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Star Trek: Voyager #6
The Murdered Sun
When sensors indicate a possible wormhole nearby, Captain Janeway is eager to investigate - hoping to find a shortcut back to the Federation. Instead, she discovers a solar system being systematically pillaged by the warlike Akerians.
The last thing Janeway wants is to get caught up in someone else's war, but to check out the wormhole - and to protect the innocent inhabitants of Veruna Four - she has no choice but to take on the Akerians.
But who knows what unexpected dangers lurk beneath the crimson glow of the murdered sun?
The last thing Janeway wants is to get caught up in someone else's war, but to check out the wormhole - and to protect the innocent inhabitants of Veruna Four - she has no choice but to take on the Akerians.
But who knows what unexpected dangers lurk beneath the crimson glow of the murdered sun?
277 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1996
35 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Christie Golden
171 books1,875 followersAward-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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 11, 2025
Any fan knows how hit and miss these Star Trek books can be; they range from awful to very good, with a lot of mediocre ones filling the in-between. Finding quality writing and a good story which lines up with characterizations that ring true with the way they were portrayed in whichever series the book is set within can be like looking for a needle in a haystack at times. The Voyager franchise seems to have even fewer good ones than the other Star Trek series books. I thought I had cherry-picked the best ones from the series already, but took a chance on this one, because I was in the mood for something light and fun. The Murdered Sun was a very nice surprise.
One of the greatest compliments you can bestow on a Star Trek book is to say it would have been a great episode of the franchise, and that is certainly the case here with The Murdered Sun. This entry seems rich and full, the characterizations spot-on for the most part, and the story, while perhaps derivative of Star Trek tropes, is very enjoyably done by Christie Golden.
Though Janeway, Chakotay and Tom Paris have the biggest roles in this story, I feel like I read an entirely different book than some here who make too much of that. Tuvok, B’Elanna and Kim have their fair share of screen time here as well; even Kes and Neelix get a few minor moments. The Doctor probably has the least screen time in this story. Janeway, Chakotay and Paris definitely carry the heavy lifting and interactions, but this still feels like a very good episode, with everyone involved. It is in no way or manner, “just” the three aforementioned involved in this story.
A possible wormhole that might get the Voyager crew home — it seemed to always be happening in the series, and never worked out — is a concavity that is murdering the sun of Veruna Four, where an intelligent species with many similarities in culture to Chakotay’s ancestors reside. But they are less concerned with their own dying planet than the attacks on them by the apparently war-like Akerians. The Akerians are at present more advanced, and they are using the concavity in some mysterious way for their own purpose, kidnapping, enslaving, and threatening the people of Veruna.
As you’d expect, the Akerians, who shield their faces, don’t appreciate Voyager’s presence, or interference. Also as you’d expect, the Voyager crew is sympathetic to the friendlier and more welcoming people of Veruna, even if their appearance is reptilian in nature. There is much back and forth about the Prime Directive, and some pretty inconsistent actions and reasoning for them. The appearance of the Verunans is especially repulsive to Tom. This becomes its own story when Tom finds a kindred soul in Kaavi and gradually overcomes his repulsion.
What you might not expect, because this sounds like very familiar ground for the franchise in all its various incarnations, is how wonderfully it reads as penned by Christie Golden. The Murdered Sun is not only enjoyable, but touching and resonating on a few occasions. And because it’s about the attempted genocide of one similar people against another, simply for existing, it is especially pertinent for modern readers. The Murdered Sun is nearly flawless as a Star Trek Voyager story and I found myself flying through it; always the case with the good ones in the Star Trek universe.
Ancient advanced technology, oral traditions of storytelling to preserve history, overcoming superficial differences and finding common ground, even a common past, and doing the right thing make this a really great entry in the Voyager book canon which should satisfy anyone who enjoyed the show doing its long run on television. Really great stuff !
One of the greatest compliments you can bestow on a Star Trek book is to say it would have been a great episode of the franchise, and that is certainly the case here with The Murdered Sun. This entry seems rich and full, the characterizations spot-on for the most part, and the story, while perhaps derivative of Star Trek tropes, is very enjoyably done by Christie Golden.
Though Janeway, Chakotay and Tom Paris have the biggest roles in this story, I feel like I read an entirely different book than some here who make too much of that. Tuvok, B’Elanna and Kim have their fair share of screen time here as well; even Kes and Neelix get a few minor moments. The Doctor probably has the least screen time in this story. Janeway, Chakotay and Paris definitely carry the heavy lifting and interactions, but this still feels like a very good episode, with everyone involved. It is in no way or manner, “just” the three aforementioned involved in this story.
A possible wormhole that might get the Voyager crew home — it seemed to always be happening in the series, and never worked out — is a concavity that is murdering the sun of Veruna Four, where an intelligent species with many similarities in culture to Chakotay’s ancestors reside. But they are less concerned with their own dying planet than the attacks on them by the apparently war-like Akerians. The Akerians are at present more advanced, and they are using the concavity in some mysterious way for their own purpose, kidnapping, enslaving, and threatening the people of Veruna.
As you’d expect, the Akerians, who shield their faces, don’t appreciate Voyager’s presence, or interference. Also as you’d expect, the Voyager crew is sympathetic to the friendlier and more welcoming people of Veruna, even if their appearance is reptilian in nature. There is much back and forth about the Prime Directive, and some pretty inconsistent actions and reasoning for them. The appearance of the Verunans is especially repulsive to Tom. This becomes its own story when Tom finds a kindred soul in Kaavi and gradually overcomes his repulsion.
What you might not expect, because this sounds like very familiar ground for the franchise in all its various incarnations, is how wonderfully it reads as penned by Christie Golden. The Murdered Sun is not only enjoyable, but touching and resonating on a few occasions. And because it’s about the attempted genocide of one similar people against another, simply for existing, it is especially pertinent for modern readers. The Murdered Sun is nearly flawless as a Star Trek Voyager story and I found myself flying through it; always the case with the good ones in the Star Trek universe.
Ancient advanced technology, oral traditions of storytelling to preserve history, overcoming superficial differences and finding common ground, even a common past, and doing the right thing make this a really great entry in the Voyager book canon which should satisfy anyone who enjoyed the show doing its long run on television. Really great stuff !
August 20, 2019
By far my favorite Voyager book so far. I enjoyed the interplay between the three groups very much. Chakotay seems less one note, even while playing his one note, throughout and I'm not even sure why. Tom Paris's arc is very good, it would have been great if this sort of xenophobia would have been explored more in his character within the show.
The pseudo-science was about as interesting as Trek pseudo-science gets, and the plot moved quickly and efficiently. Overall I would highly suggest any fan of Trek in general or Voyager specifically should give this yarn a spin.
The pseudo-science was about as interesting as Trek pseudo-science gets, and the plot moved quickly and efficiently. Overall I would highly suggest any fan of Trek in general or Voyager specifically should give this yarn a spin.
April 16, 2019
This book was short and sweet. The story was easy to understand and was actually quite predictable. The story followed almost the exact pattern that a typical episode of Voyager television would have, except this was more like the length of 1.5 or 2 episodes as opposed to 1.
Christie Golden is definitely in my top 3 Star Trek authors. She really captures the voice of the characters and the pacing of the story really well. I was surprised how well she did with this story, given that this was her first sci-fi novel and one of her first media-tie in fiction novels.
There is actually some ground work in the character of Janeway and Chakotay that I think Kirsten Beyer used for her novels.
I don't have much to gripe about, other than that it could have been longer, but Star Trek books at this time worked at this pace, so I'm happy with the book.
Overall, fun, easy, and a good change of pace. 7.9 out of 10!
Christie Golden is definitely in my top 3 Star Trek authors. She really captures the voice of the characters and the pacing of the story really well. I was surprised how well she did with this story, given that this was her first sci-fi novel and one of her first media-tie in fiction novels.
There is actually some ground work in the character of Janeway and Chakotay that I think Kirsten Beyer used for her novels.
I don't have much to gripe about, other than that it could have been longer, but Star Trek books at this time worked at this pace, so I'm happy with the book.
Overall, fun, easy, and a good change of pace. 7.9 out of 10!
September 4, 2016
One of my favorite Voyager books. It was an interesting plot, and a fun fast pace read. I also love how Christie Golden keeps the characters... well in character. I loved that the new aliens were really apart of the story and had so much development, I wish these bear like creatures had been on the show as well!
The only bad or not so great thing about the book was that I did see one twist coming but it was still a great read.
I recommend all of Christie Golden's books she does so well with the voyager characters.
The only bad or not so great thing about the book was that I did see one twist coming but it was still a great read.
I recommend all of Christie Golden's books she does so well with the voyager characters.
April 22, 2018
How to write a solid, enjoyable "Star Trek" novel: (1) provide an interesting, unique scientific puzzle for the crew to solve, (2) provide some action & tension that actually conveys tension, (3) create a situation where Trekkian ideas of peace, forgiveness, and acceptance are all in play, and (4) take one of my least favourite Trek series, capture the crew perfectly, and put them in a story where I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, in spite of my antipathy for "Voyager". Well done, Christine Golden.
January 3, 2024
This book was published early on in Voyager's run, so if you are looking for Seven of Nine, look no further as she is not in this one. Neither, almost, are The Doctor and Kes. The former is only in one fairly brief scene relatively early in the story. Kes makes a few token appearances, as does Neelix. The main characters of the story are Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay and Tom Paris. Which is probably one of the reasons why I found this book to be mediocre: Paris is one of my least favorite characters.
The story is fairly standard: Voyager in its seemingly never-ending quest to get back home to the Alpha Quadrant, detects what Ensign Harry Kim forlornly hopes is a wormhole located within a concavity. But as is usual with Star Trek, the mission becomes complicated by an outside factor. In this case, Voyager becomes embroiled in a war between the friendly Verunans and the warlike Akerians. Ever-conscious of the Prime Directive, Janeway tries to steer a neutral course, but decides to take action to help halt the abuse being inflicted on the Verunans (they are being made slaves of the Akerians while the latter simultaneously allows their planet to be destroyed thanks to the draining of their sun's energy into the concavity).
Most of the story centers on Paris learning to overcome his revulsion to the Verunans, which look like a cross between a humanoid and a lion, and Chakotay helping the Verunans unlock the key to many of their ancient folklore and tales that have been passed down. The writing is okay, although I noticed that author Christie Golden kept referring to Kim as "golden". But the story breezed along and didn't really get bogged down, although there were a few pages where the technobabble got pretty bad - but that happens frequently on the TV show itself so it seems par for the course here.
The story is fairly standard: Voyager in its seemingly never-ending quest to get back home to the Alpha Quadrant, detects what Ensign Harry Kim forlornly hopes is a wormhole located within a concavity. But as is usual with Star Trek, the mission becomes complicated by an outside factor. In this case, Voyager becomes embroiled in a war between the friendly Verunans and the warlike Akerians. Ever-conscious of the Prime Directive, Janeway tries to steer a neutral course, but decides to take action to help halt the abuse being inflicted on the Verunans (they are being made slaves of the Akerians while the latter simultaneously allows their planet to be destroyed thanks to the draining of their sun's energy into the concavity).
Most of the story centers on Paris learning to overcome his revulsion to the Verunans, which look like a cross between a humanoid and a lion, and Chakotay helping the Verunans unlock the key to many of their ancient folklore and tales that have been passed down. The writing is okay, although I noticed that author Christie Golden kept referring to Kim as "golden". But the story breezed along and didn't really get bogged down, although there were a few pages where the technobabble got pretty bad - but that happens frequently on the TV show itself so it seems par for the course here.
August 7, 2019
So, the last Voyager novel I read also involved Voyager getting caught up in a war between two alien species and I really did not like it. It felt like the author had never seen Voyager and did not know the characters at all.
This book also deals with Voyager getting caught up in a war between two alien species but I enjoyed it quite a bit. This author did right what the other author did wrong. I really liked the alien species the Voyager crew tries to help and wish we could see them in a Star Trek show or movie some day. Paris and Chakotay got the most focus here, and I liked glimpses into their inner thoughts.
There was one "mysterious" plot point that was obvious long before the Big Reveal, and I wished the author hadn't tried to draw out the mystery.
Still, this is possibly the best Star Trek novel not based on an episode that I've read. (I haven't read that many ST novels.) Recommended for Voyager fans.
This book also deals with Voyager getting caught up in a war between two alien species but I enjoyed it quite a bit. This author did right what the other author did wrong. I really liked the alien species the Voyager crew tries to help and wish we could see them in a Star Trek show or movie some day. Paris and Chakotay got the most focus here, and I liked glimpses into their inner thoughts.
There was one "mysterious" plot point that was obvious long before the Big Reveal, and I wished the author hadn't tried to draw out the mystery.
Still, this is possibly the best Star Trek novel not based on an episode that I've read. (I haven't read that many ST novels.) Recommended for Voyager fans.
March 17, 2021
Very good star trek voyager novel the akerians reminded me of the kazon story was good author got the characters spot on not so much of the holographic Doctor in this story or kes either
February 22, 2018
I admit that I was kind of worried about reading this book as I hadn't read anything by Christie Golden yet and I knew that she had many Voyager novels ahead of me. So, I was very happy that I quite enjoyed this one. It wasn't anything revolutionary or wholly original but she did a great job of capturing key characters like Janeway, Paris and especially Chakotay. I enjoyed the story and it was a neat idea but the twist (if you could call it that) was very predictable and expected. This may not sound like it but I quite enjoyed this book and look forward to Golden's other Star Trek works.
October 24, 2019
This is one of my favorite Star Trek: Voyager novels. I love the story. I love how it's about forgotten history, shared history, the hope of saving an entire planet... It's a story that really draws you in.
December 7, 2016
A good book with an exciting and fun story. My only quip is the constant nagging about the Prime Directive. It makes sense at first, but as more is revealed about these people, its pretty apparent that the Prime Directive doesn't apply.
July 28, 2011
Excellent STV book! Hard to believe this one was Ms. Golden's first ST book...actually her first SF book. She writes like one of the grand masters!
October 10, 2021
This was great! I loved how we got deeper into Paris's and Chakotay's characters! I also loved the symbolism, the respect for Indian cultures, and especially the ending. Everything paid off so satisfactorily!
Favorite quote:
"The two leaders, old and young, looked at one another uncomfortably. 'But ... it is difficult, letting go of hate,' admitted Nata. Riva hesitated, then offered quietly, 'It is more difficult to ask for forgiveness.' Those words hit Janeway almost like a physical blow. Hope made her eyes sting."
Favorite quote:
"The two leaders, old and young, looked at one another uncomfortably. 'But ... it is difficult, letting go of hate,' admitted Nata. Riva hesitated, then offered quietly, 'It is more difficult to ask for forgiveness.' Those words hit Janeway almost like a physical blow. Hope made her eyes sting."
April 22, 2020
This is an excellent ST: Voyager novel. Virtually flawless. Great place to start reading Voyager.
May 16, 2022
I really liked this story. I saw what should have been the twist ending coming from a mile away, but otherwise, the characters and the story were well written.
May 12, 2015
Having recently read John Jackson Miller’s Star Trek: The Next Generation novel Takedown, I decided to further my plunge into Trek with another book. It worked well with John, so I picked another Star Wars author that I liked. In this case it was Christie Golden with her Star Trek: Voyager novel The Murdered Sun.
Now I’ve never watched Star Trek: Voyager, so I’m unfamiliar with the characters. On the other hand, this is only the second Star Trek novel I’ve ever ready, so I’m not sure which is more significant. However, as a long time Star Wars reader, Christie did a great job writing the story in a way that new readers like myself could still enjoy it. The characters are well developed and slowly introduced so it’s easy enough to get grasp on the cast. There’s also some background on what the crew of the Voyager is up to and what’s going on with them. As an old school Trek fan, this story had the right amount of trappings to tap into my nostalgia and interest in the Trek universe. It’s also just a fun sci-fi story mixing together alien species, cultures, technologies into an intriguing plot.
That said, The Murdered Sun is a lot like an elaborate multi-part television episode. The crew of the Voyager discovers an anomaly that they decide to investigate. It leads them to two alien factions who are at war, and Voyager gets caught in the middle. The aliens are interesting and the story does a great job of developing them. It takes the time to explore what they’re like, how their history has affected them, and the ties they develop with the crew of the Voyager. They get intertwined into the plot and the action very craftily without any info dumps. Furthermore, I really liked how the crew of the Voyager played out in the story.
They’re led by Captain Janeway who is very much her own character. She doesn’t fall into the same molds as Kirk and Picard. In turn, she’s backed by a colorful crew, yet only two of them really stand out in this novel. Both Chakotay and Tom Paris get some excellent character building. Each of them form ties with the first alien species they encounter. Chakotay finds common ground with the way their beliefs are similar to his. Tom Paris alternatively finds discord with how snakelike they appear, but in training them to fly, forms a bond with them that transcends physical barriers. Each character story was very enjoyable.
While it might not be a sci-fi epic, The Murdered Sun is a fun sci-fi adventure. Whether you’re a Voyager fan or a Star Wars fan looking to diversify your fandom, this book is worth checking out. I give it a four out of five.
Now I’ve never watched Star Trek: Voyager, so I’m unfamiliar with the characters. On the other hand, this is only the second Star Trek novel I’ve ever ready, so I’m not sure which is more significant. However, as a long time Star Wars reader, Christie did a great job writing the story in a way that new readers like myself could still enjoy it. The characters are well developed and slowly introduced so it’s easy enough to get grasp on the cast. There’s also some background on what the crew of the Voyager is up to and what’s going on with them. As an old school Trek fan, this story had the right amount of trappings to tap into my nostalgia and interest in the Trek universe. It’s also just a fun sci-fi story mixing together alien species, cultures, technologies into an intriguing plot.
That said, The Murdered Sun is a lot like an elaborate multi-part television episode. The crew of the Voyager discovers an anomaly that they decide to investigate. It leads them to two alien factions who are at war, and Voyager gets caught in the middle. The aliens are interesting and the story does a great job of developing them. It takes the time to explore what they’re like, how their history has affected them, and the ties they develop with the crew of the Voyager. They get intertwined into the plot and the action very craftily without any info dumps. Furthermore, I really liked how the crew of the Voyager played out in the story.
They’re led by Captain Janeway who is very much her own character. She doesn’t fall into the same molds as Kirk and Picard. In turn, she’s backed by a colorful crew, yet only two of them really stand out in this novel. Both Chakotay and Tom Paris get some excellent character building. Each of them form ties with the first alien species they encounter. Chakotay finds common ground with the way their beliefs are similar to his. Tom Paris alternatively finds discord with how snakelike they appear, but in training them to fly, forms a bond with them that transcends physical barriers. Each character story was very enjoyable.
While it might not be a sci-fi epic, The Murdered Sun is a fun sci-fi adventure. Whether you’re a Voyager fan or a Star Wars fan looking to diversify your fandom, this book is worth checking out. I give it a four out of five.
November 9, 2015
I've been going through the Star Trek Voyager books and this is the first in the series where I felt the characters were finally in sync with what we saw in the TV episodes. The earlier books are for the most part good stories but the characters came across as a bit bland but that is not the fault of the authors. The show was also new at the time and there wasn't a lot for them to work with. Christie Golden had access to more background material and it shows.
The Starship Voyager has found a wormhole but the area is controlled by a nasty Empire. Despite Neelix's protestations Janeway orders the crew to investigate. They find a dying world in need of help and several strange surprises. Chakotay and Paris play prominent roles in this story.
Part of me had to laugh out loud at Paris having to overcome his distaste for the appearance of the aliens because they reminded him of lizards. Viewers of the TV series might wonder "Was this supposed to be a joke?" Despite that he had a good arc and some great action scenes.
I left off one star because I'm not a big fan of "Getting into the alien's head and details of their world'. I understand that some readers like that sort of thing but to me it bogs the story down too much. However that is a personal preference thing and not the fault of the writer.
This will probably go on my pile of books that I like to read again and again, right up there with my personal favorites from Star Trek Original Series books Prime Directive and Death Count.
The Starship Voyager has found a wormhole but the area is controlled by a nasty Empire. Despite Neelix's protestations Janeway orders the crew to investigate. They find a dying world in need of help and several strange surprises. Chakotay and Paris play prominent roles in this story.
Part of me had to laugh out loud at Paris having to overcome his distaste for the appearance of the aliens because they reminded him of lizards. Viewers of the TV series might wonder "Was this supposed to be a joke?" Despite that he had a good arc and some great action scenes.
I left off one star because I'm not a big fan of "Getting into the alien's head and details of their world'. I understand that some readers like that sort of thing but to me it bogs the story down too much. However that is a personal preference thing and not the fault of the writer.
This will probably go on my pile of books that I like to read again and again, right up there with my personal favorites from Star Trek Original Series books Prime Directive and Death Count.
July 19, 2023
Of all of the Star Trek Voyager books I've read I think this has to be the best one yet.
223: Six years ago I rated this five stars. This time around I would rate it 3. I originally loved this book. The mystery of the "Sun Eater" and the history of the Verunans had me enchanted and it's still a good story. I am a sucker for lost technology and/or civilization stories. I did have a few points that were kind of gross. I really didn't enjoy the regular references to Chakotay being a native american. In the book they said indian.
Initially that's gross but then when we met the Verunans and when Chakotay initially wants to call the leader grandmother because she reminds him of women holding the same honorific in his culture. Later he sings a Navajo song, refers to himself as a Cherokee, and then that he has the blood of chiefs. We know Chakotay is a stereotype and it does make me uncomfortable. They were taken in by a charlatan when working on his character. It's just sad that the character lives in this awkward space. And then when Janeway asks if he blames them, blames her for making peace with the Cardassians and ultimately for his peoples land being taken in the past. Absolute vomit. That does not sound like Captain Janeway to me.
Also Paris and Kim were regularly called young and handsome and it just felt rather gross as well.
223: Six years ago I rated this five stars. This time around I would rate it 3. I originally loved this book. The mystery of the "Sun Eater" and the history of the Verunans had me enchanted and it's still a good story. I am a sucker for lost technology and/or civilization stories. I did have a few points that were kind of gross. I really didn't enjoy the regular references to Chakotay being a native american. In the book they said indian.
Initially that's gross but then when we met the Verunans and when Chakotay initially wants to call the leader grandmother because she reminds him of women holding the same honorific in his culture. Later he sings a Navajo song, refers to himself as a Cherokee, and then that he has the blood of chiefs. We know Chakotay is a stereotype and it does make me uncomfortable. They were taken in by a charlatan when working on his character. It's just sad that the character lives in this awkward space. And then when Janeway asks if he blames them, blames her for making peace with the Cardassians and ultimately for his peoples land being taken in the past. Absolute vomit. That does not sound like Captain Janeway to me.
Also Paris and Kim were regularly called young and handsome and it just felt rather gross as well.
January 20, 2020
After being disappointed by a couple of the 2 of the last 3 books in the Voyager series, this one was a breath of fresh air. This felt like a complete story, with accurate representations of the characters. It introduced new species that felt genuine and unique. This would have been a two-part episode had it been a part of the TV series.
The star of the episode is Tom Paris, who had to overcome his bias and uncomfortable feelings towards an alien species to work with them. As the story progresses he grows in respect, and even a fondness for them to the point of becoming self-sacrificing for their sake.
Chakotay was also a key feature, as he felt a closeness with the aliens due to similarities between their culture and his own Native upbringings. This was handled well.
The biggest gripe with the story was the loooong build up to the "big reveal," that got dragged out quite a bit. This wouldn't have been such a problem if not for the fact that the mystery was rather quite obvious. Not that it was a bad twist, but that it should not have been treated as such a pivotal point in the story.
The star of the episode is Tom Paris, who had to overcome his bias and uncomfortable feelings towards an alien species to work with them. As the story progresses he grows in respect, and even a fondness for them to the point of becoming self-sacrificing for their sake.
Chakotay was also a key feature, as he felt a closeness with the aliens due to similarities between their culture and his own Native upbringings. This was handled well.
The biggest gripe with the story was the loooong build up to the "big reveal," that got dragged out quite a bit. This wouldn't have been such a problem if not for the fact that the mystery was rather quite obvious. Not that it was a bad twist, but that it should not have been treated as such a pivotal point in the story.
January 9, 2021
These are starting to get more consistently good as they're settling into the characters consistently. Chakotay has a good arc in this one. Paris has a decent one (it would be better if not for the flaw being something not really existing in the show, it just shows up to be a thing that he can have a story to resolve it in this book).
Also, Paris having a thing against lizards and Janeway talking about being fond of them is hilarious in the context of the Threshold episode. (I wonder how intentional that was bc googling some dates says that episode aired about a month before this book came out.)
Also, Paris having a thing against lizards and Janeway talking about being fond of them is hilarious in the context of the Threshold episode. (I wonder how intentional that was bc googling some dates says that episode aired about a month before this book came out.)
August 12, 2012
this was an intriguing read with an interesting plotline and a fascinating alien race. Christie Golden is one of the few authors who writes tie-in books that actually watches the shows in order to understand and correctly write the characters, which is essential to making the story believable.
January 13, 2012
Absolutely one of my favorite Voyager books.
June 12, 2019
Another great Voyager novel by Golden.
Just like reading an episode. She's my fav Voyager author to date.
Just like reading an episode. She's my fav Voyager author to date.
August 16, 2022
Every once in a while you read a book that seems tailor made for you. At least for me, Star Trek Voyager: The Murdered Sun... well... it was NOT that book. The first strike against it is, quite frankly, that is is a Voyager book. When it comes to Star Trek... Voyager is hands down my least favorite series.
Another strike against it, focuses quite a bit on my least favorite character on my least favorite Star Trek.. Chakotay. In concept, a Native American still trying to overcome centuries of generational trauma and oppression by finding a new home world, only to have it taken from them by the Federation/Cardassian treaty... who is forced by circumstance to become a terrorist, who is then forced again to repatriate to the Federation is a great idea for a character. But then Paramount hired a con man as a Native American consultant and turned him into a racist stereotype instead. This novel builds not so much on real Native lore... but the bullshit the consult sold them on.
The B plot with Tom Paris being surprising racist to lizard people seems REALLY off. I mean, the guy is supposed to be occasionally impulsive and insensitive, not a full blown piece of shit. Yeah, he overcomes it by the end in the most predictable way possible... but the fact he had this plot grafted onto him at all is very inconsistent with the show. Then again, it's Star Trek Voyager, so if I character is being consistent with themselves from any previous occasion, it wouldn't be consistent with the show.
As for the A plot. The two warring planets, crew sides with the noble savages is a well worn Trek trope by this point. Nor is the revelation all that surprising. In fact it is telegraphed by the second or third chapter.
Another strike against it, focuses quite a bit on my least favorite character on my least favorite Star Trek.. Chakotay. In concept, a Native American still trying to overcome centuries of generational trauma and oppression by finding a new home world, only to have it taken from them by the Federation/Cardassian treaty... who is forced by circumstance to become a terrorist, who is then forced again to repatriate to the Federation is a great idea for a character. But then Paramount hired a con man as a Native American consultant and turned him into a racist stereotype instead. This novel builds not so much on real Native lore... but the bullshit the consult sold them on.
The B plot with Tom Paris being surprising racist to lizard people seems REALLY off. I mean, the guy is supposed to be occasionally impulsive and insensitive, not a full blown piece of shit. Yeah, he overcomes it by the end in the most predictable way possible... but the fact he had this plot grafted onto him at all is very inconsistent with the show. Then again, it's Star Trek Voyager, so if I character is being consistent with themselves from any previous occasion, it wouldn't be consistent with the show.
As for the A plot. The two warring planets, crew sides with the noble savages is a well worn Trek trope by this point. Nor is the revelation all that surprising. In fact it is telegraphed by the second or third chapter.
October 6, 2024
Three and a half stars, rounding up. There's something terribly earnest and good-natured about this book, which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. I like that Star Trek (some recent outings excepted) is so optimistic, and frequently eschews edginess in favour of the determination to imagine some positive future. It's much braver than dystopia.
Here, Janeway and company come across a doomed people - their sun is dying, and they're victims of war - and while I just can't picture the odd mammalian/reptile race that Golden describes, they're so thoroughly decent and interesting that I can't help but like them. I will say that the twist as to the identity of the attacking aliens is not a remote surprise, but the conclusion - that both parties are willing to work together, and to offer atonement and potential forgiveness - is. If only all conflicts had such reasonable leaders.
Tom Paris had a surprisingly good role here too. I can't blame him for being creeped out by his new reptilian friends, because if I ever met aliens, no matter how gentle, who looked like giant rats I'd want to puke at the sight of them, but his efforts to get past that instinctive bias were really what this franchise is all about.
Here, Janeway and company come across a doomed people - their sun is dying, and they're victims of war - and while I just can't picture the odd mammalian/reptile race that Golden describes, they're so thoroughly decent and interesting that I can't help but like them. I will say that the twist as to the identity of the attacking aliens is not a remote surprise, but the conclusion - that both parties are willing to work together, and to offer atonement and potential forgiveness - is. If only all conflicts had such reasonable leaders.
Tom Paris had a surprisingly good role here too. I can't blame him for being creeped out by his new reptilian friends, because if I ever met aliens, no matter how gentle, who looked like giant rats I'd want to puke at the sight of them, but his efforts to get past that instinctive bias were really what this franchise is all about.
November 12, 2023
In a word... Chakotay. His "ancestor" storylines were among the worst episodes of the entire run of Voyager, and this story is trying to give that exact same storyline to another species. So lots of narrative not only of Chakotay's "my ancestors" drivel, but another species doubling down on that boring narrative.
Others seem to be finding something interesting here, but after slogging through Chakotay moment after Chakotay moment droning on comparing his ancestors and this species, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Reading the books in order, there's been a few dull spots, but this is the first to make me actually stop reading. I simply couldn't care about the storyline halfway into it.
A shame, as I know the author is capable of better.
If you have problems sleeping, try reading about Chakotay talking about his ancestors. Works better than any sleeping pill.
Others seem to be finding something interesting here, but after slogging through Chakotay moment after Chakotay moment droning on comparing his ancestors and this species, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Reading the books in order, there's been a few dull spots, but this is the first to make me actually stop reading. I simply couldn't care about the storyline halfway into it.
A shame, as I know the author is capable of better.
If you have problems sleeping, try reading about Chakotay talking about his ancestors. Works better than any sleeping pill.
July 29, 2020
My taste in prose has evolved since I last read this, probably in elementary school. But my taste in what I like about Star Trek stories hasn't as much. I have a new appreciation for character development and moments, but I'm so happy to realize that I still enjoyed this book: the Voyager two-part episode I wish we'd had, one that exhibits the potential of early Voyager seasons and the show's premise, and one which would easily have been one of my favorites.
Including such beloved-by-me tropes as: helping alien cultures learn about their heritage, but without patronizing; positive first contact; lost civilizations and forgotten histories; and even friendly dragons.
Including such beloved-by-me tropes as: helping alien cultures learn about their heritage, but without patronizing; positive first contact; lost civilizations and forgotten histories; and even friendly dragons.
July 24, 2022
Good book, one of the better Trek tie-ins I've read recently. Uses its characters well, the 'science' is pretty good and the narrative is excitingly paced. It's almost derailed by two flaws: firstly, an unnecessary and pointless misinterpretation of the Prime Directive early on, which goes on far too long and just serves to create unnecessary tension; secondly a 'reveal' about the true nature of the aliens which is dangled for pretty much the entire second half of the book, which any reader with half a brain will have worked out the first time it's brought up. Shame, it didn't need it, and it distracted from the action in the second half.
May 31, 2021
I liked it, it was good enough. There's a kind of weird "Tom Paris is racist towards lizards and people who look like lizards b-plot*," but otherwise it's pretty fun. The main plot is the usual Star Trek two alien cultures fighting and we have to figure out how to get around the Prime Directive story. It was pretty well done though.
*From a dude who was literally turned into a lizard and mated with a lizard and had baby lizards but whatever.
*From a dude who was literally turned into a lizard and mated with a lizard and had baby lizards but whatever.
February 5, 2025
Bei ihrem Erstlingswerk für die Serie „Star Trek: Voyager“ erzeugt Christie Golden leider nur kurz im Mittelteil des Romans richtiges Voyager-Feeling. Die Handlung ist wenig originell, die Zeichnung der Figuren wirkt blass und hölzern, Spannung fehlt völlig und die Auflösung zum Schluss ist vorhersehbar. Zusammen mit dem sehr simplen Schreibstil erreicht dieses Buch nicht einmal mittelmäßiges Niveau. Schade.
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