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Star Trek: Errand of Vengeance #1
The Edge of the Sword
A thrilling Star Trek adventure novel featuring Captain Kirk and members of the original crew as they face an unknown phenomenon headed to destroy a planet and its possible origins of a past coming back to haunt them.Lt. Jon Anderson is the newest security officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. He joins the crew at a time of mounting tension between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Previous battles have been inconclusive, but Starfleet Command fears that the Klingons are gearing up for a major offensive. The Enterprise would be on the front lines of an all-out interstellar war. But Lieutenant Anderson has a he is actually a Klingon infiltrator assigned to sabotage Starfleet from within. His first kill Capt. James T. Kirk.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2002
41 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Ryan
125 books21 followersKevin Ryan is an American writer of many Star Trek books and one episode. He has also written comic books and the novelization of the movie Van Helsing. He lives in New York with his wife and children.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 4, 2014
“The Edge of the Sword” by Kevin Ryan is the first in a trilogy of Star Trek novels known as the “Errand of Vengeance” trilogy that revolves around the slow build up to war between the Federation & the Klingon Empire as seen in the TV episode, “Errand of Mercy”. This novel mainly follows the actions of a Klingon infiltrator who has been sent to the Enterprise to assassinate Kirk. However we also get to see what is happening to the spy’s brother who is on-board a Klingon ship, witness the events as they unfold at Starfleet Command and finally we get to see what is happening with the main Enterprise crew itself.
First off I have to say that I really enjoyed the book, I specifically appreciated seeing life on-board the Enterprise from the viewpoint of the red shirts within Security. In the TV series they were treated as throwaway characters but here we get to see a group of professional and proud people who understand and acknowledge the high mortality rate but are determined to do their job. This slightly different viewpoint also give the novel a fresh and interesting feeling which was highly appreciated by me as I try and read through the entire Star Trek collection.
In regards to the plot, well it was well-written, exciting and action packed but to me it felt secondary to the exploration of the life of a red shirt and Ryan’s attempts to link various TV episodes and events into his overall Klingon-Federation story arc. This attempt at trying to resolve aspects of the Original Series’ very episodic format into a coherent flow was impressive and worked very well.
As for the characters, well the new ones are all lovingly crafted by Ryan and I found myself quickly coming to like them all. They really do take over the narrative of the story so if you are a big fan of Kirk, Spock and McCoy then you may be disappointed as they felt rather side-lined. Personally, I liked this diversion from standard Star Trek formula, especially as the new characters are all interesting and well developed but there may be some out there who don’t.
One of the weakest aspects of the novel in my opinion however was the way in which the Klingon seems to resolve his feelings on Kirk. I appreciated how he slowly came to accept his fellow Security officers as he worked and fought alongside them but with Kirk it all felt a little bit too rushed and easy. I found it hard to believe that he would suddenly flip his viewpoint in the way he does. In my opinion it would have been nicer and more realistic to see a much more drawn out process.
Overall, this was an enjoyable first book in the trilogy and it was wonderfully utilised to set up the new characters and viewpoint from the Security team. The new viewpoints used by Ryan have resulted in a much more action packed Star Trek novel than I am used but this just helped to increase the feeling of freshness around the entire thing. I am now really looking forward to seeing where Ryan is going to take the characters and the story next.
First off I have to say that I really enjoyed the book, I specifically appreciated seeing life on-board the Enterprise from the viewpoint of the red shirts within Security. In the TV series they were treated as throwaway characters but here we get to see a group of professional and proud people who understand and acknowledge the high mortality rate but are determined to do their job. This slightly different viewpoint also give the novel a fresh and interesting feeling which was highly appreciated by me as I try and read through the entire Star Trek collection.
In regards to the plot, well it was well-written, exciting and action packed but to me it felt secondary to the exploration of the life of a red shirt and Ryan’s attempts to link various TV episodes and events into his overall Klingon-Federation story arc. This attempt at trying to resolve aspects of the Original Series’ very episodic format into a coherent flow was impressive and worked very well.
As for the characters, well the new ones are all lovingly crafted by Ryan and I found myself quickly coming to like them all. They really do take over the narrative of the story so if you are a big fan of Kirk, Spock and McCoy then you may be disappointed as they felt rather side-lined. Personally, I liked this diversion from standard Star Trek formula, especially as the new characters are all interesting and well developed but there may be some out there who don’t.
One of the weakest aspects of the novel in my opinion however was the way in which the Klingon seems to resolve his feelings on Kirk. I appreciated how he slowly came to accept his fellow Security officers as he worked and fought alongside them but with Kirk it all felt a little bit too rushed and easy. I found it hard to believe that he would suddenly flip his viewpoint in the way he does. In my opinion it would have been nicer and more realistic to see a much more drawn out process.
Overall, this was an enjoyable first book in the trilogy and it was wonderfully utilised to set up the new characters and viewpoint from the Security team. The new viewpoints used by Ryan have resulted in a much more action packed Star Trek novel than I am used but this just helped to increase the feeling of freshness around the entire thing. I am now really looking forward to seeing where Ryan is going to take the characters and the story next.
May 24, 2022
A clever take on classic Trek, inserting an under-cover enemy into the existing storylines, while simultaneously adding new material. This is nostalgia with extra modern bite, and it captures the original crew of the Enterprise with great success. I'm looking forward to the second volume and the new complications in our undercover operative's life.
June 29, 2009
A little slow to start. I wasn't sure about the POV character at first- he kind of got on my nerves until he started interacting with the rest of the Security crew. The action scenes on the planet were very interesting and I was actually more engaged with those stories than I was with that of Kirk and Co. on the Enterprise.
I'm a bit annoyed that this story was split into three books instead of being contained in one larger volume- it really feels like a ploy to get more money out of readers as opposed to a good story-telling technique, although this does have the feel of serialized fiction.
Not enough Kirk here.
I think the Klingon's issue with Kirk was resolved a bit too early. He has this stong belief that Kirk is terrible, that Earthers are horrible and while I understand why he changes his opinion about his fellow Security officers, the Kirk thing felt a bit rushed. It makes me wonder where this is going, as there are two more books in the series.
I'm a bit annoyed that this story was split into three books instead of being contained in one larger volume- it really feels like a ploy to get more money out of readers as opposed to a good story-telling technique, although this does have the feel of serialized fiction.
Not enough Kirk here.
I think the Klingon's issue with Kirk was resolved a bit too early. He has this stong belief that Kirk is terrible, that Earthers are horrible and while I understand why he changes his opinion about his fellow Security officers, the Kirk thing felt a bit rushed. It makes me wonder where this is going, as there are two more books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
Star Trek: TOS: Errand of Vegeance 01 The Edge of the Sword by Kevin Ryan
3.75 Stars
challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
This is a story about a Klingon infiltrator (tlhIngan - humanoid Klingons, aka "smooth-headed Klingons). So, this spy has been put onto the USS Enterprise...to kill the most hated human in the Klingon Empire, Captain James T. Kirk.
There are three linear narratives, one in the head of Kel (aforementioned spy), the Klingons and their prep for war with the humans of Starfleet, and the Orians...who are the main villains of this story.
I have to say, it was hard to wrap my head around HOW this Klingon became a cadet, without having an examination. Also, wouldn't the buffer on the transporters know the difference between a human and a Klingon? So, there is some suspension of disbelief...that he's gotten this close (hare's breath) from Captain Kirk...and actually fulfilling his mission. SO close.
The mission onto the planet and the subsequent actions of this character bring him "honour" by the humans, but he still hasn't been able to fulfill his mission.
Will he be able to? Well, we know he doesn't succeed (obviously), so in this Errand of Vegeance trilogy, we will have to see how tries to accomplish the goal of him being embedded in Starfleet and on the USS Enterprise.
I have to say, "I like the guy", but that all depends on how he proceeds. It is not what he thinks, but what he actually does. Will he honour/betray his Klingon heritage?
By the end of the trilogy, will we support him? or will we hate him?
It is really up to Kel, and his final actions.
Next up, Errand of Vengeance 02 Killing Blow.
3.75 Stars
challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
This is a story about a Klingon infiltrator (tlhIngan - humanoid Klingons, aka "smooth-headed Klingons). So, this spy has been put onto the USS Enterprise...to kill the most hated human in the Klingon Empire, Captain James T. Kirk.
There are three linear narratives, one in the head of Kel (aforementioned spy), the Klingons and their prep for war with the humans of Starfleet, and the Orians...who are the main villains of this story.
I have to say, it was hard to wrap my head around HOW this Klingon became a cadet, without having an examination. Also, wouldn't the buffer on the transporters know the difference between a human and a Klingon? So, there is some suspension of disbelief...that he's gotten this close (hare's breath) from Captain Kirk...and actually fulfilling his mission. SO close.
The mission onto the planet and the subsequent actions of this character bring him "honour" by the humans, but he still hasn't been able to fulfill his mission.
Will he be able to? Well, we know he doesn't succeed (obviously), so in this Errand of Vegeance trilogy, we will have to see how tries to accomplish the goal of him being embedded in Starfleet and on the USS Enterprise.
I have to say, "I like the guy", but that all depends on how he proceeds. It is not what he thinks, but what he actually does. Will he honour/betray his Klingon heritage?
By the end of the trilogy, will we support him? or will we hate him?
It is really up to Kel, and his final actions.
Next up, Errand of Vengeance 02 Killing Blow.
May 14, 2020
For any fan who's watched the first season of Discovery this will sound familiar...
Lt. Jon Anderson has become a member of the security team aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, but he's really Kell, a Klingon in disguise who's come aboard the iconic ship to kill its captain--James T. Kirk!
The novel is told primarily from his point of view and he's a great character. He's doing his best to fit in among the Earthers, er--Humans, and he's not loving it. However, the more time he spends around him has him wondering if everything the Empire things about these beings may be wrong. I found myself rooting for Kell when he was in dangerous situations, but I was glad that author Ryan kept reminding the reader that the character is in the book to kill off its beloved captain.
The scenes on a Klingon ship are also very good, and when combined with the scenes occurring at Starfleet Headquarters, Ryan is masterfully creating a shift between TOS and TNG. This book also has a very neat tie-in to Season 1's episode 7 (but you can look that up if you want to spoil things, if you can't recall which one that is off the top of your head).
This is a highly enjoyable book that I recommend to all fans of the original series.
Lt. Jon Anderson has become a member of the security team aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, but he's really Kell, a Klingon in disguise who's come aboard the iconic ship to kill its captain--James T. Kirk!
The novel is told primarily from his point of view and he's a great character. He's doing his best to fit in among the Earthers, er--Humans, and he's not loving it. However, the more time he spends around him has him wondering if everything the Empire things about these beings may be wrong. I found myself rooting for Kell when he was in dangerous situations, but I was glad that author Ryan kept reminding the reader that the character is in the book to kill off its beloved captain.
The scenes on a Klingon ship are also very good, and when combined with the scenes occurring at Starfleet Headquarters, Ryan is masterfully creating a shift between TOS and TNG. This book also has a very neat tie-in to Season 1's episode 7 (but you can look that up if you want to spoil things, if you can't recall which one that is off the top of your head).
This is a highly enjoyable book that I recommend to all fans of the original series.
July 25, 2025
Three and a half stars. I always seem to really enjoy the Trek books where two enemies learn to respect each other and understand the other's culture a little better, even if it doesn't make a difference to what they are required to do. That's not quite the case here, as Kirk is completely unaware that he has a Klingon infiltrator aboard the Enterprise. Kell is posing as a security officer, and - as might be expected in this franchise - his underlying disdain for humans is continually challenged by living and working alongside them. He comes to respect humans, if not completely understand them, and yet he ends the book knowing that he's still going to try and assassinate Kirk because such is his duty.
There is, I have to admit, not a great deal of surprise here. One can read the blurb on the back and pretty much predict where the story's going, but the expectation fits well with the theme - with what may be Trek's primary theme - that seeking out different forms of life and learning about them is intrinsically valuable. So, no surprises, but the story's still well-told and relatively realistic in its negotiation of that difference.
There is, I have to admit, not a great deal of surprise here. One can read the blurb on the back and pretty much predict where the story's going, but the expectation fits well with the theme - with what may be Trek's primary theme - that seeking out different forms of life and learning about them is intrinsically valuable. So, no surprises, but the story's still well-told and relatively realistic in its negotiation of that difference.
January 21, 2024
Despite some questionable writing choices, decent start.
I'm hoping the next 2 novels in this trilogy are better.
The story is neat. But we clearly know who the antagonists are. So there is no surprise coming.
Why are there "pay" references? Starfleet officers don't get "paid".
I'm also not sure why the author decided to follow the tired trope of a Klingon acting honorably only to eventually find out the empire is not all that honorable. It's a boring trope that that.
Oh well. We'll see how part 2 looks.
I'm hoping the next 2 novels in this trilogy are better.
The story is neat. But we clearly know who the antagonists are. So there is no surprise coming.
Why are there "pay" references? Starfleet officers don't get "paid".
I'm also not sure why the author decided to follow the tired trope of a Klingon acting honorably only to eventually find out the empire is not all that honorable. It's a boring trope that that.
Oh well. We'll see how part 2 looks.
November 7, 2025
I had low expectations for this one so maybe that's why I rated it so high but this did surprise me and I got right into the story. Perhaps it was having Kell being an infiltrator aboard the Enterprise and seeing his prejudices break down throughout the book and the tension of keeping hidden about who he is that won me over but I liked it. I assume that the West who is the B plot of the story is the same West from Star Trek VI and I guess his story will play more out in the next two books but I did like the start of this trilogy and the characters introduced.
July 26, 2021
I had read this book because I had watched the t.v. show. I enjoyed reading this book because of the fantasy and adventure. I loved that the story was somewhat fast paced. I thought the novel was well written. It is a must read.
September 30, 2021
This was in 4 different perspectives: 2 Klingon’s and 2 Starfleet officers. I read this on my kindled/laptop where the perspective just changed and the ending was pretty wordy. However, I enjoyed the action and typical Star Trek flow.
October 14, 2021
A true trekkie novel.
I liked learning about Klingon culture as told by the narrator, Kell. I'd recommend this book to any trekkie. I gave it four stars instead of 5 bc it might only be entertaining to fans and not for everyone.
I liked learning about Klingon culture as told by the narrator, Kell. I'd recommend this book to any trekkie. I gave it four stars instead of 5 bc it might only be entertaining to fans and not for everyone.
February 3, 2024
Kirk Lives Still
Found this novel to be well written and a very enjoyable read. Finally we get to see action from the security side, and it's good. Not giving away the plot...read it yourselves, but you'll need to carry on to book 2 in the series.
Found this novel to be well written and a very enjoyable read. Finally we get to see action from the security side, and it's good. Not giving away the plot...read it yourselves, but you'll need to carry on to book 2 in the series.
May 18, 2025
One of the few Klingon-centric stories I’ve really enjoyed in this series. Ryan pens a tale of intrigue that doesn’t get bogged down in the usual wheels-with-wheels plotting that slows down so many other Trek novels. And it’s lots of fun.
February 19, 2017
A compelling Star Trek tale told from the unusual perspective of a Klingon infiltrator. Ryan makes excellent use of events and gaps from the original series.
May 14, 2020
Good plot, makes me want to continue with the trilogy.
April 25, 2021
Better than I thought it would be (Klingons aren't my favorite).
July 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I've been rewatching TOS and this book fit right in with the feel of Star Trek.
June 30, 2025
Very enjoyable Trek novel
September 23, 2025
Pretty good Star Trek fiction.
May 29, 2024
2.5 Stars. While Star Trek is one of my favorite TV shows of all time, this story left much to be desired in terms of story construction and plot. There were some interesting points in the story but this was sadly overshadowed by the way the story was told and how lack luster the plot ended up being. Some character growth was attempted but it fell flat due to the story not being engaging. Might give Star Trek series another shot as there are about 200 books in the canon but first attempt was quite lackluster.
March 20, 2010
The Klingons are preparing for war against the Federation, and one of modes of attack is a spy sent to the Enterprise to kill Captain Kirk. The narrative is split into four streams: Admiral Justman and Lieutenant West at Starfleet Command, the Klingon infiltrator with a behind-the-scenes perspective of the red shirts, the spy's brother aboard his (Klingon) ship, and Kirk and the main crew.
I liked the book. In particular, I liked going into the world of the red shirts. Instead of being the throwaway characters, you get to see a group of people, who take great pride in their duty, despite the acknowledged high mortality rate. The characters and plot, though predictable, were interesting. It was quick to read, and hard to put down.
Oddly, the book briefly mentions Dr. Korby ('What Little Girls are Made of') as did the one I read right before this, 'Immortal Coil'.
I liked the book. In particular, I liked going into the world of the red shirts. Instead of being the throwaway characters, you get to see a group of people, who take great pride in their duty, despite the acknowledged high mortality rate. The characters and plot, though predictable, were interesting. It was quick to read, and hard to put down.
Oddly, the book briefly mentions Dr. Korby ('What Little Girls are Made of') as did the one I read right before this, 'Immortal Coil'.
December 17, 2012
I actually read this novel a number of months ago, and only recently got around to continuing the series. It was originally introduced to me as something to fill the void that was left when the Vanguard series of novels came to an end: a smart, interesting, mature take on The Original Series era, with a point of view other than the usual Star Trek cast. It did not disappoint. Now that I am finally continuing the series, I can't wait to see what Kevin Ryan has in store for these characters.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/12/t...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/12/t...
January 26, 2017
Original viewpoint (quite hard in this enormous series) but sometimes predictable. But the story goes the way i like it so that is not a problem. Action en tension with technical problems - a heavenly cocktail.
September 5, 2015
A pretty good addition to the Star Trek universe.
A young Klingon is tasked with infiltrating Star Feet and assassinating Captain Kirk
A young Klingon is tasked with infiltrating Star Feet and assassinating Captain Kirk
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews