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Star Trek: The Original Series #3
The Klingon Gambit
Pocket Timescape Books, 1981. Mass market paperback. Book number 3 in the Pocket series of original Star Trek novels. There were several printings through about 1990.
The Klingon ship Terror has recently murdered the innocent crew of a Vulcan science ship. The Enterprise is sent to meet this new threat, only to fall apart from within. Crew members throw immature temper tantrums. Orders are ignored. One by one, the crew are losing their minds.
Author Vardeman wrote another Trek novel, "Mutiny on the Enterprise" (1983).
The Klingon ship Terror has recently murdered the innocent crew of a Vulcan science ship. The Enterprise is sent to meet this new threat, only to fall apart from within. Crew members throw immature temper tantrums. Orders are ignored. One by one, the crew are losing their minds.
Author Vardeman wrote another Trek novel, "Mutiny on the Enterprise" (1983).
158 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 19, 2016
Ironically and with pure unintended artlessness, I'm sure, this quote sums up the entire book:
"The longer this drags on, the more confused it gets. What are the Klingons doing on Alnath? What is it that killed those Vulcans? What, what, what?" (p. 79)
So I had this grand plan to re-read the entire 97-book Pocket Star Trek Original Series novels over the course of a year or so and review each book...but damn, two books in and this is the one that's making me seriously reconsider. It's not that it's not Trek--it's that it's Trek at its WORST. Racist, sexist, hawkish, xenophobic TERRIBLE writing. It's like TOS Season 3 in 'roid rage, without even the enjoyment of getting to watch the classic actors bringing life to a bad script. It seriously doesn't get much worse than this book. (Unless it does, which is exactly what now I'm afraid of in regards to moving chronologically through the TOS Pocket novels...)
I've pulled out samples of the worst for your reading displeasure.
"The Asian knew his job and did it" (p. 6, referring to Sulu. THE ASIAN. Granted, the Enterprise bridge crew were deliberately chosen by Roddenberry to represent broad human diversity...but THE ASIAN? WTH, is he the only Asian on the Enterprise, like Spock is THE VULCAN?)
"...and a mind that was as agile as her lithe body." (p. 8. Only eight pages in, this is a bad sign...)
"They both watched the chief leave, her behind twitching just the right amount as she went through the door. Scotty's heavy exhalation told Kirk more than words could have." (p. 9. OH GOD.)
"'Nothing definite, Jim. But the Klingons are warlike. We all know that....they must have done it. They're in orbit around that planet, aren't they?' demanded McCoy." (p. 14-15. Minor variations on this the KLINGONS ARE KILLERS OF COURSE argument are presented every 3-5 pages throughout the entire rest of the book. Oh yes, and don't let the reader forget for a second that the Klingons are darkly complected--not white AND criminals, OMG! "We all know that!")
"Bones, I'm tired. My eyes burn from peering into the viewscreen, and my headache is returning. Give me something to relax me and let me sleep." (p. 28. Telling, not showing much? I don't understand for the life of me why this paragraph was in first-person.)
"While appreciating but unmoved by feminine charms, that being the logical course of action in light of his seven year pon farr cycle, the human part of Spock tacitly approved of Lt. Avitts." (p. 39. Cuz he's such a bro, science officer or no.)
"...wenching..." (p. 46. 'Nuff said.)
"Kirk leaned back and breathed heavily. 'That was some verbal battle,' he said." (p. 51. If you have to say it, it's one sign that it wasn't.)
"The computer gurgled contentedly... (p. 56. I don't understand why Scotty isn't alarmed at this computer-turned-infant-or-possibly-aquarium. Computers shouldn't...gurgle. Especially if this is the Enterprise and not a half-submerged Klingon warbird from Star Trek IV.)
"The Vulcan stiffened perceptibly and shook slightly as if fighting a major emotional battle inside." (p. 59. Oh, is that what that was?)
"...the arousing nearness of his assistant." (p. 62. It's a five-year mission in close quarters! For pete's sake!)
"She put her hand on his arm and moved disturbingly close...disturbingly close to him." (p. 65, BOTH TIMES. Twice on the same page. She was that "disturbingly" close.)
"Seeing no response, Kirk added, 'Please remember that diplomacy is using your head without anyone suspecting it.'" (p. 67. .....What?)
"Her perfume...aroused him...her creamy shoulders made him aware of intense desires within himself...He had to have her. He needed her desperately. His hands reached out to take hold of her trim body..." (p. 72. OH GOD.)
"Klingons aren't interested in archaeology." (p. 76. Uh, okay.)
"Chekov had almost loosed the dogs of war." (p. 82. *sigh*)
"'Stroke the road, Captain. See how you feel then,' said the excited woman. She knelt down and ran her hands over the velvety roadbed. Her eyes closed and her entire body shivered as if she had some high fever. But the expression on her face told that it was no high temperature but stark ecstasy she felt. Chekov rubbed his hands on the road and said, 'Captain, it is most...sensual. I cannot describe this.'" (p. 100. Yes, Captain, stroke the--road--why doncha?)
"Diplomacy, after all, was the art of doing and saying the nastiest things in the nicest possible way." (p. 127. ....What?)
"'Vaults are not as plentiful aboard the Enterprise as aboard Klingon ships.'" (p. 131. Just...what are you trying to say here?)
"Kirk both loved and hated the process. Unlike war, diplomacy was seldom straightforward..." (p. 139. I've officially decided the author doesn't know shit about war OR diplomacy.)
Ugh! Officially avoiding anything else by Robert E. Vardeman, ever.
"The longer this drags on, the more confused it gets. What are the Klingons doing on Alnath? What is it that killed those Vulcans? What, what, what?" (p. 79)
So I had this grand plan to re-read the entire 97-book Pocket Star Trek Original Series novels over the course of a year or so and review each book...but damn, two books in and this is the one that's making me seriously reconsider. It's not that it's not Trek--it's that it's Trek at its WORST. Racist, sexist, hawkish, xenophobic TERRIBLE writing. It's like TOS Season 3 in 'roid rage, without even the enjoyment of getting to watch the classic actors bringing life to a bad script. It seriously doesn't get much worse than this book. (Unless it does, which is exactly what now I'm afraid of in regards to moving chronologically through the TOS Pocket novels...)
I've pulled out samples of the worst for your reading displeasure.
"The Asian knew his job and did it" (p. 6, referring to Sulu. THE ASIAN. Granted, the Enterprise bridge crew were deliberately chosen by Roddenberry to represent broad human diversity...but THE ASIAN? WTH, is he the only Asian on the Enterprise, like Spock is THE VULCAN?)
"...and a mind that was as agile as her lithe body." (p. 8. Only eight pages in, this is a bad sign...)
"They both watched the chief leave, her behind twitching just the right amount as she went through the door. Scotty's heavy exhalation told Kirk more than words could have." (p. 9. OH GOD.)
"'Nothing definite, Jim. But the Klingons are warlike. We all know that....they must have done it. They're in orbit around that planet, aren't they?' demanded McCoy." (p. 14-15. Minor variations on this the KLINGONS ARE KILLERS OF COURSE argument are presented every 3-5 pages throughout the entire rest of the book. Oh yes, and don't let the reader forget for a second that the Klingons are darkly complected--not white AND criminals, OMG! "We all know that!")
"Bones, I'm tired. My eyes burn from peering into the viewscreen, and my headache is returning. Give me something to relax me and let me sleep." (p. 28. Telling, not showing much? I don't understand for the life of me why this paragraph was in first-person.)
"While appreciating but unmoved by feminine charms, that being the logical course of action in light of his seven year pon farr cycle, the human part of Spock tacitly approved of Lt. Avitts." (p. 39. Cuz he's such a bro, science officer or no.)
"...wenching..." (p. 46. 'Nuff said.)
"Kirk leaned back and breathed heavily. 'That was some verbal battle,' he said." (p. 51. If you have to say it, it's one sign that it wasn't.)
"The computer gurgled contentedly... (p. 56. I don't understand why Scotty isn't alarmed at this computer-turned-infant-or-possibly-aquarium. Computers shouldn't...gurgle. Especially if this is the Enterprise and not a half-submerged Klingon warbird from Star Trek IV.)
"The Vulcan stiffened perceptibly and shook slightly as if fighting a major emotional battle inside." (p. 59. Oh, is that what that was?)
"...the arousing nearness of his assistant." (p. 62. It's a five-year mission in close quarters! For pete's sake!)
"She put her hand on his arm and moved disturbingly close...disturbingly close to him." (p. 65, BOTH TIMES. Twice on the same page. She was that "disturbingly" close.)
"Seeing no response, Kirk added, 'Please remember that diplomacy is using your head without anyone suspecting it.'" (p. 67. .....What?)
"Her perfume...aroused him...her creamy shoulders made him aware of intense desires within himself...He had to have her. He needed her desperately. His hands reached out to take hold of her trim body..." (p. 72. OH GOD.)
"Klingons aren't interested in archaeology." (p. 76. Uh, okay.)
"Chekov had almost loosed the dogs of war." (p. 82. *sigh*)
"'Stroke the road, Captain. See how you feel then,' said the excited woman. She knelt down and ran her hands over the velvety roadbed. Her eyes closed and her entire body shivered as if she had some high fever. But the expression on her face told that it was no high temperature but stark ecstasy she felt. Chekov rubbed his hands on the road and said, 'Captain, it is most...sensual. I cannot describe this.'" (p. 100. Yes, Captain, stroke the--road--why doncha?)
"Diplomacy, after all, was the art of doing and saying the nastiest things in the nicest possible way." (p. 127. ....What?)
"'Vaults are not as plentiful aboard the Enterprise as aboard Klingon ships.'" (p. 131. Just...what are you trying to say here?)
"Kirk both loved and hated the process. Unlike war, diplomacy was seldom straightforward..." (p. 139. I've officially decided the author doesn't know shit about war OR diplomacy.)
Ugh! Officially avoiding anything else by Robert E. Vardeman, ever.
January 16, 2013
This is without a doubt one of the worst things I've ever tried to read. Cliched, contrived, boring drivel. Nothing about this book was good or interesting; nothing about it was thrilling or compelling. Actually it did compel me to vomit a few times. And all this comes from a fan of Star Trek, especially the Star Trek novel.
July 10, 2020
A great Star Trek adventure from the original series!
November 9, 2011
A surprisingly philosophical tale as it delves into the psyche of humans, Vulcans, Andorians, and even Klingons. The book is a beautiful look into the hearts and desires of the beloved Enterprise crew.
April 4, 2020
The Klingon Gambit by Robert E. Vardeman is yet another book based on the classic Star Trek series. I am slowly going through my collection and rereading these books, some of which I haven’t read since about 1983. Some of them I remember more fondly than others. This is one I didn’t remember at all. For good reason. It’s not very good. In fact, it’s dopey. I don’t recommend it unless you really have nothing else to do.
The crew of the Enterprise is ordered to Alnath II confront a Klingon dreadnought, a starship with deadly fire power. Alnath II is a class M planet with valuable archaeological ruins. A Federation science ship, sent to the planet to investigate it, is discovered nearby—its entire Vulcan crew dead. Is this the work of the Klingons? Did they violate the Organian peace treaty? Captain Kirk and his intrepid crew better figure it out soon—before they meet the same fate.
So, not a lot happens in this story. The plot is fairly weak and slow-moving and the 158 pages should have moved much more quickly than they did. The crew of the Enterprise starts going a little nutty, Mr. Spock wants to sex up his hot science assistant, Lt. Uhura has the eyes for Dr. M’Benga and Capt. Kirk is incapable of making decisions. There’s a lot of screaming from the Klingon commander, lots of threats to blow up the Enterprise, but no one does anything. I began skimming because I was bored. The ending is fairly lame with a lot of he-man-fightin’ antics and smoking phasers, and in the end, all the trouble was caused by . Lame.
The crew of the Enterprise is ordered to Alnath II confront a Klingon dreadnought, a starship with deadly fire power. Alnath II is a class M planet with valuable archaeological ruins. A Federation science ship, sent to the planet to investigate it, is discovered nearby—its entire Vulcan crew dead. Is this the work of the Klingons? Did they violate the Organian peace treaty? Captain Kirk and his intrepid crew better figure it out soon—before they meet the same fate.
So, not a lot happens in this story. The plot is fairly weak and slow-moving and the 158 pages should have moved much more quickly than they did. The crew of the Enterprise starts going a little nutty, Mr. Spock wants to sex up his hot science assistant, Lt. Uhura has the eyes for Dr. M’Benga and Capt. Kirk is incapable of making decisions. There’s a lot of screaming from the Klingon commander, lots of threats to blow up the Enterprise, but no one does anything. I began skimming because I was bored. The ending is fairly lame with a lot of he-man-fightin’ antics and smoking phasers, and in the end, all the trouble was caused by . Lame.
January 15, 2013
As far as 'Star Trek' books go, with so many in the damn series, anytime you read one, it really is like the quintessential 'box of chocolates' that Forrest Gump used to yabble on about. As for this one, I have to say, it really is a cut above the ordinary ST novel. It is a quick read, with a fast plot, and a mystery that will keep you guessing. At the short length of less than 200 pages, you really can't go wrong.
Plot is simple enough-the Enterprise is called in to yet another remote alien planet, to investigate the death of a ship full of Vulcans, who appear to have died in their sleep for no good reason. Of course, Kirk and company beam down to the planet, and then, the crew members of the Enterprise start acting strange, making mistakes and giving in to their more primitive urges. Of course, the Klingons arrive on the same area (and not for a picnic-these are Klingons, of course) and the rest of the story is about discovering the mysterious affliction that affects the Enterprise's crew.
Why did I like this one? First of all, it was a mystery, and I did not figure it out by the end-that always makes the book worth it. However, I am kicking myself a bit for not figuring it-the author did sprinkle in enough clues. Others may figure it out, but it was good enough to keep you reading.
Also, the characters did act in unconventional ways, which made the book fun-especially McCoy going back to his old 'I hate technology' roots. Spock occasionally losing his cool was enjoyable also. Last part that helped-no new alien characters down on the planet to clutter up the story. Sure, some of the creatures that get introduced in the other books are fun, but too often, the story is based around alien creatures. Just focusing on the humans and Klingons in this book was a nice break from the ordinary.
Overall, this book is worth the time to kill a couple of evenings. Enjoy!
Plot is simple enough-the Enterprise is called in to yet another remote alien planet, to investigate the death of a ship full of Vulcans, who appear to have died in their sleep for no good reason. Of course, Kirk and company beam down to the planet, and then, the crew members of the Enterprise start acting strange, making mistakes and giving in to their more primitive urges. Of course, the Klingons arrive on the same area (and not for a picnic-these are Klingons, of course) and the rest of the story is about discovering the mysterious affliction that affects the Enterprise's crew.
Why did I like this one? First of all, it was a mystery, and I did not figure it out by the end-that always makes the book worth it. However, I am kicking myself a bit for not figuring it-the author did sprinkle in enough clues. Others may figure it out, but it was good enough to keep you reading.
Also, the characters did act in unconventional ways, which made the book fun-especially McCoy going back to his old 'I hate technology' roots. Spock occasionally losing his cool was enjoyable also. Last part that helped-no new alien characters down on the planet to clutter up the story. Sure, some of the creatures that get introduced in the other books are fun, but too often, the story is based around alien creatures. Just focusing on the humans and Klingons in this book was a nice break from the ordinary.
Overall, this book is worth the time to kill a couple of evenings. Enjoy!
November 26, 2014
Although I found it enjoyable, the latest STAR TREK movie, INTO DARKNESS, left me longing for the days of "classic" Trek, back when Kirk & co. didn't rely so much on blowing stuff up and punching people repeatedly in the face. Back when STAR TREK didn't feel like a cross between MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE and THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS set in outer space. That's why I picked up THE KLINGON GAMBIT by Robert E. Vardeman, the first STAR TREK novel I've bothered to read since high school. I chose it because it was one of the first STAR TREK novels ever written, and I was really looking for that old-school feel. In fact, this book is so old-school, Kirk still refers to phasers as "ray guns." The story revolves around a mysterious radiation field that emphasizes certain elements of each crew member's personality, ironically causing them to act more like their Abramsverse counterparts. For example, Spock becomes an emotional wreck, Scotty shows up purely for comic relief, and sexual tension abounds. It's not a particularly good novel. The writing is workman-like, and the plot is unambitious and inconsequential to the STARK TREK universe. Still, though, it compares favorably with some of the cheesier STAR TREK: TOS episodes, and I have to give it credit for satiating me in a way that INTO DARKNESS didn't quite manage.
November 21, 2019
A nice outing with the crew of the Enterprise.
This honestly reads like a series episode.
The way it plays out. You can imagine this just like it was an episode of the series.
The main characters faces and voices there. While you read it.
A nice capture of the spirit of the show.
Some of the basis, taken from an actual episode.
The Enterprise and Klingons. Restricted in actions.
By a peace treaty made by a powerful race of beings.
a mystery, and mysterious force at work.
To keep the peace or go to battle stations.
The only drawback at times.
Some of the scientific aspect. Can be a little far fetched or not easy to grasp.
Still enjoyable for fans of the series.
This honestly reads like a series episode.
The way it plays out. You can imagine this just like it was an episode of the series.
The main characters faces and voices there. While you read it.
A nice capture of the spirit of the show.
Some of the basis, taken from an actual episode.
The Enterprise and Klingons. Restricted in actions.
By a peace treaty made by a powerful race of beings.
a mystery, and mysterious force at work.
To keep the peace or go to battle stations.
The only drawback at times.
Some of the scientific aspect. Can be a little far fetched or not easy to grasp.
Still enjoyable for fans of the series.
July 28, 2011
It's a bit too short to be an all-conquering classic...but it makes up for its novella-ish length with complete craziness! It's as if Robert Vardeman took inspiration from episodes such as "The Naked Time" and "This Side of Paradise", stirred in a batty Andorian archeologist, loopy Klingons...and watched the resulting explosion with unabashed glee. This is quite the super-fast "Star Trek" acid trip...but an enjoyable one, to be sure!
September 12, 2013
Bad enough that even though I love Star Trek it could not push it to two stars. Spock crying like a baby, a story that never really did seem to get off the ground. I suppose there was supposed to be tension building in the book but I never felt it.
September 3, 2024
This was pretty bad. I did laugh a few times, but that was about it. There was an actual compelling story that could have been written based upon the ideas brought forth. The delivery was lame.
April 11, 2021
This is the third written Star Trek novel(outside the James Blish and Alan Dean foster books in the 70s), and portrays a very different era of Science Fiction. When you go to the Used Bookstore and look at their old Science Fiction section, complete with Heinlen and Asimov books, you'll find Star Trek books like this.
This book is very stereotypical. The author couldn't do too much to deviate story or characters, so he found one aspect of a character and honed in. Case in point: Scotty LOVES his engine and does whatever is necessary to give it more power(if you're a Home Improvement fan, you just read that as MORE POWER!).
The book has an aura of suspense that matches the plots of the actual episodes of The Original Series. In fact, this book could have easily been adapted into an episode of the Original Series during it's run, and it would have been a fun episode.
However, as a book, it's fairly boring. There are actually some interesting worldbuilding here and the mystery itself is intriguing. However, the itchy trigger finger throughout made the book just too monotonous. I was so ready to find out what the problem was because I was over the crew acting up. That said, I didn't see the ending coming and it totally blew my mind.
The best character work is Kirk and Spock. Kirk doesn't have much of an arc, but seems the most consistent with the series/movies. Spock does some out of character things, but they are all explained well and ends up having a good arc. The author definitely nailed his voice.
I felt the author struggled with the minor characters, such as Sulu(who is barely in the book), Scotty, Bones, and Chekov. However, he absolutely did a terrible job with Uhura, and this type of writing is why Media-Tie In Fiction gets a bad wrap.
Overall, this is a decent novella-length story published as a novel. The best part is the mystery and adventure. I wish there was more action(which is usually rare for me) and obviously more character arcs. But, it was still enjoyable. 5.7 out of 10! Decent work Robert E. Vardaman.
This book is very stereotypical. The author couldn't do too much to deviate story or characters, so he found one aspect of a character and honed in. Case in point: Scotty LOVES his engine and does whatever is necessary to give it more power(if you're a Home Improvement fan, you just read that as MORE POWER!).
The book has an aura of suspense that matches the plots of the actual episodes of The Original Series. In fact, this book could have easily been adapted into an episode of the Original Series during it's run, and it would have been a fun episode.
However, as a book, it's fairly boring. There are actually some interesting worldbuilding here and the mystery itself is intriguing. However, the itchy trigger finger throughout made the book just too monotonous. I was so ready to find out what the problem was because I was over the crew acting up. That said, I didn't see the ending coming and it totally blew my mind.
The best character work is Kirk and Spock. Kirk doesn't have much of an arc, but seems the most consistent with the series/movies. Spock does some out of character things, but they are all explained well and ends up having a good arc. The author definitely nailed his voice.
I felt the author struggled with the minor characters, such as Sulu(who is barely in the book), Scotty, Bones, and Chekov. However, he absolutely did a terrible job with Uhura, and this type of writing is why Media-Tie In Fiction gets a bad wrap.
Overall, this is a decent novella-length story published as a novel. The best part is the mystery and adventure. I wish there was more action(which is usually rare for me) and obviously more character arcs. But, it was still enjoyable. 5.7 out of 10! Decent work Robert E. Vardaman.
September 7, 2018
One of the more apt criticisms of the Star Trek franchise is about the repetitiveness of their plotting. Though the original premise of a starship exploring the galaxy opened up a variety of possibilities, it wasn't long before the crews were repeatedly encountering godlike aliens, faux-Edens, and dangerous machines that needed to be talked into destroying themselves. From the standpoint of a television show (especially the original series), such repetition is perhaps understandable given the constraints imposed by technology and budgets. This is also what makes the franchise's novels so different; freed from such mundane constraints, practically anything is possible.
This is why Robert Vardeman's novel is so frustrating. The title suggests a story involving the Enterprise crew grappling with some fiendish Klingon plot to take over the Alpha Quadrant or perhaps an interstellar battle in which Kirk matches wits with the captain of a Klingon warship. What Vardeman delivers instead is a tepid mystery that for fans of the original series will seem all too familiar, as the author takes elements from two of their episodes and mashes them together after making just a few minor alterations. The Klingons are less of a fearsome threat in the story than they are a secondary plot device, and their "gambit" (to the degree that there even is one) boils down to seeking a MaGuffin and nothing more. The whole thing is a waste of a good title, a neat cover, and the hours of time spent reading it, as fans are best advised taking a hard pass on this one.
This is why Robert Vardeman's novel is so frustrating. The title suggests a story involving the Enterprise crew grappling with some fiendish Klingon plot to take over the Alpha Quadrant or perhaps an interstellar battle in which Kirk matches wits with the captain of a Klingon warship. What Vardeman delivers instead is a tepid mystery that for fans of the original series will seem all too familiar, as the author takes elements from two of their episodes and mashes them together after making just a few minor alterations. The Klingons are less of a fearsome threat in the story than they are a secondary plot device, and their "gambit" (to the degree that there even is one) boils down to seeking a MaGuffin and nothing more. The whole thing is a waste of a good title, a neat cover, and the hours of time spent reading it, as fans are best advised taking a hard pass on this one.
May 30, 2013
Did not finish. It was to awful and I didn't want to waste my time!
May 27, 2017
Classic Star Trek. Like reading a tv episode in book form. I would definitely recommend to others for a quick Klingon and federation dispute.
May 10, 2019
Very inconsistent, barely any surprises. However, it reads exactly like an original episode and it is very pulpy and interesting. Very much an unused episode more than a full on Star Trek novel
May 11, 2022
Solid Star Trek Adventure
Reading an original series Star Trek novel is like spending time with old friends. A Star Trek Original Series fan since my childhood, I love reading these adventures. This adventure is different in that our heros are behaving very uncharacteristically due to an unknown force. Into the mix, a Klingon warship provides a constant threat as these enemies both race to discover the secrets and treasures of a long abandoned planet. Near misses while avoiding an all out war with the Klingons plus mysteries to be solved regarding the original inhabitants of the planet satisfy the Star Trek fan. Good entertainment.
Reading an original series Star Trek novel is like spending time with old friends. A Star Trek Original Series fan since my childhood, I love reading these adventures. This adventure is different in that our heros are behaving very uncharacteristically due to an unknown force. Into the mix, a Klingon warship provides a constant threat as these enemies both race to discover the secrets and treasures of a long abandoned planet. Near misses while avoiding an all out war with the Klingons plus mysteries to be solved regarding the original inhabitants of the planet satisfy the Star Trek fan. Good entertainment.
December 26, 2025
This was just an OK read for me. As a matter of fact I skimmed through the last 20 or so pages. I found the story repetitious quite a bit and some parts slow going. But when there was action it was pretty good but that didn't happen too often.
I though that the original series ST books would be a step up from TNG books as they were written first with fresher ideas, but I guess that isn't always the case. Granted this is the first I've read and I have a few more so hopefully those will be a little better for me.
I though that the original series ST books would be a step up from TNG books as they were written first with fresher ideas, but I guess that isn't always the case. Granted this is the first I've read and I have a few more so hopefully those will be a little better for me.
August 18, 2024
The Naked Time meets Klingons as the Enterprise explores a mysterious planet that’s having a strange effect on the crew, meanwhile, a deadly Klingon Dreadnaught claims the planet as theirs. The writing isn’t great and the big reveal is a little hokey, but the tension with the Klingons is good and it’s a good read for fans of the Naked Time
October 21, 2025
This already wasn’t an entirely original idea and the fact that they did close to nothing interesting with it really sealed the fate of the book. The author had little grasp on the characters in any meaningful way, reducing Uhura to “Woman”, Sulu to “Asian”, Chekov to “Young Man”, Scotty to “Scotsman”, and McCoy to “Southern Old Man”, which was quite frustrating. And please don’t get me started on Spock. No that’s a lie I’m going to get started on Spock. Why must we force him to kiss women every chance we get. Why. Please tell me. It’s so annoying. Yes, there’s an explanation for his behavior, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good character decision. The scene where Avitts genuinely attempts to seduce him read as so wrong and uncomfortable I had to skip ahead. Just because Spock becomes more emotional does NOT mean we have to shove a love interest at him. We can be better than this. There are so many interesting ways to take his character and this is no longer one of them. I am ordering you to STOP.
Not even Bones existing could save this one :(
Straight Spock pisses me off man
Not even Bones existing could save this one :(
Straight Spock pisses me off man
August 9, 2020
Again, a fast quick read - with characters we all know during their best to keep their sanity!
October 4, 2016
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to read this book based solely off the Klingon dreadnought on the cover. I've read Star Trek novels before, but nothing so close to the beginning of the novels, so this was a treat.
Vardeman did a good job with the crew of the Enterprise. All of what you would expect is there. McCoy bantering with Spock, Kirk being decisive and pondering, Spock dealing with being a half-Vulcan; it's all there. I was actually surprised at how well Vardeman captured the crew that we have all come to love and he managed to stick to their personalities extremely well.
That said, McCoy's stabs at Spock got a little out of control at points I found. At some points they seemed like outright attacks rather than quips and jabs, something that perhaps I missed when I was a child watching the TV series. Still, it took me out of the novel more than once as I wondered if McCoy genuinely hated Spock or not.
The Klingons in this novel were also handled well. Before they became the fleshed out species they were in later series, Vardeman managed to portray them perfectly in this novel. War mongering, aggressive, warriors to a fault, the Klingons in this book feel genuine and behave exactly how you would expect them to, even in relation to their later incarnations. The hatred between them and Kirk is apparent, and Kirk's feelings towards them is adequately in line with his attitudes in the series.
The writing in this novel is solid. Sometimes suspenseful, sometimes whimsical, there is a nice balance to the overall story that keeps you on your toes while you read. There is a nice mystery to this story, and it lasts right up until the end. The action is handled well, is fluid and quick. The dialogue is also handled well, except for the before mentioned quips by McCoy.
All in all, this was a good book. Not overly amazing, it still was everything it promised to be and I rather enjoyed it. If you are a Star Trek fan, it's worth checking out.
Vardeman did a good job with the crew of the Enterprise. All of what you would expect is there. McCoy bantering with Spock, Kirk being decisive and pondering, Spock dealing with being a half-Vulcan; it's all there. I was actually surprised at how well Vardeman captured the crew that we have all come to love and he managed to stick to their personalities extremely well.
That said, McCoy's stabs at Spock got a little out of control at points I found. At some points they seemed like outright attacks rather than quips and jabs, something that perhaps I missed when I was a child watching the TV series. Still, it took me out of the novel more than once as I wondered if McCoy genuinely hated Spock or not.
The Klingons in this novel were also handled well. Before they became the fleshed out species they were in later series, Vardeman managed to portray them perfectly in this novel. War mongering, aggressive, warriors to a fault, the Klingons in this book feel genuine and behave exactly how you would expect them to, even in relation to their later incarnations. The hatred between them and Kirk is apparent, and Kirk's feelings towards them is adequately in line with his attitudes in the series.
The writing in this novel is solid. Sometimes suspenseful, sometimes whimsical, there is a nice balance to the overall story that keeps you on your toes while you read. There is a nice mystery to this story, and it lasts right up until the end. The action is handled well, is fluid and quick. The dialogue is also handled well, except for the before mentioned quips by McCoy.
All in all, this was a good book. Not overly amazing, it still was everything it promised to be and I rather enjoyed it. If you are a Star Trek fan, it's worth checking out.
April 18, 2018
It took me a little while to get into this - I'm predisposed to dislike any story that is even slightly reminiscent of the original episode "The Naked Time", but for whatever reason Star Trek has a continuing and inexplicable fondness for stories where the behaviour of the entire crew is manipulated into unrecognisable uselessness. Unfortunately that's the case here, and while it takes everyone a ridiculous amount of time to realise what's happening, they get there in the end. But plot concept aside, there are enjoyable things going on here. I like that there's an archaeological mystery at the centre of this. And Kirk's dealings with the Klingons, especially their leader Kalan, were clever and interesting. Most interesting to me, though, was McCoy's spiral into both racism and anti-tech sentiments. He's always had mild tendencies in those directions, but rarely are they made as cutting and unattractive as they are here. I'd have liked to see a conclusion where he tries to reconcile those aspects of himself, as it's a far more interesting conflict to me than another Mr-Spock-falls-in-love-and-tries-to-fight-it storyline, because there's not enough topaline in the entire galaxy to make me give the tiniest shit about that.
March 28, 2016
This was actually the first Star Trek book I read when I was in either 7th or 8th grade. and actually I'm 41 years old well that was awhile ago! I remember I did a book report on it it was completely sucked into it and completely enthralled by it. However this time around re- reading it and by the way I don't know why I decided to reread it a couple of months ago it just popped into my head. Anyway this time and I enjoyed it but it really didn't suck me in. Recently I've read a lot of other Star Trek books especially lately that frankly have been a lot better than this one. if you are in a original series fan maybe this is the book for you, personally I'm a next-generation fan in most of the Star Trek books I read are of the Next Generation series. Anyway I give it 3.5 Stars. I should add at the ending was better than I expected there's a nice little twist at the end that I did not see coming!
Brian
Brian
July 14, 2016
Although it's less than 200 pages, I had the hardest time forcing myself to finish this book. The basic plot of this story is that, for reasons unknown, the crew of the starship Enterprise are exhibiting extremely erratic behavior. The major characters familiar from the TV show are all acting in ways that are completely out of character (Spock cries! Scotty really wants to work on the engines! Like, more than usual! Bones... doesn't like machines?). It's an interesting concept, but the author doesn't seem to have a firm enough grasp of who these characters are in the first place to freestyle with them the way that he does. Also, this idea has already been done (and done much better): see the first season TOS episode "The Naked Time".
Weird characterizations + some odd racist/sexist non-sequiturs + a slapdash eleventh hour solution to all of the (many) dangling plot threads = too much going on, and none of it good.
Weird characterizations + some odd racist/sexist non-sequiturs + a slapdash eleventh hour solution to all of the (many) dangling plot threads = too much going on, and none of it good.
January 9, 2024
It was as if someone had gagged me with a spoon anytime a female character showed up in this book.
Barf.
What a huge letdown after how well the female character was written in McIntyre's Entropy Effect. I also often wondered if Vardeman watched more than a few episodes of Star Trek. I should not be able to figure out what is happening before Spock does, but I was because I've seen the crew go through this before in The Naked Time. Finally, for a short book, it sure does repeat itself. Not recommended.
"They both watched the chief leave, her behind twitching just the right amount as she went through the door. Scotty's heavy exhalation told Kirk more than words could have."
Barf.
What a huge letdown after how well the female character was written in McIntyre's Entropy Effect. I also often wondered if Vardeman watched more than a few episodes of Star Trek. I should not be able to figure out what is happening before Spock does, but I was because I've seen the crew go through this before in The Naked Time. Finally, for a short book, it sure does repeat itself. Not recommended.
April 7, 2020
This book read just like a good star trek episode in many ways. The pacing was good, and the characterization was strong and comparable with the show. I think the strength of this novel is that it does not overthink Kirk, Spock, Bones, or Scotty. This is the story of a mysterious planet near which a ship of Vulcans dies peacefully in their beds. When the Klingons arrive and the Federation, both ships' personnel start acting strangely--with the most exaggerated parts of their personalities driving them. Kirk and the team start to wonder if the planet is having strange effects on them.
A good, fun read. Not too complex, but fun.
A good, fun read. Not too complex, but fun.
Read
March 16, 2021Some more great drama between Captain Kirk and the Klingons, although to be honest it does start to seem like the "Captain of the Klingon vessel" becomes somewhat of a revolving role in these stories. Still, it's an entertaining book even though it's not the most surprising or unexpected of plots. It is entertaining to watch the crews of both vessels gradually losing their grip on reality and in contemplating the many different directions things could have gone in. It's classic Trek, it's hard to go completely wrong.
December 16, 2017
Surprisingly okay, at least compared to what some people here had to say. A light, quick novel about a deserted planet with a hidden secret, I banged this one out in about two hours.
While it’s dated in some respects and takes a few liberties with characters (one engineer runs a still in their department), I found it okay: it’s pretty average. It’s not the best trek novel I’ve read but you know what? It’s not the worst either.
While it’s dated in some respects and takes a few liberties with characters (one engineer runs a still in their department), I found it okay: it’s pretty average. It’s not the best trek novel I’ve read but you know what? It’s not the worst either.
July 11, 2023
Stardate 4720.1 The Enterprise is ordered to Alnath II by chief of staff Admiral Tackett, as the vulcan space ship T'Pau crew have all died. Presumably by the Klingons orbiting the planet captained by Kalan. On the planet is Andoranon and archaeologist Dr Threllvon. Can Kirk keep the Klingons at bay while solving the riddle of the planet.
An entertaining re-read.
An entertaining re-read.
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