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Star Trek: Day of Honor #1
Ancient Blood
To true Klingon warriors, no occasion is more sacred than the
Day of Honor, when they pay homage to all that makes them
Klingon. But honor demands its price....
Worf finds his honor tested when he goes undercover to infiltrate
a planetary criminal network. How can he root out the corruption
on Sindikash without resorting to deceit and treachery himself?
Worf's dilemma is shared by his son Alexander, who searches for
the true meaning of honor in his own human heritage. Along with
his son, Worf must confront deadly danger -- and the inner
struggles of his Klingon soul.
Day of Honor, when they pay homage to all that makes them
Klingon. But honor demands its price....
Worf finds his honor tested when he goes undercover to infiltrate
a planetary criminal network. How can he root out the corruption
on Sindikash without resorting to deceit and treachery himself?
Worf's dilemma is shared by his son Alexander, who searches for
the true meaning of honor in his own human heritage. Along with
his son, Worf must confront deadly danger -- and the inner
struggles of his Klingon soul.
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
29 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Diane Carey
80 books122 followersDiane Carey also wrote the Distress Call 911 young adult series under the name D.L. Carey.
Diane Carey is primarily a science fiction author best known for her work in the Star Trek franchise. She has been the lead-off writer for two Star Trek spin-off book series: Star Trek The Next Generation with Star Trek: Ghost Ship, and the novelization of the Star Trek: Enterprise pilot, Broken Bow.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Carey
Diane Carey is primarily a science fiction author best known for her work in the Star Trek franchise. She has been the lead-off writer for two Star Trek spin-off book series: Star Trek The Next Generation with Star Trek: Ghost Ship, and the novelization of the Star Trek: Enterprise pilot, Broken Bow.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Carey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 6, 2022
This is one of the most frustrating and idiosyncratic of Diane Carey's Trek novels. It displays a solid command of the TNG characters, particularly Worf (although constantly referring to Riker as "Mr" and not "Number One" is irritating). The action and the violence is surprisingly visceral, distrubing, and certainly makes an impact. But the flip side is a very odd few that certain Federation planets can fall into such a devolved predicament as presented in the novel, a Federation diplomatic with an attitude to Worf I would term border-line racist, and a sub-plot set on the holodeck during the American Revolution that completely put me off. I am uninterested in that era at best, and bored by it at worst. So...a mixed bag, but it has its moments.
October 7, 2016
Hoo boy. The A plot of this book is largely interesting and intriguing -- it is a Worf story, which is a nice change, but I'm not sure it's great Worf characterization. However, given the little we see in TNG, maybe that's just a stereotype. However, the B plot completely takes over the book, in my opinion, and just drags the whole story. I understand the author likes old ships and sailing, and apparently even American Revolutionary history -- but I really came for a Star Trek story, not a lecture in how to sail. Certainly Trek stories can teach you new things, but the intricate details and literal "hey, let's describe how to load a rifle" and "he asked him to describe the sails", etc. It just bogged the whole thing down, and it became a story about the American/British conflict in 1770s, not about honor, Klingons, Picard and Alexander (of all combinations), and anything else the author might have been going for. I was really glad when this book was over, honestly.
May 30, 2023
better than expected by the end -- thematically tying together A & B plots and some truly great lil speeches about honor and war at the end. I could definitely see it as a TNG episode - plot contrivances, American centric/mythic view of history, and all.
September 27, 2017
The Klingons are not my favourite Star Trek species, they bang on about honour so much that it hamstrings their entire existence. Like with so many concepts on the Trek, they seem to use honour as it suits them; I want to fight, I don’t want to fight – honour permits it. The concept is so ingrained in the species and Star Trek Lore that a series of books all about it where written called ‘Day of Honour’, all of which told a tale surrounding the annual event in the Klingon calendar where they really get into the minutia of what honour means to them. ‘Star Trek The Next Generation – Ancient Blood’ concentrates on perhaps the best known Klingon of them all – Worf. Oh and his annoying son Alex.
The Day of Honour is upon the crew of the Enterprise once more and this is a special year for Worf as he wants to show his son what honour truly means. However, intergalactic politics have other plans and Worf is instead needed to travel to the remote planet of Sindikash to try and uncover corruption at the very highest level. It is up to Captain Picard to teach Alex about honour in the form of a holodeck adventure about one of Alex’s ancestors. The concept of honour will permeate with both Alex and Worf when their actions have real consequences.
‘Blood’ starts off in one of the most intriguing ways I have ever read in a Star Trek book; it is bloody with a capital B. The crew are tasked with finding two witnesses who are going to testify against the incumbent leader of Sindikash. Instead they find a ship in which everyone is dead, tortured by Klingons in a grisly manner. These opening violent scenes are a shock to a Star Trek fan as the books are usually full of people getting offed, but normally in a 12A way. Perhaps this would be a Trek novel that is a little different?
Any hope of this are short lived as the book soon returns to a normal format as the crew once again bend the Prime Directive. When should they interfere with the politics of a sovereign planet? When the outcome to an election may affect the Federation. This entire book should really be 20 pages long as Picard should have said that Sindikash is a planet free to make its own errors. However, this being The Next Gen, they cannot help but force the will of the Federation onto others. Although written in the 90s, this book has parallels in the politics of Britain today. I found this very interesting, but perhaps not what author Diane Carey was thinking about when writing.
Running parallel to the story of Sindikash is Alex’s coming of age story. This is unfortunately set on the holodeck, the worst location on any Starship. What you essentially have is two stories; an action adventure with Worf on a planet and an action adventure with Alex during the American War of Independence. Flipping between the two can be jarring, especially when the Worf story is superior by far.
However, as the book progresses, things start to come together. The choices that Worf makes due to his honour puts him up against Alex. The outcome is not as warm and fuzzy as you may expect from a Trek novel, but quite dark. Far from being a lazy reason to tar Klingons with the same brush, Carey actually uses the concept of honour to pose some interesting questions. There is enough friction in this book to make it an interesting read for Trek fans and the action scenes with Worf are good. As matters are so bogged down in all things honorific, it is not a book that non-trek fans should seek out.
The Day of Honour is upon the crew of the Enterprise once more and this is a special year for Worf as he wants to show his son what honour truly means. However, intergalactic politics have other plans and Worf is instead needed to travel to the remote planet of Sindikash to try and uncover corruption at the very highest level. It is up to Captain Picard to teach Alex about honour in the form of a holodeck adventure about one of Alex’s ancestors. The concept of honour will permeate with both Alex and Worf when their actions have real consequences.
‘Blood’ starts off in one of the most intriguing ways I have ever read in a Star Trek book; it is bloody with a capital B. The crew are tasked with finding two witnesses who are going to testify against the incumbent leader of Sindikash. Instead they find a ship in which everyone is dead, tortured by Klingons in a grisly manner. These opening violent scenes are a shock to a Star Trek fan as the books are usually full of people getting offed, but normally in a 12A way. Perhaps this would be a Trek novel that is a little different?
Any hope of this are short lived as the book soon returns to a normal format as the crew once again bend the Prime Directive. When should they interfere with the politics of a sovereign planet? When the outcome to an election may affect the Federation. This entire book should really be 20 pages long as Picard should have said that Sindikash is a planet free to make its own errors. However, this being The Next Gen, they cannot help but force the will of the Federation onto others. Although written in the 90s, this book has parallels in the politics of Britain today. I found this very interesting, but perhaps not what author Diane Carey was thinking about when writing.
Running parallel to the story of Sindikash is Alex’s coming of age story. This is unfortunately set on the holodeck, the worst location on any Starship. What you essentially have is two stories; an action adventure with Worf on a planet and an action adventure with Alex during the American War of Independence. Flipping between the two can be jarring, especially when the Worf story is superior by far.
However, as the book progresses, things start to come together. The choices that Worf makes due to his honour puts him up against Alex. The outcome is not as warm and fuzzy as you may expect from a Trek novel, but quite dark. Far from being a lazy reason to tar Klingons with the same brush, Carey actually uses the concept of honour to pose some interesting questions. There is enough friction in this book to make it an interesting read for Trek fans and the action scenes with Worf are good. As matters are so bogged down in all things honorific, it is not a book that non-trek fans should seek out.
January 18, 2026
Whilst a well written book with plenty of positives, I expected something a lot more Klingon centric for the first in the Day of Honour series however a good 50% if not more is set in the American civil war as Picard and Alexander use the holodeck to better understand Alexander's human ancestors. Some of the detail about sailing old ships was quite tedious and I don't pick up a Star Trek novel to spend time in days gone by America. With that said time spent with the two characters and the themes explored of family members at war with each other were interesting.
The other half of the book, Wharf is on a mission to uncover some murderous Klingons for hire, moralistic questions are asked around doing the right thing, should Wharf lie and potentially save an ally as well as the political future of a planet or should he uphold his integrity and stick with the truth. The lines become blurred as Alexander struggles to understand the motivations of his father. This was a great theme and a great way of exploring the Day of Honour, a proper Star Trek question of morality where no answer is necessarily the right one.
There are two scenes, at the start and near the end which are particularly bloody. Im only mentioning this because it felt like an R rated version of Star Trek, literally they open a door and blood gushes out like something from the Shining. Well what do you expect from Klingons?
Good book just not quite what I was expecting in terms of setting.
The other half of the book, Wharf is on a mission to uncover some murderous Klingons for hire, moralistic questions are asked around doing the right thing, should Wharf lie and potentially save an ally as well as the political future of a planet or should he uphold his integrity and stick with the truth. The lines become blurred as Alexander struggles to understand the motivations of his father. This was a great theme and a great way of exploring the Day of Honour, a proper Star Trek question of morality where no answer is necessarily the right one.
There are two scenes, at the start and near the end which are particularly bloody. Im only mentioning this because it felt like an R rated version of Star Trek, literally they open a door and blood gushes out like something from the Shining. Well what do you expect from Klingons?
Good book just not quite what I was expecting in terms of setting.
April 5, 2015
I found this one from a local second hand store and of course, when you find anything Star Trek in Estonia, you buy it. It is what I tend to do at least. I admit that if I had not found it randomly, the summary would probably not have spiked my interest enough to try an acquire it somehow.
I kind of struggled through this book, because whilst the core subject and plot were interesting, it was cluttered with all this... out of character behaviour and things that simply did not fit very well to the story in my head. I can not say that it was outright bad, as the political situation on Sindikash was intriguing and the idea of the holonovel also pretty interesting.
Two stars, because to me it quite literally was an okay book. I can not say I gained much from reading it, but I did not hate it either.
I kind of struggled through this book, because whilst the core subject and plot were interesting, it was cluttered with all this... out of character behaviour and things that simply did not fit very well to the story in my head. I can not say that it was outright bad, as the political situation on Sindikash was intriguing and the idea of the holonovel also pretty interesting.
Two stars, because to me it quite literally was an okay book. I can not say I gained much from reading it, but I did not hate it either.
March 2, 2012
Diane Carey is a wonderful Star Trek author, and she pulls this story off very well. Although Ancient Blood takes place several centuries into the future, one plot thread also gives a window into the past. The ending was slightly forced; I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that if you've watched classic detective shows (Diagnosis Murder, Murder, She Wrote, etc.) you've seen pretty much the same plot device previously. Still, it was a good novel, and I look forward to reading the other three books in the Day of Honor quadrilogy.
August 18, 2024
Worf has a chance to remove an evil dictator but he’d have to lie under oath, but is that honorable? Also Picard and Alexander have an American Revolution holodech adventure. Honestly this one is pretty weak, and is bizarrely gory. The holodech part ain’t bad though if you like historical adventure. Really only worth reading if you are reading the Day of Honor Series or if you like Alexander centric episodes.
February 11, 2024
I usually like Diane Carey's Star Trek books more than this one, but Ancient Blood didn't really work for me. There were parts of it I did like - the focus on conflicting ideas of honour, and what to do when the price for keeping your own honour falls on someone else. There's a very bleak ending to one of the threads exploring that idea, and I thought that worked really well, depressing as it was.
Half the book, though, was Picard and Alexander roleplaying the American Revolutionary War on the holodeck, as part of the latter's Day of Honour celebration. I always wonder, when I read stories like this, if the author mightn't have been better off going to write the historical fiction they've clearly always wanted to write, without the speculative veneer, but anyway: the parallels were a little too didactic for me. Worse, though, and what dropped my rating down a whole star: the fucking holodeck malfunctioned, AGAIN, and part of it evidently dropped on Picard's very bald head, because instead of leaving the holodeck, as was perfectly possible, he consistently took that child back into an active warzone, knowing that the compromised safeties wouldn't prevent Alexander from being hurt by, for instance, all the cannons and rifles being fired straight at them.
Of course Alexander is hurt, when a grown man attacks him with a sword, and Picard is livid. "What kind of swine attacks a child!" he cries. I don't know, Jean-Luc, perhaps the type of swine that endangers said child by letting them skip around a battlefield in the first place?! During the damn battle, for goodness sake. You cannot convince me that the actual Picard would ever do anything so asinine, but this version of him should be hauled up before the courts for child endangerment.
Half the book, though, was Picard and Alexander roleplaying the American Revolutionary War on the holodeck, as part of the latter's Day of Honour celebration. I always wonder, when I read stories like this, if the author mightn't have been better off going to write the historical fiction they've clearly always wanted to write, without the speculative veneer, but anyway: the parallels were a little too didactic for me. Worse, though, and what dropped my rating down a whole star: the fucking holodeck malfunctioned, AGAIN, and part of it evidently dropped on Picard's very bald head, because instead of leaving the holodeck, as was perfectly possible, he consistently took that child back into an active warzone, knowing that the compromised safeties wouldn't prevent Alexander from being hurt by, for instance, all the cannons and rifles being fired straight at them.
Of course Alexander is hurt, when a grown man attacks him with a sword, and Picard is livid. "What kind of swine attacks a child!" he cries. I don't know, Jean-Luc, perhaps the type of swine that endangers said child by letting them skip around a battlefield in the first place?! During the damn battle, for goodness sake. You cannot convince me that the actual Picard would ever do anything so asinine, but this version of him should be hauled up before the courts for child endangerment.
February 23, 2021
Enjoyed book, mainly because I'm a Star Trek mark. Somewhat convoluted A and B stories that were clumsily intertwined through out the book. Thought the character of Grant was an odd choice. A never heard before "brother" of Worf gruesomely sacrificed as a story point to relay the sense of honor to Alexander. Without a doubt Alexander is the odd choice of main character of this novel as it is truly his lesson to be learned. I imagine this book would fall somewhere between seasons 3 and 5 of TNG if it were canon. Would recommend to other Trek fans a fun story between Picard and Alexander (an unique pairing on many levels). Personally liked the inclusion of a Revolutionary War story as a fan of the time period. Characters seemed a little disjointed from their TNG selves. Picard, Worf and Alexander are really the only characters from TNG with any arc in this story.
March 15, 2018
I hate to do it but I'm 120 pages in and have to quite reading. I am just not feeling this book.
Worf's character seemed off the first part and not much exciting has happened to keep up my interest.
Worf's character seemed off the first part and not much exciting has happened to keep up my interest.
October 22, 2019
A Great Tale of Honor
Interesting tales of honor that seem to flow and build on one another. I only felt that some of the holoheck scenes were a lot too preachy and slowed the pace of the story immensely.
Interesting tales of honor that seem to flow and build on one another. I only felt that some of the holoheck scenes were a lot too preachy and slowed the pace of the story immensely.
September 22, 2021
This story was ok. I liked the part with Picard and Alexander much more than the part Worf. Worf's constant moaning about being around dishonorable Klingons was annoying and just not how he was portrayed in the show.
August 3, 2024
Boring and predictable plotlines, simplistic moralizing, and wonky characterizations, especially for Worf and Data. If all Alexander episodes were gonna be like this, it's probably better we didn't get more of them.
November 22, 2024
I was not expecting half of this book to be an American Revolution historical fiction novel, but honestly I'm here for it. Diane Carey is more than Star Trek, she also wrote historical fiction so this aspect of the story was extremely historically accurate and realistic.
However I decided to start this book the day after the 2024 election. When a major plotline is a corrupt election with a criminal as the main instigator. It was a little too relevant but being a Worf story, I was able to live through him vicariously as he feels the same rage I do. If only we could all solve our problems with a bat'leth.
However I decided to start this book the day after the 2024 election. When a major plotline is a corrupt election with a criminal as the main instigator. It was a little too relevant but being a Worf story, I was able to live through him vicariously as he feels the same rage I do. If only we could all solve our problems with a bat'leth.
March 28, 2021
Not bad. I thought having half the book in the holodeck would be annoying, but it worked rather well.
October 12, 2023
Ancient Blood is pot pie inside a cake.
December 5, 2023
Thought it was kinda fun how Alexander chose to learn more about his human ancestry. Also love the scene where Picard is saying what he can’t authorize as a way of authorizing without saying.
May 7, 2025
It focused way more on the b plot than I would’ve liked, and I wish there was more time dedicated to the relationship between Worf and Alexander, but overall a fine read.
April 22, 2013
This is the first book in a series of four, exploring the Klingon idea of Honour. Worf is sent to a planet whose corrupt leader is attempting to leave the Federation, not caring who she kills, lies to and cheats in the process. Meanwhile, his son, Alexander, and Picard, embark on a holodeck recreation of a skirmish in the War of Independance, so Alexander can explore what is meant by honour. Both missions face tradegy, horror and adventure, and both Klingons get to experience a very different view of what their honour actually means.
I really enjoyed reading this, although sometimes the words and feelings expressed by Worf didn't seem right for the TV character. But all in all, it was a good, original story that fits in well with the Trek universe.
I really enjoyed reading this, although sometimes the words and feelings expressed by Worf didn't seem right for the TV character. But all in all, it was a good, original story that fits in well with the Trek universe.
April 9, 2015
Worf has to go undercover to stop a criminal organisation. Meanwhile, it is Alexander's first Day of Honour and Picard takes him to the holodeck to find the meaning of honour. Beware, this has a surprisingly gory beginning, I was surprised at the horror and amount of description. If you like Worf, you will like this. Though I enjoyed the Picard storyline more, where he handles being on a real sailing ship when America wanted independance from the British. There's some nice touches here, but nothing outstanding. A good read.
July 17, 2012
I enjoyed this as a story and thought the holographic parallel was very well told. Ruining things slightly were Picard's use of the word "hogtied" and phrase "let's go get it done", neither of which seem to sit well in that mouth for my liking. Perhaps I've forgotten some of my Picardism; it's been a while since I saw any on television.
January 5, 2015
Diane Carey gives us a new appreciation for honor and innocent honesty in this philosophically deep and action packed story featuring the Next Generation crew.
See the rest of the review here: http://blog.ussangstrom.com/?p=119
See the rest of the review here: http://blog.ussangstrom.com/?p=119
June 18, 2009
Yes I admit to reading books like this in between smartypants books.
Snack books like give the brain some down time in between "literature."
Also, I <3 Klingons.
Snack books like give the brain some down time in between "literature."
Also, I <3 Klingons.
July 7, 2010
a star trek book, not the best, not the worst
May 14, 2011
Might be the last Star Trek book I ever read. Picked it up on the MWR bookshelf. Not that good.
June 22, 2017
Another decent installment in an OK series. No glowing praises for it, though.
April 10, 2014
was awesome
June 16, 2014
Ever since Diane Carey's early Trek work (the Mary Sues known as Dreadnought! and Battlestations!) she has annoying tossed sailing into her books. She really needs to stop as it ruined a good story.
September 14, 2014
3.5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews