Could Have Been Great

This book gives some great back-story for the characters in Star Trek: Discovery, but could have benefitted from some prodigious editing. The beginning and end are fast paced and interesting, but the book really bogs down in the middle. The author also seems to forget that we know that the characters in mortal danger cannot die, since this is a prequel, and spends too much time focused on their peril. There is also a sub-plot involving the planetary governor that could have been totally excised without harming the story at all. The performance by Susan Eisenberg is adequate, but she brings no life to the characters, unlike most other readers I've heard. She simply reads the book. If this were either not a Star Trek story, or at the least not a prequel, it would have held up better, but as it is if you are a fan of Discovery, and want to know more about Burnham, I recommend this. If not, skip it.

13 people found this helpful

A new chapter for Trek books

I like that there is a bit more variety in modern Trek audiobooks now. Overall, the novel does a good job at exploring more of the backstory of the characters leading up to the new series. There's no real spoilers here, but some of the material are covered in the episodes that have been released so far. David Mack has done a good job as always and this novel gives us insight into the characters and how the show fits into the overall Canon.

12 people found this helpful

Awesome Character Background Info!

After watching the first two episodes of Star Trek: Discovery I really wanted to have more information on the lead character Michael Burnham. This book exceeded all expectations on offering just that.

Now I am looking forward to the third episode of Star Trek: Discovery with a much better understanding of who Michael Burnham is. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you get a lot more character understanding the rest of the Walker Class starship crew commanded by Captain Philippa Georgiou as well. In addition, another Federation starship joins in on this mission, which adds a nice depth of additional characters, some you may be already pretty intimate with if you have watched The Original Series or read/listened to any of the TOS novels.

I thought the book had lots of character depth, great pacing and a wonderful action packed sci fi story.

As for the audio version: I enjoyed listening to Susan Eiseberg perform this novel. The first chapter I had to adjust to her voice (the more recent Trek books have been done by a different male pretty consistently) and after that, I was sold. She did a lovely job with her performance of this lovely Trek story.

7 people found this helpful

Good book

Good book. Well written. Explains a decent amount of the apparent retcons and contradictions. Also gives a reasonable amount of character background for the show.

It lacks the new Star Wars production quality as an audio book. The book is clearly read in a pleasant tone and easy to understand. But it’s just a person reading the book. Very little goes into interpreting the emotion and quality of each character.

6 people found this helpful

Feels like it was read by a Vulcan

I couldn't believe the lack of emotion in the narration. Intense interactions felt blown over and it seemed like the narrator didn't even care to put anything into it.

The story itself was OK, but not great. It definitely didn't feel Star Trek. More a generic sci-fi with a Trek skin.

I haven't seen Discovery nor do I have an opinion on the show, but the book is definitely a miss.

5 people found this helpful

Had to force my way through it

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The story was not nearly as engaging as I had hoped. Could be an age factor. I grew up on sci fi and fantasy, but this just couldn't hold my interest. I listened to half of it on a trip, and it was a while before I forced myself to finish it during commutes to/from work.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator really had a tough time it seemed with the male voices. This is the first audio book I've listened to where I am familiar with the characters and actors' voices outside of the book itself. I found her reading of Spock and other male voices to be a distraction. Had to imaging the voices of the actors whenever she did them. I probably would not have cared so much if I had no predisposition to how the voices should sound.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom.

4 people found this helpful

Writing solid, but details could be better

As a long time trek fan I have a high standard for details. There are a few times in the story where procedural items left me feeling a bit let down. Overall the dialog is exceptional and the story is strong. These two positives compensated for any loose ends.

4 people found this helpful

passable

if you are itching for more Discovery Era Star Trek then this book will give it to you.
it wasn't particularly good, but it definitely wasn't bad.
I do think the story could have been better outside the Trek universe and restrictions.

3 people found this helpful

Great way to understand Discovery

Released at the same time as the new series "Star Trek: Discovery", this novel takes place a year before the events in the pilot episode and after Captain Pike of the USS Enterprise has visited Talos IV. If you're an Original Series fan you'll better understand where "Discovery" falls in the Star Trek timeline with this reference to Talos IV. We have the Enterprise and Pike in this novel which means, of course, we have Science Office Mr. Spock. The relationship between Michael Burnham (the female heroine In Discover--don't assume names are gender specific) and Spock will make every minute you spend reading this book utterly satisfying. When reading a book based on an existing series I usually assume the known ships we encounter look as they do on the series. With the amazing set and special effects now available on ST:D in 2017 that were not available on ST:TOS in 1966 I suggest picturing the JJ Abrams version of the Enterprise.

9 people found this helpful

Far far better plot wise than I expected.

Definitely concentrated on plot development and intrique instead of the usual mindless homage to all things Trek. Great development of secondary characters plotlines. I was VERY pleasantly surprised. Ohhhh...and great narration to.

2 people found this helpful