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Star Trek: Signature Edition
Imzadi Forever (Star Trek)
The Star Signature Edition series continues with this thrilling adventure featuring Commander Spock, Captain Kirk, and the U.S.S. Enterprise. to the people of the planet Betazed, including Counselor Deanna Troi of the Starship Enterprise,™ it means "beloved" and denotes that which can never be truly broken. Yet to whom does Deanna's heart truly belong? Commander William Riker was the first Deanna called Imzadi. Long before they served together on board the Enterprise, they shared a tempestuous love affair back on Betazed. And even now, many years later, Riker will embark on a desperate journey across time and space to save Deanna's life. But Riker is not the only Starfleet officer to capture Deanna's heart. Lieutenant Commander Worf, the fierce Klingon warrior, is also drawn to Deanna's gentle and caring nature. Brought together by fate, he and Deanna share an unexpected passion that tests the bonds between Troi and Riker—even as a deadly Romulan conspiracy threatens them all!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2003
93 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
2,989 books1,363 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 24, 2016
Prior to some thorough research (alright, maybe 10-15 minutes worth), I sought the reviews for the original Imzadi book which were mostly positive and thought, "Well, how bad could Imzadi II be?" After comprehending that Imzadi II was not a sequel to the first, I decided that this Signature Edition book should be the first novel of Star Trek [TNG] I should read. Comprised of Imzadi & Imzadi II, the 400+ pages of, well... Imzadi, was indeed a good read. I found that the back-cover of the book would seem misleading to those unfamiliar of this "combined"/reprinted edition and, honestly the only unquestionable information on the back cover was the "Exclusive Interview with the Author". The only thing that bugged me inside of the book, just a bit, was that there is no Table of Contents in the beginning to discern between the two books, but it is nothing a little Vulcan logic can't handle, as the books are broken up with a brief, bold description of the timeline/settings.
Having possessed the research knowledge, I dove into the book immediately after receiving it in the mail and within the first 50 pages, I was hooked with Imzadi. My mouth was agape sporadically as things got heavy. Imzadi is indeed a wonderful story, however I found myself kind of annoyed whenever Deanna's breasts were mentioned so... forthright and cheesily. I admit, I'm not one for love stories or overtly obvious sexual oogling, but the depth of the story lies within the irony of Riker and Deanna's "immature" behavior. It all seemed to work in the end. David gets the job done - hashing out the mysterious history of Deanna & Riker.
After finishing Imzadi, I started Imzadi II with the same question as the author, "How the fuck is this relationship between Worf & Deanna going to work?" Those aren't his exact words, but later in the exclusive interview, you can see why it's almost the same train of thought. While David might not be immensely proud of Imzadi II as he is with Imzadi, I actually liked it. It featured a multitude of appearances from Star Trek characters, and being versed enough in the ST universe, it was easy to read the characters as portrayed on the shows, as they seemed very true to character. Conceptually speaking, it seemed like a bit of a reach, but again the story worked itself out. The ending was not the one David wanted published, but seeing the dynamic of Riker & Deanna as it had developed into a slightly comical charade of sorts throughout ST Canon, it was appropriate given the timeline.
Throughout both stories, I found myself "sensing" the bigger plot and character developments. I struggled with preventing myself to over-analyze and predict the plots because I am a Star Trek fan ("Stop asking why this is wrong and just dive in it," I says). I found that this method of prevention made things flow easier, especially for the both of the climaxes. Overall for both stories, the settings, character developments, and various tones throughout made both books very acceptable, and quite addicting. The interview at the end of the book explained enough to expand the understanding of Imzadi II. I'm very happy with it!
Having possessed the research knowledge, I dove into the book immediately after receiving it in the mail and within the first 50 pages, I was hooked with Imzadi. My mouth was agape sporadically as things got heavy. Imzadi is indeed a wonderful story, however I found myself kind of annoyed whenever Deanna's breasts were mentioned so... forthright and cheesily. I admit, I'm not one for love stories or overtly obvious sexual oogling, but the depth of the story lies within the irony of Riker and Deanna's "immature" behavior. It all seemed to work in the end. David gets the job done - hashing out the mysterious history of Deanna & Riker.
After finishing Imzadi, I started Imzadi II with the same question as the author, "How the fuck is this relationship between Worf & Deanna going to work?" Those aren't his exact words, but later in the exclusive interview, you can see why it's almost the same train of thought. While David might not be immensely proud of Imzadi II as he is with Imzadi, I actually liked it. It featured a multitude of appearances from Star Trek characters, and being versed enough in the ST universe, it was easy to read the characters as portrayed on the shows, as they seemed very true to character. Conceptually speaking, it seemed like a bit of a reach, but again the story worked itself out. The ending was not the one David wanted published, but seeing the dynamic of Riker & Deanna as it had developed into a slightly comical charade of sorts throughout ST Canon, it was appropriate given the timeline.
Throughout both stories, I found myself "sensing" the bigger plot and character developments. I struggled with preventing myself to over-analyze and predict the plots because I am a Star Trek fan ("Stop asking why this is wrong and just dive in it," I says). I found that this method of prevention made things flow easier, especially for the both of the climaxes. Overall for both stories, the settings, character developments, and various tones throughout made both books very acceptable, and quite addicting. The interview at the end of the book explained enough to expand the understanding of Imzadi II. I'm very happy with it!
July 24, 2011
Oh my goodness, shame on Peter David. He turned one of the cutest couples (Riker/Troi) from one of the most progressive sci fi shows out there (The Next Generation) into a pair of flat, one-dimensional characters out of some steamy, B-grade bodice ripper. What's most annoying is how stupidly regressive this is: capable Troi suddenly becomes a helpless damsel in distress; Riker's not much better than some beefy ape using his physical brawn to save her. And the entire Betazoid culture becomes a land of touchy-feely, wimpy art lovers. Spare me!
Two stars only because the IDEA of the book - Data chasing a bitter, old Riker through parallel universes - could have been so good.
Two stars only because the IDEA of the book - Data chasing a bitter, old Riker through parallel universes - could have been so good.
May 19, 2019
**personal note: Imzadi, the original book that is first in this signature series, is one of the reasons I fell for my spouse. For our first anniversary she gave me a framed copy of the front paper cover.**
“Imzadi” is the story of Will Riker and Deanna Troi’s love. I’m not spoiling anything in saying that. It’s a love story despite many obstacles, a riff on *Romeo and Juliet* or*LaBoheme*.
“Triangle:Imzadi 2” is the story of Deanna’s relationship with Worf and its consequences.
If you have read Peter David’s “Imzadi”, you know it always comes up first or second in “the best books using Star Trek:The Original Series characters” or some such nonsense according to the first person discussion with the author in the back of this omnibus edition containing both stories recently released by Simon and Shuster as part of their “signature series” expanding on Star Trek’s 51st year and its newest incarnations of ST:Discovery, and ST:Picard. In truth, the second story is quite forced and uncomfortable for those of us who proudly call ourselves “Trekkies” . However, it does resolve Worf’s inner conflicts while Will and Deanna are still “dancing”.
Hey, it’s Star Trek....it can’t get less than a 5. Highly Recommended 5/5
“Imzadi” is the story of Will Riker and Deanna Troi’s love. I’m not spoiling anything in saying that. It’s a love story despite many obstacles, a riff on *Romeo and Juliet* or*LaBoheme*.
“Triangle:Imzadi 2” is the story of Deanna’s relationship with Worf and its consequences.
If you have read Peter David’s “Imzadi”, you know it always comes up first or second in “the best books using Star Trek:The Original Series characters” or some such nonsense according to the first person discussion with the author in the back of this omnibus edition containing both stories recently released by Simon and Shuster as part of their “signature series” expanding on Star Trek’s 51st year and its newest incarnations of ST:Discovery, and ST:Picard. In truth, the second story is quite forced and uncomfortable for those of us who proudly call ourselves “Trekkies” . However, it does resolve Worf’s inner conflicts while Will and Deanna are still “dancing”.
Hey, it’s Star Trek....it can’t get less than a 5. Highly Recommended 5/5
December 11, 2022
Interesting Story Telling!
Having read "Imzadi" a while ago was refreshing and brought me up to speed before reading the next story, "Imzadi: Triangle!" There had always been this lingering question in the of my mind, "whatever happened to Tom Riker after the Cardassian had captured him!". Plus it seem somewhat annoying that the movie version, "Star Trek Next Generation movie: Generation" really left hanging from the series that Worf and Deanna Troi relationship was heading somewhere. Only to see Worf assigned to Deep Space Nine and as if moving forward. That bit of explanation was now some what given voice in this story of Imzadi Forever! This leads me to still wonder, "Whatever happened to Tom Riker?". Guess I'll have to do a little research to find out! Great story and reading to fill in a gap in my Star Trek Universe!
Having read "Imzadi" a while ago was refreshing and brought me up to speed before reading the next story, "Imzadi: Triangle!" There had always been this lingering question in the of my mind, "whatever happened to Tom Riker after the Cardassian had captured him!". Plus it seem somewhat annoying that the movie version, "Star Trek Next Generation movie: Generation" really left hanging from the series that Worf and Deanna Troi relationship was heading somewhere. Only to see Worf assigned to Deep Space Nine and as if moving forward. That bit of explanation was now some what given voice in this story of Imzadi Forever! This leads me to still wonder, "Whatever happened to Tom Riker?". Guess I'll have to do a little research to find out! Great story and reading to fill in a gap in my Star Trek Universe!
January 2, 2023
For some reason, enjoying Imzadi didn't mean I had read the sequel. I don't think I even knew about it until I saw this signature edition, which is a bit poor of me given my appreciation of both the Trekverse and PAD as an author.
So yes, it's contrived. Peter's written a story into an era already lapsed onscreen, so we know what happens afterward. Of course he knows that we know this, but we know that he knows we know too, so the story has to be careful. and it works, it's a clever series of contretemps based on the Rikers, a cleverly circumnavigated ménage à Deanna, with plenty of backreferences to good Next Generation stuff and a sprinkling of Peter's original trek work. as an opener to a new year, it is somehow very satisfying to pull something out from the solidity of Classic Star Trek.
So yes, it's contrived. Peter's written a story into an era already lapsed onscreen, so we know what happens afterward. Of course he knows that we know this, but we know that he knows we know too, so the story has to be careful. and it works, it's a clever series of contretemps based on the Rikers, a cleverly circumnavigated ménage à Deanna, with plenty of backreferences to good Next Generation stuff and a sprinkling of Peter's original trek work. as an opener to a new year, it is somehow very satisfying to pull something out from the solidity of Classic Star Trek.
March 6, 2021
Two books in one.
The first, Imzadi, explores the history of Will Riker and Deanna Troi's meeting. I enjoyed this book. Easy read.
The second, Triangle: Imzadi II involves Worf and Troi's relationship. However, the book's title is Triangle, so there is a third person involved and that's Will Riker. This was a good book, but for me, it involved too many aliens. It was like he tried to take every race and put them into the story. The only ones missing were the Ferengi! lol Good story, but like I said, a but too busy.
Fun reads though as I am a big fan of The Next Generation.
The first, Imzadi, explores the history of Will Riker and Deanna Troi's meeting. I enjoyed this book. Easy read.
The second, Triangle: Imzadi II involves Worf and Troi's relationship. However, the book's title is Triangle, so there is a third person involved and that's Will Riker. This was a good book, but for me, it involved too many aliens. It was like he tried to take every race and put them into the story. The only ones missing were the Ferengi! lol Good story, but like I said, a but too busy.
Fun reads though as I am a big fan of The Next Generation.
April 3, 2023
As a newish Star Trek:TNG fan, I was curious to get a back story for Riker and Troi. But this book reads like it was written by a man who has fantasized about Deanna Troi and then wrote about it. His description of how her character reacts, both in the version on Betazed and who is on the Enterprise, doesn't sound like Troi. I don't want to give away spoilers, so I'm keeping it vague. I can describe the book as something a teen boy with a crush on Deanna Troi would totally love. But as a 40-something woman, I could stand the story, but not the way the character is portrayed.
August 27, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book, Imzadi. I had read the hardcover of this back when it first came out when I was in the 6th grade and loved it then. Upon re-discovering this book and learning there was a sequel, and that they were both included in this on sale/discounted Kindle version. it seemed like a no brainer to give it a re-read, but Imzadi 2 was just super boring. After coming back to it repeatedly over the course of months, I gave myself permission to quit.
June 29, 2019
True to Star Trek
I enjoyed re-reading Imzadi, and then the continuance was better. I really liked seeing Worf in that interesting light and growth of character. But is that me putting human mores on a Klingon, yes it is.
I enjoyed re-reading Imzadi, and then the continuance was better. I really liked seeing Worf in that interesting light and growth of character. But is that me putting human mores on a Klingon, yes it is.
December 15, 2020
This book is not great and makes William Riker into a pickup artist type creep.
Imagine Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus set in the 24th century.
It’s a fun hate-read if you’re into that kind of thing.
Imagine Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus set in the 24th century.
It’s a fun hate-read if you’re into that kind of thing.
March 5, 2021
This collection contains both Imzadi books, but I only read the first one. Its really great but the long stretch on Betazed could've been shorter and not lost Its impact. A must read for any Next Generation fan.
May 22, 2024
Not a sequel or part three for that matter
Just the first book
Add “Foever” to the title
Sadly
Took away the pauses between scenes in the chapters
So one paragraph is on a planet
And the next paragraph is on the ship
Bad edit
Just the first book
Add “Foever” to the title
Sadly
Took away the pauses between scenes in the chapters
So one paragraph is on a planet
And the next paragraph is on the ship
Bad edit
Read
February 16, 2020Honestly.....don't read this. It reads like bad fanfiction.
February 23, 2020
A very sweet love story.
August 7, 2020
One of the best (if not the best) Star Trek books ever written!
October 6, 2021
the first book was wonderful, the second ended weirdly .. but I read that the franchise made Peter David end it that way .. so ....
November 18, 2023
Excellent through and through.
July 22, 2024
#cancion #TaiwanCanHelp #StarTrek800 #StarTrekVOY #StarTrekDS9
November 14, 2024
I read this book when I was much, much younger. And after recommending it to a friend who is just getting into the TNG series and had commented on how much they liked the Riker and Troi relationship, I decided to read it again. And I still loved this book. I loved how well it fit in with the television series. I think there were only a few discrepancies, like with one of the star dates and the lack of Data’s emotion chip. But we know that the emotion chip didn’t become canon until the movies. Everything else just slid right into what we know of Riker and Troi from the series.
This book is perfection for anyone who likes TNG and the relationship between Riker and Troi. Such a good read.
This book is perfection for anyone who likes TNG and the relationship between Riker and Troi. Such a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2008
This contains Imzadi and Imzadi 2, and the only reason I rated it 5 stars is because it's got both books together.
To be honest, Imzadi was the very first Star Trek book I read and I loved it way too much. The second book wasn't as good, but I liked the idea of both together.
It's bookcrossed, I think Bluesman is borrowing it. I have a few books to read for him, too. LOL.
Great book and I like that it's a trade because it's a lot easier to find off the shelf, LOL...
To be honest, Imzadi was the very first Star Trek book I read and I loved it way too much. The second book wasn't as good, but I liked the idea of both together.
It's bookcrossed, I think Bluesman is borrowing it. I have a few books to read for him, too. LOL.
Great book and I like that it's a trade because it's a lot easier to find off the shelf, LOL...
February 15, 2012
The first Imzadi novel was wonderful. I love the relationship built between Riker and Troi, the lengths he went to because of his love for her as her Imzadi.
That being said, Peter David didn't even want to write Imzadi II and I thought it showed. The story wasn't anywhere as good as the original. The only thing I liked about it was how he explained how Worf and Troi's relationship ended, for those of us who cared.
Get Imzadi, don't bother with II.
That being said, Peter David didn't even want to write Imzadi II and I thought it showed. The story wasn't anywhere as good as the original. The only thing I liked about it was how he explained how Worf and Troi's relationship ended, for those of us who cared.
Get Imzadi, don't bother with II.
January 2, 2013
I was impressed how well Peter David was able to weave so many timelines together in Imzadi I. Like everyone else I felt Imzadi I was better than Imzadi II, but they were very different stories and both well written in their own right and I appreciated that in the end it was a story about survival and disappointment, but also about growing and overcoming and becoming someone better. It seemed interesting that in the end it was more of a story about Worf than anyone. I truly enjoyed it.
June 18, 2009
Imzadi II: Triangle was not as good as Imzadi but I liked them both. The author is definitely a fan of STAR TREK. This is the first STAR TREK book I've read. I liked it so much I'll now read ENTERPRISE that my brother suggested a while ago.
February 6, 2010
This is basically a story of Troi and her two main relationships. Imzadi is between her and Will. Imzadi II between her and Worf. Both were good stories. I really enjoyed Imzadi, I like Imzadi II. Something about the way Imzadi II was written was just too much, but the story was good.
November 1, 2010
Is it sad or awesome that I love this book as much now as I did when I was fourteen? Either way it was delightful to re-read the story of Troi and Riker all over again. Love. Great prelude to reading the Titan series for the first time.
October 30, 2014
Wonderful story that fills in the gap between the destruction of the USS Enterprise-D and the beginning of Star Trek First Contact. Fills in many blanks concerning the triangle of Riker, Troi, and WORF. A real page-turner for Trek fans!!
January 11, 2015
Almost earned five stars
Imzadi definitely deserves five stars; Imzadi II doesn't shine as bright as its predecessor, but Peter David explains why it doesn't work as a sequel, and it is a pretty good book on its own merits.
Imzadi definitely deserves five stars; Imzadi II doesn't shine as bright as its predecessor, but Peter David explains why it doesn't work as a sequel, and it is a pretty good book on its own merits.
June 8, 2015
Great classic Roddenberry-Era TNG novel. Delves into the previously untold story of Riker and Deanna's meeting and subsequent life-long love, all while being told from a 70 year old Riker's point of view. Some good parts with Picard and Data as well.
Read
April 2, 2012I prefered Imzadi I to Imzadi II.
Read
January 9, 2013This is the Imzadi version I read that has both Imzadi 1 and 2 packaged together. Read the Kindle version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews