best star trek book

The 15 Best Star Trek Books Ever Written

Like all our favorite franchises, "Star Trek" is a multimedia phenomenon. Today's kids grow up in a world full of TV series, movies, comics, games, and, of course, tie-in novels. "Star Trek" novels are notable because they're non-canon by default, and that's allowed their writers to go ham while exploring strange new worlds. Some of these earliest tie-in writers went on to become science fiction titans, and sometimes those titans like to return for more Trekkie fun.

"Trek" books are also a unique part of the fandom experience. "Star Trek: The New Voyages" was a licensed, two-book anthology, printed in the late '70s and curated from fanfiction. Wilder still, in 1985, writer Della Van Hise saw her "Star Trek" novel "Killing Time" published and recalled for an edited reprint as longtime fans realized their beloved slash fiction pairing of Kirk and Spock was no longer hiding in the shadows. It's a goofy testament to how fans helped "Star Trek" thrive in the first place, and today, these tie-in novels are still great comfort food. These are 15 of the best that I've found, read, and loved over the years.

A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson

Elim Garak isn't special to "Star Trek" fans alone. He's also part of actor Andrew Robinson in a unique way. The charming-yet-wily Cardassian tailor (and spy) called Deep Space Nine his home, but Garak's too big a personality to be contained by its steel corridors (or with a word from Dr. Bashir, his unlikely best friend.) Robinson grew him that way from the start, creating an in-character diary to guide him through Garak's behavior. Garak's diary, however, took on a life of its own as Robinson made readings from it part of his convention appearances. Eventually, Robinson was coaxed into turning it into a novel.

"A Stitch in Time" is epistolary, presented as a series of letters sent by Garak to Dr. Bashir in the wake of the Dominion War. Contained within are fragments of Garak's childhood, memories of a long-ago love, and preparations for the future. The greatest compliment I can offer is that every word drips with Robinson's genteel drawl. No one else could have written this novel, and it's the perfect love letter from an actor to the character he brought to life.

Imzadi by Peter David

"Imzadi" was rereleased in 2003, packaged with its sequel and listed as "Imzadi Forever." By all accounts, the follow-up is a fine tale, but I haven't read it. My recommendation is for the original 1992 release, which I eagerly bought in hardcover. Like another upcoming Peter David selection, "Imzadi" has a complicated timeline, but the emotional thread and David's clean prose make the plot easy to follow.

The word "imzadi" is first used in "Encounter at Farpoint," telepathically sent to Riker by Troi. However, it's author Peter David who expands on the power of the Betazed term for "beloved." The word refers not to a teen's first love but to something richer and deeper. The novel explores Riker's and Troi's early relationship through the lens of a distant, alternate future in which Troi is dead, and Riker is a bitter old cuss. Obviously, nobody wants a future like this one, but the Guardian of Forever, that magical archway from classic "Star Trek," has our backs. The return of this sentient space rock is always a selling point, but the story also has all the political twists and turns a Trekkie could want.

How Much for Just the Planet? by John M. Ford

John M. Ford was one of the best, most underrated writers of the modern era. Until recently, almost all of his work had fallen out of print with his death in 2006. Most of his catalog is still pretty hard to find and requires trawling used bookstores with an eye for treasure. Unfortunately, that includes 1987's "How Much for Just the Planet?" It's Ford's second "Star Trek" novel, and it's a "Dr. Strangelove" -style artifact of perfect absurdity.

"How Much for Just the Planet?" is a surreal sci-fi mélange: Take the crew of the Enterprise, pit them against opportunistic Klingons, and add a previously undiscovered planet full of untouched dilithium. Then, mix in a troupe of truly incomprehensible, goofball aliens, slap everybody in a hotel (with a golf course — it's a plot point), and make them play in a "Squid Game"-style competition that focuses on heists and ballroom dancing instead of murder. The goal is friendship and having some good laughs along the way.

Spock Must Die! by James Blish

The first original "Star Trek" novel is still a good read and a great place to get some context for the ways "Trek" fiction has evolved. "Spock Must Die!" feels fresher than its 1970 print date in many places, but bear in mind, it plays with some "exotic sexuality" tropes regarding Spock. Yeah, he was definitely the unlikely sex symbol of original "Star Trek," but Blish's prose occasionally takes that to a funky place.

Otherwise, this book does introduce some neat concepts way before later "Star Trek" wore them out. The evil clone plot line is a groaner staple now, but Blish's novel twists it up with some unsettling fridge logic questions about how the transporter room could work with some mad science drive. From there, the science is pretty pulpy, but the high-stakes thrills leading up to the title drop — a Spock does have to die — make for a nice, cozy ride through an earlier science fiction era.

Q-Squared by Peter David

Like most "Star Trek” tie-ins, "Q-Squared" isn't canon, but it's close enough to an assumed truth that fans have kind of adopted it anyway. It's a three-lane timeline pileup, and this time, it is a little confusing. It makes sense for there to be some confusion over what the hell is going on because this book brings in John de Lancie's omnipotent trickster, Q . And it's not a Q story unless everyone (including Picard) asks, "What the hell is going on?" at least once.

In this case, what the hell is going on is a tantrum thrown by a young Q whom "Trek" fans know as Trelane, the Squire of Gothos. A longtime "Star Trek" favorite, Trelane was a quirky, omnipotent brat that futzed around with Kirk and his buddies until his family pulled him in line at the end of the episode . David's novel draws on the fan-inspired retcon that this classic character is actually a Q ( a speculation John de Lancie also shares ) and ties it all together in a messy bow. It doesn't always make sense, especially the semi-metaphorical sword fight finale. Still, it's a great trip through the fringes of the Continuum.

Spock's World by Diane Duane

Author Diane Duane is a modern treasure. Her "Young Wizards" fantasy series remains one of the best ways to hook a kid on the dreams hidden inside books. Still writing and still a part of fandom today, she also wrote 1988's "Spock's World," one of the first and best books to dig into the social intricacies and history of Vulcan.

The framing narrative deals with a fledgling separatist movement working to pull Vulcan out of the Federation, and it provides a chance for Spock and his family to take the spotlight. It's a great political yarn, and it pulls on some threads from classic "Trek" episodes, most notably "Amok Time." However, the real meat here is the intricate world building with lingering glimpses of major moments in Vulcan history. It's a great reminder that what makes "Star Trek" so special are the worlds it explores. Although "Spock's World" is not canon, Duane's graceful creation continues to influence other "Star Trek" creators .

The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack

With the debut of every new "Star Trek" TV series, you can rest assured that a swath of new tie-in novels are in the works. Obviously, the tie-in tradition continued with "Picard." The first novel based on Jean-Luc's solo outing was published within a month of the show's premiere. "The Last Best Hope" is a prequel to " Picard ," and it does a solid job of fleshing out a number of connections that the first season didn't get a chance to work on.

Though a lot of the novel is devoted to Raffi , the troubled intelligence officer we grow to love on the show, it's the glimpses of Romulan culture that stand out. The religious order introduced in the show, the Qowat Milat , are in sharp focus here and help round out the childhood of Elnor , our orphaned Romulan Legolas. "The Last Best Hope" has another trait that may make it attractive to fans of the show: Until "Picard" contradicts it, this book is currently as close to actual canon as a "Star Trek" novel can be.

Star Trek: The Eugenics War by Greg Cox

It's easier to refer to this bulk recommendation as "The Khan Trilogy." The first two novels are formally titled "The Eugenics War: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh" ( volumes one and two , respectively), and the third is "To Reign in Hell: The Exile of Khan Noonien Singh." The trilogy is two parts covert war thriller and one part survivalist nightmare. All together, it pieces together the complete life of one of the mightiest (and bare-chestiest) foes in "Star Trek" history .

"The Eugenics War" is a look inside the doomed effort to prevent that legendary conflict from ever happening. As mentioned in the classic episode "Space Seed," eugenicist science created a social schism the likes of which Marvel's Magneto barely dreamed of. The effort to stop Khan from dominating Earth fails, but infighting eventually drives the tyrant into exile. The events of "Space Seed" happen after the first two books, and the final novel sees Khan struggle to survive on Ceti Alpha V , the sandy death-world we discover in "The Wrath of Khan," surrounded by loyalists and scarce resources. Great stuff.

The Final Reflection by John M. Ford

My prior John M. Ford recommendation may have the spotlight, but don't pass up "The Final Reflection" if you can find it. While not as richly built as Diane Duane's "Spock's World," Ford's book treats Klingons with such detail and complexity that it went on to affect later portrayals of the proud warrior race. It's a book that's occasionally lauded as a "Star Trek" novel that stands on its own as a great work of science fiction, which is a backhanded compliment that ignores the love and passion of "Trek" writers. Nevertheless, that is an accurate assessment here.

The focus of the book is on Klingon Captain Krenn, whose decades-long effort to prevent his own people from destroying the Federation remains a secret until he pens his own chronicle of events. During his career, Krenn flickers in and out of the lives of the characters we know, with special emphasis placed on his encounter with Spock as a child. There's some hefty focus on Klingon stratagems in the early part of the novel, which can be daunting for the reader, but the journey is worth it.

Fallen Heroes by Dafydd ab Hugh

"Fallen Heroes" is a sentimental choice. It's one of my gruesome comfort food books. Pairing the horrific invasion of DS9 with a time-shifted mystery, the novel puts Quark and Odo together as ad hoc detectives trying to stop the massacre of their friends from happening. It's not a perfect tale, and, coming back to it later, it misses some character tone due to how early in the show's airing it was published. Still, it's a good yarn from a time when we were starved for stories that put our best frenemies together.

Author Dafydd ab Hugh has a gift for crunchy, visceral action sequences, and that got him a pretty decent gig writing "Doom" tie-ins in the '90s. It's best to go in with the reminder that, according to the classic "Star Trek” fiction trope, our heroes will be alright by the end, but there's some gnarly road before this book gets there. "Fallen Heroes," like many older tie-in novels, is easily found used.

Q-In-Law by Peter David

Peter David gets on this list three times because, along with his clean prose and keen understanding of the franchise, he also understands what a fan would kill to see. "Star Trek: The Next Generation" has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to great recurring characters, and two fan favorites take the spotlight in "Q-In Law." The omnipotent Q is a guaranteed good time, but adding Deanna Troi's dramatic mother Lwaxana to the mix makes for a salty popcorn festival.

The premise is simple: Noticing that the Enterprise is ready to host a wedding, Q shows up with mischief on his mind. Lwaxana arrives for the diplomatic event, and Q picks up on the Betazed noble's talent for chaos. However, for once in his life, Q gets more than he bargained for when he flirts with Lwaxana. Somewhere in the mayhem, Worf notes the crew might as well sell tickets to watch it all fall apart. I recommend tracking down the audiobook . It's narrated by John de Lancie and Majel Barrett-Roddenberry (Q and Lwaxana themselves), and they happily go all in on the verbal sparring.

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

The Prime Directive is one of the few immutable tenets of the "Star Trek” universe. However, Starfleet General Order 1 is not without its flaws. To wit, no Starfleet command or crew is to interfere with the development of an alien society. It's a Cold War product that was designed by minds worried about escalation and accidental destruction. Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens' "Prime Directive," published in 1990, digs into what happens when that order is disobeyed.

In both the original series and the movies, Kirk and his crew rarely receive lasting consequences for their actions. This novel sets about dismantling that trope. Kirk, in charge of observing Talin IV, a world on the cusp of first contact, seems to accidentally violate the Prime Directive. Worse, his mistake devastates the developing Talin society. From Kirk to Uhura, the command crew of the Enterprise see their careers ended for their failure. The bulk of the novel is the long process of the crew (who have either resigned, been demoted to ensign, or court-martialed) seeking out what actually went wrong on Talin IV. The answers are complex, and the ethical questions are thought-provoking.

Sarek by A.C. Crispin

Author A.C. Crispin was a key figure in not only helping readers understand that tie-in novels shouldn't be dismissed as "amateur" content but also in protecting other writers from being scammed. Her talents as a writer provided light but intricate stories. "Sarek" (not to be confused with the phenomenal "Next Generation" episode of the same name ) is a rich look at one of "Star Trek's" most complicated figures .

"Sarek" is a political thriller tempered by Sarek's sometimes cold Vulcan discipline. A veiled threat from an unknown alien race aims to unbalance the core of the Federation. Balanced against these high stakes is the famed Vulcan ambassador's wife's illness. Amanda Grayson 's humanity helped both Sarek and Spock bridge their two worlds. However, her impending loss threatens to undo the peace father and son forged years ago. In the book, Amanda's journal provides empathetic glimpses inside Sarek's life. "Sarek" is a novel as crucial as "Spock's World" for fans of the iconic Vulcans.

Uhura's Song by Janet Kagan

Uhura 's popularity was a big deal for television back when "Star Trek" first came on the air. Unfortunately, moments in which she took the lead were all too rare. By 1985, Uhura was still a supporting character on screen, but now, she had a couple of novels that gave her some more in-depth attention. "Uhura's Song" is the best and, frankly, the weirdest slice of fanfic-style glory to make it to the printed page.

Long ago, Uhura made friends with a woman named Sunfall of Ennien, a diplomat from the planet Eaiaou, whose love of dance and song outlived her when a deadly pandemic decimated her world. However, there's a clue in the songs Sunfall taught Uhura that might help end the pandemic before it wipes out the whole planet. This is where I have to warn you that this strange and lovely novel is basically "Warrior Cats” in space. Yes, the people of Eaiaou are cat people — with emphasis on the cat side of that equation. Shut up! It's awesome!

Metamorphosis by Jean Lorrah

This last pick is going to be a divisive one. Jean Lorrah 's "Metamorphosis" is a chunky book that lags in a few places, but it does two things well enough to get a sentimental recommendation: First, though non-canon, the book picks up after "Measure of a Man," the "Next Generation" episode that gave Data legal protection as a sentient lifeform and explores the ethical aftermath in a way that's catnip to me. Second, the novel makes the acerbic Dr. Pulaski somewhat likable and empathetic. Now, that's an achievement!

Although there's a handful of plot threads going on in this large, lumpy novel, the biggest one is Data's temporary tenure as what he's wanted to become all along — a fleshy human (with all that entails). As anyone who rolls out of bed to the symphony of their bones cracking could tell the android, it's not all it's cracked up to be. Still, he persists in a weird kind of hero's journey, and although everything is set back to baseline by the end, the trip is one of a kind.

The Inventory

Essential Star Trek Novels That Even Non-Trekkers Should Read

Now that we've all seen the teaser trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness , we've got a bad case of Star Trek fever. Luckily, there are tons of Star Trek novels that have been published since the Original Series went off the air — and many of them are shockingly good. Thanks to editors like David G. Hartwell and John Ordover, the Star Trek novels have regularly attracted some of the best authors out there.

Here are a dozen Star Trek novels that even non-diehard Trek fans will appreciate.

Spock Must Die by James Blish.

The Hugo Award-winning author wrote the books that adapted every single original Star Trek episode into short stories, and then went on to write the first Star Trek novel for adults, in 1970. And Blish dives right into one of the most baffling aspects of Star Trek continuity: the Organians, that race of godlike beings who forced the Federation to make peace with the Klingons and then were never seen again. When the Klingons find a way to start making war once again, Spock has to transport himself to the Organian planet using a special tachyon beam — but the result is two Spocks, one of whom has to die. But which one? I read this as a kid and was very impressed by the Spock drama, but apparently it holds up pretty well today .

Planet of Judgment by Joe Haldeman

The Forever War author wrote two Star Trek novels in the late 1970s, and by all accounts this is the better of the two. (Haldeman has written that he wasn't really into doing the second one, World Without End, but it was contractually obligated.) Planet of Judgment has a lot of the great Star Trek staples, including super-powerful aliens putting the Enterprise crew on trial, and some big philosophical questions. Plus lots of huge space-opera action, including an impossible planet orbiting a stable black hole. And this is one of the most adult of the Star Trek novels, with the redshirts getting their faces ripped off and the Enterprise crew actually talking about sex.

The Entropy Effect by Vonda N. McIntyre

And here's yet another award-winning author who wrote Star Trek novels — we'll be featuring McIntyre again on this list. The Entropy Effect was the first original novel published by Pocket Books, and here's McIntyre's account of how that happened . And for her first original Trek novel, McIntyre pulls out all the stops, with a twisty story of time travel in which it actually causes physical damage to the fabric of the universe. A great example of using a Star Trek novel to explore some scientific ideas.

The Final Reflection by John M. Ford

The first of two must-read Star Trek novels by Ford, The Final Reflection is the first novel to delve into Klingon culture and show the Klingons as having honor and valid ideas of their own. Ford invents a Klingon version of chess, called klin zha, and uses it to explore the Klingon view of the universe and their place in it. Pretty much all of the later development of Klingons in Star Trek builds on Ford's work here, and it's also a great piece of world-building and a tutorial in how to make an alien race feel alive and real. For the rest of his life, Ford was feted by Klingons at conventions as their great hero.

My Enemy, My Ally by Diane Duane

What Ford did for the Klingons, Duane did for the Romulans — this is the first book in her "Rihannsu" series, which fleshes out Romulan culture and makes them not just a weird offshoot of the Vulcans with a somewhat random "Ancient Rome" motif glued on. All of Duane's Rihannsu novels are worth reading, even if you're not a Trek maniac, because they create a believable alien culture and put it alongside the Federation. And unlike the Klingons, the Romulans have never gotten this much depth and thought put into them on screen, to this day.

How Much for Just the Planet? By John M. Ford

Having given the Klingons a new depth and integrity, Ford chose to follow that up with... a musical comedy book. The Enterprise travels to a Dilithium-rich planet, where the Federation is competing with the Klingons for the mining rights. And weirdly enough, everybody on the planet communicates by bursting into song. And comedy is king. This book features cameo appearances by Pamela Dean, Neil Gaiman, Diane Duane and other authors.

Enterprise: The First Adventure by Vonda N. McIntyre

Before J.J. Abrams gave us a new version of Captain Kirk's origins, McIntyre wrote this masterful novel about a young Captain Kirk having to come to grips with his command — including the uptight Spock, who considers his new captain to be a loose cannon. For fans of later Star Treks who've never quite understood why the Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship is so important to the series, McIntyre does a great job of establishing and developing that relationship, and showing just why that particular trio are so epic. There's also a winged horse in the Enterprise cargo bay , a vaudeville troupe on board, and a brand new race of... winged monkeys.

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

The Reeves-Stevenses have had a long and varied career with Star Trek , including a stint working on Enterprise and a long stretch ghost-writing William Shatner's bizarre "Shatner-verse" novels. But their first Star Trek book is probably the best thing they've ever done — it's a genuinely epic look at the Prime Directive and what happens when Captain Kirk appears to have broken it once too often, causing a huge disaster in which the Enterprise is all but destroyed. Kirk is shamed and drummed out of Starfleet in disgrace, and the rest of the Enterprise bridge crew has to scatter and go into hiding, enacting an elaborate plan to bring Kirk back. Dr. McCoy has to become a fictitious space pirate, and Sulu and Chekov become Orion smugglers. It's a completely over-the-top adventure novel, but it also manages to sell you on the idea that Kirk's goose might really be cooked this time. Great fun.

Imzadi by Peter David

For a long time, Peter David was the undisputed master of Star Trek novels — his New Frontier books are great swashbuckling fun, and quite addictive, and he also wrote some entertaining books about Q and the Borg. But his most lasting achievement as a Star Trek author is probably Imzadi , in which he manages to take the Troi-Riker relationship and infuse it with romance, joy and danger. As a time-travel romance, Imzadi is remarkably strong and intense — it starts out in the future, when Admiral Riker is mourning the death 30 years ago of his beloved Deanna Troi. But when Riker discovers evidence that Troi's death was actually the result of time-travel interference, he goes back in time to save her. Leaving the future Data no choice but to go back in time to try and stop Riker.

The Captain's Daughter by Peter David

The other must-read Peter David Star Trek novel, this one fleshes out the oft-overlooked character of Hikaru Sulu (who only got his first name, thanks to Vonda McIntyre's Entropy Effect .) Captain Sulu's daughter is apparently killed in mysterious circumstances, and he risks everything to go find out what happened to her. For those of us who still feel sad that we never got a Captain Sulu TV series or spin-off movie, this is the next best thing — and for anybody who wants to read a rip-roaring space opera with heart, this is a great read.

The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh by Greg Cox

There have been a lot of great Star Trek novels in recent years, many of them written by Cox and David Mack. (See above for the cover of Mack's Vanguard, which commenter SandroinSeattle recommends. ) This one stands out, though, because it fleshes out a key period in Star Trek history — the Eugenics Wars that are alluded to in the episode "Space Seed." Now at last, we learn just how Khan and his fellow augments tried to take over. Cox does a fantastic job of fleshing out the already rich character of Khan Noonien Singh — but this is also great as a near-future story of genetic engineering gone wrong, in its own right.

A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson

And finally, there's the one must-read Deep Space Nine novel. Andrew Robinson's Garak was one of the most fascinating characters Star Trek has ever given us — a former spy who claims to be just a simple tailor, Garak was always willing to do what needed to be done. And to push characters like Bashir and Sisko over the edge into his own moral gray area. Robinson returns to the character he played, and fleshes out a lot of his backstory as well as filling in a lot of what happened to Garak after he left Deep Space Nine. Anybody who was ever curious about the darker, more textured universe DS9 was creating will find a lot of insights here.

So what are your choices for the most essential Star Trek novels? List them below!

The Best Star Trek Books for the Final Frontier

Ann-Marie Cahill

Ann-Marie Cahill will read anything and everything. From novels to trading cards to the inside of CD covers (they’re still a thing, right?). A good day is when her kids bring notes home from school. A bad day is when she has to pry a book from her kids’ hands. And then realizes where they get it from. The only thing Ann-Marie loves more than reading is travelling. She has expensive hobbies.

View All posts by Ann-Marie Cahill

Reading: My Final Frontier. This is the year 2020 and I have all but given up on my mission: to regain some reading mojo; to seek out new books and ideas; to boldly read books I have not read before. And yet, my brain just can’t. It’s rough. I feel like the energy needed to read a new book would be enough to power the USS Enterprise. By now, you have probably picked up on the theme here: I have journeyed home to seek out guidance from books I have already read, explored, and loved. Yeah, I went searching for the best Star Trek books. I wanted to reconnect with the very spirit of the Federation itself.

Herein lies the trap, the Kobayashi Maru of my mission to read the best Star Trek books. It is a no-win scenario because I am not the same person today compared to the first time I read a Star Trek novel (many many moons ago). Not only has my reading style changed, so too have my expectations on the creative minds behind the LONG list of Star Trek novels. Most noticeably, I would expect some diversity in the authors. Since the first publication of Star Trek 1 by James Blish in 1967, there have been over 850 Star Trek novels, short story anthologies, novelisations, and omnibus editions (!!). I’m not entirely sure if this includes the comics as well but if not, the number would be closer to 1000.

Out of all of these, I can count the writers of color on one hand. Now, given we are talking about science fiction literature which, unfortunately, is renowned for its history being comparable to a very masculine White Dwarf Star. However, we are also talking about Star Trek, a geek culture unto itself considered to be the pinnacle of utopian diversity and opportunity for all. And while I can comfortably find some gender diversity in the authorship, I no longer believe our idealistic future is going to be based on the heavily influenced white-washed western culture as portrayed in the Hollywood perspective.

For the sole purpose of revisiting the Star Trek novels, I have scanned my favourites based on the diversity of authors and/characters. Previous Book Riot articles have delved into the best of the series, even touching on the best way to read Star Trek books. Peter Damien shared his favourites here , while Kristen McQuinn has a great and detailed list of her own here .

Where To Start

Of course, with over 850 books to work with, any list of “favourites” is going to seem a little overwhelming. Let’s find a sensible starting point.

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It all depends on what you are looking for. Do you know the franchise really really well? Or does your foundation knowledge extend as far as Chris Hemsworth’s iconic opening scene in the movie reboot? (Now there’s a character portrayal to motivate my reading mojo). You could start in chronological order or you could pick out your favourite movie/TV storyline and find the books to continue from there.

Personally, I’m going with the core elements of Star Trek. There are plenty of books to expand on specific storylines or pivotal plotholes. However, my preference has always been for books to expand on the very soul of Star Trek. If you are new to Star Trek books, these suggestions will shine a light on the ‘bones’ of the Star Trek Universe: the Prime Directive, Starfleet Academy, First Contact, the Klingons, the Vulcans. For any Trekkies, the same books will remind you how well these stories can come together. And just to make it easier for us all, I have grouped the books within the television series. Sometimes the stories can crossover, so I’ve added a final group for those books too.

No matter where you start, there is a fair consistency of facts and style across all Star Trek novels (minus any reboots). Star Trek fans are known for their attention to detail and their demand for consistency. Gene Roddenberry (the original creator) was a supporter of fan fiction and the initial fanzine, Spocknalia . He considered any fan fiction to be a compliment, a statement of their love and passion for the series – which was exactly what he had hoped to gain from the television series.

The Best Star Trek: The Original Series Books (ST:OS)

The Kobayashi Maru by Julia Ecklar

There are a handful of phrases you will hear throughout the Star Trek series, no matter where you start. One of these is the Kobayashi Maru: a training exercise given to every cadet who aspires to join Starfleet. The ultimate goal is to rescue the civilian vessel Kobayashi Maru in a simulation battle with the Klingons. There is no ‘win’ in this scenario, making the test more about character than skill or knowledge. In The Kobayashi Maru , Ecklar tells the story of four separate characters from ST:OS, giving us great insight through their varied approaches to the infamous test. I consider this to be The Starting Book for Star Trek Novels because it gives us the best character foundations while providing strategic insight to the philosophies of Starfleet Academy itself.

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

The Prime Directive is the first and foremost rule, the guiding principle of Starfleet. It prohibits all Starfleet members from interfering with the natural development of any civilisation. The key determinant is whether the civilisation has passed a recognised milestone in technological, scientific, and cultural development. Prime Directive is the best Star Trek novel to challenge this principle and show some serious ethical analysis through the eyes of the original characters. The Reeves-Stevens team are considered the best at capturing the canonical characterisations of the Enterprise crew. From Kirk through to Nichols, each character is allowed to show their belief in the system and their need to question its validity. Prime Directive is one of my absolute favourites.

Spock’s World by Diane Duane

One of the most familiar, if not THE most familiar character is Spock. His mixed human-Vulcan heritage provided the bond between space-travelling humans and alien races across the Universe. The Vulcans themselves were always fascinating, in both history and characterisation. They are a race who have chosen logic and reasoning above all other experiences, detached from their emotions. In Spock’s World, Vulcan is planning to secede from the United Federation of Planets. Spock and the crew of the USS Enterprise have been called to Vulcan to help guide through this political and social mess. Woven within the chief storyline are chapters of Vulcan’s history, philosophy, and culture. This is a lovely display of the importance of cultural identity and heritage with the evolution of any society; a key concept of the Star Trek Universe.

Uhura’s Song by Janet Kagan

I always felt like Lt. Uhura was a minor character with the lesser role of Communications Officer. While her character grew over time, the role was never given its full due. For me, Uhura’s Song fills the gap and expands the roles of crew members. The key to this story is communication; between Uhura and her friends, and amongst the cat-like beings of Eeiauo who have preserved their cultural history in song. I always have a soft spot for anything to do with intangible culture property, but Uhura’s Song brings it out in a spectacular performance.

Pawns and Symbols by Majliss Larson

I’ll be honest with you: this is not the best Star Trek book; HOWEVER, it is one of the more memorable depictions of Klingons. The Klingons were the original foes to our earthly counterparts and a stark contrast to the Vulcans. In the earlier stories, it was easy to rely on the bloodthirsty honour system of the Klingons as a way of pushing the story through battle scenes. Larson digs deeper into the Klingon culture beyond war and battles. Here we meet scientists, doctors, and civilians. If you are exploring the established alien races within the Star Trek world, Pawns and Symbols is the starting point for the Klingons.

The Best Star Trek: Next Generation Books (ST:NG)

The Devil’s Heart by Carmen Carter

ST:NG is really the television series to thank for the Star Trek reboot. Sure, the movies were great, but it took Captain Picard and his crew to re-establish the Star Trek Universe, balancing the science fiction action with the sociological analysis it was renown for. There are plenty of ST:NG novels where they capture the excitement of the episodes and the fun of the characters. However, my list today is more about the soul of Star Trek, the yearning to explore space and embrace the diversity out there. Carter captures this essence, balancing the scientific discovery with respect for cultural heritage. Captain Jean-Luc Picard truly is the best Star Trek captain to carry this story.

The Best Star Trek: Voyager Books (ST:V)

Homecoming by Christie Golden

Homecoming is the ultimate book for any Voyager fans left wanting at the end of the series. However, don’t go thinking this is simply a ‘closure book’. Golden has taken some of the core elements of Voyager and brought them back to life in the ongoing story of the Federation. The goal of the Starfleet is to travel and explore further afield, and Homecoming addresses all the issues they bring back with them.

The Best Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Books (ST: DS9)

The Never-Ending Sacrifice by Una McCormack

McCormack has a few Star Trek novels spread across all time periods but I love her best when she is delving into the dark political subterfuge seeded in ST: DS9. I will warn you: The Never-Ending Sacrifice is not a ‘light-touch’. It focuses on the fall of the Cardassians, bringing heart and soul to a historical epic, tying in with the infamous Dominion War. You do not have to be a Star Trek fan to love this book. It’s more like a passionate invite to jump into the television series after you read this.

NB: If you are just starting your Star Trek journey with the new live-action series Picard , you should also check out McCormack’s The Last Best Hope , set as a prequel for the series. I haven’t read it yet but I have heard good things about it.

Night of the Wolves (Star Trek: Terok Nor #2) by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison

This is the second book of the Terok Nor trilogy; Perry and Dennison wrote books two and three after James Swallow opened the series with Day of the Vipers . The trilogy is set before ST: DS9, before the Dominion War, during the Occupation of Bajor. It is not a spoiler when I say, “This does not end well”. Rather, it gives the necessary backstory to what was the key political issue leading into DS9. Perry and Dennison have stayed true to the characters and the experiences that shaped them. There are plenty of tie-ins, and they really help to connect with the storyline. Yes, it will help reading Swallow’s book first but I warn you: Swallow’s book is REALLY plot-heavy reading and you will want to pick up Night of the Wolves almost immediately afterwards, just to help with processing the storyline.

The Best Star Trek: Enterprise Books (ST:E)

Surak’s Soul by J.M. Dillard

Enterprise , as a series, had the unfortunate burden of all prequel series – it was limited to what came before it. It is a bit harder to find high-quality books which still cover the core elements of the Star Trek Universe as a whole. The best I can find is Surak’s Soul by J.M. Dillard. Giving the limelight to Enterprise’s only Vulcan character allows some discussion on the role Vulcans played in Earth’s earlier space adventures. It also gives us insight into how other alien species would manage to live with Earth-humans. In light of T’Pol’s existential crisis, I would say not well. I’m not totally surprised but it makes for a good story.

The Best Star Trek: Discovery Books (ST:D)

The Way to the Stars by Una McCormack

ST:D is fairly new in the Star Trek Universe, so the selection of novels available is still in its early days. It seems fitting to then recommend what is essentially a coming-of-age story for one of the awkward yet ambitious characters in the show: Sylvia Tilly. And to be fair, Tilly is probably one of the more relatable characters too. By the time we reach Discovery in the television-timeline, most of the core concepts have been played out. If you are looking for novels after watching Discovery , then Tilly’s story is a great starting point. McCormack builds a family history that blends Tilly’s formative years with the established culture of “Federation Families” – those who have name, status, and presence within the system already.

The Best Star Trek Anthologies, Cross-overs, and Novelisation

Federation by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Many fans are attracted to the Star Trek novels in hope of a crossover. When the move Generations was released, fans rejoiced at the idea of Captains Kirk and Picard mixing it up. While the movie was…okay…this is definitely a moment where the book is better. Federation is everything Generations should have been. The Reeves-Stevens team remain true to the established characters and successfully balance the stories across both past and future. For fans of the Original Series looking to jump over to Next Generation, or vice versa, this one bridges the gap.

Duty, Honor, Redemption by Vonda McIntyre

For fans of the movies who have never watched the television series (or read the books), you can always start with novelisations of the movies. Hardcore fans will always tell you the best films are Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. McIntyre brings all three movies into one hardy book, expanding on the movies and incorporating additional details to fill out the stories

The Lives of Dax (Anthology) Edited by Marco Palmieri

This anthology includes stories by stories by Steven Barnes, Michael Jan Friedman, L.A. Graf, Jeffrey Lang, and several others. That’s a big team of writers, but then, Dax is a big character – figuratively speaking. Dax is a worm-like symbiote who is joined body and soul with a diverse range of humanoid hosts. This collection of short stories is not just a backstory to one of my favourite Star Trek characters; it is also an example of the diversity of all characters within the Star Trek universe. Not only is each host different but the combination of host and symbiote creates differences too. This is simply a reflection of our own interactions creating unique relationships and experiences as a result of the combination we make with other people.

And on that note, I will end my very long list of the best Star Trek books. Somewhere in this list is your ticket to an amazing literary universe filled with utopian ideals and exploration. But who says you can only choose one?

Be bold! Read them all!

8 Spectacular Backlist Sci-Fi and Fantasy Series Worth Reading

TOME OF NERD

The 6 Best Star Trek Novels of All-Time

How did it take me this long to write a best Star Trek novels article? Don’t get me wrong, I love things like Warhammer 40 and Star Wars . But Star Trek is my bread and butter. It’s what I grew up adoring and continue to follow closely in adulthood.

So that is why Tome of Nerd felt a little incomplete without at least touching on the work of best Star Trek novels. The list below examines everything out there and tries to identify the best of everything. You will find books from almost every series and also a noteworthy spin-off. These are the best of the best and a great place to dive in for any fan of Star Trek.

And don’t forget to check out my companion articles The 7 Best Star Trek Voyager Novels and The 7 Best Star Trek DS9 Novels .

With that, take a look and enjoy!

Star Trek: Destiny by David Mack – Amazon

Star Trek: Destiny is an epic Star Trek adventure featuring the crews from The Next Generation , Deep Space Nine , and Voyager (with a few others thrown in). The story takes place post-Nemesis and spans the entire galaxy. The Borg have returned. A mysterious new world is discovered. And a long lost starship is found. Starring Picard, Riker, and Ezri, each crew finds themselves solving a different piece of the puzzle.

You will find Destiny on many of the best Star Trek novels lists because it’s the next great chapter after the television/film franchise. The trilogy, now collected together, touches on just about every aspect of the Star Trek universe imaginable. David Mack keeps the pace quick and jumps between the crews with skill. This is a page turner, a mystery, and an action-adventure all rolled into one. If you’re a Star Trek buff and want to start reading the book, this is the place to begin.

A Stitch in Time by Andrew J. Robinson – Amazon

Plain, simple Garak. The fan favorite character returns in the post-DS9 world to reveal his secret origins. As he works to rebuild his home world, he reflects on his history. Some of the biggest Garak mysteries, such as his exile from Cardassia and how he ended up on Deep Space Nine, are revealed in A Stitch in Time .

The biggest selling point of A Stitch in Time is that it was written by Garak himself, Andrew J. Robinson. It’s no cheap cash-in. The novel is expertly written and provides a wonderful addition to Star Trek lore. This is truly a rich character piece that only adds depth to an already strong character. If something like Destiny sounds too intense, A Stitch In Time might be right up your alley. Filled with mystery and intrigue, it’s easily one of the best Star Trek novels published.

Spock’s World by Diane Duane – Amazon

A crisis on the planet Vulcan has led them to request succession from the Federation. Spock must return home, with the crew of the Enterprise, so help solve the problem. As Vulcan history and rituals are revealed, Spock must try to mend the relationship between his two worlds. Can he find a balance within himself and save the Federation?

Spock’s World might sound like a random addition to a best Star Trek novel list, but this TOS-era book is highly regarded and praised. Diane Duane delves deep into Vulcan lore. Half the book is dedicated to the history of Vulcan culture. This provides many different tales to appreciate while keeping you hooked into the main plot. It is a foundational work, to say the least. If you are a fan of Vulcans, Spock, or really any TOS-era stories, Spock’s World is a must read.

Imzadi Forever by Peter David – Amazon

When Deanna Troi dies unexpectedly, Riker sets out on a time-traveling adventure to save her life. Traveling to the past and the future, Riker is at odds with his love for Troi and his duty to Starfleet. Will he be able to save his “beloved” Imzadi?

This is a shockingly good novel. When you think about the Riker and Troi dynamic, you might not necessarily want to read an entire book (or two, as they are now collected) about their history. But Imzadi will prove you wrong. Peter David masterfully crafts a time traveling tale that spans not only the history of Troi and Riker, but many of The Next Generation crew. This is a story of love between two people, but also one of mystery, science fiction, and adventure. It has all the makings of a classic Star Trek tale. The sequel, included in Forever , throws Worf into the mix as well. There is a reason this is considered one of the best Star Trek novels. Check it out.

Q-Squared by Peter David – Amazon

Q returns, but this time he needs Picard’s help. Q-Squared brings together the worlds of TNG and TOS as Trelane hijacks the Q-Continuum. Can the Squire of Gothos be stopped? Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise must traverse the multiverse and prevent the destruction of all existence.

If there was a Hall of Fame for Trek novelists, Peter David would be a shoe-in. He does it again in Q-Squared , a story that many consider one of the best Star Trek novels ever. If you love Q, then this book is a must read. But even for those of you who are less keen on Q (heresy!), there is a lot to love. Peter David mixes in various parallel universes, some you know and some that are new, to create a fantastic adventure in the world of Star Trek. This is one of the greats that can’t be missed.

New Frontier by Peter David – Amazon

Star Trek: New Frontier introduces us to Mackenzie Calhoun, captain of the U.S.S. Excalibur. Calhoun was handpicked by Captain Picard himself to command the new vessel to address the collapse of the Thallonian Empire. Joined by some TNG favorites, like Dr. Selar and Lt. Robin Lefler, the crew begins the next great Star Trek adventure.

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The Best Star Trek Novels: A Personal List

Star Trek has always been my fictional comfort food. When times are tough, I can always put on an episode or open a book and things aren’t so bad for a while. I don’t know if it’s the excitement of scientific discovery, the positive vision of humanity’s future, or just the premise of a diverse and competent crew working together to make the galaxy a better place—I almost always end a Star Trek story feeling a little more hopeful than when I began. If, like me, you’ve watched all the Star Trek out there and still want more, here’s a list of books to get you started.

The Rihannsu Series

This series of novels follows the Original Series crew as they become entangled in various Romulan plots to dominate the galaxy, beginning with a secret lab of psychic super soldiers and climaxing with a doomsday weapon aimed at the heart of Federation space. Kirk is initially sent to investigate the hijacking of a Starfleet vessel. There he meets and (eventually) befriends Ael, commander of Bloodwing , a warship full of defectors from Romulus. Together, the two crews work to keep the simmering tensions between the interstellar powers from boiling over into all-out war. The Rihannsu books provide a densely detailed portrait of Romulan history, philosophy, and culture. You will come to understand the origins of their language, and how it shaped the thinking of their people and their quixotic sense of honor. While all of this is technically non-canon, you can definitely see its influence on the show Picard . If you always wanted to know more about this fascinating yet enigmatic people, Rihannsu and Picard make an excellent pairing.

Buy My Enemy, My Ally at Amazon

"Metamorphosis"

The Enterprise-D finds a seemingly magic mountain on the planet Elysia. Commander Data is sent to investigate and ends up literally going on a Hero’s Journey, complete with a quest to help a fair maiden by traveling into the underworld. This adventure tests Data to his limits, for at the end awaits a treasure beyond compare, the android’s only wish: to become human. That would be enough to explore for any novel, but Metamorphosis keeps going past where the credits would normally roll on an episode. We get to follow Data through his awkward first steps of being human, learning how to live with a fragile fleshy body, and coping with his new limitations. My favorite moment is when Data realizes he no longer has all of Starfleet’s databanks in his memory and will have to actually do his homework to prepare for briefings. The story keeps twisting from there, and goes to some pretty ridiculous lengths that I won’t spoil for you. The whole book feels like a metafictional commentary on narrative structure, and I love it just a little bit more every time I read it.

Buy Metamorphosis at Amazon

"Planet X"

Speaking of ridiculous premises, there was a comic in which the crew of the Enterprise-D entered the Marvel Universe and fought Kang the Conqueror with the help of the X-Men. Even more ridiculous, this novel is a sequel to that comic book. This time, the X-Men end up in the Star Trek universe and help Picard and crew resolve the civil upheaval on a world experiencing mutations in its population. People are developing strange and dangerous powers, and the rest of the society hates and fears them for it. The X-Men find this all too familiar, and together with the Enterprise crew, they manage to bring both sides of the conflict together to find a peaceful way forward. There’s lots of fun bits like characters commenting on the uncanny resemblance between Captain Picard and Charles Xavier, years before Sir Patrick Stewart played the latter role. My personal highlight is Worf and Wolverine fighting X-Men villains together on the holodeck. Is it great literature? No. But it is a fun and weird pop cultural artifact worth exploring if you can find a copy.

Buy Planet X at Amazon

The Mirror Universe Series

The Mirror Universe is a dark reflection of the Star Trek universe we know and love, and the source of endless “evil twin” plots. Basically, everything is its opposite. In the Mirror Universe, the tolerant and peace-loving United Federation of Planets is actually the xenophobic and warlike Terran Empire. Instead of the collegiate atmosphere of cooperation, these human supremacists are motivated solely by hatred and self-interest. In the Terran Empire, the quickest way to a promotion is literal backstabbing. The rest of the universe is similarly warped, and these books will take you on a guided tour through it all. You will learn the history of the Terran Empire’s bloody rise and catastrophic fall, follow the adventures of a space pirate named Luc Picard, and witness the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance crushing the galaxy beneath its boot heel. Just a few of the bizarre reflections you will witness as these books take you to all your favorite corners of a familiar galaxy to see just how different things could be. Honestly, it reads like what would happen if they tried to do a “darker and grittier” Star Trek reboot. If you enjoyed Discovery’ s voyage to the Mirror Universe, this series is for you.

Buy Dark Mirror at Amazon

The Cold Equations Series

This series is all about the many different forms of artificial life that exist in the Star Trek galaxy. Doctor Noonien Soong is surprisingly not dead, and leads the crew of the Enterprise-E on a merry chase as he carries out a crazy complicated plan to resurrect his artificial son. On his journey you will learn a great deal about his life and work, as well as the development of Data. Once Soong succeeds in bringing him back, Data proves himself to be a chip off the old block, setting out on a quest to resurrect his departed daughter, Lal. Along the way they discover a secret Fellowship of Artificial Intelligences, from whom they learn the ancient history of artificial life. Of course, it turns out the AIs are scheming to destroy all organic life in the galaxy, but the books take this plot in an unexpected and much more satisfying direction than the more recent Picard . Finally, if you were wondering what the hell happened to Wesley after he vanished from TNG, these books have answers for that, too.

Buy The Persistence of Memory at Amazon

The Department of Temporal Investigations Series

Time travel is a big no-no in Starfleet. Divergent timelines, alternate histories and temporal revisionism are all frowned upon by the members of the Department of Temporal Investigations. It’s their job to keep people from screwing around in the timestream and rewriting history. If you fly your ship back to the past and pick up a whale, you’ll likely get to have an unpleasant chat with Agents Dulmer and Lucsly. The regulation of time travel is a fertile subject for sci-fi, and this series covers every angle from policing abuses to helping victims of temporal displacement cope with their situation. There are complex political machinations between the different states as they try to agree on responsible rules for time travel. It’s fascinating to witness the debates of a governing body composed of people not just from different places, but also different eras. These books are able to cover (nearly) the entirety of Star Trek history, making narrative connections between almost every time travel event in the canon. It’s a real treat for completist fans, and has a ton of fun playing with all the tropes and toys in the time travel box. The second book in the series is both a sequel and its own prequel. They’re honestly some of the best time travel books I’ve ever read, Star Trek or not.

Buy Watching the Clock at Amazon

The Klingon Empire Series

If you’re tired of reading about very polite and pleasant professionals working together in the post-scarcity utopia of the Federation, perhaps you’ll enjoy a rousing adventure with Star Trek’s beloved space vikings: the Klingons. The Empire must expand again, meaning there is battle, honor and glory to be had—a Klingon’s three favorite things. The first three novels of this series embed you with the crew of the IKS Gorkon on a tour of duty. It’s one of few stories that explores Klingon culture beyond the warrior class. The books use multiple point-of-view characters to paint a complete picture of life in the Empire at all levels of their society, from lowly medics to mighty commanders. It’s also a fun way for fans to catch up with all of the Klingon supporting characters from the shows. And of course, no Klingon tale would be complete without an epic battle. At one point, they pause their war of territorial conquest to fight a civil war on the side over the outcome of an honor duel. If you’ve ever been intrigued by Star Trek’s greatest warriors, the Klingon Empire series will show you a good time.

Buy A Burning House at Amazon

The Q Continuum Series

This series focuses on the impish immortal prankster Q. He has once again kidnapped Picard to take him on a wild transcendental trip to learn about the secrets of the universe. They go back in time to see Q’s misspent, troublemaking youth and witness the secret history of the Q Continuum. But on this stroll down memory lane, Picard learns about a terrible threat that awaits them beyond the bounds of their galaxy. The Q Continuum is preparing to face its greatest foe, an utterly malevolent being with the ability to reshape reality at will, more powerful than even the Q. Picard and the Enterprise end up playing referee in a battle between gods for the fate of all existence. This series is another treat for completists—through Q’s life story, the novels manage to tie together the most extensive history of the Star Trek universe I had ever read at the time.

Buy Q Space at Amazon

Star Trek is a fictional universe of unlimited narrative potential, perfectly built to support a never-ending collection of stories. Sometimes I find it hard to believe Star Trek didn’t begin as a novel, as its dense ideas and rich world-building are perfectly suited to the form. These are just a few of my most fondly remembered favorites. It is by no means a complete or ranked list. Any of the listed series will be worth your time, but there’s plenty more where that came from. If there are any great ones I left out, feel free to leave them in the comments.

About the author

BH Shepherd is a writer and a DJ from Texas. He graduated from Skidmore College in 2005 with degrees in English and Demonology after writing a thesis about Doctor Doom. A hardcore sci-fi geek, noir junkie and comic book prophet, BH Shepherd has spent a lot of time studying things that don’t exist. He currently resides in Austin, where he is working on The Greatest Novel Ever.

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Published Apr 16, 2020

Peter David's Best Star Trek Novels

From Imzadi to Sulu, we're looking at the best Star Trek novels from author Peter David.

StarTrek.com

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of Star Trek -related content in the world, but I’m sure that many die-hard fans have experienced this same excruciating moment: the moment when they’ve watched every series and movie.

What do you do next? Do you listen to a Star Trek podcast? Do you watch a behind-the-scenes documentary? And what do you do once you’ve consumed all of those? What’s left?

For a long time, I viewed the Star Trek novels as being a little too nerdy. And, to be completely honest, I really don’t know why I gave them that stigma. I’m a nerd! How could something be too nerdy? These books were made for people like me.

If there’s one thing that’s true, however, it’s that I love Star Trek . And I wanted more! So, I decided to take the leap; I made the decision to read a Star Trek novel.

For me, what made Star Trek special was the combination of good stories, great actors, and memorable directing. It was the stories, written for the screen by people like Gene Rodenberry, D.C. Fontana, Brannon Braga, and Rick Berman that I loved. Could these books really stand up to their live-action counterparts? Like a true skeptic, I became an internet sleuth and scoured the web for the best Star Trek novels ever written. If I was going to read one, I thought, I wanted to start out with the crème-de-la-crème.

And that’s when I noticed a trend. One name kept appearing over-and-over in my searches: Peter David.

The first Star Trek novel I ever read was Peter David’s Imzadi . Many say that it’s the best Star Trek novel ever written, and I have to agree. Truthfully, I think it’s an absolute tragedy that it was never adapted into an episode or movie.

It’s been a few years since I took the plunge and I’ve read a ton of Star Trek novels in the interim, but I keep coming back to the work of Peter David time-and-time again. It’s fast-paced, well-crafted, and humorous, but it’s not just Star Trek escapism; David often digs below the surface to explore themes of grief, jealousy, and existential despair. Like the greatest Star Trek episodes, David's work strikes the perfect balance between the forward momentum of the story and the idea/moral he's trying to convey.

And that’s why I want to highlight what I think are Peter David’s best Star Trek novels. So, if you’ve never read a Star Trek book before, or even if it’s been a while, here’s a list that’s guaranteed to deliver.

Imzadi (1992) and Triangle: Imzadi II (1998)

In the TNG series premiere, “Encounter at Farpoint,” Troi mentally whispers, “Imzadi,” when she lays eyes on Riker, and you know immediately that they shared a special kind of chemistry in the past. Throughout the television series we’re witness to their on-again, off-again relationship, but we never really got a true, honest-to-goodness love story between the two.

In Imzadi , David lifts the veil on their tumultuous past, spinning a tale of time travel, adventure, death, and love. I don’t want to go into too much detail, because the less you know the better. Just trust me, if you read only one Star Trek novel in your life, let it be Imzadi . You won’t be disappointed.

In the sequel, Triangle: Imzadi II , David adds Worf to the mix and things are further complicated. While it’s not as good as its predecessor, it’s still a solid read that adds further depth to their characters and backstory.

The Captain’s Daughter (1995)

Star Trek: The Captain's Daughter - Peter David

In 1991’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , George Takei was finally given a much-deserved promotion to Captain Sulu of the USS Excelsior . Throughout the following decades, Takei championed the idea of giving Sulu his own television series, but it never came to pass. If you want a glimpse at what a possible series may have looked like, however, then look no further than The Captain’s Daughter .

When Sulu’s daughter, Demora, suddenly attacks her superior officer, the officer is forced to kill her in self-defense. A grief-stricken Sulu is determined to discover the truth behind the circumstances of his daughter’s peculiar death. After traveling to the planet where Demora died, he’s confronted by an old enemy who plans on spoiling Sulu’s reputation and ending his life.

We didn’t get much time to learn about Sulu’s personal life throughout The Original Series . Who is this guy? What makes him tick? What drink would I buy him at a bar? The Captain’s Daughter is like getting to know a long-lost friend.

Vendetta (1991)

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Vendetta - Peter David

This novel serves as a sequel to the TOS episode “The Doomsday Machine” and the TNG two-parter “The Best of Both Worlds.” Unlike most other Star Trek writers, David often cross-pollinates elements from different series into one story. For instance, he’s not afraid to use the time portal from the TOS episode “The City on the Edge of Forever” to tell a story surrounding the unrequited love between Riker and Troi in Imzadi . (I know, I know; I’ll stop talking about Imzadi now.)

After answering a distress call from a planet under attack by the Borg, the crew of the Enterprise meets the sole survivor of an alien race that the Borg obliterated, Delcara. And, just like the novel’s title, Delcara has a vendetta against the Borg that must be settled. When the crew learns about the devastating consequences associated with her plan, however, they must do anything in their power to stop her.

If you’re a fan of the Borg — and really who isn’t? — I suggest giving Vendetta a shot.

I, Q (1999) co-written with John de Lancie

Star Trek: The Next Generation - I, Q - Peter David

When Q is involved, you know things are going to be high stakes, and in I, Q the stakes are as high as they get. In order to save the lives of his wife and child, and to ultimately avoid the end of the multiverse, Q must join forces with Picard and Data. We all know how much Q likes to ask for help, and so, yeah... it goes about as well as you’d expect.

The greatest achievement of I, Q is the language. Told mostly in first person, I, Q nails Q’s speaking mannerisms as portrayed by John de Lancie. It’s an absolute pleasure to read Q’s eloquent and overly verbose language. And I just love the fact that de Lancie played a hand in writing the novel; he’s the only TNG cast member to write a book based on the character they portrayed.

If you’re not familiar with Peter David, these five books are a good jumping off point, but he’s also written for Marvel and DC Comics as well as co-creating the Star Trek: New Frontier series and co-authoring James Doohan’s autobiography, Beam Me Up, Scotty . But that’s just scratching the surface; the guy is a monster at the keyboard and has an extensive back catalogue of work that’s well-worth checking out.

Things You Need to Know About Star Trek: The Next Generation

Anthony Darnell (he/him) is a writer for Phantastiqa and a fan of horror, science fiction, and cult media. Find him on Twitter @darnell_one.

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Nothing captures the imagination like space. Countless movies and TV shows have headed out into the universe, but few franchises have won audiences' hearts and inspired generations like Star Trek . First broadcast on September 8, 1966, on NBC, Star Trek has become one of the most prominent series in sci-fi, with nearly six decades of imaginative storytelling and diverse characters that have helped shape how audiences see the world around them as much as the universe.

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Star trek: enterprise: daedalus, the star trek book: new edition by paul j. ruditis, the klingon dictionary: the official guide to klingon words and phrases (star trek) by marc okrand, the brave and the bold: book one (star trek 1) by keith r. a. decardido, star trek: strange new worlds: the high country by john jackson miller, star trek captains - the autobiographies by una mccormack, by the book (star trek: enterprise 2), twilight's end (star trek: the original series book 77) by jerry option, star trek: defiant, vol. 1 by christopher cantwell and angel unzueta, the tears of the singers (star trek: the original series book 19) by melinda snodgrass, u.s.s. enterprise haynes manual (star trek) by ben robinson, to me, my x-men the best x-men 97 merch ahead of the marvel mutants' retro return.

Looking for the best X-Men '97 merch ahead of the series premiere? Our superpowered best picks are here!

Star Trek is most famous for following multiple iterations of the U.S.S. Enterprises and its crew across shows and movies set in the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th centuries and beyond. As the legendary opening narration of the Original Series says, Star Trek is about seeking out new life and civilization... About going where no one has gone before. The franchise's ongoing mission has seen the show's famous Final Frontier expand to different ships, space stations, crews, parallel universes, and time periods.

Star Trek: Legacies (Book 1)

Greg Cox has an outstanding talent for using time in his writing. With Legacies , the author catches two captains of the Enterprise in a time loop. Faced with a tragedy and a moral dilemma, this story weaves a mysterious tale that draws out the connection between Captain James T. Kirk and his predecessor, Captain Robert April. Two captains in two timelines, what more could a fan want?

Star Trek: Enterprise — Daedalus

Not to be confused with a similarly named episode from the Star Trek prequel series, this is an original novel set during Enterprise that puts engineer Trip Tucker front and center. Author David Stern digs up the past when Trip is forced to confront the ghost of a Warp 5 accident a decade before after his shuttle is stranded. It's a compelling story about facing fear, featuring one of Trek 's most charismatic characters.

The Star Trek Book (New Edition)

In this book, Paul Ruditis gives an in-depth explanation of the ever-expanding Star Trek galaxy . The book explores the main characters, technologies, civilizations, and events that built the epic story of Star Trek over more than half a century. It's an excellent choice for fans to feel like they are part of the Final Frontier.

The Klingon Dictionary

This is the definitive and official guide to learning Klingon words and phrases. It is a comprehensive sourcebook to the language of Star Trek 's most famous aliens. Fans can wrap their tongue around the Klingon language, as developed by linguist Mark Okrand, including fundamental grammar rules, the proper use of affixes and suffixes, and so much more. How else will a fan be able to read and recite Shakespeare in its original Klingon?

Star Trek: The Brave And The Bold (Book 1)

This Star Trek adventure spans three generations. Fans can prepare for a thrilling tale that crosses the centuries, starting aboard the USS Enterprise NX-01, where Captain Jonathan Archer and crew discover the roots of an ancient energy weapon that will affect the galaxy for decades. Star Trek fans can't resist a crossover event, and this saga delivers it across eight ships and the space station Deep Space Nine.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — The High Country

In The High Country , Captain Christopher Pike, Number One, and Spock discover that an apparent mechanical malfunction in an experimental shuttlecraft signifies that core principles of Starfleet technology have stopped working. This thrilling tale, set in the company of the Enterprise crew from the current Paramount Plus smash hit, features a satisfyingly strange new world and all the action a fan could hope for.

Star Trek Captains — The Autobiographies

These are the never-before-told stories of the captains of Starfleet — each book is written from the view of a famous captain, enabling audiences to see inside their minds like never before. Una McCormack couldn't have chosen bigger subjects than the life and time of Captains Kirk, Picard, and Janeway sharing their stories. This is a must for any fan's bookshelf.

Star Trek: Enterprise — By the Book

This original novel, set during Star Trek: Enterprise, sees Captain Jonathan Archer and his crew encounter a new and mysterious species, the Fazi, and try to pick up the pieces after a disastrous first contact. A dip into the early days of this likable Enterprise crew's adventures when Starfleet was just heading out into the galaxy.

Star Trek: The Original Series — Twilight's End

Fans of the Original Serie s will find plenty of nostalgia in this novel. The inhabitants of the planet Rimillia are forced to live on a thin strip of their planet as it doesn't rotate on its axis. Facing extreme heat and cold, James T. Kirk and his crew are on hand when a risky experiment to kickstart the sphere's rotation gets out of hand. With a vast sci-fi plot, incredible resolution, beloved characters, and plenty of action — this novel undoubtedly has everything fans want.

Star Trek: Defiant (Vol. 1)

Fans of Star Trek action won't be disappointed with this high-octane graphic novel. It finds fan-favorite Worf putting together a black ops team of familiar faces and setting out in the U.S.S. Defiant to defeat a genocidal cult. Defiant is a real wishlist of fan favorites in one standalone volume, featuring stunning artwork and a buzzing script from creators Christopher Cantwell and Angel Unzueta.

Star Trek: The Original Series — The Tears of the Singers

In T he Tears of the Singers , Captain Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise forge an uneasy alliance with a Klingon ship to uncover the mystery of disappearing starships. How are the mysterious inhabitants of Taygeta V, hunted for the jewel-like tears they produce at the moment of death, involved? It is a must-read for fans interested in Star Trek 's history. This 1984 novel was the only one by Melinda M. Snodgrass, but it landed her a role writing for Star Trek: The Next Generation .

U.S.S. Enterprise Haynes Manual

The U.S.S. Enterprise is the most famous ship in the Star Trek franchise and one of the greatest icons in science fiction. Through multiple iterations, the ship has famously saved the galaxy several times under the command of famous captains like Archer, Kirk, and Picard. This manual takes the typically thorough Haynes approach to the ships, providing in-depth information, including their history and technical information explaining how they work.

TV legend Gene Roddenberry created Star Trek, it's become a multimedia phenomenon and, naturally, launched a galaxy of merchandise. We've brought together an out-of-this-world selection of fiction and non-fiction books that will offer fans new insights into the space saga.

Our top recommendation from this collection is Legacies by Greg Cox. Much of what Star Trek is lies in these pages — it's a riveting story that crosses the centuries and explores the effects of ripples in time on fan-favorite characters and the galaxy. It's a perfect trip through time and space!

These 12 Books Are Perfect For Queer Eye Fans

You don't just have to watch the Fab Five! These Queer Eye-inspired books have plenty of life advice for fans.

For fans wanting to take a deep dive into the incredible future technology the saga has brought us should definitely take a look at the U.S.S. Enterprise Haynes Manual . This essential tome takes readers through several iterations of the most famous ship in Starfleet. Perfect for anyone who can't get enough of the ships of the fleet. Any fan picking up this and other books on this list from Amazon can ensure they get the best prices and delivery options when they sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime .

Is Star Trek Still Being Made?

Star Trek is in strong shape thanks to its streaming home on Paramount Plus. The fifth and final series of Star Trek: Discovery is streaming from April 2024, but fans don't have to worry that the saga's disappearing. Animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds , will soon be joined by a Section 31 movie, spinning off the 22nd adventures of Michelle Yeoh's Emperor Philippa Georgiou and the darker missions of Starfleet's black ops division.

Who Is the Most Popular Captain In The Star Trek Franchise?

It's a hotly contested topic among Star Trek fans. Each of Star Trek 's iconic captains has a loyal fan base, but Captain James T. Kirk, originated by William Shatner in the Original Series would certainly argue that he's the best known character in Star Trek .

The Best Star Trek: Discovery Merch, Collectibles, Clothing and More

Boldly looking for the best Star Trek: Discovery merch as the show ends in 2024? Here are our top picks.

Movies & TV

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! Game Rant has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

Star Trek Fandom and Tabletop Gaming

Roleplaying
The Golden Age

TOS Top 25 Novels

In addition to the Taurus Reach novel series, the following 25 books are rated by DeepSpaceSpines.com as some of the best novels among the vast inventory of published TOS era books.

The Entropy Effect (TOS #2), by Vonda McIntyre
Yesterday’s Son (TOS #11), by Ann Crispin
The Wounded Sky (TOS #13), by Diane Duane
The Final Reflection (TOS #16), by John M. Ford
My Enemy, My Ally (TOS #18), by Diane Duane
The Tears of the Singers (TOS #19), by Melinda Snodgrass
Uhura’s Song (TOS #21), by Janet Kagan
Dwellers in the Crucible (TOS #25), by Margaret Wander Bonanno
Mindshadow (TOS #27), by J.M. Dillard
Enterprise: The First Adventure (TOS event novel), by Vonda McIntyre
Strangers from the Sky (TOS event novel), by Margaret Wander Bonanno
The Romulan Way (TOS #35), by Diane Duane
Time for Yesterday (TOS #39), by Ann Crispin
The Three-Minute Universe (TOS #41), by Barbara Paul
Spock’s World (TOS event novel), by Diane Duane
The Cry of the Onlies (TOS #46), by Judy Klass
The Kobayashi Maru (TOS #47), by Julia Ecklar
Doctor’s Orders (TOS #50), by Diane Duane
Prime Directive (TOS event novel), by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens
The Disinherited (TOS #59), by Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman, and Robert Greenberger
Sanctuary (TOS #61), by John Vornholt
The Starship Trap (TOS #64), by Mel Gilden
Shadows on the Sun (TOS event novel), by Michael Jan Friedman
Sarek (TOS event novel), by Ann Crispin
Crossroad (TOS #71), by Barbara Hambly
Star Trek Novels

What Is Classic Trek?

Hi, I’m Stan, and I like to read and write about the Golden Age of Star Trek, which (in novels, comics, and games) continues to the present day. If you like The Original Series, and like roleplaying or wargames, follow this blog. Over time I hope to build a community of great fan resources for reading and gaming.

Now Reading: “Reap the Whirlwind” by David Mack

Coming Soon: Classic Trek PDF

Which Star Trek Books Are Canon?

Star Trek books have been around for almost as long as the first TV series. But do any of them “count"?

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Imagine there’s no VHS tapes. I wonder if you can. For the earliest Trekkies, the ability to own your favorite episode of Star Trek wasn’t difficult, it was impossible. This meant that some other media was required to record the true logs of the USS Enterprise . Enter books. The most reliable data storage device in history, and the first and possibly best destiny for Star Trek merch .

Since 1967, there have literally been hundreds of officially licensed Star Trek books published. The question is, if fans only care about “real” canon do any of the Star Trek books actually qualify as part of the “real” story of the Final Frontier. The answer doesn’t fall into a simple binary. Star Trek books have been an integral part of the growth of the franchise since the very beginning. Here’s a quick and dirty guide to the mixed canonicity of the various Star Trek books.

A very brief history of Star Trek tie-in books.

In terms of U.S. book publishers of officially licensed Star Trek print fiction (excluding roleplaying games), there have really only been two publishers. First was Bantam, which published the very first novelizations of episodes from The Original Series . Written by James Blish, these books have a strange canonicity insofar as there are not really direct novelizations of TOS episodes. Instead, the Blish stories almost read like impressionistic notions of what Star Trek would be like if it existed as a series of 1950s short stories. This isn’t to say Blish’s novelizations are bad — they’re great! It’s just that they are very different from the aired episodes. Most of the time this is because Blish was working from early scripts, but even more often it was because just like the readers, it wasn’t like he was able to rewatch the episodes over and over again to make sure he got it “right.” In his version of “Arena,” the Gorn even has a tail!

Blish also wrote the first “original” Star Trek novel, titled Spock Must Die! This refers to a transporter duplicate of Spock, who is created on accident during a long-range beaming gambit at the beginning of the novel. This novel slaps, even if it does open with a long conversation about the metaphysics of beaming in which nearly nobody sounds like they’re in character. In any case, the success of Blish’s novelizations and Spock Must Die! led to more original short story collections and novels. However, by the end of the 1970s, Bantam lost the license for Trek books, and it was subsequently snatched-up by Simon & Schuster, where it remains to this day.

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Are the post-Blish Star Trek novelizations canon?

In 1979, Pocket Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) began Trek fiction anew with the publication of the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , written by Gene Roddenberry. So, this counts as canon, right? It’s the novelization of The Motion Picture and it’s written by the Great Bird of the Galaxy himself.

Well… the novelization of The Motion Picture begins with a forward from Kirk himself, in which he makes all sorts of interesting claims. For one thing his middle name is Tiberius. This checks out— that’s canon! (Although the Tiberius thing wasn’t spoken aloud until Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country .) But, after Kirk’s intro, we also get a scene where Starfleet sends him signals straight into his brain via something called a “senceiver implant.” Basically, Kirk has a top-secret implant in his brain that lets him receive classified data—just downloaded straight in there, like cyberpunk style. Obviously, there is no reference to this brain implant in other Star Trek canon, which makes the one and only Trek novel written by Gene Roddenberry either a classified document, or mostly non-canon.

If you jump ahead to the David Gerrold novelization of Star Trek: The Next Generation premiere “Encounter at Farpoint,” you’ll discover that Jean-Luc Picard was getting over the death of a girlfriend named “Celeste” right before he took command of the Enterprise . Gerrold was on staff with TNG at the time, and of course, wrote “The Trouble With Tribbles.” But, it’s not like we’ve heard about Celeste in Jean-Luc’s other adventures.

Star Trek books tend not to be holistically canon, but do seem to create canon .

Not only was Kirk’s middle name affirmed by Roddenberry’s TMP novel, but Sulu’s first name, Hikaru, also came from a Star Trek novel. 1981’s The Entropy Effect , written by Vonda N. McIntyre first established Sulu’s first name, which was later made canon on screen in The Undiscovered Country .

Similarly, another famous helm officer in Starfleet — Keyla Detmer — got her name from the Star Trek: Discovery novel Desperate Hours , written by David Mack and published two weeks after Discovery first aired. The name Keyla stuck, and as long as she’s on DISCO , she owes her moniker to a Star Trek novel.

So which Star Trek books are canon?

According to longtime Trek novelist David Mack, “There is an official stance within Star Trek licensing and Star Trek publishing vis-a-vis the books’ relationship to canon.” It is as follows: 1) no Star Trek narrative tie-in, regardless of medium, is canon and 2) official Star Trek tie-in stories must be consistent with canon as it exists when the work is written and approved. That said, some Star Trek novels have helped create canon…

If you’re looking to find out which Star Trek books completely adhere to canon in the way the newer Star Wars books (supposedly) do , it’s kind of tough. That said, literally everything published since 2017 has been closely connected to what you’re seeing on the various new Star Trek TV shows. For example, remember that mysterious character “San” that Georgiou talked about in Season 3? ( Remember those scary, bloody flashbacks? ) Well, that character is mentioned in a recent Discovery novel Die Standing by John Jackson Miller, which, yes, was published before Season 3 aired.

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Miller also wrote the book The Enterprise War , which reconciled what was going on with Pike and the Enterprise during the Klingon War in Discovery Season 1. This book also managed to fix a strange canon gap created by the novel Desperate Hour s in which Pike and the Enterprise teamed-up with the USS Shenzhou and Burnham before the events of Discovery . Basically, Burnham and Spock hung-out in Mack’s novel way before Discovery Season 2 happened. But, in Miller’s novel, all of that was fixed with a few lines.

Picard: Countdown and the Discovery comics

Most hardcore Discovery and Picard fans probably know this, but writer Kirsten Beyer was a longtime Voyager novelist before joining the writing team of Discovery , and then, later, co-creating Picard . This means that nearly all the tie-in fiction she’s involved with that connects to the new shows has some whiff of legit canonicity to it. For example, Beyer was behind the Star Trek: Picard — Countdown comics, which were published in late 2019, right before Picard debuted. These comics give you a full background of what Raffi and Picard were doing during the evacuation of Romulan space, and also introduce the characters of Laris and Zhaban. Because their backstories are established in this comic, co-written by Beyer, it seems pretty legit to think that, yes, this all completely counts. Some of Beyer’s other comic stories like Discovery: Aftermath also feel pretty close to being actual canon.

Missing New Trek? Just Read the New Books!

With the post-2017 novels and the contemporary comics, Star Trek print fiction is closer to being canon than it ever has been before. Meaning, if you’re wondering where to start with Star Trek books that feel like they actually “count,” the new stuff — like Una McCormack’s The Last Best Hope or James Swallow’s The Dark Veil —is actually pretty close! Reading the new books is easy, too, because you don’t have to go searching for which books actually “count.” Just find the new Picard and Discovery books! There’s a good chance those are closer to canon than they’re not.

So, go ahead, boldly read the new books that some fans have never read before. You just might find something in those pages that even Kirk’s top-secret brain chip doesn’t know about. Yet.

Ryan Britt is a longtime contributor to Den of Geek! He is also the author of three non-fiction books: the Star Trek pop history book PHASERS…

Best Sellers in Star Trek Series

Spectre: Shatnerverse: Mirror Universe (Star Trek Book 1)

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Star Trek: Best Book-Only Characters

The Star Trek novels introduce unique characters like Akaar and Treir, adding depth to the expansive Starfleet universe.
Characters like Nick Keller and Elias Vaughn bring new perspectives to the post- DS9 era, facing challenging galactic events.
Mackenzie Calhoun leads the USS Excalibur in a new hero ship series, showcasing tactical genius in the New Frontier books.

Just like the universe itself, the Star Trek franchise is huge and far-reaching, encompassing several television shows, and numerous video games, movies, and books. While many of Star Trek 's most iconic characters appear in various series and films, there are many other great characters who only feature in alternative media sources. For instance, the final frontier has spawned some memorable video game-based characters .

Star Trek: 8 Most Powerful Federation Starships, Ranked

Yet perhaps the richest source of characters is the now questionably canon series of books that take place following The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine . From fresh takes on classic species like the Andorians and Orions, to some of Starfleet's finest officers, the Star Trek novels are a treasure trove of notable figures.

Leonard James Akaar

First appearence: star trek mission gamma book one: twilight.

Author: David R. George III
Publication Date: September 2002

Leonard James Akaar is unique among novel-only characters in that he does, in fact, make a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance on televised Trek . "Friday's Child," an episode of The Original Series , ends with his birth; however, the Capellan royal would not be seriously fleshed out until 2002's Mission Gamma: Twilight . By the time of the Deep Space 9 novels, Akaar had risen through the ranks of Starfleet to become an influential admiral with the ear of the Federation president.

Akaar's strategic mindset and steely resolve proved essential in preserving the Federation through some of its darkest periods, including the Borg invasion depicted in the Star Trek: Destiny series. The Starfleet legend may have been born in The Original Series , but the Star Trek novels were where he made his name.

First Appearence: Star Trek: Demons of Air and Darkness

Author: Keith R. A. DeCandido
Publication Date: September 2001

Star Trek features many inspirational female characters, from Kira Nerys to Katherine Janeway. However, few are as resourceful or as motivated as Treir , an Orion Dabo girl who transformed Quark's Bar into a highly successful business during the post- DS9 novels. Following her escape from Orion servitude, Treir earned her place as Quark's right-hand woman by implementing a series of radical reforms, including hiring a Dabo boy to attract more customers.

Star Trek: The Fates Of Every Live-Action TV Show's Main Character

Treir may not play a significant role in the canon-shattering events depicted in the Deep Space 9 novels, but this ruthless businesswoman helped to make Star Trek 's prose universe feel like a living, breathing place. If anyone is capable of giving Quark a run for his latinum, it's her.

Nick Keller

First appearence: star trek new earth: challenger.

Author: Diane Carey
Publication Date: August 2000

New Earth , a series of six novels that take place between Star Trek: The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan , was intended to act as a backdoor pilot for a new narrative focusing on Commander Nick Keller . In the final novel, Keller takes command of a makeshift starship in order to defend the human colony of Belle Terre from alien attack. Keller was conflicted between overthrowing his inept captain and preserving the lives of his comrades, and it's a great shame that a full series based on the space cowboy's adventures never emerged.

Interestingly, author Diane Carey based Keller's appearance on Scott Bakula, who would go on to play Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise . Keller, however, would make only two more appearances in the Star Trek universe, with both being part of the multi-series Gateways crossover event.

Elias Vaughn

First appearence: star trek: avatar (book one).

Author: S. D. Perry
Publication Date: July 2001

Elias Vaughn was a Starfleet officer and intelligence operative who joined Deep Space 9's command staff following the end of the Dominion War . Despite only holding the rank of commander, Vaughn's expertise proved a boon to the Federation outpost, and he played a role in several key events, including the USS Defiant 's post-war exploration of the Gamma Quadrant (depicted in the Mission Gamma sub-series).

Star Trek: 8 Impressive Things Kirk Did Before Joining The USS Enterprise

Vaughn was haunted by the death of his wife, Ruriko, and his troubled relationship with his estranged daughter, Prynn. This relationship was complicated by the fact that Prynn was also assigned to Deep Space 9. However, father and daughter were eventually able to reconcile–but not without some bumps along the way.

Christine Vale

First appearence: star trek: the belly of the beast.

Author: Dean Wesley Smith

While William Riker's USS Titan has made notable appearances in Star Trek: Lower Decks , the starship's adventures were originally chronicled in a series of spin-off novels. These books featured Christine Vale , a former detective turned Starfleet officer, as Riker's second-in-command. Vale was initially unwilling to take the post, as she disliked the idea of Riker working so closely with his wife, Deanna Troi.

Luckily, Vale took the post, which allowed her to act as a counterweight to any of Riker's Troi-related biases. During her time aboard the USS Titan , she helped to explore the Beta Quadrant and fend off a Borg invasion. Indeed, her record was so good that, following Riker's promotion to admiral, she took command of the Luna -class starship.

Thirishar ch'Thane

From their initial appearance in 1967's "Journey to Babel" and 2001's "The Andorian Incident," references to Star Trek 's Andorians were true and far between. One important detail was disclosed in The Next Generation , however: Andorians have four sexes , with all four required for successful reproduction.

The character of Thirishar ch'Thane (or "Shar") was a response to this premise. Shar served as Deep Space Nine's science officer following the end of the Dominion War, but was torn between his commitments to Starfleet and to his mating group, who wished him to return to Andor. This dilemma was further complicated by a dangerous decline in Andorian fertility, which threatened to cause the Andorians' extinction in the long term. Shar was eventually able to use his scientific knowledge to help solve the Andorian fertility crisis.

The Jem'Hadar are one of Star Trek 's most iconic creations , a powerful race of warriors motivated by their addiction to the chemical ketracel-white. During the Dominion War of 2373–2375, the Jem'Hadar were central to the Dominion assaults which nearly overwhelmed the Federation Alliance.

8 Best Starfleet Ships During The Dominion War

After the war's conclusion, Taran'atar , a Jem'Hadar without a ketracel-white dependency, was sent to Deep Space Nine as a cultural observer. Taran'atar's struggle to adjust to the Alpha Quadrant during peacetime makes for fascinating reading, as does seeing the fearsome warrior growing closer to his former enemies. Taran'atar's story takes some strange twists and turns, but he remains a fascinating character.

Mackenzie Calhoun

First appearence: star trek new frontier: house of cards.

Author: Peter David
Publication Date: July 1997

In 1997, Pocket Books published the first of Peter David's New Frontier books. While these novels included several characters from TV Trek (mostly notably Commander Shelby from "The Best of Both Worlds" ), they focused on a new hero ship, the USS Excalibur , and a new captain: Mackenzie Calhoun . Calhoun, an alien warrior modeled after Mel Gibson, was depicted as a tactical genius capable of beating Starfleet's toughest challenges–including the infamous Kobayashi Maru test.

Calhoun soon became a fan-favorite, with his New Frontier series including over 20 volumes. The Xenanian captain was even popular enough to be made into an action figure, the only example of this honor being bestowed on a character originating from any of Star Trek 's novels.

Created by Gene Roddenberry

First Film Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Latest Film Star Trek Beyond

First TV Show Star Trek: The Original Series

Latest TV Show Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Creation Year 1966

Screen Rant

Star trek: discovery's david ajala on cleveland booker's journey & shooting the "powerful" series finale.

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Is Book The Last Kwejian In Star Trek: Discovery?

Book’s family link to star trek: discovery’s new villain moll explained, star trek: discovery season 5's best surprise is book and culber’s friendship.

The final season of Star Trek: Discovery brought closure to Cleveland Booker's journey with a "powerful" coda.
Cleveland Booker's journey with Michael Burnham was transformative, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
David Ajala reflects on Book's growth, potential spin-offs, and the importance of connections in the series.

[WARNING: The following interview contains spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery 's final season.] After a five-season run, Star Trek: Discovery came to an end on May 30, 2023, providing closure for characters such as Captain Michael Burnham and Cleveland Booker, while also offering a further glimpse forward as to what their future could hold. After ordering a 10-episode fifth season in January 2022, Paramount made the surprise choice in March 2023 to make it the last of the series, a decision that came as a shock to both the cast and the crew and resulted in some additional scenes being shot to create a coda to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion.

The Kwejian rogue first appeared in the series in season 3 as a nomadic courier, meeting Michael Burnham and forming a relationship with her, and despite many trials and tribulations as he dealt with the loss of his homeworld and family, he ultimately became an asset to the Discovery crew.

David Ajala's Cleveland Booker saw his planet Kwejian blow up in Star Trek: Discovery. Is Book the last Kwejian in the 32nd-century galaxy?

While attending MCM London Comic Con in May 2024, where there was also a celebratory Star Trek: Discovery panel in the run-up to its series finale, Screen Rant sat down with David Ajala, who plays Cleveland "Book" Booker, to discuss his time on the show and his thoughts on Booker's journey and Discovery 's series finale, " Life, Itself " .

"It's A Journey": David Ajala Reflects On Book's Star Trek: Discovery Arc

Screen Rant: How would you describe Cleveland Booker's arc in your three seasons from where he started to where he ended?

David Ajala: Well, it's a journey! It's a massive, massive journey. I think when we first meet Cleveland Booker, we meet him in the middle of doing what he loves, his call, his purpose, which is to save endangered species. And in the middle of him, you know, saving a species, he literally bumps into Michael Burnham, and she becomes a massive inconvenience to him. But somehow, her being away from her home or her family, and trying to find the home and family reconnect just resonates with Cleveland Booker. So, against his better judgment, he decides to take her on board of his ship, and kind of help her to just find her way again.

Screen Rant: That actually takes me onto this next question. We still don't know the details of that one year where Booker and Burnham were couriers together. Like, would you be down to tell that story if there was a spin-off?

David Ajala: Oh, absolutely. I think that'd be an amazing story. Because that year, I call it "The adventures of Burnham and Book, featuring Grudge the Queen", like that specific period of time, I think there was so much growth for Michael Burnham, so much growth for Cleveland Booker. I think that journey inside of that year, has allowed them to be the individuals that they've become, that we then meet in the rest of season three. I just feel that these two are meant to have met each other, and they'll continue to be in each other's lives forever, and I know things can be rocky, but the course of true love never did run smooth, and Cleveland Booker has gone through a whole gamut of emotions and experiences that has led them to this moment, right now in season five, where he's been given a second chance... and he grabs it like a life raft.

Screen Rant: So you mentioned the Queen, Grudge. One thing that I have noticed fans saying about the latest season... Where is she?

David Ajala: [Laughs] I know! She's expensive, Glenn! She is a queen, she's a diva, and with that comes a whole entourage, and she's just very high maintenance. Logistically, we would always love to have more Grudge, on screen. Absolutely. But I guess sometimes with the way the story goes, it's not that there isn't room for Grudge, there's always room for a queen, but the direction the story goes, we're always trying to find interesting ways to be able to have Grudge feature, but we will be seeing a bit more of our beloved queen, for sure .

Screen Rant: Family is so important to Book. Can you talk more about Booker's need to connect with Moll as the last family that they have left?

David Ajala: Yeah. I mean, it's so wild that his last and only connection to any kind of family member is the very person who is quote-unquote, his enemy. It's such a profound way to discover your last kind of lifeline, which he thought had expired, but now he's presented with another chance to connect. I guess his need to connect is the very thing that propels him and makes him duty bound to try and give Moll that same second chance which he was afforded , that level of grace. I just felt if anyone is going to connect with Moll it is Cleveland Booker.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5's new villain, Moll, has an unexpected family connection to Cleveland Booker that could have major implications.

Screen Rant: What did you learn from working with Sonequa Martin-Green? And also what did she learn from working with you?

David Ajala: Oh, great question. I learned from Sonequa, and I feel the best teachers occasionally use words. Sonequa Martin-Green for me, is such a wonderful leader and lightning in a bottle . She describes the show as being "lightning in a bottle" and I agree. Day by day, I would see Sonequa always showing up and giving her all, having the most wonderful amount of curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to her work. She's super inspiring. Just a great individual to be around. I saw her go through... we all witnessed going through challenging times and to see how she navigated that space as best she could in completely unfamiliar territory. No one ever has to be any specific which way when they go through certain challenging things, but Sonequa's light continues to shine. I know she describes the show as being "lightning in a bottle", and after working with her and finishing season five, I believe that she is the lightning in the bottle .

Looking At Star Trek: Discovery's Evolution Through 5 Seasons And Beyond

Screen Rant: Outside of Burnham, Booker got to develop a friendship with Dr. Culber. Could you talk about the bonds that formed between them... and was that real Mofongo that you guys ate?

David Ajala: Yes, it was, and according to Mr. Wilson Cruz, he said that it was a very good Mofongo! We really enjoyed it. I remember we shot that scene early part of the morning, so that was actually my breakfast. We enjoyed it, but you know, what I really, really loved about the relationship between Culber and Cleveland Booker is it just came to a place where Cleveland Booker needed help to unpack thoughts, experiences, trauma, and at the same time it created a fertile ground for Culber to now look inwardly at himself as well. So he used himself as a subject to be able to help Cleveland Booker, but then Cleveland Booker did the same for him . It was like they, they literally helped each other out and I think it had a quite profound effect on Culber, because he's always there to help other people, but now he needs to understand that sometimes, you need to create room so that people can help you, too. I really love that very transparent relationship that they have.

Screen Rant: I think that's such a brilliant message to give people as well, because it's so relatable to so many. Everyone needs help sometimes.

David Ajala: Absolutely.

Friendship is vitally important in Star Trek: Discovery, and it's been a joy to watch Cleveland Booker and Dr. Culber become friends during season 5.

Screen Rant: As Star Trek: Discovery ends, and we look to the future of the franchise , we have Starfleet Academy coming up.

David Ajala: Yes!

Screen Rant: Would you come back as Cleveland Booker in that and what course do you think he would teach?

David Ajala: That's a great question! Would I come back? If I'm invited? Absolutely . It would be a pleasure. Which course would Cleveland Booker teach? I think it would be a course that would be very unconventional, but beneficial, and dare I say it, the only way that Cleveland Booker would be able to teach is if he is given free and full reins to teach in his way.

Screen Rant: I would pay good money to watch that!

David Ajala: [Laughs] That'd be cool, right? I love the fact that the world of Star Trek continues and evolves through the academy. I just feel it's wonderful, fertile ground to tell some really, really amazing stories.

Screen Rant: We got a screener of the finale, and I would like to talk about some of the stuff in it...

David Ajala: I haven't seen it! I've got it. I have it. But when I'm working it's hard to watch the stuff that I'm in, so I won't watch until the end of the year . I can obviously talk to you about it though.

Screen Rant: Thanks! So Burnham and Booker have that moment on the beach after Saru's wedding. Was that the original ending for season 5?

David Ajala: Yeah! It absolutely was! And that was before we found out. So the thing is, it's kind of bittersweet, but when we had to go back to Toronto after we had the news that season five was the final season, we didn't really shoot much to kind of tail end the story . There were a few little bits here and there, but we didn't really shoot a crazy amount. One of the main additions was the more mature Cleveland Booker and Michael Burnham . That was an addition.

Screen Rant: Yeah, my other question about it was going to be about that final scene with Booker Burnham and their son Leto, the new Captain Burnham. So how was it coming back to film that, because that was after you found out?

David Ajala: Yeah, it was. It was so special, like, really, really amazing... And all the feels, all the warm energy, all the healthy sentimental values of why we appreciate this franchise so much, but to be able to tell that story... You know, it's like Star Trek and the different iterations of Star Trek. They're like heirlooms, and they're just passed down from generation to generation , but to see the physical manifestation of that on screen I think it's incredible. For Michael Burnham to say, "Son, you've got this." And in that moment, what's so special is, when Leto is stood there, he has a little moment of being shy and doubtful, and the way Michael Burnham sees it arrests them in that moment - like, "Hey, I see that and it's fine. In spite of that, you still got it." I found it so powerful, because we're not superheroes. We just have courage. Yeah, that's what it is. It is courage. It was a very, very wonderful moment to shoot that scene. Truly.

About Star Trek: Discovery Season 5

The fifth and final season of Star Trek: Discovery finds Captain Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well … dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

Check out our other Star Trek: Discovery season 5 interviews here:

Sonequa Martin-Green
David Ajala and Doug Jones
Wilson Cruz, Mary Wiseman & Blu del Barrio
Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise
Callum Keith Rennie
Eve Harlow and Elias Toufexis
David Ajala
Mary Wiseman
Elias Toufexis
Jonathan Frakes

All seasons of Star Trek: Discovery are now available to watch on Paramount +.

Screen Rant was provided with a copy of the series finale prior to its air-date for the purpose of this interview.

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

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The 15 Best Star Trek Books Ever Written
"Trek" books are also a unique part of the fandom experience. "Star Trek: The New Voyages" was a licensed, two-book anthology, printed in the late '70s and curated from fanfiction.
25 Best Star Trek Books
As of November 2019, approximately 850 novels, short story anthologies, novelizations, and omnibus editions have been published. Star Trek books are often ignored (sometimes rightly so) by review sites like Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly, so you'll have to decide for yourself if a certain book sounds like your cup of Earl Grey tea (hot).
Best Star Trek Books (344 books)
Best Star Trek Books Best Star Trek Books flag All Votes Add Books To This List. 1: Imzadi by. Peter David. 3.93 avg rating — 6,147 ratings. score: 5,783, and 59 people voted Want ... (Star Trek: The Original Series #36, Star Trek: Worlds Apart, #2) by.
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Star Trek Archives: Best of Peter David (Star Trek Archives, #1) by. Peter David. 3.71 avg rating — 177 ratings. ... It's worth a watch, as it's inspired me to read even more Star Trek: The Original Series novels. Thought it might also inspire others. Kind regards, Bill reply | flag. message ...
5 Star Trek Novels Every Fan Should Read
Star Trek: Coda: Book III - Oblivion's Gate - David Mack, 2021. This book is one of the most recent entries in the Star Trek literary universe; in fact, in one sense, it's the final one. Yes, you should probably read the first two entries in this amazing trilogy — Moments Asunder and The Ashes of Tomorrow — first, but the third book ...
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Nonfiction Star Trek Books Federation: The First 150 Years, David A. Goodman. This is the history of the first 150 years of the United Federation of Planets. The Star Trek Encyclopedia, Michael and Denise Okuda. A newly revised, 2-book set is to be released on October 18, 2016 with about 300 pages of new and expanded entries, up to and including Into Darkness.
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It is a bit harder to find high-quality books which still cover the core elements of the Star Trek Universe as a whole. The best I can find is Surak's Soul by J.M. Dillard. Giving the limelight to Enterprise's only Vulcan character allows some discussion on the role Vulcans played in Earth's earlier space adventures.
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Star Trek: Destiny by David Mack - Amazon. Star Trek: Destiny is an epic Star Trek adventure featuring the crews from The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager (with a few others thrown in). The story takes place post-Nemesis and spans the entire galaxy. The Borg have returned. A mysterious new world is discovered.
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The Mirror Universe Series. The Mirror Universe is a dark reflection of the Star Trek universe we know and love, and the source of endless "evil twin" plots. Basically, everything is its opposite. In the Mirror Universe, the tolerant and peace-loving United Federation of Planets is actually the xenophobic and warlike Terran Empire.
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The Captain's Daughter (1995) StarTrek.com. In 1991's Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, George Takei was finally given a much-deserved promotion to Captain Sulu of the USS Excelsior. Throughout the following decades, Takei championed the idea of giving Sulu his own television series, but it never came to pass.
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Best Star Trek Novels flag. All Votes Add Books To This List. 1: Lost Souls (Star Trek: Destiny, #3) by. David Mack (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 3,013 ratings. score: 100, and 1 person voted Want to Read saving… Want to Read; Currently Reading ...
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6. Star Trek Cookbook by Ethan Phillips. A cookbook by Neelix! "The ultimate gift for Star Trek fans, this is a fun, easy to use, and indispensable guide to the food of the stars—for the Earthbound.". 7. Star Trek Cocktails: A Stellar Compendium by Glenn Dakin.
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1 The Eugenics Wars: The Rise And Fall Of Khan Noonien Singh (2001) This isn't a novelization of The Wrath of Khan movie but one novel in a larger series about the Eugenics Wars overall, and this ...
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The Children Of Hamlin (1988) - 3.43. Author Carmen Carter delivered one of the darkest Star Trek stories of all time when writing The Children of Hamlin. Fifty years after an outpost full of children was kidnapped, the aliens that committed the crime return to the sector in search of the precious metals they need.
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Star Trek: Defiant (Vol. 1) $20 $25 Save $5. Fans of Star Trek action won't be disappointed with this high-octane graphic novel. It finds fan-favorite Worf putting together a black ops team of ...
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In addition to the Taurus Reach novel series, the following 25 books are rated by DeepSpaceSpines.com as some of the best novels among the vast inventory of published TOS era books.. The Entropy Effect (TOS #2), by Vonda McIntyre; Yesterday's Son (TOS #11), by Ann Crispin; The Wounded Sky (TOS #13), by Diane Duane; The Final Reflection (TOS #16), by John M. Ford
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Not my favorite, necessarily, but Spock's World is a classic. More recently, I absolutely love The Crimson Shadow-- it's a novel about Cardassia and Garak, but with Picard, Worf, Crusher, La Forge and others-- in my opinion, the best Star Trek novel ever.. Oh! If you like Voyager-- Full Circle is stunning. TNG-wise-- I love Q&A.Also Greater Than The Sum. ...
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Bantam Books was the first licensed publisher of Star Trek tie-in fiction. Bantam published all their novels as mass market paperbacks. Bantam also published Star Trek Lives! (1975) by Jacqueline Lichtenberg.. Episode novelizations (1967-1994) Short story adaptations of The Original Series episodes written by James Blish and J. A. Lawrence. Mudd's Angels (1978) includes the novelizations of ...
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[WARNING: The following interview contains spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery's final season.] After a five-season run, Star Trek: Discovery came to an end on May 30, 2023, providing closure for characters such as Captain Michael Burnham and Cleveland Booker, while also offering a further glimpse forward as to what their future could hold. After ordering a 10-episode fifth season in January ...
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1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. 12. Shadow of Heaven (Star Trek Voyager, #21; Dark Matters, #3) by. Christie Golden. 3.89 avg rating — 383 ratings. score: 288 , and 3 people voted. Want to Read.
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The Best Geek News. Be the first to know about your favorite movies, shows, comics, anime, video games, and ... Star Trek: Discovery's Series Finale Finally Reveals Kovich's True Identity

The 15 Best Star Trek Books Ever Written

A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson

Imzadi by Peter David

How Much for Just the Planet? by John M. Ford

Spock Must Die! by James Blish

Q-Squared by Peter David

Spock's World by Diane Duane

The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack

Star Trek: The Eugenics War by Greg Cox

The Final Reflection by John M. Ford

Fallen Heroes by Dafydd ab Hugh

Q-In-Law by Peter David

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Sarek by A.C. Crispin

Uhura's Song by Janet Kagan

Metamorphosis by Jean Lorrah

Essential Star Trek Novels That Even Non-Trekkers Should Read

Related Content

Spock Must Die by James Blish.

Planet of Judgment by Joe Haldeman

The Entropy Effect by Vonda N. McIntyre

The Final Reflection by John M. Ford

My Enemy, My Ally by Diane Duane

How Much for Just the Planet? By John M. Ford

Enterprise: The First Adventure by Vonda N. McIntyre

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Imzadi by Peter David

The Captain's Daughter by Peter David

The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh by Greg Cox

A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson

The Best Star Trek Books for the Final Frontier

Ann-Marie Cahill

Where To Start

The Best Star Trek: The Original Series Books (ST:OS)

The Kobayashi Maru by Julia Ecklar

Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Spock’s World by Diane Duane

Uhura’s Song by Janet Kagan

Pawns and Symbols by Majliss Larson

The Best Star Trek: Next Generation Books (ST:NG)

The Devil’s Heart by Carmen Carter

The Best Star Trek: Voyager Books (ST:V)

Homecoming by Christie Golden

The Best Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Books (ST: DS9)

The Never-Ending Sacrifice by Una McCormack

Night of the Wolves (Star Trek: Terok Nor #2) by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison

The Best Star Trek: Enterprise Books (ST:E)

Surak’s Soul by J.M. Dillard

The Best Star Trek: Discovery Books (ST:D)

The Way to the Stars by Una McCormack

The Best Star Trek Anthologies, Cross-overs, and Novelisation

Federation by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Duty, Honor, Redemption by Vonda McIntyre

The Lives of Dax (Anthology) Edited by Marco Palmieri

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TOME OF NERD

The 6 Best Star Trek Novels of All-Time

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Q-Squared by Peter David – Amazon

New Frontier by Peter David – Amazon

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The Best Star Trek Novels: A Personal List

The Rihannsu Series

"Metamorphosis"

"Planet X"

The Mirror Universe Series

The Cold Equations Series

The Department of Temporal Investigations Series

The Klingon Empire Series

The Q Continuum Series

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