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Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2010 series) #3
The Gemini Agent
In The Gemini Agent, as first-year final exams week kicks off, several incident reports with serious allegations against James T. Kirk end up on the Commandant of Midshipmen’s desk. None of the allegations are true, of course… or are they? Kirk is being plagued by mysterious blackout periods, so he finds the allegations difficult to refute. During these blackout periods, he has no recollection of what he did, save for some very disturbing and disjointed memories. Kirk needs his friends, Bones and Uhura to help prove his innocence. Who is targeting Kirk, and why is he being targeted? And how far are they willing to go? Someone close to Kirk holds the answers to all of these questions, but can he put the pieces together before it’s too late?
195 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2011
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307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 28, 2017
This has been the best one of the series so far, it was put together like a good episode. We were introduced to Chekhov who was well defined, and there was a really fun plot through the novel.
July 14, 2011
Set in the continuity of the latest movie, this series concerns adventures our favorite crew has while attending the Academy.
As usual, Kirk is near the top of his class, inspiring both admiration and jealousy.
He comes under suspicion and accusations of Honor code violations. Some are so clumsily applied that it's obvious they are delaying tactics. An important exercise, the Zeta, is coming up and everyone wants the plum assignments to help their standing.
A prank? against Chekov, who, at fourteen, is the second youngest ever admitted to Starfleet Academy, nearly kills him and it seems to trace back to Kirk. Kirk has been having blackout spells and even he wonders if he could be doing things during them. he sees things he can't explain floating out of his memory.
The Gemini agent of the title we come to learn early is a Romulan. The purpose, and identity, is unknown. There are two likely candidates: T'Lya, a Vulcan first year that seems more human than humans and a section 31 agent, Lieutenant Caan, an exotic looking human woman that seems less human.
The book is part of a young adult series, but I found it interesting nonetheless.
As usual, Kirk is near the top of his class, inspiring both admiration and jealousy.
He comes under suspicion and accusations of Honor code violations. Some are so clumsily applied that it's obvious they are delaying tactics. An important exercise, the Zeta, is coming up and everyone wants the plum assignments to help their standing.
A prank? against Chekov, who, at fourteen, is the second youngest ever admitted to Starfleet Academy, nearly kills him and it seems to trace back to Kirk. Kirk has been having blackout spells and even he wonders if he could be doing things during them. he sees things he can't explain floating out of his memory.
The Gemini agent of the title we come to learn early is a Romulan. The purpose, and identity, is unknown. There are two likely candidates: T'Lya, a Vulcan first year that seems more human than humans and a section 31 agent, Lieutenant Caan, an exotic looking human woman that seems less human.
The book is part of a young adult series, but I found it interesting nonetheless.
December 29, 2023
I think this one has a better plot to it than The Edge and The Delta Anomoly. It's a lot more interesting, with Kirk actually being controlled. I also love a Romulan plot. The only problem is reading it so soon after the other two in the series. All of the books have a pretty similar tone to them. Mystery goes on, which is revealed in the last couple of pages. This one was unfortunately also really obvious from the start. I also have some severe doubt Kirk would be able to move up in Starfleet, considering this is the second book where he ends up romantically involved with a woman who betrays Starfleet and he just lets them get away with it.
But again, has some cute Spock and Uhura stuff. I'm not even saying this as a fan of that couple, but I think their slow-build romance is the best part of the books.
But again, has some cute Spock and Uhura stuff. I'm not even saying this as a fan of that couple, but I think their slow-build romance is the best part of the books.
September 24, 2011
The first two books of this series were so much better.
It picked up about halfway through, but through the beginning I had to keep reminding myself that I was not, in fact, reading bad fan fiction (the female Vulcan that just so happens to act completely Human because she grew up in different homes everywhere seems awfully Mary Sue-ish or self-fulfilling fangirl fantasy like to me).
But it picked up, and once the plot got rolling, I got over that. Once again with the series, there was some fun interconnecting with our eventual bridge crew.
Overall, it was pretty good, but I didn't love it.
It picked up about halfway through, but through the beginning I had to keep reminding myself that I was not, in fact, reading bad fan fiction (the female Vulcan that just so happens to act completely Human because she grew up in different homes everywhere seems awfully Mary Sue-ish or self-fulfilling fangirl fantasy like to me).
But it picked up, and once the plot got rolling, I got over that. Once again with the series, there was some fun interconnecting with our eventual bridge crew.
Overall, it was pretty good, but I didn't love it.
April 8, 2018
Author Rick Barba brings us back to the Kelvin timeline with this Starfleet Academy book the Gemini Agent. It's near the end of the first year for Cadet Kirk and his fellow students and they are preparing for the biggest test that they could have before summer break and the next school year begins. The Zeta test which is a starfleet battle simulation. During this time Kirk, McCoy, Uhura meet a woman who clams to be Vulcan but is in fact working for the Romulans. The Gemini project infects Kirk with a virus that tries to copy his personality and transmit that copy to the Neutral Zone.
Later during the Zeta test Kirk finds on his tactical screen a Romulan ship in among all of the starfleet vessels and puts two and two together. As the Romulan spy leaves she hands him a data cube filling him in on all that she can about what the Gemini project is really about. This is an interesting Romulan story and it has several characters that we meet in the 2009 film. I do recommend this book to all who like Star Trek or science fiction books.
Later during the Zeta test Kirk finds on his tactical screen a Romulan ship in among all of the starfleet vessels and puts two and two together. As the Romulan spy leaves she hands him a data cube filling him in on all that she can about what the Gemini project is really about. This is an interesting Romulan story and it has several characters that we meet in the 2009 film. I do recommend this book to all who like Star Trek or science fiction books.
May 25, 2017
Pros:
Great pacing
Kirk and McCoy are excellent as usual
Really enjoyed the Spock x Uhura scenes
female vulcan
Cons:
Was a bit confused with the gemini agent plot
Would have liked for there to be more side stories
Great pacing
Kirk and McCoy are excellent as usual
Really enjoyed the Spock x Uhura scenes
female vulcan
Cons:
Was a bit confused with the gemini agent plot
Would have liked for there to be more side stories
November 25, 2017
CHEKOV IS MY PRECIOUS CHILD. <3
May 3, 2022
I swear, these books don't miss. Even if these don't hold up in terms of masse Kelvinverse canon, I love them alot. Singing Kirk, Uhura, Spock, Bones etc. circling around each other in Starfleet Academy shenanigans is so very enjoyable, and this book does a great introduction of Chekov as a character too! It feels very young adulty, in the best ways, and includes engaging romance in addition to intergalactic concepts and species, as well as all the best aspects of an academy-based story. A ridiculously fast read.
If you like Star Trek and the Kelvinverse films and can stand to read a book intended for slightly younger audiences, I certainly recommend any of these series of books.
If you like Star Trek and the Kelvinverse films and can stand to read a book intended for slightly younger audiences, I certainly recommend any of these series of books.
July 18, 2011
In this third novel in a teen series dedicated to the Academy years of our favorite Star Trek characters in the reboot timeline, brings the Romulans front and center. The future Enterprise crew is finishing up their freshman year at the Academy and are readying up for the big Zeta mission, an opportunity for everyone to fill in as "real" officers on vessels during a fictional assignment. Kirk is hoping to command one of the major vessels, and everyone else is hoping to have their choice picks as well.
That is made more complicated for Jim Kirk after an odd health scare that seems to leave him with a missing block of time and some sort of condition that includes a revving up of his vitals. During the same time he experienced his blackout, he went missing, and he is accused of committing various acts that are both illegal and inappropriate for a cadet to do. This includes a dangerous attack on a fellow student (Cadet Chekov), who almost dies when his dorm room turns against him.
Woven throughout the tale, is a series of mysterious scenes set on Romulus in which a scientist that is part of the Jolan movement for peace is working with an undercover agent on Earth to learn more about what danger the humans and their Federation allies pose against the Star Empire. This sets up an interesting counterpoint to the troubles Kirk is facing because it quickly becomes evident that they are two sides of the same story.
Uhura continues to find her relationship with Spock developing, though they are very clearly still friends. With that said, it should come as no surprise that they clearly are moving beyond the roles of mentor and student and a mutual respect for each other's talents.
Kirk finds romance, as usual. This time the lady takes on the form of a young Vulcan woman who has an interesting disposition. Since her father was an ambassador to a number of different worlds, she grew up in a less-than-traditional Vulcan home. Without the guidance of her mother, who died when she was young; her father's busy career, and constant exposure to other, more emotional cultures, T'Lara often comes across as being more human than Vulcan.
Starfleet Intelligence starts to take an interest in Jim Kirk as it becomes clear that the blackouts might be tied to some Romulan transmissions from Earth. Lt. Caan, acting under the guise of Section 31, becomes involved with the investigation. She is not sure that Kirk is really guilty of the charges being placed against him. Along with her help, McCoy, Uhura, and T'Lara will help to find proof that Kirk is innocent and that someone else is working with the Romulans for some unknown reason.
It is interesting that this homage to Star Trek has taken on the form of futuristic mysteries, but overall the trend seems to be working. The characters are definitely familiar to fans, and the book does a great job of developing them a little further. The mystery is a bit simplistic. I was able to figure out the Romulan agent almost immediately, but I think that the actual mystery is less important in this case than the opportunity it provides the primary and secondary characters to develop. I am looking forward to reading future books in the series.
That is made more complicated for Jim Kirk after an odd health scare that seems to leave him with a missing block of time and some sort of condition that includes a revving up of his vitals. During the same time he experienced his blackout, he went missing, and he is accused of committing various acts that are both illegal and inappropriate for a cadet to do. This includes a dangerous attack on a fellow student (Cadet Chekov), who almost dies when his dorm room turns against him.
Woven throughout the tale, is a series of mysterious scenes set on Romulus in which a scientist that is part of the Jolan movement for peace is working with an undercover agent on Earth to learn more about what danger the humans and their Federation allies pose against the Star Empire. This sets up an interesting counterpoint to the troubles Kirk is facing because it quickly becomes evident that they are two sides of the same story.
Uhura continues to find her relationship with Spock developing, though they are very clearly still friends. With that said, it should come as no surprise that they clearly are moving beyond the roles of mentor and student and a mutual respect for each other's talents.
Kirk finds romance, as usual. This time the lady takes on the form of a young Vulcan woman who has an interesting disposition. Since her father was an ambassador to a number of different worlds, she grew up in a less-than-traditional Vulcan home. Without the guidance of her mother, who died when she was young; her father's busy career, and constant exposure to other, more emotional cultures, T'Lara often comes across as being more human than Vulcan.
Starfleet Intelligence starts to take an interest in Jim Kirk as it becomes clear that the blackouts might be tied to some Romulan transmissions from Earth. Lt. Caan, acting under the guise of Section 31, becomes involved with the investigation. She is not sure that Kirk is really guilty of the charges being placed against him. Along with her help, McCoy, Uhura, and T'Lara will help to find proof that Kirk is innocent and that someone else is working with the Romulans for some unknown reason.
It is interesting that this homage to Star Trek has taken on the form of futuristic mysteries, but overall the trend seems to be working. The characters are definitely familiar to fans, and the book does a great job of developing them a little further. The mystery is a bit simplistic. I was able to figure out the Romulan agent almost immediately, but I think that the actual mystery is less important in this case than the opportunity it provides the primary and secondary characters to develop. I am looking forward to reading future books in the series.
November 17, 2014
The third installation of the Starfleet Academy series, I was quite eager to start reading this one, since the previous book was pretty good. I've been quite enjoying this series so far, and I was hoping that this book would follow the pattern of enjoyment. It sort of did...
The plot of the book, to me, took a while to get to. While the main plot was kind of engaging, there were little side-plots here and there that seemed unnecessary, the most unnecessary being a sub-plot containing Uhura and Spock. Spock has no interaction with any other characters and just may as well not even be in the book at all. Also, reading that he looks down at Uhura's incredibly short skirt seemed incredibly uncharacteristic, even in this universe. Just thought I'd add that.
The main thing that I really liked about this book is the inclusion of Chekov, who is my second favourite TOS character. In the book Chekov is fourteen and just the cutest thing ever. My favourite parts of the book involved Chekov and he was the one character that just made me think "aww" whenever he said something that I found to be particularly adorable.
I liked how in this book, we are taken onto a starship and far away into non-Federation space, rather than just staying in the Academy. I think that pulling the action away from Earth, even for just a little while, gave the book a more of a Star Trek feel, since the series very rarely takes place on Earth.
A main feature of the book is Kirk's mysterious blackouts and I really liked how they were presented. I really managed to get a feel of what Kirk sees while he's blacked out through the writing, which gives quite a clear image.
Overall, I didn't love this book, but I didn't not like it at the same time. For a book that only has thirteen chapters, most of the action appears in the penultimate chapter, while the rest of the book moves at quite a leisurely pace. I found the end to be a little bit predictable but I loved the inclusion of Chekov.
The plot of the book, to me, took a while to get to. While the main plot was kind of engaging, there were little side-plots here and there that seemed unnecessary, the most unnecessary being a sub-plot containing Uhura and Spock. Spock has no interaction with any other characters and just may as well not even be in the book at all. Also, reading that he looks down at Uhura's incredibly short skirt seemed incredibly uncharacteristic, even in this universe. Just thought I'd add that.
The main thing that I really liked about this book is the inclusion of Chekov, who is my second favourite TOS character. In the book Chekov is fourteen and just the cutest thing ever. My favourite parts of the book involved Chekov and he was the one character that just made me think "aww" whenever he said something that I found to be particularly adorable.
I liked how in this book, we are taken onto a starship and far away into non-Federation space, rather than just staying in the Academy. I think that pulling the action away from Earth, even for just a little while, gave the book a more of a Star Trek feel, since the series very rarely takes place on Earth.
A main feature of the book is Kirk's mysterious blackouts and I really liked how they were presented. I really managed to get a feel of what Kirk sees while he's blacked out through the writing, which gives quite a clear image.
Overall, I didn't love this book, but I didn't not like it at the same time. For a book that only has thirteen chapters, most of the action appears in the penultimate chapter, while the rest of the book moves at quite a leisurely pace. I found the end to be a little bit predictable but I loved the inclusion of Chekov.
March 7, 2013
“The Gemini Agent” is Rick Barba’s 2nd novel set within JJ Abrams’ alternative version of Star Trek. The plot once again is mainly set within Starfleet Academy itself as the cadets begin their preparations for the Zeta mission, an opportunity for them to go out into space on a starship and take on various officer roles in a fictional assignment. Kirk, as expected is hoping to take on a captain’s role, but his chances are dealt a blow when he suffers from a health scare involving blacking out for several hours. Before long Kirk is accused of committing various inappropriate and illegal acts during the blackout period and his very place at the Academy becomes under threat. So together with McCoy, Uhura and the usual gang of friends he tries to find a way to prove his innocence.
As with the other Starfleet Academy novels this book is aimed at the Young Adult market so the plot does move along at quite a fast pace and isn’t the most complex of plot lines. It was very obvious who the “villain” is and therefore there wasn’t any real sense of surprise or curiosity as I read the book. I still found it to be a fun and enjoyable adventure but it was probably the most simplistic mystery story out of all the books in this series so far.
The characters came across in a manner that did tie in with how they appeared within the movie which is one of the continually good aspects of this series. In addition, I appreciated how Barba has tried to use the book to further develop the characters beyond what we have seen on the screen and in other books. For example, whilst the interactions between Spock and Uhura weren’t critical to the plotline they did enable Barba to show the way in which their relationship was continuing to grow and develop.
Overall, this was another solidly enjoyable Star Trek novel aimed at the teenage fans of the JJ Abrams movie. Whilst it was rather an obvious plot, fans of the series will probably appreciate the way in which the book focused on developing the characters and their various relationships.
As with the other Starfleet Academy novels this book is aimed at the Young Adult market so the plot does move along at quite a fast pace and isn’t the most complex of plot lines. It was very obvious who the “villain” is and therefore there wasn’t any real sense of surprise or curiosity as I read the book. I still found it to be a fun and enjoyable adventure but it was probably the most simplistic mystery story out of all the books in this series so far.
The characters came across in a manner that did tie in with how they appeared within the movie which is one of the continually good aspects of this series. In addition, I appreciated how Barba has tried to use the book to further develop the characters beyond what we have seen on the screen and in other books. For example, whilst the interactions between Spock and Uhura weren’t critical to the plotline they did enable Barba to show the way in which their relationship was continuing to grow and develop.
Overall, this was another solidly enjoyable Star Trek novel aimed at the teenage fans of the JJ Abrams movie. Whilst it was rather an obvious plot, fans of the series will probably appreciate the way in which the book focused on developing the characters and their various relationships.
April 15, 2015
Would've finished this book sooner if I wasn't being distracted with a lot of things. It's a very short book after all.
Being a Trekkie and avid book reader, surprisingly I have never read any Star Trek books. For me the Star Trek universe is too big and even though I'm more than a regular fan, I believe that my memory is not going to help with so many characters and history in the Trek universe. So I avoid them. (I still have two novels of Voyager that I have yet the time or care to read).
But then I saw this book. Which I can safely say is intended for teen readers (Even thought the publisher claims it for Young Adults). The font is huge and it's really short, with very minimum "new characters". So I thought, what the heck. Let's start from a child step, literally.
I'll say my "step" is in good direction. I enjoyed the story, I know most of the characters, I know the main important places and events that are happening in the story and it IS a light and easy read. I can't say much about the quality because it is for teens (Young Adults). The story is just a very basic and non-complicated episode of Star Trek (JJ Abrams style without the lens flare or much of action) being put into a book.
But I'd say the writer can write a really good characterizations of young Cadet Kirk and the weird "I'm not a human, not yet a Vulcan" personality of Spock too. Characters like Bones, Chekov and Uhura are just basics with repetitive knowledge of who these characters are.
If you're a hardcore Trekkie, no, you don't have to read this book. The publisher considered the story is canon in the alternative TOS universe. It's the third book from overall four separated stories (Damnit, the urge to google these things is strong). But if you want to introduce Star Trek to your kid after they have watched JJ Star Trek Movies or like me (too scared to read the actual novels), this book can ease them/you into the universe.
Being a Trekkie and avid book reader, surprisingly I have never read any Star Trek books. For me the Star Trek universe is too big and even though I'm more than a regular fan, I believe that my memory is not going to help with so many characters and history in the Trek universe. So I avoid them. (I still have two novels of Voyager that I have yet the time or care to read).
But then I saw this book. Which I can safely say is intended for teen readers (Even thought the publisher claims it for Young Adults). The font is huge and it's really short, with very minimum "new characters". So I thought, what the heck. Let's start from a child step, literally.
I'll say my "step" is in good direction. I enjoyed the story, I know most of the characters, I know the main important places and events that are happening in the story and it IS a light and easy read. I can't say much about the quality because it is for teens (Young Adults). The story is just a very basic and non-complicated episode of Star Trek (JJ Abrams style without the lens flare or much of action) being put into a book.
But I'd say the writer can write a really good characterizations of young Cadet Kirk and the weird "I'm not a human, not yet a Vulcan" personality of Spock too. Characters like Bones, Chekov and Uhura are just basics with repetitive knowledge of who these characters are.
If you're a hardcore Trekkie, no, you don't have to read this book. The publisher considered the story is canon in the alternative TOS universe. It's the third book from overall four separated stories (Damnit, the urge to google these things is strong). But if you want to introduce Star Trek to your kid after they have watched JJ Star Trek Movies or like me (too scared to read the actual novels), this book can ease them/you into the universe.
April 23, 2016
Back in the 1990s, there was a series called Starfleet Academy that brought the world of Star Trek to younger readers. They were a fantastic glimpse into the characters we know from the movies and small screen and letting us know what life was like when they were teenagers. The stories were fun and held the same optimism as the show. When I heard that a new YA series was coming out with the 2009 rebooted characters, I was excited to see if I could share these with young people in my life today. I ended up being quite disappointed.
First, I should always pay attention to how a book is marketed. It's got TEEN written all over it. Why does this mean loose morals, drugs, and drinking? That's a debate for another time, I suppose, but I was sorely disappointed. Starfleet Academy has been reinvisioned as a college party school where bed-hopping is as much a course of study as astrometrics.
Fans may argue that Kirk's portrayal is consistent. After all, wasn't he a womanizer in the series? Doesn't it make sense that he would have played around in his youth? Perhaps. I don't know that I buy the same behavior from others though. There's a message in the book that everyone's thinking it, everyone's doing it.
The plot itself wasn't bad. A Romulan agent has infiltrated the Academy. When strange and dangerous things start happening around campus, Kirk is set up to take the fall. At the same time, he comes down with a strange illness that may put his war games training in jeopardy. It just didn't live up to my expectations for Star Trek books.
First, I should always pay attention to how a book is marketed. It's got TEEN written all over it. Why does this mean loose morals, drugs, and drinking? That's a debate for another time, I suppose, but I was sorely disappointed. Starfleet Academy has been reinvisioned as a college party school where bed-hopping is as much a course of study as astrometrics.
Fans may argue that Kirk's portrayal is consistent. After all, wasn't he a womanizer in the series? Doesn't it make sense that he would have played around in his youth? Perhaps. I don't know that I buy the same behavior from others though. There's a message in the book that everyone's thinking it, everyone's doing it.
The plot itself wasn't bad. A Romulan agent has infiltrated the Academy. When strange and dangerous things start happening around campus, Kirk is set up to take the fall. At the same time, he comes down with a strange illness that may put his war games training in jeopardy. It just didn't live up to my expectations for Star Trek books.
July 11, 2011
I was surprised by this book. Barba's last Starfleet Academy book was horrible. In The Gemini Agent he redeems himself. He doesn't relay on cutout characters to tell his story. The story is still a little far fetching for me. Why would the Star Empire be interested in James T. Kirk before he is even done with one year of academy. Yes he's at the top of his class. He's going to the Captain of the Enterprise some day, but they don't know how important he's going to be yet.
I liked the back story for Uhura and Spock. This book shows the very little start of their relationship. How Spock and Uhura interact with each other. It's cute to see how Uhura is very interested in Spock, even though he's her teacher (we don't see them in class setting though). Uhura is continued to be viewed as a strong woman. This is very nice. She doesn't ever need saving from Spock or Kirk.
The inclusion of Chekov seemed odd. The crew of the Enterprise were not good friends before coming together. Including Spock can be hard, since Kirk and Bones never knew him before Spock accuses Kirk of cheating in his final year and then they go straight to the Enterprise in the movie. It would seem if Kirk starts to be friends with other characters it would not sync with the movie.
All and all it was a decent book. Better than the Delta Anomaly, but not as good as The Edge. There was more charcter development in this book than Barba's first attempt. He's getting better with each book.
I liked the back story for Uhura and Spock. This book shows the very little start of their relationship. How Spock and Uhura interact with each other. It's cute to see how Uhura is very interested in Spock, even though he's her teacher (we don't see them in class setting though). Uhura is continued to be viewed as a strong woman. This is very nice. She doesn't ever need saving from Spock or Kirk.
The inclusion of Chekov seemed odd. The crew of the Enterprise were not good friends before coming together. Including Spock can be hard, since Kirk and Bones never knew him before Spock accuses Kirk of cheating in his final year and then they go straight to the Enterprise in the movie. It would seem if Kirk starts to be friends with other characters it would not sync with the movie.
All and all it was a decent book. Better than the Delta Anomaly, but not as good as The Edge. There was more charcter development in this book than Barba's first attempt. He's getting better with each book.
April 10, 2016
I’ll be honest- I read this book in one sitting, about that was like 16 hours ago.
And I have already, for the most part, forgotten almost all of the book.
Well, all the few and far good parts. What stand out were how Checkov was introduced as a Wesley Crusher like genius, how Kirk was- well Kirk, and how the writer of OBVIOUSLY is NOT familiar with Vulcans. (Seriously, I just wanted to burn the book if I read one more sentence that read “Spock smiled” or “The young Vulcan cadet gave a smile at Kirk”. Seriously- I realize that the instances of Spock smiling in the original series were few and far between; in this book, the number of times we see it happening is like 3 times as much!!).
Ok, having gone back and looked at the book a bit, I remember how FAST it seemed to go- that it seemed like one moment, it was “It is the start of the last week of the cadet’s first year” then it was “Let’s drought _____” and then “Kirk is in the hospital and is flirting” and finally “Big Fight- Mock Space Battle- oh look, Gemini Agent is revealed and end of book”. I realize that there are some teens/ tweens out there with short attention spans, but even THIS is an insult to them.
And yet- I read the book. Yeah, I must be a fan of Trek…
And I have already, for the most part, forgotten almost all of the book.
Well, all the few and far good parts. What stand out were how Checkov was introduced as a Wesley Crusher like genius, how Kirk was- well Kirk, and how the writer of OBVIOUSLY is NOT familiar with Vulcans. (Seriously, I just wanted to burn the book if I read one more sentence that read “Spock smiled” or “The young Vulcan cadet gave a smile at Kirk”. Seriously- I realize that the instances of Spock smiling in the original series were few and far between; in this book, the number of times we see it happening is like 3 times as much!!).
Ok, having gone back and looked at the book a bit, I remember how FAST it seemed to go- that it seemed like one moment, it was “It is the start of the last week of the cadet’s first year” then it was “Let’s drought _____” and then “Kirk is in the hospital and is flirting” and finally “Big Fight- Mock Space Battle- oh look, Gemini Agent is revealed and end of book”. I realize that there are some teens/ tweens out there with short attention spans, but even THIS is an insult to them.
And yet- I read the book. Yeah, I must be a fan of Trek…
September 6, 2016
4,5 stars.
Less nonsensical technobabble, a more linear & integrated storyline (doesn't feel like a slice of life with mystery on the sides anymore, and actually feels like Star Trek), and an emphasis on the human interest that got me into Trek in the first place. The talk of peace. The villains who are not really villains (more like antivillains, I think). The moral dilemma. The strengthening of the relationships between the characters. The inclusion of Chekov in this one was really good. I feel like this is really building up to the events of the 2009 movie. Even the more serious tone (compared to Delta Anomaly) works.
This was just a really good, quick read, and that's saying a lot, considering the amount of mediocre/bad reviews I've read about this one. Some parts are certainly ridiculous, and I've seen T'Laya coming from lightyears away (I've figured out from the first book that Jim's weakness for women will be his downfall someday, it's not that hard to figure out), and this could be something else--a serious mystery with Kirk having to deal with the fallout of the Gemini Project, not getting an easy solve with the help of his friends--but I'd figured that at the end of the day it's not what Trek is all about. And that's precisely why I love this one.
Less nonsensical technobabble, a more linear & integrated storyline (doesn't feel like a slice of life with mystery on the sides anymore, and actually feels like Star Trek), and an emphasis on the human interest that got me into Trek in the first place. The talk of peace. The villains who are not really villains (more like antivillains, I think). The moral dilemma. The strengthening of the relationships between the characters. The inclusion of Chekov in this one was really good. I feel like this is really building up to the events of the 2009 movie. Even the more serious tone (compared to Delta Anomaly) works.
This was just a really good, quick read, and that's saying a lot, considering the amount of mediocre/bad reviews I've read about this one. Some parts are certainly ridiculous, and I've seen T'Laya coming from lightyears away (I've figured out from the first book that Jim's weakness for women will be his downfall someday, it's not that hard to figure out), and this could be something else--a serious mystery with Kirk having to deal with the fallout of the Gemini Project, not getting an easy solve with the help of his friends--but I'd figured that at the end of the day it's not what Trek is all about. And that's precisely why I love this one.
December 9, 2011
I like this Rick Barba guy. I think he does a great job with these books, and I hope he write a lot more for this series. I like him for three reasons:
- His characters are really fun. Kirk is always cocky and funny (and a dead-on match for the personality in the movie), but he's still a good man, and I love that. Also: Nyota and Spock dating. Love it!
- He incorporates visual details from the 2009 movie (am I the only one noticing these?) as well as references to Star Trek lore that is either to come in the future or has happened in the past but the characters don't know about it yet. I love reading lines like Spock mentioning Vulcans who support reunification with Romulans, "They are rare, but they do exist," and knowing that HE becomes one of those Vulcans much later on. These are very fun tidbits for mega-dorks like me who have invested a lot of time into this franchise. =D
- He writes a fun story. Okay, this one wasn't a huge "whodunnit;" he makes it pretty clear who is behind the scenes. But I still enjoyed this.
- His characters are really fun. Kirk is always cocky and funny (and a dead-on match for the personality in the movie), but he's still a good man, and I love that. Also: Nyota and Spock dating. Love it!
- He incorporates visual details from the 2009 movie (am I the only one noticing these?) as well as references to Star Trek lore that is either to come in the future or has happened in the past but the characters don't know about it yet. I love reading lines like Spock mentioning Vulcans who support reunification with Romulans, "They are rare, but they do exist," and knowing that HE becomes one of those Vulcans much later on. These are very fun tidbits for mega-dorks like me who have invested a lot of time into this franchise. =D
- He writes a fun story. Okay, this one wasn't a huge "whodunnit;" he makes it pretty clear who is behind the scenes. But I still enjoyed this.
August 18, 2011
"The Gemini Agent" is the 3rd book in the Starfleet Academy series which is based in the "Abrams-verse" created after the events of Star Trek XI. For this story Barba presents almost a retelling of the TNG episode "The Mind's Eye" where Kirk is used to gather information for the Romulans as a part of project Gemini. The base story itself moves along relatively easily & is easy to follow albeit it is also a bit too predictable simply because Barba does nothing to conceal who is behind Kirk's problems nor does he even begin to explain what the Romulans are doing. Yes, it's an easy read as all the books in this series have been thus far but in this case the lack of a detailed plot keeps this potentially very good story from becoming average or even below average. This series can do better, but it may have to wait until after the release of Star Trek XII in either 2012 or 2013.
October 31, 2014
Meh. Really. Not as good as the previous two books in the series.
For one, I didn't enjoy the writing much. I felt like things could have been pictured better at some points. I had to read some lines twice to understand what was going on (maybe that has to do with English not being my mother tongue, but I didn't have problems with that in the previous books).
In my opinion, the plot could have been worked out a little better and structured a little better. Not a huge fan here.
I liked the characterisation in terms of Kirk and Bones and Chekov was introduced in a good way. I feel like Spock was a bit off, like he was too emotional? But I am not so sure about Spock in the reboot anyway, since I found him to be a bit different in the movies as well.
All in all, it's a quick fun read, but nothing that will stick. :)
For one, I didn't enjoy the writing much. I felt like things could have been pictured better at some points. I had to read some lines twice to understand what was going on (maybe that has to do with English not being my mother tongue, but I didn't have problems with that in the previous books).
In my opinion, the plot could have been worked out a little better and structured a little better. Not a huge fan here.
I liked the characterisation in terms of Kirk and Bones and Chekov was introduced in a good way. I feel like Spock was a bit off, like he was too emotional? But I am not so sure about Spock in the reboot anyway, since I found him to be a bit different in the movies as well.
All in all, it's a quick fun read, but nothing that will stick. :)
December 16, 2011
This book was good though I still feel as if I only got half of the story. I fthis were a typical series I would just wait for the next book but so far non of the books have referanced any of the earlier ones. So you can see why the loose ends leave me a little concerned.
The plot line is that Cadet Kirk is having black outs and while he is out dangerous pranks take place on the Starfleet campus. The problem is that even though we find out why Kirk keeps blanking out there is apparently no reason behind the pranks. Did Kirk do it? If not Who and Why?
The action of the story flows pretty fast though the disjointed placment of the scenes seems better suited to a TV show than to a novel.
All told not one of the better books in this series.
The plot line is that Cadet Kirk is having black outs and while he is out dangerous pranks take place on the Starfleet campus. The problem is that even though we find out why Kirk keeps blanking out there is apparently no reason behind the pranks. Did Kirk do it? If not Who and Why?
The action of the story flows pretty fast though the disjointed placment of the scenes seems better suited to a TV show than to a novel.
All told not one of the better books in this series.
August 4, 2011
I was so looking forward to this one but it fell flat despite being written by the author of the first book which I loved. I never really felt involved. Some good Spock/Uhura relationship building (yay!) and some interesting socio-political stuff involving Romulans/Vulcans/Earth. Maybe what I didn't like was the fact that a lot happens TO our central characters but they don't really DO a lot here. Nice to learn more about young Chekov. Particularly noticed emphasis on this Kirk's personal philosophy about team building compared to his rival's more ego-driven style. Still a fun series- look forward to the next installment.
September 14, 2013
I really love Starfleet Academy. I love Delta Anomaly because of its complex story and mystery. And I kind of have high expectation with Geminy Agent because it has the same writer. But, it seems that Delta Anomaly is better book between the two. Actually Geminy Agent is quite good but my problem is it lack mystery that exist in the Delta Anomaly. The story is too predictable and the antagonist not that interesting. It also lack some kind of philosophy that exist in Delta Anomaly.
But, there's also aspect that Geminy Agent better than Delta Anomaly. The characterization is better in Geminy Agent. Nonetheless, it was great books that I enjoy to read very much.
But, there's also aspect that Geminy Agent better than Delta Anomaly. The characterization is better in Geminy Agent. Nonetheless, it was great books that I enjoy to read very much.
December 25, 2013
Well first of all I would like to say that I give this book a 2.5/5 rating but unfortunately we can't give .5 ratings on this site. I did enjoy this book as a trek fan but there are many things that I didn't like. It felt like this book lacked depth, I believe this book is written for teenagers. The read is very easy and lacks attention grabbing situations.
Some good things about this book are the fact that it is definitely a trek book. If you like star trek then you'll probably like this book, but keep in mind this book doesn't really go into much detail. The characters in this book are definitely funny though.
I'm probably not going to read any of the other starfleet Academy books.
Some good things about this book are the fact that it is definitely a trek book. If you like star trek then you'll probably like this book, but keep in mind this book doesn't really go into much detail. The characters in this book are definitely funny though.
I'm probably not going to read any of the other starfleet Academy books.
August 29, 2011
What fun! I like this Rick Barba's Trek. Strange that Kirk could meet and befriend Chekov in the Academy but I don't think the movie INSISTS it is the first time they've met. Still doing a fine job keeping Spock and Kirk apart, and Spock and Uhura together.
I really like the suspects in this mystery! Lt. Caan and T'Layna are among those who may turn out to be nefarious Romulan agents- and I liked them. I think the characterization of the regulars is spot-on, too.
The Zeta mock battle simulation at the end of first term is cool. So, yeah, I guess they DO go to class sometimes.
I really like the suspects in this mystery! Lt. Caan and T'Layna are among those who may turn out to be nefarious Romulan agents- and I liked them. I think the characterization of the regulars is spot-on, too.
The Zeta mock battle simulation at the end of first term is cool. So, yeah, I guess they DO go to class sometimes.
August 6, 2016
Enjoyable, quick read. I have found that all of the Starfleet Academy books (so far) are fairly predictable and seem to follow the same formula. It's my love of the characters that keeps me coming back, not the stories themselves. The characters are very well written and true to their on-screen counter parts. I would have liked to see more interaction between Tikhonov and Jim, and the Zeta storyline left something to be desired -
July 17, 2016
Dieses 3. Buch aus der Star Trek Starfleet-Academy, das im Reboot-Univesum spielt, ist wieder ein Jugendabenteuer, die die Crew um James T. Kirk an der Sternenflotten-Akademie zeigt.
Er wird durch eine neue Technologie der Romulander geistig beeinflusst um irgend etwas zu tun, was genau, wird im ganzen Buch nicht klar gestellt.
auf jeden Fall ist es ein kleines, vergnügliches Bändchen, das keinerlei Anspruch auf literarische Qualität bietet, es lebt nur von den (aus dem Filmen) bekannten Charakteren, die gut beschrieben werden.
Er wird durch eine neue Technologie der Romulander geistig beeinflusst um irgend etwas zu tun, was genau, wird im ganzen Buch nicht klar gestellt.
auf jeden Fall ist es ein kleines, vergnügliches Bändchen, das keinerlei Anspruch auf literarische Qualität bietet, es lebt nur von den (aus dem Filmen) bekannten Charakteren, die gut beschrieben werden.
April 18, 2017
A really great addition to the series, definitely recommended. I hope there will be more in this series, because a few questions are left unsolved by the end of this book.
If you will want more of similar stories, I recommend the rest of the 2010 SA series and also Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Also, if you like the plot, you might be interested in Final Frontier.
If you will want more of similar stories, I recommend the rest of the 2010 SA series and also Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Also, if you like the plot, you might be interested in Final Frontier.
July 23, 2012
It was so good to "meet" the Starfleet crew in their younger years. Their personalities shone throughout this book.
This book itself had a lot of humor to it. You could definetely feel the chemistry between Bones, McCoy and Spock. There was also some sexuality to it, which was refreshing to read about.
The plot itself wasn't very clear and seemed "borrowed" the storylines in the series. However, overall the book was light-hearted and was very enjoyable!
This book itself had a lot of humor to it. You could definetely feel the chemistry between Bones, McCoy and Spock. There was also some sexuality to it, which was refreshing to read about.
The plot itself wasn't very clear and seemed "borrowed" the storylines in the series. However, overall the book was light-hearted and was very enjoyable!
January 13, 2013
I quite enjoyed this one! The writing was good, the pacing was brilliant, and the introduction of Chekov was just adorable. I can see how the characters are growing and learning and also appreciate how well it fits into the canon of the latest Star Trek movies. I'll admit that the fact that it's pretty Kirk-centric helped -- he's a fascinating character and, when well-written, well worth a good story.
This one might just be my favourite in the series.
This one might just be my favourite in the series.
August 3, 2011
When I 1st opened the book, I afeared 'twas too juvenile with the giant type face and all. But, I enjoyed the story, like I would a new TOS episode. It was a fun 2 hour story.
I keep hoping for a new TV series of the TOS characters at the Academy.
Rating is in relation to Star Trek novels only.
I keep hoping for a new TV series of the TOS characters at the Academy.
Rating is in relation to Star Trek novels only.
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