Customer Reviews

Night of the Living Trekkies (Quirk Fiction)

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(38)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Clearly, as hinted in the title, this is not "War and Peace." My 5 stars is not because it is a great work of literature. But this book is a very, very readable and very, very enjoyable piece of summer fluff. It's like when you go see a movie with a similar title -- you don't expect oscar performances, but you can still truly enjoy it.

Having said all that: this book is about a young man who has just gotten back from several tours of duty in Afghanistan and is having some problems adjusting. He is a very sensitive young man. He just wants some peace and quiet in his life, and no responsibility for life and death decisions. As a bellhop in a hotel in Houston, he believes he has found a perfect job. Meanwhile, somehow, through a plot that actually works, Houston is overrun by zombies, and our hero and a clever bunch of other characters must escape.

OK. You've heard that plot before. What I liked, really liked about this book (and believe me, it is almost unique), is that 1) Hey! The plot actually hung together! The continuity was excellent! It didn't end with a last chapter that was impossible, given the first chapter! 2) I liked the characters! There was witty conversation and a humorous point of view through the whole thing. The book was just, in general, entertaining.

I enjoyed it!

I adored every second of Night of the Living Trekkies. For fans of the Trek universe - and no series is left out - you will delight in each page. There are Klingons, Ferengi, Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, a Horta (sorta) and even Princess Leia. While that last bit doesn't seem to make sense, it's the best gag in the story.

And of course there are zombies.

I was reminded of Galaxy Quest with this novel. You have real people in costumes stuck in an otherworldly situation. The crisis demands they get into character to survive. There's even a Red Shirt worried about his chances (he's named, natch, Willie Makit). There's also the same wry yet bright humor splashed across the tale. This is a very fun read.

The zombies, shuffling flesh eaters like we expect, have their own twist. Imagine Galaxy Quest with Die Hard (we're trapped in a hotel for 4/5ths of the story), a bit of Shaun of the Dead (but you get to smack down the undead with modern-day phasers and Klingon weaponry instead of a Cricket Bat), Resident Evil (there's a virus, sort of) and I am Legend (night time is baaaad). With a a little of short-film fan favorite George Lucas in Love thrown in for fun. I was as happy with this story as a Klingon with a new bat'leth.

Non-Trekkers are not going to get this tale. In fact, casual Trekkers will miss a lot of inside jokes. SERIOUS Trekkers are the intended audience and for those readers, Night of the Living Trekkies rates five stars.

Zombie fans might give this a go, just to be well rounded in their genre. But an interest in Sci-Fi is still advised.

If you're looking for a quick, fun horror/sci-fi spoof you might want to check out "Night of the Living Trekkies." It's the latest in a seemingly endless series of pop culture/zombie crossovers that include "Marvel Zombies," "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," and "Paul is Undead." The cover - a brilliant pastiche of the old lurid 50 cents drugstore paperbacks - pretty much lays out the premise for you. There's a zombie outbreak at a Star Trek convention and various con-goers and hotel workers have to do their best to rise to the occassion and stay alive. All of this is exceptionally tongue-in-cheek, so don't come to this novel expecting genuine scares.

The novel assumes that you haven't yet overdosed on zombie fiction and that you're someone familiar with Trekkie and sci-fi culture, two assumptions that may turn many of you away. I personally like the way the authors seem to have genuine affection for sci-fi fandom, as virtually none of the spoofing of fans or of fandom in general seems mean-spirited. The Trekkies may seem odd if you're not familiar with them (or you don't like them) but the various Trekkies in the novel run the entire gamut of what you're likely to encounter if you have many friends who love Star Trek. Again, I've read a lot of self-loathing literature about fandom and found this novel refreshing because within the microcosm of a convention, Trekkies are both heroes and villains. It's why I enjoyed the novel so much, along with its unashamed love of pulpy dimestore paperbacks.

On the negative side, there are so many zombie-themed books and movies out there that "Night of the Living Trekkies" is going to suffer by comparison due to overfamiliarity with the genre. That said, I enjoyed this book far more than "Marvel Zombies" or "Paul is Undead" and far less than "Zombieland" or "Shaun of the Dead" in regards to how well the chills were combined with chuckles. This isn't really a very creepy book, and isn't hilarious either. It works best as a very affectionate tribute to fandom and to two genres that don't seem to get a lot of respect.

In sum, I enjoyed reading this novel over a couple of extended afternoons, and strongly recommend it to Trekkies and their non-Trekkie friends. If you aren't in one of those two groups, or if you've seen more than 2 zombie films this year, it's harder for me to recommend it.

Crossing zombies and Star Trek already limits the target audience to a fraction of all readers. Too bad for them, because this book delivers a fun rollercoaster of an adventure perfectly suited for Trekkies and for those who have not grown tired of the seemingly ubiquitous zombie genre. To be sure, it's preposterous, but...

Afghanistan war veteran Jim has returned from duty to the civilian life. He wishes for nothing more than a steady job without danger, or, more importantly, responsibility. Little does he know his hotel job is about to force his hand when the annual GulfCon - similar to DragonCon and ComicCon, but for Star Trek aficionados - gets out of hand. A zombie outbreak engulfs the hotel, and it's up to Jim, a model wearing a Princess Leia costume, Jim's sister Rayna and a few of her friends, to battle through the hordes of faux Romulans, Klingons, and randomly esoteric Star Trek characters who have succumbed to the zombie plague.

Just enough background is provided for a plausible outbreak explanation without even broaching a semblance of earnestness. The plot moves along quickly and seamlessly enough for me to even recommend this to non-Star Trek fans. I can't be blamed, however, for a few obscure references and jokes that made me guffaw several times.

If there is a sequel to this book or a movie based on this book, all I can say is "Beam Me Up."

Jason Elin

I don't know how they did it, but NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES is a madcap and unexpected mash-up of two disparate genres that truly works! Take one part pure Star Trek geekdom (and believe me, I am queen of the Star Trek geeks) and one part zombie horror flick, and blend together in a transporter malfunction. You will end up with NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES, a comic romp that shouldn't make any sense - except that it does. And it does so by remaining true and respectful to both genres, giving the reader so much more than expected. NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES is a parody with heart.

The stage for NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES is set deep in an underground bunker near Houston, Texas, where a secret government experiment has gone horribly wrong. Something sinister and deadly has been released, and it threatens to take over the world. And it starts by taking over a Star Trek convention. It is up to a small, surviving band of rag-tag fanboys and fangirls to get out of Houston alive and stop the impending apocalypse.

I really loved NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES. The obscure inside jokes, the overt Trek and zombie details, the expected unexpected twist at the end required by both genres. It is a wonderful spoof that is lighthearted; yet at the same time, it pays homage to both Star Trek and B-movie zombie flicks. The minutiae are just right, and the combination of genres is delightful. Authors Kevin Anderson and Sam Stall are clever, witty, and engaging, and they are letter perfect in the canon of both genres.

For a good, old fashioned belly laugh and a rip-roaring good time, I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES. While I do believe that Trek and/or zombie fans will get the most out of this book, the "in things" are all explained in enough detail that most readers will "get it." Overall, NIGHT OF THE LIVING TREKKIES is one of the funniest and most entertaining things I've read in a very long time. Don't miss this one. I've heard rumors of a movie in the works. If true, I will be first in line.

I initially passed on this book because I thought it was riding the "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies" coattails. Then I read the blurb and saw that it was about a zombie outbreak at a Star Trek con. There's a REALLY good book out there called, "Bimbos of the Death Sun", which is about a murder at a sci-fi con (and it's one I HIGHLY recommend), so I figured I'd give this one a chance.

"Night of the Living Trekkies" walks a tight-rope between campy and horror, teetering any which way at any given moment, but, for the most part, succeeds in playing it straight. It's definitely entertaining, with enough geekiness to keep even the most devout Trekker involved. Jim Pike, the main character (Geek Check: How many of you linked him w/Christopher Pike? Friggin' Trekkies.), works his way through what is obviously the Zombie Apocalypse without becoming a Mary Sue. Bravo. If there is a downside to this book, it's only because I feel as though only con-goers will truly appreciate the work that went into this. However, as one of their intended audience (Star Trek/Star Wars/Sci-fi geek), I had a blast. :)

Clearly, my opinion about this book is at variance with the reviewers before me; the three of them evidently loved it. I wish I had, but I'm afraid I didn't. I like parodies; I love zombie novels; this one didn't quite gel for me. People who are more familiar with Star Trek than I might like it better. I have a few ST:TNGs on DVD, but otherwise have been content not to watch Star Trek since its second series ended, (I'm very familiar with the fanboy mentality, but I know it best from the comic book side.)

The authors get props for working a bit of mystery into the story, with regards to the origin and spread of the infection, but the story was not quite parodic enough to be side-splitting for me (no "laughing out loud" from this reader) and not quite serious enough to be engrossing. Can't fault the characters in a parody for being a bit shallow, but the lack of real depth left me not much caring who survived.

Still, though, I didn't dislike the book. The hero was likeable (if superficial), the villains were despicable (or at least unpleasant), and the unique take on zombies threw some twists into the mix. Aside from the occasional groaner, the writing was competent, and some of the pop culture humor was clever, particularly when the authors moved outside of the more obvious Star Trek/Star Wars references. There's a clear and coherent story here that hangs together and did manage to maintain my interest, keeping me reading (without requiring a stern self talking-to) through the end.

All things considered, it wasn't a bad read for a summer afternoon. But to my way of looking, this "strange lovechild of Galaxy Quest and Dawn of the Dead" (from the product description) falls pretty short of its parents.

I almost didn't select this book for review; the cover art looks like the cheesy garbage you would find on most young adult fiction books, and the title made me think, "One more person trying to cash in on the zombie genre with some ridiculous twist." BUT, I've enjoyed other Quirk novels, and I can't get enough zombie literature, so I thought I may as well read it once.

I am so glad I did; this was a great story for so many reasons:

1) Zombie fans will love it; even if they whine publicly because it's not "traditional" zombies, secretly they will be adding this to their vast horror collections.

2) Star Trek fans will love it; even if they whine publicly because it's not "realistic" sci-fi, secretly they will be wishing this happens at their next con.

3) Star Wars fans might not appreciate the way they were portrayed...but they will still get a kick out of the "honorable mention" in this exciting adventure.

4) Even if you don't know squat about Star Trek or zombies, you can still follow this sci-fi thriller, with non-stop action from start to finish.

The prologue begins with two employees, at an underground military facility in Houston, TX, making plans to go to a Star Trek convention; while they're talking, the security system fails, opening some doors that should have stayed closed. Meanwhile, at a hotel in the same city, Jim Pike is having a bad day that is about to get apocalyptic. Jim is a soldier with serious PTSD, and he's convinced himself that working as a bellhop will reduce his stress. However, he has to help prepare for GulfCon, an extrememly popular Star Trek convention. Jim's younger sister, Rayna is also attending with some friends.

Before Rayna's group arrives in the parking garage, the hotel staff is already having trouble with violent hotel guests, and employees keep going missing. Jim's instincts are screaming at him that something horrible is happening, but by the time he is able to convince anyone else that the problem is not just in his mind, the hotel is overwhelmed by zombies. Jim, with the help of a Star Wars fan, tries to rescue his sister and her friends, while Trekkies are dying all around them.

Star trek fans should know that this isn't just a horror story set at a convention, but I can't elaborate without ruining the storyline. Zombie fans should know that the undead are shamblers, but able to move as a group, with a very unusual source of infection, which is spread in a similar manner to 28 Days Later.

I am very impressed with the quality of books that Quirk has been publishing; some other great titles are Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, and Android Karenina. They may look like fluff pieces at first glance, but the stories are quite entertaining.

Night of the Living Trekkies is an omage and parody to the fans of Star Trek. It takes the The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season to a new level and you should set your phrasers on fun.

Disillusioned army vet Jim Pike is home from Afghanistan and working as a "glorified bellhop" in a hotel in Houston that's preparing to host hundreds of Star Trek fans for GulfCon, the "biggest all-Trek con in the South.. Then the virsus takes over.

This romp hits on all Science Fiction fandom with a humourous poke in the eye. If you want good fun and like Trek, this parody is for you

Bennet Pomerantz
AUDIOWORLD

"Jim Pike was the world's biggest Star Trek fan -- until two tours of duty in Afghanistan destroyed his faith in the human race. Now he sleepwalks through life as the assistant manager of a small hotel in downtown Houston. But when hundreds of Trekkies arrive in his lobby for a science fiction convention, Jim finds himself surrounded by costumed Klingons, Vulcans, and Ferengi -- plus a strange virus that transforms its carriers into savage, flesh-eating zombies!"

A disaster at a secret government location unleashes the virus that will result with a Star Trek convention in Houston becoming overrun with zombie Klingons and Captain Picards.

Don't pick up this book thinking it's going to be one gag filled poke at Star Trek after another - it's not. The writers are obviously huge fans and it shows. There's a TON of Star Trek in jokes and nods to the entire series and genre, some I got, some I didn't. Upon a bit of digging on the net for example - it had completely passed me by that the chapters were named after some famous episodes. However - you don't HAVE to be a die hard fan of the Star Trek series to 'get' this book. There is a good story in here.

Jim Pike, the soldier with issues, just wanting the quiet life with no responsibilities ends up our reluctant hero. He's a like-able character you'll be rooting for from the get go. With the Captain title thrust upon him he battles through the pages with his sidekick dressed as a Star Wars Princess Leia in her bikini of all things, accumulating and losing various members to his crew just trying to keep those that he cares for safe and uneaten. Unaware of how bad the invasion is and how widespread it perhaps has gotten, he battles the demons in his head as well as the ones shambling towards him from every angle.

Do I need to tell you how much I loved this book? I had wanted to read it as soon as I saw, in my opinion, the best book trailer ever on You Tube. (Search the book title.) I was worried that when I finally got hold of it that it would be one of those I had built up in my head so much that it could only be a let down. How wrong was I? Such a pleasant surprise to have a book exceed expectations. I'll even put my hands up and admit I had a genuine jump in my seat moment about two thirds through - and yes I was embarrassingly in public at the time.

There was also a twist at the end that I didn't see coming - always a good thing. If this book isn't made into a film it will be a travesty. Humour, horror, romance, Sci-Fi, zombies and Trekkies...tell me, what more could you possibly ask for from a book? Or a film!

It's life Jim... but not as we know it!

(Sorry *g*)

(Review also posted on my blog)