Customer Reviews

Enterprise Logs: Star Trek

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was absolutly amazing! All ten stories were so detailed that they may make you feel like you're right there part of the action.

The Captain Israel Daniel Dickenson story is by Diane Carey, is set during the American Revolution, and is the prescective of his brother-in-law, Adam Ghent. Also there is an appearence of General Benedict Arnold, and the story ends with a letter written by Arnold shortly before his death in 1801.

The Captain Osborne B. Hardison story is also by Diane Carey, is set during WWII. It involves a friend of the captain's from the past. In the introduction Carey provides a key of all the navy abbreviations. A nice touch to this story is that the formant of this story is all dialouge.

The Captain Robert April story is by Greg Cox, but initially Diane Carey was going to do this captain because she has written two previous April stories (Final Frontier and Best Destiny). However, Carey wanted to do the two historical stories more because Gene Roddenberry was inspired by these two ships. This story is set in 2246 and has guest appearences of Kor and Kruge, and sets a background story on the Tarsus IV incident (The Conscience of the King).

The Captain Pike story is by Jerry Oltion, who has already written a Pike book (Captain's Table book 6, Where Sea Meets Sky, also a good book), and explores the crew a little more. Here, Number One is given a name, which was also mentioned in the Captain's book. In this story, we see a new race with empathic problems.

The James T. Kirk story is written by Michael Jan Friedman and is focused on a murder investigation. I'm not usually a Kirk fan, but some how Friedman wrote Kirk in a way that I like. We see here yet another ex-flame of Kirk's.

The Captain Will Decker story is by Diane Duane, and is set prior the first Star Trek movie. Duane gets a bit of hand with the details but the story is good nonetheless.

The Captain Spock story is by A.C. Crispin, the longest standing author of the Star Trek book universe. The story is set prior to Wrath of Khan. Here we developments of the Spock-Saavik relationship that is explored more in Vulcan's Heart.

Warning to readers!:

Don't read the following story if you intend to read The Captain's Daughter by Peter David, because the story is given away. I should know because now the story is blown away for me.

The Captain John Harriman story is by the wonderful Peter David, who has already written a story partially about him, the Captain's Daughter. This story focuses on an encounter with a Romulan examiner.

The Captain Rachel Garret story is by Robert Greenberger, who also wrote the Introduction of this book. The story is focused on an unexpected first contact experience. Here, we are reintroduced to Richard Castillo.

The Captain Jean-Luc Picard story is by John Vornholt, and is set in the Captain's Table. Picard tells the story of being on Andorian Homeworld trying desparately to stop a civil war.

If you enjoy the Enterprise legacy, then this book is a must.

The format of this book is an unusual concept, as it puts into a lively chronological perspective the personalities and foibles of the ships Enterprise and their captains down through the years. This anthology brings together the creme de la creme of Star Trek writers, and allows them to shine in the short story format. There are a couple of weak links in the grouping, but, as a whole, this collection of stories is worth a prominent place in any Star Trek aficionado's collection of treasured tomes, to be read and reread until the pages start to crumple! I'm even recommending it to my less-than-obsessed with Star Trek friends.

From the colonial shores of America during the revolutionary war to the southern Pacific ocean in the embroiled second world war to the farthest reaches of the galaxy the proud name Enterprise has born the banner of honor, freedom and justice, conveying humanities best to friend and foe alike. In these pages you will find ten exceptional, intriguing and truly inspirational short stories written by several of Star Trek's finest authors. Along with the exceptional stories contained within the pages of this exceptional anthology there is a brief bio of the author telling each story.

Captain Israel Daniel Dickenson commanding the Sloop-of-War Enterprise
The Veil at Valcour by Diane Carey - Given her extensive experience with sailing ships of this time period, very few authors could've taken on the task of telling this wonderful story about the Sloop-of-War Enterprise, a ship seized by colonial sailors from the British during the American Revolutionary war. Although I have little clue of the majority of the terminology used in this story, I found the story itself to be truly inspirational.

Captain Osborne B. Hardison commanding the U.S.S. Enterprise
World of Strangers by Diane Carey - Here, Diane Carey takes on the task of telling a brief story of the USS Enterprise during WWII in the Pacific. She takes and accomplishes that task quite well as she turns not so much to telling the tale of the combat itself but to the human side of the equation and the terrible sacrifices and loss this war brought on. Only one minor point of contention on my part, military time doesn't work as it is portrayed in this great story.

Captain Robert April commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701
Though Hell Should Bar the Way by Greg Cox - Having read every Trek novel written by this author up to the date of this publication, I believe I can say unequivocally that Greg Cox's stories in the Star Trek universe are absolutely exceptional and a complete joy to read! In this short story we meet Captain Robert April as he's leading his ship and crew at breakneck speed to get to Tarsus IV in time before a famine starts taking lives. Along the way though, they encounter Klingon commander Kor and his orders to stop any and all Federation vessels from approaching Tarsus IV.

Captain Christopher Pike commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701
Conflicting Natures by Jerry Oltion - I've only had the please so far of reading one of Jerry Oltion's previous stories, but I can definitely say now that he has an excellent writing style that I enjoy. Here he tells the hilarious story of Captain Pike, after engaging Klingons having to pick up an Eremoid that wishes to "observe" the crew in their day to day routine. The camaraderie of the crew really sticks out in this one.

Captain James T. Kirk commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 & NCC-1701-A
The Avenger by Michael Jan Friedman - Star Trek's most prolific author proffers up this tale of Captain Kirk on a mission to see that peace talks between the Draqqi and the Iach'tu end successfully. Early in his career, Kirk had been briefly stationed on Draqqana and of course, there is a woman involved. There is a murder of a high profile Draqqi in the midst of the peace talks and Kirk pairs up with that woman who is now the chief Draqqi investigator. This story is in quite good keeping with Michael Jan Friedman's excellent style of writing.

Captain Will Decker commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701
Night Whispers by Diane Duane - Although it had been quite some time since Diane Duane had visited Gene Roddenberry's universe, with this story she makes an excellent return. We visit Captain Will Decker as he is in the process of overseeing the refit of the USS Enterprise right before the events depicted in Star Trek The Motion Picture. Here, Captain Decker must solve the puzzle of some strange script written into the LCARS computer system recently installed on the Enterprise.

Captain Spock commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A
Just Another Little Training Cruise by A. C. Crispin - This fine author had also taken a lengthy respite from Gene Roddenberry's universe and makes a triumphant return with this outstanding story. Here she tells the tale of Spock, the Captain of the Enterprise as she is being used as an Academy training vessel and the beginnings of his "feelings" toward Saavik. We learn when and where they met and this tale beautifully sets up the events in the exceptional novel, "Vulcan's Heart" by Josepha Sherman and Susan Shwartz.

Captain John Harriman commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B
Shakedown by Peter David - As one of Star Trek's premier authors, Peter David's stories are well told, thought provoking, captivating, humorous and oft times, quite compelling as is the case with this outstanding story of Captain Harriman. "Somehow" he's been captured by the Romulans and is being interrogated by Rokan, the Tal Shiar's top interrogator. As is with the majority of Peter David's work, this story was a true pleasure to read.

Captain Rachel Garret commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C
Hour of Fire by Robert Greenberger - In this exciting and invigorating tale, Robert Greenberger takes us to a point early in Captain Rachel Garret's command of the Enterprise. She and the Enterprise are on a mission to find an M Class planet for a race known as the Warin. What is especially poignant about this story is her interaction with the crew and then how that crew deals with the emergency that arises. This story was extremely enjoyable.

Captain Jean Luc Picard commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D & NCC-1701-E
The Captain and the King by John Vornholt - One of the best series of books to have come out to date was the Captain's Table series and this story is a real treat as John Vornholt revisits this mythical place. This is an interesting tale of how Picard helped a "would be" King of Andoria make the ultimate sacrifice. {ssintrepid}

With the appearance of Star Trek Enterprise Logs Pocket has another winner in the trend started with Strange New Worlds and The Lives of Dax.

Enterprise Logs gives us 10 excellent short stories about captains of various incarnations of ships named Enterprise

One of my favorite stories involved the Big E from World War II. This story by Diane Carey is very thought provoking an possibly her best work to date. It involves the captain of the Enterprise and a young Japanese American whos loyalties have changed.

Greg Cox wrote the Robert April story in which we see a familiar Klingon face and has a nice tie in to an episode of the original episode "The Conscience of the King" It is fast paced and very entertaining.

The next story by Jerry Oltion is about Christopher Pike. We see the characters originally seen in the first Star Trek pilot "The Cage" as they deal with a new alien culture that wants to know more about the Federation. Number One is given a name in the story.

Michael Friedman's Kirk story is different from what one would expect. Without giving too much away it is a murder mystery and of course involves a woman with whom Kirk had a relation ship when he was in his early 20s. There is a brief tie in to the April story.

Diane Duane returns to Star Trek with her story of Will Decker. This is different in that it is set during the time that the Enterprise was being refit prior to Star Trek The Motion Picture. For the first time we catch a facinating glimpse at the man who was to replace Kirk. The story is set upon the Enterprise during refit and involves Decker finding spys aboard the ship. This story left me wanting to know more about Decker before he made captain. A facinating character.

In Ann Crispin's Spock story set prior to "The Wrath of Khan" we see the beginnings of the relationship between Spock and Saavik that culminated in their marriage in Vulcan's Heart.

Peter David's Harriman story continues to develop this captain as seen in his book "The Captain's Daughter". No longer does Harriman seem the bumbling fool we saw in "Star Trek Generations" but a man who has redeemed himself. This story involves Romulans and is story that pits Harriman against a Romulan interrogator.

Robert Greenberger's story of Rachel Garrett presents a leader much in the mold of Kirk. She has to deal with an attack my aliens and we see a very decisive leader who is not afraid to make decisions. She is also seen dealing with the deaths of bridge crew. We are reintroduced to a younger Castillo.

John Vornholt has Captain Picard revisit the Captain's Table in a delightful tale about Andorians and succession to the throne. Its about time we get to see one of the older alien cultures of Star Trek.

I cannot possible pick a favorite story from the bunch they are all excellent. Diane Carey's WWII story is the most thought provoking story. This book is a clear winner and I certainly hope we see a volume two in the future

Star Trek: Enterprise Logs edited by Carol Greenberg is an anthology of adventure and exploration spanning six centuries and ten captains of one proud tradition the appellation known as Enterprise. I found that this book to be both historical and imaginative. Historical in the sense that one Enterpise fought in the Revolutionary War for America's freedom to the command of Jean-Luc Picard on U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-D.

This book covers both seafaring to spacefaring vessels all with the same name and a compelling story with each captain trusted to bring her to battle and back home again. As this is an anthology, the captains are very interesting to read about. Captains Irrael Daniel Dickerson, Osborne B. Hardison, Robert April, Christopher Pike, James T. Kirk, Will Decker, Spock, John Harriman, Rachel Garrett and Jean-Luc Picard are all accounted for here with an interesting tale to tell about the ship they command.

Since this is an anthology we have different authors lending their expertise to each story giving the reader a feel that each captain is speaking. The authors are: Diane Carey, Greg Cox, Jerry Oltion, Michael Jan Friedman, Diane Duane, A.C. Crispin, Peter David, Robert Greenberger, and John Vorholt.

I found this book to be very enjoyable, readable with a flowing narrative, and intriguingly engrossing. The first two stories were right out of America History focusing on the captain of the ship, thus, giving the reader insights into the noteworthiness of these historical figures. As the other stories, imagination rules the story with a heavy dose of the humanity.

The book is a very fast read with enjoyable adventure.

...stuck on jury duty (sigh). Read this last summer (2000) and enjoyed practically all the submissions tracing the history of the Enterprise Captains, from the first Enterprise (during the Revolutionary War) to Picard. Some very imaginative entries, including Capt. Harriman (Enterprise-B) and Capt. Garrett (Enterprise-C). Highly recommended...

I loved this book, it represents a great anthology of every Enterprise captain, each has a story written by some of the best ST writers like Peter David and Diane Carey. It really adds to the series and the history of the name Enterprise, along with the insite into the persons behind the command post. In the few more recent collections of short ST stories this is probably the best

Since reading stories about Captain April and briefly viewing captains Pike, Decker, Harriman, and Garrett, I have wanted to know more about them. "Enterprise Logs" does not disappoint. The tales of Decker and Harriman (especially the latter) were the most enjoyable (5 stars). Garrett's story was close behind. And, although I read little non-fiction, I found the based-on-fact stories on captains Dickenson and Hardison to be entertaining and exciting (4 stars). I found the stories of Kirk and Picard, the ones of whom we are most knowledgeable, to be weakest yet worthy of reading. I am not a fan of the "Captains' Table" books as I find it difficult to imagine Picard telling war stories, even to his equals; still, the story was very good (3 1/2 stars). Read it and enjoy the history of the past and the future!

Star Trek has a rich and varied history, both fictionally as well as within Real Life; the same can be said for the famous ships name chosen for the flagship of the show: the USS Enterprise.

Star Trek Enterprise logs is a short story collection that explores the masters and commanders who have captained the various incarnations of the vessel. Captain Archer is not included, as the anthology was produced in 2000, before the Enterprise series.

The captains and their stories are as follows:

**General summary spoilers**

Israel Daniel Dickenson (The Veil at Valcour by Diane Carey): Excellent historical fiction, centering around Dickenson and his crew as they ready to take on the Royal Navy within the New York area. The cold sea air practically chills you.

Osborne B. Hardison (World of Strangers by Diane Carey): World War 2 era fiction, centering on the fight in the Pacific. Hardison deals with casualties, enemy warships, and displaced pilots...as well as an old neighborhood buddy who is not who he appears.

Robert April (Though Hell Shall Bar the Way by Greg Cox): This story is set in the pre- Classic Trek era, when the frontier of space really was the frontier of space. This story offers a rousing ship to ship battle as well as the front line coolness of its commander.

Christopher Pike (Conflicting Natures by Jerry Oltion ): Also set in the pre-Classic Trek era, in Trek canon, Pike is the 2nd captain to take command of the Enterprise after April. This story is "light comedy" and shows the normally so called dour captain and crew taking part in a first contact observer mission.

James T. Kirk (Avenger by Michael Jan Friedman): Classic Trek era, good mystery adventure as Kirk encounters (another) old flame and must work with her to solve a murder before the event causes havoc with some negotiations.

Will Decker (Night Whispers by Diane Duane): The Motion Picture era, and Decker haz mad computer skillz in order to stop some intruders on the vessel as she is being refit in spacedock.

Spock (Just Another Little Training Cruise by A.C. Crispin): Classic Trek movie era, and centers on Spock as he and his protege Saavik embark with others on a training cruise. The cruise goes bad when crew begin to fall ill with a virus.

John Harriman (Shakedown by Peter David): Classic Trek Movie post-era. The so called "disgraced captain of Trek" gets his due here, as he goes one on one with a Romulan interrogator.

Rachel Garrett (Hour of Fire by Robert Greenberger): Pre-Next Generation story that shows Garrett and her crew on a survey patrol while encountering some hostile unknown ships. The resulting battle tests our captain as well as her crew.

Jean-Luc Picard (The Captain and the King by John Vornholt): Next Generation era story that center fully on Picard and a young man of royal blood who he must protect and courier to his new appointment as a king.

World of Strangers was hard to get through (IMO) from a reader perspective; not bad, just slightly awkward with the pacing and preachy with the historical event (Placing Asian-American citizens in camps. And yes, I do agree it was unjust) that the story centered around. In a way, centering on the injured crew, pilots, the threat of the enemy Fleet, and how Captain Hardison approached those problems might have been a more enjoyable read.

The Captain and the King also pushed the believability envelope for me: I can picture Kirk, Harriman, April, probably Pike (and possibly Spock or Garrett) doing what Picard did, but not Picard. Otherwise, the author's content and flow was fresh, and the story is a typical Trek adventure.

**General summary spoilers**

Favorites include the Garrett, April, and Spock stories.

The three star rating is not due to the fact that the Enterprise anthology was a bad read so to speak. I enjoyed the stories (except the cited reasoning for World of Strangers), but all the same, the collection is getting an "Okay" rating from me.

I recommend "Enterprise Logs" to a Trek reader who is interested in some shorty story Enterprise Captain fiction.

The format of this book is an unusual concept, as it puts into a lively chronological perspective the personalities and foibles of the ships Enterprise and their captains down through the years. This anthology brings together the creme de la creme of Star Trek writers, and allows them to shine in the short story format. There are a couple of weak links in the grouping, but, as a whole, this collection of stories is worth a prominent place in any Star Trek aficionado's collection of treasured tomes, to be read and reread until the pages start to crumple! I'm even recommending it to my less-than-obsessed with Star Trek friends.