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Star Trek: The Original Series
The Antares Maelstrom
An epic new Star Trek saga by New York Times bestselling author Greg Cox set during the original Five-Year Mission!
The final frontier erupts into chaos as vast quantities of a rare energy source are discovered beneath the surface of Baldur-3, a remote planet beyond the outer fringes of Federation space. Now an old-fashioned “gold rush” is underway as a flood of would-be prospectors, from countless worlds and species, races toward the planet to stake their claim. The galactic stampede threatens the stability of neighboring planets and space stations, as widespread strife and sabotage and all-around pandemonium result in a desperate need for Starfleet assistance. Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are dispatched to deal with the escalating crisis…which lies on the other side of a famously perilous region of space known as the Antares Maelstrom.
The final frontier erupts into chaos as vast quantities of a rare energy source are discovered beneath the surface of Baldur-3, a remote planet beyond the outer fringes of Federation space. Now an old-fashioned “gold rush” is underway as a flood of would-be prospectors, from countless worlds and species, races toward the planet to stake their claim. The galactic stampede threatens the stability of neighboring planets and space stations, as widespread strife and sabotage and all-around pandemonium result in a desperate need for Starfleet assistance. Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are dispatched to deal with the escalating crisis…which lies on the other side of a famously perilous region of space known as the Antares Maelstrom.
304 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 13, 2019
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363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 30, 2023
Cox juggles quite a few balls here as the crew is spread thin dealing with a number of crises resulting from a "gold rush" and the ensuing mayhem on a remote planet. Each crisis is spun off as a separate mini-story featuring one or two of the main crew, with the narrative and POV bouncing among them. Kirk gets shortchanged, but who's complaining?
The story never manages much depth, which is fine, but I was hoping for a bit more hijinks from the smorgasbord of alien prospectors, as well as a few more surprises along the way and a better whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-part synthesis of all the story threads in the denouement. The motivation of the primary antagonist in the Sulu thread also seemed quite flimsy, though he was an interesting Quark-like scoundrel of a character with a dark side. On the whole, a quick paced, entertaining ride.
The story never manages much depth, which is fine, but I was hoping for a bit more hijinks from the smorgasbord of alien prospectors, as well as a few more surprises along the way and a better whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-part synthesis of all the story threads in the denouement. The motivation of the primary antagonist in the Sulu thread also seemed quite flimsy, though he was an interesting Quark-like scoundrel of a character with a dark side. On the whole, a quick paced, entertaining ride.
September 14, 2019
I know it is very difficult to write a book. I certainly could never do it so I feel badly dismissing someone’s hard work. However, it got published, so I guess I shouldn’t feel too badly. I read all the Star Trek books and they have always been hit or miss. This is a huge miss! Greg Cox has done fine Star Trek work in the past but this is so bad I actually cannot believe it WAS published. The simultaneous plots are all pretty poor. Separating all the main characters is a cliche, and it weakens what little overall plot there is. The dialogue almost seems like a satire original series. Every character’s catch phrases are used. The constant nods to previous episodes is distracting. Overall this book is like Star Trek mad libs with the author just filling in the blanks. I don’t expect much from my Star Trek novels but I can’t lower the bar any further than this. Do Not Waste Your Time!
November 4, 2024
This story was good, but it took me a moment of reflection to consider if it was a two-star or three-star story. Why? While the story is fairly good the events aren't all that exciting to me.
On the relatively unknown planet of Baldur III a rare mineral is found. This sets off a mad rush for the mineral. Deep Space Station S-8 is overwhelmed trying to deal with the massive influx of people. On top of this in order to bypass the delay, certain foolish captains are taking their ships through the Antares Maelstrom, which is considered impassable.
The Enterprise crew must split into teams to deal with different problems. Kirk stays on the Enterprise to coordinate the entire mission. Spock and Chekov go undercover to a nearby planet that his protected by the Prime Directive, but is coming into contact with alien tech. Scott must try to prevent a catastrophic reactor meltdown and Sulu must work with the security staff to find out the source of sabotage on the station.
While these varied storylines were, overall, decent the overall story seemed to lack the importance of other Star Trek stories. While important, I didn't really think this was a mission for a Constellation Class ship.
So while not the best or most exciting story, it's good. Star trek fans will be more forgiving, but I just expected a bit more from this story.
On the relatively unknown planet of Baldur III a rare mineral is found. This sets off a mad rush for the mineral. Deep Space Station S-8 is overwhelmed trying to deal with the massive influx of people. On top of this in order to bypass the delay, certain foolish captains are taking their ships through the Antares Maelstrom, which is considered impassable.
The Enterprise crew must split into teams to deal with different problems. Kirk stays on the Enterprise to coordinate the entire mission. Spock and Chekov go undercover to a nearby planet that his protected by the Prime Directive, but is coming into contact with alien tech. Scott must try to prevent a catastrophic reactor meltdown and Sulu must work with the security staff to find out the source of sabotage on the station.
While these varied storylines were, overall, decent the overall story seemed to lack the importance of other Star Trek stories. While important, I didn't really think this was a mission for a Constellation Class ship.
So while not the best or most exciting story, it's good. Star trek fans will be more forgiving, but I just expected a bit more from this story.
May 5, 2022
The way I consume books has pretty much prevented me from using audiobooks. I can't sit and just listen to them. Often I listen to them when I am walking the dog, or to and from work. The thing is that means that I do better listening to books that exist in franchises that I know well, with characters and settings established. So I have been getting Audiobooks from the Libby app through the library. Star Wars and Star Trek books are perfect because I know them.
For the first Star Trek book, I wanted to listen to a Greg Cox book as a friend of my podcast(listen to the Richard Matheson tribute episode we did). This is not the title I would have chosen of Greg's to start with but I am glad it was the one they had. I am a Wrath of Khan fan and if anyone could build a whole novel out of one line of dialogue in Wrath it is Greg.
This is an Original Series Enterprise story and what makes The Antares Maelstrom fun and special is the variety of storylines the novel is built around. There is an A, B, C, and D storyline. The way the novel is structured there is Sulu getting command of the special security detail on a space station, Spock and Chekov investigating a prime directive violation, Scotty trying to save an old starship being used as a colony power planet, and Kirk trying to get a gold rush style colony to join the Federation.
This planet is on the far side of The Antares Maelstrom, a part of space impossible to pass, but now a rare mineral has been found on a colony world on the other side everyone wants a shortcut, one that might risk many lives. The Spock and Sulu storylines were my favorite but really made this novel cool was the way each story gave the various characters their own moments to shine.
Hats off to Robert Petoff who really nailed the voices, Sulu and Scotty most of all. Sulu was impressive because Takei's voice is subtle. Greg Cox is so great at writing original series, and you can feel his love for the source material the whole time. Super fun.
For the first Star Trek book, I wanted to listen to a Greg Cox book as a friend of my podcast(listen to the Richard Matheson tribute episode we did). This is not the title I would have chosen of Greg's to start with but I am glad it was the one they had. I am a Wrath of Khan fan and if anyone could build a whole novel out of one line of dialogue in Wrath it is Greg.
This is an Original Series Enterprise story and what makes The Antares Maelstrom fun and special is the variety of storylines the novel is built around. There is an A, B, C, and D storyline. The way the novel is structured there is Sulu getting command of the special security detail on a space station, Spock and Chekov investigating a prime directive violation, Scotty trying to save an old starship being used as a colony power planet, and Kirk trying to get a gold rush style colony to join the Federation.
This planet is on the far side of The Antares Maelstrom, a part of space impossible to pass, but now a rare mineral has been found on a colony world on the other side everyone wants a shortcut, one that might risk many lives. The Spock and Sulu storylines were my favorite but really made this novel cool was the way each story gave the various characters their own moments to shine.
Hats off to Robert Petoff who really nailed the voices, Sulu and Scotty most of all. Sulu was impressive because Takei's voice is subtle. Greg Cox is so great at writing original series, and you can feel his love for the source material the whole time. Super fun.
March 31, 2021
I had the impression that Greg had a lot of fun writing this one, well I had a lot of fun reading it anyhow. I thought it had the energy of a DS9 or B5 story, not because it was based on a station but because there is so much mayhem going on pretty much all the way through the story. It reminded me of Sisko trying to deal with the local Ferengi, the Bajorans, the Cardassians and the Marquis all with urgent dramas of their own.
Antares Maelstrom is a very exciting story, especially for one that largely focuses on dispute mediation, but the energy level is constantly on maximum and the story moves along at a quick trot.
We've got heaps of familiars and at least one new alien species to meet. There is one character who I imagined as a cross between Quark and Garak, go on try to imagine it, it's weird isn't it?! Well, you'll know who I'm talking about and if you listen to the audiobook you'll hear my new favourite Robert Petkoff voice-character!
The only let down for me was that the ending was too good. It was all rosy, which you'd expect, but it's extra rosy with roses on top.
Antares Maelstrom is a very exciting story, especially for one that largely focuses on dispute mediation, but the energy level is constantly on maximum and the story moves along at a quick trot.
We've got heaps of familiars and at least one new alien species to meet. There is one character who I imagined as a cross between Quark and Garak, go on try to imagine it, it's weird isn't it?! Well, you'll know who I'm talking about and if you listen to the audiobook you'll hear my new favourite Robert Petkoff voice-character!
The only let down for me was that the ending was too good. It was all rosy, which you'd expect, but it's extra rosy with roses on top.
November 17, 2019
This was an interesting story that used everyone, not just a focus on one or two crew members. It's called the Antares Maelstrom because the pieces happen around it - and it's an area of space where you just don't want to cross (the Kessel run of Star Trek in a way). You can't cross it without getting destroyed, but of course, this adventure is taking place on planets and a space station around it, and that's where most of the book takes place. I won't repeat the whole plot line, that you can just read above, but I just really liked how it isn't a mainly Kirk story - each member has major things to do, showing what they are capable of. It was thought out incredibly well, and put together so well. It's a interstellar look at who are citizens, what greed does to people, what it takes to be in command and what needs to be done for one's community.
October 21, 2022
A CONTEST OF PRINCIPLES was my favorite Star Trek read last year and I think pretty far up my list of all time favorite Star Trek novels period. It was also perfect "election year' reading. Sadly, it seems that important elections will a running theme for the next few decades. Anyway, I was anxious to pick up THE ANTARES MAELSTROM once I saw his name. While it predates ACOP, I was sure it would be just the kind of book I liked. Which it was.
The premise of a "galactic gold rush" to a frontier planet that quickly becomes overrun with con men, crooks, supply shortages, and infrastructure issues is exactly what the book is about. The lack of a "big bad" or Star Trek-ism of a Mad Computer, Godlike Alien, or Secret Alien Race being exploited makes this an incredibly ingenius premise. The problems the Enterprise faces are systemic and exactly what they expected to find--but dealing with them is no less troublesome for our heroes.
I have a lot of praise for this book because it shows the Enterprise doing the kind of "grunt work" that I think would make fascinating books by themselves (and proves it). Scotty needs to deal with a ship's generators being used as a makeshift power plant that is close to meltdown due to its overuse by the colonists as well as poor maintenance.
Sulu gets a taste of command as he's put in charge of security of a space station. Spock does a undercover mission to root out tea smugglers (maybe it's my Bolivian friend's influence but the fact it's for the thin air/altitude made me think of coca tea. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea). Plus, Kirk doing his best just to try to figure out how to manage all of the logistics here.
As stated, the fact they're dealing with "macro-scale" problems rather than micro-scale separates this from most Star Trek books I've read over the years. I also like the sequel to "The Cloud Minders." I always wondered what happened to the Trogs and finding out they've basically gone on to be miners in the rest of the Federation (being their one skill and the rest of it not treating them like slaves) was a sensible answer.
Could it have been better? Ehhh, I dunno, I really liked it as is but I do think the criminals were a bit underdeveloped. They're just a bunch of scheming money-obsessed jerks with no real other motivation. Which is fine but I was hoping for more. Otherwise, though, an incredibly strong outing that I will recommend to my friends.
The premise of a "galactic gold rush" to a frontier planet that quickly becomes overrun with con men, crooks, supply shortages, and infrastructure issues is exactly what the book is about. The lack of a "big bad" or Star Trek-ism of a Mad Computer, Godlike Alien, or Secret Alien Race being exploited makes this an incredibly ingenius premise. The problems the Enterprise faces are systemic and exactly what they expected to find--but dealing with them is no less troublesome for our heroes.
I have a lot of praise for this book because it shows the Enterprise doing the kind of "grunt work" that I think would make fascinating books by themselves (and proves it). Scotty needs to deal with a ship's generators being used as a makeshift power plant that is close to meltdown due to its overuse by the colonists as well as poor maintenance.
Sulu gets a taste of command as he's put in charge of security of a space station. Spock does a undercover mission to root out tea smugglers (maybe it's my Bolivian friend's influence but the fact it's for the thin air/altitude made me think of coca tea. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea). Plus, Kirk doing his best just to try to figure out how to manage all of the logistics here.
As stated, the fact they're dealing with "macro-scale" problems rather than micro-scale separates this from most Star Trek books I've read over the years. I also like the sequel to "The Cloud Minders." I always wondered what happened to the Trogs and finding out they've basically gone on to be miners in the rest of the Federation (being their one skill and the rest of it not treating them like slaves) was a sensible answer.
Could it have been better? Ehhh, I dunno, I really liked it as is but I do think the criminals were a bit underdeveloped. They're just a bunch of scheming money-obsessed jerks with no real other motivation. Which is fine but I was hoping for more. Otherwise, though, an incredibly strong outing that I will recommend to my friends.
April 9, 2024
The Antares Maelstrom takes Enterprise Kirk, Uhura and the rest of the gang are dispatched to the Planet Baldur III which is dominated by an area of space known as The Antares Maelstrom that is supposedly impassible and has stories of ships going in and never been seen again. This creates a great atmosphere of mystery combining with all the other tones of the book making for great palimpsest of drama/ Naturally mysteries abound to be investigated. Compounding this is the rumour that there are strange creatures that inhabit the Maelstrom so the Federation has to take it seriously. Baldur III itself is a non Federation world - an independent colony - which gives the story a clever twist on a planet in danger as the Federations mandate is not legally enforcible making for a political situation that has to be handled with care. Throwing in the discovery of Pergium (a highly valuable element needed by space faring races ) which causes the equivalent of a Gold Rush which summons ships from all over the the galaxy and really keeps the tension levels up throughout the book as the various characters trying to sort things out have to contort themselves in order to keep a lid on things.
The Antares Maelstrom really delves into the politics and action with multiple people with different agendas all competing to get to Baldur III! We get to meet a epic range of characters who all want a slice of the cake. The crew of the Enterprise are neatly caught sorting out the various fires that spring up both from the inhabitants of Baldur III, the new people coming in as well as Station S-8 and a illicit smuggling operation on the nearby planet of Yurnia a pre warp civilization that is being disrupted by these actions. Clearly this is something Starfleet would have a hard time ignoring so it leads our gang into the position of having to stand their ground for these people or see there planet not stay their own. This gives Spock and Chekov the opportunity to team up and making for a different combination of skills than you would expect but results in giving the book a dry sense of humour as Spock and Chekov get themselves into one more crazy situation after another. This makes for great situations that you won't see coming with the crew being kept guessing and coming up with one solution after another MacGyver style. Cox puts his other characters through it with Scott having to sort out the exploding Thunderchild while at the same time dispatching people to the station and Uhura to the ground. This again results in an unusual grouping of characters that keep you on your toes guessing what way things are going to go and what solutions can be found. The Antares Maelstrom gives all the crew time to shine sending them off in different directions with Kirk even point out that his regular crew isn't around! The Antares Maelstrom really showcases the crew and what they can do when they have to operate as a team or independently. This gives us great insight into the characters and gives us great character building with the whole team and others really having to go for it!
The book has a fresh adventuress feeling to it and and has great vibe throughout with McCoy, Uhura being there usual selves and firing on all cylinders which gives the book it incredible pace. There is the is always something happening that will keep you guessing as to what the motivations of the various characters and factions are. There is humour right from the get go as McCoy surprise and Chekov surprise observations, which serves as brilliant examples amongst countless others as we get unusual team ups right from the start of the book, throughout though even with all the political tensions and (literally as it turns out) explosive situations that develop and this gives the story a epic but light feel to things. The Antares Maelstrom is a great roller coaster ride from the beginning that really throws in the red herrings from the start keeping you on your toes guessing where things are going to go keeping you on your toes. We are also introduced to a host of new characters from the anthropologists Jord and Vakov, a husband and wife team with a side line in extraction heroics, Oskar Thackery a character with bags of money, Mayor Margery Poho who is all about the keeping things running as the they, Flossi Starfleet's newest potential recruit etc amongst all the other who you reckon could pop up in future books. The world building is epic and neatly ties it into past events while at the same time setting up future events.
The Antares Maelstrom hits all the button and more right from the outset. The pace of the book is relentless right, out of the door and never lets up. It lays down plot upon plot creating a palimpsest of events that neatly entwine throughout the story. The characters are three-dimensional with all their own motivations and these link together in way that you will not expect. The Antares Maelstrom will keep you are on the edge of your seat from the beginning. The plot twists you will not see coming and the book really delights in changing and subverting what you reckon that you have come to expect. At the same time The Antares Maelstrom has little nuggets scattered throughout from previous books and leading into new ones as well. The world building is brilliantly done really laying down tie ins and future events in way that feels organic but in a way that is edge of the seat with events piling in on each other from the very beginning. The Antares Maelstrom is full of daring do, heroics, humour, edge of the situations, politics adventure and action! Edge of seat world building and daring do abound! Gripping from the beginning! The Antares Maelstrom will guessing and staying up late to see what happens. Brilliant Crisp High Five! Brace yourself for a crazy ride. Get it when you can! You will be glad you did!
The Antares Maelstrom really delves into the politics and action with multiple people with different agendas all competing to get to Baldur III! We get to meet a epic range of characters who all want a slice of the cake. The crew of the Enterprise are neatly caught sorting out the various fires that spring up both from the inhabitants of Baldur III, the new people coming in as well as Station S-8 and a illicit smuggling operation on the nearby planet of Yurnia a pre warp civilization that is being disrupted by these actions. Clearly this is something Starfleet would have a hard time ignoring so it leads our gang into the position of having to stand their ground for these people or see there planet not stay their own. This gives Spock and Chekov the opportunity to team up and making for a different combination of skills than you would expect but results in giving the book a dry sense of humour as Spock and Chekov get themselves into one more crazy situation after another. This makes for great situations that you won't see coming with the crew being kept guessing and coming up with one solution after another MacGyver style. Cox puts his other characters through it with Scott having to sort out the exploding Thunderchild while at the same time dispatching people to the station and Uhura to the ground. This again results in an unusual grouping of characters that keep you on your toes guessing what way things are going to go and what solutions can be found. The Antares Maelstrom gives all the crew time to shine sending them off in different directions with Kirk even point out that his regular crew isn't around! The Antares Maelstrom really showcases the crew and what they can do when they have to operate as a team or independently. This gives us great insight into the characters and gives us great character building with the whole team and others really having to go for it!
The book has a fresh adventuress feeling to it and and has great vibe throughout with McCoy, Uhura being there usual selves and firing on all cylinders which gives the book it incredible pace. There is the is always something happening that will keep you guessing as to what the motivations of the various characters and factions are. There is humour right from the get go as McCoy surprise and Chekov surprise observations, which serves as brilliant examples amongst countless others as we get unusual team ups right from the start of the book, throughout though even with all the political tensions and (literally as it turns out) explosive situations that develop and this gives the story a epic but light feel to things. The Antares Maelstrom is a great roller coaster ride from the beginning that really throws in the red herrings from the start keeping you on your toes guessing where things are going to go keeping you on your toes. We are also introduced to a host of new characters from the anthropologists Jord and Vakov, a husband and wife team with a side line in extraction heroics, Oskar Thackery a character with bags of money, Mayor Margery Poho who is all about the keeping things running as the they, Flossi Starfleet's newest potential recruit etc amongst all the other who you reckon could pop up in future books. The world building is epic and neatly ties it into past events while at the same time setting up future events.
The Antares Maelstrom hits all the button and more right from the outset. The pace of the book is relentless right, out of the door and never lets up. It lays down plot upon plot creating a palimpsest of events that neatly entwine throughout the story. The characters are three-dimensional with all their own motivations and these link together in way that you will not expect. The Antares Maelstrom will keep you are on the edge of your seat from the beginning. The plot twists you will not see coming and the book really delights in changing and subverting what you reckon that you have come to expect. At the same time The Antares Maelstrom has little nuggets scattered throughout from previous books and leading into new ones as well. The world building is brilliantly done really laying down tie ins and future events in way that feels organic but in a way that is edge of the seat with events piling in on each other from the very beginning. The Antares Maelstrom is full of daring do, heroics, humour, edge of the situations, politics adventure and action! Edge of seat world building and daring do abound! Gripping from the beginning! The Antares Maelstrom will guessing and staying up late to see what happens. Brilliant Crisp High Five! Brace yourself for a crazy ride. Get it when you can! You will be glad you did!
October 3, 2019
THE ANTARES MAELSTROM: Focus on the Crew
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
A gold-rush is still a greed-rush even in STAR TREK’s future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
Kirk takes a back burner in the action in THE ANTARES MAELSTROM, although he doesn’t stop leading his crew by trusting them to work remotely without micromanagement. Several of the primary bridge crew is sent out to help a space station and a planet where society, technology, and resources are being swamped by a “gold rush” of an ore sought after for it’s use in power generation, and others on a different kind of mission in another star system.
A good leader has people s/he can trust, and s/he has people who, even when not on duty fill-in as needed. In this particular instance, he sends Sulu to support a Space Station, once more of less like a truck stop, with a new-ish leader and as ships try to get to Baldur-3, more traders than they can handle. The space station is near the Antares Maelstrom, a place which no ship has been known to pass through successfully; although many have made the attempt. It’s like the search for the Northwest passage.
Interesting, in the original series Sulu didn’t have much of a romantic life, but we get a glimpse of it here. Also, in the series Lt. Uhuru spent a lot of time trying to hail other ships or put calls through while wearing a very short skirt. Here, she is a well-developed character with definite leadership skill and take-charge abilities; she also gets respect.
Scott, who we seen as an engineer, intent on solving projects like the best mechanic you ever saw, is shown to be a humanitarian and very courageous.
Spock is off with Chekov on another mission – an anthropological emergency. They get in trouble but of course their natural abilities and training provide the
Kirk is off trying to solve problems on the actual planet through diplomacy, and with the use of large machines.
In true Star Trek- The Original Series form, working together to peacefully, and fairly solve problems without arrogance is the best path forward. It is always hopeful but without singing Kumbaya around a campfire.
On a personal note, the story starts off with a couple on a do-it-yourself project — it definitely resonated with me as we are real do-it ourselves couple. I also like how there are still times when people in the future don’t have a robot – but have to apply elbow grease. Imagine the trouble I could get myself into.
And Robert Petkoff, one of the best male-voice narrators around, does a great job. He handles male and female voices, a s well as an amazing variety of accents, and even other species! His voice is well modulated — and he has good pronunciation.
I think these books are fun, and pretty well-written. They are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. I particularly enjoyed Cox’s exploration of the other bridge crew and Scotty. Since Star Trek fans are probably detail oriented (a “historian’s” note, placing it in series time is included in each) they seem to be well-edited too.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
A gold-rush is still a greed-rush even in STAR TREK’s future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
Kirk takes a back burner in the action in THE ANTARES MAELSTROM, although he doesn’t stop leading his crew by trusting them to work remotely without micromanagement. Several of the primary bridge crew is sent out to help a space station and a planet where society, technology, and resources are being swamped by a “gold rush” of an ore sought after for it’s use in power generation, and others on a different kind of mission in another star system.
A good leader has people s/he can trust, and s/he has people who, even when not on duty fill-in as needed. In this particular instance, he sends Sulu to support a Space Station, once more of less like a truck stop, with a new-ish leader and as ships try to get to Baldur-3, more traders than they can handle. The space station is near the Antares Maelstrom, a place which no ship has been known to pass through successfully; although many have made the attempt. It’s like the search for the Northwest passage.
Interesting, in the original series Sulu didn’t have much of a romantic life, but we get a glimpse of it here. Also, in the series Lt. Uhuru spent a lot of time trying to hail other ships or put calls through while wearing a very short skirt. Here, she is a well-developed character with definite leadership skill and take-charge abilities; she also gets respect.
Scott, who we seen as an engineer, intent on solving projects like the best mechanic you ever saw, is shown to be a humanitarian and very courageous.
Spock is off with Chekov on another mission – an anthropological emergency. They get in trouble but of course their natural abilities and training provide the
Kirk is off trying to solve problems on the actual planet through diplomacy, and with the use of large machines.
In true Star Trek- The Original Series form, working together to peacefully, and fairly solve problems without arrogance is the best path forward. It is always hopeful but without singing Kumbaya around a campfire.
On a personal note, the story starts off with a couple on a do-it-yourself project — it definitely resonated with me as we are real do-it ourselves couple. I also like how there are still times when people in the future don’t have a robot – but have to apply elbow grease. Imagine the trouble I could get myself into.
And Robert Petkoff, one of the best male-voice narrators around, does a great job. He handles male and female voices, a s well as an amazing variety of accents, and even other species! His voice is well modulated — and he has good pronunciation.
I think these books are fun, and pretty well-written. They are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. I particularly enjoyed Cox’s exploration of the other bridge crew and Scotty. Since Star Trek fans are probably detail oriented (a “historian’s” note, placing it in series time is included in each) they seem to be well-edited too.
August 7, 2019
If there were any more plot packed into this novel, it would explode...and frankly, I could do without the prime directive/tea sub-plot, which feels like one plot too many. That said, even though there's enough plot-whiplash for two novels, it's undeniably exciting & interesting, and gives everyone in the crew their moment to shine. It also uses uses its fanwank elements with precision, and I welcome the return of the kick-ass Yeoman from "The Apple". A very satisfying, if overly-stuffed, turkey dinner of a Trek novel.
January 28, 2021
This book was really good. Every character had something to do and the story was intriguing. References to past episodes and events were well used.
November 11, 2025
This novel was not great. I felt that it dragged n most places and overall, was not a fun read
April 22, 2025
Fun read if you like Star Trek. Kirk and company are at it again.
January 30, 2021
Now THIS is how you write a Star Trek novel! There are so many amazing things about this book.
The story is set shortly after the end of Season 3 of TOS, and the it feels like it could have been an episode in the series. It was definitely much longer and more in depth than a TV episode would have been, but the core elements of a Star Trek story were there: Prime Directive violations, first contact with new life, argumentative locals, disguises... and of course, irreparable equipment malfunctions which Scotty somehow manages to... well, you know how it goes.
There were three or four different story threads going at once, and each chapter was focused on a particular crew member of the Enterprise (Except I don't think Chekov got a chapter. That's okay, though, he has plenty of screen time in one of the threads). I really loved the way Mr. Cox pulled this off. Though it was written in the third person, each chapter made me feel like I was seeing through the characters' eyes. Spock's chapters were written logically and analytically, with very little emotional input. Sulu's were keen, tactical, and observant, and I really felt his desire to live up to Kirk shine through, and more than ever, I saw the qualities that later aided him in becoming captain of his own ship. (Sulu fans would really enjoy this book, I think. He basically gets a whole plotline to himself, and he really gets to shine, more so than he did even in the show). Kirk, Uhura, Scotty, and Bones each got their own chapters, as well, and this added a really fun and unique depth to the novel.
The storylines themselves were pretty good. They were distinct and clear enough that, while the story was complex, I was never confused. The action moved along at a good pace, an it didn't feel laggy or dull, as one of the storylines always had some exciting action going on. There were definitely a couple times where I couldn't put the book down! My one complaint here is that one of the storylines felt a bit inconclusive and somewhat unsatisfying in the end. I also had a hard time seeing how it connected with all the other storylines; it felt like it went off on a tangent, but was never pulled back into the main plot by the end. Still, the story was definitely entertaining and worth the read, and some of the interactions between the two characters were really sweet.
Content: There was some mild language. There was more swearing than you would hear in an Original Series episode (it was longer, after all), but it was all mild, limited to "h**l" and "d**n it" (Thank you, Bones), so I wasn't too bothered by it. Surprisingly, none of Kirk's infamous "ladies man" flirtation came into play at all. However, there was a bit of light romance for a certain helmsman, which was both surprising and fun to read. It was good and clean, though. I don't recall any kissing or sensuality at all, just sharing some drinks and asking each other out. There was maybe one allusion to the size of someone's quarters, which may have been suggestive? I'm not sure, though. Either way, it was super brief, an that was about the extent of the romance in the story. And then of course, you have your standard phaser violence, vaporized characters, warp core explosions, etc. Plus a chase scene involving squirrels the size of horses. However, if the violence in TOS didn't bother you, this book will be just fine.
I really have to tip my hat to Greg Cox for writing this incredible novel. This was everything I could have asked for in a Star Trek book, and more. It relies on old TOS episodes heavily, but it still feels like a completely original, exciting adventure. I really appreciate how he gave each Enterprise member a chance to shine, rather than focusing strictly on Kirk and Spock. You can tell Mr. Cox did his research, and has an excellent grasp on the characters and the world of Trek. I'll definitely be checking out more of his work.
I recommend this book to any fan of the Original Series, but especially for Sulu fans; they're in for a treat with this story. Because of readability and language, though, I'd mostly recommend it to readers over 16. Live Long and Prosper.
The story is set shortly after the end of Season 3 of TOS, and the it feels like it could have been an episode in the series. It was definitely much longer and more in depth than a TV episode would have been, but the core elements of a Star Trek story were there: Prime Directive violations, first contact with new life, argumentative locals, disguises... and of course, irreparable equipment malfunctions which Scotty somehow manages to... well, you know how it goes.
There were three or four different story threads going at once, and each chapter was focused on a particular crew member of the Enterprise (Except I don't think Chekov got a chapter. That's okay, though, he has plenty of screen time in one of the threads). I really loved the way Mr. Cox pulled this off. Though it was written in the third person, each chapter made me feel like I was seeing through the characters' eyes. Spock's chapters were written logically and analytically, with very little emotional input. Sulu's were keen, tactical, and observant, and I really felt his desire to live up to Kirk shine through, and more than ever, I saw the qualities that later aided him in becoming captain of his own ship. (Sulu fans would really enjoy this book, I think. He basically gets a whole plotline to himself, and he really gets to shine, more so than he did even in the show). Kirk, Uhura, Scotty, and Bones each got their own chapters, as well, and this added a really fun and unique depth to the novel.
The storylines themselves were pretty good. They were distinct and clear enough that, while the story was complex, I was never confused. The action moved along at a good pace, an it didn't feel laggy or dull, as one of the storylines always had some exciting action going on. There were definitely a couple times where I couldn't put the book down! My one complaint here is that one of the storylines felt a bit inconclusive and somewhat unsatisfying in the end. I also had a hard time seeing how it connected with all the other storylines; it felt like it went off on a tangent, but was never pulled back into the main plot by the end. Still, the story was definitely entertaining and worth the read, and some of the interactions between the two characters were really sweet.
Content: There was some mild language. There was more swearing than you would hear in an Original Series episode (it was longer, after all), but it was all mild, limited to "h**l" and "d**n it" (Thank you, Bones), so I wasn't too bothered by it. Surprisingly, none of Kirk's infamous "ladies man" flirtation came into play at all. However, there was a bit of light romance for a certain helmsman, which was both surprising and fun to read. It was good and clean, though. I don't recall any kissing or sensuality at all, just sharing some drinks and asking each other out. There was maybe one allusion to the size of someone's quarters, which may have been suggestive? I'm not sure, though. Either way, it was super brief, an that was about the extent of the romance in the story. And then of course, you have your standard phaser violence, vaporized characters, warp core explosions, etc. Plus a chase scene involving squirrels the size of horses. However, if the violence in TOS didn't bother you, this book will be just fine.
I really have to tip my hat to Greg Cox for writing this incredible novel. This was everything I could have asked for in a Star Trek book, and more. It relies on old TOS episodes heavily, but it still feels like a completely original, exciting adventure. I really appreciate how he gave each Enterprise member a chance to shine, rather than focusing strictly on Kirk and Spock. You can tell Mr. Cox did his research, and has an excellent grasp on the characters and the world of Trek. I'll definitely be checking out more of his work.
I recommend this book to any fan of the Original Series, but especially for Sulu fans; they're in for a treat with this story. Because of readability and language, though, I'd mostly recommend it to readers over 16. Live Long and Prosper.
October 9, 2021
Rating: 2.25
This book was waaaaay longer than it needed to be, that's for sure. And at first the references back to happenings in the original series was kinda neat but it got to the point that there were so many that it started to just feel obtrusive.
The narrator for the audiobook did a good job as always, but he does an even BETTER job when it's a book for the reboot rather than for the original cast, so it was a touch disappointing in that way.
This book was waaaaay longer than it needed to be, that's for sure. And at first the references back to happenings in the original series was kinda neat but it got to the point that there were so many that it started to just feel obtrusive.
The narrator for the audiobook did a good job as always, but he does an even BETTER job when it's a book for the reboot rather than for the original cast, so it was a touch disappointing in that way.
October 30, 2019
A fun TOS story that makes numerous callbacks to original Star Trek episodes. Every member of the main cast is given an interesting part to play, and the story feels like a good old-fashioned TOS adventure. While some may bristle at the large number of plotlines the story juggles, I found myself enjoying each one. A great entry in the long-running TOS book line!
Full review (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu__x...
Full review (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu__x...
May 15, 2021
This was a fantastic read. Greg Cox really hit the perfect sweet spot of what a Tie-in novel should do. I understand now why he's won so many Scribe awards. This book was a fun story with some predictable tropes and exciting surprises. He puts all the toys back in the sandbox...but leaves a few doors open for the future.
At the heart of this story is a good old fashioned "Gold Rush". I thought it was interesting to blend the Western Trope into a Science Fiction book, but it worked perfectly. The various locations and plotlines allowed for a multiopronged story with plenty of intercutting to give it great pace and speed. The book kept ramping up, and I just wanted to find out what was happening next that I kept turning the page, exactly like you want it to do.
This book did a good job of balancing the characters. Spock and Chekov was a good pair on Yurnos, and they each had some funny lines with each other. I think Yurnos could have gotten more pagetime for development, as it seems like a run-of-the-mill untouched planet...but that wasn't the focus of this book. As a C-plot, it worked out very well.
Uhura had a sweet storyline, and Scott's story on Baldur III was exciting as well. Uhura works as a very inspiring character, much like Nichelle Nichols is in real life. Scotty's story was hilarious at time, and while he repeated many Scottyisms, he was still well used in the story.
The most intriguing and fun storyline to me was the Sulu storyline, as it had the most surprises and mystery. I hope to see some of the characters from that storyline more in the future.
Ironically, the characters who got the least pagetime and development were McCoy and Kirk. I find it ironic, since they are the most overdeveloped characters in my opinion. Most of the books that I've read and the movies and shows really focus on them(and Spock, but I'd say he earns the attention more), and having them as just windowdressing in this story was a fresh change of pace. I still got my "I'm a Doctor, not a Prospector" line, so I'm pretty happy.
There were a few moments at the beginning where I was a bit confused, as a character was described as female but referred to as "Mister" by the characters. It took me a while to realize they were using that in a more military sense, but it was still confusing and could have been better handled. But when my biggest problem is that, you know this is a good story.
Overall, this is an excellent book and an excellent example of Media-Tie Ins. I will definitely be reading more of Greg Cox's works in the future. 9.5 out of 10! Excellent job. Write Long and Prosper.
At the heart of this story is a good old fashioned "Gold Rush". I thought it was interesting to blend the Western Trope into a Science Fiction book, but it worked perfectly. The various locations and plotlines allowed for a multiopronged story with plenty of intercutting to give it great pace and speed. The book kept ramping up, and I just wanted to find out what was happening next that I kept turning the page, exactly like you want it to do.
This book did a good job of balancing the characters. Spock and Chekov was a good pair on Yurnos, and they each had some funny lines with each other. I think Yurnos could have gotten more pagetime for development, as it seems like a run-of-the-mill untouched planet...but that wasn't the focus of this book. As a C-plot, it worked out very well.
Uhura had a sweet storyline, and Scott's story on Baldur III was exciting as well. Uhura works as a very inspiring character, much like Nichelle Nichols is in real life. Scotty's story was hilarious at time, and while he repeated many Scottyisms, he was still well used in the story.
The most intriguing and fun storyline to me was the Sulu storyline, as it had the most surprises and mystery. I hope to see some of the characters from that storyline more in the future.
Ironically, the characters who got the least pagetime and development were McCoy and Kirk. I find it ironic, since they are the most overdeveloped characters in my opinion. Most of the books that I've read and the movies and shows really focus on them(and Spock, but I'd say he earns the attention more), and having them as just windowdressing in this story was a fresh change of pace. I still got my "I'm a Doctor, not a Prospector" line, so I'm pretty happy.
There were a few moments at the beginning where I was a bit confused, as a character was described as female but referred to as "Mister" by the characters. It took me a while to realize they were using that in a more military sense, but it was still confusing and could have been better handled. But when my biggest problem is that, you know this is a good story.
Overall, this is an excellent book and an excellent example of Media-Tie Ins. I will definitely be reading more of Greg Cox's works in the future. 9.5 out of 10! Excellent job. Write Long and Prosper.
April 9, 2025
NEGATIVE STARS - PANDEMIC/LOCKDOWN READ: I honestly don't know why I thought this book would be good. I have spend years enjoying the dubious charms of the franchise novel, so this book being sooooooooo very bad should not have been a surprise, indeed it should have been expected.
I guess the idea of spending some time with the Antares Maelstrom was too appealing a prospect to worry exactly how bad a book this turned out to be; filled with fuzzy logic, many occurrences of the dreaded OOC and more "remember that episode" moments than a 3rd rate 90's clip show.
I swear to Kahless, I was half-expecting the villain to turn out to be Harry Mudd, having taken the place of the (if you ask me, shady) governor using the life-entity transfer apparatus or some other ridiculousness. But it seems this one time the book was content to only mention Mudd, as it did just about every character and/or event from the original Star Trek series.
My current theory is that this story started as a short fan fic and, once again, on a bet some corporate stooge decided to make this soulless nonsensical piece of self-indulgent franchise claptrap, with 20+ pages of remember whens, was redesigned to hit the best-seller list... which I am sadly certain it did!
Recommend: Staying Away from this book, unless you enjoy a few days of brisk facepalming as you read!
I guess the idea of spending some time with the Antares Maelstrom was too appealing a prospect to worry exactly how bad a book this turned out to be; filled with fuzzy logic, many occurrences of the dreaded OOC and more "remember that episode" moments than a 3rd rate 90's clip show.
I swear to Kahless, I was half-expecting the villain to turn out to be Harry Mudd, having taken the place of the (if you ask me, shady) governor using the life-entity transfer apparatus or some other ridiculousness. But it seems this one time the book was content to only mention Mudd, as it did just about every character and/or event from the original Star Trek series.
My current theory is that this story started as a short fan fic and, once again, on a bet some corporate stooge decided to make this soulless nonsensical piece of self-indulgent franchise claptrap, with 20+ pages of remember whens, was redesigned to hit the best-seller list... which I am sadly certain it did!
Recommend: Staying Away from this book, unless you enjoy a few days of brisk facepalming as you read!
May 16, 2021
Since there are no half-stars, I feel content giving this book a solid perfect score. I think 4.5, or 4.6, would be more accurate, since it does have flaws, but those are minor quirks.
This is a space western, plain and simple. The Enterprise is called to help a frontier planet that just discovered a major source of fuel and energy, and everyone wants to take a part of this new “gold rush.” There’s a space station that is on the other side of a space storm, called the Anteres Maelstrom, and that’s where civilian ships stop before trying to go around the maelstrom. Finally, there’s contraband from a local pre-warp planet that keeps making its way into the mix, and so there’s a concern that the new gold rush may interfere with the Prime Directive on that world. I love the atmosphere, as I truly felt like I was reading a novelization for an episode of the original run that never aired. Those also felt like westerns. As Kirk is forced to divide his crew in order to handle the many rising concerns, they are permitted to each shine. I can really tell that Greg Cox is at his best and most inspired here.
However, and here is where my criticism comes in, how many times do we have to mention that someone is being missed at any given moment? That drove me up a wall. Not enough, mind you, to hate the book. The book’s great. But if this hadn’t been what it was, that would have been something incredibly intolerable. That, and how Kirk wished “he was in the midst of the action” being mentioned every few chapters once the climax started to hit. We get it, he’s a cowboy.
Highly recommended to Star Trek fans, all the same.
This is a space western, plain and simple. The Enterprise is called to help a frontier planet that just discovered a major source of fuel and energy, and everyone wants to take a part of this new “gold rush.” There’s a space station that is on the other side of a space storm, called the Anteres Maelstrom, and that’s where civilian ships stop before trying to go around the maelstrom. Finally, there’s contraband from a local pre-warp planet that keeps making its way into the mix, and so there’s a concern that the new gold rush may interfere with the Prime Directive on that world. I love the atmosphere, as I truly felt like I was reading a novelization for an episode of the original run that never aired. Those also felt like westerns. As Kirk is forced to divide his crew in order to handle the many rising concerns, they are permitted to each shine. I can really tell that Greg Cox is at his best and most inspired here.
However, and here is where my criticism comes in, how many times do we have to mention that someone is being missed at any given moment? That drove me up a wall. Not enough, mind you, to hate the book. The book’s great. But if this hadn’t been what it was, that would have been something incredibly intolerable. That, and how Kirk wished “he was in the midst of the action” being mentioned every few chapters once the climax started to hit. We get it, he’s a cowboy.
Highly recommended to Star Trek fans, all the same.
May 25, 2020
I enjoyed this, although enough already with the "Great bird of the galaxy" comments sprinkled throughout all the novels. It was amusing the first time; now I find it annoying.
I was ready for a lighter entry in my reading and this certainly started out that way. Kirk takes a back seat to the other characters and they shine. Particularly Sulu.
The jumping back and forth between planets, space stations etc didn't bother me. I was able to follow along with no problem. We got a good look at the outer reaches of the galaxy, where currency still holds a great deal of sway.
The archaeologists on the prewarp planet were wonderful. Too often we find scientists/archeologists not acting in the best interest of the Federation, themselves or the civilizations they are observing. This husband and wife team were, excuse the expression, bad-ass. Professional to the core. Would love to see more of them.
The colonists, in turn, were also well-developed. Not perfect. Shall we say "human." They make mistakes, they do the best they can, they learn.
I will say the pilot (spoilers:) who took his ship into the Maelstrom towards the end, needed to be prosecuted.
I was ready for a lighter entry in my reading and this certainly started out that way. Kirk takes a back seat to the other characters and they shine. Particularly Sulu.
The jumping back and forth between planets, space stations etc didn't bother me. I was able to follow along with no problem. We got a good look at the outer reaches of the galaxy, where currency still holds a great deal of sway.
The archaeologists on the prewarp planet were wonderful. Too often we find scientists/archeologists not acting in the best interest of the Federation, themselves or the civilizations they are observing. This husband and wife team were, excuse the expression, bad-ass. Professional to the core. Would love to see more of them.
The colonists, in turn, were also well-developed. Not perfect. Shall we say "human." They make mistakes, they do the best they can, they learn.
I will say the pilot (spoilers:) who took his ship into the Maelstrom towards the end, needed to be prosecuted.
August 19, 2019
When the inhabitants of the independent colony Baldur III discover cast quantities of pergium, a prospecting rush sees freebooters and adventurers converge on the planet to stake a claim.
Kirk and the 'Enterprise' crew soon find that the numbers of prospectors keen to exploit planetary resources are almost as many people keen to protect the planet. At any cost.
Cox's novel works well in general, but lets itself down in unravelling an unnecessary mystery that weaves its way through the novel by not satisfactorily explaining the motivations of the antagonists.
Kirk and the 'Enterprise' crew soon find that the numbers of prospectors keen to exploit planetary resources are almost as many people keen to protect the planet. At any cost.
Cox's novel works well in general, but lets itself down in unravelling an unnecessary mystery that weaves its way through the novel by not satisfactorily explaining the motivations of the antagonists.
May 15, 2020
Seems to me this story didn't know what it really wanted to be. A "gold rush"? A violation of the Prime Directive? A swashbuckling foray into the Maelstrom? A sinister plot to undermine Starfleet? The problem is, in my view, that because the story often went all over the place, it was difficult to get excited about it. I think if the author had chosen one main story arc, and stuck with it, the story would have been stronger.
Still, it was okay. It's Star Trek TOS so you know what you're getting.
Still, it was okay. It's Star Trek TOS so you know what you're getting.
September 13, 2019
With "The Antares Maelstrom", Greg Cox puts together one of the more complicated stories done in a while in Original Series fiction with a title that doesn't really apply & yet ends up with a book that is one of his better works for the most part. The premise starts out relatively simply with the Enterprise being summoned to Deep Space Station S-8 which is being overrun by travelers trying to get to the planet Baldur III which has had a discovery of pergium & set off a 23rd century gold rush to what was once a sleepy backwater. The short cut to the planet is the titled Maelstrom which really stays out of play for quite some time.
It's at this station, where the plot begins it's eventual break-up into 3, with Sulu being left behind to handle matters aboard the station which is badly understaffed & with a commander that is overrun. Along the way in this piece, Sulu meets a woman named Helena who was a one time love interest & also has to serve as sheriff among other things to keep things under control. Throughout the story line set aboard S-8, we see a lot of the leadership qualities in Sulu that will lead him to the Excelsior as well as get to know the Maelstrom & the reintroduction of a few things from Star Trek's past which don't interfere.
On Baldur III, the Enterprise is dealing with a group of people who aren't quite ready to handle the success they have let along the consequences of growth. The plot again splits off with Spock & Chekov being sent to the planet Yarnos to deal w/ the illegal smuggling of nakkia tea. With the Baldur plot, Cox puts together a society that would resemble anything like the old west of the 1850s or beyond with characters that are beyond believable & crises that are very real. It's a nice use of Uhurua in an almost spy role to work through various aspects of things as well.
On Yarnos, a world that is under Prime Directive restrictions, Spock & Chekov meet with the 2 Federation observers on this world & guide themselves into the native culture as well as learning exactly of how the contraband tea is being sent a solar system away. This plot along w/ the other 3 is beyond believable with characters that fit anything in the Trek universe.
Cox despite all the complexities of things ends up writing a book that stays far truer to the Original Series & it's history than anyone in a while. There is also a brief Discovery reference in the 1st Klingon War which is a nice touch. Despite the multiple plots, things stay more or less on par with each other & they only intersect near the end when the need to which is a nice touch. It's also interesting in a way that this book is left a little open-ended at the end giving the possibility of revisiting this world in the future. It also has an ending that while being a bit quick does seem suitable for this novel. Overall, this is a book with a little of everything from love to mystery to danger & wonder something that isn't easily accomplished at times. With the exception of the title (which at times almost seems like a default choice), this is definitely a book for fans of the Original Series & Star Trek in general.
It's at this station, where the plot begins it's eventual break-up into 3, with Sulu being left behind to handle matters aboard the station which is badly understaffed & with a commander that is overrun. Along the way in this piece, Sulu meets a woman named Helena who was a one time love interest & also has to serve as sheriff among other things to keep things under control. Throughout the story line set aboard S-8, we see a lot of the leadership qualities in Sulu that will lead him to the Excelsior as well as get to know the Maelstrom & the reintroduction of a few things from Star Trek's past which don't interfere.
On Baldur III, the Enterprise is dealing with a group of people who aren't quite ready to handle the success they have let along the consequences of growth. The plot again splits off with Spock & Chekov being sent to the planet Yarnos to deal w/ the illegal smuggling of nakkia tea. With the Baldur plot, Cox puts together a society that would resemble anything like the old west of the 1850s or beyond with characters that are beyond believable & crises that are very real. It's a nice use of Uhurua in an almost spy role to work through various aspects of things as well.
On Yarnos, a world that is under Prime Directive restrictions, Spock & Chekov meet with the 2 Federation observers on this world & guide themselves into the native culture as well as learning exactly of how the contraband tea is being sent a solar system away. This plot along w/ the other 3 is beyond believable with characters that fit anything in the Trek universe.
Cox despite all the complexities of things ends up writing a book that stays far truer to the Original Series & it's history than anyone in a while. There is also a brief Discovery reference in the 1st Klingon War which is a nice touch. Despite the multiple plots, things stay more or less on par with each other & they only intersect near the end when the need to which is a nice touch. It's also interesting in a way that this book is left a little open-ended at the end giving the possibility of revisiting this world in the future. It also has an ending that while being a bit quick does seem suitable for this novel. Overall, this is a book with a little of everything from love to mystery to danger & wonder something that isn't easily accomplished at times. With the exception of the title (which at times almost seems like a default choice), this is definitely a book for fans of the Original Series & Star Trek in general.
September 10, 2019
My bold new voyage down into the depths of Star Trek extended fiction continues as I review the latest exciting novel tied into Star Trek: The Original Series, The Antares Maelstrom by Greg Cox.
Get ready for a good old-fashioned “gold rush” on the outskirts of Federation space, as vast quantities of a rare and valuable mineral vital for energy production is found on the remote planet of Baldur-3. The sparsely populated planet is quickly overrun by a horde of opportunists from all over the galaxy, seeking to make their fortunes as miners and prospectors. Hailing from a variety of planets and made up of a number of different species, these determined but often under-prepared prospectors are pushing Baldur-3’s infrastructure to its limit. Despite not being part of the United Federation of Planets, Baldur-3 requests assistance from Star Fleet, which dispatches Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to help in any way they can. However, upon their arrival in the sector, Kirk discovers several major problems that require him to split his personnel.
While Kirk and the Enterprise remain above Baldur-3, Sulu and a small contingent of the ship’s crew are left behind at the local Deep Space Station S8 to help manage the prospectors in transit to the planet. While there, Sulu is forced to deal with a multitude of issues, including a malevolent saboteur, the return of an old romantic flame, and foolhardy adventurers attempting to cross the dangerous Antares Maelstrom to find a fabled shortcut to Baldur-3. At the same time, Spock and Chekov travel to a nearby planet, inhabited by a pre-spaceflight race of humanoids, where alien items have started appearing in the hands of the locals in what is clearly a severe violation of the Prime Directive. As Spock and Chekov investigate, they find themselves dragged into a sophisticated smuggling ring involving a rare tea that could prove disastrous for the planet’s future development. Each of these groups will experience mortal peril as they attempt to uphold the values of Star Fleet and assist all those in need.
For the full review, check out the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/09/10/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Get ready for a good old-fashioned “gold rush” on the outskirts of Federation space, as vast quantities of a rare and valuable mineral vital for energy production is found on the remote planet of Baldur-3. The sparsely populated planet is quickly overrun by a horde of opportunists from all over the galaxy, seeking to make their fortunes as miners and prospectors. Hailing from a variety of planets and made up of a number of different species, these determined but often under-prepared prospectors are pushing Baldur-3’s infrastructure to its limit. Despite not being part of the United Federation of Planets, Baldur-3 requests assistance from Star Fleet, which dispatches Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to help in any way they can. However, upon their arrival in the sector, Kirk discovers several major problems that require him to split his personnel.
While Kirk and the Enterprise remain above Baldur-3, Sulu and a small contingent of the ship’s crew are left behind at the local Deep Space Station S8 to help manage the prospectors in transit to the planet. While there, Sulu is forced to deal with a multitude of issues, including a malevolent saboteur, the return of an old romantic flame, and foolhardy adventurers attempting to cross the dangerous Antares Maelstrom to find a fabled shortcut to Baldur-3. At the same time, Spock and Chekov travel to a nearby planet, inhabited by a pre-spaceflight race of humanoids, where alien items have started appearing in the hands of the locals in what is clearly a severe violation of the Prime Directive. As Spock and Chekov investigate, they find themselves dragged into a sophisticated smuggling ring involving a rare tea that could prove disastrous for the planet’s future development. Each of these groups will experience mortal peril as they attempt to uphold the values of Star Fleet and assist all those in need.
For the full review, check out the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/09/10/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
September 28, 2023
"The Antares Maelstrom" epitomizes the term 'space western' as it places Kirk and crew in the middle of an intergalactic gold rush and all the chaos that comes with it.
When a huge quarry of pergium is discovered on the planet Baldur III-hordes of prospectors, smugglers, and entrepreneurs swarm to the peaceful colony, hoping to capitalize on the rare element. The Enterprise is called in to help regulate the pandemonium at the planet's stopping point: Deep Space Station S-8. At the center of all the action lies the Antares Maelstrom: a vast, intergalactic vortex filled with wonder and danger.
I really liked the idea of a Star Trek adventure involving a 'frontier town' overrun with miners; it definitely tapped into Trek's space western roots. I also liked how the action took place on many different fronts.This enabled me to enjoy a variety of locations and characters in a story that flowed nicely without any drag.
But my favorite thing about this book was how it utilized its cast of characters. All of our Enterprise heroes have something to do in this one, and they're all given equal playing field. From Scotty, to M'Benga, to Chekov-every character has thier moment to shine. I would especially recommend this book to fans of Lt. Sulu.
I enjoyed the various subplots introduced throughout each chapter. Each one was compelling and cohesively supported the narrative. There's one that involved Spock and Chekov that I found particularly interesting, and it could've made a great book all by itself.
Every Greg Cox novel I've read so far has been a five star experience-and "The Antares Maelstrom" is no exception. His writing is simplistically to the point and fun. He keeps you glued to the page with one cliffhanger after another while simultaneously writing great character moments and laying Easter eggs plucked from throughout the Star Trek universe.
I found "The Antares Maelstrom" to be a very satisfying adventure. It had a great story with plenty of action, suspense, and a wonderful cast of supporting characters. It's a high frontier adventure with all the trimmings!
When a huge quarry of pergium is discovered on the planet Baldur III-hordes of prospectors, smugglers, and entrepreneurs swarm to the peaceful colony, hoping to capitalize on the rare element. The Enterprise is called in to help regulate the pandemonium at the planet's stopping point: Deep Space Station S-8. At the center of all the action lies the Antares Maelstrom: a vast, intergalactic vortex filled with wonder and danger.
I really liked the idea of a Star Trek adventure involving a 'frontier town' overrun with miners; it definitely tapped into Trek's space western roots. I also liked how the action took place on many different fronts.This enabled me to enjoy a variety of locations and characters in a story that flowed nicely without any drag.
But my favorite thing about this book was how it utilized its cast of characters. All of our Enterprise heroes have something to do in this one, and they're all given equal playing field. From Scotty, to M'Benga, to Chekov-every character has thier moment to shine. I would especially recommend this book to fans of Lt. Sulu.
I enjoyed the various subplots introduced throughout each chapter. Each one was compelling and cohesively supported the narrative. There's one that involved Spock and Chekov that I found particularly interesting, and it could've made a great book all by itself.
Every Greg Cox novel I've read so far has been a five star experience-and "The Antares Maelstrom" is no exception. His writing is simplistically to the point and fun. He keeps you glued to the page with one cliffhanger after another while simultaneously writing great character moments and laying Easter eggs plucked from throughout the Star Trek universe.
I found "The Antares Maelstrom" to be a very satisfying adventure. It had a great story with plenty of action, suspense, and a wonderful cast of supporting characters. It's a high frontier adventure with all the trimmings!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2019
When I read a media tie-in book, I just want a solid adventure with the characters. If it gives more insight into them, fills in a continuity hole, or provides more background, that would be icing on the cake. The Antares Maelstrom is a well done cake, by those measures, and reads as if it is an extra-long episode of the original TV series.
The plot splits the crew up into three groups, each having a piece of the story to resolve. This works well for Cox, who has shown he can juggle multiple plots in a novel in his other work. It also means we have three plots to follow, each of which was interesting enough for their own novel.
The Enterprise is brought in to help a frontier planet that has become home of a Star Trek version of a Gold Rush. So, as Kirk and the crew assist with the problems the residents of the planet are having with the huge influx of prospectors, Sulu is put in charge of assisting the nearby starbase that is understaffed for the rush of people, and both Spock and Chekov are in charge of finding smugglers on a planet that does not have warp drive yet.
Each plot moves along rapidly and gives the characters a chance to shine. Every one of the mail characters has a moment in the story to shine, problems are solve through science and intelligence rather than brute force, and the author takes time to show why the Federation’s ideals matter in the story. The story moves rapidly, and I found myself wanting to race ahead to see what would happen next.
Rather than something ground breaking or changing things up for the property, this is a well written adventure that fits comfortably in the established lore. Like a good Star Trek novel, it was like spending time with characters you are fond of. An author’s first job is to entertain, and Star Trek also is known for its themes of intelligent people working things out, and Greg Cox hit the landing on that theme over and over again without becoming preachy.
The plot splits the crew up into three groups, each having a piece of the story to resolve. This works well for Cox, who has shown he can juggle multiple plots in a novel in his other work. It also means we have three plots to follow, each of which was interesting enough for their own novel.
The Enterprise is brought in to help a frontier planet that has become home of a Star Trek version of a Gold Rush. So, as Kirk and the crew assist with the problems the residents of the planet are having with the huge influx of prospectors, Sulu is put in charge of assisting the nearby starbase that is understaffed for the rush of people, and both Spock and Chekov are in charge of finding smugglers on a planet that does not have warp drive yet.
Each plot moves along rapidly and gives the characters a chance to shine. Every one of the mail characters has a moment in the story to shine, problems are solve through science and intelligence rather than brute force, and the author takes time to show why the Federation’s ideals matter in the story. The story moves rapidly, and I found myself wanting to race ahead to see what would happen next.
Rather than something ground breaking or changing things up for the property, this is a well written adventure that fits comfortably in the established lore. Like a good Star Trek novel, it was like spending time with characters you are fond of. An author’s first job is to entertain, and Star Trek also is known for its themes of intelligent people working things out, and Greg Cox hit the landing on that theme over and over again without becoming preachy.
June 30, 2020
What a fun read! The Antares Maelstrom held my interest from beginning to end. Greg Cox writes in the classic tradition of the best Star Trek novels.
SPOILER ALERT!
Cox alternates between 3 connected storylines, each progressing the story forward with different members of the Enterprise crew. It works very well and helps propel the momentum of the story. The jump between the storylines seems to happens right when you need them to - and keeps any of the 3 storylines from becoming too stale at once.
The is a fun Trek adventure! It does have some minor character development but nothing big. Perhaps that's part of the novels appeal. It reads like an expanded episode of TOS. Sulu, Uhura and Chekov are well integrated into this adventure and are well utilized in logical TOS fashion. Scotty and, in particular, McCoy are much more in the background but doing what they do best. Kirk is without Spock for most of the story, which allows him to be diplomat Kirk and not have to lean on his Vulcan science officer for a change. Spock and Chekov are well-paired for their part of the story.
All in all, its a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more Trek stories like this from Greg Cox.
SPOILER ALERT!
Cox alternates between 3 connected storylines, each progressing the story forward with different members of the Enterprise crew. It works very well and helps propel the momentum of the story. The jump between the storylines seems to happens right when you need them to - and keeps any of the 3 storylines from becoming too stale at once.
The is a fun Trek adventure! It does have some minor character development but nothing big. Perhaps that's part of the novels appeal. It reads like an expanded episode of TOS. Sulu, Uhura and Chekov are well integrated into this adventure and are well utilized in logical TOS fashion. Scotty and, in particular, McCoy are much more in the background but doing what they do best. Kirk is without Spock for most of the story, which allows him to be diplomat Kirk and not have to lean on his Vulcan science officer for a change. Spock and Chekov are well-paired for their part of the story.
All in all, its a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more Trek stories like this from Greg Cox.
July 15, 2020
Greg Cox is a longtime Trek author (among many other franchise tie-in novels) but somehow this was the first book of his I’ve read. I was not disappointed!
This was a fantastic read—I absolutely loved how he separated the crew into different stories and missions. It allowed me to focus on these beloved characters more or less one at a time and really enjoy my time with each of them. I also really liked each independent storyline and how they all intersected in one way or another. The book was well paced and felt like a TOS story done right. Intelligence and quick thinking was rewarded more than brute strength or violence. My particular favorite was Sulu’s storyline — communication rather than battle.
While they are certainly numerous books TOS published each year, I think it’s sometimes difficult to have a truly great TOS book come out in this era. I think this is one of those gems. It’s safe to say that while this was my first Cox novel, it certainly won’t be my last.
This was a fantastic read—I absolutely loved how he separated the crew into different stories and missions. It allowed me to focus on these beloved characters more or less one at a time and really enjoy my time with each of them. I also really liked each independent storyline and how they all intersected in one way or another. The book was well paced and felt like a TOS story done right. Intelligence and quick thinking was rewarded more than brute strength or violence. My particular favorite was Sulu’s storyline — communication rather than battle.
While they are certainly numerous books TOS published each year, I think it’s sometimes difficult to have a truly great TOS book come out in this era. I think this is one of those gems. It’s safe to say that while this was my first Cox novel, it certainly won’t be my last.
December 20, 2019
A fun adventure story, set during the original Five-Year timeline. A rush of prospectors wishing to get rich quick flock to a non federation planet, overtaxing the locals. The Enterprise comes to help, but Kirk splits the crew up. Sulu has to remain on an overwhelmed Space Station, the last stop before said planet, Spock and Chekov are off to stop some smugglers and preserve the Prime Directive, and McCoy and Scotty are on the planet surface working with limited resources. The story switches back and forth quite a lot, so if you're not a fan of that, give it a miss, but I like seeing different points of view and I always like reading about Spock and young Chekov interacting.
It's fun, well written and everything an original Star Trek story should be.
One star off for the romance. Not needed, but the good thing is, it's barely there.
It's fun, well written and everything an original Star Trek story should be.
One star off for the romance. Not needed, but the good thing is, it's barely there.
March 31, 2024
To preface this negative review: Greg Cox' A Contest of Principles was quite good, very well done and interesting.
However during this one, I almost cried I was so bored. I'm an aspiring writer and realize that getting anything on the page is a challenge, but this. I understood what was going on the whole time, the language wasn't overly verbose, but what was being told was just...boring.
If you like very simple books about the gold rush era, then this one's for you, if not, then PLEASE skip this one. Literally nothing interesting happens in the book.
Spoilers:
There's an old shuttle and it's engines overheat and almost blow up, someone flies where they shouldn't and they have to get rescued and there's a fistfight over a deposit of minerals. That's the plot and my god it's so boring to read.
However during this one, I almost cried I was so bored. I'm an aspiring writer and realize that getting anything on the page is a challenge, but this. I understood what was going on the whole time, the language wasn't overly verbose, but what was being told was just...boring.
If you like very simple books about the gold rush era, then this one's for you, if not, then PLEASE skip this one. Literally nothing interesting happens in the book.
Spoilers:
There's an old shuttle and it's engines overheat and almost blow up, someone flies where they shouldn't and they have to get rescued and there's a fistfight over a deposit of minerals. That's the plot and my god it's so boring to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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