISH they could make this into a movie, and maybe sometimes in the future, technology permitting, somebody will.
PUH-LEEZE read this book!
July 21, 2024
“The Return” by William Shatner, published in 2001 and narrated by the author himself, is a fascinating addition to the Star Trek universe. This audiobook is a compelling blend of science fiction, adventure, and nostalgia, offering a unique experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.
** Plot Overview
The story picks up after the events of the film “Star Trek: Generations”, where Captain James T. Kirk meets his end. However, in true science fiction fashion, death is not the end for Kirk. The plot revolves around his resurrection by the Borg and the Romulan Empire, who have sinister plans to use him against their greatest enemy, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The narrative weaves through a series of high-stakes adventures, bringing together characters from both the original series and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
** Narration and Performance
William Shatner's narration is one of the standout features of this audiobook. His deep connection to the character of Kirk and the Star Trek universe adds a layer of authenticity and passion to the storytelling. Shatner's performance is dynamic and engaging, capturing the essence of each character with distinct voices and intonations. His portrayal of Kirk is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a sense of gravitas and charisma that fans have come to expect from the iconic captain.
** Writing Style and Themes
Shatner, along with co-authors Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The writing is fast-paced, with a good balance of action and character development. The themes explored in the book, such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for identity, resonate deeply with the overarching ethos of Star Trek. The resurrection of Kirk serves as a metaphor for rebirth and redemption, adding a philosophical layer to the adventure.
** Character Development
One of the strengths of “The Return” is its character development. Kirk's journey from death to resurrection is handled with care, exploring his internal struggles and the impact of his return on those around him. The interactions between Kirk and Picard are particularly compelling, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two legendary captains. The supporting characters, including Spock, McCoy, Data, and Riker, are well-integrated into the story, each contributing to the narrative in meaningful ways.
** Sound Design and Production Quality
The production quality of the audiobook is top-notch. The sound effects and background music enhance the listening experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws the listener into the Star Trek universe. The use of sound effects, such as the hum of the starship engines and the beeping of the communicators, adds a layer of realism to the story. The background music is well-chosen, complementing the mood of each scene without overpowering the narration.
** Reception and Impact
“The Return” has been well-received by fans and critics alike. It is praised for its engaging plot, strong character development, and Shatner's captivating narration. The audiobook has a high rating on various platforms, reflecting its popularity and the positive response from the audience. For many fans, it serves as a nostalgic trip back to the beloved Star Trek universe, while also offering fresh and exciting adventures.
** Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Return” by William Shatner is a must-listen for any Star Trek fan. The audiobook combines a gripping story, well-developed characters, and high-quality production to create an unforgettable experience. Shatner's narration brings the story to life, making it a truly immersive journey. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or new to the Star Trek universe, this audiobook is sure to entertain and inspire.
** Plot Overview
The story picks up after the events of the film “Star Trek: Generations”, where Captain James T. Kirk meets his end. However, in true science fiction fashion, death is not the end for Kirk. The plot revolves around his resurrection by the Borg and the Romulan Empire, who have sinister plans to use him against their greatest enemy, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The narrative weaves through a series of high-stakes adventures, bringing together characters from both the original series and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
** Narration and Performance
William Shatner's narration is one of the standout features of this audiobook. His deep connection to the character of Kirk and the Star Trek universe adds a layer of authenticity and passion to the storytelling. Shatner's performance is dynamic and engaging, capturing the essence of each character with distinct voices and intonations. His portrayal of Kirk is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a sense of gravitas and charisma that fans have come to expect from the iconic captain.
** Writing Style and Themes
Shatner, along with co-authors Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The writing is fast-paced, with a good balance of action and character development. The themes explored in the book, such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for identity, resonate deeply with the overarching ethos of Star Trek. The resurrection of Kirk serves as a metaphor for rebirth and redemption, adding a philosophical layer to the adventure.
** Character Development
One of the strengths of “The Return” is its character development. Kirk's journey from death to resurrection is handled with care, exploring his internal struggles and the impact of his return on those around him. The interactions between Kirk and Picard are particularly compelling, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two legendary captains. The supporting characters, including Spock, McCoy, Data, and Riker, are well-integrated into the story, each contributing to the narrative in meaningful ways.
** Sound Design and Production Quality
The production quality of the audiobook is top-notch. The sound effects and background music enhance the listening experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws the listener into the Star Trek universe. The use of sound effects, such as the hum of the starship engines and the beeping of the communicators, adds a layer of realism to the story. The background music is well-chosen, complementing the mood of each scene without overpowering the narration.
** Reception and Impact
“The Return” has been well-received by fans and critics alike. It is praised for its engaging plot, strong character development, and Shatner's captivating narration. The audiobook has a high rating on various platforms, reflecting its popularity and the positive response from the audience. For many fans, it serves as a nostalgic trip back to the beloved Star Trek universe, while also offering fresh and exciting adventures.
** Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Return” by William Shatner is a must-listen for any Star Trek fan. The audiobook combines a gripping story, well-developed characters, and high-quality production to create an unforgettable experience. Shatner's narration brings the story to life, making it a truly immersive journey. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or new to the Star Trek universe, this audiobook is sure to entertain and inspire.
August 30, 2021
Still really fun, yes there are a few silly elements and some very convenient solutions but its just a really fun time. Great action packed opening.
The Return in the title is very Frankenstein and there’s some interesting body-horror elements and nods to The Thing.
I didn’t understand the Trilex explanation at all, and have no idea how the thingies’s lined up with the other thingies to mark out the thingies... maybe i should have put that in spoiler tag :P .
A thought occurs... there’s a defiant class ship here operating a cloak with a romulan observer as per DS9, but in a manner that is a clear violation of treaties with the Romulans.
Which i have no problem with except that you’d think the Next-Gen crew and especially Riker would have something to say about that given his history with cloaking devices. Isn’t his former captain still serving time somewhere for that?
A few Notes:
* I have 5 of these books but never read the first one Ashes of Eden, and don’t feel like i missed anything.
* I have zero interest in Star-trek ToS, my trek touchstone is Next-Gen, so if your like me, you can still have a good time here. Yes it has Kirk at its core but there’s a lot of story focused on the Next-Gen crew as well.
Also even the Kirk stuff is at least a lot more interesting than anything that happened in the film Generations.
* I normally read books one chapter at a time but i found it best with this one to consume 3 or 4 at least in a sitting. This is a plot which craves momentum.
* If you’ve never tried a tie-in book i recommend you giving one a go if your in a reading slump or feeling low on energy. Since your brain already has most of the world details stored, they require very little mental effort but that doesn’t make them bad literature (even if most of them are ;) ) .
The Return in the title is very Frankenstein and there’s some interesting body-horror elements and nods to The Thing.
I didn’t understand the Trilex explanation at all, and have no idea how the thingies’s lined up with the other thingies to mark out the thingies... maybe i should have put that in spoiler tag :P .
A thought occurs... there’s a defiant class ship here operating a cloak with a romulan observer as per DS9, but in a manner that is a clear violation of treaties with the Romulans.
Which i have no problem with except that you’d think the Next-Gen crew and especially Riker would have something to say about that given his history with cloaking devices. Isn’t his former captain still serving time somewhere for that?
A few Notes:
* I have 5 of these books but never read the first one Ashes of Eden, and don’t feel like i missed anything.
* I have zero interest in Star-trek ToS, my trek touchstone is Next-Gen, so if your like me, you can still have a good time here. Yes it has Kirk at its core but there’s a lot of story focused on the Next-Gen crew as well.
Also even the Kirk stuff is at least a lot more interesting than anything that happened in the film Generations.
* I normally read books one chapter at a time but i found it best with this one to consume 3 or 4 at least in a sitting. This is a plot which craves momentum.
* If you’ve never tried a tie-in book i recommend you giving one a go if your in a reading slump or feeling low on energy. Since your brain already has most of the world details stored, they require very little mental effort but that doesn’t make them bad literature (even if most of them are ;) ) .
January 4, 2017
There is only one word to describe this book. LOVE. First off, Star Trek Generations was one of the most garbagiest things to ever garbage. Not only did it make no sense, but it killed off one of the best characters in fiction. Then, in response to this, Shatner writes his own book about how Kirk comes back. And it is just as fantastic as you think it would be. The Borg and the Romulans team up to bring Kirk back to life so that he can beat up Picard. It's awesome.
Another great thing about this book is that since they didn't have to get the actors, the cast is all there. Spock, McCoy, Scottie, and Kirk are all in it alongside the TNG crew. It pretty much writes itself.
I have never breathed in relief more from reading a book ever in my life. As far is I am concerned, this is the canon. If Shatner says Kirk is alive, I think he would know better than anyone if he was.
However this wasn't just a good book for the subject matter, it also reads extremely well. It's not insanely long, and it flows in a way that makes it easy to understand without too much technobabble thrown at you. It's great to see Kirk up and about again and I would recommend this not just to any Kirk fan, but to anyone who likes Star Trek in general. 5 out of 5.
Another great thing about this book is that since they didn't have to get the actors, the cast is all there. Spock, McCoy, Scottie, and Kirk are all in it alongside the TNG crew. It pretty much writes itself.
I have never breathed in relief more from reading a book ever in my life. As far is I am concerned, this is the canon. If Shatner says Kirk is alive, I think he would know better than anyone if he was.
However this wasn't just a good book for the subject matter, it also reads extremely well. It's not insanely long, and it flows in a way that makes it easy to understand without too much technobabble thrown at you. It's great to see Kirk up and about again and I would recommend this not just to any Kirk fan, but to anyone who likes Star Trek in general. 5 out of 5.
March 20, 2012
Great story with some of fictions greatest characters. The chemistry that has worked so well on screen and in book form has been captured here once again. Honestly, I could probably read (or watch) Spock and Kirk talk to each other about the most trivial of things, so this book was a wonderful retreat. I'm not a Trekkie, but I have a undying admiration for the original series characters and the mythology they spawned. If you're just a fan in passing or a die hard Star Fleet academy alumni, you should enjoy this story that not only features all the bells a whistles of the Trek universe, but also the interaction between some of science fictions most iconic characters.
June 5, 2019
A lot of action and big, bold ideas here, but there's too much going on, much of it just too fantastical. Shatner's audio narration is hurried and one dimensional, plus he mispronounces some Trek terminology to the extent that even I can recognize. On a positive note, if you always wanted to witness Kirk and Picard get into a fist fight, or see Kirk literally try to slap some sense into Picard, this is the book for that. I don't know, I think I read these Star Trek books more for the depth they can paint around some of the characters and personal relationships more than for any action or excitement, and on that front this book falls pretty flat.
May 16, 2015
I cannot even think what I think. I'm speachless. I really need to stop writing "I loved it", but it is the only thing I can make my fingers type.
To say that this story had everything would be a gross understatement. Yeah, I know, impossible, but true. No Tholians showed up, but I think they were mentioned. Everyone else showed up though.
Made me want to have a month long Star Trek bender. Oh, I am already. "Live long and prosper" and read this book if you want to meet just about everyone again.
To say that this story had everything would be a gross understatement. Yeah, I know, impossible, but true. No Tholians showed up, but I think they were mentioned. Everyone else showed up though.
Made me want to have a month long Star Trek bender. Oh, I am already. "Live long and prosper" and read this book if you want to meet just about everyone again.
May 27, 2012
This is the second in a series of six books (actually, two trilogies). This series was my introduction to Star Trek novels, and I very much enjoyed these books. I actually read them out of order by mistake, and then re-read the whole thing in the correct order. Good stuff for the avid Trek fan!
(Note: if you think Shatner really wrote these books, you don't know much about publishing. His ghost writers, the Reeves-Stevenses, deserve the kudos here.)
(Note: if you think Shatner really wrote these books, you don't know much about publishing. His ghost writers, the Reeves-Stevenses, deserve the kudos here.)
August 8, 2021
I'm rating this five stars not because this story makes any sense, but because as a piece of pure Star Trek fan fiction, you can't ask for anything better.
Just summarizing the plot feels silly, but here goes: The granddaughter of the Romulan captain Kirk kills in the first season episode "Balance of Terror" wants to avenge her grandpa by bringing down the Federation. Her plan? Resurrect the newly arrived - and freshly dead - Kirk at the end of Generations using Borg technology in order to kill Picard... because of reasons. I guess the idea is that the Federation seeing Kirk kill Picard would destroy it with in-fighting and insurrection from within, but still, it's a very tenuous and far fetched motivation for the villain in this story.
But who cares, am I right?? This book is all an excuse to throw together the wettest of Trek fan fic wet dreams - Kirk gets into fist fights with basically the entire crew from TNG, Spock shows up and hangs out in the crashed Enterprise D, Kirk and Picard fist fight inside a holodeck that has them in BOTH sets of the Enterprise from BOTH shows, and we also have various side characters from DS9 and Voyage show up because, well, why not? Also throw an old ass McCoy in the mix, and its recipe from the finest fan fic you could ask for.
Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens - who actually did write this book (we all know Shatner didn't do shit) - are two of the better Trek authors; you can hear the actors saying the lines when you read the dialog, and their tech jargon is quite good, as well. Part of the fun of reading these Trek novels is the overt silliness you could to do in the novel format that would be impossible for the TV show or movies, and this book delivers that in droves.
So, any other book I would knock it down a star for such a flimsy villain motivation, but this is a Trek novel, and the sillier, the better, is always the rule of thumb. If you like reading these dumb things like I do, this is one that can't be missed!
Just summarizing the plot feels silly, but here goes: The granddaughter of the Romulan captain Kirk kills in the first season episode "Balance of Terror" wants to avenge her grandpa by bringing down the Federation. Her plan? Resurrect the newly arrived - and freshly dead - Kirk at the end of Generations using Borg technology in order to kill Picard... because of reasons. I guess the idea is that the Federation seeing Kirk kill Picard would destroy it with in-fighting and insurrection from within, but still, it's a very tenuous and far fetched motivation for the villain in this story.
But who cares, am I right?? This book is all an excuse to throw together the wettest of Trek fan fic wet dreams - Kirk gets into fist fights with basically the entire crew from TNG, Spock shows up and hangs out in the crashed Enterprise D, Kirk and Picard fist fight inside a holodeck that has them in BOTH sets of the Enterprise from BOTH shows, and we also have various side characters from DS9 and Voyage show up because, well, why not? Also throw an old ass McCoy in the mix, and its recipe from the finest fan fic you could ask for.
Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens - who actually did write this book (we all know Shatner didn't do shit) - are two of the better Trek authors; you can hear the actors saying the lines when you read the dialog, and their tech jargon is quite good, as well. Part of the fun of reading these Trek novels is the overt silliness you could to do in the novel format that would be impossible for the TV show or movies, and this book delivers that in droves.
So, any other book I would knock it down a star for such a flimsy villain motivation, but this is a Trek novel, and the sillier, the better, is always the rule of thumb. If you like reading these dumb things like I do, this is one that can't be missed!
April 19, 2022
"The Return" is everything. EVERYTHING. The premise: A rogue Romulan (with Borg help) uses something something nanotech to bring Kirk back from the grave following the events of Star Trek Generations. Clearly Shatner couldn't stand the fact that he was killed in the movie and made this book happen. Here's my take:
1. There is absolutely no way Shatner wrote this book. I don't believe it for a second. First off, it would require him to have an encyclopedic knowledge of TNG which I also don't believe for a second. I DO believe that he told the ghost writers all the cool things he wanted in this book, and they did a fantastic job of delivering.
2. The hubris, the raw hubris of this book! Kirk beats Worf, LaForge, and Data in a fight. Outsmarts and beats up Riker. Bones a sexy Romulan. Outsmarts the Borg. There is LITERALLY nothing he can't do in this book, when in the series timeline he would have been (checks notes) 63!
3. I knew going in that this series wasn't canon. It's referred to as "Shatnerverse" books and after reading it I see why. He freaking defeats the Borg at the end of the book!
Now all of this may sound bad. It's not! It's amazing! I loved it and promptly ordered the next book in the series. The ego of this book was fantastic and insane and I couldn't get enough of it! More please, more!
1. There is absolutely no way Shatner wrote this book. I don't believe it for a second. First off, it would require him to have an encyclopedic knowledge of TNG which I also don't believe for a second. I DO believe that he told the ghost writers all the cool things he wanted in this book, and they did a fantastic job of delivering.
2. The hubris, the raw hubris of this book! Kirk beats Worf, LaForge, and Data in a fight. Outsmarts and beats up Riker. Bones a sexy Romulan. Outsmarts the Borg. There is LITERALLY nothing he can't do in this book, when in the series timeline he would have been (checks notes) 63!
3. I knew going in that this series wasn't canon. It's referred to as "Shatnerverse" books and after reading it I see why. He freaking defeats the Borg at the end of the book!
Now all of this may sound bad. It's not! It's amazing! I loved it and promptly ordered the next book in the series. The ego of this book was fantastic and insane and I couldn't get enough of it! More please, more!
Read
October 11, 2024alltså mannen jag vet inte ens. cool lore. coola explosioner. väldigt mycket sex med kvinna med spetsiga öron
June 21, 2024
Isn't Kirk great? He can do everything. Defeat everyone. Seduce all the ladies. Never die. Still a fun read.
October 25, 2009
"Geordi, I have frozen my eyelids together. I am such a failure!"
that hasn't happened in the other 11 trek titles I've read in the last few months. this was Data, of course, and I must say the post-Generations setting of this novel explored some of the consequences of the movie fairly well. It is fascinating to note that Shatner's screen time as Captain Kirk was supposedly quite difficult for the other actors, and yet his novel characterises certain characters particularly effectively. Data and Worf are explored well, I feel; riker and some of the others a little less. It's still very much a Kirk novel, although there are indications that the ego has, if not diminished, made room for the new centuries characters.
"I'm very familiar with your early exploits and adventures with your Captain, But surely you of all people can understand that the dead cannot return to life?"
"There appear to be some of my 'exploits and adventures' with which you are not familiar."
Spock and Riker don't hit it off in the slightest, but I suppose some antitheses are to be expected. One area at which this novel excels is the plucking out of historical events and fitting them in - This snatch of dialog clearly refers to Spock's tangle with the Genesis planet, for instance. much of Kirk's history is brought up in one way or another (not extensively or in any sort of overblown way, but in an aid to recall and with deft handling so we never feel weighed down by history). What's impossible to miss is the fact that despite Kirk supposedly died, he's back in action and raring to go.
"Mr. Data, put us on a collision course with the Borg ship. I would like you to pull out at two seconds before collision."
"Yes, sir. I believe I would like that as well."
There's humour aplenty and action enough for anyone, and if we accept the postulate that Kirk 'had' to come back to make this novel (and the subsequent stories) work, this is a brilliant read. For those who feel Kirk's time is up, this may be a little on the sickly side. Kirk is portrayed as an excellent combatant, deceiver, computer-operator and pilot and it is perhaps a stretch, even for the inviolable kirk fans, that he's mastered decades of technological advancement in what is realistically no time at all. Nevertheless, the captain had a reputation to uphold and there's no getting around the fact that this is extremely well-written, easy-to-read and pleasing to boot.
The spirit of this book can be summed up quite well, by a passage on page 116 relating to Captain Picard and his forced interaction with the Borg. To conclude this review, it reads:
"Above him, a starship was in danger. Around him, Starfleet personnel looked to him for leadership. And on the thousand worlds of the Federation, an interstellar civilization unmatched in history teetered on the brink of extinction, to be saved or destroyed by what a single individual would accomplish in the next few minutes and hours. In the middle of action, there was no room for doubt. He could not afford it or allow it. He was a starship captain. It was time to make a difference."
that hasn't happened in the other 11 trek titles I've read in the last few months. this was Data, of course, and I must say the post-Generations setting of this novel explored some of the consequences of the movie fairly well. It is fascinating to note that Shatner's screen time as Captain Kirk was supposedly quite difficult for the other actors, and yet his novel characterises certain characters particularly effectively. Data and Worf are explored well, I feel; riker and some of the others a little less. It's still very much a Kirk novel, although there are indications that the ego has, if not diminished, made room for the new centuries characters.
"I'm very familiar with your early exploits and adventures with your Captain, But surely you of all people can understand that the dead cannot return to life?"
"There appear to be some of my 'exploits and adventures' with which you are not familiar."
Spock and Riker don't hit it off in the slightest, but I suppose some antitheses are to be expected. One area at which this novel excels is the plucking out of historical events and fitting them in - This snatch of dialog clearly refers to Spock's tangle with the Genesis planet, for instance. much of Kirk's history is brought up in one way or another (not extensively or in any sort of overblown way, but in an aid to recall and with deft handling so we never feel weighed down by history). What's impossible to miss is the fact that despite Kirk supposedly died, he's back in action and raring to go.
"Mr. Data, put us on a collision course with the Borg ship. I would like you to pull out at two seconds before collision."
"Yes, sir. I believe I would like that as well."
There's humour aplenty and action enough for anyone, and if we accept the postulate that Kirk 'had' to come back to make this novel (and the subsequent stories) work, this is a brilliant read. For those who feel Kirk's time is up, this may be a little on the sickly side. Kirk is portrayed as an excellent combatant, deceiver, computer-operator and pilot and it is perhaps a stretch, even for the inviolable kirk fans, that he's mastered decades of technological advancement in what is realistically no time at all. Nevertheless, the captain had a reputation to uphold and there's no getting around the fact that this is extremely well-written, easy-to-read and pleasing to boot.
The spirit of this book can be summed up quite well, by a passage on page 116 relating to Captain Picard and his forced interaction with the Borg. To conclude this review, it reads:
"Above him, a starship was in danger. Around him, Starfleet personnel looked to him for leadership. And on the thousand worlds of the Federation, an interstellar civilization unmatched in history teetered on the brink of extinction, to be saved or destroyed by what a single individual would accomplish in the next few minutes and hours. In the middle of action, there was no room for doubt. He could not afford it or allow it. He was a starship captain. It was time to make a difference."
July 8, 2012
It's Star Trek. It's William Shatner. What More Can You Ask For?
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio in 1996.
Abridged
The audiobook lasts about 3 hours and is read by William Shatner, who is also one of the authors.
I admit, I picked Star Trek: The Return on a whim - the fact that it was read by Shatner himself was a big plus. Shatner is nothing, if not interesting. His book is much like the man himself (at least his well-known public persona) - lots of action, bluster, bravado, noise and Shatner's well-known and unique speaking style.
This book takes place immediately after the events of the Star Trek: Generations movie. If you haven't seen the movie lately, don't fret. Shatner uses it as a launching point only and goes on his own way...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio in 1996.
Abridged
The audiobook lasts about 3 hours and is read by William Shatner, who is also one of the authors.
I admit, I picked Star Trek: The Return on a whim - the fact that it was read by Shatner himself was a big plus. Shatner is nothing, if not interesting. His book is much like the man himself (at least his well-known public persona) - lots of action, bluster, bravado, noise and Shatner's well-known and unique speaking style.
This book takes place immediately after the events of the Star Trek: Generations movie. If you haven't seen the movie lately, don't fret. Shatner uses it as a launching point only and goes on his own way...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
May 25, 2010
A very solid, very enjoyable effort. I was surprised that it was so good and it really kept me turning the pages. As you can guess, Kirk returns in this book. He is resurrected by Borg technology to help destroy the Federation. All your favorite Star Trek characters are here, from Classic Trek all the way through Deep Space 9. Good stuff.
The book was written with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens and I have no idea how much is their's and how much Shatner's, but the collaboration certainly worked.
Highly recommended for Trek fans.
The book was written with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens and I have no idea how much is their's and how much Shatner's, but the collaboration certainly worked.
Highly recommended for Trek fans.
January 25, 2013
I wasn't sure how good a Trek book about the resurrection of Kirk would be but it blew me away. The action is fantastic, the characterizations are thoughtful and logical and this writing team really knows how to write dialogue for existing characters and make it believable. I hear people say that this is non-canon but it alludes to every other canon novel in existence, including graphic novels and film, and I haven't found any discrepancy that was not addressed logically. A great and fast read that will make you want to read the whole series!
April 26, 2012
I'm a proud Trek fan and a fan of good writing, and William Shatner along with co-writers Judith Reeves-Stevens and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, delivers a really great story I had a hard time putting down. I was genuinely thrilled to discover a new team of Trek writers; I hadn't read a Trek book in a long time, and this was truly enjoyable, truly escapist, and made me run back for the next in the series. Hope Avenger is as good.
August 7, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. Shatner, in his infinite ego maniacal way realizes that there is a good story to be had in resurrecting the almighty Kirk for one more story. He writes Kirk as if he didn't play him for years, though, sometimes having him do things that are over the top, even for Kirk. Overall it was well written and engaging. I really got swept away in it and wanted this to be turned into a movie.
September 17, 2016
Such a great adventure, it could've easily been a Star Trek movie after Generations. Admittedly, I'm a huge fan of OS and NG, which made me love this novel even more. To a fan it has everything you'd want upon seeing the exciting title.
To a non-fan, I'm not so sure that the descriptive details of a starship or the intense bond between characters would be of much interest. For me, it was a terrific adventure.
To a non-fan, I'm not so sure that the descriptive details of a starship or the intense bond between characters would be of much interest. For me, it was a terrific adventure.
March 16, 2009
Just reread this. I am still surprised at the complexities that William Shatner is able to write about. He is a good story teller. Neil and i find it funny how he writes about 'Captain Kirks' love life. But, have not found it offensive.
i enjoyed reading this one so much that i have pulled the whole series out to reread. looking forward to the Movie coming out in May:)
i enjoyed reading this one so much that i have pulled the whole series out to reread. looking forward to the Movie coming out in May:)
March 27, 2016
For the most part, The Return is a wild, enjoyable ride, with a few bothersome details. The Kirk-fawning gets a little old, but then again, the entire Star Trek franchise is occasionally guilty of that one.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/01/r...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/01/r...
August 17, 2016
Surprisingly, (and with the help of Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Shatner has provided some of my favorite Star Trek books. Lots of fun.
July 10, 2023
Part two of the so called Shatnerverse and still going strong.
September 4, 2023
I didn’t finish it. Maybe I’ll go back to it one day.
October 9, 2023
William Shatner writes a fanfic about himself with a resurrected Kirk as the smartest, sexiest and most badass guy in the whole galaxy.
It's as fantastic as it is corny.
It's as fantastic as it is corny.
May 28, 2022
I had been wanting to dive back into reading the Star Trek novels again for a little while now. I already had read a few over the couple years, mostly the newer novels based on the television series currently being produced on CBS All Access/Paramount+, "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Star Trek: Picard".
But there are literally hundreds of Star Trek novels out there, from the first released soon after the original airing of the first "Star Trek" television series (Bantam Books' James Blish novel, "Spock Must Die!" (1970), plus the Blish written--along with his wife, J.A. Lawrence--short story length original series episode adaptations released as "Star Trek (1)" through "Star Trek 12" from 1967-1977) through another twelve original novels published by Bantam between 1976 and 1981, and the several hundred Star Trek novels subsequently published by Simon & Schuster, most under their Pocket Books and Gallery Books imprints, starting with their novelization of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979) and their first original Star Trek novel, "The Entropy Effect" (1981) on through to the present day, encompassing not only the original Star Trek series characters but every subsequent spin-off series--Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, etc.--and many sub-series created exclusively to appear in the novels (such as Star Trek: New Frontier, Star Trek: Corps of Engineers, Star Trek: Titan, and Star Trek: Vanguard).
My introduction to the Star Trek novels was those early 1980s Pocket Books original series novels and movie novelizations. I became hooked on them and instantly started collecting any and all Star Trek novels. I was always a very slow reader though (plus I was also a major comic book collector, which took up even more of my reading time) so most of the Star Trek novels I bought went straight in a box or on a book shelf to be read later (whenever that might be).
Flash forward to today and, while I stopped buying the books in paperback or hardback "hard copies" years ago, I still have all of the ones I bought up to 2011 or 2012 or so, plus I have access to just about every one released since then via the public library, and Simon and Schuster also has a monthly "$0.99 each" ebooks sale promotion every month on a selection of their Star Trek books from over the years (which I've been taking advantage of to either fill in the novels I don't already have but also to get ebook versions of the ones I do).
Now, this is a long, roundabout way to getting to my real point of this post. For someone wishing to get into reading Star Trek novels now (or back into reading them), it can be a rather daunting thing to do, to decide what to read and where to start.
The easy answer (it would seem) is to say, "Well, which version do you like best?" The original series (Kirk, Spock, etc.)? The Next Generation? Deep Space Nine? Voyager? The current shows?
But even if you approach it that way, there are many paths to take. If you prefer the original series, do you read them in the order they originally came out in, starting way back with the Bantam books or first of the Pocket Books original novels? You could, but they are all for the most part "episodic" (so you don't have to read them all in that particular order. Plus, it would take you forever to get to the more newly released novels.
There are similar things to consider with the other Star Trek lines of novels based on the other series.
Me, my mind typically works chronologically. So, whatever path I start upon, I typically want to proceed either in the order the novels first came out in or, oftentimes, the order the stories are supposed to have occurred in. That can become a major project (which, fortunately, many others already like to do, post "timelines" of things like the hundreds of Star Trek novels.
However, I still have to decide where to start. (I face a similar issue with jumping back into the hundreds of Star Wars tie-in novels.)
For the time being, I've decided to go with two or three simultaneous "paths". The first, to continue reading catching up on the "Discovery" and "Picard" (and, starting in 2023, "Strange New Worlds") novels that have been released thus far (which, relatively speaking, isn't that many).
Second, "Star Trek: Picard" put me instantly back into a "Next Generation" mood. That, plus my desire to finally start to read Pocket Books "litverse" (the more tightly connected continuation of the then completed Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager series and their characters, published mostly from 2001 to 2017, plus a three part finale/conclusion titled "Coda" released in fall 2021), made me decide to jump back into the "Next Generation" novels, but not all the way back to the earliest ones. I've decided to start with the novels that pick up right after the movie "Star Trek Generations" leaves off (meaning, more or less, the start of the "Enterprise-E" stories).
I plan to also come up with other avenues to take (such as the original series, but mostly likely starting where "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" leaves off. Another path would be where I last left off with the "Star Trek: Enterprise" novels. And then there are also a range of really interesting looking "Lost Years" novels that take place chronologically between the original series movies and the start of "The Next Generation". (The problem is that I can make all of these sorts of plans but A) I remain to this day a very slow reader, and B ) I have loads of non Star Trek related books I want to read, too!)
Which brings me to the book I just finished reading (and also the one I just started on). Both of these are actual "re-reads" for me. From 1995 to 2006, famed James T. Kirk actor, William Shatner, co-wrote (along with veteran Star Trek novelists Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, although I suspect that the majority of the actual writing was by the Reeves-Stevens), ten original Star Trek novels (three trilogies plus the first of what had been planned to have been a fourth).
These were unofficially dubbed the "Shatnerverse" series of novels due not only to Shatner's involvement but that they (starting with the second novel) center around his character, Captain Kirk's, being revived/resurrected once again in the "Next Generation" era post "Star Trek Generations" and having additional adventures in that era alongside Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D/E. The rest of the Pocket Books novels ignores these Shatnerverse novels, treating them as a separate continuity.
Back when the first three of the Shatner Star Trek novels came out in 1995-1997 ("The Ashes of Eden", "The Return", and "Avenger"), I read them all at that time. (I think that's it. I can't recall Shatner's second trilogy, one featuring the Mirror Universe, but it's possible I read at least the first of those, as well.)
As "The Return" (1996) begins with Captain Kirk's resurrection by the Borg (allied with a revenge bent Romulan commander out to destroy the Federation) immediately after the events of "Star Trek Generations", it was the next of my post-"Generations" novels to read (or, in this case, re-read). (I skipped Shatner's first novel, "The Ashes of Eden" because that one takes place mostly just after "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", the last of the original series movies. Shatner's version of the end of that particular era.)
Both times that I've read "The Return", I have enjoyed it. A bit more the first time I read it, probably (back when I was in my early to mid twenties(!)), but I still enjoy it today, for the most part. Of course, it, like any older Star Trek novel, has to be read with an understanding of what had come out up to that point, and that a lot of stuff has since been released both on television and in the movies since then (not to mention all of the novels that have come out after this). Some aspects will always seem "off" in older books like this because of this, especially ones that heavily feature the Borg. Aspects of the Borg, as presented in "The Return", while still entertaining, don't entirely "match up with" things we've learned about them since the writing of this book. (For instance, there is a "central node" on the Borg home planet that they hope to use to permanently sever the Borg "Collective" that's never mentioned anywhere else, but at the same time they never once mention the Borg Queen featured in "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), and episodes of "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Star Trek: Picard". That's because "The Return" and "First Contact" both came out in 1996, and, presumably, Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens were not given any inside information on the plot of the then in production movie.)
There is also the negative reaction some fans to the whole idea of resurrecting Kirk in the TNG era, and how Shatner (naturally) focuses largely on him (although there is also a lot of time with Picard, Riker, and the rest of the TNG characters, plus, in "The Return", Dr. Julian Bashir from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I don't mind it all that much, although I did feel at some points like Picard and Riker where written a bit out of character to make them foils for Kirk and Ambassador Spock (who, spoilers, along with the very aged Admiral Leonard H. McCoy, are in this book).
Technically speaking, this isn't really an Enterprise-E story because this is so soon after "Generations". As the book begins, Kirk's body hasn't been moved from Veridian III to Earth yet (allowing it to be stolen) and the crashed saucer section of the Enterprise-D hasn't only begun to have been disassembled for removal (which makes for one of the more interesting scenes in the book, a night time attack by unknown assailants bombing the saucer section and the nearby Starfleet work camp). And, for most of the novel, the Next Generation characters are split up. Picard and Dr. Crusher on a covert anti-Borg related mission together. Riker and Troi on Veridian III. Worf, Data, and LaForge on leave, awaiting their next assignments. They do eventually all come together again, but not until over halfway through the book.
I enjoyed re-reading "The Return", primarily because Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (a married couple who had written many Star Trek novels both prior to and after their involvement with the "Shatnerverse" books and who also served as writers on the latter seasons of "Star Trek: Enterprise") are really good writers.
My first inclination was to give "The Return" three stars, but then remembered that GoodReads goes as high as five stars. A three out of five stars seemed a bit low to me, so I went ahead and gave it four out of five stars.
I've already started reading the next book, "Avenger", and after only a couple chapters I'm already liking how Picard and the Enterprise-E crew (yes, "Avenger" explicitly takes place after "First Contact") are being written. ("Avenger" focuses on a galaxy wide plague with no cure that threatens the survival of the Federation.)
But there are literally hundreds of Star Trek novels out there, from the first released soon after the original airing of the first "Star Trek" television series (Bantam Books' James Blish novel, "Spock Must Die!" (1970), plus the Blish written--along with his wife, J.A. Lawrence--short story length original series episode adaptations released as "Star Trek (1)" through "Star Trek 12" from 1967-1977) through another twelve original novels published by Bantam between 1976 and 1981, and the several hundred Star Trek novels subsequently published by Simon & Schuster, most under their Pocket Books and Gallery Books imprints, starting with their novelization of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979) and their first original Star Trek novel, "The Entropy Effect" (1981) on through to the present day, encompassing not only the original Star Trek series characters but every subsequent spin-off series--Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, etc.--and many sub-series created exclusively to appear in the novels (such as Star Trek: New Frontier, Star Trek: Corps of Engineers, Star Trek: Titan, and Star Trek: Vanguard).
My introduction to the Star Trek novels was those early 1980s Pocket Books original series novels and movie novelizations. I became hooked on them and instantly started collecting any and all Star Trek novels. I was always a very slow reader though (plus I was also a major comic book collector, which took up even more of my reading time) so most of the Star Trek novels I bought went straight in a box or on a book shelf to be read later (whenever that might be).
Flash forward to today and, while I stopped buying the books in paperback or hardback "hard copies" years ago, I still have all of the ones I bought up to 2011 or 2012 or so, plus I have access to just about every one released since then via the public library, and Simon and Schuster also has a monthly "$0.99 each" ebooks sale promotion every month on a selection of their Star Trek books from over the years (which I've been taking advantage of to either fill in the novels I don't already have but also to get ebook versions of the ones I do).
Now, this is a long, roundabout way to getting to my real point of this post. For someone wishing to get into reading Star Trek novels now (or back into reading them), it can be a rather daunting thing to do, to decide what to read and where to start.
The easy answer (it would seem) is to say, "Well, which version do you like best?" The original series (Kirk, Spock, etc.)? The Next Generation? Deep Space Nine? Voyager? The current shows?
But even if you approach it that way, there are many paths to take. If you prefer the original series, do you read them in the order they originally came out in, starting way back with the Bantam books or first of the Pocket Books original novels? You could, but they are all for the most part "episodic" (so you don't have to read them all in that particular order. Plus, it would take you forever to get to the more newly released novels.
There are similar things to consider with the other Star Trek lines of novels based on the other series.
Me, my mind typically works chronologically. So, whatever path I start upon, I typically want to proceed either in the order the novels first came out in or, oftentimes, the order the stories are supposed to have occurred in. That can become a major project (which, fortunately, many others already like to do, post "timelines" of things like the hundreds of Star Trek novels.
However, I still have to decide where to start. (I face a similar issue with jumping back into the hundreds of Star Wars tie-in novels.)
For the time being, I've decided to go with two or three simultaneous "paths". The first, to continue reading catching up on the "Discovery" and "Picard" (and, starting in 2023, "Strange New Worlds") novels that have been released thus far (which, relatively speaking, isn't that many).
Second, "Star Trek: Picard" put me instantly back into a "Next Generation" mood. That, plus my desire to finally start to read Pocket Books "litverse" (the more tightly connected continuation of the then completed Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager series and their characters, published mostly from 2001 to 2017, plus a three part finale/conclusion titled "Coda" released in fall 2021), made me decide to jump back into the "Next Generation" novels, but not all the way back to the earliest ones. I've decided to start with the novels that pick up right after the movie "Star Trek Generations" leaves off (meaning, more or less, the start of the "Enterprise-E" stories).
I plan to also come up with other avenues to take (such as the original series, but mostly likely starting where "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" leaves off. Another path would be where I last left off with the "Star Trek: Enterprise" novels. And then there are also a range of really interesting looking "Lost Years" novels that take place chronologically between the original series movies and the start of "The Next Generation". (The problem is that I can make all of these sorts of plans but A) I remain to this day a very slow reader, and B ) I have loads of non Star Trek related books I want to read, too!)
Which brings me to the book I just finished reading (and also the one I just started on). Both of these are actual "re-reads" for me. From 1995 to 2006, famed James T. Kirk actor, William Shatner, co-wrote (along with veteran Star Trek novelists Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, although I suspect that the majority of the actual writing was by the Reeves-Stevens), ten original Star Trek novels (three trilogies plus the first of what had been planned to have been a fourth).
These were unofficially dubbed the "Shatnerverse" series of novels due not only to Shatner's involvement but that they (starting with the second novel) center around his character, Captain Kirk's, being revived/resurrected once again in the "Next Generation" era post "Star Trek Generations" and having additional adventures in that era alongside Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D/E. The rest of the Pocket Books novels ignores these Shatnerverse novels, treating them as a separate continuity.
Back when the first three of the Shatner Star Trek novels came out in 1995-1997 ("The Ashes of Eden", "The Return", and "Avenger"), I read them all at that time. (I think that's it. I can't recall Shatner's second trilogy, one featuring the Mirror Universe, but it's possible I read at least the first of those, as well.)
As "The Return" (1996) begins with Captain Kirk's resurrection by the Borg (allied with a revenge bent Romulan commander out to destroy the Federation) immediately after the events of "Star Trek Generations", it was the next of my post-"Generations" novels to read (or, in this case, re-read). (I skipped Shatner's first novel, "The Ashes of Eden" because that one takes place mostly just after "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", the last of the original series movies. Shatner's version of the end of that particular era.)
Both times that I've read "The Return", I have enjoyed it. A bit more the first time I read it, probably (back when I was in my early to mid twenties(!)), but I still enjoy it today, for the most part. Of course, it, like any older Star Trek novel, has to be read with an understanding of what had come out up to that point, and that a lot of stuff has since been released both on television and in the movies since then (not to mention all of the novels that have come out after this). Some aspects will always seem "off" in older books like this because of this, especially ones that heavily feature the Borg. Aspects of the Borg, as presented in "The Return", while still entertaining, don't entirely "match up with" things we've learned about them since the writing of this book. (For instance, there is a "central node" on the Borg home planet that they hope to use to permanently sever the Borg "Collective" that's never mentioned anywhere else, but at the same time they never once mention the Borg Queen featured in "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), and episodes of "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Star Trek: Picard". That's because "The Return" and "First Contact" both came out in 1996, and, presumably, Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens were not given any inside information on the plot of the then in production movie.)
There is also the negative reaction some fans to the whole idea of resurrecting Kirk in the TNG era, and how Shatner (naturally) focuses largely on him (although there is also a lot of time with Picard, Riker, and the rest of the TNG characters, plus, in "The Return", Dr. Julian Bashir from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I don't mind it all that much, although I did feel at some points like Picard and Riker where written a bit out of character to make them foils for Kirk and Ambassador Spock (who, spoilers, along with the very aged Admiral Leonard H. McCoy, are in this book).
Technically speaking, this isn't really an Enterprise-E story because this is so soon after "Generations". As the book begins, Kirk's body hasn't been moved from Veridian III to Earth yet (allowing it to be stolen) and the crashed saucer section of the Enterprise-D hasn't only begun to have been disassembled for removal (which makes for one of the more interesting scenes in the book, a night time attack by unknown assailants bombing the saucer section and the nearby Starfleet work camp). And, for most of the novel, the Next Generation characters are split up. Picard and Dr. Crusher on a covert anti-Borg related mission together. Riker and Troi on Veridian III. Worf, Data, and LaForge on leave, awaiting their next assignments. They do eventually all come together again, but not until over halfway through the book.
I enjoyed re-reading "The Return", primarily because Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (a married couple who had written many Star Trek novels both prior to and after their involvement with the "Shatnerverse" books and who also served as writers on the latter seasons of "Star Trek: Enterprise") are really good writers.
My first inclination was to give "The Return" three stars, but then remembered that GoodReads goes as high as five stars. A three out of five stars seemed a bit low to me, so I went ahead and gave it four out of five stars.
I've already started reading the next book, "Avenger", and after only a couple chapters I'm already liking how Picard and the Enterprise-E crew (yes, "Avenger" explicitly takes place after "First Contact") are being written. ("Avenger" focuses on a galaxy wide plague with no cure that threatens the survival of the Federation.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Well wasn't that a great ball of star trekky fun!
Was it well written - no
Was it a good story - sorta, bit stupid, but again..trekky fun ball - those pesky Borg eh!
And of course Shatner couldn't just have Kirk die heroically again and stay dead...he'll never let Kirk rest
'Somehow...Palpatine returned...' sorry I mean Kirk
Was it well written - no
Was it a good story - sorta, bit stupid, but again..trekky fun ball - those pesky Borg eh!
And of course Shatner couldn't just have Kirk die heroically again and stay dead...he'll never let Kirk rest
'Somehow...Palpatine returned...' sorry I mean Kirk
August 18, 2025
This book was bonkers and I loved it! Romulans and Borg becoming allies. Picard is Kirk. Borg centered craziness and another Defiant class ship with a cloaking device for some reason. It was off the rails but it doesn't matter.
October 19, 2021
I don't care it was far fetched and slightly bonkers all my fave people were together and I loved it, every cliche every silly unbelivable plot line, I say engage !
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