Star Trek: Enterprise – Kobayashi Maru” by Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels, 2008, Pocket Books, $7.99, softbound, 482 pages: In the midst of dull patrol duty, the crew of “Enterprise” comes across a surprising and violent turn of events: unprovoked, someone has been attacking interstellar civilian freighters. Captains Archer and Hernandez begin to suspect the mysterious Romulans, but have no proof to back their claim. When it begins to seem as though the Klingons are to blame, war seems imminent, and Archer fights to uncover the evidence he needs to avert the Coalition of Planets from making a grave mistake.
Meanwhile, Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker – whose “death” at the close of the “Enterprise” television series was faked – is in the middle of a dangerous undercover operation deep in Romulan space. Surgically altered to appear Romulan, Trip has been working with the Romulans on developing a warp seven drive and is carefully sending information back to his superiors at Starfleet while trying not to go “native.” However, Starfleet is not the only entity itching to get its hands on the valuable warp seven drive; a secretive Romulan organization operating outside the jurisdiction of the Romulan government also has its eye on this particular prize and will resort to any means to attain it.
Urged on by increasingly disturbing telepathic visions, Commander T’Pol, along with Lieutenant Reed, ventures off in search of Trip in an effort to save his life. The journey is committed without authorization, which will not only earn the two errant officers a lot of trouble with their superiors, but also leaves Archer without two of his best crew members at a time when he could use them most.
The action continues to build as the story progresses, and there is significant and satisfying character insight.
Martin and Mangels know how to tell a story and have the skill to tell it from the points of view of established characters; fans will hear the heroes’ voices in the dialogue.
If you don’t like cliff-hangers, this isn’t the book for you, as there are several threads left dangling. While it is useful to be familiar with “Star Trek: Enterprise,” it is not necessary to have read any “Star Trek” book before delving into this one. Some language, sexual situations and gore may offend some readers.
Lee’s take: An excellent read.
J.J.’s take: Like watching an extended length episode.
Meanwhile, Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker – whose “death” at the close of the “Enterprise” television series was faked – is in the middle of a dangerous undercover operation deep in Romulan space. Surgically altered to appear Romulan, Trip has been working with the Romulans on developing a warp seven drive and is carefully sending information back to his superiors at Starfleet while trying not to go “native.” However, Starfleet is not the only entity itching to get its hands on the valuable warp seven drive; a secretive Romulan organization operating outside the jurisdiction of the Romulan government also has its eye on this particular prize and will resort to any means to attain it.
Urged on by increasingly disturbing telepathic visions, Commander T’Pol, along with Lieutenant Reed, ventures off in search of Trip in an effort to save his life. The journey is committed without authorization, which will not only earn the two errant officers a lot of trouble with their superiors, but also leaves Archer without two of his best crew members at a time when he could use them most.
The action continues to build as the story progresses, and there is significant and satisfying character insight.
Martin and Mangels know how to tell a story and have the skill to tell it from the points of view of established characters; fans will hear the heroes’ voices in the dialogue.
If you don’t like cliff-hangers, this isn’t the book for you, as there are several threads left dangling. While it is useful to be familiar with “Star Trek: Enterprise,” it is not necessary to have read any “Star Trek” book before delving into this one. Some language, sexual situations and gore may offend some readers.
Lee’s take: An excellent read.
J.J.’s take: Like watching an extended length episode.
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