Gauntlet (Star Trek: Stargazer, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Michael Jan Friedman (Author) "Captain's personal log, supplemental..." (more)
Key Phrases: vortex belt, helm officer, containment suit, Ben Zoma, White Wolf, Beta Barritus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Long before he took command of the Starship Enterprise™, Captain Jean-Luc Picard led another proud vessel through the uncharted regions of the galaxy: the U.S.S. Stargazer. Thrust unexpectedly into the center seat, the twenty-eight-year-old Picard must live up to the challenges of starship command -- and a crew that hasn't yet learned to trust him.

The pirate known as the White Wolf has been wreaking havoc across several sectors, and the inexperienced Picard has been given the assignment to stop him. Surprised at getting such a challenge, Picard soon learns that he is expected to fail in his duty and have his captaincy disgraced before it can even begin.

Given an untested crew and an impossible mission, Picard must beat the odds and apprehend the White Wolf -- but the pirate keeps a shocking secret that leaves Picard to make a deadly decision.

About the Author
Michael Jan Friedman is the author of more than forty science fiction and fantasy books, among them many Star Trek and Star Trek: Next Generation novels.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Star Trek (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743427920
• ISBN-13: 978-0743427920
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #736,529 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gauntlet is a wonderful read, April 24, 2002

By	J. McCain "Jim McCain" (Shreveport, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Prolific Star Trek author Michael Jan Friedman has a definate hit on his hands with Gauntlet. We have a book that is somewhat different from Mike Friedman's usual fare. We have a book whose story is character driven. There are no galaxy saving adventures, just people learning to know each other and trying to do the best that they can. Some succeed whereas others fail just as in real life. The story revolves around Picard being assigned to track down and capture a pirate. In the course of doing this we are introduced to some engaging new characters. Some remain at the end of the book while others are sent packing. The book is quick paced and never gets boring and is almost impossible to put down once you begin reading it. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Trek Novel/Series, September 9, 2003

By	g0ku - See all my reviews

This is the first book of the Stargazer series, but the series actually got a start by M. J. Friedman in ST:TNG Valiant. That was the first one I read. Afterwards I started on this series and found each one was just as good and on par with one another, my favorites being Valiant and Gauntlet. Gauntlet in particular does start off slow, but after the events of Valiant has some serious groundwork to lay. This crew is very young and still trying to find itself. They deal with many new crewman as well as newfound promotions in the best way that they can, and eventually reach a certain cohesivness by the end of Progenitor. I suggest this series to anyone looking to stray from the mainstream of trekdom and indulge in the enigmatic story of the unproven but able crew of the U.S.S Stargazer.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great series!, May 12, 2002

By	"lhs1701" (Singapore, Singapore Singapore) - See all my reviews

When I first came across the Stargazer series, my first impression is that "Oh no, not another series to follow!". I am also following the new Enterprise series and Capt Calhoun. I am a fan since STTOS, I had initially did not pay much attention to STTNG but after following the series, I feel it is the best of all the ST series so far. Because of this, my impression of Picard and his crew has always been on Enterprise D. Enterprise E did not form much of an impression.

Stargazer to me is a step on a ladder for Picard and did not warrant much attention. After reading this book and the previous one, I am more inclined to follow it a bit more closely.

This story again shows the ingenuity of Picard and his ability to triumph where others have failed. His crew is by far the most interesting (not the most colourful) when compared to Capt Calhoun's and Capt Archer's, at least in my opinion.

Picard was sent to hunt an outlaw. He was sent on a mission where he is expected to fail and take the consequences. A pawn in politics meant to bring down Picard's mentor. How well I can empthatise with his situation!

He triumphed despite uncertainties due to his inexperience. He grows more confindent with each encounter and there are leadership lessons within the story.

The story is fast paced and I went on reading till I complete the story. I am looking forward to the third one.