Customer Reviews

Collision Course (Star Trek: Academy)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Over forty years ago, the partnership between Captain James Tiberius Kirk and Mr. Spock took place on television. That friendship, along with Dr. McCoy, has become one of the most iconic in fiction and television.

William Shatner, joined by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, penned the beginning of a multi-book new series in the STAR TREK franchise. STAR TREK: THE ACADEMY -- COLLISION COURSE shows how 17-year-old James Kirk and 19-year-old Spock first meet, and all the trouble that sprang out of that relationship.

At the time, Kirk is trying to recover from a horrible experience he had on Tarsus IV. The view of that war and Kirk's loss of innocence seems to mirror what's going on in our world at the moment. But it's a good, solid background story that explains why Kirk wants nothing to do with Starfleet and believes they're worthless.

Spock struggles with his identity. Half-human and half-Vulcan, he finds that he fits comfortably into neither world. Not only that, but he's uncovered a plot by someone within the Vulcan embassy that is selling priceless artifacts to a fence.

The book moves along at a lightning quick pace. Although it's 450 pages, I whipped right through it in a single sitting, devouring this adventure for the sheer fun and pleasure it was. The idea of a young Kirk and young Spock is fascinating. The authors do a great job of showing the basis of the long friendship that is to come, as well as setting into play any of the things that Kirk and Spock agreed to disagree on.

Kirk is in love with a young Starfleet cadet who's being brought up on charges for theft. In order to prove her innocence, Kirk undertakes to steal a Starfleet vehicle with a technological device he's created. Of course this is over-the-top, but this is Kirk we're talking about. Overkill should have been his middle name.

In the meantime, a Starfleet officer named Mallory has started an investigation into Kirk. Although operating under another name, I believe Mallory was in an agency that was a forerunner to Trek's Section 31, their equivalent of spies.

The book also deals a lot with father figures. Spock argues - logically, of course - with his father Sarek, and Kirk confronts his father over his choice of lifestyles as well as his relationship with his brother Sam.

Most of the book takes place on Earth, and we don't really get a clear idea of what the city looks like, which I found a little frustrating. And we don't quite get the "feel" of the Academy.

However, Kirk and Spock do take to space in once of the most outrageous plot turns of the book at the end. When I saw where the plot was going, I told myself there was no way they were going to pull it off. But they did it anyway. And realistically, the plot twist doesn't fly, but for the romantic in me, it was perfect.

Over the years, I've found the Shatner books sometimes uneven. Many people have complained that they're Kirk-centric, but I've always forgiven that. Kirk is one of the most enduring characters of the series in all its interpretations. It only stands to reason that much of the focus would be on him.

But in this book, Kirk shares time and space with a lot of the other characters. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.

The most devoted Star Trek fans and readers with only a passing knowledge of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock should all find plenty to enjoy in this fast-moving, coming-of-age novel.

(As for the reviewer who says Spock is much older than Kirk in the series, he's wrong. The series establishes that Spock was born in 2230 and Kirk in 2233: skeptics can check the Star Trek Encyclopedia. These authors don't make those kinds of mistakes.)

The story is full of twists, and it gets pushed several times towards the implausible, but always gets pulled back to become another surprising adventure. It's skillfully told, with clean, swift prose and the well thought-out characters are developed through story. The dialogue crackles, and you can hear both the youth of those familiar voices, and those familiar voices themselves.

Though this book is not at all a Kirk ego trip, his coming-of-age story emerges pretty clearly. Mature for his age in many ways, this Jim Kirk is still recognizably a teenager:intense in his loyalties and his opinions, already shrewd and clever, with outward charm and inward emotional turmoil, but at 17, "his only weapon is defiance." Spock's teenage self-consciousness applied to his Vulcan/human inner conflict is also described plausibly and affectionately.

As Trek often does, there's a contemporary ring to this futuristic tale, as this story brings painfully alive the contemporary tragedy of child soldiers in Africa and Asia. There's also a message about why history is important that's a vital part of the soul of Star Trek.

My advice is to put aside your preconceptions, take a deep breath and open this book. You might enjoy the ride. I did.

In the multi-faceted 'Shatnerverse' things happen sometimes different than within the same timeline already established with Trek Lore, including episodes and/or established novels written prior to his novels, but who CARES?? These are science fiction stories revolving around a TV series originally created by Gene Roddenberry a long time ago...let's not read into it what isn't there, okay? Heck, the series itself played around with established Trek Info at times, right? So what's the fuss? Sure, I'd LIKE it if ALL Trek media could agree 100% of the time, but since it doesn't, I'm not going to lose sleep over it, that's for sure. Okay, 'nuff said.

How was the book? you ask? Pretty good...whether or not that was Shatner's skill or the undeniable talent of co-authors Judith & Gar, well, let's say I have a feeling they have more of a part in helping to co-author these novels than Shatner would like us believe--but once again, I don't honestly care as long as the story is worth reading and provides me with sufficient entertainment that I'll feel buying the book was money well spent. In this case: absolutely well spent.

I was skeptical...at first, that fiddling with the origins of Kirk and Spock could be pulled off well enough to give this a positive rating, but indeed Shatner (or whoever else) did a fine job. The plot twists come (sometimes out of left field) and I am constantly impressed with the depth of Trek knowledge they display with each novel they all write together...and most importantly, how well that information is tied together with the new storyline.

For those who judge Shatner based on the abysmal Star Trek V film which was co-written and directed by Shatner--STOP right now...if you've read any of Shatner's non-fiction accounts of time on the set of the theatrical movies, well you know how frustrating filming Trek V was, and how ultimately the movie just plain sucked as a result of studio bickering and infighting--but that in NO way has influenced how fantastic Shatner's Trek Novels are. Some are better than others, but I have been entertained while reading them all. I add Collision Course to that list whole-heartedly. Begin with 'The Ashes of Eden' and work your way through, and I think the vast majority will be almost as surprised as I was at just how really GOOD those books are--and continue to be.

Just my .02...thanks for reading.

After reading an online review of this book I was somewhat skeptical that it would be any good. I was mistaken. Fans of Star Trek books will need to get past what has been written previously about the young Jim Kirk. Once past that this book is a very entertaining story of Kirk and Spocks first meeting. Kirk gets into hot water trying to clear a friend who is in Starfleet. Spock gets into trouble trying to unravel a mystery of thefts at the Vulcan Embassy. Of course both are related and they are both being manipulated by a man in charge of mysterious Federation organization. If you expect this story to blend with what has been written in the past about the young Kirk you will be disappointed. I liked it a lot and recommend it. Im open to new stories about how Spock and Kirk met and this one is as good as any Ive read.

While looking for something to read and not seemingly having any luck, I came across this wonderful little book. Now I consider myself a die hard Trekkie or Trekker if that is the term you prefer, however, I have never been a fan of the books. I hadn't read any since the Vulcan Heart series by Schwartz and Sherman and most of what I had read I actually listened to, back in my colleges days when I would take the long drives home during school breaks.

Here's the thing, this is quick and easy read and its just fun. I know that this is Shatner's view of how Kirk and Spock met and has nothing to do with how the new movie will portray their first meeting but its still good. The book makes just enough references to characters and events that we know from watching TOS, that you can't help but smile when you read about them.

I'd call myself a Star Trek fan, though not as well versed as most. I catch TOS whenever it's on. I've watched most of Voyager and TNG, and have managed to see several of the movies, including The Wrath of Khan and First Contact. Through it all, I've managed to pick out what I view to be the best aspect of all that I've seen:

That would be the relationship between Captain James Tiberius Kirk and Commander Spock.

Now, as I said, I am not as well versed as most Trekkies. One review I read tore down the book immediately based on the simple fact that Kirk and Spock had met during their Five Year Mission aboard the Enterprise. I personally found this unfair, as this story is fantastic. In the opening pages, Mr. Shatner lets us know this is non-canon, so do not let your inner Trekkie stop you from enjoying this fine adventure.

The story unfolds with a young Kirk and Spock set on a "Collision Course", so to speak, in that they are both involved in a criminal conspiracy through some fault of their own. In doing so, these characters, so completely different on paper, slowly start to find something familiar in each other.

The conflicts and plot-twists are many, some entertaining and some startling. On the whole, the entire journey through a criminal underworld and Starfleet Academy was much more than I expected. There is no shortage of drama and heartbreak.

The real gem in "Collision Course", though, is the interaction between Kirk and Spock. Each struggling with the scars of the past and their problems in the present, but both slowly managing to take steps towards finding common ground in their vastly different pathways. The results are exciting, and the journey is a joy to watch unfold.

As for the Star Trek universe, I was delighted to find that nothing was completely glorified (Except for the Enterprise itself, but come on). Everything is reserved, and, unlike some sci-fi novels that try to send you through a history lesson like its a textbook, the technologies are slowly revealed at the right time and nothing ever seems like a burden. It's the difference of being told what the Star Trek universe is like, and actually experiencing it, which Mr. Shatner pulls off expertly.

If I understand correctly, this novel was released in 2007 and a sequel was due out the next year, but that obviously hasn't happened yet. This might be because of the new movie that is being released soon that I believe takes place around the time of these novels.

I hope this doesn't affect the second novel's release much longer. I would love for this story to continue and see what trouble Kirk and Spock could possibly cook up.

I found this book to be a lot of fun. Everything from the Kirk/Spock meeting to their relationship developing into a friendship. It was also interesting to see William Shatner's take on why Kirk joined Starfleet. As the present story unfolds you also get the story of why Kirk used to hate Starfleet so much. The flashbacks are about the murderous dictator that Kirk had dealings with when he was thirteen years old. These events are also discussed in the Original Series Episode "The Conscience of the King". Shatner gives a little bit of that back story here and there until you know it all at the exact time you should. Most authors that try to do that fail. Shatner did not. The current story has Kirk and Spock both being accused of stealing a car which has been connected to a lot of Starfleets property being stolen. To eliminate themselves as the guity party they must find out what really happened. The magical chemistry that Kirk and Spock have had for the last 40 years is terrific in this book. There are a few things that Spock says "We are all ears", and.... I can't remember the other one or two others that don't seem to fit the Spock that we all know and love. I believe if you go to Startrek.com and look up Kirk and Spock's time in Starfleet it has Spock one year ahead, but that didn't really bother me as much as I thought it would. Also maybe the middle drug on just a little more than I would like. However, most of the book is very fast paced and a lot of fun. I have actually found myself to be very critical of Star Trek novels but for the most part this was a great book. If you are a fan of Star Trek more specifically of Shatner's this is a must read.

Grade: A

This book was hard to read, I will admit. Struggling with the idea of Kirk as a physics/electronics genius punk kid was hard enough, when in comes Goth Spock, in black cape and stringy black hair, to boot, through the doors of the pick-up bar..... But, I'd paid good money for this and I don't give up on books very often, never with Star Trek books, no matter how bad. Besides, I just had to see where this odd story went.

There are several great parts to Collision Course, and most pertain to Spock. His views that his antiquated parents, along with most adults and humans, are generally lacking good sense, rings very true and made me laugh. I imagine my boys find it amazing I've managed all these years. Then, Spock catches himself feeling superior and feels guilty...then feels guilty over feeling guilty.

There's other moments that brought a laugh- his study of 'classic Earth literature' (check out Miller's Tropic of Cancer), as does his struggle with slang and the misunderstandings that brings. Spock's portrayal as a confused Vulcan/Human trying to find himself comes across both humorously and, at times, touchingly. The scenes between Spock and his parents are extremely well done.

As for the bad, I'm afraid that's where Jim Kirk comes in. Somehow, he just does not fit. And, I'm not sure why, but a huge part of the problem is his being the electronics genius who can outsmart Starfleet at every turn, of course. Perhaps the next book will bridge the gap enough for me to accept the authors' concept.

Then too, we see only the anguished side of Kirk- he hates Starfleet, loathes his father, feels like he has to take care of his no-account brother..... Only when bantering with Spock do we see anything bright or interesting. There's not much to really like there, otherwise.

And the terrible? The ending heroics. Kirk summed it up best as the improbable mess got underway: "I don't believe it."

Neither did I.

Despite all this, the dialog and character interaction was enough to make me interested in the upcoming sequel.


Bottom line:
If you can suspend your ideas about Star Trek canon and overlook super-teenager Kirk, you'll find great dialog, good character development, and a so-so plot.

If you are a stickler for canon, or if you cannot bear anything in which Kirk or Spock act in the least bit out of character, stay away from this book. There are plenty others out there to read...find a different one.

In this very entertaining page-turner, we meet Kirk and Spock when they are just teenagers (17 and 19 respectively), trying to decide what to do with their lives and taking part in the typical teenage rebellions. Yes, you heard it here - Spock is a total juvenile delinquent - who'd have thought it?

Kirk, of course, has noble reasons for breaking the rules, but he just keeps getting almost caught and digging himself in deeper. Fortunately, that is how I like my stories - keep me guessing, keep the pressure on - BUT ... provide plenty of comic relief, which this book definitely did.

Providing all the humor and action of the old series with the pressure and excitement, which is really my preferred method of absorbing the information of books (reading and discussing), with thought-provoking themes about family and ethics, this is just a fabulous bookvvvv. If you are a fan of Star Trek: TOS, do NOT miss this chance to take a peek into the teenage years of two of Star Trek's most beloved characters and see the mold that they had to break to make them what they are

Much as the recent Star Trek film gave us a slightly off canon version of Star Trek, this book does likewise, having Kirk and Spock meeting and joining Starfleet at the same time. Kirk has anti-Starfleet baggage and Spock is trying to find his true identify and path in life. The story is spun around Kirk and Spock doing their own investigations into a smuggling ring, both coming at it from different directions and eventually working together.
Well, Mr Shatner knows his character and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens know how to churn out a good Trek novel, but in the end, this didn't really work for me. Having said that I am a Trek fan of old, but gave up on the books a few years ago, only occasionally dipping into one, so maybe I am asking too much.
With this one, the target audience seemed to sit between YA Trek fans and adult fans, but sat uncomfortably on the fence between the two. Kirk is portrayed as a young technological genius (never saw that in the series or films!) and it didn't sit right with the Kirk we eventually saw on screen. Spock is better in the way he is pitched although some of the Vulcans (including some Vulcan bad guys) just did not feel right with what we know about the Vulcans.
So Kirk and Spock scamper through the story, brushing against both Starfleet, assorted family and the bad guys and (in Kirk's case) the trauma of a past incident. Obviously the climax takes place on.... well you can guess where before we slip back into Trek Canon with our heroes joining different branches of Starfleet.
This just felt very average, and I was never really engaged and in summary, it did remind me why I gave up reading Trek books.....