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Star Trek TOS: Movie Novelizations #5
The Final Frontier
The planet Nimbus III. A desolate, forbidding world, situated in the heart of the Neutral Zone. Unremarkable, except for one thing: Nimbus III is the site of an unprecedented attempt at cooperation among the galaxy's three major powers. Here, at this "Planet of Galactic Peace", the Klingons, the Romulans, and the Federation have all sent ambassadors, who are working together to develop the planet – an experiment that, if it succeeds, could transform the galactic balance-of-power.
But now terrorists have seized control of Nimbus III. And when Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise attempt a dramatic rescue, they discover a threat unlike any they have ever faced. A threat that will force them to confront the inner demons of their own, secret pasts – and the forbidden secrets that lie at the center of the galaxy itself…
But now terrorists have seized control of Nimbus III. And when Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise attempt a dramatic rescue, they discover a threat unlike any they have ever faced. A threat that will force them to confront the inner demons of their own, secret pasts – and the forbidden secrets that lie at the center of the galaxy itself…
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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629 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dillard
48 books113 followersJ.M. Dillard is the pseudonym under which Jeanne Kalogridis (b. 1954) publishes her Star Trek novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 1, 2022
Star Trek V isn't that bad! When compared to what we've gotten since 2009, it's actually pretty good. And it has its moments. I actually like Kirk telling Sybok, "I like my pain! I need my pain!" Kirk isn't a "no regrets" kind of guy, but he's also not paralyzed by them. He knows he's made mistakes. He owns up to his mistakes. And he uses them to learn and guide his future decisions...it's a very Star Trek attitude.
The novelization goes a little bit more in-depth into the "painful memories" from the characters. We learn about his little henchman - John, uh, I mean J'onn - we see Sulu's and Scotty's memories. And, the novel does state that it's somewhat a combination of severe and sudden and extreme grief counseling and a little mind-control. Spock states that Sybok's technique does exert some of his will over the others. Also, I always thought the movie was a little ambiguous over whether or not it was actually God. In light of the series, where we actually meet the actual Greek Gods, thus establishing the precedent that Gods were real, actual aliens, in the movie, it would seem that we did actually meet God and blew him up. However, the novel pretty much states that it's some powerful entity that was able to corrupt Sybok's mind (and Sybok's mother's mind). McCoy speculates that the Great Barrier was put into place by an even more powerful being (perhaps, "actual" God?) to contain the creature...(speaking of, you learn quite a bit more about Sybok's past and what motivates him).
If you don't hate V, like me, give the book a read. :) If you still think V sucks (even with Abrams-Trek and Kurtzman-Trek polluting the airwaves these days), then don't. :)
The novelization goes a little bit more in-depth into the "painful memories" from the characters. We learn about his little henchman - John, uh, I mean J'onn - we see Sulu's and Scotty's memories. And, the novel does state that it's somewhat a combination of severe and sudden and extreme grief counseling and a little mind-control. Spock states that Sybok's technique does exert some of his will over the others. Also, I always thought the movie was a little ambiguous over whether or not it was actually God. In light of the series, where we actually meet the actual Greek Gods, thus establishing the precedent that Gods were real, actual aliens, in the movie, it would seem that we did actually meet God and blew him up. However, the novel pretty much states that it's some powerful entity that was able to corrupt Sybok's mind (and Sybok's mother's mind). McCoy speculates that the Great Barrier was put into place by an even more powerful being (perhaps, "actual" God?) to contain the creature...(speaking of, you learn quite a bit more about Sybok's past and what motivates him).
If you don't hate V, like me, give the book a read. :) If you still think V sucks (even with Abrams-Trek and Kurtzman-Trek polluting the airwaves these days), then don't. :)
April 23, 2011
In my experience a strong novelization can do wonders for a weak movie; it's one of the reasons I love novelizations so much. Since I like Dillard's Trek books, I thought she'd be a good candidate to do the trick for the weakest TOS movie. I was right. While I still don't care for the story, working it into a novel definitely improved it for me. The minor characters were fleshed out into real people with back-stories and personalities, which I always enjoy; being able to tune in to people's thoughts and feelings as they spoke the dialogue was also nice. So while I still ignore this part of canon, Dillard deserves praise for making the most out of what she was given.
June 13, 2022
Okay confession time: I've never hated Star Trek V so for me this book was a treat. I appreciated the expanded scenes- especially the Klingons playing a bigger part in the book and the scenes where Sybok influences the crew. The book fixes (or kept in) something that was a plot hole so I appreciated that. I found that the novel gave more life and depth to the other characters outside of the big three and didn't just write down what happened in each scene or give their own misinterpretations (looking at you Diane Carey). A good novelization of the film and I think the most disappointing part was that it was written after the removal of the rock monster scene so that didn't happen which made me sad. If you enjoyed the film, you'll likely enjoy the book but if you hate it I doubt the novelization will change you mind...but you never know.
April 6, 2023
“Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” is the fifth movie novelization for Star Trek. It was adapted by J M Dillard, based on the screenplay by David Loughery, and based on the story by William Shatner, Harve Bennett, and David Loughery. It was released by Pocket Books in June 1989.
Many a novelization has been great, and made a movie even better. Some novelization’s are bad and don’t add much or make a movie better.
This novelization is fine, and might be considered good… Unfortunately, it cannot spin the straw that is the story of this movie into gold.
Everyone knows this film has a bad reputation. Among Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike, this is certainly in the bottom 3 Trek films, and for some it is the worst. I think the movie is so bad it’s actually enjoyable. But I was hoping that the book would add context and understanding to make the movie better. It certainly adds sequences and expounds upon the story…but this story is just too ridiculous and too difficult to save for me.
I’m in a bit of a weird spot, because the criticisms I have in the story come from the writers of the movie, not the Novelization portion from J M Dillard. As such, I’ll try to delineate my thoughts between the two.
Dillard adds sequences from each crewmembers perspective, especially after they have been in contact with Sybock which makes these characters all have more points of view in the story, as well as help the reader understand what exactly Sybock is doing to “brainwash” the crew. The sequences were fine, but they were not amazing.
This book also adds a little bit more time with J’Onn, the devotee of Sybock. There are not too many scenes with him, but they do add understanding about the planet of Nimbus 3.
Other than that, the story is pretty much a straight adaptation of the movie.
Now, to my thoughts on the story itself from the perspective of the movie writers.
My biggest complaint stems from one of the cardinal rule of franchise properties: Don’t add in unknown immediate family members late into a franchise. Star Trek had been around for over 20 years at this point, and adding in a brother for Spock who we had never heard of was a terrible decision. Very similar to the decision to add a whole planet of Remus to the mythology of the Romulans in “Nemesis”.
The whole sequence at the end with “God“ is just bizarre. And going through the “great barrier“ was also weird. If all it took was to adjust instruments and shield levels, I am certain Starfleet would have broken through well beyond this point. It seems too convenient that sidewalk happens to figure it out and that the Federation happened to never figure it out.
The whole sequence with the horses at the beginning it’s just underwhelming. The desire to have a surprise where we think Kirk and Spock have a victory, but it’s really a defeat is a good idea, but isn’t executed properly. Instead the time just feels wasted.
The redeeming portion of the story comes from the interactions of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy throughout the book. Their banter is hilarious and on point.
Overall, I think this is a really bad movie and a good/fine adaptation that cannot make the movie better, through no fault of the author. So i give the novelization itself a 3 out of 5.
Many a novelization has been great, and made a movie even better. Some novelization’s are bad and don’t add much or make a movie better.
This novelization is fine, and might be considered good… Unfortunately, it cannot spin the straw that is the story of this movie into gold.
Everyone knows this film has a bad reputation. Among Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike, this is certainly in the bottom 3 Trek films, and for some it is the worst. I think the movie is so bad it’s actually enjoyable. But I was hoping that the book would add context and understanding to make the movie better. It certainly adds sequences and expounds upon the story…but this story is just too ridiculous and too difficult to save for me.
I’m in a bit of a weird spot, because the criticisms I have in the story come from the writers of the movie, not the Novelization portion from J M Dillard. As such, I’ll try to delineate my thoughts between the two.
Dillard adds sequences from each crewmembers perspective, especially after they have been in contact with Sybock which makes these characters all have more points of view in the story, as well as help the reader understand what exactly Sybock is doing to “brainwash” the crew. The sequences were fine, but they were not amazing.
This book also adds a little bit more time with J’Onn, the devotee of Sybock. There are not too many scenes with him, but they do add understanding about the planet of Nimbus 3.
Other than that, the story is pretty much a straight adaptation of the movie.
Now, to my thoughts on the story itself from the perspective of the movie writers.
My biggest complaint stems from one of the cardinal rule of franchise properties: Don’t add in unknown immediate family members late into a franchise. Star Trek had been around for over 20 years at this point, and adding in a brother for Spock who we had never heard of was a terrible decision. Very similar to the decision to add a whole planet of Remus to the mythology of the Romulans in “Nemesis”.
The whole sequence at the end with “God“ is just bizarre. And going through the “great barrier“ was also weird. If all it took was to adjust instruments and shield levels, I am certain Starfleet would have broken through well beyond this point. It seems too convenient that sidewalk happens to figure it out and that the Federation happened to never figure it out.
The whole sequence with the horses at the beginning it’s just underwhelming. The desire to have a surprise where we think Kirk and Spock have a victory, but it’s really a defeat is a good idea, but isn’t executed properly. Instead the time just feels wasted.
The redeeming portion of the story comes from the interactions of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy throughout the book. Their banter is hilarious and on point.
Overall, I think this is a really bad movie and a good/fine adaptation that cannot make the movie better, through no fault of the author. So i give the novelization itself a 3 out of 5.
September 7, 2025
I know giving this five stars looks very bad, but I don’t care I’m going to live my truth. And my truth is that I genuinely love The Final Frontier. Sure it has its problems, but, on the whole, it is a movie about the shared love and friendship between our main trio and what could be better than that. So it’s no surprise I loved its novelization too.
We get a lot more backstory here than we do in the movie which is very nice. I liked learning more about the side characters and getting some clarification surrounding Sybok. One of my main complaints with the movie was that we only saw what Bones’ and Spock’s deepest pains are, but the novelization helps fill in a couple more. I do still want to know about Uhura’s and Chekov’s but you can’t win them all I suppose.
The best thing about Star Trek for me is the bond between Kirk, Spock, and Bones. It is so rare to find such wonderful characters who are willing to be so vulnerable with each other, especially characters of their ages that were written so long ago. They love each other and that is communicated. It’s so simple and yet so important. Being in their heads just made this more obvious and more wonderful. I loved how J.M. Dillard wrote Spock specifically, she really made him internally emotional and outwardly stoic which is exactly how I’ve always read the character. He is in constant turmoil with himself, two different races battling it out inside his head. The implication that he is linked to Bones bc of complications with the separation of their minds is making me go crazy. And the fact that Kirk has telepathically communicated with Spock. What are we doing here guys. This is the best thing ever. Oh my god I’m such a nerd.
‘"Just tell me it'll be fast," McCoy said softly. "Just tell me I don't have to ..." His voice faltered.
Spock glanced questioningly at him. "You were saying, Doctor?"
"Dammit, Spock." McCoy looked away, and said in a low voice, "I didn't want to have to see you— you know. See it happen to you again. Once is enough."’
We get a lot more backstory here than we do in the movie which is very nice. I liked learning more about the side characters and getting some clarification surrounding Sybok. One of my main complaints with the movie was that we only saw what Bones’ and Spock’s deepest pains are, but the novelization helps fill in a couple more. I do still want to know about Uhura’s and Chekov’s but you can’t win them all I suppose.
The best thing about Star Trek for me is the bond between Kirk, Spock, and Bones. It is so rare to find such wonderful characters who are willing to be so vulnerable with each other, especially characters of their ages that were written so long ago. They love each other and that is communicated. It’s so simple and yet so important. Being in their heads just made this more obvious and more wonderful. I loved how J.M. Dillard wrote Spock specifically, she really made him internally emotional and outwardly stoic which is exactly how I’ve always read the character. He is in constant turmoil with himself, two different races battling it out inside his head. The implication that he is linked to Bones bc of complications with the separation of their minds is making me go crazy. And the fact that Kirk has telepathically communicated with Spock. What are we doing here guys. This is the best thing ever. Oh my god I’m such a nerd.
‘"Just tell me it'll be fast," McCoy said softly. "Just tell me I don't have to ..." His voice faltered.
Spock glanced questioningly at him. "You were saying, Doctor?"
"Dammit, Spock." McCoy looked away, and said in a low voice, "I didn't want to have to see you— you know. See it happen to you again. Once is enough."’
November 26, 2015
Fantastic outing with the Enterprise crew and most heartening is the ending, with the pattern of redemption - and reconciliation of a sort
March 27, 2016
Yet another novelization that was better than the film that inspired it.
September 26, 2025
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier by J.M. Dillard is the novelization of the 1989 film, and it does a solid job of translating the movie’s ambitious (if divisive) storyline into a richer literary experience. The book follows Captain Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise as they deal with a rogue Vulcan named Sybok, who hijacks the ship to search for the mythical planet Sha Ka Ree, where he believes they’ll find God. Along the way, there’s plenty of drama, humor, and philosophical musings about faith, friendship, and the nature of belief.
Dillard’s writing excels at fleshing out the characters’ internal thoughts, which adds depth you don’t get in the film. Kirk’s reflections on mortality and his relationship with Spock and McCoy feel more nuanced here, giving readers a better sense of the emotional stakes. Even Sybok, who came across as a bit one-dimensional in the movie, is given more layers, making his motivations feel more compelling.
The novel also adds details and context missing from the film, like the political tensions on Nimbus III the so-called "Planet of Galactic Peace" and the struggles of the three major powers (Federation, Klingons, and Romulans) in maintaining control. These moments help ground the story’s more fantastical elements, making the plot feel less rushed than it did on screen.
While the book can’t completely fix the film’s flaws (looking at you, awkward tonal shifts and questionable pacing), it smooths out some of the rough edges. The humor lands better, and the philosophical themes are explored with more clarity. However, the story itself still feels a bit messy, especially toward the climax, where the “God” encounter might leave some readers scratching their heads.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier by J.M. Dillard is a worthwhile read for fans of the franchise, especially if you want to dive deeper into the characters’ emotions and motivations. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from the movie’s uneven execution.
Dillard’s writing excels at fleshing out the characters’ internal thoughts, which adds depth you don’t get in the film. Kirk’s reflections on mortality and his relationship with Spock and McCoy feel more nuanced here, giving readers a better sense of the emotional stakes. Even Sybok, who came across as a bit one-dimensional in the movie, is given more layers, making his motivations feel more compelling.
The novel also adds details and context missing from the film, like the political tensions on Nimbus III the so-called "Planet of Galactic Peace" and the struggles of the three major powers (Federation, Klingons, and Romulans) in maintaining control. These moments help ground the story’s more fantastical elements, making the plot feel less rushed than it did on screen.
While the book can’t completely fix the film’s flaws (looking at you, awkward tonal shifts and questionable pacing), it smooths out some of the rough edges. The humor lands better, and the philosophical themes are explored with more clarity. However, the story itself still feels a bit messy, especially toward the climax, where the “God” encounter might leave some readers scratching their heads.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier by J.M. Dillard is a worthwhile read for fans of the franchise, especially if you want to dive deeper into the characters’ emotions and motivations. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from the movie’s uneven execution.
August 15, 2025
Always enjoyed the film and this novelisation expanded certain scenes. Enjoyable !
February 14, 2020
Say what you might about the movie (one of the worst of the Trek films, but does have many elements to enjoy, just not enough to make it a good movie or a good Trek movie), this adaptation is actually BETTER than the film, which is a rarity. It contains excellent character stuff for both the established characters and those newly created for the film, a hell of a lot more than the film did! And there's some explanation for the odder (or just plain wrong) technical aspects of the movie's story, while flat-out ignoring some of the other errors the film makes (i.e. the screwy deck numbering in the turboshaft scene). It is of course burdened by having to still stick to the movie's somewhat ridiculous premise (not the search for God, per se, rather the film's specific execution of telling such a story), and she cannot fix ALL the problems the movie has, so Dillard has a thankless job here. But Dillard has an excellent grasp of the characters and fleshes things out to a degree that is above and beyond the call of duty for an author adapting a film to a book. Definitely worth a read!
October 11, 2015
I thought Dillard did an admirable job with this mixed bag tale. She got the characters right and got in all the zingers and good one liners from the movie. However, the movie plot itself is quite a bit of a mess and there was nothing Dillard could do about that. This is probably my least favorite of the Star Trek Original series movies, and the book can't rise above those weaknesses. I don't hold it against the author, though. This is on Hollywood.
August 26, 2017
Again we get a deeper look into the psyche and backgrounds of our main TOS crew. Action, tension, space travel, kidnappings... with a positive feel and an unexpected twist at the end.
Definately a winner!
Alcohol plays a big part and up to now the poco's haven't censored it yet.
5 major locations: Earth, Vulcan, Nimbus III, space and the center of the galaxy.
Terrans, Vulcans, Romulans, Klingon and a new, terrifying and hostile creature.
Definately a winner!
Alcohol plays a big part and up to now the poco's haven't censored it yet.
5 major locations: Earth, Vulcan, Nimbus III, space and the center of the galaxy.
Terrans, Vulcans, Romulans, Klingon and a new, terrifying and hostile creature.
November 21, 2018
This was good and filled in a little more background as to what was going on in Spock's head but I think the movie was better. I would rather have a lot more details than less and some parts in the movie were not in the book , I found myself waiting for parts that weren't there. I guess I expect more from the book not the other way around but in all fairness this was a good read.
March 31, 2022
A very nice novelization of a good movie. It was very interesting to find out more background information about the characters (some of which certainly helped fill out some plot holes) and the book also aged rather well, which is nice as that is often not the case. And a happy ending with our favorite trio is always a winner!
May 9, 2023
This is the best kind of novelization to me because it brings such fullness to previously thin or underexplored characters that I actually want a remade film to get this material out there. From the beginning, the principle antagonist(Sybok)'s origins are explored and expanded to the point that I appreciate why he feels the way he feels about what he is attempting to do. What was essentially a throw off line in the film is now a multi-chapter exploration of this pseudo messianic figure who both manipulates people into his service and helps them deal with their very real deep seeded pains and regrets. His prior failures and losses are covered as well as his doubts about what he is doing and the moments that help him expel those doubts. Just a wonderful central character with some major impacts that deserve attention.
The rest of the narrative characters are deepened by their interactions with Sybok. Side characters in the film now get full treatment as driven people who reveal and are relieved of their life's guilt. An early follower regrets his wife's death as he was exiled from his planet and she followed him and died. One of the crew of the Enterprise is revealed to have tried to race for help and save someone when he was a child but was too late because he was overwhelmed by fear and confusion. These things are handled very well and bring so much to the narrative and the legitimacy of what Sybok is telling people that you start to see how hard it would be to doubt him. That Uhura, Chekov, and Kirk can all pass through the book without it being revealed what, for the first two, is their pain shows how impressive the added depth for everyone else functions to carry the narrative. While he is there for the action portions I found it interesting that Kirk himself receives the least added character material. Certainly his relationship to his crew gets examined, but not to the point that anyone familiar with him would feel they had learned or experienced anything new with him.
J.M. Dillard's work is very readable and while it greatly expands on the source material it never feels like it is slowing down to jam in useless material. There were one or two clunky lines to read but they were always attached to things said in the film so I can't be certain they are getting a fair view from me. The only down side to the novel is something I doubt anyone reading it would have an issue with, that being that knowledge of the major events in Star Trek two, three, and four is useful to understand where the relationships amongst the Enterprise crew are at during their initial chapters in the book. Overall, wonderful work here. Very solid four out of five stars.
The rest of the narrative characters are deepened by their interactions with Sybok. Side characters in the film now get full treatment as driven people who reveal and are relieved of their life's guilt. An early follower regrets his wife's death as he was exiled from his planet and she followed him and died. One of the crew of the Enterprise is revealed to have tried to race for help and save someone when he was a child but was too late because he was overwhelmed by fear and confusion. These things are handled very well and bring so much to the narrative and the legitimacy of what Sybok is telling people that you start to see how hard it would be to doubt him. That Uhura, Chekov, and Kirk can all pass through the book without it being revealed what, for the first two, is their pain shows how impressive the added depth for everyone else functions to carry the narrative. While he is there for the action portions I found it interesting that Kirk himself receives the least added character material. Certainly his relationship to his crew gets examined, but not to the point that anyone familiar with him would feel they had learned or experienced anything new with him.
J.M. Dillard's work is very readable and while it greatly expands on the source material it never feels like it is slowing down to jam in useless material. There were one or two clunky lines to read but they were always attached to things said in the film so I can't be certain they are getting a fair view from me. The only down side to the novel is something I doubt anyone reading it would have an issue with, that being that knowledge of the major events in Star Trek two, three, and four is useful to understand where the relationships amongst the Enterprise crew are at during their initial chapters in the book. Overall, wonderful work here. Very solid four out of five stars.
October 2, 2023
Review 48. Star Trek The Original Series Movies #5 The Final Frontier by J.M. Dillard
Page Count : 346
The Final Frontier is my least favourite of the films, but this book is a vast improvement on the film story.
It adds so much detail to the film story it is amazing.
Giving further information about the story of Sybok and how he came to carry out his actions during the film, this book gives so much more detail on his character and why he did what he did.
The book also goes more into the troubles of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A which at the start of the book is causing a few problems for its crew.
The stories of several members of the Enterprise crew are also explained in more detail, which didn't actually happen in the film when they encounter Sybok, so that was a very nice touch.
This is definitely a book I will reread in the future even if it isn't my favourite of them.
5*
*****
Page Count : 346
The Final Frontier is my least favourite of the films, but this book is a vast improvement on the film story.
It adds so much detail to the film story it is amazing.
Giving further information about the story of Sybok and how he came to carry out his actions during the film, this book gives so much more detail on his character and why he did what he did.
The book also goes more into the troubles of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A which at the start of the book is causing a few problems for its crew.
The stories of several members of the Enterprise crew are also explained in more detail, which didn't actually happen in the film when they encounter Sybok, so that was a very nice touch.
This is definitely a book I will reread in the future even if it isn't my favourite of them.
5*
*****
April 3, 2022
I will say this: J.M. Dillard writes a page-turning ST:TOS story! The plot was good, the "voices" were right (insight into the main characters' backgrounds and personalities are delved into more deeply in this book, and constructed very well), and, just from my personal enjoyment, this Star Trek novel earns a well-deserved 5 stars.
As a bonus, it even includes a few humorous exchanges such as the following which takes place on the bridge of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey when Kirk, to his great relief, discovers that neither his crew nor the Enterprise have been destroyed: "Unashamed he stepped forward and clasped his friend [Spock] in a hug. Spock stiffened. 'Captain, please. Not in front of the Klingons.'"
Addenda: Don't judge this book by the movie. I just watched it and the book is soooooo much better!
As a bonus, it even includes a few humorous exchanges such as the following which takes place on the bridge of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey when Kirk, to his great relief, discovers that neither his crew nor the Enterprise have been destroyed: "Unashamed he stepped forward and clasped his friend [Spock] in a hug. Spock stiffened. 'Captain, please. Not in front of the Klingons.'"
Addenda: Don't judge this book by the movie. I just watched it and the book is soooooo much better!
January 30, 2024
3.25 stars. Definitely better than the movie, and noticeably so. In fact, after reading this novel, I wish the movie had just been this book!
Not being a huge fan of the film (if you couldn't tell), I wasn't looking forward to reading this one. But I was pleasantly surprised. The author did an excellent job fleshing out motivations and characters, as well as making questionable scenes, dialogue, and acting choices work better on the page than they ever did on screen.
I couldn't recommend this to anyone, and probably won't ever read it again, but I can't deny it's an impressive feat to have turned that film into this book.
Not being a huge fan of the film (if you couldn't tell), I wasn't looking forward to reading this one. But I was pleasantly surprised. The author did an excellent job fleshing out motivations and characters, as well as making questionable scenes, dialogue, and acting choices work better on the page than they ever did on screen.
I couldn't recommend this to anyone, and probably won't ever read it again, but I can't deny it's an impressive feat to have turned that film into this book.
May 6, 2017
An incredible novel that I could not put down. As is typical of the Star Trek genre, the various social messages contained throughout the novel compared with a science fiction theme make for some great thinking sessions for modern times...Additionally, reading about the various antics and adventures of our old friends is like visiting family.
August 23, 2025
I think this story works better as a novel than as a film, weirdly enough. Dillard did a good job expanding on the film's lore, and writing some neat backstory and extra details the film didn't have, and did her best to make a decent story out of a messy script. It's not hard to see why she's such a long lasting author.
October 23, 2020
The book was a bit better than the movie. Lots more detail - - although in come cases we are wondering where it was going - - like the bit with the dude in the field of holes. But it still had some fun moments.
January 27, 2021
I can’t remember much about the movie other than 11 year old me thought it was dull and the humor felt forced. But this novelization was a lot of fun. It also had some good lessons about loss and forgiveness.
June 12, 2021
So much better than the film. This was a flat out enjoyable read and the plot had so much more depth (which I would expect with a 300 page book vs. a 2 hour film). Actually enjoyed it more than the novelization for Star Trek 4.
March 3, 2024
Despite not letting us know why God needs a starship, this is a great retelling of what is a pretty average film. It glosses over the weaknesses and indulgences, making the story stronger and more interesting and more in keeping with the original message of Trek.
February 15, 2025
This novelisation offers some additional insights to the 1989 film of the same name, but it does not stand out as a particularly remarkable piece of Star Trek literature. If you're looking for a more immersive and thought-provoking Star Trek experience, David Mack's novels are the better choice.
January 24, 2019
Pretty good adaptation with some extra scenes and background to some characters.
January 4, 2020
This and other J. M. Dillard books reviewed here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com...
February 21, 2020
More from the Star Trek movies.
May 23, 2020
This is a good example 9f the novelization being better than the movie.
November 13, 2020
Not quite as bad as the movie but also not too far away from it. Terrible, utterly dumb story that‘s only saved by a very few select moments of fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews