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Miasma
Star Trek continues its fiftieth anniversary celebration in 2016 with an all-new enovella from New York Times bestselling author Greg Cox, set in the popular and blockbuster Original Series era!
The Enterprise-A is transporting a party of diplomats when it picks up a mysterious alien signal emanating from a nearby world. The planet’s dense, impenetrable atmosphere makes it unclear if the beacon is a distress signal, an invitation—or a warning to stay away. Spock, Doctor McCoy, and Chekov are part of a team sent to investigate, but an unexpected catastrophe forces a crash landing. Now the landing party is stranded on a hostile world, unable to communicate with the Enterprise. While Captain Kirk and Saavik race to locate the lost crew, a badly wounded Spock struggles to keep McCoy and the others alive until they can be rescued, even if that means making an unthinkable sacrifice...
The Enterprise-A is transporting a party of diplomats when it picks up a mysterious alien signal emanating from a nearby world. The planet’s dense, impenetrable atmosphere makes it unclear if the beacon is a distress signal, an invitation—or a warning to stay away. Spock, Doctor McCoy, and Chekov are part of a team sent to investigate, but an unexpected catastrophe forces a crash landing. Now the landing party is stranded on a hostile world, unable to communicate with the Enterprise. While Captain Kirk and Saavik race to locate the lost crew, a badly wounded Spock struggles to keep McCoy and the others alive until they can be rescued, even if that means making an unthinkable sacrifice...
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 9, 2016
Nice little story!
This is a short story published exclusively in the format of e-book
CHRONOLOGY GUIDE
This short story occurs on the stardate 8715.3 which means that it’s during the Earth year of 2291.
Therefore is set 4 years after the events of the theatrical film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and 2 years before the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
The starship is the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A.
Hikaru Sulu left the Enterprise-A, a year before (2290), and being promoted as First Officer of the USS Excelsior NCC-2000, and some months later was promoted to Captain of that vessel.
Lt. Saavik has returned to the crew and she is serving as Helm Officer of the Enterprise-A.
TODAY’S WORD IS…
mi·as·ma
noun
--a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor.
--an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or emanates from something.
I added this since honestly I haven’t a clue what the heck miasma meant, but I supposed that the book would illustrate me, but no, not exactly, and even when I just translate the word, well, I got the same word! So, I had to look further and finally I got the definitions above and finally I understood.
Since part of the story is developed in an alien unexplored planet where an unique kind of fog is in the air, also the planet (at least the zone where the story is narrated) is a big swamp, packed out of deathly monsters.
Perfect choice of title, but dang! how it costed me to get it. But I learned a new word!
THE GALILEO SEVEN REVISITED
…maybe we have all gotten a bit older and wiser.
The Enterprise-A is carrying a diplomatic group from several Federation worlds to participate in a reunion at the planet Musgrave IV, however while in route, it’s picked a signal in an unknown language, from the second world in the Varba System. Since the message can be anything, even a distress call and people can be needing assistance, Captain James T. Kirk decides to deviate from their current mission (Taking in account that the diplomatic reunion isn’t any key priority) to check out the origin of the comm signal.
Once arrived to Varba II, a Landing Party is assembled: Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Chekov and three security officers (Guess who are less likely to get back from the mission!). Due the fog-like gas in the atmosphere of Varba II making risky the use of Transporter beaming, it’s needed to get down in the shuttlecraft Galileo.
Disaster after disaster, the Landing Party soon will find out in the very VERY hard way the dangers of activating energy shields and/or firing phasers due the presence of the fog-like gas in the planet’s environment, along with blocking communicators, and facing the merciless and constant attacks of lethal blood-sucking giant monster-like leeches.
The narrative acknowledges the mission in the now classic TV episode “The Galileo Seven” of Star Trek: The Original Series, since it’s impossible for a Trekker (like me) of not comparing that story with the current one, and obviously it’s clear that that was the intention, to craft a similar situation but taking in account how the characters have developed since then.
It’s interesting to compare how Spock reacts now, since in that past mission, he was younger, acting too cold and too logical, not giving space for any other elements to consider. But currently he is older, wiser and even he faced death (literally!) so Spock now has a different perspective, he is more open and understanding of the different thinking of the members of the landing party under his responsability.
Maybe the story doesn’t have an ambitious scope like “The City at the Edge of Forever”, nevertheless it’s still a cool adventure, full of thrills and good characters’ interaction. Also, since it’s a short story, you can feel like reading a TV episode of Star Trek: The Original Series but using the mature characters of their theatrical films era.
SAAVIK’S BACK!
You certain about this?
This is about feelings, not logic. There is nothing certain about feelings…
Greg Cox, the author, is kind and politically correct mentioning at the afterwords that he felt “his” Saavik to be at some moments, Kirstie Alley and in others, Robin Curtis. That’s nice…
…BUT I don’t have to be politically correct.
For me, there is only ONE Saavik and that’s the actress Kirstie Alley, introduced in the theatrical film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
I have nothing against Robin Curtis, I loved her performance in the Two-Parter TV episode “Gambit” of Star Trek: The Next Generation. And it’s about re-casting characters, since I have embraced the re-cast of the crew at the J.J. Abrams’ new films. It’s just that about Saavik, I prefer to visualize her with the likeness of Kirstie Alley.
I loved that Greg Cox had the wise idea of taking back Saavik to the crew of the Enterprise-A since not only she is a key element for the development of the short story but also she was a great addition to the Original Crew since her introduction in Wrath of Khan.
I hope other authors would follow Cox’s inspiration and if they writer novels, set in that specific period time, to use Saavik as part of the Original Crew also.
This is a short story published exclusively in the format of e-book
CHRONOLOGY GUIDE
This short story occurs on the stardate 8715.3 which means that it’s during the Earth year of 2291.
Therefore is set 4 years after the events of the theatrical film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and 2 years before the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
The starship is the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A.
Hikaru Sulu left the Enterprise-A, a year before (2290), and being promoted as First Officer of the USS Excelsior NCC-2000, and some months later was promoted to Captain of that vessel.
Lt. Saavik has returned to the crew and she is serving as Helm Officer of the Enterprise-A.
TODAY’S WORD IS…
mi·as·ma
noun
--a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor.
--an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or emanates from something.
I added this since honestly I haven’t a clue what the heck miasma meant, but I supposed that the book would illustrate me, but no, not exactly, and even when I just translate the word, well, I got the same word! So, I had to look further and finally I got the definitions above and finally I understood.
Since part of the story is developed in an alien unexplored planet where an unique kind of fog is in the air, also the planet (at least the zone where the story is narrated) is a big swamp, packed out of deathly monsters.
Perfect choice of title, but dang! how it costed me to get it. But I learned a new word!
THE GALILEO SEVEN REVISITED
…maybe we have all gotten a bit older and wiser.
The Enterprise-A is carrying a diplomatic group from several Federation worlds to participate in a reunion at the planet Musgrave IV, however while in route, it’s picked a signal in an unknown language, from the second world in the Varba System. Since the message can be anything, even a distress call and people can be needing assistance, Captain James T. Kirk decides to deviate from their current mission (Taking in account that the diplomatic reunion isn’t any key priority) to check out the origin of the comm signal.
Once arrived to Varba II, a Landing Party is assembled: Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Chekov and three security officers (Guess who are less likely to get back from the mission!). Due the fog-like gas in the atmosphere of Varba II making risky the use of Transporter beaming, it’s needed to get down in the shuttlecraft Galileo.
Disaster after disaster, the Landing Party soon will find out in the very VERY hard way the dangers of activating energy shields and/or firing phasers due the presence of the fog-like gas in the planet’s environment, along with blocking communicators, and facing the merciless and constant attacks of lethal blood-sucking giant monster-like leeches.
The narrative acknowledges the mission in the now classic TV episode “The Galileo Seven” of Star Trek: The Original Series, since it’s impossible for a Trekker (like me) of not comparing that story with the current one, and obviously it’s clear that that was the intention, to craft a similar situation but taking in account how the characters have developed since then.
It’s interesting to compare how Spock reacts now, since in that past mission, he was younger, acting too cold and too logical, not giving space for any other elements to consider. But currently he is older, wiser and even he faced death (literally!) so Spock now has a different perspective, he is more open and understanding of the different thinking of the members of the landing party under his responsability.
Maybe the story doesn’t have an ambitious scope like “The City at the Edge of Forever”, nevertheless it’s still a cool adventure, full of thrills and good characters’ interaction. Also, since it’s a short story, you can feel like reading a TV episode of Star Trek: The Original Series but using the mature characters of their theatrical films era.
SAAVIK’S BACK!
You certain about this?
This is about feelings, not logic. There is nothing certain about feelings…
Greg Cox, the author, is kind and politically correct mentioning at the afterwords that he felt “his” Saavik to be at some moments, Kirstie Alley and in others, Robin Curtis. That’s nice…
…BUT I don’t have to be politically correct.
For me, there is only ONE Saavik and that’s the actress Kirstie Alley, introduced in the theatrical film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
I have nothing against Robin Curtis, I loved her performance in the Two-Parter TV episode “Gambit” of Star Trek: The Next Generation. And it’s about re-casting characters, since I have embraced the re-cast of the crew at the J.J. Abrams’ new films. It’s just that about Saavik, I prefer to visualize her with the likeness of Kirstie Alley.
I loved that Greg Cox had the wise idea of taking back Saavik to the crew of the Enterprise-A since not only she is a key element for the development of the short story but also she was a great addition to the Original Crew since her introduction in Wrath of Khan.
I hope other authors would follow Cox’s inspiration and if they writer novels, set in that specific period time, to use Saavik as part of the Original Crew also.
April 17, 2017
This review can also be found on my blog, Dana and the Books.
When I was an eight-year-old girl, my mom forced me to watch Operation: Annihilate! Since then I've been obsessed with Star Trek. Not too long after discovering the greatest TV show ever, I found out there were novels! So there I was, in Grade Four, fervently reading about Captain Kirk's adventures while my classmates were reading Goosebumps by R.L. Stine.
When I saw Miasma appear on NetGalley, I was thrilled to get a chance to read this enovella as it's been quite a while since I last read a Star Trek story.
Miasma takes place post Star Trek V: The Final Frontier with Kirk and crew on a routine mission transporting a group of diplomats. On the way, Uhura picks up a looped transmission in an unknown language from a nearby planet, but due to the planet's dense atmosphere they cannot scan to determine if this is a distress call or a warning. So they send an away team to investigate, but of course it's never that easy.
Since this was a novella, the plot was short and concise and had no unnecessary subplots. It actually felt very much like an original series Star Trek episode. Greg Cox was able to keep everyone in character - I had no trouble picturing Nimoy, Shatner, and Kelley in the situations and the dialogue matched up well to each character.
Despite having read numerous Star Trek novels, I haven't actually read any of Greg Cox's stories. I do have a number of his books on my To Read list so I will definitely be bumping them up a few notches now that I know he can write a competent Star Trek novel.
At just under 100 pages, Miasma is a perfect quick afternoon read for any Star Trek TOS fan!
Unfortunately physical copies aren't available since Miasma is is only sold as an ebook. You should pick up your own copy!
I received a copy of Miasma from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I was an eight-year-old girl, my mom forced me to watch Operation: Annihilate! Since then I've been obsessed with Star Trek. Not too long after discovering the greatest TV show ever, I found out there were novels! So there I was, in Grade Four, fervently reading about Captain Kirk's adventures while my classmates were reading Goosebumps by R.L. Stine.
When I saw Miasma appear on NetGalley, I was thrilled to get a chance to read this enovella as it's been quite a while since I last read a Star Trek story.
Miasma takes place post Star Trek V: The Final Frontier with Kirk and crew on a routine mission transporting a group of diplomats. On the way, Uhura picks up a looped transmission in an unknown language from a nearby planet, but due to the planet's dense atmosphere they cannot scan to determine if this is a distress call or a warning. So they send an away team to investigate, but of course it's never that easy.
Since this was a novella, the plot was short and concise and had no unnecessary subplots. It actually felt very much like an original series Star Trek episode. Greg Cox was able to keep everyone in character - I had no trouble picturing Nimoy, Shatner, and Kelley in the situations and the dialogue matched up well to each character.
Despite having read numerous Star Trek novels, I haven't actually read any of Greg Cox's stories. I do have a number of his books on my To Read list so I will definitely be bumping them up a few notches now that I know he can write a competent Star Trek novel.
At just under 100 pages, Miasma is a perfect quick afternoon read for any Star Trek TOS fan!
Unfortunately physical copies aren't available since Miasma is is only sold as an ebook. You should pick up your own copy!
I received a copy of Miasma from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2015
The Enterprise is transporting a group of diplomats when a mysterious alien signal is detected from a planet. Spock, Doctor McCoy and Chekov and some bait...eh I mean red shirts, I mean some other crewmembers* are taking a shuttle down to find out more since it's unclear if the beacon is a distress signal or an invitation or even a warning. But, they crash because of some unforeseen circumstances and they can't send a distress signal back to the Enterprise.
This is a short Star Trek story that didn't take that long to read. I think the story would perhaps have been more interesting to read if it had been longer, now it felt like reading a script for an episode instead of a novel. It's short and concise, but it doesn't really grab hold of your interest since, despite the fact that Spock is wounded is it more likely that the crewmembers that are traveling with him Doctor McCoy, and Chekov are the once that are likely to be killed.
And, this story also reminded me of the episode in TOS when Spock and McCoy in the Galileo crashed on another planet. And, they even discussed that crashed in this story. It's interesting that they crashed in a shuttle called the Galileo in that story too. But now Spock has a bit different attitude than he had in the episode. But, then it's been 20 years since that happened.
The story was OK, not that surprising, but still, it's the old gang and I love reading a story with them in it. I like the new movies, but I do prefer the original tv-series and movies.
*The story is taking place some years after Wrath of Khan so now everyone is wearing red. But still the crewmembers are just bait!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
This is a short Star Trek story that didn't take that long to read. I think the story would perhaps have been more interesting to read if it had been longer, now it felt like reading a script for an episode instead of a novel. It's short and concise, but it doesn't really grab hold of your interest since, despite the fact that Spock is wounded is it more likely that the crewmembers that are traveling with him Doctor McCoy, and Chekov are the once that are likely to be killed.
And, this story also reminded me of the episode in TOS when Spock and McCoy in the Galileo crashed on another planet. And, they even discussed that crashed in this story. It's interesting that they crashed in a shuttle called the Galileo in that story too. But now Spock has a bit different attitude than he had in the episode. But, then it's been 20 years since that happened.
The story was OK, not that surprising, but still, it's the old gang and I love reading a story with them in it. I like the new movies, but I do prefer the original tv-series and movies.
*The story is taking place some years after Wrath of Khan so now everyone is wearing red. But still the crewmembers are just bait!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
January 5, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I've had this for awhile. My backlog stack got pretty high there for awhile when I went back to school and started having small grandkids in the house.
That said, I really enjoyed this. I needed something different and short to pass the time on a Saturday night, and this was the perfect fit. Who doesn't love the original Star Trek.
Set at some point after The Voyage Home, this story gives us what at first seems to be the typical Where No Man Has Gone Before episode of our original crew. The timing is important though, as we soon learn that Lt. Saavik is on helm rather than Sulu, and her part in the story is crucial.
Aside from that, we can settle in and enjoy a never before seen adventure of Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the crew.
For a good bit of the early going I found this to be enjoyable but predictable, but then Cox threw that idea into the fire and I realized we were in for something new. I have to say, this has got to be the bloodiest Star Trek story I've ever encountered :)
All in all, this book was a great escape into a comfort zone, if only for a little while.
I've had this for awhile. My backlog stack got pretty high there for awhile when I went back to school and started having small grandkids in the house.
That said, I really enjoyed this. I needed something different and short to pass the time on a Saturday night, and this was the perfect fit. Who doesn't love the original Star Trek.
Set at some point after The Voyage Home, this story gives us what at first seems to be the typical Where No Man Has Gone Before episode of our original crew. The timing is important though, as we soon learn that Lt. Saavik is on helm rather than Sulu, and her part in the story is crucial.
Aside from that, we can settle in and enjoy a never before seen adventure of Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the crew.
For a good bit of the early going I found this to be enjoyable but predictable, but then Cox threw that idea into the fire and I realized we were in for something new. I have to say, this has got to be the bloodiest Star Trek story I've ever encountered :)
All in all, this book was a great escape into a comfort zone, if only for a little while.
December 21, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pretty typical "episode" from the original series Star Trek crew. All of the common cliches are here, as one would expect: Spock and Bones bantering, redshirt security getting taken out by some heretofore unknown danger, and Kirk saving the day. This one ended abruptly, and left me wondering if the Enterprise delivered the delegates safely to their destination. What am I thinking? Of course they did: this Star Trek after all.
Pretty typical "episode" from the original series Star Trek crew. All of the common cliches are here, as one would expect: Spock and Bones bantering, redshirt security getting taken out by some heretofore unknown danger, and Kirk saving the day. This one ended abruptly, and left me wondering if the Enterprise delivered the delegates safely to their destination. What am I thinking? Of course they did: this Star Trek after all.
March 5, 2016
MIASMA is terrific! I truly love these eBooks, because they're quick, concise, and if utilized properly, have the potential to give readers some great character development. Greg Cox has done that here (in this, his first ST novella), focusing on the aging (post- Star Trek: V) Spock, McCoy and Chekov, as they explore a strange and dangerous new world. We even get a surprise character returning to the Enterprise (giving Mr. Cox his first opportunity to write this beloved figure, as well); but I'm not going to spoil...
I was thrilled with every aspect of this novella: the movie-era time period, the perils that the landing party face (those creatures on Yarba II are awesome!), the aging of our heroes, even as Cox expands our knowledge of them, focusing a spotlight on new facets to each of them. Plus, MIASMA feels like a really good 'movie' episode - especially, with it being set after the events in The Final Frontier, (which - to me, doesn't get near-enough attention).
For a good, heart-pounding, redshirts-dying, quick-paced adventure, download Greg Cox's MIASMA. I'd tell ya to set phasers on stun, but... Well, you'll just have to read it yourself.
I was thrilled with every aspect of this novella: the movie-era time period, the perils that the landing party face (those creatures on Yarba II are awesome!), the aging of our heroes, even as Cox expands our knowledge of them, focusing a spotlight on new facets to each of them. Plus, MIASMA feels like a really good 'movie' episode - especially, with it being set after the events in The Final Frontier, (which - to me, doesn't get near-enough attention).
For a good, heart-pounding, redshirts-dying, quick-paced adventure, download Greg Cox's MIASMA. I'd tell ya to set phasers on stun, but... Well, you'll just have to read it yourself.
February 2, 2023
Formulaic Trek with all the usual tropes, down to the amusing banter at the end.
I would have liked a little beforehand info, where to slot this into canon. Between Final Frontier and Undiscovered Country, maybe? Based on the hints given, I would suggest only reading this after at least having seen The Voyage Home, not earlier, to avoid spoilers.
If I ever in my life should encounter a vehicle called Galileo, I will not be getting into that doomed deathtrap!
Despite the dire circumstances the crew finds themselves in after their crash landing, the story did not build up much tension for me until the second half of it. In terms of character and plot development this felt like a much shorter story, despite being a novella with a respectable 144 pages. Nothing very exciting, nothing new or unusual, nice to have for any fans of the original series.
I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
I would have liked a little beforehand info, where to slot this into canon. Between Final Frontier and Undiscovered Country, maybe? Based on the hints given, I would suggest only reading this after at least having seen The Voyage Home, not earlier, to avoid spoilers.
If I ever in my life should encounter a vehicle called Galileo, I will not be getting into that doomed deathtrap!
Despite the dire circumstances the crew finds themselves in after their crash landing, the story did not build up much tension for me until the second half of it. In terms of character and plot development this felt like a much shorter story, despite being a novella with a respectable 144 pages. Nothing very exciting, nothing new or unusual, nice to have for any fans of the original series.
I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
April 29, 2016
Great story! I really liked The Collectors by CLB,...but this little story by Greg Cox might be my new favorite ST e-novella so far. I've enjoyed most of the ST e-novella's but on the average their usually not as good as the full length novels in my opinion,...with a few exceptions (this of course being one of the exceptions.) Greg Cox makes perfect use of the short format here as the story takes off immediately then develops rapidly, & had me completely entertained from the first word to the last. I was thinking about some of the previous Greg Cox books I've read & I realized just how much I enjoy his books. The stories are always good & he know's his ST, but more than that he's intimately familiar with the characters so his characterization's are just perfect. I also love that the story was set in the movie era, which is my favorite time period for the original crew. Not to say that I don't also love the initial 5yr mission time period, but there's just something I like a little more about an older, more seasoned crew flying through the galaxy in a cool lookin' Enterprise with art deco warp nacels & a bad ass deflector glowing blue against the darkness. Highly recommend!
January 17, 2016
I received a Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the Publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, my blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus pages. This is the first book by Greg Cox that I have read.
I read many of the early Star Trek books, but have not read any for a number of years. This book takes place after the Star Trek III movie: The Search for Spock. This is actually a novella and is a quick and engaging read. It does contain all of the typical elements of an original Star Trek plot - crises on the planet surface involving some of the main characters (Spock, Bones and Chekov) with Kirk and Savvick on the Enterprise except for the last portion of the book. It also includes a few members of the away team being killed by alien creatures.
I found the novella to be engaging and a quick read and it reminded me why I enjoyed the original series.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction and of the original Star Trek Series in particular.
I read many of the early Star Trek books, but have not read any for a number of years. This book takes place after the Star Trek III movie: The Search for Spock. This is actually a novella and is a quick and engaging read. It does contain all of the typical elements of an original Star Trek plot - crises on the planet surface involving some of the main characters (Spock, Bones and Chekov) with Kirk and Savvick on the Enterprise except for the last portion of the book. It also includes a few members of the away team being killed by alien creatures.
I found the novella to be engaging and a quick read and it reminded me why I enjoyed the original series.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction and of the original Star Trek Series in particular.
December 28, 2015
Miasma takes place after the movie Star Trek V: The Final Frontier on the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A. The date listed on the first page of the books is Stardate 8715.3.
While transporting a shipload of Federation diplomats to an important conference on Musgrave IV, Uhura picks up an alien signal emanating from the second planet in the Varba system. Thinking someone may be in distress, Captain James T. Kirk sends the starship to the planet, thereby angering the diplomats on board. Knowing that he must mollify the diplomats, Kirk stays on the ship while Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and three security guards; Fisher, Yost, and Darwa, head down to the planet in the shuttlecraft Galileo. The atmosphere of the planet is comprised of volatile compounds that prevent communications, scanning, and transporting. Unfortunately, when Spock activates the shields on the shuttlecraft, they are forced to crash-land on the murky, swamp-like surface, losing the shuttlecraft. Spock and McCoy find themselves stuck on an extremely dangerous planet with monstrous attacking leeches. With no way to defend themselves other than spraying Spock's green copper-based into the air, they wonder if this is how it will all end.
I have read and reviewed some of Greg Cox's previous Star Trek books, so I was excited when I saw the book on NetGalley. I have reviewed forty-five Star Trek books and have over a hundred more at home waiting to be read. To say that I am a Star Trek fan is an understatement . . . I love this world that Gene Roddenberry created. On ReadingReview, Star Trek was the first series page I created and has a listing of all of the Star Trek books, in all of the series, I have reviewed. My goal is to get them all reviewed. I was worried that Pocket was not going to approve me as it took about a week. When they did, I was ecstatic!
I found it interesting that this story takes place so far away from the original five-year mission. Most of the Star Trek: The Original Series books take place in that five-year span, so you just get used to picturing the characters with the way they looked way back then in the 1960's. In this book, the story takes place between the last two movies made with the original actors. They have the replacement Enterprise, NCC-1701-A. One thing I really liked was that Saavik was in a supporting character in the story. Since two different actresses played this character, every time I had to picture her in my head, my imagination kept flipping back and forth between Kirstie Alley and Robin Curtis. I found this humorous, to say the least.
As for the story, it is a nail-biting, survival of the fittest tale on the surface of a very dangerous planet. They cannot use their phasers because the elements in the foggy atmosphere cause explosions as the gas catches on fire. They cannot contact the Enterprise to have them send down another shuttlecraft. They worry that if Kirk does send one down, the crew will also use their shields, which will cause them to crash like they did. The only weapons they have are sharpened sticks, which are no match for the giant, leaping leeches. The only thing that works to fend off the predators is Spock's blood, and he only has a limited supply.
I really enjoyed this enovella and am happy that a new Star Trek book has been written. I hope that more Star Trek books will be coming out and that they will be as exciting as this short novel. Greg Cox really knows these characters and had created a wonderful short story that every Star Trek fan will enjoy.
Overall, Miasma is an excellent story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the reading. I loved this story and recommend it to any lover of science fiction or to any Star Trek fan. I look forward to more Star Trek stories in the future and cannot wait to get my grubby hands on them. Bring them on Pocket Books . . . the fans are waiting.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
While transporting a shipload of Federation diplomats to an important conference on Musgrave IV, Uhura picks up an alien signal emanating from the second planet in the Varba system. Thinking someone may be in distress, Captain James T. Kirk sends the starship to the planet, thereby angering the diplomats on board. Knowing that he must mollify the diplomats, Kirk stays on the ship while Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and three security guards; Fisher, Yost, and Darwa, head down to the planet in the shuttlecraft Galileo. The atmosphere of the planet is comprised of volatile compounds that prevent communications, scanning, and transporting. Unfortunately, when Spock activates the shields on the shuttlecraft, they are forced to crash-land on the murky, swamp-like surface, losing the shuttlecraft. Spock and McCoy find themselves stuck on an extremely dangerous planet with monstrous attacking leeches. With no way to defend themselves other than spraying Spock's green copper-based into the air, they wonder if this is how it will all end.
I have read and reviewed some of Greg Cox's previous Star Trek books, so I was excited when I saw the book on NetGalley. I have reviewed forty-five Star Trek books and have over a hundred more at home waiting to be read. To say that I am a Star Trek fan is an understatement . . . I love this world that Gene Roddenberry created. On ReadingReview, Star Trek was the first series page I created and has a listing of all of the Star Trek books, in all of the series, I have reviewed. My goal is to get them all reviewed. I was worried that Pocket was not going to approve me as it took about a week. When they did, I was ecstatic!
I found it interesting that this story takes place so far away from the original five-year mission. Most of the Star Trek: The Original Series books take place in that five-year span, so you just get used to picturing the characters with the way they looked way back then in the 1960's. In this book, the story takes place between the last two movies made with the original actors. They have the replacement Enterprise, NCC-1701-A. One thing I really liked was that Saavik was in a supporting character in the story. Since two different actresses played this character, every time I had to picture her in my head, my imagination kept flipping back and forth between Kirstie Alley and Robin Curtis. I found this humorous, to say the least.
As for the story, it is a nail-biting, survival of the fittest tale on the surface of a very dangerous planet. They cannot use their phasers because the elements in the foggy atmosphere cause explosions as the gas catches on fire. They cannot contact the Enterprise to have them send down another shuttlecraft. They worry that if Kirk does send one down, the crew will also use their shields, which will cause them to crash like they did. The only weapons they have are sharpened sticks, which are no match for the giant, leaping leeches. The only thing that works to fend off the predators is Spock's blood, and he only has a limited supply.
I really enjoyed this enovella and am happy that a new Star Trek book has been written. I hope that more Star Trek books will be coming out and that they will be as exciting as this short novel. Greg Cox really knows these characters and had created a wonderful short story that every Star Trek fan will enjoy.
Overall, Miasma is an excellent story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the reading. I loved this story and recommend it to any lover of science fiction or to any Star Trek fan. I look forward to more Star Trek stories in the future and cannot wait to get my grubby hands on them. Bring them on Pocket Books . . . the fans are waiting.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
February 11, 2021
If you're in a hurry to read a Star Trek story, this one is a good choice. It's a quick read-basically Spock, McCoy and two others get stuck on a hostile planet. Kirk and Saavik rescue them before they are all devoured by giant monster carnivores. Short and simple.
A couple of items of note: a security guard dies violently early in the story, which is a classic ST story line. Sad but true to the original TV show. Secondly, McCoy has mellowed out while remaining true to his character. He supports Spock in his handling of the situation, rather than the awful behavior McCoy shows in the original TV show. I like the new, matured McCoy MUCH better.
OK, one more item: the relationship between Spock and Saavik is an uncomfortable blend of romance and paternal/filial love. There is mention of the PonFarr they shared, due to biological necessity but the bond it creates between them makes me uneasy. It also puts some distance between Kirk and Spock and I'm not sure I like that. Kirk allows Saavik to wait in sickbay with him and their shared concern dilutes the Kirk/Spock team. Saavik is an interesting character in her own right but she either loves him as a mentor/parent or a lover. Combining both makes me uncomfortable.
In short, a good adventure story but there are other GC books that are much better.
A couple of items of note: a security guard dies violently early in the story, which is a classic ST story line. Sad but true to the original TV show. Secondly, McCoy has mellowed out while remaining true to his character. He supports Spock in his handling of the situation, rather than the awful behavior McCoy shows in the original TV show. I like the new, matured McCoy MUCH better.
OK, one more item: the relationship between Spock and Saavik is an uncomfortable blend of romance and paternal/filial love. There is mention of the PonFarr they shared, due to biological necessity but the bond it creates between them makes me uneasy. It also puts some distance between Kirk and Spock and I'm not sure I like that. Kirk allows Saavik to wait in sickbay with him and their shared concern dilutes the Kirk/Spock team. Saavik is an interesting character in her own right but she either loves him as a mentor/parent or a lover. Combining both makes me uncomfortable.
In short, a good adventure story but there are other GC books that are much better.
January 22, 2016
Three stars probably seems generous, but really, this is an episode of the original series in a book form. If you go in expecting that, this book delivers exactly that, so it gets three stars for accomplishing what it promises.
All of the familiar pieces are there:
Banter between Bones and Spock.
A signal that's not translated until it's too late.
Redshirts that get killed while important people live.
It's a short book, so there's no time for characterization or depth. It's exactly like an episode of the show.
The plot? Well, a garbled signal comes to the Enterprise while they're on the way to deliver diplomats to a conference. Bad Things happen to a group sent down to investigate. I was genuinely wondering how they'd get out of it, or warn the folks back on the Enterprise about the danger. I was disappointed to find that instead of coming up with an interesting or original plan, Cox just relied on magic. I mean, It's a hilariously convenient and goofy way to resolve things. We get a Kirkus ex machina to wrap things up, and it's over just like that.
If you like the original series, and/or Star Trek books, there's nothing you won't like here.
All of the familiar pieces are there:
Banter between Bones and Spock.
A signal that's not translated until it's too late.
Redshirts that get killed while important people live.
It's a short book, so there's no time for characterization or depth. It's exactly like an episode of the show.
The plot? Well, a garbled signal comes to the Enterprise while they're on the way to deliver diplomats to a conference. Bad Things happen to a group sent down to investigate. I was genuinely wondering how they'd get out of it, or warn the folks back on the Enterprise about the danger. I was disappointed to find that instead of coming up with an interesting or original plan, Cox just relied on magic. I mean, It's a hilariously convenient and goofy way to resolve things. We get a Kirkus ex machina to wrap things up, and it's over just like that.
If you like the original series, and/or Star Trek books, there's nothing you won't like here.
January 24, 2018
I’ve been a Trek fan since watching TNG when it premiered. I’d seen a few TOS episodes here and there, and I’d seen all the movies. I’ve been an avid reader of Trek books – some were only so-so, but most of them were pretty good.
Unfortunately, Miasma falls into the so-so category. It would’ve been a formulaic TOS episode. Transporting gruff diplomats? Check. Distress signal that makes diplomats late when Kirk orders the ship to check it out? Check. Everything goes sideways while investigating? You betcha. Heroic non-main character saves the day and shows up the learned staff? Just like in a lot of so-so books.
A random character showing up the staff is so commonplace in fan fiction, that it was specifically noted in the Strange New Worlds fan fiction contest that Paramount ran in 2015. Miasma would not have met the criteria for the contest.
This feels like a decent fan fiction and not an official novel from a franchise celebrating fifty years. I can’t bear to give this book the two-and-a-half stars it deserves, because Trek. I’ll still blindly request the next Trek book I see on NetGalley, and I hope there are better ones to celebrate the anniversary.
Unfortunately, Miasma falls into the so-so category. It would’ve been a formulaic TOS episode. Transporting gruff diplomats? Check. Distress signal that makes diplomats late when Kirk orders the ship to check it out? Check. Everything goes sideways while investigating? You betcha. Heroic non-main character saves the day and shows up the learned staff? Just like in a lot of so-so books.
A random character showing up the staff is so commonplace in fan fiction, that it was specifically noted in the Strange New Worlds fan fiction contest that Paramount ran in 2015. Miasma would not have met the criteria for the contest.
This feels like a decent fan fiction and not an official novel from a franchise celebrating fifty years. I can’t bear to give this book the two-and-a-half stars it deserves, because Trek. I’ll still blindly request the next Trek book I see on NetGalley, and I hope there are better ones to celebrate the anniversary.
February 17, 2016
As a fan of Star Trek, I enjoyed this nostalgic tale set in the original series timeline. It is a short novella that presents the events that you would expect to take place in a single episode of a TV series. A mysterious signal has been heard from an uncharted planet, and without being able to translate it, Captain Kirk is enticed by the thought that it could be a first contact situation - or that it could be a distress signal. He's ferrying some diplomats on a non essential mission and decides to rush off to investigate instead, sending an away team that includes Spock, Doctor McCoy, Chekov and some doomed redshirts. I suppose part of being dropped into a tale that takes place in an established universe is that you know who the main characters are, and you know they're in no danger, so I didn't find this read very thrilling. It was entertaining and interesting as I love the old characters so am always happy to hear a new tale, but somewhat predictable and formulaic, which I think works a lot better for TV than novels.
December 22, 2015
This is a short novella, about 40 minutes to read. I found it pleasingly retro, dealing with the original crew (post TWOK so we have Saavik on board) and with a low key (although traumatic) plot. Said plot sits deep in the roots of Star Trek and the Enterprise’s mission of exploration and the seeking of life. Despite transporting a group of ambassadors, the Enterprise diverts when it intercepts a signal from a mysterious planet. A small team is sent down only to become trapped and fighting for their very lives and Spock may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his fellow away team members.
I enjoyed the fact that this was about exploration and the dangers of away missions, no big political dramas, no sneaky aliens, just a trip into the unknown. Most of our favourite characters get an airing but very nice to see Saavik involved.
A nice reminder of the characters and ethos of Star Trek.
I enjoyed the fact that this was about exploration and the dangers of away missions, no big political dramas, no sneaky aliens, just a trip into the unknown. Most of our favourite characters get an airing but very nice to see Saavik involved.
A nice reminder of the characters and ethos of Star Trek.
March 10, 2016
Miasma is a fascinating look at the late TOS movie era with characters who have a great deal of experience under their belts. I love the "elder statesman" feel of the TOS crew at this stage, with decades of service having tempered their dispositions and their outlooks. There are some great character moments in this novella, and the inclusion of Saavik was a welcome touch.
It's funny, I was reading Stephen King's The Shining for a book club I am a part of and had to pause to read Miasma. I remember thinking to myself that it would be a nice break from the terror in The Shining, which is definitely an intense story. However, the leech creatures in Miasma were nearly just as terrifying! So much for taking a break!
Thanks to the quick pacing and short length of Miasma, reading it in an afternoon is like sitting down to watch an episode of the television series. I recommend it for any fan of the movie-era of Star Trek!
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2016/03/M...
It's funny, I was reading Stephen King's The Shining for a book club I am a part of and had to pause to read Miasma. I remember thinking to myself that it would be a nice break from the terror in The Shining, which is definitely an intense story. However, the leech creatures in Miasma were nearly just as terrifying! So much for taking a break!
Thanks to the quick pacing and short length of Miasma, reading it in an afternoon is like sitting down to watch an episode of the television series. I recommend it for any fan of the movie-era of Star Trek!
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2016/03/M...
February 9, 2016
I can only give this a rating of 3 out of 5 because even though it was fun to read, and the characters are accurate in personality, BUT Greg Cox has a tendency in this book to constantly, and I mean CONSTANTLY reference Star Trek Canon. Maybe that is a good thing if you're a new or casual fan, but I feel it's a bit excessive... It feels like it's a good chunk of the novel too. Which isn't really a good thing... It kept throwing me off while I was reading because I felt like I kept having to remember about an old thing rather than have something ring a bell or not. It was kind of like constantly reading footnotes!!
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress....
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress....
July 23, 2016
“Vulcans do not believe in luck,” Spock said wryly, “although our own exploits are often compelling evidence to the contrary.”
This was a tight, short little story (it took me about the length of a typical episode to read, in fact) and I quite enjoyed it. Predictable in outline, the characterisations were nonetheless well-handled. I feel Mr Cox pain though, I can imagine not having a physical copy to adorn the shelf would leave one a little disgruntled. perhaps a fan will send him a createspace edition one day as a thank you!
This was a tight, short little story (it took me about the length of a typical episode to read, in fact) and I quite enjoyed it. Predictable in outline, the characterisations were nonetheless well-handled. I feel Mr Cox pain though, I can imagine not having a physical copy to adorn the shelf would leave one a little disgruntled. perhaps a fan will send him a createspace edition one day as a thank you!
April 6, 2016
Like a lackluster Star Trek episode
It was OK. Considering he timeline, (it is set after the Search for Spock) it was jarring to see these characters involved in what amounted to the equivalent of a throwaway TV episode.
It was OK. Considering he timeline, (it is set after the Search for Spock) it was jarring to see these characters involved in what amounted to the equivalent of a throwaway TV episode.
February 22, 2016
A cool TOS short story about survival on a hostile planet.
March 4, 2016
An enjoyable read. This is the Galileo 7 of the movie era. The story is fast paced and feels like an original series episode. If you are looking for a quick Star Trek story give this novella a read
September 3, 2022
When it comes to media tie-ins - whether it be movie, television, or comic book - one name that consistent comes to mind is Greg Cox. Winner of 3 Scribe Awards from the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers, Cox has adapted everything from The Avengers, Batman, and Buffy, to Xena, The X-Files, and X-Men. He is also the author of two dozen novels and short stories in the various Star Trek universes, with Miasma being his first Star Trek e-book.
The plot itself is simple, with Spock, McCoy, Chekov, and a few red-shirts sent to investigate an alien signal coming from an unexplored planet. Things begin to go wrong from the start, when their shields produce an explosive reaction in the atmosphere, and then quickly get worse when they crash their shuttle craft in the middle of a swamp. As if that weren't enough, their phasers are just as dangerous as the shields in the planet's atmosphere; their communicators are useless; and there are massive, man-eating leech-like monsters hunting them in the mist.
In many ways, this plays like an sci-fi horror story, more akin to the Alien or Predator franchises than Star Trek, but Cox's mastery of the characters, the mythology, and the humor of the series makes it work. It seems like an entirely helpless situation, with a pair of red shirts getting eaten early on, but clever touches - like weaponizing Spock's coppery blood - remind us of the optimism and camaraderie of Gene Roddenberry's vision. Captain Kirk is really a secondary character here, although there is one tongue-in-cheek reference to his old womanizing ways, while Saavik is used exceptionally well.
Although it originated as an idea for Star Trek: Voyager, Miasma works even better as a Star Trek: The Original Series story. Not only does it give us a chance to revisit the cast of the original (i.e. pre-Abrams) series, but it allows Cox to weave in characters and story elements from the original movies. In addition, as a relatively short novella of approximately 100 pages, it makes for a more concentrated and intense story, which is perfectly suited to be consumed (much like an episode of the original series) in a single sitting. Fun, action-packed, intense, and humorous all at the same time, Miasma reminds of what Star Trek can be, when it's in the right hands.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The plot itself is simple, with Spock, McCoy, Chekov, and a few red-shirts sent to investigate an alien signal coming from an unexplored planet. Things begin to go wrong from the start, when their shields produce an explosive reaction in the atmosphere, and then quickly get worse when they crash their shuttle craft in the middle of a swamp. As if that weren't enough, their phasers are just as dangerous as the shields in the planet's atmosphere; their communicators are useless; and there are massive, man-eating leech-like monsters hunting them in the mist.
In many ways, this plays like an sci-fi horror story, more akin to the Alien or Predator franchises than Star Trek, but Cox's mastery of the characters, the mythology, and the humor of the series makes it work. It seems like an entirely helpless situation, with a pair of red shirts getting eaten early on, but clever touches - like weaponizing Spock's coppery blood - remind us of the optimism and camaraderie of Gene Roddenberry's vision. Captain Kirk is really a secondary character here, although there is one tongue-in-cheek reference to his old womanizing ways, while Saavik is used exceptionally well.
Although it originated as an idea for Star Trek: Voyager, Miasma works even better as a Star Trek: The Original Series story. Not only does it give us a chance to revisit the cast of the original (i.e. pre-Abrams) series, but it allows Cox to weave in characters and story elements from the original movies. In addition, as a relatively short novella of approximately 100 pages, it makes for a more concentrated and intense story, which is perfectly suited to be consumed (much like an episode of the original series) in a single sitting. Fun, action-packed, intense, and humorous all at the same time, Miasma reminds of what Star Trek can be, when it's in the right hands.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
April 12, 2025
An ebook novella by the prolific Star Trek author Greg Cox, this tale occurs during the era of TOS movies. The Enterprise-A interrupts a diplomatic mission to investigate a mysterious signal from an unexplored world. It is unclear whether the signal is a cry for a help, an invitation, or a warning and the planet's volatile atmosphere makes communication impossible. Spock, McCoy, Chekov and a group of redshirts head to the surface in a shuttlecraft to learn more, but crash due to adverse atmospheric conditions. On the surface, they find themselves in a murky, fog-laden swamp where energy weapons are useless. As they try to make their way over land to the site of the alien signal, they are attacked by indigenous creatures, some sort of giant, blood-sucking leech thing that quickly kills several of the minor characters in horrific fashion.
As usual, Cox has a good handle on the characters, and the story has the feel of TOS episodes. It moves quickly, and outside of splitting time between Saavik and Kirk on the ship trying to make contact with Spock and McCoy, there are no subplots or diversions from the main action. As a novella, it moves quickly.
Still, the story felt tiresome to me. More like a horror story than most Star Trek pieces, I felt like this tale relied a bit too much on physical terror, blood and guts, and not enough on the ideas for which Star Trek is justifiably famous. It was a little too much "monster of the week," and not enough "seek out strange new worlds." In addition, the solution to repelling the leech creatures turns out to be , a gruesome plot device that becomes more tedious as the story stretches out. In some ways, this even feels like a metaphor for the story itself. We are once again mining the character of Spock and his uniqueness to save the day and/or solve the problem. But here, the nature of that usage feels extremely exploitative and nasty.
There's probably nothing fundamentally wrong with this story, but I found it darker and gorier than I preferred. It doesn't add anything to my understanding of the characters, and it doesn't amplify or expand the Trek universe. There are better Trek books out there, including many of Cox's other novels.
As usual, Cox has a good handle on the characters, and the story has the feel of TOS episodes. It moves quickly, and outside of splitting time between Saavik and Kirk on the ship trying to make contact with Spock and McCoy, there are no subplots or diversions from the main action. As a novella, it moves quickly.
Still, the story felt tiresome to me. More like a horror story than most Star Trek pieces, I felt like this tale relied a bit too much on physical terror, blood and guts, and not enough on the ideas for which Star Trek is justifiably famous. It was a little too much "monster of the week," and not enough "seek out strange new worlds." In addition, the solution to repelling the leech creatures turns out to be , a gruesome plot device that becomes more tedious as the story stretches out. In some ways, this even feels like a metaphor for the story itself. We are once again mining the character of Spock and his uniqueness to save the day and/or solve the problem. But here, the nature of that usage feels extremely exploitative and nasty.
There's probably nothing fundamentally wrong with this story, but I found it darker and gorier than I preferred. It doesn't add anything to my understanding of the characters, and it doesn't amplify or expand the Trek universe. There are better Trek books out there, including many of Cox's other novels.
May 28, 2021
big plus: short, quick read with lots of Spock!whump
big minus: you went out of your way to specify that that captain who left the message had an androgynous voice... then used he/him pronouns for them for exactly no reason whatsoever. Not okay.
OH. Also? When your entire plot depends on the characters deciding to do a thing that leads to the circumstances of the plot but, like, logically they had ZERO REASON to take that action? What are you even doing.
Like, I completely agree with the choice to There was zero legitimate reason to toss the crew to the wolves like they did, other than plot convenience. Lazy writing is lazy.
big minus: you went out of your way to specify that that captain who left the message had an androgynous voice... then used he/him pronouns for them for exactly no reason whatsoever. Not okay.
OH. Also? When your entire plot depends on the characters deciding to do a thing that leads to the circumstances of the plot but, like, logically they had ZERO REASON to take that action? What are you even doing.
Like, I completely agree with the choice to There was zero legitimate reason to toss the crew to the wolves like they did, other than plot convenience. Lazy writing is lazy.
February 20, 2018
"Miasma" is a short read, less than 100 pages, the perfect length for a quick read before going to bed, and what better way to settle in for the night than with a well written Star Trek story. Others have noted this, and it's true -- this story reads like it could have been an episode from the original series, with all we've come to expect from Spock, McCoy, Kirk, et al.
In "Miasma," Spock, McCoy, Checkov accompany a landing party to investigate a mysterious signal coming from an equally mysterious and unexplored planet. The planet turns out to be a very hostile place with dangers ranging from an atmosphere that apparently doesn't like shuttle crafts with protective shields, to creatures that might have come out of a horror story.
Greg Cox does a great job with pacing, dialog, and keeping characters...well, in character! Recommended to anyone who love classic Star Trek stories.
In "Miasma," Spock, McCoy, Checkov accompany a landing party to investigate a mysterious signal coming from an equally mysterious and unexplored planet. The planet turns out to be a very hostile place with dangers ranging from an atmosphere that apparently doesn't like shuttle crafts with protective shields, to creatures that might have come out of a horror story.
Greg Cox does a great job with pacing, dialog, and keeping characters...well, in character! Recommended to anyone who love classic Star Trek stories.
March 5, 2025
It might have even been five stars - if it had not been for . I know it's in part canonical, but
So I wish the book would've found a way around that. It also ignored that the Vulcan lung isn't made for high humidity, but... Well, the situation was dire enough as it is. So maybe that's for the better. Especially since while it's logical that the lungs of a desert dweller can't handle humidity it's never been hinted at outside of Trek novels.
So I wish the book would've found a way around that. It also ignored that the Vulcan lung isn't made for high humidity, but... Well, the situation was dire enough as it is. So maybe that's for the better. Especially since while it's logical that the lungs of a desert dweller can't handle humidity it's never been hinted at outside of Trek novels.
October 6, 2017
Author Greg Cox brings us into the time in between Star Trek V and VI where Sulu has gone off and taken command of the Excelsior leaving the helm officer position open aboard the Enterprise-A. That position for this story at least is being filled by a fan favorite Lieutenant Saavik who shares as bond with Captain Spock. Miasma starts off with the Enterprise-A on a diplomatic faring mission and picks up a signal of unknown origin prompting Captain Kirk to find out where it was coming from but I won't spoil it but I will say that this is a good story that fits in between Star Trek V and VI.
January 2, 2022
A Breezy Short Novella
Greg Cox's premise for this story runs well in spite of the fact that the two main characters, Spock and McCoy, could be swapped with any Human/Vulcan pairing. The peril Cox places them in is interesting and is not as laborious as the environment of the planet.
The story itself runs faster than most novellas in this genre which serves well. Stories of this nature could run risk of falling into the fog of repetition.
Greg Cox's premise for this story runs well in spite of the fact that the two main characters, Spock and McCoy, could be swapped with any Human/Vulcan pairing. The peril Cox places them in is interesting and is not as laborious as the environment of the planet.
The story itself runs faster than most novellas in this genre which serves well. Stories of this nature could run risk of falling into the fog of repetition.
July 7, 2025
Kirk diverts the Enterprise from its mission when a signal is detected from an unexplored system. The signal is coming from a planet with a disruptive atmosphere and so Spock, McCoy, Chekov and some disposable 'red shirts' take a shuttle craft down to investigate the source of the signal. A crash landing means that the team must traverse a hostile environment in an attempt to reach the signal source as that seems like the most likely place for rescue. While entertaining at times, this is one of those Star Trek stories in which you know that, for the main characters at least, they will succeed and their will be minimal character growth or change. Not bad for a novella length story.
July 27, 2019
Adventure 23rd century
I've only just started on the Star Trek books, having put them off for decades, though I have been immersed in Trek since its inception in the 60s. This novella is a nice bite-sized chunk of Trek adventure. I'll be looking for the other books by this author (Cox).
I've only just started on the Star Trek books, having put them off for decades, though I have been immersed in Trek since its inception in the 60s. This novella is a nice bite-sized chunk of Trek adventure. I'll be looking for the other books by this author (Cox).
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