What do you think?
Rate this book
For nearly a hundred years, the planet Chrellkan IV has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the colony on the third planet of its star system. However, relations between the two worlds take a deadly turn as rebel colonists take over Chrellkam III and turn against their mother world. To prevent the conflict from escalating into full-scale war, Starfleet orders Captain Kirk and the Enterprise to moderate the dispute. On arrival, Kirk sends Spock and McCoy to investigate the rebel's claims. But seconds after beaming down, the two officers are taken hostage and then -- according to sensors -- killed. Devastated by his loss, Kirk must try to learn the truth behind the mysterious rebellion that has claimed the lives of his two closest friends. Kirk's investigation leads him to uncover a dangerous plot against the Federation -- a plot driven by revenge that may make the Federation's highest law, the Prime Directive, an instrument of violence and destruction.
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1991
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 30, 2022
Not amazing, but still much better than usual for this series.
October 6, 2024
2.5 stars. A very quick and easy read, finished in an afternoon. The story feels like an authentic TOS episode, which itself takes talent to achieve. Unfortunately, it authentically feels like one of the not-so-great TOS episodes.
Some plots and characters from previous episodes are recycled, to not much believable or dramatic effect. Our crew is mostly in character, though all off their game professionally. It takes them far too long to even consider the possibility of checking into the obvious source of their problems. The bad guys are unflinchingly bad just for the sake of being bad and we spend too little time with series' favourites.
The novel had an intriguing start, but didn't deliver much of interest on that setup. It isn't fair to say it's bad, since the writing talent is clearly there. This plot just didn't give it a chance to shine.
I won't read this one again and wouldn't recommend it.
Some plots and characters from previous episodes are recycled, to not much believable or dramatic effect. Our crew is mostly in character, though all off their game professionally. It takes them far too long to even consider the possibility of checking into the obvious source of their problems. The bad guys are unflinchingly bad just for the sake of being bad and we spend too little time with series' favourites.
The novel had an intriguing start, but didn't deliver much of interest on that setup. It isn't fair to say it's bad, since the writing talent is clearly there. This plot just didn't give it a chance to shine.
I won't read this one again and wouldn't recommend it.
November 20, 2022
A decent run of the mill Star Trek book, good plot, great characters (of course), lots of action, some reveals, some "Klingons behind the scenes" - good stuff.
I would have preferred more time spent on the characters because that's why I love Star Trek and there was some classic interaction between Spock and McCoy BUT a lot of the story had to deal with non-Enterprise personnel and that's where the story lagged.
Still, good read.
If you are a fanatical Trekkie then you should read this, otherwise, there are better Trek books out there, message me if you want some recommendations.
I would have preferred more time spent on the characters because that's why I love Star Trek and there was some classic interaction between Spock and McCoy BUT a lot of the story had to deal with non-Enterprise personnel and that's where the story lagged.
Still, good read.
If you are a fanatical Trekkie then you should read this, otherwise, there are better Trek books out there, message me if you want some recommendations.
December 2, 2023
Meh.
The plot moved along fast enough to keep me reading, but there was very little characterization, and a whole lot of telling-not-showing in the writing style.
At least it was much cleaner than the last Star Trek book I read.
The plot moved along fast enough to keep me reading, but there was very little characterization, and a whole lot of telling-not-showing in the writing style.
At least it was much cleaner than the last Star Trek book I read.
August 8, 2010
This was, unfortunately, not the best Star Trek book I've ever read. In fact, it was less than mediocre, despite the promising summary on the back of the book.
It starts out alright, McCoy and Spock supposedly "die" and Kirk can't locate them in a potentially hostile environment and the threat level is raised. But then it stops escalating into a good book and stays "poor" in my opinion. Throughout the book, Spock and McCoy try to get off the planet while the Enterprise computers continue to respond in an "off" manner. Each section didn't contain enough action to keep me hooked.
There was so much whining by the planets' inhabitants I was really put off. Plus, the plot is so technically complex, I found myself putting the book down and not wanting to continue further. There is little interaction between Spock and McCoy and little time to mourn them by their captain. It was more about the "story" aspect and had very little to do with the characters themselves. The book brought in a lot of facts from the original series, even going as far as to involve an old "enemy" of Kirk's in this plot. That could be viewed as "sticking to the original story line" but I felt the author was so unimaginative that they had to take an enemy from the series and reuse him instead of giving me a fresh, new, inventive enemy.
I wouldn't suggest this unless you really want to try it for yourself and are a relentless reader through all the boring-ness.
It starts out alright, McCoy and Spock supposedly "die" and Kirk can't locate them in a potentially hostile environment and the threat level is raised. But then it stops escalating into a good book and stays "poor" in my opinion. Throughout the book, Spock and McCoy try to get off the planet while the Enterprise computers continue to respond in an "off" manner. Each section didn't contain enough action to keep me hooked.
There was so much whining by the planets' inhabitants I was really put off. Plus, the plot is so technically complex, I found myself putting the book down and not wanting to continue further. There is little interaction between Spock and McCoy and little time to mourn them by their captain. It was more about the "story" aspect and had very little to do with the characters themselves. The book brought in a lot of facts from the original series, even going as far as to involve an old "enemy" of Kirk's in this plot. That could be viewed as "sticking to the original story line" but I felt the author was so unimaginative that they had to take an enemy from the series and reuse him instead of giving me a fresh, new, inventive enemy.
I wouldn't suggest this unless you really want to try it for yourself and are a relentless reader through all the boring-ness.
September 13, 2018
Although this book has an interesting, if not slightly overused concept; you would have to believe that Kirk, Scotty, Sulu and Uhura in particular had all reverted to mere junior officers. On numerous occasions they 'missed' clues that should have been obvious for their experience.
The author and editors missed countless times when the two main races involved were called 'Human' by Spock, McCoy and others. Once or twice I could understand as a simple mistake, but it was throughout the entire book. It could have been something simple as McCoy declaring early on that their physiology was identical to Humans would have made it a bit more plausible, but that wasn't done.
The third major problem I had with this was that even after Scotty disconnected the computer to bypass the 'fault' to open the shuttlebay doors, even manual controls wouldn't work!? If they cut links to the computer there would be no way it could 'reroute' itself and restore the link to retain control. This showed up many times on different systems - destroys Scotty's 'miracle worker' image completely.
All in all, the technical errors prove to be the overwhelming drawback to what could have been a good story.
The author and editors missed countless times when the two main races involved were called 'Human' by Spock, McCoy and others. Once or twice I could understand as a simple mistake, but it was throughout the entire book. It could have been something simple as McCoy declaring early on that their physiology was identical to Humans would have made it a bit more plausible, but that wasn't done.
The third major problem I had with this was that even after Scotty disconnected the computer to bypass the 'fault' to open the shuttlebay doors, even manual controls wouldn't work!? If they cut links to the computer there would be no way it could 'reroute' itself and restore the link to retain control. This showed up many times on different systems - destroys Scotty's 'miracle worker' image completely.
All in all, the technical errors prove to be the overwhelming drawback to what could have been a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
Auf den letzten Metern noch einen Stern verschenkt.
Zwei Welten, die eine Kolonie der anderen, die in naher Zukunft die Unabhängigkeit geschenkt bekommen hätte, jetzt plötzlich aber angeblich mit Terror versucht, zu erpressen, was sie eh bald erhalten würde - während die andere angeblich die politischen Führer der Kolonie manipuliert und umbringt. Beide sagen, dass jeweils die andere Welt der Aggressor ist, beide arbeiten mit Desinformation.
Und beide werden von derselben externen Macht manipuliert, die dann auch noch einen Virus auf den Computer der Enterprise spielt.
Aber kaum ist der Virus bereinigt und die externe Macht für den Moment geflohen, ist alles Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen und ein Jahrzehnt Beeinflussung, Desinformation und Hass - auch gegen die Föderation - soll sich in Luft auflösen, nur, weil das Föderationsschiff gerettet ist? Obwohl auf beiden Seiten wichtige Führer teils gestorben, teils verschwunden sind?
Ja, gut, der Autor konnte nicht wissen, dass Desinformation und Hass dereinst ein weltweites Phänomen für uns Menschen werden. Zu seiner Zeit konnte man sich in den fernen USA noch einreden, dass man selbst nie durch Nazis manipuliert worden wäre, nie Mitläufer oder gar Täter geworden wäre.
Aber so naiv zu sein, zu glauben, dass dieses Ende ein solches oder in irgendeiner Form befriedigend oder auch nur realistisch wäre?
Wäre das Ende besser gewesen, wären es aber dennoch nur drei Sterne, weil das Buch zwar ansonsten nicht in dem Sinne schlecht, aber durch die ständige Fokussierung nur auf Computermanipulation - und zwischendurch Flucht - schlicht langweilig war.
Zwei Welten, die eine Kolonie der anderen, die in naher Zukunft die Unabhängigkeit geschenkt bekommen hätte, jetzt plötzlich aber angeblich mit Terror versucht, zu erpressen, was sie eh bald erhalten würde - während die andere angeblich die politischen Führer der Kolonie manipuliert und umbringt. Beide sagen, dass jeweils die andere Welt der Aggressor ist, beide arbeiten mit Desinformation.
Und beide werden von derselben externen Macht manipuliert, die dann auch noch einen Virus auf den Computer der Enterprise spielt.
Aber kaum ist der Virus bereinigt und die externe Macht für den Moment geflohen, ist alles Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen und ein Jahrzehnt Beeinflussung, Desinformation und Hass - auch gegen die Föderation - soll sich in Luft auflösen, nur, weil das Föderationsschiff gerettet ist? Obwohl auf beiden Seiten wichtige Führer teils gestorben, teils verschwunden sind?
Ja, gut, der Autor konnte nicht wissen, dass Desinformation und Hass dereinst ein weltweites Phänomen für uns Menschen werden. Zu seiner Zeit konnte man sich in den fernen USA noch einreden, dass man selbst nie durch Nazis manipuliert worden wäre, nie Mitläufer oder gar Täter geworden wäre.
Aber so naiv zu sein, zu glauben, dass dieses Ende ein solches oder in irgendeiner Form befriedigend oder auch nur realistisch wäre?
Wäre das Ende besser gewesen, wären es aber dennoch nur drei Sterne, weil das Buch zwar ansonsten nicht in dem Sinne schlecht, aber durch die ständige Fokussierung nur auf Computermanipulation - und zwischendurch Flucht - schlicht langweilig war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
An interesting premise that ends unsatisfyingly. The Enterprise, in it's fifth year under Captain Kirk, is ordered to officiate a peace between Chrellkan IV and Chrellkan III, with the latter supposedly full of terrorists wishing to break away from their mother world. Arriving on the scene, the Premier from IV comes aboard and presents his evidence of wrongdoing by III. The Enterprise is contacted by the inhabitants on III who state that the Premier cannot be trusted. Spock and McCoy beam down to investigate on III and are taken as hostages just as a never before seen force field is raised (such technology is beyond what either world is capable of).
At this point the book takes some surprising turns, split fairly evenly between action on the surface of Chrellkan III, with Spock and McCoy, and on the Enterprise, with Kirk. It's an engaging read, given whom is suspected of being responsible for this new technology and treachery. It's in the final quarter of the book that the true threats are revealed and they fell flat for me. One antagonist is from a classic episode, while one is new. Neither felt believable for me. Their scheme was also to far fetched.
I enjoyed the first three-quarters of the book, but that enjoyment was incredibly lessened by the conclusion.
At this point the book takes some surprising turns, split fairly evenly between action on the surface of Chrellkan III, with Spock and McCoy, and on the Enterprise, with Kirk. It's an engaging read, given whom is suspected of being responsible for this new technology and treachery. It's in the final quarter of the book that the true threats are revealed and they fell flat for me. One antagonist is from a classic episode, while one is new. Neither felt believable for me. Their scheme was also to far fetched.
I enjoyed the first three-quarters of the book, but that enjoyment was incredibly lessened by the conclusion.
October 1, 2024
I had a bit of deja Vu with this one. After a bit of lookup, I realized that this book was written after Peacekeepers, which was a surprising discovery. But yeah, Renegade basically copies a lot of aspects from Peacekeepers such as the captain's tendency to snap (which is more realistic for Kirk instead of Picard), splitting off two notable crew members from the Enterprise (Spock and McCoy here and Data and LaForge in the other), and a plot that risks violation of the Prime Directive in some way.
Honestly, in spite of the repeat performance, I feel like the execution was better with this one due to the character contrasts between Spock and McCoy, which is far more apart than Data and LaForge, allowing the character foil aspect to be more prominent. This, in my opinion, is the book's strongest point.
Honestly, in spite of the repeat performance, I feel like the execution was better with this one due to the character contrasts between Spock and McCoy, which is far more apart than Data and LaForge, allowing the character foil aspect to be more prominent. This, in my opinion, is the book's strongest point.
November 8, 2017
Una historia entretenida y divertida con una trama de conspiración interesante. Lo que más me ha gustado de esta historia es el equipo que realizan McCoy y Spock, además de esa pequeña reflexión que hace Kirk sobre su primer oficial:
<>
<>
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
When a colony appears to violently overthrow its parent world's government, Spock and McCoy beam down to assist in diplomatic negotiations and appear to be promptly killed.
For the colony has been infiltrated by Klingons, intent on bringing the Federation to its knees.
DeWeese's novel reads like one of the better 'Star Trek' episodes and feels like it works extremely well. Characters speak and behave in a similar way to in a television episode and, in a novel format without a budget, this allows them to expand believably.
For the colony has been infiltrated by Klingons, intent on bringing the Federation to its knees.
DeWeese's novel reads like one of the better 'Star Trek' episodes and feels like it works extremely well. Characters speak and behave in a similar way to in a television episode and, in a novel format without a budget, this allows them to expand believably.
December 30, 2023
Basically a race against time as everyone scrambles to overthrow a plot they don't really understand. That's probably my biggest gripe with the book is that those on the Enterprise just seemed a little TOO stupid without Spock there. However, I enjoyed the rest of the story and the chase with Spock and McCoy as they try to escape all that's happened. I felt tempted to give it four stars but this seems just standard fare but good nonetheless.
April 18, 2019
A solidly written, bog-standard "Star Trek" adventure, although its straightforward nature makes it less complex & epic than Gene DeWesse's previous TOS novels. The surprise twist appearance of a character from the episode "Court Martial" helps lift it slightly out of the realm of the mundane, and is well handled.
June 7, 2021
This book was good, but I have to admit that it's not one that I'll keep in my pile of "read again" Star Trek books. I don't want to spoil anything, but it's what I think of as a run-of-the-mill problem that they encounter and, though I enjoyed the read the first time, I don't think it's one that I'd want to read again (especially with so many that I haven't read yet).
April 27, 2020
Not the best book I have ever read, even by standards of Star Trek tie-ins (if not the worst, either). I got this book from a friend for free, and I ended up giving it away after reading it almost to the end. It didn't feel worth finishing to be honest.
August 16, 2024
Hard to believe this was written by the same person who wrote the great "Chain of Attack." There is a very interesting twist, but other than the twist, the dialogue is annoying and the situations were too long drawn out.
December 13, 2017
I kept putting this book down and picking it up..It was a chore to read..
January 31, 2018
Yeah, it's a star trek novel. But that being said, it has a wonderful mystery, a good sense of suspense and and a good grasp of the characters. It was a lot of fun to read.
June 22, 2018
was a good quick read.
December 29, 2022
A good book with interesting plot twists. I suggest reading this book to all Star Trek fans out there!
April 24, 2024
Action packed Star Trek, a thrill a minute. Ass usual.
June 3, 2024
Planet Chrellkan IV and its colony are on the brink of war. The Enterprise is to mediate with both parties. So McCoy and Spock are sent to the colony only for their deaths t be reported. Then events get even worse.
An entertaining re-read.
An entertaining re-read.
October 8, 2024
Very exciting
Good representation of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy
An old enemy returns to get revenge on Kirk and the Federation
Good representation of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy
An old enemy returns to get revenge on Kirk and the Federation
January 24, 2011
So most of the reviews I have seen are quite damning of this book, but I have to say I really enjoyed it personally! However, I should point out that I'm not a huge fan of ST:TOS, although I did love the recent film, so I don't know if that is the difference between me and other reviewers...?
So the story flowed just like an episode and I felt that the characterisations were good. I especially loved the banter between Spock and McCoy, through which their mutual respect and affection for each other shines through. Kirk, as well, seems spot on to me, with him never really giving up hope that Spock and McCoy are still alive.
Plus if you are a fan of Kirk/Spock, there is definite subtext. Kirk going to Spock's quarters when he thinks he has lost him and I particularly liked this passage:
"...If Mr. Spock were here, he could--"
"But he isn't here, Mr. Pritchard!" Kirk snapped. "Is there anything more that those of us who are here can do?"
Pritchard flushed at the rebuke but didn't protest. Of everyone on board, he knew, the captain must feel Spock's loss the most--and dared show it the least.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
So the story flowed just like an episode and I felt that the characterisations were good. I especially loved the banter between Spock and McCoy, through which their mutual respect and affection for each other shines through. Kirk, as well, seems spot on to me, with him never really giving up hope that Spock and McCoy are still alive.
Plus if you are a fan of Kirk/Spock, there is definite subtext. Kirk going to Spock's quarters when he thinks he has lost him and I particularly liked this passage:
"...If Mr. Spock were here, he could--"
"But he isn't here, Mr. Pritchard!" Kirk snapped. "Is there anything more that those of us who are here can do?"
Pritchard flushed at the rebuke but didn't protest. Of everyone on board, he knew, the captain must feel Spock's loss the most--and dared show it the least.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2014
Well. Not my cuppa, I guess. I didn't like the characterization - McCoy was portrayed as a shouty idiot who couldn't take a hint if it punched him in the nose - and the plot was more annoying than intriguing, to be honest, especially the Enterprise setting where the crew was running around like a flock of headless chickens for most of the book, wringing their hands and bemoaning how impossible something was. By the sixth or seventh time that happened, basically one scene in a lather-rinse-repeat mode, I started to feel annoyed. I'm glad this cost me only Ł0.01 used on Amazong UK or I would've been rather pissed.
October 1, 2016
Actually a 2.5 rating, but I can't quite give it the 3 rating. It's a decent story and written well enough, but I hate it when the plots try including too much computer scheming in the story-drives me nuts. I have found that in some of the other Trek books also-too much reliance on a computer, counter-codes, reprogramming, etc. When you start making the computer an important part of the story, you kill the story. This book spilled over the line on that one for me. Face it, the best Trek stories never even used the computer as a player, it was just a tool. I wish some of the authors would realize that.
October 7, 2011
This would've made a great episode! It was action-packed and dramatic, and I liked the resolution. It was a little teensy bit overcomplicated, but that didn't diminish the fun.
I particularly liked DeWeese's interpretation of how Kirk would have reacted to losing not just Spock and not just McCoy, but both of them at the same time. It was touching, and an enjoyable few moments of character study, the more so because the readers
I particularly liked DeWeese's interpretation of how Kirk would have reacted to losing not just Spock and not just McCoy, but both of them at the same time. It was touching, and an enjoyable few moments of character study, the more so because the readers
July 22, 2016
Hmmm....I dunno nothing particularly galling about this tale but it just felt very pedestrian, it's basically one of those Star Trek tales overtly reliant on diplomacy and in this one engineering know how.
As such I just found it didn't grip me and ultimately fell flat.
Anyhow it's not put me off various other second hand star trek tie in books I have on the shelf but it hasn't really sold me on the idea of reaching for one any time soon.
As such I just found it didn't grip me and ultimately fell flat.
Anyhow it's not put me off various other second hand star trek tie in books I have on the shelf but it hasn't really sold me on the idea of reaching for one any time soon.
March 30, 2015
Captain's Log, Stardate Today. We've solved the mystery of the Klingon interlopers. The leaders and possibly governments of both planets are dead and there's a ship of refugees left stranded in space. But Spock and McCoy are back, so our job here is done. Mr. Sulu, ahead Warp Factor 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2016
The tension in this story comes from not knowing what or who to trust. How can you do the right thing when you can't believe what you see and hear? And the stakes are high.
Its good for those who'll recognise the names dropped from the original series but its not vital to understanding.
Its good for those who'll recognise the names dropped from the original series but its not vital to understanding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews