An extremely fun yarn featuring the crew members we see less of. Very classic Trek in the best possible way.

enjoyed the stoyline as it was following Chekov and how it characterized him as a more mature character. ( )

What a disappointing dog of a novel! According to the Goodreads bio, “L.A. Graf” is a pseudonym for two authors that ostensibly means “Let’s All Get Rich and Famous.” After finishing it, a more accurate meaning would be “Lame And GReedy Authorial Feat,” as it would better convey its essence. While I appreciate their attempt to draw in some under-utilized aspects of the Star Trek universe (such as the Orions and the Sulu-Chekov-Uhura relationship), they employ them in a plot burdened by predictable developments and tepid pacing. It was an effort to maintain enough interest to finish it, and I would recommend other readers spare theirs for better books than this one. ( )

At first glance, I expected this to be just another Enterprise yarn. However, as I continued to read, it turned into an excellent character development vehicle for Chekov and Sulu. Uhura's character was developed to a lesser extent. Sulu demonstrates the capabilities that eventually lead to his own command and the groundwork for Checkov's elevation in rank in future novels is laid. Uhura shows the importance of cross-training when she has to help Sulu with navigation. The friendship between the three is prominent and the relegation of the "Big 3" to supporting roles makes this a refreshing change of pace. ( )

A standard Star Trek story in which the Enterprise is subjected to sabotage and murder by unknown antagonists while patrolling a volatile area of Andorian/Orion space. An okay read for a slow afternoon. ( )