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With the fall of the ancient Thallonian Empire, civil war threatens the planet of Zondar. The arrival of the U.S.S Excalibur is greeted with relief and celebration by the anxious populace, and Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, fresh from his cataclysmic escape form the Thallonian throneworld, is acclaimed as their prophesied savior. But one believer's messiah is another's blasphemer -- and a prime candidate for martyrdom. When Captain Calhoun is captured, Lieutenant Commander Burgoyne must find him before an alien fleet launched a holy war against the Federation!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1998
44 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,362 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 29, 2017
Space Sector 221-G got even more complicated!
ANY WAR IS BAD, BUT A HOLY WAR IS WORSE
The former Thallonian Empire, now renamed just as Space Sector 221-G is on a very risky political unstability, but...
...the fragile situation got even worse when the religious angle got into the equation of the space sector!
The Thallon world is no more, and when the unthinkable, even almost impossible happened...
...this unprecedented event was seen as a prophecy on the planet Zondar...
...which it won't be tolerated by the relentless Redeemers, since they only consider their faith as the only true faith...
...in the whole universe!
So, when Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is claimed on Zondar as its prophesied saviour...
...this action marks Calhoun as a new deadly enemy to the Redeemers, and the planet Zondar needs a due religious cleansing!
Any war is bad, something causing death and sorrow to both sides of any conflict, but a regular politically inspired war, eventually a truce is a possible outcome,...
...but a holy war?
There are clear examples in our own current society to know that not even 2000 years is enough to reach peace...
...so Captain Calhoun and the USS Excalibur are getting into a terrible situation becoming a threat to the Redeeemers that even the once mighty Thallonian Empire thought better to cross roads, if possible to avoid, with those powerful zealots.
A new frontier, a new crew, new threats!
ANY WAR IS BAD, BUT A HOLY WAR IS WORSE
The former Thallonian Empire, now renamed just as Space Sector 221-G is on a very risky political unstability, but...
...the fragile situation got even worse when the religious angle got into the equation of the space sector!
The Thallon world is no more, and when the unthinkable, even almost impossible happened...
...this unprecedented event was seen as a prophecy on the planet Zondar...
...which it won't be tolerated by the relentless Redeemers, since they only consider their faith as the only true faith...
...in the whole universe!
So, when Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is claimed on Zondar as its prophesied saviour...
...this action marks Calhoun as a new deadly enemy to the Redeemers, and the planet Zondar needs a due religious cleansing!
Any war is bad, something causing death and sorrow to both sides of any conflict, but a regular politically inspired war, eventually a truce is a possible outcome,...
...but a holy war?
There are clear examples in our own current society to know that not even 2000 years is enough to reach peace...
...so Captain Calhoun and the USS Excalibur are getting into a terrible situation becoming a threat to the Redeeemers that even the once mighty Thallonian Empire thought better to cross roads, if possible to avoid, with those powerful zealots.
A new frontier, a new crew, new threats!
December 14, 2015
As much as I love Peter David, this series always feels like Star Trek's weird cousin. The characters aren't great. Calhoun is interesting, but his snark always feels forced. The storylines have too much fantasy elements for my taste. This entry was oddly sexual. In spite of all that, I'm not ready to give up just yet. Si Swan is intriguing and a plot element from the next book has caught my interest. The jury is still out.
April 8, 2020
Another fun New Frontier novel, now that they're more settled into a mission routine. I loved most of the humor in here, though I feel like the author's playfulness around Burgoyne's sexual nature either got old or was a bit dated. David does a great job with character interactions, and Lt. Soleta has been consistently one of the low-key funniest characters so far (a Vulcan!).
This definitely is a popcorn series for me.
This definitely is a popcorn series for me.
June 20, 2024
Maybe I'm being controversial here but I just feel like the Excalibur crew would solve problems more quickly if they could stop being so embarrassingly horny for each other at all times. Bizzare.
July 1, 2025
David’s preoccupation with sex always features heavily in his Trek novels. In this one, it threatens to overtake the A-plot. That said, I give him a lot of credit for being willing to explore an intersex character who is pansexual in the 90s (before we even really had that language).
October 11, 2014
This was the first full length novel (the first story was released in 4 separate books), and it certainly benefits from that.
June 12, 2010
Thallon is gone. A giant bird hatched out of it and now Excalibur travels around the sector aiding whoever they have to from the fallout in the sector.
The main storyline is that Calhoun finds out that he is the savior of the people of the planet Zondar. When he goes down for a diplomatic mission, he disappears mysteriously.
On the side, Dr. Selar discovers that she is undergoing the Pon Farr. It was delayed because her husband had a heart attack during Pon Farr and died. She asks the captain to help her by conceiving a child with her much to the chagrin of Shelby. Burgoyne appears to be attracted to Selar as well, much to Selar's chagrin....
"I've seem more stable nuthouses. I bet Picard never had these problems."
The main storyline is that Calhoun finds out that he is the savior of the people of the planet Zondar. When he goes down for a diplomatic mission, he disappears mysteriously.
On the side, Dr. Selar discovers that she is undergoing the Pon Farr. It was delayed because her husband had a heart attack during Pon Farr and died. She asks the captain to help her by conceiving a child with her much to the chagrin of Shelby. Burgoyne appears to be attracted to Selar as well, much to Selar's chagrin....
"I've seem more stable nuthouses. I bet Picard never had these problems."
August 4, 2010
A nice follow up to the first big adventure, if a little uneven--but that's to be expected given this is essentially the first open ended series of Star Trek novels. Finding the perfect balance between the ongoing and self contained plots may take a volume or two.
And stuff does happen here. There is a resolution in the Selar-Burgoyne-McHenry triangle, a new recurring character Ens. Janos (a Mugato) is introduced, Lefler takes on the side task of being a liaison between Si Cwan and Capt. Calhoun, a new long term adversary--the Redeemers--make themselves known, and Calhoun and Shelby continue being the Sam and Diane of outer space. Oh yeah--Calhoun is also briefly mistaken for a planetary messiah.
The Human Adventure continues..
And stuff does happen here. There is a resolution in the Selar-Burgoyne-McHenry triangle, a new recurring character Ens. Janos (a Mugato) is introduced, Lefler takes on the side task of being a liaison between Si Cwan and Capt. Calhoun, a new long term adversary--the Redeemers--make themselves known, and Calhoun and Shelby continue being the Sam and Diane of outer space. Oh yeah--Calhoun is also briefly mistaken for a planetary messiah.
The Human Adventure continues..
August 10, 2010
This was an interesting book, but it felt like too much setup for too little payoff. I'm sure we will run into the Redeemers again, but for their buildup in this book I expected to see more of them in the end. I was mildly annoyed by the Burgoyne 172 storyline. I understand Peter David wanting to do the whole "s/he" "hir" "shir" thing, but it gets old really fast.
Overall, it's a good story, but really predictable. The whole Selar/Pon Farr thing had been stretched out for the first four books so I was glad it was resolved finally, but it was resolved exactly like I thought it would be. I like the idea that it is an ongoing series, but the setup for the next book is as subtle as a quantum torpedo with your shields down.
Overall, it's a good story, but really predictable. The whole Selar/Pon Farr thing had been stretched out for the first four books so I was glad it was resolved finally, but it was resolved exactly like I thought it would be. I like the idea that it is an ongoing series, but the setup for the next book is as subtle as a quantum torpedo with your shields down.
August 8, 2018
I really do want to rate this one higher but this book took about 5/8s of the way through to finally get going. I'm pretty sick of reading about the Burgyone and Selar relationship dynamic and really want to get a chance to get to know the characters on the crew who are actually interesting instead of their relationship "drama." When the book decides that it doesn't want to be a soap opera and instead wants to be a Star Trek book then it actually is interesting. Peter David does take the humorous moments a little too far sometimes which detracts from moments that would be filled with more tension. The last 3/8s are pretty good but the first part was a little harder to get through.
January 31, 2010
The Redeemers are a thoroughly nasty, but still interesting race and the crew is still strongly written, with a minimum of sub-plots.
The first half dozen books of this series were the best.
This would have made a good TV series, with it's mix of politics and 'big and cosmic' stories.
The first half dozen books of this series were the best.
This would have made a good TV series, with it's mix of politics and 'big and cosmic' stories.
January 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this next book in the series. It's relatively self contained as far as the plot line is concerned, but nicely continues some of the previous ongoing points. I'm interested to see how this continues in future books.
August 2, 2011
Peter David has always written some good Trek stories, but this one seems forced. The characters are very interesting, and really drive the story. It just seems some of the dialoge is stiff and forced. I'm hoping the next one of this series improves in this area.
June 22, 2017
I have enjoyed Peter David's Trek work, but the language in this one just didn't do it for me. It seemed careless. The characters and driving story I've come to expect from him where there, though.
November 12, 2021
Star Trek New Frontier Martyr Is Another Great Tale!!!!!
It kicked off with four slim paperbacks, telling a grand story with multiple subplots and personal entanglements, that was a wonderful start to a massive adventure, introducing us to a new crew and mission.
Now, with the training wheels of the hello’s and whatcha doing taken care of, we get a full novel length story.
Star Trek New Frontier Book 5 Martyr is written by Peter David, based on the concept by John J. Ordover and Peter David. It takes place in the movie era of The Next Generation, as the huge dictatorship Thallonian Empire has collapsed and the Federation has sent a Starship into the region to render assistance and survey the situation. Into this is the rebellious Captain Calhoun of the Starship Excalibur and his people being recurring characters from The Next Generation, like Dr Selar, and ones David created in previous novels, like Zak Kebron.
Taking place shortly after book four, Excalibur goes to a planet where an ancient prophecy states that Calhoun is their saviour after centuries of war. Calhoun goes along, even with some in his crew saying this is not a good idea. After some celebrations and some suspicions, Calhoun goes missing and they say he is dead. Rescue missions, yes missions, and more mysteries abound, with David closing off this story and neatly setting up another.
Which brings up a qualm or two I have with Martyr. How the villain is defeated is obvious from the very beginning, and as to what is really going on, longtime Trek fans can make really really good guesses as to what is going on. David also really really loves to reference other Trek, so yeah who the Big Bad could be is simply a reference guide away.
But as a sophomore story, it is still an excellent tale with David’s amazing character development on full display yet again. Dr. Selar and Burgoyne 172 have their relationship enter a new phase, one that surprises both of them, and Shelby shows us how great a battle tactician she is, even under great duress. We also see Soleta in command, which is cool to see another rebellious person in charge. Wonder what will happen when another rebellious officer and her clash?
David also introduces a new spacefaring enemy, who are powerful and fanatical and genocidal. He needs recurring villains, as any Trek series does, and these ones are almost as scary as the Borg. Almost.
I don’t have the rest of the New Frontier book series, some fifteen more volumes, but do know generally what happens here and their throughout the rest of them. Someday I would love to finish New Frontier and see this grand voyage of selfless humanity play out.
Scoopriches
It kicked off with four slim paperbacks, telling a grand story with multiple subplots and personal entanglements, that was a wonderful start to a massive adventure, introducing us to a new crew and mission.
Now, with the training wheels of the hello’s and whatcha doing taken care of, we get a full novel length story.
Star Trek New Frontier Book 5 Martyr is written by Peter David, based on the concept by John J. Ordover and Peter David. It takes place in the movie era of The Next Generation, as the huge dictatorship Thallonian Empire has collapsed and the Federation has sent a Starship into the region to render assistance and survey the situation. Into this is the rebellious Captain Calhoun of the Starship Excalibur and his people being recurring characters from The Next Generation, like Dr Selar, and ones David created in previous novels, like Zak Kebron.
Taking place shortly after book four, Excalibur goes to a planet where an ancient prophecy states that Calhoun is their saviour after centuries of war. Calhoun goes along, even with some in his crew saying this is not a good idea. After some celebrations and some suspicions, Calhoun goes missing and they say he is dead. Rescue missions, yes missions, and more mysteries abound, with David closing off this story and neatly setting up another.
Which brings up a qualm or two I have with Martyr. How the villain is defeated is obvious from the very beginning, and as to what is really going on, longtime Trek fans can make really really good guesses as to what is going on. David also really really loves to reference other Trek, so yeah who the Big Bad could be is simply a reference guide away.
But as a sophomore story, it is still an excellent tale with David’s amazing character development on full display yet again. Dr. Selar and Burgoyne 172 have their relationship enter a new phase, one that surprises both of them, and Shelby shows us how great a battle tactician she is, even under great duress. We also see Soleta in command, which is cool to see another rebellious person in charge. Wonder what will happen when another rebellious officer and her clash?
David also introduces a new spacefaring enemy, who are powerful and fanatical and genocidal. He needs recurring villains, as any Trek series does, and these ones are almost as scary as the Borg. Almost.
I don’t have the rest of the New Frontier book series, some fifteen more volumes, but do know generally what happens here and their throughout the rest of them. Someday I would love to finish New Frontier and see this grand voyage of selfless humanity play out.
Scoopriches
April 2, 2021
I still don't know what to make of PAD's New Frontier series. There's a lot more pulp than usual Trek novels. More snark, less utopian optimism, more weird aliens, and more sex. I'm not a prude, but sex doesn't feel right with Trek. Sure, TOS could be pretty horny at times, but this book is utterly RIFE with love triangles and heated trysts. And you better believe PAD fills it with puns about warp core breaches, which I could have done without.
It's a weird soup of styles and genres that has both fascinated and repulsed me since I first found them in the library as a kid. I thought they were a bit stupid back then, and I still do. But now I also find them to be weird and fun as well
It's a weird soup of styles and genres that has both fascinated and repulsed me since I first found them in the library as a kid. I thought they were a bit stupid back then, and I still do. But now I also find them to be weird and fun as well
September 2, 2024
I feel bad giving this a 3 but it really isn't as good as the previous entrie(s). The plot doesn't hit as hard, the action isn't as fun to read, Burgoyne's sexual obsession with Selar is starting to feel uncomfortable to me. It feels like that plot is trying too hard to be a tv drama affair plotline, especially with the note it ends on in this book. Also, the book doesn't really focus on Calhoun's situation in this book at all like you'd think it would, but I guess you could say it was more of an ensemble story than his story and that's why. Despite all this, I did enjoy the book and it's characters for the most part and will be continuing the series.
June 5, 2022
Ay yo, Burgyone would get drummed out of Starfleet for the way they acted in this book. I don't care about culture and sexual empowerment. Getting drunk and harassing a fellow officer in a staff lounge, then going to their quarters and harassing them and scratching them to make a blood pact? I understand the idea of imperfect characters but that's really bad. How that was supposed to be flawed but also endearing is beyond my understanding. Low rating on this one for suffocating this book with those scenes.
January 28, 2023
The First Standalone in the New Frontier Saga
While this story has elements that continue from the first four novels, it is the most separate tale yet from this series. I enjoyed the first four books, but I was interested to finally get a new story line for this crew. Captain Calhoun is considered a God by nearby planets. When he visits one he finds out there is much prophecy in the coming of the savior. It's a fun story and the character beats are very well done. I can't wait to see where the crew goes next.
While this story has elements that continue from the first four novels, it is the most separate tale yet from this series. I enjoyed the first four books, but I was interested to finally get a new story line for this crew. Captain Calhoun is considered a God by nearby planets. When he visits one he finds out there is much prophecy in the coming of the savior. It's a fun story and the character beats are very well done. I can't wait to see where the crew goes next.
April 1, 2025
I'm trying to work my way through the Star Trek novels, but I continue to have real problems with this series. I can't help but think that if I were living in the Federation and was in some sort of trouble, this is the very last crew I'd want to rely upon to rescue me. They all feel so damn immature, and I can't think of a single personal problem that any of them have (or might have, in the future) that I would care about in the slightest. Which is a problem, given how much of the series is given over to their personal issues.
September 29, 2019
Great, enjoyable romp which was fascinating to read
This novel was well written. It was composed in the nice, readable, compelling style that has made Peter David a unique author. The novel was entertaining and a pleasure to read. I would just like to say if Peter could keep including a large number of sci fi elements within future stories. Characterization is just wonderful. Good job, Peter!!
This novel was well written. It was composed in the nice, readable, compelling style that has made Peter David a unique author. The novel was entertaining and a pleasure to read. I would just like to say if Peter could keep including a large number of sci fi elements within future stories. Characterization is just wonderful. Good job, Peter!!
July 11, 2022
2.5*
I enjoyed a lot of the character development in this - especially for Burgoyne, who I'm liking more and more - and I thought the climax of the novel was intense and excellent. However the majority of this book felt drawn out and a cluttered waste of my time (SORRY!!)
I hope that the rest of this arc steps it up a little bit because I'm feeling a bit of series fatigue and I don't want to feel that!! Cos there are SO MANY books left.
OK, onto Fire on High...
I enjoyed a lot of the character development in this - especially for Burgoyne, who I'm liking more and more - and I thought the climax of the novel was intense and excellent. However the majority of this book felt drawn out and a cluttered waste of my time (SORRY!!)
I hope that the rest of this arc steps it up a little bit because I'm feeling a bit of series fatigue and I don't want to feel that!! Cos there are SO MANY books left.
OK, onto Fire on High...
May 21, 2023
A fine entry in the series. Calhoun and the Excalibur finds themselves in a bit of a mess as a civil war is about to transform into a holy war on Zondar. They think Calhoun is their savior and will do anything to get him into the starring roll. A number of twists show up as the story unfolds. Definitely recommended.
July 9, 2019
I can't say this worked for me....the characterization of Shelby seems off, and indeed, all of the sexual politics in this book made me somewhat uncomfortable. I had been enjoying the cast of this title and was looking forward to spending more time with them, but I found this very disappointing.
June 13, 2020
A little slow to start but picks up nicely. A little thin in plot but has great character moments. I definitely feel more attached to this crew than before reading it. I'm excited to see what happens to them next.
March 18, 2023
Enjoyed the longer format books, provides more time for storytelling, and you can have an entire self-contained plot within a single novel unlike the previous four which collectively told a single story - will definitely continue with the others in this series at some point!
December 30, 2017
While it took a bit to get moving, once it did, it was such a quick and enjoyable read.
July 23, 2017
finishing this book was an exercise in self-loathing.
December 10, 2018
I love this CREW! I MUST read more! (This was my reading only at work book)
February 24, 2019
Definitely 5 stars. After the series picked back up with a full-sized novel, it got better. Definitely. That is all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews