Friday, December 25, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: Spock Must Die!

Star Trek
Spock Must Die!
by James Blish

Purchase:


A transporter accident has presented Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise a surprising mystery: two Spocks! But which is the original, and which is the copy with murderous intent?

In this special festive episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan and Bruce discuss the early Bantam Star Trek novel Spock Must Die! by James Blish. We talk about the novel’s unique place in the history of Star Trek fiction, a philosophical debate about the transporter, Spock vs. Spock, the Klingon threat, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.







Previous episode: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice
Next episode: Federation

Friday, December 11, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: DS9: Too Long a Sacrifice

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Too Long a Sacrifice
Dan and Bruce Review the IDW Miniseries!


Purchase:
Trade Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


It’s an Odo/Retlaw Buddy-Buddy Cop Show!

A string of seemingly-unrelated murders rocks Deep Space Nine, and it’s up to Security Chief Odo to solve the mystery. With Starfleet and the Bajoran government breathing down his neck, the Constable finds himself pulling in many different directions over the course of the investigation. The murders are just the latest effect of a deep mystery that stretches back to the days of the Cardassian occupation, one which Odo must solve before the death count rises…

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Bruce and Dan discuss the four-issue Deep Space Nine miniseries Too Long a Sacrifice by Scott and David Tipton, with art by Glen Scott. We talk about all four issues, including our thoughts on the story, whodunnit, whether or not Worf acts out of character, and speculate on Garak’s guilt or innocence. We wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings on the series as a whole.







Previous episode: The Original Series: A Contest of Principles
Next episode: Spock Must Die!

Friday, November 27, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: A Contest of Principles

Star Trek: The Original Series
A Contest of Principles
Exclusive Interview with author Greg Cox!



Purchase:
Trade Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


The Enterprise crew is assigned as poll watchers for an important election taking place on the planet Vok. Kirk and the crew must contend with combative candidates, voter intimidation, and accusations of election meddling, all while doing their best to make sure the election is as fair and unbiased as possible. Meanwhile, Dr. McCoy is kidnapped by a neighboring planet for a vital medical intervention. Kirk sends Spock to investigate, unable to divert the Enterprise from her vital mission on Vok.

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan and Bruce are joined by renowned Star Trek author Greg Cox to talk about his new Original Series novel, A Contest of Principles. We discuss the election day plot, McCoy’s kidnapping by Ozalor, Spock’s adventure on Braco, General Gogg’s election results, the intriguing ending with Admiral Komack, and we wrap up with where Greg can be found online and what he is working on now.







Previous episode: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway
Next episode: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice

Friday, November 20, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway

The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway
Exclusive Interview with "editor" Una McCormack!



Purchase:
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager captured the hearts and minds of the people of the Federation after making a miraculous 70,000 lightyear journey from the far side of the galaxy in only seven years. Now, hear the life story of one of Starfleet’s most famous captains in her own words, as edited by the amazing Una McCormack!

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by renowned Star Trek author Una McCormack to discuss The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway: The History of the Captain Who Went Further Than Any Had Before. We talk about the origins of the book, getting Janeway’s voice right, her early years, her career before Voyager, how events from the series were approached when writing the book, the inspirations that McCormack drew upon, the lives of the crew post-Star Trek: Voyager, and wrap up with what Una is up to now and where she can be found online.







Previous episode: Voyager: To Lose the Earth

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Release Day! TOS: A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox

Star Trek: The Original Series
A Contest of Principles
by Greg Cox


Once again, it's new Star Trek book day! Today is the official release date for the latest Star Trek: The Original Series novel: A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox.

Check out below for the back-cover blurb and links to purchase from Amazon!





Publisher's description:
An epic new Star Trek saga by New York Times bestselling author Greg Cox set during the original five-year mission!
The planet Vok is holding its first free elections after years of oppressive military rule. Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise have been dispatched by Starfleet to serve as impartial observers, but remaining neutral proves a challenge, as Kirk confronts a tangled web of scandal, conspiracy, and assassination plots—with the stability of an entire sector at stake.
To make matters worse, Dr. Leonard McCoy has vanished while on a mission of mercy to Braco, a nearby planet only a system away. With Kirk unable to abandon his vital mission on Vok to hunt for his friend, it’s up to First Officer Spock and Christine Chapel to lead a team in search of the missing doctor, even if it means risking whatever fate befell McCoy. 
Unknown to his friends and crewmates, however, McCoy has been spirited away to another world, Ozalor, where he’s expected to find a cure for a mysterious ailment plaguing a member of the planet’s ruling family. Torn between his Hippocratic oath and his desire to escape, McCoy finds himself at the center of deadly palace intrigues—and a struggle for power that may ultimately consume all three worlds!

Purchase A Contest of Principles:

Hardcover: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Next Release: Picard: The Dark Veil

Monday, November 2, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: To Lose the Earth

Star Trek: Voyager
To Lose the Earth
Exclusive Interview with author Kirsten Beyer!


Purchase:
Mass-market paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Kirsten Beyer’s journey as the caretaker of the Star Trek: Voyager novel series began over a decade ago with the publication of Full Circle, and novel readers were introduced to Voyager’s ambitious return to the Delta Quadrant. In the years since, we have shared the highs and lows of the voyages of the Full Circle fleet as they explore the former domain of the Borg Collective. With the publication of the tenth and final novel (for now) of the adventures of Voyager under Kirsten’s guiding hand, we find the crews of the fleet ships setting out on a new and unexpected adventure.
 
In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are honored to be joined by Kirsten Beyer, Star Trek author and television writer to discuss her final Voyager opus, To Lose the Earth. We talk about the long road to the novel’s publication, the mystery of the U.S.S. Galen, Nancy Conlon’s journey, Aytar Gwyn’s dilemma, the role the Krenim and The Department of Temporal Investigations play in the story, the future mission of Voyager, the future of Star Trek novels, and what Kirsten is up to in the world of Trek on television.







Previous episode: DS9 #11: Devil in the Sky
Next episode: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway


Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Release Day! The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway

 The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway
The History of the Captain Who Went Further Than Any Had Before

(Edited by Una McCormack)


Today sees the official release of the latest of the Star Trek-themed autobiographies: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. Ostensibly written by the intrepid captain herself (but actually penned by the incomparable Una McCormack), the book tells the life story of the captain most famous for the adventures of the U.S.S. Voyager as it made its way back home after being thrown across the galaxy into the Delta Quadrant.

Check out below for the back-cover blurb and links to purchase from Amazon!






Publisher's description:
Captain Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager tells the story of her life in Starfleet, for fans of Star Trek.
Kathryn Janeway reveals her career in Starfleet, from her first command to her epic journey through the Delta Quadrant leading to her rise to the top as vice-admiral in Starfleet Command. Discover the story of the woman who travelled further than any human ever had before, stranded decades from home, encountering new worlds and species.
Explore how she brought together Starfleet and the Maquis as part of her crew, forged new alliances with species across the galaxy and overcame one of Starfleet's greatest threats - the Borg - on their own remote and hostile territory. Get Janeway's personal take on key characters such as Seven of Nine, her trusted friend Tuvok, new arrivals like Neelix and her second-in-command, Chakotay.

Purchase The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway:

Hardcover: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Previous Release: Voyager: To Lose the Earth
Next Release: TOS: A Contest of Principles

Friday, October 16, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: DS9: Devil in the Sky

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine #11
Devil in the Sky
by Greg Cox and John Gregory Betancourt


Purchase:
Mass-market paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca


Hortas… IN SPAAAACE!!!

In the classic Trek episode “The Devil in the Dark,” we are introduced to the Horta: a strange, non-humanoid being whose fearsome aspect belies a gentle creature, only interested in protecting her many vulnerable young. However, while peaceful, the Horta is capable of great destruction thanks to its silicon-based physiology and its ability to spew highly concentrated, deadly acid. So what do you think might happen when twenty young Horta are suddenly released into the sealed environment of a space station?

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the Deep Space Nine novel Devil in the Sky by Greg Cox and John Gregory Betancourt. We talk about the origin of the novel, the premise, Jake and Nog’s role in the crisis, the characterizations of the DS9 crew, Kira’s rescue mission, the solution to the Horta problem, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.







Previous episode: TNG: Warped by Mike McMahan
Next episode: Voyager: To Lose the Earth by Kirsten Beyer


Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Release Day! The Long-Awaited To Lose the Earth by Kirsten Beyer!

 Star Trek: Voyager
To Lose the Earth
by Kirsten Beyer


Finally! After a number of long delays, the final book in the Star Trek: Voyager relaunch saga by Kirsten Beyer is upon us!

Star Trek: Voyager: To Lose the Earth continues the adventures of the U.S.S. Voyager, returned to the Delta Quadrant with the Full Circle Fleet. The crew investigates the apparent loss of the U.S.S. Galen, as well as the mystery of Species 001.

Check out below for the back-cover blurb and links to purchase from Amazon!






Publisher's description:
The long-awaited follow-up to Voyager: Architects of Infinity from the New York Times bestselling author and cocreator of Star Trek: Picard!
As the crew of the Full Circle fleet works to determine the fate of their lost ship, the Galen, a struggle for survival begins at the far edge of the galaxy. New revelations about Species 001, the race that built the biodomes that first drew the fleet to investigate planet DK-1116, force Admiral Kathryn Janeway to risk everything to learn the truth.

Purchase Star Trek: Voyager: To Lose the Earth:

Trade Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Friday, October 2, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: TNG: Warped!

Star Trek: The Next Generation
Warped!
An Engaging Guide to the Unaired 8th Season
by Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan


Purchase:
Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Mike McMahan: you may know him as the creator of Star Trek: Lower Decks. But in 2015, before the idea of Lower Decks had made its way to the ear of CBS, he created an episode guide for the little-known, never talked-about 8th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. All 26 episodes were covered, including the one where Riker’s pajamas attempt to kill him, and the one where Barclay can’t seem to survive a bet between Q and fellow Continuum member “California Steve.”

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss TNG: Warped! An Engaging Guide to the Unaired 8th Season by Mike McMahan. We talk about the origins of the book, the format, the artwork, some of our favorite plots and moments from the various episodes, the book’s link to Lower Decks, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.


Positively Trek 45: Book Club: TNG: Warped by Mike McMahan





Previous episode: TNG: Q-in-Law by Peter David

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Comic Review: Too Long a Sacrifice #2

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Too Long a Sacrifice #2
Writers: by Scott Tipton & David Tipton
Artist: Greg Scott

Release date: August 19th 2020

Previous issue: Too Long a Sacrifice #1
Next issue: Too Long a Sacrifice #3


Purchase (Kindle & Comixology):
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Publisher's description:

With the murderer still on the loose, the inhabitants of Deep Space Nine are starting to divide into factions, made even worse when the Ferengi government gets involved. To make matters worse, conflict between Constable Odo and the Federation’s handpicked criminal investigator threatens to derail the investigation itself! The DS9 murder mystery continues in this new space noir from David and Scott Tipton (STAR TREK: MIRROR BROKEN, STAR TREK: THE Q CONFLICT) and Greg Scott (GOTHAM CENTRAL, THE X-FILES)!

My thoughts:

Click here to watch my video review of Too Long a Sacrifice #2, or click play on the embedded video below!



Final thoughts:

While the story feels like it is lacking forward momentum at times, the plot is fascinating enough to hold my interest to see where this is all heading. Looking forward to getting some answers as to the connections between some of the events of this story in issues three and four!


Next Comic:

Star Trek: Hell's Mirror

Friday, September 18, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: Q-in-Law

 Star Trek: The Next Generation
Q-in-Law

By Peter David

Purchase:
Mass-market paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca
Audiobook: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Very few adversaries are capable of bringing the great Captain Jean-Luc Picard to his knees, and now two of them are coming together to make his life miserable. Lwaxana Troi, ambassador from Betazed and mother of Counselor Deanna Troi, has become enamoured with the extradimensional entity known only as “Q,” and life aboard the Enterprise may never be the same again.

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the classic TNG novel Q-in-Law by veteran Trek author Peter David. We talk about Lwaxana Troi, the historic meeting between her and Q, Lwaxana’s relationship with her daughter Deanna, a sub-plot involving Wesley Crusher, lessons in love for Q, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.



Positively Trek 40: Book Club: Q-in-Law by Peter David





 


Previous episode: Hell's Mirror (Comic)
Next episode: TNG: Warped by Mike McMahan

Friday, September 4, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: Hell's Mirror

 Star Trek
Hell's Mirror


Purchase:
Kindle: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


In the infamous “Mirror Universe,” Khan Noonien Singh has been awoken. However, contrary to his Prime Universe counterpart, this Khan wishes to spread the ideals of peace and democracy across a fractured and violent galaxy. Can he lead a rebellion to overthrow the evil Terran Empire with the help of his closest advisor, Spock?

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by guest host Brandon Shea-Mutala to discuss the new one-shot comic from IDW, Hell’s Mirror. We talk about Khan’s goals, Mirror-Kirk’s history, Khan’s “Satori” superweapon, and the role that Spock plays in Khan’s plans.



Positively Trek 35: Book Club: Hell's Mirror
With Guest Host Brandon Shea-Mutala




 


Previous episode: More Beautiful Than Death with David Mack
Next episode: TNG #18: Q-in-Law by Peter David

Friday, August 21, 2020

Positively Trek Book Club: More Beautiful than Death

Star Trek (Kelvin Timeline)
More Beautiful than Death
Special guest: author David Mack!

Purchase:
Trade paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are assigned to escort Ambassador Sarek to the planet Akiron, a world rich in dilithium deposits. However, upon arrival, they discover the people of Akiron under attack by strange creatures, described by their victims as “demons.” It is now up to Kirk, guided by a mysterious Kathikar mystic, to save the people of Akiron from these sinister “wights.” Meanwhile, Sarek’s Vulcan aide, L’Nel, has a diabolical plan in place for Spock--a plan that will result in his death!

In this episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by author David Mack to discuss his Kelvin Timeline novel, More Beautiful than Death. We talk about the long road this book took to publication, how David wrote the characters of the Kelvin Timeline, Sarek’s role in the story, how Kirk’s beliefs inform his character, and the Spock/L’Nel subplot. We also talk about David Mack’s role as a consultant on Lower Decks and Prodigy, and wrap up with what he is working on now and where he can be found online.


Positively Trek 30: Book Club: More Beautiful than Death
Exclusive interview with author David Mack!






Previous episode: Strangers From the Sky with Margaret Wander Bonanno
Next episode: Star Trek: Hell's Mirror

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Release Day! More Beautiful Than Death by David Mack

Star Trek (Kelvin Timeline)
More Beautiful Than Death
by David Mack

Where would we be without our regular fix of Star Trek fiction? Today sees the release of a new novel, ten years in the making: More Beautiful Than Death by New York Times' bestselling author David Mack!

Set in the "Kelvin Timeline" of the last three feature films, this novel features the alternate crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk. Their mission: to escort Spock's father, Sarek, on a diplomatic mission to a planet seemingly under siege by horrific demons!

Check out below for the back-cover blurb and links to purchase from Amazon!




Publisher's description:
An original novel based on the thrilling new Star Trek movies!

Based on the “Kelvin Universe” movie saga!

Captain James T. Kirk and the Enterprise crew escort Spock’s father, Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan, to a dilithium-rich planet called Akiron. They arrive to find this world under siege by creatures that some of the planet’s denizens believe are demons. Sarek orders Kirk to abandon the mission, but the young captain won’t turn his back on people in danger. After a harrowing encounter with the dark-energy “demons,” Kirk’s belief in a rational universe is challenged by a mystic who insists that it wasn’t coincidence that brought Kirk to Akiron, but the alien equivalent of a Karmic debt.

Purchase Star Trek: More Beautiful Than Death:

Trade Paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Previous Release: Discovery: Die Standing

Friday, August 7, 2020

New Podcast! Positively Trek Book Club: Strangers From the Sky

Star Trek
Strangers From the Sky
Special guest: author Margaret Wander Bonanno!

Purchase:
Mass-market paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

In the history of the Federation, the story of first contact between Humans and Vulcans is well-known: Earth astronauts came to the rescue of a Vulcan ship, stranded in our system’s asteroid belt. The rest is, as they say, history. But what if the official story is not how it actually happened? What if first contact with the Vulcans actually came many years earlier? And what if Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise were instrumental in that event happening the way it did?

In this, the first episode of the Positively Trek Book Club, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by author Margaret Wander Bonanno to talk about her renowned and much-celebrated novel, Strangers From the Sky. We discuss how Margaret became a fan and an author of Trek books, how this story came about, how it stands up in the face of the canon that has moved on in the years since it was published, the characters that populate the story, and how its legacy has affected Trek Lit in the years since.


Positively Trek Book Club: Strangers From the Sky
Exclusive Interview with author Margaret Wander Bonanno






Next episode: More Beautiful than Death by David Mack

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Comic Review: Year Five #13

Star Trek: Year Five #13
Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly
Artist: Angel Hernandez
Release date: August 5th 2020

Previous issue: Year Five #12
Next issue: Year Five #14


Purchase:
Kindle & Comixology: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

Publisher's description:

The Enterprise and her crew finally make it back to Federation space, but the Federation they find isn’t quite the same as the one they had left behind. Meanwhile, Aegis and Gary Seven’s grand design continues to take shape—and the consequences will be staggering. The final voyages of the original Enterprise crew continue in this episode from showrunners Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (GREEN ARROW, NIGHTWING)!

My thoughts:

Click here to watch my video review of Star Trek: Year Five #13, or click play on the embedded video below!



Final thoughts:

The start of a new story arc, in which the Enterprise crew returns to Federation space to find their peaceful society showing cracks at the edges. A fascinating concept, and very much in line with the current trend of Star Trek storytelling in recent years. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this story ultimately goes. Highly recommend!


Next Comic:

Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #2

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Literary Treks 308: Maybe Stop Biting and Kidnapping Counselors

Star Trek: Titan
Over a Torrent Sea
by Christopher L. Bennett

Purchase:
Mass-market paperback: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
E-book (Kindle): Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

In the aftermath of the devastating events of the Destiny trilogy, the Starship Titan is once again assigned to deep space exploration beyond the farthest borders of the Federation. Investigating an oceanic world of abundant and mysterious life, the crew unwittingly causes distress to the ecosystem and to the lives of the inhabitants of the world, nicknamed Droplet. Now, Captain Riker and Ensign Lavena, cut off from the rest of the crew, must convince their captors of their sincere desire to help the people of Droplet before the damage becomes irreparable.

In their final episode as hosts of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the Star Trek: Titan novel Over a Torrent Sea by Christopher L. Bennett. They talk about Titan's new mission, the Squales of Droplet, Ensign Aili Lavena and her past, a difficult maternal situation for Deanna Troi, the unintended consequences of the crew's decisions, atonement for past mistakes, and wrap up with their final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review the first issue in IDW's new Deep Space Nine miniseries, Too Long a Sacrifice.


Literary Treks 308: Maybe Stop Biting and Kidnapping Counselors
Titan: Over a Torrent Sea by Christopher L. Bennett







Previous episode: Literary Treks 307: Twisted Like a Bag of Bread
Next episode: Stay Tuned for Book Coverage on Positively Trek!