By Una McCormack

Several years ago I quit reading Star Trek novels. It was over frustration with how the books were being treated by Paramount. So when I saw this book in the bargain bin, I hesitated before grabbing it.

This is a well written book. A prequel to the Picard series on Paramount+ – it is the backstory to Picard’s final mission as a Starfleet officer. While it was well written, since I had seen and heard about the general outline of that mission and its aftermath, there were few surprises. A lot of details filled in – but I already knew where things were going. And that led to a general lack of suspense (and melancholy) while reading. However, Una McCormack’s writing kept me going until I was finished.

I don’t think I am explaining my general ambivalence about the book well enough. If you’ve watched the show, this book is somewhat superfluous as it recounts in slightly more detail backstory already filled in by the show. On the other hand, its the first in a series of books related to the show, and I find myself curious as to what happens next.

322 Pages

3.5/5