What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon #2
Honor Bound
The Order of the "Bat'leth: " founded after Kahless's ascension to "Sto-Vo-Kor, " the Order was tasked with rooting out dishonorable behavior and spreading the word of Kahless to the Klingon people. In the subsequent millennium, the Order has become more ceremonial, but now Chancellor Martok has called the Order back to its original function -- to preserve the cause of honor.Book Two
Captain Klag of the "I.K.S. Gorkon --" the newest inductee into the Order -- has given his word to the Children of San-Tarah that the Klingon Empire will leave them in peace. But Klag's old rival General Talak has ordered him to go back on his word and aid Talak in conquering the San-Tarah's world. Now Klag must stand against his fellow Klingons -- but will even his fellow members of the Order of the "Bat'leth, " not to mention his own crew, follow him into disobedience? Or will they betray him to Talak?
The crew of the "Gorkon" faces its greatest trial in a glorious adventure that will be remembered in song and story throughout the Empire!
Captain Klag of the "I.K.S. Gorkon --" the newest inductee into the Order -- has given his word to the Children of San-Tarah that the Klingon Empire will leave them in peace. But Klag's old rival General Talak has ordered him to go back on his word and aid Talak in conquering the San-Tarah's world. Now Klag must stand against his fellow Klingons -- but will even his fellow members of the Order of the "Bat'leth, " not to mention his own crew, follow him into disobedience? Or will they betray him to Talak?
The crew of the "Gorkon" faces its greatest trial in a glorious adventure that will be remembered in song and story throughout the Empire!
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 25, 2003
10 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 21, 2014
To anyone who has ever loved a story about Star Trek's most famous alien race, I simply cannot recommend this book (along with part one, A Good Day to Die) enough. Out of the whole of 716 episodes of television, 12 feature films, and 496 original novels, this is my absolute favorite Klingon story. Keith R.A. DeCandido is a true son of Kahless, and I don't know that there is a man alive who is able to fully illustrate the Klingon spirit as well as he. I can't wait to get up to the other two books in this series, and am already lamenting it being so short-lived.
DaHjaj QaQ jaj laD! Qapla!
DaHjaj QaQ jaj laD! Qapla!
November 27, 2025
Fine enough but I think this and the first book could have been combined.
December 8, 2009
I am reminded in this book that while Worf is usually the one to present the far-too-aggressive-and-not-particularly-smart plans on the Enterprise, when compared with other Klingons, he is downright reserved. Klag wins his awesome battle against the Oath-Breaking Klingons, but the real victory comes only because of Worf on Qo'noS. Worf has the bright idea of bringing the matter up with the government authority. Not something that apparently occurred to any of thousands of other Klingons engaged in the battle.
I still like Kurak a lot, but I was a little disappointed that she needed death threats to her brother to find motivation. She is clearly capable of breaking it out, so you know she would on a Federation ship where she respected her crew-mates and didn't feel coerced all of the time.
In any case: YaY Klingons!
I still like Kurak a lot, but I was a little disappointed that she needed death threats to her brother to find motivation. She is clearly capable of breaking it out, so you know she would on a Federation ship where she respected her crew-mates and didn't feel coerced all of the time.
In any case: YaY Klingons!
February 6, 2024
Star Trek: Honor Bound is the second novel in the I.K.S. Gorkon series by Keith R. A. DeCandido. It was published by Simon and Schuster’s Pocketbooks and was released in December 2003.
My thoughts on this book largely mirror my thoughts on book 1. I think Keith really understands and write the Klingons on a level that most authors don’t. I think his only competition for best Klingon author is John Jackson Miller.
This book, like book 1, is really short. I was able to read it in 1 sitting of about 2.5 hours. Despite the short length, the book really packs a lot in!
This book follows the crew of the Gorkon as they protect the San-Tarah from the honorless Klingons who have decided to go back on Captain Klag’s word. The whole point of the series is to show how Klingon warrior culture works, and we see how Klag represents the best of the Klingons, and how his brother and his general represent the worst.
The standout character for me in this book, besides Klag, was definitely Wol. We see more of her struggles as an outcaste, and she comes to terms with someone from her past that really affects her. I think she is in contention to be the “best” character arc of the overall series.
I love the way DeCandido writes action. It is very simple, and it gets across the most important and pertinent information, but we also don’t skip things unnecessarily.
The discussion of Honor is front and center of this book (as you’d expect with a book titled “Honor Bound”. But there are also other themes present, such as bravery, cowardice, and loyalty which in a way tie in with honor.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and is part of an excellent series. You can easily view these books as two parts of a story, and could have easily been published as 1 big book. But I’m glad that DeCandido and Pocket Books decided to split it up. Book 1 is about the contests to conquer the San-Tarah, and Book 2 is about the defense of the honor of the people of the San-Tarah. I’ll give this one a 4.5 out of 5!
My thoughts on this book largely mirror my thoughts on book 1. I think Keith really understands and write the Klingons on a level that most authors don’t. I think his only competition for best Klingon author is John Jackson Miller.
This book, like book 1, is really short. I was able to read it in 1 sitting of about 2.5 hours. Despite the short length, the book really packs a lot in!
This book follows the crew of the Gorkon as they protect the San-Tarah from the honorless Klingons who have decided to go back on Captain Klag’s word. The whole point of the series is to show how Klingon warrior culture works, and we see how Klag represents the best of the Klingons, and how his brother and his general represent the worst.
The standout character for me in this book, besides Klag, was definitely Wol. We see more of her struggles as an outcaste, and she comes to terms with someone from her past that really affects her. I think she is in contention to be the “best” character arc of the overall series.
I love the way DeCandido writes action. It is very simple, and it gets across the most important and pertinent information, but we also don’t skip things unnecessarily.
The discussion of Honor is front and center of this book (as you’d expect with a book titled “Honor Bound”. But there are also other themes present, such as bravery, cowardice, and loyalty which in a way tie in with honor.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and is part of an excellent series. You can easily view these books as two parts of a story, and could have easily been published as 1 big book. But I’m glad that DeCandido and Pocket Books decided to split it up. Book 1 is about the contests to conquer the San-Tarah, and Book 2 is about the defense of the honor of the people of the San-Tarah. I’ll give this one a 4.5 out of 5!
June 14, 2025
Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon series 02 Honor Bound by Keith R.A. DeCandido
adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
I loved this story. I'm now really excited to get to the third book in the IKS Gorkon series. How can Enemy Territory be better? but then again...it may be.
Love the characters. The ones that have carried over from the first book, and the new ones that were introduced in this story.
If you are worried that a Klingon story won't "do it" for you? Well, that was my thought when starting this series, too...and it has exceeded my expectations.
I love Captain Klag. The doctor, B'oraq is just what the captain needs, to keep him honest. Love the engineer Kurak. The upstart second, Toq. The obnoxious others that are sprinkled throughout these first two books...
And almost all of these characters have origins in the TV series...so the weight of their performances are so cool seeing represented in these stories.
The Klingon need to be honourable is not easy for a human mind. Loved the San-Tarah were the perfect race to come in contact with...and proved themselves and the Klingons in their warrior prowess.
Loved the battle scenes, whether they were in the ring, the battlefield or in space. All worked flawlessly.
Those who died well, and there were many...may the forever fight in Sto-Vo-Kor. Those who did not, and died dishonourably may they forever occupy Gre'thor.
Having so much fun in this time period and this crew. Come join us in Star Trek: IKS Gorkon series 03 Enemy Territory by Keith R.A. DeCandido.
adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
I loved this story. I'm now really excited to get to the third book in the IKS Gorkon series. How can Enemy Territory be better? but then again...it may be.
Love the characters. The ones that have carried over from the first book, and the new ones that were introduced in this story.
If you are worried that a Klingon story won't "do it" for you? Well, that was my thought when starting this series, too...and it has exceeded my expectations.
I love Captain Klag. The doctor, B'oraq is just what the captain needs, to keep him honest. Love the engineer Kurak. The upstart second, Toq. The obnoxious others that are sprinkled throughout these first two books...
And almost all of these characters have origins in the TV series...so the weight of their performances are so cool seeing represented in these stories.
The Klingon need to be honourable is not easy for a human mind. Loved the San-Tarah were the perfect race to come in contact with...and proved themselves and the Klingons in their warrior prowess.
Loved the battle scenes, whether they were in the ring, the battlefield or in space. All worked flawlessly.
Those who died well, and there were many...may the forever fight in Sto-Vo-Kor. Those who did not, and died dishonourably may they forever occupy Gre'thor.
Having so much fun in this time period and this crew. Come join us in Star Trek: IKS Gorkon series 03 Enemy Territory by Keith R.A. DeCandido.
November 2, 2017
STAR TREK: IKS GORKON: HONOR BOUND is a direct sequel to the events of A GOOD DAY TO DIE. Indeed, you could easily just package these two books together into a dictionary-sized book and it would work extremely well as a one-shot. I am a huge Klingon fan so the fact it's taken me a decade to read this series is enough for me to want Worf to help me commit seppuku. Basically, this is one long story and works well as a Duology but a lot of the previous book was just build up to this one.
The premise is Captain Klag has made a promise to the people of a newly discovered world that he's not going to let them be conquered by the Klingons. Which, being a Klingon officer, puts him in an odd position. However, the General above him refuses to honor the bargain which Klang considers to be an unforgivable sin. So, Klang calls his brothers and sisters in the Order of the Bat'leth to join him in a battle against what could be the entire Klingon Imperial Navy.
Honestly, I'm not actually entirely 100% on Klag's side here. I'm 90% on his side because conquering sapient species is wrong but the only reason he agreed to the contest (against protocol) is because he wanted to show up his brother. The General may be going against Klingon honor but no one consulted him about the deal either or Chancellor Martok. The Chancellor who would have just approved Klag and resolved the whole thing instantly. I'm not saying they should be reasonable about it, they're Klingons after all, but they should have settled this by duel.
The majority of the book is a bloody multi-part space and ground battle which climaxes with a swordfight in what can best be summarized as, "Star Trek meets Return of the Jedi." They even have the Klingon rebels teaming up with the local primitive life forms in order to overcome superior technology with the power of hope. I actually wish the fight between the two principles had been turned down earlier as it seems to be the natural resolution which should have occurred earlier but only appears when they need to resolve the plot.
There's some great moments in Honor Bound like a Klingon mother and son being unaware of the fact they're on opposite sides of this senseless war. I also like how the book (and later volumes) point out plenty of Klingons died on both sides who actually agreed with their enemies on this point of honor but followed their superiors anyway. It's a senseless war in a way over a sensible subject and that makes it an interesting topic to discuss. Basically, similar to Robb Stark trying to avenge his father and getting thousands of his subjects killed.
I also like the recurring discussion of the fact the primitive aliens, the Children of San-Tarah, are recognizing their isolation is doing them no favors. They could use technology and acess to the rest of the galaxy which the Federation wouldn't provide for another "however it would take to develop space travel" which would be a few thousand years if not ever. Indeed, I like this book because of it's subtle dig at the Prime Directive. The Children of San-Tarah are every bit as mature a race as the Klingons (low hanging fruit as that may be) but just don't have a need for technology.
In conclusion, Honor Bound is a decent novel even if it has some flaws. I still think Kurak is the worst engineer who ever lived and deserved quite a bit more than the "do your damn job!" she gets in the book but that moment was still very satisfying. I'm also going to pick up the next installment of the book.
8/10
The premise is Captain Klag has made a promise to the people of a newly discovered world that he's not going to let them be conquered by the Klingons. Which, being a Klingon officer, puts him in an odd position. However, the General above him refuses to honor the bargain which Klang considers to be an unforgivable sin. So, Klang calls his brothers and sisters in the Order of the Bat'leth to join him in a battle against what could be the entire Klingon Imperial Navy.
Honestly, I'm not actually entirely 100% on Klag's side here. I'm 90% on his side because conquering sapient species is wrong but the only reason he agreed to the contest (against protocol) is because he wanted to show up his brother. The General may be going against Klingon honor but no one consulted him about the deal either or Chancellor Martok. The Chancellor who would have just approved Klag and resolved the whole thing instantly. I'm not saying they should be reasonable about it, they're Klingons after all, but they should have settled this by duel.
The majority of the book is a bloody multi-part space and ground battle which climaxes with a swordfight in what can best be summarized as, "Star Trek meets Return of the Jedi." They even have the Klingon rebels teaming up with the local primitive life forms in order to overcome superior technology with the power of hope. I actually wish the fight between the two principles had been turned down earlier as it seems to be the natural resolution which should have occurred earlier but only appears when they need to resolve the plot.
There's some great moments in Honor Bound like a Klingon mother and son being unaware of the fact they're on opposite sides of this senseless war. I also like how the book (and later volumes) point out plenty of Klingons died on both sides who actually agreed with their enemies on this point of honor but followed their superiors anyway. It's a senseless war in a way over a sensible subject and that makes it an interesting topic to discuss. Basically, similar to Robb Stark trying to avenge his father and getting thousands of his subjects killed.
I also like the recurring discussion of the fact the primitive aliens, the Children of San-Tarah, are recognizing their isolation is doing them no favors. They could use technology and acess to the rest of the galaxy which the Federation wouldn't provide for another "however it would take to develop space travel" which would be a few thousand years if not ever. Indeed, I like this book because of it's subtle dig at the Prime Directive. The Children of San-Tarah are every bit as mature a race as the Klingons (low hanging fruit as that may be) but just don't have a need for technology.
In conclusion, Honor Bound is a decent novel even if it has some flaws. I still think Kurak is the worst engineer who ever lived and deserved quite a bit more than the "do your damn job!" she gets in the book but that moment was still very satisfying. I'm also going to pick up the next installment of the book.
8/10
March 11, 2019
The I.K.S. Gorkon series continues to surprise and delight in book 2. As I have said in other reviews, I was initially skeptical about a series that focused mainly on Klingons and not on the Federation, but I am very glad to have been proven wrong. This series is a heck of a lot of fun to read, and gives readers the chance to see the Star Trek universe from a different perspective. The crew of the Gorkon is every bit as diverse and interesting as a Starfleet crew would be, and anyone who enjoys good Star Trek stories that are told very well would be well-served to pick up this series.
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2019/03/Honor...
Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2019/03/Honor...
December 2, 2025
A solid conclusion to the story in the first Gorkon book. I loved how we got to know all the different unique Klingons. I find that too often in other works, Klingons are painted with a broad brush. The story came down to honor and battle. Great stuff.
December 15, 2014
bIyIntaH 'e' Dachoqbe'!
Seriously, why haven't you bought this already? For the honour of your House you must do so right away.
Every Gorkon book gets better with each reading, and this one has plenty of action and intrigue to keep you wanting more.
If you are new to Star Trek, or the Warrior Ethic, then this is one which will engage you and make you think.
For those of us who know, Keith R. A. deCandido fills our shelves and leaves us wanting more.
IKV Gorkon is one of the best series of Star Trek novels to have on your shelf.
Seriously, why haven't you bought this already? For the honour of your House you must do so right away.
Every Gorkon book gets better with each reading, and this one has plenty of action and intrigue to keep you wanting more.
If you are new to Star Trek, or the Warrior Ethic, then this is one which will engage you and make you think.
For those of us who know, Keith R. A. deCandido fills our shelves and leaves us wanting more.
IKV Gorkon is one of the best series of Star Trek novels to have on your shelf.
August 2, 2024
I enjoyed this more than the first book, I guess because that book had set up the central conflict this one was able to get to the point quicker.
I would say that this one had no surprises apart from some pronouncements made at the end but practically everything else that led to that point was exactly as you'd expect it to go. In a story that focuses on a code of honour you kind of already know which side will triumph - especially in the Trek universe.
The first book started with a visit from Worf and this book ended with the same. It seems a little inconsequential really and is probably just some fan service, but I have no problem with that kind of thing. Martok's appearance is certainly more relevant in both stories. The Klingon vessels are also populated with some memorable characters from TNG and DS9 episodes.
Though one might be able to make a good guess, the end of this one doesn't exactly give away what will happen in the next book. There are some unresolved threads that seemed like minor details at the time of reading but which could also be making room to follow a new main character or two in the next story. There is also a significant new element of The Empire which could be the next focus.
I better keep reading to find out...
I would say that this one had no surprises apart from some pronouncements made at the end but practically everything else that led to that point was exactly as you'd expect it to go. In a story that focuses on a code of honour you kind of already know which side will triumph - especially in the Trek universe.
The first book started with a visit from Worf and this book ended with the same. It seems a little inconsequential really and is probably just some fan service, but I have no problem with that kind of thing. Martok's appearance is certainly more relevant in both stories. The Klingon vessels are also populated with some memorable characters from TNG and DS9 episodes.
Though one might be able to make a good guess, the end of this one doesn't exactly give away what will happen in the next book. There are some unresolved threads that seemed like minor details at the time of reading but which could also be making room to follow a new main character or two in the next story. There is also a significant new element of The Empire which could be the next focus.
I better keep reading to find out...
June 5, 2024
One of the things that I didn't address in my review of the first book was the underlying debate of pride/hubris versus honour but this book finally addresses it. Klag finally sees that his own pride could have prevented a lot of what happened in this book and the lives his actions cost. But since Klingon culture values honour above all else his prideful actions became melded into his honourable ones. His brother and the Klingon general mistook their pride completely for honour and blinded themselves to who Klag is and they put aside their honour for their own pride and the pride of their respective houses.
Anyway, I like how DeCandido is able to bring such character to each Klingon that taps into the vein of why I like Tom Clancy so much as well. We see these small fires burn bright and see them fail, succeed and often times die in a few short pages. I was worried that this book was just going to be the build up to the battle and leave the battle to the third book but thankfully this is not a Disney+ show so I could fully enjoy it.
Loved the first book and now this so looking forward to continuing this series.
Anyway, I like how DeCandido is able to bring such character to each Klingon that taps into the vein of why I like Tom Clancy so much as well. We see these small fires burn bright and see them fail, succeed and often times die in a few short pages. I was worried that this book was just going to be the build up to the battle and leave the battle to the third book but thankfully this is not a Disney+ show so I could fully enjoy it.
Loved the first book and now this so looking forward to continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2019
Should be made into a film
With cbs paramount struggling with star trek movies, in the kelvin timeline perhaps they should try a klingon movie, lets be honest a lot of us are fascinated with the klingons may be because in our selfes we can relate to it, and lets be honest with he utopia feeling of the federation gets a bit boring
With cbs paramount struggling with star trek movies, in the kelvin timeline perhaps they should try a klingon movie, lets be honest a lot of us are fascinated with the klingons may be because in our selfes we can relate to it, and lets be honest with he utopia feeling of the federation gets a bit boring
August 28, 2020
Klingon fun.
December 10, 2020
Very good follow up to A Good Day to Die. Good Kingon battles, good rivalry between Klingons. Very enjoyable.
August 4, 2025
Another great addition to the Klingon epic that started in the Brave and Bold duology. DeCandido has done well.
March 28, 2016
After the fantastic cliff-hanger at the end of the first book in this series, I very much was looking forward to reading this book, and I was by no means even minutely disappointed with this one. While the first book was a bit slow to start, this one was packed from beginning to end with action and heated dialogue.
If I were to pick one minor gripe, I would just say that I didn't care for something the San-Tarah said at the end; it felt like it was either out of character, or that it rendered their actions rather pointless, depending on your interpretation. I chose to discard it.
The story was resolved quite nicely. However, this makes me wonder why there are 3 books in the series. I do look forward to reading it, but I don't really feel any need to do so immediately, so I'll probably hold off until I need another Klingon kick.
I did find all the side characters hard to remember, especially since I was introduced to a whole new set of infantry characters. I recommend making a cheat sheet to keep them all straight, because there is not a glossary in the back for them.
This is a great book from one of the most impressive ST novelists out there. When they announced a new ST series on TV, I had secretly hoped that it would be this tale. That's how much I love this series, and I feel a bit disappointed that it's most likely anything else.
If I were to pick one minor gripe, I would just say that I didn't care for something the San-Tarah said at the end; it felt like it was either out of character, or that it rendered their actions rather pointless, depending on your interpretation. I chose to discard it.
The story was resolved quite nicely. However, this makes me wonder why there are 3 books in the series. I do look forward to reading it, but I don't really feel any need to do so immediately, so I'll probably hold off until I need another Klingon kick.
I did find all the side characters hard to remember, especially since I was introduced to a whole new set of infantry characters. I recommend making a cheat sheet to keep them all straight, because there is not a glossary in the back for them.
This is a great book from one of the most impressive ST novelists out there. When they announced a new ST series on TV, I had secretly hoped that it would be this tale. That's how much I love this series, and I feel a bit disappointed that it's most likely anything else.
August 23, 2015
second book and follow up to the story in "A Good day to die" on the planet the crew must battle the San-Tarah without modern weapons, and Klag must compete with his rival Brother and up hold the honor of the Order of the Bat'leth.
read twice. 2008 and 2015
read twice. 2008 and 2015
January 6, 2013
Never get tired of reading this book.
October 31, 2014
Enjoyed a different perspective on the Trek Universe
August 9, 2016
As I said fir the first book of this series: fun, light summer reading. I really enjoyed it. Will review the whole series when done.
June 10, 2010
Basically, a showdown between Klag and his crew and General Talak.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews