I have been a Star Trek fan since I was a young child. I originally saw the movie, before I read the book. However reading the book was better as it went into more detail about the crew and the star ships. The story goes into more detail then the movie does and explains things a little better between the Romulan attack to the different relationships and characteristics of the crew members. Everything is beautifully written giving you a sense that you yourself are going through a science fictional experience.