Enigma

Star Trek: Stargazer #5

by Michael Jan Friedman

Without warning, a Starfleet ship is overwhelmed by a mysterious, alien aggressor -- one who appears to possess an intimate knowledge of the vessel's tactical technology. Then a second Starfleet ship is attacked. And a third. Twenty-eight-year-old Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the "U.S.S. Stargazer" -- a "Constellation"-class starship -- is ordered to help form a desperate line of defense against the aggressor. But it seems nothing can stop the aliens' headlong plunge into the heart of the Federation.

Or rather, nothing in "front" of them can. Trailing one of the alien attack formations is a tiny Starfleet shuttle with a half dozen crewmembers aboard. One of them is Picard's first officer and best friend, Gilaad Ben Zoma.

Another is Arlen McAteer, the ambitious admiral who has made it his business to relieve Picard of his command.

Can Ben Zoma and McAteer work together to unlock the secret of the alien assault? Or will their differences sabotage their effort -- and deprive the Federation of its last hope for survival?

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Ebooks, Star Trek The Next Generation, Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction Fantasy

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 9, 2004

About the author

Michael Jan Friedman is an author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction, half of which are in the Star Trek universe. Eleven of his titles have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. Friedman has also written for network and cable television and radio, and scripted nearly 200 comic books, including his original DC superhero series, the Darkstars.

Reviews

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Trek: TNG: Stargazer 05 Enigma by Michael Jan Friedman

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense

Medium-paced

Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0 Stars

This book solved one of the stories that had been planted from the beginning. Really glad that is was revealed in this book, instead of leaving it for the end.

We also got a great reveal at the end of the book, but then it was like the rug being pulled out from underneath us. Felt bad for one character, but it just cemented the "ick" that I've felt for the other character...all along.

There were so many moments in this story that I really didn't understand where it was going (which is okay), but once the reveal was made...I was (huh?), how will that play out. AND, I was pleasantly surprised that it worked so well. Not sure how others will feel about it, but I loved it.

I am still in the dark with one of the characters in this series...that we've had a LOT of page time with, but I don't actually understand the endgame purpose of his character, and what is actually going to happen, but I'm excited to see it...play out.

One of the themes that has been prevalent throughout the series...is that Captain Jean Luc Picard is currently TOO trusting, in things that later in his career he managed better. I like this aspect of himself, but since we've only known him as the other, it's also hard to accept. We know he gets there...in the end (at least).

I love the genuine bond that Captain Picard has with his Number One. It is markedly different than the one he had with Riker, but you can see the seeds of what is needed in a Number One, and the bond that NEEDS to be there...along the way (on a day to day basis).

I'm actually really sad about finishing this book, and knowing that the next book is the LAST in the series. Ugh.

On to Star Trek: TNG: Stargazer 06 Maker. Here we go.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skipped ahead in the sequence of Stargazer novels, as I loved the cover of this book, and was intrigued by the premise. It ended up being a great choice; not only does Michael Jan Friedman manage to fill in continuity gaps from previous novels with great efficiency, he also ends up telling a fast-moving & entertaining stand-alone action story, that deftly manages to fit in a number of continuing Stargazer story arcs. I ended up inhaling this novel in an evening, and it was a very pleasurable experience.

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENIGMA is the fifth and penultimate book of the Stargazer series by Michael Jan Friedman, covering the first six months of Captain Jean Luc Picard as commanding officer of the Stargazer. I was a big fan of the concept and have been meaning to read the series for years. Now at the end of the series, I am saddened that it is coming to an end. I really would have read a twelve-book series about the crew and wished they had covered more of the 22-year period where Captain Picard was head honcho of the ship.

I think the timeline is a bit off for the description, though, and sadly misses some of the things that would have been interesting to cover. Carter Greyhorse's romance with Gerda Asmund is something that plays a big role in the events of REUNION and yet it is something that happened decades earlier but never was discovered. It also seems to be the full focus of Carter and Gerda's characters, which undermines both. Also, we never got to meet characters like Jack Crusher and Morgen.

Anyway, Enigma does get to pay off on the plotline of Ulelo the mole that has been examining the secrets of Starfleet's technology and transmitting them across the stars. He doesn't know he's a secret agent or at least much about it and is torn about his relationship to his crew. I think this plotline was very interesting (I loved a similar one in Discovery). I liked how they initially mistake his condition for schizophrenia but felt they should have done more technobabble since I presume they have treatments for that in the 24th century.

Part of why I like this book is it does follow up on a lot of the emotional plotlines of various characters. The relationships among the crew, the trauma of the Mirror Universe Gerda's betrayal, and the (premature?) ending of Carter's relationship with Gerda. I especially liked following Nikolas' resignation from Starfleet. I admit, I do have some criticisms about it, though. I think he'd be feeling at least some anger over the woman who tricked him, betrayed his crew, and tried to steal his friend. I would have thought he'd also feel some guilt over how he was so utterly fooled than acting like she was a blameless innocent.

We also get some serious progress on Admiral MacInteer's plot to remove Captain Picard from his position as head of the Stargazer. I would have liked a bit more evidence or reasoning for him to decide to hold a competency hearing but Picard actually did screw up a few times. The fact he had a spy onboard his ship that he only noticed after they transmitted valuable data, the danger he put his crew in trying to help the traitorous Mirror Gerda, and letting the White Wolf go in the first book are all serious offenses. However, it seems like McInteer is focusing on other much milder slights. I look forward to seeing the trial next book.

In conclusion, this is a great book and I'm sad its wrapping up as a series. I feel like there was much more they could have done with the characters and setting.

[Patrick Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read this book since it first came out and since Picard Season 3 was staring this week, I decided to revisit this book.

I began by kicking myself for not reading the first book in this trilogy by Friedman. I own it, but thought things began with this book. My worries at being lost were unfounded because I was able to quickly grasp what had happened previously and comfortably began this adventure. NOTE: This is the sign of an excellent writer who can bring a reader up to speed with early outings and dive into a new exploit.

An unknown alien race is able to get through Federation shields and remain unscathed from phasers and photon torpedoes. This race is taking out ships as they make their way toward Earth. The Stargazer is sent to investigate, but not before Picard learns that Admiral McAteer is putting him up for review to have him dismissed as ship's captain. Making matters worse, the admiral is aboard the Stargazer.

Excellent pacing, perfect character dialogue and actions, and an excellent solution to the dilemma.

This book has me gunning to read the first and third books in this trilogy. It also has me itching to revisit Friedman's run on the comic books, which I bought when they originally came out.

This was perfect Star Trek reading.

[Emerald Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book was a great disappointment. The "enigma" that had been building up for for books prior to this one was answered and then solved within a single chapter. It was an incredibly hollow story that seemed to go absolutely nowhere. The only redeeming quality of this story in my eyes was the romance between ensign Paris and Jiterica. Perhaps the author should just write alien romances

[D. H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This episode's tie-in with TOS
If there was a tie-in, I missed it. (If I did, please tell me). There were, however, references to previous Stargazer novels.

The defector of the episode is...
Com Officer Ulelo again, and this time, he's the main one. We finally learn that he's a secret agent from a whole other alien race, and they've been beating up Starfleet ships, trying to figure out where he is.

It was awesome that...
Nikolas is still in the series, working on a civilian cargo transport ship, and an attack on his new ship appeared to be part of the war being waged against Starfleet. Instead, it was set up for the next novel.

It was too bad that...
Admiral McAteer is still out to get Picard. Admirals are dicks.

Uhm... excuse me... isn't it implausible that...

1. An automated supply drone for an invading alien armada has no security system whatsoever?

2. The high tec aliens who received transmissions with all of Starfleet's secrets from their spy have no idea where their spy is?


And what was that unrelated B-plot?
I guess it's Zoma sneaking onto the drone while Picard meets the fleet for a big battle. There's also Nikolas working on a transport ship.

[Read1000books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Original Syndication Trekkie, my ST reading usually sticks with the original series (and an occasional ST: Voyager novel, since I watched all seven seasons straight through some time back). So this tale about young Jean-Luc Picard's captaincy of the USS Stargazer (prior to the ENTERPRISE) was a first for me, and an enjoyable one. Being a spur-of-the-moment purchase, I did not know that this book is number five in a series of six (all by the same author) but you do not have to read the previous four to understand this one. But you will need to know this, that the title of Book Six is MAKER. The explanation, in the form of only a slight spoiler, appears below if you are interested.















Book five ends in a DOUBLE cliffhanger!

[ROBERT RUDIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Trek:Stargazer:Enigma My Review

Mr.Friedman has once again written a fast moving and fun book,I am hoping that the next in line of this series is not long in coming.
I can't wait to see how Captain Picard fares against Admiral McAteer and keeps his position as captain of the Stargazer.

[Mrklingon · Rating 4 out of 5]

More trials for young Cap'n Picard.....

A mysterious crew member, a mysterious enemy, a cantankerous admiral... the Stargazer saga continues. Good mysteries and characters in this prequel to the adventures of Captain Picard of the Enterprise.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but the plot holes and silly decisions are getting more common. The series needed a it more tightening up in the plot to not leave you thinking 'Why didn't they just do X?' still, it's Picard and he's always great to see in action again.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally resolved to Ulelo question and did it in an interesting way - in fact it might have inspired the title. I liked how that mystery developed along with the shuttle crew's adventure as well. Greyhorse continues to be an idiot - how did that guy even become a doctor?

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Decent storyline. =)

[Burns Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery revealed
Throughout the Stargazer series, a character named Ulelo has been acting suspiciously, and it is implied that he could be some kind of spy. Enigma finally wraps up that story and reveals what has been going on with Ulelo. I liked how this mystery wrapped up and it felt like a good conclusion to most of the plot threads from the series. Friedman continues to show his strength of writing original characters. Of course, there were plenty of good Picard moments. I also enjoyed how Nikolas’ story was continued, and the cliffhanger for his story was intriguing.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record at this point, but I highly recommend the Stargazer. It is just like watching one of the classic Star Trek series, and honestly has some great adaptation potential.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enigma finally resolves the mystery behind Ulelo as an unknown alien force attacks the Federation, handily defeating any ship that stands in its path.

The book was okay, but I didn't really get into it. The plot felt weak to me.

[Scott Vout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just flying through these now.

This was another good one. Lots of action, an alien race stronger then the Federation.

The evil i had been referring to in other reviews is finally reveiled and it is not
what i thought. Nice.

On to the last one in the series.

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Then again, the admiral in this series is getting less and less believable as a character. I suppose there's precedent for people like him, but his predilection for ignoring what's in front of his face is getting a bit extreme.

[Friedrich Haas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the cover. I would rather have written the script to make this into an episode. It needed to be cut down and visual.

[Takiyah Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

InteresTing Book not the best but a Good read, and it was nice to see where the Ulelo story was heading. ..