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The Return (Star Trek: Odyssey #2)

by William Shatner, Judith Reeves-Stevens, Garfield Reeves-Stevens

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 934 ratings · 57 reviews

"Veridian III": A world has been saved, the U.S.S.Enterprise 1701-D lies in ruins, and one of the galaxy's greatest heroes rests beneath a simple cairn of rocks on a lonely hillside. But as a legendary Vulcan ambassador comes at last to the grave of his best and dearest friend, the adventure is only
beginning.

The Borg and the Romulan Empire have joined forces against the Fe...more

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 1st 1997 by Pocket Books (first published 1996)

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Mar 15, 2009 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Just reread this. I am still surprised at the complexities that William Shatner is able to write about. He is a good story teller. Neil and i find it funny how he writes about 'Captain Kirks' love life. But, have not found it offensive.

i enjoyed reading this one so much that i have pulled the whole series out to reread. looking forward to the Movie coming out in May:)

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Oct 25, 2009 Sean Randall rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Geordi, I have frozen my eyelids together. I am such a failure!"

that hasn't happened in the other 11 trek titles I've read in the last few months. this was Data, of course, and I must say the post-Generations setting of this novel explored some of the consequences of the movie fairly well. It is fascinating to note that Shatner's screen time as Captain Kirk was supposedly quite difficult for the other actors, and yet his novel characterises certain characters particularly effectively. Data and...more "Geordi, I have frozen my eyelids together. I am such a failure!"

that hasn't happened in the other 11 trek titles I've read in the last few months. this was Data, of course, and I must say the post-Generations setting of this novel explored some of the consequences of the movie fairly well. It is fascinating to note that Shatner's screen time as Captain Kirk was supposedly quite difficult for the other actors, and yet his novel characterises certain characters particularly effectively. Data and Worf are explored well, I feel; riker and some of the others a little less. It's still very much a Kirk novel, although there are indications that the ego has, if not diminished, made room for the new centuries characters.

"I'm very familiar with your early exploits and adventures with your Captain, But surely you of all people can understand that the dead cannot return to life?"
"There appear to be some of my 'exploits and adventures' with which you are not familiar."

Spock and Riker don't hit it off in the slightest, but I suppose some antitheses are to be expected. One area at which this novel excels is the plucking out of historical events and fitting them in - This snatch of dialog clearly refers to Spock's tangle with the Genesis planet, for instance. much of Kirk's history is brought up in one way or another (not extensively or in any sort of overblown way, but in an aid to recall and with deft handling so we never feel weighed down by history). What's impossible to miss is the fact that despite Kirk supposedly died, he's back in action and raring to go.

"Mr. Data, put us on a collision course with the Borg ship. I would like you to pull out at two seconds before collision."
"Yes, sir. I believe I would like that as well."

There's humour aplenty and action enough for anyone, and if we accept the postulate that Kirk 'had' to come back to make this novel (and the subsequent stories) work, this is a brilliant read. For those who feel Kirk's time is up, this may be a little on the sickly side. Kirk is portrayed as an excellent combatant, deceiver, computer-operator and pilot and it is perhaps a stretch, even for the inviolable kirk fans, that he's mastered decades of technological advancement in what is realistically no time at all. Nevertheless, the captain had a reputation to uphold and there's no getting around the fact that this is extremely well-written, easy-to-read and pleasing to boot.

The spirit of this book can be summed up quite well, by a passage on page 116 relating to Captain Picard and his forced interaction with the Borg. To conclude this review, it reads:

"Above him, a starship was in danger. Around him, Starfleet personnel looked to him for leadership. And on the thousand worlds of the Federation, an interstellar civilization unmatched in history teetered on the brink of extinction, to be saved or destroyed by what a single individual would accomplish in the next few minutes and hours. In the middle of action, there was no room for doubt. He could not afford it or allow it. He was a starship captain. It was time to make a difference."(less)

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May 26, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in a series of six books (actually, two trilogies). This series was my introduction to Star Trek novels, and I very much enjoyed these books. I actually read them out of order by mistake, and then re-read the whole thing in the correct order. Good stuff for the avid Trek fan!

(Note: if you think Shatner really wrote these books, you don't know much about publishing. His ghost writers, the Reeves-Stevenses, deserve the kudos here.)

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Jul 07, 2012 Dale rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's Star Trek. It's William Shatner. What More Can You Ask For?

Published by Simon & Schuster Audio in 1996.
Abridged

The audiobook lasts about 3 hours and is read by William Shatner, who is also one of the authors.

I admit, I picked Star Trek: The Return on a whim - the fact that it was read by Shatner himself was a big plus. Shatner is nothing, if not interesting. His book is much like the man himself (at least his well-known public persona) - lots of action, bluster, bravado, noise and Sha...more

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Jan 08, 2010 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. (This is set right after the Generations movie.)

Hmm. This book has some collaborators with it, apparently, and I think I can see the parts where they had more influence, for the narration rolls along smoothly and engagingly. Otherwise? There are parts where the text. Is like this. Like how Shatner. Spoke as James T. Kirk.

I understand that Kirk was the hot-stuff in his time, but in this he comes across as a serious Gary Stu in his ability to do everything and do it awesomely. The appearances of o...more (This is set right after the Generations movie.)

Hmm. This book has some collaborators with it, apparently, and I think I can see the parts where they had more influence, for the narration rolls along smoothly and engagingly. Otherwise? There are parts where the text. Is like this. Like how Shatner. Spoke as James T. Kirk.

I understand that Kirk was the hot-stuff in his time, but in this he comes across as a serious Gary Stu in his ability to do everything and do it awesomely. The appearances of other Star Trek franchises/characters is kind of what spares this book for me, like DS9 and TNG.

Data, in my opinion, is amazingly cute in this, still struggling with the influences in his emotion-chip.

"Do me a favor?" La Forge asked.

"It shall be my pleasure," Data said grandly.

"See if you can make it through the next fourteen days without a single curse word?"

Data shrugged. "Why the hell not?"

Data and La Forge are married, the end.

Also, the friendship between Kirk and Spock (and McCoy, to a lesser extent) is painted in very heavy strokes, but I didn't mind that at all.

"Can you help me?" Kirk asked.

"Yes," Spock said.

Riker saw the look of relief on Kirk's face. Then Kirk glanced at Picard beside him. "Good. Because I don't think I can kill him by myself." Riker raised his phaser again and aimed it at Kirk.

Spock moved quickly to stand between Kirk and Picard. "That is not what I meant, Captain."

Kirk lifted his hands to push Spock aside. "But, Spock... I have to..."

"No," Spock said, glancing back at Riker. "You are under the influence of the Borg programming...."

That's one of my favourite scenes, because it really summarises what the whole story is about and how Spock is dealing with his confused friend. Not to mention, it includes Riker! I love Riker. His dedication to Picard is legendary and dealt with well.

Another fave quote:

[Spock:] still hadn't figured out Picard's crew, other than that they worked as a team--and as a team, they seemed unbeatable.

I was so proud at that phrase, like I'm part of the TNG's Enterprise.

All in all, I'd recommend this book, if you're a Star Trek fan. The ending scenes were intriguing; if you can get over the staccato parts (they're not that much, honest), and you like anything to do with the Borg, and you can come to terms with the fact that Kirk is harder to kill than a cockroach, you'll enjoy this. (less)

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Aug 31, 2009 Bones Rodriguez rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't help it- I LOVE this book.

There will be many of the "Redshirt" Star Trekkers who hate this book because Shatner "wrote" it, or because it elevates Kirk into almost super-human status, or just because every character in both TOS and TNG is in it.

But that's why I LOVE THIS book.

This is one of my all-time favorite STAR TREK experiences. I have told many people that if they read it and don't enjoy it, that I would buy it from them. I have read it three times, and writing this review makes me...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Andy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great story with some of fictions greatest characters. The chemistry that has worked so well on screen and in book form has been captured here once again. Honestly, I could probably read (or watch) Spock and Kirk talk to each other about the most trivial of things, so this book was a wonderful retreat. I'm not a Trekkie, but I have a undying admiration for the original series characters and the mythology they spawned. If you're just a fan in passing or a die hard Star Fleet academy alumni, you s...more

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Apr 13, 2010 Bill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book, and the loftily titled Ashes of Eden, because I got them for free from a friend. They were actually great stories of the well-loved Star Trek characters. All of the events surround the Star Trek movie 'Generations' and, to be quite honest, blow that sappy, histrionic, plodding and inconsequential movie out of the water. Not that they are pieces of classic fiction, but they are not full of plot holes and the suspension of disbelief is largely effortless. I believe that this has...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Dan Contrino rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure how good a Trek book about the resurrection of Kirk would be but it blew me away. The action is fantastic, the characterizations are thoughtful and logical and this writing team really knows how to write dialogue for existing characters and make it believable. I hear people say that this is non-canon but it alludes to every other canon novel in existence, including graphic novels and film, and I haven't found any discrepancy that was not addressed logically. A great and fast read t...more

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Mar 09, 2012 A.M. Sawyer rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of the Movies, but not really a "Trekkie", so I was hesitant on reading a book involving Star Trek. I'm glad I did. William Shatner did a great job telling a very complex story, without risking losing the reader. There's a great sense of humor, even better dramatic elements, and an awesome plot that just kept building and building. The one thing I didn't like was how it attempted to connect this story with stories decades old. I'm referring to V'ger, and a few other elements as well. O...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: friend-recommended

I used to be a big fan of Star Trek but I started to loose interest when "Enterprise" came out. I also did not care for the pervasive humor in the Star Trek movies after Start Trek IV. This book was lent to me by a friend and I was unsure about it especially considering it was authored by William Shatner. I am using the hard-copy where pages are referenced.

I will admit that I did not get into this story until I was a least past the first third of the book. Many times a book written by someone fa...more I used to be a big fan of Star Trek but I started to loose interest when "Enterprise" came out. I also did not care for the pervasive humor in the Star Trek movies after Start Trek IV. This book was lent to me by a friend and I was unsure about it especially considering it was authored by William Shatner. I am using the hard-copy where pages are referenced.

I will admit that I did not get into this story until I was a least past the first third of the book. Many times a book written by someone famous is actually largely written by the co-authors but I do think William Shatner had significant influence on this work. He clearly understands the characters of James Kirk and Spock. Unfortunately the characterization of Picard frequently did not ring as true as Kirk's character.

Also, I found it telling that more than once you find anachronisms like "... he recognized the distinctive blue signature of Starfleet phasers" (page 19). Feel free to correct me if I am wrong but I don't remember seeing blue phasers since the original series.

I also found it interesting that there were more than a few significant references to Star Trek V (also authored by William Shatner). At least these point to a William Shatner authorship!

The book could have used another proof read too. You can expect to find awkward sentences like: "There're not my conclusions..." (p163) or "...Riker wondered if there such things as ghosts." (p200). Several such occurrences jumped out at me...

So if you can get past these issues, the story is engaging!

Spoilers Follow!

[spoilers]I could have done without Data's interest in swearing, it is unfortunate that we don't have Gene Roddenberry's guiding hand anymore, but in Shatner's defense, he isn't breaking any new ground here that wasn't already part of the Star Trek Generations movie. Keeping on the same subject of base humor, I also could have done without Deanna's reference to the cleanliness of Quarks holosuite.

Although I love Dr. McCoy and enjoyed many of his lines and observations, it is getting a little hard to admit that he is still alive at this point. One begins to wonder if any of these characters will ever pass in the Star Trek universe. For a character that didn't like the transporter does he strike you as one that would submit to three heart transplants?

The new perspective on the Borg was interesting. I liked the idea of each race having its own "Locutus". I liked the V'Ger tie in and the visuals of the Borg assimilation atrocities made this an interesting read!

I don’t blame William Shatner for wanting a more fitting final mission for Kirk’s character and in my opinion, this story does a good job in correcting it.[/spoilers]
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Sep 19, 2012 Richard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

INCLUDES MINOR SPOILER FOR THE 'STAR TREK: GENERATIONS' MOVIE.

Although not considered canonical to the Star Trek universe - instead being referred to as part of the aptly named 'Shatnerverse' - The Return is still a thoroughly enjoyable romp with some of Trek's most memorable and lovable characters.

Shortly after his death on Veridian III, as we saw in 'Generations', Captain Kirk's body is stolen from his simple grave and soon re-animated by Borg technology and implanted with fake memories. Only...more INCLUDES MINOR SPOILER FOR THE 'STAR TREK: GENERATIONS' MOVIE.

Although not considered canonical to the Star Trek universe - instead being referred to as part of the aptly named 'Shatnerverse' - The Return is still a thoroughly enjoyable romp with some of Trek's most memorable and lovable characters.

Shortly after his death on Veridian III, as we saw in 'Generations', Captain Kirk's body is stolen from his simple grave and soon re-animated by Borg technology and implanted with fake memories. Only they are not the only party interested in his resurrection. The Romulans, particularly one commander Salatrel, granddaughter of the Romulan commander killed in the Original Series season 1 episode 'Balance of Terror' seeks vengeance on the man that shamed her family. A shaky Borg-Romulan alliance has been forged with the main objective of the Romulans most hated enemy - Kirk - being re-programmed to assassinate the Borg's biggest enemy - Jean-Luc Picard - so that the Federation can be destroyed and assimilated.

Written by a man who has played this character, as well as acted alongside and opposite the other characters present, gives Shatner an edge on writing something like this where an "outsider", if you will, wouldn't quite capture the same magic. Each character is imbued with the personalities we have come to know and love over the years. You can imagine all the dialogue and body language being played out on-screen, perfectly imitating the characters they represent in text, and it adds a great deal of depth. Right down to describing Kirk's cheesy, hammy, 60s TV-era fighting techniques. Not afraid of a little self-parody, is Mr. Shatner.

A working knowledge of Star Trek does help in reading but is not essential. Aside from the nigh-on unpronounceable names of minerals and the odd piece of Klingon, Vulcan and Romulan language, the story is solid, the characters are exactly as you remember and the finale is as grand as only Captain Kirk and William Shatner could make it.
(less)

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May 24, 2010 Charles rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

A very solid, very enjoyable effort. I was surprised that it was so good and it really kept me turning the pages. As you can guess, Kirk returns in this book. He is resurrected by Borg technology to help destroy the Federation. All your favorite Star Trek characters are here, from Classic Trek all the way through Deep Space 9. Good stuff.

The book was written with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens and I have no idea how much is their's and how much Shatner's, but the collaboration certainly work...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Tracy Groot rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm a proud Trek fan and a fan of good writing, and William Shatner along with co-writers Judith Reeves-Stevens and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, delivers a really great story I had a hard time putting down. I was genuinely thrilled to discover a new team of Trek writers; I hadn't read a Trek book in a long time, and this was truly enjoyable, truly escapist, and made me run back for the next in the series. Hope Avenger is as good.

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Aug 06, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-trek

I absolutely loved this book. Shatner, in his infinite ego maniacal way realizes that there is a good story to be had in resurrecting the almighty Kirk for one more story. He writes Kirk as if he didn't play him for years, though, sometimes having him do things that are over the top, even for Kirk. Overall it was well written and engaging. I really got swept away in it and wanted this to be turned into a movie.

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May 19, 2011 Daniel Kukwa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-trek

I didn't follow the "Shatnerverse" alternate Trek storylines much beyond this book, but as a dark story of resurrection, despair, and Borg craziness, it's undeniably a fabulous read. If you ARE going to write the ulimate "Star Trek" continuity wank-fest, then it is best to do it in the style of this novel. Bonus points for putting Kirk at the helm of a Defiant-class starship: a match made in several heavens!

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Apr 06, 2012 Ethan I. Solomon rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's really funny to me that this is my favorite Star Trek novel, mostly because it has William Shatner's name on it. Nevertheless, the surprise return of a dead legend and the Borg tie-in were knocked out of the park in this book. I would recommend this series of books and this book in particular to anyone that reads and likes Star Trek as well, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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Aug 25, 2010 Cathrine Bonham rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was very good sequal to the movie "Star Trek: Generations" and I enjoyed it without ever realising that it was actually the second of a trilogy of books.

As for the author ship issue that so many reviewers bring up I will just say this Only Willaim Shatner could have come up with this story. And I don't maen that he has the ego big enough to resurect his character but rather that only he would know the charater well enough to do it believably.

Also I think that only he would come u...more

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May 13, 2013 Andrew Hocker rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wish this was turned into a movie! An excellent and complex story with a 'Keep you guessing until the end' type of quality about it. Shatner capitalizes on the already established characters while creating his own and breathing life into a story line we all thought was over. This is a must read for any Star Trek fan!

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Apr 19, 2013 Leo Baquero rated it 4 of 5 stars

Perhaps the adventure that every true Star Trek fan wants to see (read or hear). Kirk, Picard and Spock together once more.
Captain Kirk is brought back to life to defeat the Federation, but he ends up joining forces with Captain Picard, the crew of the now destroyed Enterprise-D and Spock to fight one last battle against the Borg.

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May 17, 2012 Mikael Kuoppala rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

"The Return"" is the second Star Trek novel written by William Shatner with Judith & Garfield Reeves Stevens. It follows the book "The Ashes of Eden" and isn't necessarily quite as good as its predecessor but comes very close.

The writing holds perfectly, once again implying that Shatner might be a far better writer than he is an actor. The plot is also well constructed.

The novel is written in a way that makes it feel like a motion picture, a style the writers seems to prefer and they use it...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Greg Lindsay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I was never a fan of the Generations movie. I just didn't think Kirk belonged in the future with the Picard crew. BUT it is part of the story so there is no use constantly complaining about it.
This book was better than I thought it would be. The characters remained true and action was never lacking. Great tie-ins through out and looking forward to Avenger.

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Mar 30, 2012 John Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shatner-s-ego, we-come-in-peace-shoot-to-kill

Borg. V'Ger. Ambassador Spock. Admiral McCoy. Post-Generations Enterprise crew. USS Defiant and Doctor Bashir. Kirk rising from the grave after being offed by Malcolm Macdowell. This is crazy enjoyable whackadoo fanwank "written" by Shatner and written by the Reeves-Stevens. Enjoy!

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Jan 08, 2012 Dan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-trek, shatnarrative

For the most part, The Return is a wild, enjoyable ride, with a few bothersome details. The Kirk-fawning gets a little old, but then again, the entire Star Trek franchise is occasionally guilty of that one.

Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2012/01/r...

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Sep 13, 2012 Harold rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't help but wonder ('though I've read a few of his books) if William Shatner has had help with the writing of these books ['cause they're very good! This was so very good--I could imagine it as a GREAT movie!

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Nov 05, 2010 Paxton Holley added it

Didn't realize this was the middle part of a trilogy between Ashes of Eden and Avenger. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Really good Star Trek tale involving alien science and the reanimation of a dead Kirk.

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Oct 21, 2010 Athena Braun rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, favorites

Kirk is alive again!!He is brought back to life by an enemy who wants Picard dead. Two crews work together (older/newer) to fight for the future..Very good book!!

"I am"..Spock began, then faltered ..."and always will be your friend"..pg.354

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Jan 06, 2013 Martin Willoughby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not brilliant, not terrible. Good way to pass a few hours.

What did strike me is the contrast between the two crews and how much was lost in between. Whereas with Kirk, Spock and McCoy you had the action, the logic and the heart, with the next generation crew you lost the heart and the humour between them.

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Dec 14, 2009 Manda marked it as to-read

Shelves: peaked-intrest

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 23, 2012 Brandon rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is o.k. The storytelling takeaway here is you should never bring back a beloved character who was killed in a previous story. I can't think of a single time that has gone well.

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About William Shatner

William Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won tw...more

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The Return (Star Trek: Odyssey #2)

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