December 2012: "Silent Weapons"

Three years after the disastrous final Borg invasion, a bitter cold war against the Typhon Pact has pushed Starfleet's resources to the breaking point. Now the rise of a danderous new technology threatens to destroy the Federation from within.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise crew answer a distress call from an old friend, only to become targets in a deadly game of deception. To protect a vital diplomatic mission, they must find a way to identify the spies hiding in their midst, before it's too late.

But Worf soon realizes the crew's every move has been predicted: Someone is using them as pawns. And the closer they get to exposing their enemy, the deeper they spiral into its trap...

December 2012: "Federation: The First 150 Years"

Assembled for special exhibit on Memory Alpha, Federation: The First 150 Years celebrates the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Federation of Planets.

This unprecedented illustrated volume chronicles the pivotal era leading up to Humankind's First Contact with Vulcan in 2063, the Romulan War in 2156, the creation of the Federation in 2161, and the first 150 years of the intergalactic democracy up until the year 2311. Meticulously researched, this account covers a multitude of alien species, decisive battles, and the technology that made the Age of Exploration possible. It includes field sketches, illustrations, and reproductions of historic pieces of art from across the Galaxy, along with over fifty excerpts from key Federation documents and correspondence, Starfleet records, and intergalactic intelligence.

Housed in a pedestal display, complete with lights and a push-button audio introduction by Admiral Hikaru Sulu, this deluxe edition also features five removable documents from the Federation Archives, including Zefram Cochrane's early sketch of the warp-drive engine, a handwritten letter from young Jim Kirk, and the first-known diagram of a Trill symbiont.

Federation: The First 150 Years truly uncovers the quest for man to boldly go. 

"The Measure of a Man" Expanded Edition Review

Last night I joined with Star Trek fans across the United States in attending the Next Generation Second Season Blu-Ray Event. While watching the initial appearance of the Borg on the big screen was a neat experience, the real treat of the evening was seeing, for the first time, the expanded edition of the classic TNG episode "The Measure of a Man". My review of this special treat follows the cut.

"Skyfall" and Bond Rankings

The Trek Lit Report is taking a few moments away from Star Trek to give some thought to the latest entry in another iconic entertainment franchise, James Bond. A spoiler-free review of "Skyfall", some commentary on Bond and the new incarnation of Star Trek, and my personal Bond rankings follows the cut.

Dayton Ward Shares “From History’s Shadow” Details

Dayton Ward took to the blogosphere this morning to share some more detailed information on his recently announced Original Series nove; “From History’s Shadow”. A summary of highlights from his announcement follows the cut.

Giveaway I: Haynes "Klingon Bird-of-Prey" Manual

The Trek Lit Report is one week old, and to celebrate, we have our first giveaway! Your chance to win a copy of the new Haynes "Klingon Bird-of-Prey Owners' Workshop Manual" by Rick Sternbach and Ben Robinson is now! Learn how to enter the contest after the cut.

Tantalizing Details Emerge on Bennett's Early Federation Novel

Trek author Christopher L. Bennett has been a busy bee over at the TrekBBS of late, answering questions concerning his forthcoming Rise of the Federation novel “A Choice of Futures”. Some of the highlights of his ongoing discussions follow the cut.

Dayton Ward to Pen 2013 TOS Novel

As Simon and Schuster updated its online catalog this weekend, another tantalizing tidbit for the 2013 schedule hit, as Dayton Ward was announced as the author of the August novel, "From History's Shadow". No further information is avaliable at this time, but this continues the 2013 trend of TOS heavy material.

DS9 Anniversary Series Has a Name

Author David R. George III has announced the series title to his upcoming 2013 novels celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His announcement confirms that "The Fall" will be the overarching title for the works. However he noted that the title of the book itself is not "Time and Revelation", which is currently posted on the Simon and Schuster website. He also shares in his post that this is not a Next Generation work, contrary to the preliminary posting on the S&S site.

George's full post can be read on his Facebook page.

Pocket Books official page for the novel can be found at this link.

New Early Federation Novel due July 2013

Trek author Christopher L. Bennett announced on his blog today that he has been working on a new project for the past few months, focusing on the early days of the Federation. The new novel, "Star Trek: Enterprise - Rise of the Federation: A Choice of Futures" picks up about a year after the conclusion of the Romulan War and the foundation of the Federation. Highlights of his announcement follow the cut.

Welcome to The Trek Lit Report

Let me be the first to welcome you to The Trek Lit Report, a new website dedicated to Star Trek literature. My name is Robert Lyons, and since 2007, I have been the main book reviewer for TrekMovie.com. TrekMovie will continue to carry my reviews, but this will be my location for ongoing comment, retro reviews, interviews, and other goodies. At times, I'll even review some non-Trek books that I think may be of interest to fans of space-based science fiction. I hope you enjoy the new site! Please keep reading for information on our Spoiler and Comment Policies, as well as how to search our archives.

November 2012: Haynes "Klingon Bird-of-Prey Owners' Workshop Manual"

The Bird-of-Prey is the classic Klingon starship—a tough raiding and scouting vessel that has served at the heart of the Klingon Defense Force for more than a hundred years. Life on board is harsh and brutal, with any sign of weakness leading to a challenge to the death. The ship itself is stripped back and lean, with everything designed for a single purpose—war. 

This Haynes Manual traces the origins of a Bird-of-Prey from the moment it is commissioned by one of the Great Houses and constructed at the shipyards of the Klingon Naval Academy. It then proceeds to examine General Martok’s famous ship the I.K.S. Rotarran in unprecedented detail. 

Featuring a stunning cutaway drawing and, for the first time ever, detailed deck plans and incredible new computer-generated artwork, the Haynes Bird-of-Prey Manual is a technical tour of the ship’s systems, from the bridge and engineering rooms to the disruptors, torpedo launcher, and the all-important cloaking device. In addition, the Manual provides a unique insight into life on board a Klingon ship and the Rotarran’s glorious history in the Dominion War.

November 2012: "The Persistence of Memory"

Whenever a Star Trek franchise celebrates a milestone, it’s time for something special, isn’t it? Well, to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the launch of Star Trek: The Next Generation, veteran Trek scribe David Mack rolls out a trilogy for us, Cold Equations. Join us for our review Book I, “The Persistence of Memory”.

New Cover Reveal: "The Folded World"

Earlier this week, Doug Drexler revealed a high-resolution image of his cover artwork for the forthcoming Original Series novel "The Folded World" via Facebook. The original high-res photo can be found at this link. The book, written by Jeff Mariotte, is due in bookstores on April 30.

October 2012: Book News Roundup

As the holidays approach, the publication schedule moves forward with great gift ideas for the Trekkie in your life (or, well, for yourself if you're so inclined!) Catch up on current releases, and put together your checklist for the next ten months of Trek Literature with October's Book News Roundup.

October 2012: "Brinkmanship"

Bickering leaders, an increasingly militarized border, back-room machinations… no, we’re not talking about anything in domestic or world politics, we’re talking about Una McCormack’s new novel, “Brinkmanship”.

October 2012: "Star Trek: The Next Generation 365"

If you are simply looking for an ‘episode guide’ to Star Trek: The Next Generation, don’t bother buying this book. It won’t satisfy you. If you are looking for a rich, immersive journey into the production and life of TNG, then “Star Trek: The Next Generation 365” is definitely a book that is for you. Our review of the Block/Erdmann TNG retrospective follows the cut.

October 2012: "In Tempest's Wake"

The U.S.S. Enterprise and other starships that participated in the final battle in the Taurus Reach have been remanded to a remote starbase. While evacuees from the station are processed and the ships repaired, restocked, and re-staffed as needed, Captain James T. Kirk is ordered to report to Admiral Heihachiro Nogura, Starbase 47’s second and final commanding officer. Through flashbacks intercut with the ongoing conversation between Kirk and Nogura, the Enterprise’s involvement in the last days of Operation Vanguard—and the conflict between Starfleet and Tholian forces at Starbase 47—is now told from the perspective of Kirk and his crew.

September 2012: "The Eternal Tide"

What happens when a fleet commander’s humanity becomes secondary to an entropic force that just cannot be stopped… well, I guess you can say “The Eternal Tide” happens, which works out pretty well, since our review of the aptly named novel follows the cut.

August 2012: "Fallen Gods"

As the starship Titan continues its journey of exploration deep into the Beta Quadrant, the Andorian succession issue serves up an added complication in the midst of an already tricky mission in a dangerously unstable region of space as Michael A. Martin’s new novel “Fallen Gods” hits the ground running.

July 2012: "Raise The Dawn"

The second (and final) part of David R. George III’s new Typhon Pact duology is due to hits the bookstore shelves this week. We've already blazed through our copy, and we have some thoughts to share. Check out our review of “Raise the Dawn” below.

June 2012: "Redshirts"

The secrets of the Universal Union’s flagship are exposed as newbie crew members continue to die exquisitely meaningless deaths in John Scalzi’s new sci-fi sendup, “Redshirts”. It isn’t an official Star Trek novel, but the title gives it away as a Trek spoof. Our review follows the cut.

June 2012: "Plagues of Night"

Troubled waters (uh, space-lanes?) divide the Federation and its partners from the Typhon Pact. Can David R. George III bridge them in his new novel “Plagues of Night”?

May 2012: "Forgotten History"

Lucsly and Dulmur are running out of time in the fast-paced new novel from Christopher L. Bennett. Once again the Department of Temporal Investigation is on the case in the new Star Trek novel, “Forgotten History,” and for this outing they are dealing with the guy who has the biggest time travel rap sheet, James T. Kirk. 

April 2012: "Storming Heaven"

Vanguard is under siege. Surrounded by enemies, Admiral Nogura sends the scout ship Sagittarius to find an ancient weapon that might be the Federation’s only hope of stopping the alien threat known as the Shedai... Qo’noS is wracked by scandal. Councillor Gorkon fights to expose a Romulan plot to corrupt members of the Klingon High Council, only to learn the hard way that crusaders have few allies, and even fewer friends... Tholia teeters on the brink of madness. To prevent Starfleet from wielding the Shedai’s power as its own, the Tholians deploy an armada with one mission: Kill the Shedai—by destroying Vanguard.

March 2012: "That Which Divides"

Located in an area of non-aligned space near Federation and Romulan territory, the Kondaii system is home to a unique stellar phenomenon: a spatial rift that opens every three years in proximity to the system’s sole inhabited planet. Only during this brief period is communication possible with the small, mineral-rich planetoid inside the rift. The local population has established a mining colony on this planetoid, and for the limited du ration that the rift is open, a massive interplanetary operation is set into motion: ferrying mineral ore to the home planet while simultaneously transferring personnel and replenishing essential supplies and equipment—everything necessary to sustain the colony before it once again enters forced isolation. 

While studying the rift, the science vessel U.S.S. Huang Zhong is severely damaged and crash-lands on the planetoid. After the Starship Enterprise arrives to conduct rescue operations, evidence quickly points to the rift’s artificial nature. It is a feat far beyond the capacity of the local inhabitants, and presents an alluring mystery for Captain James T. Kirk and his crew. It also attracts the attention of the Romulans, who are most interested in studying and perhaps seizing this supposed advanced technology—by any means necessary.

February 2012: "The Rings of Time"

2020 

The U.S.S. Lewis & Clark, under the command of Colonel Shaun Christopher, sets off on humanity’s first manned mission to Saturn. But the unexpected presence of a stowaway complicates the mission—as does a startling encounter with an alien probe. But when Colonel Christopher attempts to capture the probe, he suddenly finds himself transported across time and space to a future era of space exploration... 

Stardate 7103.4 

The U.S.S. Enterprise responds to an urgent distress call from a mining colony orbiting Klondike VI, a ringed gas giant not unlike Saturn. For unknown reasons, the planet’s rings are coming apart, threatening the safety of the colony and its inhabitants. Searching for a way to avert the disaster, Captain James T. Kirk and his crew investigate a mysterious alien probe that has just entered the system. But when the probe is beamed aboard, Kirk abruptly finds himself floating in space above Saturn, wearing an old-fashioned NASA spacesuit, with the Enterprise nowhere in sight... 

Two missions. Two crews. And a time-twisting crisis that spans the centuries...

January 2012: "Rise Like Lions"

IN THE MIRROR UNIVERSE . . .

Miles “Smiley” O’Brien struggles to hold together his weary band of freedom fighters in their war against the overwhelming might of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. Each day pushes the rebels on Terok Nor one step closer to defeat, but with nowhere left to run, the time has come to make their last stand.

Light-years away, Mac Calhoun and his Romulan allies harass Klingon forces with devious hit-and-run attacks. But Calhoun has a grander ambition: he intends to merge his fleet with the Terran Rebellion and lead it to victory—or die trying.

Meanwhile, a bitter feud threatens to shatter the Alliance from within. The old rivalry between the Klingons and the Cardassians erupts into open warfare as each vies for the upper hand in their partnership.