Star Trek Books for 2008

[Ktrek]

Below is the Star Trek book release schedule for 2008. I'll post updates in here as I have some more info. In fact I think there is at least one non-fiction title to add in here that ties in with the upcoming movie, but I'm not sure which month.

JANUARY, 2008

- STAR TREK EXCELSIOR: FORGED IN FIRE by Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels (mass)

BACK COVER COPY: A vicious pirate known as the Albino is cutting a deadly swath across space, creating turmoil in the Klingon Empire that threatens to spill into the Federation. But this criminal also has a secret that could shake the halls of Imperial power, and his genocidal plans against the race that bore him will have consequences even he cannot imagine, as several unlikely allies join swords to bring the Albino to justice: Hikaru Sulu of the U.S.S. Excelsior; Klingon captains Kor, Koloth, and Kang; and a hotheaded young Federation diplomat named Curzon Dax. Tempered in the flames of their shared adversity, a captaincy is forged, a Blood Oath is sworn . . . and a hunt begins that will stretch from one generation to the next.


- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - SLINGS AND ARROWS, BOOK FOUR: THE SLEEP OF DEATH by Terri Osborne  (eBook)

We find out why Dr. Crusher has such animosity for the EMH as the Enterprise faces a medical crisis.



FEBRUARY

- STAR TREK KLINGON EMPIRE: A BURNING HOUSE by Keith R. A. DeCandido (mass)
BACK COVER COPY: They have been the Federation's staunchest allies, and its fiercest adversaries. Cunning, ruthless, driven by an instinct for violence and defined by a complex code of honor, they must push ever outward in order to survive, defying the icy ravages of space with the fire of their hearts.  They are the Klingons, and if you think you already know all there is to learn about them . . . think again.

From its highest echelons of power to the shocking depths of lowest castes; from its savagely aggressive military to its humble farmers, from political machinations of galactic import to personal demons and family strife, the Klingon Empire is revealed as never before when the captain and crew of the I.K.S. Gorkon finally return to their homeworld of Qo'noS in a sweeping tale of intrigue, love, betrayal, and honor.


- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - SLINGS AND ARROWS, BOOK FIVE: A WEARY LIFE by Robert Greenberger  (eBook)
William Riker is sent on a mission to stop the Maquis—forcing him to confront the actions of his "twin" Tom Riker.


MARCH

- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - SLINGS AND ARROWS, BOOK SIX: ENTERPRISES OF GREAT PITCH AND MOMENT by Keith R.A. DeCandido  (eBook)
Captain Picard is sent to Deep Space 9 to try to find a way to use his relationship with Chancellor Gowron to end the conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.


APRIL

- STAR TREK MIRROR UNIVERSE: SHARDS AND SHADOWS by various (trade, anthology)

Twelve new short stories of the Mirror Universe, including several from "book only" Star Trek series.

- STAR TREK TEROK NOR: DAY OF THE VIPERS by James Swallow (mass)

The beginning of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, from 2318-2328



MAY

- STAR TREK TEROK NOR: NIGHT OF THE WOLVES by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison (mass)
The occupation of Bajor from 2345-2357


JUNE

- STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - THESE HAUNTED SEAS by David R. George III; Heather Jarman (trade, omnibus reprinting Mission: Gamma, Book One - Twilight and Mission: Gamma, Book Two - This Gray Spirit)


- STAR TREK TEROK NOR: DAWN OF THE EAGLES by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison (mass)
The occupation of Bajor from 2360-2369


JULY

- STAR TREK MYRIAD UNIVERSES, VOLUME ONE by various (trade, omnibus)

Beyond the Mirror Universe: three new novels of OTHER alternate Star Trek realities.


- STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - FEARFUL SYMMETRY by Olivia Woods (mass)
A two-in-one flip book revealing the fate of Kira's Cardassian double, Iliana Ghemor.


AUGUST

- STAR TREK MYRIAD UNIVERSES, VOLUME TWO by various (trade, omnibus)

Beyond the Mirror Universe: three new novels of OTHER alternate Star Trek realities.

- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION—GREATER THAN THE SUM by Christopher L.  Bennett

Picking up on the events of Before Dishonor, the crew of the Enterprise embarks on a dangerous mission while dealing with personal upheavals that will define the characters' lives forever after.


SEPTEMBER

- STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE – KOBAYASHI MARU by Andy Mangels & Michael A. Martin (mass)
Captain Jonathan Archer's Enterprise and Captain Erika Hernandez's Columbia become embroiled in the shocking events that became the infamous Starfleet Academy no-win scenario.


OCTOBER-DECEMBER

- STAR TREK DESTINY by David Mack (mass)

BOOK ONE: GODS OF NIGHT
A Star Trek crossover trilogy of epic proportions, featuring the Enterprise-E, the Titan, characters from Deep Space Nine, and elements from Trek's past, coming together in an ambitious tale that will shape the future of the Star Trek universe.

BOOK TWO: MERE MORTALS

BOOK THREE: LOST SOULS

[Rico]

Very nice list.  Thanks for the post.  I'm going to sticky this topic.

[billybob476]

The Terok Nor books look interesting. I'm watching DS9 now and it'd be interesting to see the occupation at its height.

[Ktrek]

The Myriad Universe books I think will be interesting. They are supposed to be what if? type of stories. The idea is that time is fluid and can hold a number of infinite possibilities and outcomes. Kind of if a character had turned right instead of left what would have happened. Anyway, that's my best take on it.

The Terok Nor books do sound fun as well and I'm also looking forward to the Star Trek Destiny series as it's an epic tale with crossovers from several shows and books.

Kevin

[Jen]

Cool! Thanks Ktrek.

[wraith1701]

- STAR TREK EXCELSIOR: FORGED IN FIRE by Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels (mass)

BACK COVER COPY: A vicious pirate known as the Albino is cutting a deadly swath across space, creating turmoil in the Klingon Empire that threatens to spill into the Federation. But this criminal also has a secret that could shake the halls of Imperial power, and his genocidal plans against the race that bore him will have consequences even he cannot imagine, as several unlikely allies join swords to bring the Albino to justice: Hikaru Sulu of the U.S.S. Excelsior; Klingon captains Kor, Koloth, and Kang; and a hotheaded young Federation diplomat named Curzon Dax. Tempered in the flames of their shared adversity, a captaincy is forged, a Blood Oath is sworn . . . and a hunt begins that will stretch from one generation to the next.

I need to check this out.  I'm nearing the end of a re-watch of Deep Space Nine, and the episode Blood Oath is still fresh in my mind.  I think this book ties directly into that episode.  By the way, you can check out Rico's podcast covering that episode HERE.

Thanks for the information, Ktrek. :)

[Ktrek]

Thanks for the information, Ktrek. :)

You're very welcome! I'm more than happy to help if it stimulates interest in Star Trek books.

I have read and do read many types of books but the books that give me the most pleasure and enjoyment are Star Trek books. I very rarely ever come away from a Star Trek book and say 'that was a waste of time!".

If I can help anyone in any small way I will be glad to do what I can to encourage your interest in Star Trek books. It has been a passion of mine for almost 25 years now and I still look forward to every new book!

Kevin

[Jobydrone]

"Greater Than the Sum" sounds interesting too.  Christopher L. Bennett is a talented writer, and I enjoyed his novelized sequel to the TOS episode "For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" called "Ex Machina".  I'd recommed it as one of the better TOS novels out there and you can probably find it easily because it was a recent release.

[Ktrek]

"Ex Machina" is an excellent read! It's very unfortunate that it seems it did not sell well from what Chris says. Thankfully though it has not stopped Pocket Books from hiring him for future novels. He's a very creative writer and has an excellent ability in prose. Another book of his I enjoyed is a "Lost Era" book about Picard before his commision on the Enterprise called "The Buried Age". It's an archeological type of book but very interesting. He also wrote one of the TITAN novels called Orion's Hounds and it may be quite possibly the best of the TITAN books.

Kevin

[wraith1701]

  :) Here's some information on a couple of books coming out in the next couple of months-


(source link: Vox Bomb)





Star Trek: The Next Generation: Greater Than the Sum
By Christopher L. Bennett

Release Date: July 29, 2008

Cover Blurb:

Believing that the destruction of the Borg controlled ship Einstein will wipe out the Borg forever, Starfleet Command sends out the Enterprise—only to discover how very wrong that decision is....

One lone ship, the former science vessel Einstein, has been taken over by the Borg. Cut off from the rest of the Collective, if the ship can be found and destroyed, the Federation could rest easy. The discovery of a system-wide
slipstream that could enable the Einstein to reach the Collective, or worse, give the Borg the ability of instantaneous transportation, convinces Starfleet to send the Enterprise to stop the Einstein once and for all. Although it's only
one ship, the Borg have evolved and are more determined than ever to make Earth, and the Federation, theirs.









Star Trek: Enterprise: Kobayashi Maru
By Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels
Release Date: August 26, 2008

Cover Blurb:

The exciting follow-up to Star Trek: Enterprise—The Good That Men Do describes the incident that sparked the start of the Romulan War: the destruction of the merchant ship Kobayashi Maru.

The fragile Collation of Planets is convinced that in order to hold the fledgling alliance together something must be done to stop the random destruction of civilian shipping. Under orders from Starfleet, Captain Jonathan Archer and Captain Erica Hernandez, commanders of two of the most powerful starships, have een reduced to convey duty, no more than glorified babysitting. Both captains know that there is something behind all of this systemic destruction. Captain Archer believes he knows who—the Romulans. But will anyone listen to him before it is too late?

[wraith1701]

I just picked up a new Trek book in Borders today.

I thought that it was pretty serendipitous, especially considering what the next season of the RPG will be about.




From Amazon-

Product Description
There are moments glimpsed only in shadow, where darkness rules and evil incarnate thrives. You hope against hope that in your lifetime, evil is relegated to the shadows. But what if it wasn't?

What if you lived in a universe where your life was measured only by what you could do for the Empire? What would you do to survive? Would you sell your soul to free yourself? If you were offered the chance to rule, would you seize it? If you could free your universe from the darkness but only at the cost of your life, would you pay that price?

Star Trek: Enterprise She seized power in a heartbeat, daring to place herself against all the overlords of the Empire. Empress Hoshi Sato knows the future that could be; now all she has to do is make sure it never happens. For her to rule, she must hold sway not only over the starship from the future but also over her warlords, the resistance, and her Andorian husband. As quickly and brutally as Hoshi seized power, imperial rule is taken from her. Her only chance to rule again is to ally herself with a lifelong foe, and an alien.

Star Trek One man can change the future, but does he dare? Spock, intrigued by the vision of another universe's Federation, does what no Vulcan, no emperor, has ever done: seize power in one blinding stroke of mass murder. And at the same instant he gains imperial power, Spock sows the seeds for the Empire's downfall. Is this a form of Vulcan madness, or is it the coolly logical plan of a man who knows the price his universe must pay for its freedom?

Star Trek: The Next Generation Humanity is a pitiful collection of enslaved, indentured, and abused peoples. No one dares to question the order, except at peril of their lives. One man survives by blinding himself to the misery around him. However, Jean-Luc Picard resists, just once. And in that one instant he unlocks a horror beyond the tyranny of the Alliance. Can a man so beaten down by a lifetime of oppression stop the destruction?

An excerpt-

Chapter One

Serenity.

It was the only thing Her Imperial Majesty, Sato I, required of the oikeniwa surrounding Kyoto Palace. The tranquility offered by the meticulously maintained arrangement of ponds and gardens allowed her a brief respite from the demands of ruling the Terran Empire. The residence of Japan's imperial family between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries, the palace had served as a tourist attraction since the end of the second world war. Hoshi had visited the grounds many times, having spent much of her childhood in Kyoto. Upon her return to Earth six months ago, the palace had naturally become her chosen home. It amused her that the city of her birth was now the center of the universe.

Hoshi watched the sun rise above the horizon, illuminating the lake beyond her veranda. She observed this simple morning ritual whenever possible, enjoying the few moments of solitude before turning her attentions to the issues of the day. It was one of the few indulgences she granted herself, but it also was her favorite, since she could enjoy it without interruption.

Most of the time, at least.

"Your Majesty," a voice, deep and masculine, said from behind her. So lost in thought was Hoshi that she had failed to hear the approach of the man, an oversight that might prove fatal anywhere else but here. In this place, however, she was perfectly safe.

Turning in her seat, Hoshi looked up to see Solomon Carpenter, her personal bodyguard, standing several paces away near the entrance to her bedchamber. In keeping with her directives, the bodyguard was dressed in dark trousers with the cuffs tucked into polished boots that came up to his knees, and a vest that left bare his muscled chest and arms. Around his waist he wore a wide leather belt, strapped to which was a dagger in its sheath as well as one of the phaser weapons taken from Defiant's armory.

Just one of the many treasures to be found aboard that wondrous vessel.

"What is it?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Given the schedule for today, there was only one reason Carpenter would come to her at this time of the morning.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Your Majesty," the guard replied, "the general has arrived."

"Show him in." Hoshi rose from her seat, pulling the folds of her blue silk kimono tighter around her trim form. While she knew this meeting was necessary, it was one she had been anticipating with more than a bit of dread. After all, the next few minutes might well decide the future of the Terran Empire.

The Empress smoothed the wrinkles from her robe, realizing as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps that the motion made her appear nervous or tentative or -- worst of all -- weak. Momentarily irritated with herself for the lapse, Hoshi clasped her hands behind her back, drawing herself to her full height as Carpenter reappeared from inside the villa, followed closely by three Andorians.

All of the new arrivals were dressed in identical black leather uniforms, with varying numbers of small silver rectangles affixed to either side of their collars. Two of the Andorians, obviously subordinates, each carried a rectangular box perhaps one meter in length. The leader of the group would have been easy to identify even if Hoshi did not know him; his status was evident by the numerous medals pinned to his uniform. His left eye was a pale, dead orb, and he was missing his right antenna. Other, smaller scars adorned his face, the most visible signs of a long and distinguished military career.

"General Shran," Hoshi said, offering a polite nod.

Thy'lek Shran bowed at the waist, his hands locked at his sides. "Your Majesty," he said. "I bring you greetings on behalf of the people of Andoria." As he straightened his posture, Shran indicated his two escorts and the containers they carried. "I also wish to present to you gifts which are but a taste of the spoils collected from our recent occupation of the planet Beta III." Shaking his head, the general released a sigh. "It is almost criminally inappropriate to call it a conquest, given their utter lack of resistance. They are little more than sheep."

Hoshi waved in the direction of the general's party, dismissing them and their gifts. As the other guard removed the Andorians, she turned to Shran. "General, walk with me."

The Empress and the general made their way toward the narrow wooden bridge leading from the palace out into the gardens, with Carpenter following but maintaining a discreet distance to afford them some privacy. Hoshi walked slowly, her arms folded across her chest, saying nothing as they crossed the footbridge and entered the inner perimeter of the oikeniwa.

"Leadership suits you, Your Majesty," Shran said after a moment. "You have weathered the obstacles facing you with great poise and dexterity."

It was a shameless compliment, even by the general's standards. Shran was being uncharacteristically deferential this morning, and with good reason, Hoshi knew.

"The ease with which you acquired the loyalty of Starfleet and the late Emperor's followers was simply -- "

Maybe I should have him killed and spare myself any more of this.

"General," Hoshi said. "Shut up."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air. "I need your counsel," Hoshi finally said as they walked together along the narrow path winding through the garden. "This war is deadlocked -- we're making no progress. Starfleet is still recovering from the losses we suffered at Tau Ceti. So far, we've been lucky -- the rebels seem to be reluctant to launch a major offensive against Earth."

"I imagine you have the Defiant to thank for that," Shran replied.

It was true that the rebels -- a loosely organized coalition of Vulcans, Andorians, Orions, Tellarites, and several other species conquered by the Empire over the years -- had aborted their planned attack on Earth, thanks to the timely arrival of the starship from the future and, incredibly enough, a parallel reality.

The sudden appearance of Defiant in orbit above Earth had been enough to send the rebels scurrying for cover, bolstering the flagging morale of imperial forces. Hoshi knew the effect was only temporary -- the rebels would eventually redouble their efforts and launch an all-out offensive. The Empress needed something more than a tactical advantage.

She needed a victory that everyone believed to be inevitable.

To that end, Hoshi had taken steps to ensure that knowledge of Defiant's true origin in a parallel reality remained suppressed. As far as her subjects were concerned, Defiant was from the future of this universe -- a future in which the Empire had not only defeated the rebellion, but thrived well into the next century. In the months since her ascension to the throne, she had used the imperial media to disseminate these revelations of "future history," allegedly garnered from the vessel's historical database.

As news spread on every subspace channel, a renewed optimism swept across the imperial territories. Skeptics need look no further than Defiant itself -- definitive proof of the Empire's eventual triumph. Word eventually filtered back through operatives in the field that the rebels, too, were believing the story. Some had already abandoned their cause; many more were considering their options.

She had broken their spirit; now she would crush them.

"The rebels are using the pause to rebuild their forces," Hoshi said after a moment. "When they strike, we may not be able to drive them off, even with Defiant."

Shran nodded. "Of course, you have considered a counteroffensive?"

"I can't order an attack if I don't know where they're hiding. We've been searching for their fleet for months." Hoshi could send Defiant and its advanced sensor array to hunt for the rebel fleet, but the moment the starship left orbit, Earth would be open to attack, something she was not prepared to risk -- at least, not yet.

"The rebels will not hide forever," Shran said. "Earth is too tempting a target, even with Defiant as its protector." He bowed slightly. "How may the Andorian Guard be of service?"

Stopping her leisurely stroll through the oikeniwa, Hoshi turned to face the general. "You could stop supporting the rebels."

Shran's shocked expression was almost comical to behold. "Your Majesty, I..."

Hoshi's eyes narrowed as she glared at Shran. "Elements of the Guard have been providing aid and supplies to resistance cells for months. The rebels would never have been able to acquire seven decommissioned vessels from one of your most well-protected surplus depots without assistance. Those ships -- and the tactical assistance you personally provided -- may have made the difference in our defeat at Tau Ceti."

Shran said nothing for several seconds, during which Hoshi heard nothing save the sounds of rippling water and the call of some exotic bird she could not see. Regarding the general, she noted that his expression was no longer that of denial. Instead, Hoshi saw guilt and even a hint of fear in his one good eye. Stepping closer, she folded her arms across her chest. "Save us both the embarrassment of denying any of this, General." She noticed Carpenter moving up behind Shran, his hand drifting to the handle of the phaser on his belt. A subtle shake of her head halted him in his tracks, but the bodyguard maintained his alert stance behind the Andorian.

To his credit, Shran said, "I will not deny it, Your Majesty, but you must understand that I was acting in defense of my own people. The former Emperor saw Andoria as nothing more than a subject world to be pressed to the ground under his boot. He considered us no better than Orions or Tellarites, despite the fact that we helped build this Empire. Even the Vulcans did not show our level of devotion!"

"Is that your rationale for treason?"

Shran remained silent, and Hoshi caught him glancing over his shoulder to where Carpenter stood at the ready. The general's body language spoke volumes, as he no doubt considered his chances of overcoming h...