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Star Trek: The Original Series #42
Memory Prime
Captain Kirk learns that one of the Federation scientists attending the award ceremony for the Nobel and 2-Magnees prize is marked for assassination
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 6, 2024
The Reeves-Stevenses have been among my favorite authors for a while, because of their works both within the Star Trek universe and outside of it. While this novel was good, it wasn't as amazing as I've come to expect from them.
March 5, 2024
8 July 2007 – **. What a ridiculous cover!
This Star Trek novel is written as a sequel to an episode from the third season of the original Star Trek show, entitled "The Lights of Zetar". In my opinion, it was not a particularly memorable episode. In fact, James Doohan protested his role, as he felt the romance between Scotty and Mira Romaine was out of character. I'm afraid I found this book to be made up of many implausible concepts beyond just the uncharacteristic romance. I mean, it makes no sense in the first place, for the Federation to have a "library planet" - and it goes on from there.
The most redeeming thing in the book was some exploration of the historical separation of the Romulans from the Vulcans. I'm not sure if what is told about that here is consistent with the official star trek universe, but it seems like it could be.
In the end, I found this book to be just a light summertime read. OK, if you don't think about it too much.
This Star Trek novel is written as a sequel to an episode from the third season of the original Star Trek show, entitled "The Lights of Zetar". In my opinion, it was not a particularly memorable episode. In fact, James Doohan protested his role, as he felt the romance between Scotty and Mira Romaine was out of character. I'm afraid I found this book to be made up of many implausible concepts beyond just the uncharacteristic romance. I mean, it makes no sense in the first place, for the Federation to have a "library planet" - and it goes on from there.
The most redeeming thing in the book was some exploration of the historical separation of the Romulans from the Vulcans. I'm not sure if what is told about that here is consistent with the official star trek universe, but it seems like it could be.
In the end, I found this book to be just a light summertime read. OK, if you don't think about it too much.
March 22, 2014
This book was okay. I found it hard to get through, but I have to give it points for pulling the wool so far over my eyes that I couldn't see the overarching plot until the big reveal at the end. I was disappointed with who the villain was, and the outcome of that, but conversely, was surprised as the resolution and its outcome.
December 8, 2019
A bit slow in places and there was a fair amount of action that did not involve the Enterprise crew but androids on the planet of Memory Prime. That wasn't all that interesting to me. However, the villain was well done and the glimpses into the history of the Vulcans and Romulans was great. The writing was strong. I've always liked this pair of authors. The end was action oriented and raised the level of the work. I enjoyed it.
January 17, 2019
Another solid entry in the Star Trek original novel series. The authors developed a complex plot and expertly captured the essence of the relationship between Kirk, Spock and McCoy. I recommend it.
August 9, 2015
So, I normally don't read Star Trek novels unless I have been assured that they are really very, very bad. So bad they're hilarious.
That was not the case with this one. It ended up on my TBR pile through a series of coincidences. I picked it up at a used book store because I couldn't find anything else I wanted on the shelves, and I feel guilty leaving book stores without buying something. Especially used book stores. So I figured, well, my sister loves these old Star Trek novels, I'll just give it to her.
Guess what. She already had it (though she had not yet read it.) Well, that's fine, I thought. I'll just give it to my friend who also loves these old Star Trek novels.
Guess what. She already had it (though she had not yet read it.) So I acquired a Star Trek novel. And if I have a book, I have to read it.
(Side note: I'm pretty sure the reason both of them had picked up the novel was because of the cover. Do you see Spock's face on this thing? It's this resigned, do-not-have-time-for-this-shit face. He's like "I'm on the cover of another novel. My shirt is torn. Is this not Kirk's thing? Do I not have science to be doing?")
Anyhow, much to my surprise, the book was actually quite good! The authors got all of the characters EXACTLY right. And they obviously know their stuff and took great pains to ensconce this novel logically within the larger TOS universe. I also really appreciated the fact that they seemed to take pains to add more ladies wherever possible. And actually give them stuff to do! No damsels in distress in this book. Uhura is fab - I'm wondering if Zoe Saldana read this book at some point and used it to inform her depiction of Uhura in the 2009 Star Trek movie because I could not help picturing her.
As for the plot, this book is essentially a sequel to "The Lights of Zetar", so if it's been a while you might want to rewatch that ep before reading. They do eventually summarize it, but not til chapter 10. I enjoyed the plot - I was able to predict most of it with the exception of a few details (ok, one admittedly rather large detail) which suits me fine. I like being a bit surprised.
There is a love story, but it's done correctly - which is to say it barely registers at all and doesn't involve either Kirk or Spock (unless you count, you know, their own love story. Which I'm pretty sure the authors ship. I mean. I have page grabs. I will upload them later). Anyway this love story is just sort of there and the woman involved with it? Still hella useful despite having feelings for a man. Imagine that.
All in all, a delightful surprise.
UPDATE: A few of my favorite passages...
Indeed, Mr. Spock.
I've died and woken up in a fanfic.
That's... that's a pretty significant pause there, Scotty...
That was not the case with this one. It ended up on my TBR pile through a series of coincidences. I picked it up at a used book store because I couldn't find anything else I wanted on the shelves, and I feel guilty leaving book stores without buying something. Especially used book stores. So I figured, well, my sister loves these old Star Trek novels, I'll just give it to her.
Guess what. She already had it (though she had not yet read it.) Well, that's fine, I thought. I'll just give it to my friend who also loves these old Star Trek novels.
Guess what. She already had it (though she had not yet read it.) So I acquired a Star Trek novel. And if I have a book, I have to read it.
(Side note: I'm pretty sure the reason both of them had picked up the novel was because of the cover. Do you see Spock's face on this thing? It's this resigned, do-not-have-time-for-this-shit face. He's like "I'm on the cover of another novel. My shirt is torn. Is this not Kirk's thing? Do I not have science to be doing?")
Anyhow, much to my surprise, the book was actually quite good! The authors got all of the characters EXACTLY right. And they obviously know their stuff and took great pains to ensconce this novel logically within the larger TOS universe. I also really appreciated the fact that they seemed to take pains to add more ladies wherever possible. And actually give them stuff to do! No damsels in distress in this book. Uhura is fab - I'm wondering if Zoe Saldana read this book at some point and used it to inform her depiction of Uhura in the 2009 Star Trek movie because I could not help picturing her.
As for the plot, this book is essentially a sequel to "The Lights of Zetar", so if it's been a while you might want to rewatch that ep before reading. They do eventually summarize it, but not til chapter 10. I enjoyed the plot - I was able to predict most of it with the exception of a few details (ok, one admittedly rather large detail) which suits me fine. I like being a bit surprised.
There is a love story, but it's done correctly - which is to say it barely registers at all and doesn't involve either Kirk or Spock (unless you count, you know, their own love story. Which I'm pretty sure the authors ship. I mean. I have page grabs. I will upload them later). Anyway this love story is just sort of there and the woman involved with it? Still hella useful despite having feelings for a man. Imagine that.
All in all, a delightful surprise.
UPDATE: A few of my favorite passages...
Indeed, Mr. Spock.
I've died and woken up in a fanfic.
That's... that's a pretty significant pause there, Scotty...
May 13, 2019
This was a deeply frustrating book to read. In many respects, Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens's contribution to the Pocket Book series — their first of what proved a long and fruitful involvement with the franchise — has much to recommend it. A sequel of sorts to the third-season episode "The Lights of Zetar," it returns to the concept of a central information archive for the Federation and expands upon it with the introduction of artificial intelligences called Pathfinders. Their addition fills a noticeable gap in the franchise's vision of the future, especially given their increasingly-discussed likelihood within our own lifetimes. Yet this is just one of a number of richly imagined inventions for this book, in which the Enterprise transports several distinguished scientists and scholars to Memory Prime for the awarding of the most prestigious prizes in the Federation. Among their number, though, is an assassin whose mission, if successful, could unravel the entire union unless James Kirk and his crew can stop him in time, adding an element of suspense to the story.
Or it would if the authors had been more successful. In this respect this book underscores yet again the inability of contributors to the franchise to construct a decent mystery. As with Jean Lorrah's The Vulcan Academy Murders, it's obvious far too early in the story who the murderer is, depriving the book of any real sense of suspense. While the plot is redeemed somewhat in last chapters with a final twist, this isn't enough to compensate for what is another disappointing attempt to blend together genres in the franchise. Perhaps some other author has solved the problem of writing a good mystery story in an Original Series novel, but at this point I'm wondering if the two just don't mix.
Or it would if the authors had been more successful. In this respect this book underscores yet again the inability of contributors to the franchise to construct a decent mystery. As with Jean Lorrah's The Vulcan Academy Murders, it's obvious far too early in the story who the murderer is, depriving the book of any real sense of suspense. While the plot is redeemed somewhat in last chapters with a final twist, this isn't enough to compensate for what is another disappointing attempt to blend together genres in the franchise. Perhaps some other author has solved the problem of writing a good mystery story in an Original Series novel, but at this point I'm wondering if the two just don't mix.
December 22, 2024
I don't want to summarise this one, so hopefully the blurb will suffice. It's a pretty good story, with pretty recognisable characters and pretty good connections to established lore.
There's a Commodore in the role of "badmiral" with a giant chip on her shoulder. She's out to get Spock and she'll take down Kirk if she can as well. It's a little on the nose.
When the crew aren't defending themselves they're having fun and that's what I remember TOS was like.
There's a Commodore in the role of "badmiral" with a giant chip on her shoulder. She's out to get Spock and she'll take down Kirk if she can as well. It's a little on the nose.
When the crew aren't defending themselves they're having fun and that's what I remember TOS was like.
August 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the plot and the characterization in this one! (There was one moment with Kirk that almost gave me chills, it was so on point.)
Unfortunately, my reading experience was bogged down by a bunch of confusing terminology regarding the technology. I have no idea how realistic some of that was because I didn’t even get what they were talking about. 😆
Unfortunately, my reading experience was bogged down by a bunch of confusing terminology regarding the technology. I have no idea how realistic some of that was because I didn’t even get what they were talking about. 😆
July 21, 2014
The first of many contributions to "Star Trek" by the Reeves-Stevens writing team, and it's still one of their best. Once again, authors realize that the best way to combine science & action/adventure is to fill a story with fully realized, sympathetic characters, overflowing with development & realism. Throw in some nifty ideas about artificial intelligence, and some lovely future continuity touches to the (at the time, brand new) TNG universe, and the end result is another solid, engrossing thrill ride with Captain Kirk & his crew.
May 27, 2023
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this one! It's a mystery with a bunch of other little mysteries tied up inside of it, and it's all done quite well. Excellent writing.
I'm not sure if we were meant to know who the Big Bad was or not, but it was clear from early on in the book. That seems to happen a lot with older Star Trek novels (or maybe it's me?). However, knowing who the perp was didn't matter a whit to the enjoyment of the novel, partially because of the knowledge it could have been a red herring, but mostly because there was so much other interesting stuff going on! A variety of suspicious moments, things and people seeming just slightly off, all with its little hints, a few fun twists along the way - the plot was varied enough to keep things interesting and the pages turning, but never so convoluted as to make it difficult to follow.
Our stalwart crew is in character, the dynamics among our main 3 are perfectly described, and a supporting character brought back from a S3 episode of TOS was richly explored enough to make me want to go back and watch that one again. The worldbuilding is fantastic and the authors' original characters are well fleshed out, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks.
I especially like the choices made with Kirk at the climax of the story and the descriptions of the Pathfinders' world across multiple chapters. The prose had me wishing I could visit Transition, too.
4.5 stars is an unusually high rating for me with Star Trek books thus far, as I'm reading them all in publication date order and a lot of the early ones were pretty awful. This is obviously not a 4.5 star book in terms of literature, but in terms of a Star Trek novel, it's really quite impressive. I can't think of a single plot point that was left dangling in the end, which makes me want to read it through again.
For me, the main point that brings it down from 5 stars would be the authors' inability to separate the world of Star Trek from the basic concepts of western capitalism. This is a common problem with the earlier novels, and where this book certainly does better than some others I could mention, the capitalist mindset of the authors is still painfully clear, and that knocked me out of the story a few times. But it's a small thing and will probably bother most others less than it bothers me, if at all.
Altogether, I look forward to rereading this one and I highly recommend it to any Star Trek fan. (You might want to rewatch The Lights of Zetar first.)
I'm not sure if we were meant to know who the Big Bad was or not, but it was clear from early on in the book. That seems to happen a lot with older Star Trek novels (or maybe it's me?). However, knowing who the perp was didn't matter a whit to the enjoyment of the novel, partially because of the knowledge it could have been a red herring, but mostly because there was so much other interesting stuff going on! A variety of suspicious moments, things and people seeming just slightly off, all with its little hints, a few fun twists along the way - the plot was varied enough to keep things interesting and the pages turning, but never so convoluted as to make it difficult to follow.
Our stalwart crew is in character, the dynamics among our main 3 are perfectly described, and a supporting character brought back from a S3 episode of TOS was richly explored enough to make me want to go back and watch that one again. The worldbuilding is fantastic and the authors' original characters are well fleshed out, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks.
I especially like the choices made with Kirk at the climax of the story and the descriptions of the Pathfinders' world across multiple chapters. The prose had me wishing I could visit Transition, too.
4.5 stars is an unusually high rating for me with Star Trek books thus far, as I'm reading them all in publication date order and a lot of the early ones were pretty awful. This is obviously not a 4.5 star book in terms of literature, but in terms of a Star Trek novel, it's really quite impressive. I can't think of a single plot point that was left dangling in the end, which makes me want to read it through again.
For me, the main point that brings it down from 5 stars would be the authors' inability to separate the world of Star Trek from the basic concepts of western capitalism. This is a common problem with the earlier novels, and where this book certainly does better than some others I could mention, the capitalist mindset of the authors is still painfully clear, and that knocked me out of the story a few times. But it's a small thing and will probably bother most others less than it bothers me, if at all.
Altogether, I look forward to rereading this one and I highly recommend it to any Star Trek fan. (You might want to rewatch The Lights of Zetar first.)
April 14, 2020
A very interesting idea done as a sequel to "The Lights of Zetar." The Nobel and Z-Magness prizes are to be handed out and they will be held on Memory Prime, home of the Federation's massive stored knowledge. The Enterprise will be transporting several scientists to the event and Spock is overseeing their stay on the ship. However, an assassin has been hired to kill someone at the prestigious event and the attempts on lives begins on the Enterprise. Troubles increase when an Admiral arrives to relieve Kirk of his ship and imprisons Spock without giving sufficient justification for either action. Meanwhile, something is off with the Pathfinders who are the artificial intelligences that work within Memory Prime.
I remember enjoying the assistance that the authors provided for Shatner's later Trek outings, so I was keen to read this. The characters' voices are spot on and I really enjoyed how gloriously hiss worthy Commodore Wolfe is, with Uhura's response to her on Page 198 spectacular. I also enjoyed Chapter 17, which retells an important piece of history from the Klingons' point of view. Plus, Kirk gets to take his shirt off for a portion of the book.
There were only two minor nicks to this delightful read: 1, the portions of the novel told from the Pathfinders' point of view took too long to get through and didn't provide enough information to move the story forward or advance their characters. 2, the assassin of the book was unbelievable for me, especially when it came to that organization's history. It was too much for me. Thankfully, these are only minor quips.
This was an enjoyable read for academics and assassins in Star Trek.
I remember enjoying the assistance that the authors provided for Shatner's later Trek outings, so I was keen to read this. The characters' voices are spot on and I really enjoyed how gloriously hiss worthy Commodore Wolfe is, with Uhura's response to her on Page 198 spectacular. I also enjoyed Chapter 17, which retells an important piece of history from the Klingons' point of view. Plus, Kirk gets to take his shirt off for a portion of the book.
There were only two minor nicks to this delightful read: 1, the portions of the novel told from the Pathfinders' point of view took too long to get through and didn't provide enough information to move the story forward or advance their characters. 2, the assassin of the book was unbelievable for me, especially when it came to that organization's history. It was too much for me. Thankfully, these are only minor quips.
This was an enjoyable read for academics and assassins in Star Trek.
March 2, 2024
Memory Prime by Judith Reeves-Stevens, Garfield Reeves-Stevens
Challenging, informative, inspiring,
mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
First, let me say...I liked the story, but STILL felt that it was a bit over the top. I just wish that there was a little more nuance to the villains, than the bashing of the hammer over the head.
The bad guys, were bad "guys", but a bit too mustache twirling for my likes.
Obviously, the crew of the Enterprise was amazing. Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock were the leads.
From the get go, you knew that something was afoot with this brash and pushy Commadore. Nothing good was going to come out of this interaction. If the book was written today, the heal turn would've been further into the story...and there would've been more guess work by the reader, whether the Commadore was actually bad, or just misunderstood.
In the end, the story is a lot deeper and deals with some issues that we are currently still working through...with AI and whether it is a "good thing" or a "bad thing". What are its real limitations and what are its real intrusions into a life less safe.
Honestly, in the years to come, I may actually read this book again. Sometimes, when reading a book...you put an opinion in the front of the actual book, then when finished...you regret having that opinion, because is limited your scope of the story. So, yeah...maybe a reread is in its future (and mine).
Challenging, informative, inspiring,
mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
First, let me say...I liked the story, but STILL felt that it was a bit over the top. I just wish that there was a little more nuance to the villains, than the bashing of the hammer over the head.
The bad guys, were bad "guys", but a bit too mustache twirling for my likes.
Obviously, the crew of the Enterprise was amazing. Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock were the leads.
From the get go, you knew that something was afoot with this brash and pushy Commadore. Nothing good was going to come out of this interaction. If the book was written today, the heal turn would've been further into the story...and there would've been more guess work by the reader, whether the Commadore was actually bad, or just misunderstood.
In the end, the story is a lot deeper and deals with some issues that we are currently still working through...with AI and whether it is a "good thing" or a "bad thing". What are its real limitations and what are its real intrusions into a life less safe.
Honestly, in the years to come, I may actually read this book again. Sometimes, when reading a book...you put an opinion in the front of the actual book, then when finished...you regret having that opinion, because is limited your scope of the story. So, yeah...maybe a reread is in its future (and mine).
July 18, 2024
TOS #42: Memory Prime by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Steven
This book was a disappointment. The writing was too dry and I couldn’t make it pass 40 pages. Compared to some of their later novels, which I would argue are some of the best (Prime Directive is the best Trek book imo), the writing didn’t feel as punchy or engaging as the others. The elements to make a great book are there but writing a sequel to a mediocre episode, the Lights of Zeta isn’t exactly a winning formula. I’m not saying it’s not possible as Foul Deeds Rise was a sequel to an episode I cared very little about (The Conscience of the King( but I ended up enjoying it. Also, I think this was also impacted by the experience I’ve had overall with their books and the very high expectations generated from that as I enjoyed their books so much.
3/10
This book was a disappointment. The writing was too dry and I couldn’t make it pass 40 pages. Compared to some of their later novels, which I would argue are some of the best (Prime Directive is the best Trek book imo), the writing didn’t feel as punchy or engaging as the others. The elements to make a great book are there but writing a sequel to a mediocre episode, the Lights of Zeta isn’t exactly a winning formula. I’m not saying it’s not possible as Foul Deeds Rise was a sequel to an episode I cared very little about (The Conscience of the King( but I ended up enjoying it. Also, I think this was also impacted by the experience I’ve had overall with their books and the very high expectations generated from that as I enjoyed their books so much.
3/10
December 19, 2024
I wish I could give half stars, this a 3.5 star book, but which for a Star Trek novel is very good. Honestly most are dreadful. The worst are just poorly written and dashed off. The better ones either have a good story or have the voice of the characters right but not both. The next level up, like this one both have a good story and retain the voice of the characters you know. Only a very select few say "Q-Squared, Kobyashi Maru and Yesterday's Son." Could be counted as a 4 star or better. This is a semi-sequel to the original series episode Lights of Zetar. I have a real fondness for sequels or continuations of lesser known or revered episodes. If you're a TOS fan it's well worth a read and keeps the page turning. Also the AI aspect is very prescient today more so than when it was originally written nearly 30 years ago.
March 7, 2021
Rating: 3.5
This is a really well done and well written scifi novel, but I'm actually not super into scifi. I was there for the Star Trek characters (let's be real - I was there for Spock) and while they were obviously in the book - and very well done - it took me a long time to even finish reading this because of all the non-Trek world building passages in here to slog through. Again, if you're into good, creative, wonderfully expanded scifi stuff than this book will knock your socks off! But for me, it was just like, okay can we get back to the main characters now? Still, overall it was a really good story.
This is a really well done and well written scifi novel, but I'm actually not super into scifi. I was there for the Star Trek characters (let's be real - I was there for Spock) and while they were obviously in the book - and very well done - it took me a long time to even finish reading this because of all the non-Trek world building passages in here to slog through. Again, if you're into good, creative, wonderfully expanded scifi stuff than this book will knock your socks off! But for me, it was just like, okay can we get back to the main characters now? Still, overall it was a really good story.
August 11, 2022
A whodunnit kind of mystery story with some twists and an interesting conclusion. It also can be kind of confusing to read as it requires you to follow a bunch of new terms and concepts which it doesn't explain very thoroughly, at least at first. It also follows the classic original trek trap of making spock the super genius that does everything while others just follow around behind. Also makes the overbearing superior WAY too overbearing and insulting to feel reasonable. But it has some funny and interesting moments, and the premise is good enough that I'm willing to forgive it.
February 12, 2020
Overall this was a pretty good book. It's a little slow in some spots towards the beginning but if you stick it out then you're rewarded with some amazing characterization and an interesting plot. It has some real shining spots that I believe outweighed the moments that didn't shine as bright . It was a good balance for the first book from the Reeves-Stevens and it makes me excited to read more from them.
May 12, 2021
I think the story overall was good and the tension kept ratcheting up. It does really make you dislike Wolfe and in the end you know her motivations but the whole time you just...well you just want her to have an accidental trip out an airlock... The Pathfinders and their part to the story was a bit hard to follow which was to the book's detriment as they played a key part in the story. Overall I did like the book but it didn't rise to a different level to take it above the rest.
August 21, 2017
This is my new favorite Star Trek book and I haven't said that for almost 7 years. Not only is it a great Star Trek book, but it is a great sci-fi book. I would totally buy in if this was set in a different universe with different characters.
A good twisty mystery with a generous helping of humor and dash of romance.
I will be buying this as a hardcover soon.
A good twisty mystery with a generous helping of humor and dash of romance.
I will be buying this as a hardcover soon.
February 16, 2018
Gar and Judy bring us another Star Trek book. Well, what can I say? I just didn't find it VERY enjoyable. I've read various Star Trek books, and it just seems like the TNG era is represented better in print.
July 28, 2022
I really loved this book! It’s one of my favorites! I thought it was funny that Jim and Spock sent messages to each other using their mothers names. A must read book! I was worried about Spock when he screamed. I really hope whoever reads the book likes it too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
first book of the year features spock with his shirt ripped half off and a villain with palpatine hands laughing maniacally behind him, feels good feels organic feels "this is the energy i wish to serve in 2024"
May 27, 2019
Hard to follow but generally ok.
April 27, 2023
Great book! Lots of action. Involves almost all the crew.
June 14, 2023
Not bad, a little confusing
June 30, 2023
It's fairly enjoyable, but not really my cup of tea, Earl Grey, hot. I liked the baddies back story though.
September 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this Star Trek novel. I enjoyed the involvement of the Vulcans and Romulans, and the look into robots and AI.
March 23, 2024
Interesting story line, but way too many useless details about pretty much everything.
Once I skipped that, it was ok.
Once I skipped that, it was ok.
September 4, 2024
Space conspiracy
Enterprise overtaken
Spock groks computing
Enterprise overtaken
Spock groks computing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews