Customer Reviews

Star Trek: Captain's Blood

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After William Shatner's last lackluster Trek novel, Captain's Peril, I wasn't too sure how exciting the next entry would be. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Not since The Return have I read a William Shatner book I had trouble putting down. Captain's Blood delivers the plot and action that we expect from a Kirk adventure. The intermixing of the Original Series, Next Gen, and Voyager characters is seamless and just wonderfully done.
The book starts out a little vague, but as you read, you develop an understanding of the thick plot the book contains. Weaving together so many stories is not an easy thing to do, but this book delivers. Picking up very soon after Nemesis, this book offers almost a continuation of the movie, offering something the movie may have lacked. The Spock story is perfectly integrated into the novel.
It was also interesting to have now Admiral Janeway and Voyager's EMH be a large part of the plot...they certainly have some great moments.
Take my advice...give this book a try! Some of the most interesting moments in Star Trek come from the novels. And, after finishing the book and reading the ominous epilogue, you'll be screaming for more!!

Having read all of the Shatner/Reeves books, I was only truly let down in the first book of this trilogy, 'Captain's Peril.' It lacked what made the other Shatnerverse books exciting and good reads; the action, the appearances by numerous Trek characters, the almost epic-sized missions for Kirk to take on. I was hesitant to read 'Captain's Blood' for these reasons. I was unsure after the last book if it was worth the money and time, so waited until some used copies came around at a decent price.

'Captain's Blood' is one of the best Shatnerverse novels. It seems to step past the events of the last book where it seemed uncertain where the trilogy would go. This book has multiple plots flying around, something for everyone in my opinion. It opens with a major character's assasination. Kirk and McCoy team up and go on a mission to investigate the murder, taking with them Joseph, Kirk's son. Along for the adventure? Picard, Crusher, La Forge, Voyager's EMH and Scotty. Who else makes an appearance, adding life and a new level of excitment to the book? Admiral Kathryn Janeway, Captain Riker of the Titan Deanna Troi, and Worf.

For what I thought didn't work and took away from the novel; there are a lot of plot threads going on. It seems as if the authors had a few ideas of what to base the novel on and tried to find a way to use them all. You have the assasination, you have the continuing Romulan-Reman conflict, you have the Totality as introduced in the previous book, then there's Starfleet Intelligence's involvment and their own mission in the mix of things. Some of these plot lines seem to just end without being given more life or interest. They're introduced, solved and replaced by something new. Another thing that I as a reader found a little distracting is simply the Kirk character. All of the Shatnerverse novels of course center around Kirk in the 24th Century. Its a bit of an ego-trip as Shatner again makes Kirk a super-hero who can fight, out-think Spock and make the other characters seem near useless.

I had to laugh at how Worf, apparently still an ambassador even following his un-explained appearance in 'Nemesis,' often times being portrayed as growling and annoyed. He does give Kirk good advice on raising Joseph. Crusher is put at communications, reduced to an Uhura-role but is given the chance later on to flex her muscles a bit. She just seems to be tossed in for the heck of giving Picard someone to talk to. Again, 'Nemesis' seemed to have it where Crusher was going off to run Starfleet Medical again (read the A Time To... series) but in Shatner's novel, it comes off as if she has nothing else to do but tag along with Picard. Scotty seems equally useless in the novel. There was no mentioning of his role in the Starfleet Corps of Engineers and his scenes seemed to nearly copy what was seen in 'Star Trek Generations' during his appearance. Picard was more true to character but it seemed distracting that he would put his association with Kirk above his own dudy.

That being said, the good: I wondered what Shatner would do with a follow-up to 'Star Trek Nemesis.' I can't exactly picture Shatner sitting around and becoming an expert on the film but then again, he does have two authors working with him who have impressive novels under their names. This did seem to add more substance to 'Nemesis,' something which I really enjoyed since the movie lacked Trek's commentary on life and upped the action sequences. The Remans way of life is given more exploration, making their coup of the government in the movie more understandable. 'Shinzon' seems to live on but only haunts Picard in one scene. The fear of another Shinzon rising seems to worry Picard and Kirk. While I do not truly understand the Totality, the main focus of this trilogy, I think they fit in best with the Original Series feel of the novels. It's a bad guy that can get to Kirk and others, one who seems to be a throw-back to the old series and their 60s' inspired aliens of the week.

What I also liked about the novel was that Shatner does provide a good role or two for some of Trek's less explored characters. Troi actually has a role but it's not like the usual counselor duties. She's there for Riker, coming off more as a first officer than a ship's counselor. There's a great scene where Troi basically runs the meeting between the Titan's group and Kirk and she has to verbally spar with Worf, showing that the Betazoid has grown as a character since her TNG episode days. Another surprisingly good role was Admiral Kathryn Janeway. Her interactions with Kirk were in my opinion great and on mark based on her VGR days. She's friendly but there comes a time when she seems to draw the line and go completely professional. It seems as if Kirk both likes and hates Janeway, knowing she has something over him and that she's one of the few women who don't fall for the Kirk charm. Learning she was the admiral put in charge of the Romulan-affair follwing Nemesis was great. Learning she wasn't exactly successful but has lots of expectations to meet following her Delta Quadrant days made her even better fit for the role. She interacts with all the characters, truly coming forth as a great part of the novel. She does appear in other Shatner books, such as Spectre, but only as her Mirror self.

I think Shatner and his associates hit the nail on the head with this one. Instead of writing a novel that seems to work outside the other shows, this one fits in better with the rest of Trek as we know it by having the actions take place sometime after Nemesis. It was a quick read, fun, action packed but with a lot of thoughtful observations on situations and characters that took me by surprise somewhat. This is definately worth the read and has its flaws but as a total work, it works perfectly and stands on its own as one of Shatner's best novels, and one of the Post-Nemesis era's best installments as well.

Captain's Peril was a disappointment to everyone, but, you have to look at that book as one long bridge and setup piece for the next story, which is where this thing takes off. This book is definitely a return to form for this series and, as I have said about every single one of the other books, is the most genuine Star Trek I have seen in ages. If only we could get stories like these for our Star Trek movies or series.

Once again, Shatner and the Garfield Reeves-Stevens take the mediocre drabness from mainstream Trek these days and find a way to bring sudden validation and depth to it. That's what real writers are supposed to do. So, even a franchise killing movie like Nemesis suddenly resonates with a little meaning thanks to the repair job and extension certain events are given here. That's what I have always loved about this series. The way they connect the dots, fill in the blanks, and flesh things out and really make all parts of Star Trek truly feel like one big universe in the most epic sense. That's the way Star Trek always really was meant to be - not a weekly soap opera set in space like it has been in recent years.

Say what you will about Shatner, but he and his two collaborators clearly know this universe and love it and its characters passionately, and it shows. That's what Star Trek so desperately needs now. People that really care about it and love it to be in charge vs. those who want the quickest way to turn over a buck. The irony of that being: If you make quality Trek, you will make more money, because quality Trek always has had that universal appeal.

I look forward to each book in this series like I used to the Star Trek movies. To me, the stories within are that important and I consider them canon as far as I am concerned. I always tell people if the want to remember what real Trek is about, read this series, read Peter David, read Micheal Jan Friedman, and a few others.

I sincerely hope this series doesn't end, because it feels like it's my last hope for real quality Trek and the continuation of the "main" story. I understand that all good things must come to an end, but...I hope that's not for a long while.

Must read!

Yes,the Shatner books are totally "Kirkcentric", but its the best fun in all the current S.T. Books today...Yeah Enterprise sucks..This is why the near rabid intrest in the good old days and what happens next.This novel hits the balance of nostalgia and the whats next in the Star Trek universe..Berman and Braga should hire Shatner and his co-writers...They have the heartbeat of the Star Trek fans..can't wait for Captains Glory..Kirks been having it rough lately..He needs a break...
Great novel,great action and more importantly, it advances the S.T.universe storyline...Paramount..call Shatner..quick!!!

Star Trek: Captain's Blood written by William Shatner and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens is a genuine spot-on hit. A continuence of the storyline from the lack luster "Captain's Peril," Captain's Blood" is an Kirkcentric novel with twists and turns and plenty of action-adventure.

We get a blending of the main characters of TOS,TNG, and Voyager. Meaning that we have Kirk, Spock, Scotty, and Dr. McCoy mixed with Picard, Worf, Riker, Dr Crusher, and Geordi along with Janeway and the EMH. There is a nice interweaving of Kirk's son (Joseph) in this book, making for some interesting scenes.

The book opens with Spock's death, but is he really dead. The story is about a mission to Romulus to investigate Spock's death, but that is just of only 2 missions wrapped into one for this crew. Admiral Janeway sends Kirk, Scotty, and Dr. McCoy to investigate who killed Spock. While Picard, Dr. Crusher, Geordi, and the EMH are on a covert mission. All are on a space yacht called the Calypso which is a Q-ship and are sent on their why to Romulus.

Well, of course, they do not make it to Romulus but they are sent to Remus the planet the revolves around Romulus as the two planets were cleved from one proto-planet. Remus does not revolve so one side is always facing the Romulan primary and one side is always in darkness. Although both were settled by the same Vulcans the planets evolved seperate ways. Now, the Remans are the slaves of the Romulans which is the premise for a civil war between the two planets.

This book follows the events of ST-Nemesis as the Romulan Star Empire is in major disarray and Ambassador Spock is pulling out all stops as he attempts to reunify the Romulans and the Vulcans. Now, intergalactic war is a distinct possibility as in a public speach Spock is assassinated.

Trapped on Remus on the eve of a civil war with Romulus Kirk must find a way to end the conflict but finds a conspiracy of major importance and the truth about the threat that faces the Romulans. We get a hint of what to expect about the startling destiny of Joseph, and the final chapter in the book whets your appetite for what is to come in "Captain's Glory."

As for Spock, don't count him out as of yet... things look pretty grim from what is in the book but this is only the second book of a trilogy and there is time for miracles to happen. This is a well-written story that moves at a well-paced clip. You should finish this book quickly as the action-adventure plays out. This book is well worth the money as the story is interesting.

I hope that "Captain's Glory" will be as well-written as "Captain's Blood." Only time will tell as everyone else in the galaxy will know soon enough... the Peace of the Totality is on it's way.

I have come to know just a few things in life, and one of the more interesting and surprising facts is that William Shatner, with the calculated help of Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens' write some spectacular Star Trek novels. It all began with 'The Ashes of Eden' and although not every single novel has been a Grand Slam, they have all been pretty good, I would even go so far as to say above average for Star Trek novels. 'Captain's Peril' was I felt not the best from this trio of authors, but I still enjoyed how the story went from the past to the present and included so many of Trek's major characters, specifically Kirk and Picard. Shatner's novels have in general been very kind to all the major Trek series characters, from Next Gen to DS9 and even Voyager, and 'Captain's Blood' is no exception.

Talk about a tragedy! The beginning of the novel finds Ambassador Spock assassinated while on a mission of peace. My first reaction was one of absolute disgust. How could Shatner DO this to us fans? But then I have to remember that Spock was killed before and is still with us, so forcing myself to remember that this is science fiction, I continued on knowing that all isn't what it necessarily seems when it comes to this kind of story. Is he REALLY dead? THAT is something I will leave up to you to figure out, but I have a feeling you already know. Again, this story takes place shortly after the events chronicled in Star Trek: Nemesis, which I felt was a VERY under-appreciated Trek Movie, and seamlessly picks up with the problems facing Starfleet, Romulus and Remus. Featuring an expanded character list which includes Admiral Janeway and the EMH from Voyager, all major Trek fans will find this entry into Trek Lore to be a very satisfying one. There are MANY plots moving in this rather short story, but never fear, the authors are very much in control of everything, including the outcome. I now find myself looking forward to the next installment in Shatner's newest trilogy even more so than I was anticipating 'Captain's Blood'. I think it can be finally said: William Shatner not only was a great iconic leader in the Trek Universe, but he can also write some really great novels as well. This one is to be savored. Trek fans rejoice and enjoy. Mr. Shatner? By all means, live long and prosper.

William Shatner and his literary collaborators Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens have done a fine job writing about the "resurrected" James T. Kirk in several novels, of which this may be the best yet. It is certainly a major improvement over the first book in the current trilogy, "Captain's Peril". Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens have tied quite nicely the events of "Star Trek: Nemesis" with those in this novel. I found this a brisk, often exciting read, suitable for light summer literary entertainment.

Set in the aftermath of the events chronicled in the film "Star Trek: Nemesis", retired Starfleet captain James T. Kirk leads a secret Starfleet mission to Romulus, hoping to discover who was responsible for the public assassination of his old friend Spock, who was trying to foster unification between the Romulans and their distant Vulcan cousins. Soon he and his crew, including retired Captain Montgomery Scott, and his new dear friend Captain Jean-Luc Picard, will unexpectedly find themselves prisoners of the Remans and their Romulan allies in the Farr Jolan peace movement. Together they will unlock a secret and deal with an ancient enemy who holds the key to starting a devastating Romulan civil war which could destroy both the Federation and Klingon Empire. And Kirk will come to grips with the uncomfortable truth that his young son may be the person whose existence may or may not stop a potential Romulan-Reman civil war.

This is the middle book of a trilogy about Captain James T. Kirk, the captain of the USS Enterprise. Oddly enough, for the uninitiated, this story is set in the 24th century, that of Picard and company. Kirk was resurrected by Borg technology, Scott survived the ride from the Original Series years in a transporter beam and Spock and McCoy simply live through the years, Spock naturally, due to a long lifespan and McCoy with the help of a LOT of technology.

Now, this crew unites with that of Picard's Enterprise and Admiral Janeway to combat a new threat to the galaxy. Someone is trying to start a Romulan civil war and the first thing they do is assassinate Spock, who has been working tirelessly in the effort to reunite the peoples of Romulus and Vulcan.

Kirk's son is believed to be important to the population of Remus, the sister planet of Romulus. While he tries to investigate the death of Spock, the slaves on Remus demand that Kirk turns his son over to them. Also, Kirk encounters an alien from his past, a story that is told I the 1st installment of this trilogy, Captain's Peril. Read that to learn more about the alien and the origin of the young human-romulan-klingon hybrid that the Kirk's son.

With all of this going on, how and Kirk and Picard and the rest prevent a war that may sweep across the galaxy? We all know they will, the fun is in finding out how.

This book is easy to read and moves along well. When the final part is published, I intend to see how it turns out.

It's an interest book. But...why Commander Sela and Donatra
weren't there? I wanted to see that they're all right(;.;)

As soon as I got this book I couldn't wait to jump into it.
As I was reading the book I knew that this was another hit book for Mr. Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens team. I like the fact the story takes place shortly after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis.
It was a nice touch having Kirk's son Joseph be a part of the storyline in this one. I like the fact that they Had wrote that
Kirk be in charge of the Covert mission to investigate Ambasador
Spock's Death but have Picard, Geordi, Scotty, Dr. "Bones" McCoy,
Dr. Beverly Crusher as his crew. The story line was a grade A+
worthy of a Star Trek story. I thought this would make a great new Star Trek Movie, But Kirk lives on Book pages and not on film anymore..it's a shame. If you are die hard fan of Star Trek
universe and have read the books from Ashes to Eden to Captain's
Peril you will love this one if you have not read it yet.