Friday, September 12, 2014
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Monday, September 8, 2014
The Klingon Art of War
The Klingon Art of War: Ancient Principles of Ruthless Honor
Translated from the original Klingon by Keith R.A. DeCandido
Release date: May 6th 2014
Read July 8th 2014
From the back cover:
Translated from the original Klingon by Keith R.A. DeCandido
Release date: May 6th 2014
Read July 8th 2014
 |
Hardcover: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk |
From the back cover:
Passed down from the time of Kahless, ten precepts have shaped Klingon culture and indoctrinated Klingons in the Way of the Warrior. With this new translation, people from all walks of life-and all worlds-can harness the ancient Klingon wisdom and learn to embody courage, discipline, and honor.
CHOOSE YOUR ENEMIES WELL
STRIKE QUICKLY OR STRIKE NOT
ALWAYS FACE YOUR ENEMY
SEEK ADVERSITY
REVEAL YOUR TRUE SELF IN COMBAT
DESTROY WEAKNESS
LEAVE NOTHING UNTIL TOMORROW
CHOOSE DEATH OVER CHAINS
DIE STANDING UP
GUARD HONOR ABOVE ALL
My thoughts:
The Klingon Art of War (or qeS'a' in Klingon) marks an occasion I have been waiting for for some time: the return of Keith R.A. DeCandido to Trek lit... sort of. I mean, this book isn't exactly a Star Trek novel, but it is a work of fiction. An in-universe reference book, if you will. But boy is it tempting to call it non-fiction!
Using examples from throughout the history of the Klingon civilization, the book's "author," renowned novelist K'Ratak, dispenses sage wisdom for Klingons and non-Klingons alike, and for both warriors and non-warriors. The precepts and their implications are meant to be used by people from all walks of life, from the warrior on the deck of a Vor'cha-class attack cruiser to a well-known author dealing with his critics!
I very much enjoyed the "voice" of K'Ratak as he relays the original stories behind the precepts, as well as his own "author commentary" on each precept and the morals it conveys. I especially enjoyed the stories he told of his own life and times in which the lessons of the qeS'a' informed his behaviour. This was the perfect project for Klingon expert DeCandido. I have not yet read his I.K.S. Gorkon/Klingon Empire novels, but after reading this book, I realize that they have to be made a priority in the near future.
The references in the book to the wider Star Trek literature world are very welcome, including mention of the Typhon Pact, indicating that the book is written contemporaneous to the current post-Nemesis 24th century novel continuity. I love it when the lit-verse and canon Trek come together in these supplemental works. As much as I enjoyed Federation: The First 150 Years from a couple of years ago, I was disappointed when it didn't completely mesh with the modern novels. The Klingon Art of War does much better in this area.
Finally, the art work at the beginning of each chapter is very well done, and perfectly fitting for this book. The style and layout is fun to read, and I recommend The Klingon Art of War for any fan of Trek and the Klingons!
Further resources:
Also by Keith R.A. DeCandido:
My next read:
Next up is my review of Seekers #2: Point of Divergence by Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore!
The Klingon Art of War (or qeS'a' in Klingon) marks an occasion I have been waiting for for some time: the return of Keith R.A. DeCandido to Trek lit... sort of. I mean, this book isn't exactly a Star Trek novel, but it is a work of fiction. An in-universe reference book, if you will. But boy is it tempting to call it non-fiction!
Using examples from throughout the history of the Klingon civilization, the book's "author," renowned novelist K'Ratak, dispenses sage wisdom for Klingons and non-Klingons alike, and for both warriors and non-warriors. The precepts and their implications are meant to be used by people from all walks of life, from the warrior on the deck of a Vor'cha-class attack cruiser to a well-known author dealing with his critics!
I very much enjoyed the "voice" of K'Ratak as he relays the original stories behind the precepts, as well as his own "author commentary" on each precept and the morals it conveys. I especially enjoyed the stories he told of his own life and times in which the lessons of the qeS'a' informed his behaviour. This was the perfect project for Klingon expert DeCandido. I have not yet read his I.K.S. Gorkon/Klingon Empire novels, but after reading this book, I realize that they have to be made a priority in the near future.
The references in the book to the wider Star Trek literature world are very welcome, including mention of the Typhon Pact, indicating that the book is written contemporaneous to the current post-Nemesis 24th century novel continuity. I love it when the lit-verse and canon Trek come together in these supplemental works. As much as I enjoyed Federation: The First 150 Years from a couple of years ago, I was disappointed when it didn't completely mesh with the modern novels. The Klingon Art of War does much better in this area.
Finally, the art work at the beginning of each chapter is very well done, and perfectly fitting for this book. The style and layout is fun to read, and I recommend The Klingon Art of War for any fan of Trek and the Klingons!
Further resources:
- TrekBBS Discussion and Review Thread for The Klingon Art of War
- Podcast: Literary Treks 62: From the Time of Kahless (Discussing The Klingon Art of War with Keith R.A. DeCandido)
Also by Keith R.A. DeCandido:
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #2: Fatal Error (2000)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation #61: Diplomatic Implausibility (2001)
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #6: Cold Fusion (2001)
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #7: Invincible, Part One of Two with David Mack (2001)
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #8: Invincible, Part Two of Two with David Mack (2001)
- Gateways, Book Four: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Demons of Air and Darkness (2001)
- "Horn and Ivory" from Star Trek: Gateways, Book Seven: What Lay Beyond (2001)
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #10: Here There Be Monsters (2001)
- Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon, Book One: A Good Day to Die (2003)
- Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon, Book Two: Honor Bound (2003)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: A Time for War, A Time for Peace (2004)
- Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Ferenginar: Satisfaction Is Not Guaranteed (2005)
- Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon, Book Three: Enemy Territory (2005)
- Star Trek: Articles of the Federation (2005)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Q & A (2007)
- Star Trek: Klingon Empire: A Burning House (2008)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Slings and Arrows, Book VI: Enterprises of Great Pitch and Moment (2008)
- Star Trek: A Singular Destiny (2009)
My next read:
Next up is my review of Seekers #2: Point of Divergence by Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore!
Friday, September 5, 2014
Cover for November's Foul Deeds Will Rise!
We have a new cover to reveal today! The end of November sees the release of a new TOS novel set during the period between Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Behold, Foul Deeds Will Rise by Greg Cox. A nicely chosen Shakespearean title, and a beautiful cover to go with it!
Check it out below, along with the publisher's description and links to pre-order from Amazon!
Check it out below, along with the publisher's description and links to pre-order from Amazon!
2288. The U.S.S Enterprise-A is on a vital peacekeeping mission in a remote solar system beyond the boundaries of the Federation, where two warring planets—Pavak and Oyolo—are attempting to end years of bitter conflict. Crucial peace talks are being conducted aboard the Enterprise, even as Starfleet weapons inspectors oversee the disarmament process. Losses and atrocities on both sides have left plenty of hard feelings behind, so Captain James T. Kirk has his work cut out for him, even as he unexpectedly runs into a disturbing figure from his past: Lenore Karidian.
Twenty years ago, the deadly daughter of Kodos the Executioner tried to kill Kirk, but she has since been declared sane and rehabilitated. Kirk wants to give her the benefit of the doubt and a second chance at life, but when a mysterious assassination threatens the already fragile peace process, all clues point toward Lenore–and the future of two worlds hangs in the balance.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Release Day! DS9: Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found)
Today, the first offering from Pocket Books to have the banner title "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" since 2009 is released: the e-book exclusive novella, Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found) by Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann. Although no strangers to Star Trek publishing, this is their first foray into Trek fiction!
Check out the cover and publisher's description below, along with purchasing links! By clicking those links and ordering through us, you help support Trek Lit Reviews. Thanks!
My review of Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found)
.jpg)
Publisher's description:
Check out the cover and publisher's description below, along with purchasing links! By clicking those links and ordering through us, you help support Trek Lit Reviews. Thanks!
My review of Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found)
Publisher's description:
Business is down at Quark’s Public House, Café, Gaming Emporium, Holosuite Arcade, and Ferengi Embassy to Bajor. Way down. Lower level of hell down. The station is bustling, but residents and visitors are spending more time (and latinum) at the new Deep Space 9's park, sports fields, theater, swimming complex, and who knows what else, than they are at Quark’s establishment. All of Quark's misfortunes just could be reversed, however, when he finds out that one of the steamiest holonovels to hit the Alpha Quadrant in years is up for grabs. And he has an inroad to acquiring it before anyone else. Or does he?
Purchase Deep Space Nine: Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found):
Previous Release: Seekers #2: Point of Divergence
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Seekers #1
Star Trek: Seekers #1
Second Nature by David Mack
Story by David Mack and Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore
Release date: July 21st 2014
Read July 31st 2014
First in a new series! Leaves off from Vanguard: Storming Heaven
Next book (Seekers): #2: Point of Divergence
Spoilers ahead for Seekers #1 and the Vanguard series!
From the back cover:
Second Nature by David Mack
Story by David Mack and Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore
Release date: July 21st 2014
Read July 31st 2014
First in a new series! Leaves off from Vanguard: Storming Heaven
Next book (Seekers): #2: Point of Divergence
 |
| Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk Kindle: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk |
From the back cover:
An all-new Star Trek series begins!
A NEW MISSION
The late twenty-third century—Starfleet’s golden age of exploration. Desperate to stay one step ahead of its rivals, the Federation sends two starships, the scout Sagittarius and the cruiser Endeavour, to plumb the secrets of the vast region known as the Taurus Reach.
A DOOMED RACE
Drawn by mysterious energy readings to a lush green world, the crew of the Sagittarius find the Tomol: a species whose members all commit ritual suicide just as they reach the cusp of adulthood.
AN OLD FOE
The crew of the Sagittarius wants to save the Tomol from their cycle of self-destruction, but first they’ll need to save themselves—from the most nefarious Klingon starship commander in history.
My thoughts:
Here it is: one of the most anticipated new Star Trek novels of the year: the first instalment of the all-new series, Seekers. How does it fare?
To start with, a bit of history of Seekers. After the end of the incredibly great Vanguard series, David Mack, Dayton Ward, and Kevin Dilmore were inspired by the art of Rob Caswell, who had done a series of faux covers in the style of the old James Blish Star Trek novels, which he titled The Seekers. These covers featured an Archer-class ship, just like the U.S.S. Sagittarius from Vanguard. At the end of the Vanguard series, the Sagittarius and the Endeavour were both sent out on missions of exploration in the Taurus Reach. These missions would serve as the backdrop for this new series, Star Trek: Seekers. Because of the inspiration his work had provided, not to mention the high quality of it, Caswell was invited to create the covers for the Seekers novels!
Seekers #1 is an exciting beginning to this new series. Bringing together characters we're familiar with from Vanguard along with a few new faces, the story serves as an excellent re-introduction to the Sagittarius. Under the command of Captain Clark Terrell (later seen as the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Reliant in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), the Sagittarius is unlike any of the other Starfleet vessels featured in novels or on televised Trek. Much smaller than the larger Constitution-class starships, the Archer-class scout is only a few decks tall and features some very cramped quarters, in every sense of the word. The crew dynamic is much more laid-back than the reader might be used to. With a much smaller crew, the Sagittarius seems to boast a much more informal command structure. This leads to some interesting interactions among the crew, which some readers may find a little jarring.
The story itself is a fascinating one. We're introduced to the Tomol, a species with a surprising dark side. Just as its members reach adulthood, they commit ritual suicide by casting themselves into a fire pit. The society teaches that this is necessary, and most of the Tomol don't question it. However, one Tomol resists and manages to evade being cast into the pit (with the help of some Klingon interlopers). Turning the Trek trope of "we know better than you, and your quaint beliefs are wrong" on its head, it turns out that this ritual suicide might be a good idea after all; Nimur, the Tomol who escapes the fires, undergoes a frightening metamorphosis that has some very surprising connections to a prior threat from Star Trek: Vanguard.
Mack is a master of writing action and suspense. Near the end of the novel, when the Sagittarius is plummeting towards the planet surface, I was on the edge of my seat. Of particular note is a sequence in which Master Chief Illuci is attempting to get a critical component back on-line, and the bypass line he has rigged is only a few centimeters too short to reach the port. I was terrified for the safety of the ship! While Mack can also write epic, sweeping stories, it is the very human struggles of the characters in his novels that provide the true drama.
Final thoughts:
A few months ago in an interview on Trek.fm's Literary Treks podcast, Star Trek book editor Margaret Clark said that the reason the second Seekers novel was being released immediately after the first was because readers wouldn't be able to stand it otherwise. After reading this novel, I am forced to agree. An exciting and action-packed beginning to what looks to be an extremely promising new series, this novel earns top marks from me. I can't wait to read the conclusion to the story in Seekers #2: Point of Divergence.
Further resources:
Also by David Mack:
My next read:
A favorite of mine from the past few months: The Klingon Art of War by Keith R.A. DeCandido!
Here it is: one of the most anticipated new Star Trek novels of the year: the first instalment of the all-new series, Seekers. How does it fare?
To start with, a bit of history of Seekers. After the end of the incredibly great Vanguard series, David Mack, Dayton Ward, and Kevin Dilmore were inspired by the art of Rob Caswell, who had done a series of faux covers in the style of the old James Blish Star Trek novels, which he titled The Seekers. These covers featured an Archer-class ship, just like the U.S.S. Sagittarius from Vanguard. At the end of the Vanguard series, the Sagittarius and the Endeavour were both sent out on missions of exploration in the Taurus Reach. These missions would serve as the backdrop for this new series, Star Trek: Seekers. Because of the inspiration his work had provided, not to mention the high quality of it, Caswell was invited to create the covers for the Seekers novels!
 |
| In the Seekers novel series, David Mack's novels feature the U.S.S. Sagittarius, while the novels penned by Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore will showcase the U.S.S. Endeavour. |
Seekers #1 is an exciting beginning to this new series. Bringing together characters we're familiar with from Vanguard along with a few new faces, the story serves as an excellent re-introduction to the Sagittarius. Under the command of Captain Clark Terrell (later seen as the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Reliant in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), the Sagittarius is unlike any of the other Starfleet vessels featured in novels or on televised Trek. Much smaller than the larger Constitution-class starships, the Archer-class scout is only a few decks tall and features some very cramped quarters, in every sense of the word. The crew dynamic is much more laid-back than the reader might be used to. With a much smaller crew, the Sagittarius seems to boast a much more informal command structure. This leads to some interesting interactions among the crew, which some readers may find a little jarring.
The story itself is a fascinating one. We're introduced to the Tomol, a species with a surprising dark side. Just as its members reach adulthood, they commit ritual suicide by casting themselves into a fire pit. The society teaches that this is necessary, and most of the Tomol don't question it. However, one Tomol resists and manages to evade being cast into the pit (with the help of some Klingon interlopers). Turning the Trek trope of "we know better than you, and your quaint beliefs are wrong" on its head, it turns out that this ritual suicide might be a good idea after all; Nimur, the Tomol who escapes the fires, undergoes a frightening metamorphosis that has some very surprising connections to a prior threat from Star Trek: Vanguard.
Mack is a master of writing action and suspense. Near the end of the novel, when the Sagittarius is plummeting towards the planet surface, I was on the edge of my seat. Of particular note is a sequence in which Master Chief Illuci is attempting to get a critical component back on-line, and the bypass line he has rigged is only a few centimeters too short to reach the port. I was terrified for the safety of the ship! While Mack can also write epic, sweeping stories, it is the very human struggles of the characters in his novels that provide the true drama.
Final thoughts:
A few months ago in an interview on Trek.fm's Literary Treks podcast, Star Trek book editor Margaret Clark said that the reason the second Seekers novel was being released immediately after the first was because readers wouldn't be able to stand it otherwise. After reading this novel, I am forced to agree. An exciting and action-packed beginning to what looks to be an extremely promising new series, this novel earns top marks from me. I can't wait to read the conclusion to the story in Seekers #2: Point of Divergence.
Further resources:
- TrekBBS discussion and review thread for Seekers #1: Second Nature
- Podcast: Literary Treks 73: Like Red Lantern Sith (Interview with David Mack on Seekers #1)
Also by David Mack:
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #7: Invincible, Part One of Two with Keith R.A. DeCandido (2001)
- Star Trek: S.C.E. #8: Invincible, Part Two of Two with Keith R.A. DeCandido (2001)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: A Time to Kill (2004)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: A Time to Heal (2004)
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Warpath (2006)
- Star Trek: Vanguard: Reap the Whirlwind (2007)
- Star Trek: Destiny, Book I: Gods of Night (2008)
- Star Trek: Destiny, Book II: Mere Mortals (2008)
- Star Trek: Destiny, Book III: Lost Souls (2008)
- Star Trek: Vanguard: Precipice (2009)
- Star Trek: Mirror Universe: The Sorrows of Empire, expanded edition (2010)
- "The Stars Look Down" from Star Trek: Vanguard: Declassified (2011)
- Star Trek: Mirror Universe: Rise Like Lions (2011)
- Star Trek: Vanguard: Storming Heaven (2012)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Cold Equations, Book I: The Persistence of Memory (2012)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Cold Equations, Book II: Silent Weapons (2012)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Cold Equations, Book III: The Body Electric (2013)
- Star Trek: The Fall: A Ceremony of Losses (2013)
- Star Trek: Section 31: Disavowed (2014)
- Star Trek: Seekers #3: Long Shot (2015)
- Star Trek: Legacies, Book 2: Best Defense (2016)
- Star Trek: Section 31: Control (2017)
- Star Trek: Discovery: Desperate Hours (2017)
- Star Trek: Titan: Fortune of War (2017)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Collateral Damage (2019)
- Star Trek: Picard: Firewall (2024)
A favorite of mine from the past few months: The Klingon Art of War by Keith R.A. DeCandido!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Get Eaglemoss to make a model of the USS Titan!
Fellow blogger "8 of 5" over at The Trek Collective has started a petition to get Eaglemoss to include a special U.S.S. Titan in their Star Trek Starships Collection! Click here to sign! If they get 5000 unique signatures, they will create a special edition model of the Titan in the collection. I don't know about you, but I'd love to see Will Riker's Luna-class starship get some love!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
A cover for DS9's Quark-centric e-book!
Next month sees the release of Deep Space Nine: Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found), an e-book from the writing team of Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann. This one looks like a lot of fun, especially for those of us who have been waiting ages for a new story with the words "Deep Space Nine" on the cover!
Look below for the cover art as well as the publisher's description and links to purchase the Kindle version from Amazon!
My review of Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found)
.jpg)
Look for Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found) on September 1st, when it will be available for download!
Look below for the cover art as well as the publisher's description and links to purchase the Kindle version from Amazon!
My review of Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found)
Business is down at Quark’s Public House, Café, Gaming Emporium, Holosuite Arcade, and Ferengi Embassy to Bajor. Way down. Lower level of hell down. The station is bustling, but residents and visitors are spending more time (and latinum) at the new Deep Space 9's park, sports fields, theater, swimming complex, and who knows what else, than they are at Quark’s establishment. All of Quark's misfortunes just could be reversed, however, when he finds out that one of the steamiest holonovels to hit the Alpha Quadrant in years is up for grabs. And he has an inroad to acquiring it before anyone else. Or does he?
Look for Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found) on September 1st, when it will be available for download!
Purchase Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found) from:
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