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Star Trek: New Frontier #21
The Returned, Part 3
The final installment in a brand-new three-part digital-first Star New Frontier e-novel from New York Times bestselling author Peter David!Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the U.S.S. Excalibur are back, picking up three months after the stunning events depicted in New Blind Man’s Bluff. Calhoun's search of Xenex has failed to find any survivors, and now he is bound and determined to track down the race that killed them—the D'myurj and their associates, the Brethren—and exact vengeance upon them. His search will take the Excalibur crew into a pocket universe, where he discovers not only the homeworld of the D’myurj, but another race that shares Calhoun's determination to obliterate his opponents. But is this new race truly an ally…or an even greater threat?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
43 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,356 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 31, 2018
Definitely the most exciting and action-packed of The Returned trilogy in the Captain Calhoun world, part three takes a dark turn at times, and there are twists no reader could have foreseen. In some respects, this one reads like a writer taking the more outlandish elements of the New Frontier series to their extremes, which another reviewer also noted. That can be a bad thing if you’re a wholehearted devotee of New Frontier. But if that’s put aside — in fact, put this entire trilogy put aside from that — this is a fast, fun read, with twists and turns worthy of a very good pulp story. And that’s basically how I viewed this third and final entry in the trilogy once it got going.
I’ll assume you’ve read the first two entries if you’re here, but if you haven’t, a few things may be viewed as spoilers. There is, in fact, so much that happens in this one, it’s hard to know where to start. At the same time, I don’t want to give away too much. It begins with a brutal, action-filled opening, with Calhoun trying to beat someone to death — literally. The focus shifts quickly from Mackenzie’s bloodlust to trying to keep the powerful Dayans out of our galaxy because, apparently, they’re intent on destroying all sentient life — not just D’myurj. Well, well…
At the end of the second entry, Q appeared to shake things up for McHenry and Robin Lefler, and the baby Cwansi. Yep, Q is the Awesome, and he wants to see just how much power McHenry has. Q decides a contest should ensue, with all the trappings of a Roman battle in the…Well, you get the idea, but what isn’t conveyed is the darkness present here. Rather than Q being a childishly endearing rogue who sometimes gets out of hand, Peter David writes him somewhat out of character, a bit mean-spirited. What happens with the child Cwansi, which I won’t say more about, is an example.
Also out of left field, we get some of the Soleta/Calhoun situation — which could have been quite charming — taken to extreme levels. Very extreme. It works out with the author’s explanation, but it seems a poor idea executed rather poorly. Again, it’s like an author unrestrained, where no idea, no matter how contrary to the characters, is given the green light. I can’t stand Shelby, not in the television series, or the ST books. I’d love nothing better than a flip, with Calhoun and Soleta hooking up instead. But this way? And worse, the author cops out at the end, so that doesn’t happen, while at the same time revealing a huge — and I mean huge — story element, then leaving it completely unresolved. A trilogy is supposed to wrap things up with the third entry, not leave something that monumental hanging in the air.
Because this basically felt like a fun pulp version of New Frontier, happenstance plays a large part in people showing up just in the nick of time to save one another; at one point, Calhoun and Soleta are floating in open space! But, that’s the fun of this one. It’s a quick, thrilling read which is never, ever boring, and Peter David does manage to wrap up most of the story-lines from Thallonian space. The third entry is, however, darker than the first two in overall tone. I went with it all, and while annoyed at some events, it was such a fun read I’ll still rate it very high — probably 4.3 for me. If you scrutinize this one too hard, however, rather than just enjoying the ride, you might rate it somewhat lower.
I’ll assume you’ve read the first two entries if you’re here, but if you haven’t, a few things may be viewed as spoilers. There is, in fact, so much that happens in this one, it’s hard to know where to start. At the same time, I don’t want to give away too much. It begins with a brutal, action-filled opening, with Calhoun trying to beat someone to death — literally. The focus shifts quickly from Mackenzie’s bloodlust to trying to keep the powerful Dayans out of our galaxy because, apparently, they’re intent on destroying all sentient life — not just D’myurj. Well, well…
At the end of the second entry, Q appeared to shake things up for McHenry and Robin Lefler, and the baby Cwansi. Yep, Q is the Awesome, and he wants to see just how much power McHenry has. Q decides a contest should ensue, with all the trappings of a Roman battle in the…Well, you get the idea, but what isn’t conveyed is the darkness present here. Rather than Q being a childishly endearing rogue who sometimes gets out of hand, Peter David writes him somewhat out of character, a bit mean-spirited. What happens with the child Cwansi, which I won’t say more about, is an example.
Also out of left field, we get some of the Soleta/Calhoun situation — which could have been quite charming — taken to extreme levels. Very extreme. It works out with the author’s explanation, but it seems a poor idea executed rather poorly. Again, it’s like an author unrestrained, where no idea, no matter how contrary to the characters, is given the green light. I can’t stand Shelby, not in the television series, or the ST books. I’d love nothing better than a flip, with Calhoun and Soleta hooking up instead. But this way? And worse, the author cops out at the end, so that doesn’t happen, while at the same time revealing a huge — and I mean huge — story element, then leaving it completely unresolved. A trilogy is supposed to wrap things up with the third entry, not leave something that monumental hanging in the air.
Because this basically felt like a fun pulp version of New Frontier, happenstance plays a large part in people showing up just in the nick of time to save one another; at one point, Calhoun and Soleta are floating in open space! But, that’s the fun of this one. It’s a quick, thrilling read which is never, ever boring, and Peter David does manage to wrap up most of the story-lines from Thallonian space. The third entry is, however, darker than the first two in overall tone. I went with it all, and while annoyed at some events, it was such a fun read I’ll still rate it very high — probably 4.3 for me. If you scrutinize this one too hard, however, rather than just enjoying the ride, you might rate it somewhat lower.
September 13, 2015
New Frontier fans will be happy to see the gang back together, and the story features Peter David's usual whimsy and dabbling in darker story ideas. I would have liked to have seen a deeper exploration of some of the issues at the heart of the story, but that is not to be. Still, I don't think you should skip this if you enjoy New Frontier. There are some developments that are important going forward, and I do truly hope that New Frontier continues to go forward.
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/09/N...
Full review: http://treklit.blogspot.com/2015/09/N...
August 25, 2025
Calhoun’s Revenge and Q
I don’t really like how Peter David ends his books. They then flow into the next one and then you end up reading book after book after book which ain’t too bad a way of spending time.
Q creates mischief throughout the planet Thallion! Good character development, good timing throughout the story. A few loose ends, but that’s fine. Some surprises.
I don’t really like how Peter David ends his books. They then flow into the next one and then you end up reading book after book after book which ain’t too bad a way of spending time.
Q creates mischief throughout the planet Thallion! Good character development, good timing throughout the story. A few loose ends, but that’s fine. Some surprises.
September 6, 2015
An attempt to flip the script leaves characters out of sorts.
At the end of Star Trek The Returned Part II, Peter David set the stage for the final battle between the forces he so carefully placed upon the chess board. Now, in Part III, we watch as those opponents square off in a nail-biting fight to the death.
Meckenzie Calhoun, now free from his manic quest for genocide against those whom destroyed his race, is now face-to-face with his new enemy in an even more dangerous quest to prevent them from getting to the Milky Way Galaxy and to end their evil attempt to rid the Universe of all sentient life. Meanwhile, Robin Lefler and Mark Henry have now paired up in both their ongoing struggle against those who would see the death of young Prince Swan and against the all powerful Q. And last but not least, a once trusted crew member whom lost her trust and respect, works hard to regain it when life and death dangles by a thread.
So the three main story arcs from the first two installments carry on into the third, but you may be asking why I would give this one only three stars when I gave the first to installments such high praise. Well, to be perfectly honest, Peter David crossed a line in this third one that I still have yet to forgive him for - and I read this over a month ago.
In Part three, Peter David attempts to flip the script in many ways, both in story and in character plots. We watch as Mackenzie turned from being hellbent on destroying the race that destroyed his, only to be cut off at the knees by this new but extremely deadly force with incredibly well mannered speech. This introduction eventually showed Mackenzie the error in his genocidal rage, but it also took away his end purpose and taking away much of his purpose in the book. But that arch is the least of my complaints.
Second is the interaction between Mackenzie and Soleta. It appears that Peter David wanted to not pull any punches in this trilogy and decided to push the envelope with his characters interactions. This event, which I won't describe in detail, was shocking to say the least. A violation so intense will leave some readers surprised at just how out of left field it is. But even though Soleta crosses a very wide line with Mackenzie, Peter David does find a way to sort things out in the end, and most is forgiven between the characters. But last is the offense I have yet to forgive.
About half way through the book, Peter decides to push the envelope as far as it will go. Q and Mark Henry finally have their dual, a dual that Peter cleverly lays out in a way that harkens back to the old TNG TV days. But the interaction between Q and Henry is not where my issue lies, rather in an act that Q perpetrates on young Prince Swan in a scene that I will describe below. If you wish not to read the spoiler jump one paragraph down.
In this scene, Q, as described by Peter, assaults young Swan in a very aggressive manner that is completely out of norm for Q. In a battle with Robin and Henry, Peter describes not only the dropping of the child but also the removal of the babies lungs, a scene that leaves the young child gasping for air with nonexistent organs. In all my years of following Trek and being a fan of Q, I have never known him to be cruel for cruel sake. This scene is way outside his established personality and has no place in his character. I'm not sure why Peter found it necessary to have this scene included, even though the ending of Part III tries to iron it out, but to me it is so over the top and not at all what Q is, that it has left me offended to this very day.
So, even though Part III has many issues that take some of the shine off of what Part II and Part I set up, it is still one of Peter David's better works. There are things I would have not done, and many things I would not have thought of, but in the end this series is true to what the New Frontier has always been...fun.
A decent ending to the series. Give it a read.
*Offered in exchange for an honest review.
At the end of Star Trek The Returned Part II, Peter David set the stage for the final battle between the forces he so carefully placed upon the chess board. Now, in Part III, we watch as those opponents square off in a nail-biting fight to the death.
Meckenzie Calhoun, now free from his manic quest for genocide against those whom destroyed his race, is now face-to-face with his new enemy in an even more dangerous quest to prevent them from getting to the Milky Way Galaxy and to end their evil attempt to rid the Universe of all sentient life. Meanwhile, Robin Lefler and Mark Henry have now paired up in both their ongoing struggle against those who would see the death of young Prince Swan and against the all powerful Q. And last but not least, a once trusted crew member whom lost her trust and respect, works hard to regain it when life and death dangles by a thread.
So the three main story arcs from the first two installments carry on into the third, but you may be asking why I would give this one only three stars when I gave the first to installments such high praise. Well, to be perfectly honest, Peter David crossed a line in this third one that I still have yet to forgive him for - and I read this over a month ago.
In Part three, Peter David attempts to flip the script in many ways, both in story and in character plots. We watch as Mackenzie turned from being hellbent on destroying the race that destroyed his, only to be cut off at the knees by this new but extremely deadly force with incredibly well mannered speech. This introduction eventually showed Mackenzie the error in his genocidal rage, but it also took away his end purpose and taking away much of his purpose in the book. But that arch is the least of my complaints.
Second is the interaction between Mackenzie and Soleta. It appears that Peter David wanted to not pull any punches in this trilogy and decided to push the envelope with his characters interactions. This event, which I won't describe in detail, was shocking to say the least. A violation so intense will leave some readers surprised at just how out of left field it is. But even though Soleta crosses a very wide line with Mackenzie, Peter David does find a way to sort things out in the end, and most is forgiven between the characters. But last is the offense I have yet to forgive.
About half way through the book, Peter decides to push the envelope as far as it will go. Q and Mark Henry finally have their dual, a dual that Peter cleverly lays out in a way that harkens back to the old TNG TV days. But the interaction between Q and Henry is not where my issue lies, rather in an act that Q perpetrates on young Prince Swan in a scene that I will describe below. If you wish not to read the spoiler jump one paragraph down.
In this scene, Q, as described by Peter, assaults young Swan in a very aggressive manner that is completely out of norm for Q. In a battle with Robin and Henry, Peter describes not only the dropping of the child but also the removal of the babies lungs, a scene that leaves the young child gasping for air with nonexistent organs. In all my years of following Trek and being a fan of Q, I have never known him to be cruel for cruel sake. This scene is way outside his established personality and has no place in his character. I'm not sure why Peter found it necessary to have this scene included, even though the ending of Part III tries to iron it out, but to me it is so over the top and not at all what Q is, that it has left me offended to this very day.
So, even though Part III has many issues that take some of the shine off of what Part II and Part I set up, it is still one of Peter David's better works. There are things I would have not done, and many things I would not have thought of, but in the end this series is true to what the New Frontier has always been...fun.
A decent ending to the series. Give it a read.
*Offered in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
Part two left me wanting more and then I had to wait for approval for this review copy and time passed. And passed some more and finally I had a copy of part three and a window in which to read it. Finally… Started it last week and immediately realized too much time had passed and I had forgotten where the story left off. This is why I write reviews people, so I can remember what the hell is going on in the series I follow. Once I had refreshed my memory I was all What-the-Hell over the direction the author took this last part of the story. I going to confess, I wasn’t a fan of how this mini-series ended.
Alright mini-spoiler, but mostly for part two not this one. Q popped up at the end of the second story and while I love Q, I should have realized that this had the potential to lead to some serious plot twists. Q’s story line was mainly linked to the Lefler/McHenry plot thread. This part of the story turned quite strange and quickly turned me off. It is the moment when the story jumped the shark and left me wishing Q had never even entered the plot at all. Calhoun had his own out-of-character moment, but that was limited to a few pages in the beginning of the book. Then there is this whole out of the blue inappropriate and awkward scene between Calhoun and Soleta that was setting up some issues for future books if David decides he wants to continue the series.
Quite frankly after reading this story I’m not sure I want to continue on at all or even go back and catch up with the earlier books (I left off at book 4). This story was all over the place and pretty unbelievable at times. Now Trek can be pretty tongue in cheek at times, but this was over the top. My biggest pet peeve was the convenient character popping back in at just the right spot and time to save the day. Once or even twice is alright, but it happen far too often in this story. I struggled with this part and almost set it down several times. If it wasn’t so short I probably would have. The book just felt like the author didn’t give a damn. Like he had lost interest in these characters and their world, but felt obliged to finish the story.
I’m not done with Trek Fiction, but I might be done with this author’s contributions for a while. This book just felt rushed and was a bit too off the wall for my taste. I’m not sorry I read it, but I turned me off of the series a bit.
Part two left me wanting more and then I had to wait for approval for this review copy and time passed. And passed some more and finally I had a copy of part three and a window in which to read it. Finally… Started it last week and immediately realized too much time had passed and I had forgotten where the story left off. This is why I write reviews people, so I can remember what the hell is going on in the series I follow. Once I had refreshed my memory I was all What-the-Hell over the direction the author took this last part of the story. I going to confess, I wasn’t a fan of how this mini-series ended.
Alright mini-spoiler, but mostly for part two not this one. Q popped up at the end of the second story and while I love Q, I should have realized that this had the potential to lead to some serious plot twists. Q’s story line was mainly linked to the Lefler/McHenry plot thread. This part of the story turned quite strange and quickly turned me off. It is the moment when the story jumped the shark and left me wishing Q had never even entered the plot at all. Calhoun had his own out-of-character moment, but that was limited to a few pages in the beginning of the book. Then there is this whole out of the blue inappropriate and awkward scene between Calhoun and Soleta that was setting up some issues for future books if David decides he wants to continue the series.
Quite frankly after reading this story I’m not sure I want to continue on at all or even go back and catch up with the earlier books (I left off at book 4). This story was all over the place and pretty unbelievable at times. Now Trek can be pretty tongue in cheek at times, but this was over the top. My biggest pet peeve was the convenient character popping back in at just the right spot and time to save the day. Once or even twice is alright, but it happen far too often in this story. I struggled with this part and almost set it down several times. If it wasn’t so short I probably would have. The book just felt like the author didn’t give a damn. Like he had lost interest in these characters and their world, but felt obliged to finish the story.
I’m not done with Trek Fiction, but I might be done with this author’s contributions for a while. This book just felt rushed and was a bit too off the wall for my taste. I’m not sorry I read it, but I turned me off of the series a bit.
August 28, 2015
I can't tell you the number of times I was thanking the good folks over at NetGalley and Pocket Books for giving me a digital ARC of this e-novella.
Picking up where the second part left off (and with a cliffhanger that had me absolutely flummoxed), the third and final installment in "The Returned" is everything I hoped it would be and then some. I can only hope lots and lots of people buy this and that Pocket will give us more of the New Frontier. And I hope that if we get more that David will have time in his schedule so we won't have to wait four years for the next installment.
The revelation of who is really behind the Awesome on New Thallon ended part two and had me hooked for part three. But there was also the growing threat to the Federation and Calhoun's own increasingly questionable choices. I'm happy to report (hopefully without too many spoilers) that David pays off every single thread in the final installment. And thankfully, while one threat is wrapped up, there are still new things put into play that leave me wanting more and wanting it as soon as possible.
With his typical compulsively readable style and superb character work, David once again affirms why he's one of the best writers in the business -- tie-in novel or otherwise. These books put a big grin on my face and made me recall what it is I love about Star Trek -- the entire franchise and not only the New Frontier.
This three part series is easily one of the best things I've read this summer.
Now, Pocket Books, I beg you -- please give us more.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this e-novella from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Picking up where the second part left off (and with a cliffhanger that had me absolutely flummoxed), the third and final installment in "The Returned" is everything I hoped it would be and then some. I can only hope lots and lots of people buy this and that Pocket will give us more of the New Frontier. And I hope that if we get more that David will have time in his schedule so we won't have to wait four years for the next installment.
The revelation of who is really behind the Awesome on New Thallon ended part two and had me hooked for part three. But there was also the growing threat to the Federation and Calhoun's own increasingly questionable choices. I'm happy to report (hopefully without too many spoilers) that David pays off every single thread in the final installment. And thankfully, while one threat is wrapped up, there are still new things put into play that leave me wanting more and wanting it as soon as possible.
With his typical compulsively readable style and superb character work, David once again affirms why he's one of the best writers in the business -- tie-in novel or otherwise. These books put a big grin on my face and made me recall what it is I love about Star Trek -- the entire franchise and not only the New Frontier.
This three part series is easily one of the best things I've read this summer.
Now, Pocket Books, I beg you -- please give us more.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this e-novella from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2015
Spoilers: human nature and story line woefully lacking
Really? Part of the story was good. But, the sexual assault, the "oh, it's okay", the life of the child, cwansi. It's like the story was written, and then the Peter David got to the end, and said, "I have to finish this book in 10 pages." And did. From every aspect of wrapping up the story, emotional, word responses, action, wa sorely lacking. The first 2 were good, this last one, (probably to start a reboot) was sorely missing any normal human reactions.
Really? Part of the story was good. But, the sexual assault, the "oh, it's okay", the life of the child, cwansi. It's like the story was written, and then the Peter David got to the end, and said, "I have to finish this book in 10 pages." And did. From every aspect of wrapping up the story, emotional, word responses, action, wa sorely lacking. The first 2 were good, this last one, (probably to start a reboot) was sorely missing any normal human reactions.
September 8, 2015
I almost wish it hadn't returned
I used to love the new frontier series but it seems the author embraces the most absurd elements of the original series and runs wild with them. While I will always love the new frontier it just seems like it needs to be reined in a bit.
I used to love the new frontier series but it seems the author embraces the most absurd elements of the original series and runs wild with them. While I will always love the new frontier it just seems like it needs to be reined in a bit.
September 8, 2015
Fun and funny but geez Peter David you killed off Janeway and still can't spell her name - Katherine? Kathryn!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
I got an advanced copy of this from Netgalley... It is exactly what I expect from a Peter David, Star Trek book :c)
September 9, 2015
If this was the end for the NEW FRONTIER series, then Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and company, went out in grand TNG style... THE RETURNED was well-worth the wait.
April 9, 2024
I'm doing this book as one single review because I feel like the three novellas really are just one very good(ish) New Frontier novel that was divided into three parts. I feel like it is a questionable place to end the series, though, because there's a lot of unanswered questions.
According to urban legend, Peter David supposedly did a Soleta-centric novel after this novel that he never got published and I would very much like to read it. If it exists, it makes me wonder if it's available on his Patreon. Either way, it saddens me there will never be another New Frontier novel and it is a bit like saying goodbye to a bunch of old friends. You can only speculate where the NF version of Robin Lefler, Shelby, Calhoun, Soleta, Xyon, Kalinda, and others may have ended up.
The story is divided into roughly two parts with Mac suffering PTSD and obviously needing years of therapy before coming back to work, hopping back into work at the chance of getting revenge on the Demiurge race. Mac intends to commit genocide against them because, as we remember, he's a Conan the Barbarian-esque savage in a Star Fleet uniform. This doesn't surprise me as he's someone clearly not in his right mind but the fact that his crew indulges him right up to the point that he's planning genocide, well, doesn't sit well with me.
The second part of the book is Robin Lefler, Mark McHenry, and Cwansi returning to New Thallon in order to secure the latter a place for his future rulership. Unfortunately, the cartoonishly evil Shintar Han is determined to invite them back solely for the purposes of eliminating them. The fact that Cwansi would not come of age for twenty years and could easily be a puppet doesn't enter Shintar's head as he just keeps trying to kill them all.
Eventually, he summons the power of the Awesome who turns out to be Q in a plot that I don't think works very well for the TNG character. Q may be as close to a god as anything in the Trek universe but I can't really ever imagine him allowing himself to be worshiped or going out of his way to answer the prayers for a child's murder. He's undoubtedly killed many children with his games but its the very lack of care to the "small picture" is why I don't think he'd work with them. Props to the resolution, though.
Honestly, these novellas are some of the darkest in Star Trek, which is part of why it's so strange that they remain so mostly lighthearted. There's sexual assault, the genocide of THREE races, our heroes help in the genocide of two even if they don't directly annihilate everyone, themes of suicide, and the constant attempts at murdering a baby that are played for a laugh. It doesn't help the Dayam (Damn?) are one-dimensionally evil Necromongers that want to kill all other life in the universe because, they're bad guys meant to be worse than the Demiurge.
Mark McHenry and Robin Lefler become involved in this book and this is an interesting twist because Mark has a lot of Wesley Crusher elements at the end of his run. He's basically a Traveler, awkward, goofy, and probably resembles the adult Will Wheaton now in my head. I think it's a pretty good romance but comes a little quickly after the death of Si Cwan in-universe. Sadly, Cwansi is aged up as an adult, which is kind of terrible and would be incredibly traumatic in real life but fits the kind of "Cable/Nate Summers" logic that I'm fairly sure Peter David was drawing from.
Overall, it's not the best finale but it is a bunch of characters I love.
According to urban legend, Peter David supposedly did a Soleta-centric novel after this novel that he never got published and I would very much like to read it. If it exists, it makes me wonder if it's available on his Patreon. Either way, it saddens me there will never be another New Frontier novel and it is a bit like saying goodbye to a bunch of old friends. You can only speculate where the NF version of Robin Lefler, Shelby, Calhoun, Soleta, Xyon, Kalinda, and others may have ended up.
The story is divided into roughly two parts with Mac suffering PTSD and obviously needing years of therapy before coming back to work, hopping back into work at the chance of getting revenge on the Demiurge race. Mac intends to commit genocide against them because, as we remember, he's a Conan the Barbarian-esque savage in a Star Fleet uniform. This doesn't surprise me as he's someone clearly not in his right mind but the fact that his crew indulges him right up to the point that he's planning genocide, well, doesn't sit well with me.
The second part of the book is Robin Lefler, Mark McHenry, and Cwansi returning to New Thallon in order to secure the latter a place for his future rulership. Unfortunately, the cartoonishly evil Shintar Han is determined to invite them back solely for the purposes of eliminating them. The fact that Cwansi would not come of age for twenty years and could easily be a puppet doesn't enter Shintar's head as he just keeps trying to kill them all.
Eventually, he summons the power of the Awesome who turns out to be Q in a plot that I don't think works very well for the TNG character. Q may be as close to a god as anything in the Trek universe but I can't really ever imagine him allowing himself to be worshiped or going out of his way to answer the prayers for a child's murder. He's undoubtedly killed many children with his games but its the very lack of care to the "small picture" is why I don't think he'd work with them. Props to the resolution, though.
Honestly, these novellas are some of the darkest in Star Trek, which is part of why it's so strange that they remain so mostly lighthearted. There's sexual assault, the genocide of THREE races, our heroes help in the genocide of two even if they don't directly annihilate everyone, themes of suicide, and the constant attempts at murdering a baby that are played for a laugh. It doesn't help the Dayam (Damn?) are one-dimensionally evil Necromongers that want to kill all other life in the universe because, they're bad guys meant to be worse than the Demiurge.
Mark McHenry and Robin Lefler become involved in this book and this is an interesting twist because Mark has a lot of Wesley Crusher elements at the end of his run. He's basically a Traveler, awkward, goofy, and probably resembles the adult Will Wheaton now in my head. I think it's a pretty good romance but comes a little quickly after the death of Si Cwan in-universe. Sadly, Cwansi is aged up as an adult, which is kind of terrible and would be incredibly traumatic in real life but fits the kind of "Cable/Nate Summers" logic that I'm fairly sure Peter David was drawing from.
Overall, it's not the best finale but it is a bunch of characters I love.
October 21, 2024
Wow. The Returned I-III made me so mad I am writing my first Goodreads review ever. This is the most disappointing conclusion to a series since Star Trek: Enterprise. (Granted, it probably wasn't conceived as a “finale” but now that the novelverse has officially ended we're not likely to get another one.)
No one could ever accuse the New Frontier series of being boring. Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is like a 13 year old boy's fantasy version of Captain Kirk: an over-the-top, larger-than-life badass with a cool scar and a sword, former warlord and black ops agents, already a legend in his teens, with an invincible bodyguard who can bench press a cargo container and an endless parade of attractive women throwing themselves at him. Part of the appeal has always been seeing how he or the incredibly motley crew of the Excalibur (and later the Trident) will get out of whatever unbelievable predicament they find themselves in. And the previous books masterfully set up ideal foes for a climactic showdown, who either work through proxies and thus cannot just be punched in the face, or are formidable enough to challenge even the mighty Zak Kebron. And they have wiped out Calhoun's entire planet! Ooh, we think, rubbing our grubby little hands together, this is gonna be good!
So imagine my disappointment when — and not even the one we could reasonably expect, but one that comes completely out of left field. Ultimately the magnificent ensemble cast we've grown to love have very little to do with how the climax plays out; they're just sort of there. But thank god we get pages and pages devoted to the idiotic Soleta plotline, which feels like fantasy wish fulfilment and doesn't really add anything to any of the characters involved. All this, to what end? Mac has Burgoyne gets little to no resolution to the aftereffects of Selar's actions. The Trident barely gets to do anything. Shelby is [404 page not found]. isn't even present for the finale. Robin's storyline takes such a sharp turn my neck nearly snapped, like something hastily scribbled into the author's notes with a crayon, and we don't even get to see her response to it, just some other character talking about it. They all deserved better than this, and we the readers deserved better than this.
I have loved the New Frontier books since I was 12 years old, stealing glances at the pages while they sat on a paperback display rack in the grocery store or reading them out of order on loan from the public library. I had a wonderful time finally (re)reading them all in order. But this book…this book broke my heart.
No one could ever accuse the New Frontier series of being boring. Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is like a 13 year old boy's fantasy version of Captain Kirk: an over-the-top, larger-than-life badass with a cool scar and a sword, former warlord and black ops agents, already a legend in his teens, with an invincible bodyguard who can bench press a cargo container and an endless parade of attractive women throwing themselves at him. Part of the appeal has always been seeing how he or the incredibly motley crew of the Excalibur (and later the Trident) will get out of whatever unbelievable predicament they find themselves in. And the previous books masterfully set up ideal foes for a climactic showdown, who either work through proxies and thus cannot just be punched in the face, or are formidable enough to challenge even the mighty Zak Kebron. And they have wiped out Calhoun's entire planet! Ooh, we think, rubbing our grubby little hands together, this is gonna be good!
So imagine my disappointment when — and not even the one we could reasonably expect, but one that comes completely out of left field. Ultimately the magnificent ensemble cast we've grown to love have very little to do with how the climax plays out; they're just sort of there. But thank god we get pages and pages devoted to the idiotic Soleta plotline, which feels like fantasy wish fulfilment and doesn't really add anything to any of the characters involved. All this, to what end? Mac has Burgoyne gets little to no resolution to the aftereffects of Selar's actions. The Trident barely gets to do anything. Shelby is [404 page not found]. isn't even present for the finale. Robin's storyline takes such a sharp turn my neck nearly snapped, like something hastily scribbled into the author's notes with a crayon, and we don't even get to see her response to it, just some other character talking about it. They all deserved better than this, and we the readers deserved better than this.
I have loved the New Frontier books since I was 12 years old, stealing glances at the pages while they sat on a paperback display rack in the grocery store or reading them out of order on loan from the public library. I had a wonderful time finally (re)reading them all in order. But this book…this book broke my heart.
December 31, 2017
By my counting, Star Trek: New Frontier: The Returned: Part III is not just the second part of a series-within-a-series, but the 21st novel under the NF banner and 31st chapter overall. Wow I can’t believe I left it hanging in my que for for so long—I actually read this some time ago. I now can’t quite remember all the reasons why I give it a rating that I did I just remember I was not entirely happy with it, and I can’t find any of the notations I made for myself to help collect my thoughts for a review. So I’m not sure if my dissatisfaction with Part II is due to either Peter David’s riding or just my inflated expectations for a story that I’ve been waiting so long for. Eventually I will re-read this book because I really do enjoy the series and I will re-read it all once again probably in about seven or eight years now and I’ll review it then. What I do remember having trouble with was the fact that Mack went on a mission of genocide against the race that destroyed his world and wiped out his people utilizing Federation resources while Starfleet Command (in the form of Shelby and Jellico) willingly looked the other way. I’m really, really bothered by this—words fail me here.
Another thing I do remember feeling it did conform well to my tongue-in-cheek description of this series being Star Trek: The Prime Time Soap—largely thanks to Soleta’s revelation of her pregnancy with Mack’s child. This should bring an interesting tension between Mack, Shelby and Soleta in the future, but I hope this doesn’t lead to some idiotic competition between Shelby and Soleta with Mack as a prize, because not only is that a tired trope in soaps, but I don’t think that there is anything in the nature of these characters that lend themselves to a love triangle. Despite my issues with this trilogy I look forward to the next installment whenever it may come out—so far no notices have reached my attention and it is currently at least a year and a half since publication of this book.
Another thing I do remember feeling it did conform well to my tongue-in-cheek description of this series being Star Trek: The Prime Time Soap—largely thanks to Soleta’s revelation of her pregnancy with Mack’s child. This should bring an interesting tension between Mack, Shelby and Soleta in the future, but I hope this doesn’t lead to some idiotic competition between Shelby and Soleta with Mack as a prize, because not only is that a tired trope in soaps, but I don’t think that there is anything in the nature of these characters that lend themselves to a love triangle. Despite my issues with this trilogy I look forward to the next installment whenever it may come out—so far no notices have reached my attention and it is currently at least a year and a half since publication of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
So in this final part of the three-part serial, we get the final published novel of Star Trek: New Frontier. And it's a disappointing story to end on. I enjoyed the scenes where Calhoun and the crew deal with the aftermath of the D'myurj/Dayan conflict, but apparently the Q plot on New Thallon quite annoyed me. But my biggest frustration is with how Soleta was handled. She was an early favorite of mine in Star Trek: new Frontier, but after the events of After the Fall, I have not been able to understand what the heck Peter David has been doing with her, and the fact that he had Soleta only to excuse it (and get forgiveness for it) at the end by claiming . No, you don't get to do that.
Also, given that we get a character-specific major development in the final pages, it's equally made sad by the fact that this is the final Star Trek: New Frontier novel for the foreseeable future (it's been over 5 years and Peter David hasn't written any Star Trek at all is rather worrisome).
So it's been a fun ride (21 novels plus the amazing Once Burned and the anthology No Limits--I'm not going to bother with the other ST:NF crossovers or comics), but it's one I'm getting off now, whether I want to or not.
Also, given that we get a character-specific major development in the final pages, it's equally made sad by the fact that this is the final Star Trek: New Frontier novel for the foreseeable future (it's been over 5 years and Peter David hasn't written any Star Trek at all is rather worrisome).
So it's been a fun ride (21 novels plus the amazing Once Burned and the anthology No Limits--I'm not going to bother with the other ST:NF crossovers or comics), but it's one I'm getting off now, whether I want to or not.
May 25, 2021
If you enjoyed all the other Peter David NEW FRONTIER books, you will like this one too. I just have one major beef on this topic.
If the author intended this to be his last book in the series, he sure wrote a crappy ending. The ending of this book really leaves you hanging. It's been 6 years since THE RETURNED PART 3 and no sign of a next book.
Maybe Mr. David is ill or has other issues in his life that have prevented him from writing. That's why I used the word "intended." But if he is not writing another book in the series just because he doesn't want to, then he should have tied up the loose ends and concluded this book much differently.
If the author intended this to be his last book in the series, he sure wrote a crappy ending. The ending of this book really leaves you hanging. It's been 6 years since THE RETURNED PART 3 and no sign of a next book.
Maybe Mr. David is ill or has other issues in his life that have prevented him from writing. That's why I used the word "intended." But if he is not writing another book in the series just because he doesn't want to, then he should have tied up the loose ends and concluded this book much differently.
October 4, 2017
The closer to the great New Frontier series, 20+ eps, not for the casual browser. The Returned Part 3 is not bad, just not good. As you'd expect from P.David it's not lazy, thoughtfully experimental in style. This closer captures a sense of the series. Unfortunately, Peter David wrote himself into a corner five or six books back and The Returned focuses exclusively on seeing to that with the priority of MacKenzie's arc. It does this well, but the ensemble (which made New Frontier special), are relegated to supporting cast. For what it is, this is an okay average read.
August 10, 2019
Another great action packed story by Peter David. I recently read all five books in this series (three of which are covered in "The Returned"). This is typical Peter David continued adventures of Captain Mckenzie Calhoun and his diverse / strange crew of the Excalibur as they battle two brand new alien races and their own personnel demons. Lots of sarcasm and humor! Excellent story telling which made me keep reading through all five books in a few days.
August 24, 2023
I'm giving this a 5 star rating in part because this is the current end of the series. This volume ties up nicely a few loose ends in the trilogy. But it also lays open a path for a continuation of the series if Mr David is so inclined. Q features heavily in the second half of the trilogy and in the end, there is quite a shocking twist I sort of saw coming a few books ago. All in all, It has been quite the entertaining series. Definitely recommended.
October 3, 2017
I always enjoy the New frontier stories but they are totally preposterous in that Mac has more lives than a cat and always comes out on top, what ever the huge odds against him and his crew.
They are all real roller coaster rides full of action and excitement.
Glad to see some of the enigma around Mark McInnery is now explained.
They are all real roller coaster rides full of action and excitement.
Glad to see some of the enigma around Mark McInnery is now explained.
November 7, 2018
The returned part 3
Excellent series and enjoyable to immerse yourself in the tale of fantasy, particularly if you have been a star trek fan of long standing. Characters may be different but easy to accept when mentally tied in to the old tales.
Excellent series and enjoyable to immerse yourself in the tale of fantasy, particularly if you have been a star trek fan of long standing. Characters may be different but easy to accept when mentally tied in to the old tales.
January 3, 2020
Great series
I love the New Frontier books. The characters are wonderful and fully developed. I always wanted this series to make it to TV. I'd definitely watch. Highly recommend this author and The New Frontier series.
I love the New Frontier books. The characters are wonderful and fully developed. I always wanted this series to make it to TV. I'd definitely watch. Highly recommend this author and The New Frontier series.
November 5, 2018
Always a Fan of the New Frontier Series
Humor, Satire, Adventure... it’s all here. Add Star Trek to the mix and who could ask for anything more? Enjoy
Humor, Satire, Adventure... it’s all here. Add Star Trek to the mix and who could ask for anything more? Enjoy
June 13, 2019
Great fun and full of adventure
Felt like it kind of magically resolved, but still great fun. Good sense of humor and plenty of space for future adventures.
Felt like it kind of magically resolved, but still great fun. Good sense of humor and plenty of space for future adventures.
August 2, 2025
Genius
I have so loved all of these stories about Calhoun. Thank you so much Peter David for your brilliant writing.
I have so loved all of these stories about Calhoun. Thank you so much Peter David for your brilliant writing.
October 6, 2023
PAD is by far my favourite Trek author, and I kept buying New Frontier even after I stopped buying any Trek books. Even so, I found The Returned a tough read.
PAD's writing became increasingly dark over the years. When combined with the apparent pressure to keep shaking up New Frontier, that made for unpleasant directions for many of the New Frontier characters.
While it has its moments, it makes for a flat end to a wonderful series.
PAD's writing became increasingly dark over the years. When combined with the apparent pressure to keep shaking up New Frontier, that made for unpleasant directions for many of the New Frontier characters.
While it has its moments, it makes for a flat end to a wonderful series.
November 24, 2015
“Hail to the King, Baby!”
Star Trek: The Returned Parts I, II and, III
By Peter David
Review by: Brennan Palm
Star Trek: The Returned is probably one of the trekkiest book to have ever trekked. On top of that it’s also a good story. This three part book really surprised me due to the fact that most Star Trek (and Star Wars for that matter) books are over glorified fan service, and hold almost no entertainment value for all but the most diehard fans. These books more or less ditch that format and goes boldly where no one has gone before without completely abandoning its roots. I know it sounds confusing that I just said it was the trekkiest book to have ever trekked but at the same time different, but it just is.
I feel that Mister David was concentrating more on writing a good book than on writing a Star Trek book on which I praise him highly for. A few of the steps that made this book more good fiction than fan fiction included using a completely new crew and ship, including almost no appearances by any TV series characters, and slightly changing the usual Star Trek themes here and there.
As far as the story goes I’m not going to reveal much, as there are plenty of cliffhangers and massive plot twists and surprises, a few of them I didn’t quite grasp, as I haven’t read the other books in the series.
Our story begins with our main character, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun searching the planet Xenex for survivors of an alien attack and slowly deciding that once he finds the aforementioned aliens, he’s going to make them all dead aliens. Remember when I said the author changed the usual Star Trek tropes? Anyway Cap’n Calhoun and the crew of the Excalibur decide to go to a pocket universe to kill all the hostile aliens. Once they get to their destination they meet with an alien species with similar goals and decide to team up even though the Excalibur crew suspect something’s up. Anyway the alien’s double cross the Excalibur and Big Mac’s rage is brought to an end as he realizes the aliens want to escape to our universe and end all other sentient life, like a bunch alien space Nazis. Q is also involved though the Excalibur crew does not know why.
Anyway this trilogy contained a final plot twist that was both massive and felt like it came right out of an unaired episode of the original series. The whole story was well written and very original and is easily worth every penny of its purchasing price. To Mister David I say well done. My only problem is that the last book had some twists that helped the story but didn’t match some of the characters personalities. 4 stars and for trekkiness I give it a Tribble / 10.
Full reviews available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
Star Trek: The Returned Parts I, II and, III
By Peter David
Review by: Brennan Palm
Star Trek: The Returned is probably one of the trekkiest book to have ever trekked. On top of that it’s also a good story. This three part book really surprised me due to the fact that most Star Trek (and Star Wars for that matter) books are over glorified fan service, and hold almost no entertainment value for all but the most diehard fans. These books more or less ditch that format and goes boldly where no one has gone before without completely abandoning its roots. I know it sounds confusing that I just said it was the trekkiest book to have ever trekked but at the same time different, but it just is.
I feel that Mister David was concentrating more on writing a good book than on writing a Star Trek book on which I praise him highly for. A few of the steps that made this book more good fiction than fan fiction included using a completely new crew and ship, including almost no appearances by any TV series characters, and slightly changing the usual Star Trek themes here and there.
As far as the story goes I’m not going to reveal much, as there are plenty of cliffhangers and massive plot twists and surprises, a few of them I didn’t quite grasp, as I haven’t read the other books in the series.
Our story begins with our main character, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun searching the planet Xenex for survivors of an alien attack and slowly deciding that once he finds the aforementioned aliens, he’s going to make them all dead aliens. Remember when I said the author changed the usual Star Trek tropes? Anyway Cap’n Calhoun and the crew of the Excalibur decide to go to a pocket universe to kill all the hostile aliens. Once they get to their destination they meet with an alien species with similar goals and decide to team up even though the Excalibur crew suspect something’s up. Anyway the alien’s double cross the Excalibur and Big Mac’s rage is brought to an end as he realizes the aliens want to escape to our universe and end all other sentient life, like a bunch alien space Nazis. Q is also involved though the Excalibur crew does not know why.
Anyway this trilogy contained a final plot twist that was both massive and felt like it came right out of an unaired episode of the original series. The whole story was well written and very original and is easily worth every penny of its purchasing price. To Mister David I say well done. My only problem is that the last book had some twists that helped the story but didn’t match some of the characters personalities. 4 stars and for trekkiness I give it a Tribble / 10.
Full reviews available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
February 2, 2016
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5
A couple of disclosures: This is part three of a three-part series, and while I read/reviewed the first book (see that review here), I did not receive a review copy of the second part.
One of the things I noted in the first book is that it isn't a stand-alone book. The three books must be together for a complete story, and I don't think very highly of books published this way. And of course, if you don't have part of the story, it definitely makes it difficult to review the book. But if the publishers are going to publish this way, then it deserves to be reviewed this way.
This is a Star Trek: New Frontiers story, featuring Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the U.S.S. Excalibur, and I have enjoyed all of these stories that I've read previously. It is a welcome sight to see them all back again.
There appears to have been another couple of cliff-hangers at the end of the second book. In fact, just as the first book was a whirlwind of action, so is book three, but the reader is a bit behind here. Calhoun is no longer trying to destroy those who eradicated his race. In fact he seems to have had a change of heart toward those survivors on board his ship.
There was the typical amazing Peter David energy and multiple storylines converging here, but there was one aspect that brought this book down for me. Q.
I don't know if Q was in book two or not, but he makes his presence known here and plays a significant role.
I am not a fan of the character Q. I feel he's been over-used as an antagonist in Star Trek stories, and he's just not that interesting to me. This book does not change my impression of the character, despite David's handling of him (and I think David is a fine writer).
I really like the New Frontier spin-off series, and I think Peter David is a tremendous writer and does a really nice job in the Star Trek universe, but this book, AS a book, does not hold up. And as the third part of a series? Perhaps fine, but I would need to read all three to get a sense of the story.
Looking for a good book? Peter David writes in the Star Trek world as well as anyone, and it's great to have his New Frontiers series back in action, but this mini-book, The Returned, Part III, should have been published as one book as this definitely does not stand alone as a book.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
A couple of disclosures: This is part three of a three-part series, and while I read/reviewed the first book (see that review here), I did not receive a review copy of the second part.
One of the things I noted in the first book is that it isn't a stand-alone book. The three books must be together for a complete story, and I don't think very highly of books published this way. And of course, if you don't have part of the story, it definitely makes it difficult to review the book. But if the publishers are going to publish this way, then it deserves to be reviewed this way.
This is a Star Trek: New Frontiers story, featuring Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the U.S.S. Excalibur, and I have enjoyed all of these stories that I've read previously. It is a welcome sight to see them all back again.
There appears to have been another couple of cliff-hangers at the end of the second book. In fact, just as the first book was a whirlwind of action, so is book three, but the reader is a bit behind here. Calhoun is no longer trying to destroy those who eradicated his race. In fact he seems to have had a change of heart toward those survivors on board his ship.
There was the typical amazing Peter David energy and multiple storylines converging here, but there was one aspect that brought this book down for me. Q.
I don't know if Q was in book two or not, but he makes his presence known here and plays a significant role.
I am not a fan of the character Q. I feel he's been over-used as an antagonist in Star Trek stories, and he's just not that interesting to me. This book does not change my impression of the character, despite David's handling of him (and I think David is a fine writer).
I really like the New Frontier spin-off series, and I think Peter David is a tremendous writer and does a really nice job in the Star Trek universe, but this book, AS a book, does not hold up. And as the third part of a series? Perhaps fine, but I would need to read all three to get a sense of the story.
Looking for a good book? Peter David writes in the Star Trek world as well as anyone, and it's great to have his New Frontiers series back in action, but this mini-book, The Returned, Part III, should have been published as one book as this definitely does not stand alone as a book.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2015
Cada regreso de la tripulación de la Excalibur es a la vez una alegría y un temor. La alegría de volver a disfrutar de los personajes creados por Peter David, del humor irreverente y del espíritu de la Star Trek de toda la vida con un toque mas humano y real que las historias originales. Pero también conlleva temor, porque desde hace años cada novela es prácticamente un milagro, tal y como esta el panorama.
Somos muchos los que tenemos cariño a los personajes, pero la verdad es que tras tantos años sin una publicación regular, con una nueva linea temporal desarrollándose en las películas y los inevitables cambios en el mundo editorial es obvio que Peter David esta poniendo todo lo que puede de su parte para poder continuar con estas historias. El que se hayan publicado únicamente en ebook dice mucho de lo difícil que lo tiene la serie para continuar, así que espero que esta novela dividida en tres entregas haya conseguido tener la suficiente repercusión como para atraer a todos esos lectores que se han ido perdiendo por el camino y ganar unos cuantos nuevos. Si es así, quizás logremos seguir disfrutando de las aventuras del Capitán Mackenzie Calhoun...
En cuanto a las novelas en si, Peter David sigue explotando su punto fuerte, que es basarse sobretodo en el desarrollo de los personajes, en ponerles en aprietos y en buscar nuevas maneras de hacerlos evolucionar. Tras tantas novelas son muchos los personajes, y no todos pueden recibir el tratamiento que se merecen, pero en lineas generales consigue reconectarnos con los principales, con la tripulación de la Excalibur, y cerrar una linea argumental que se había estado desarrollando durante los últimos libros, y que por un tiempo parecía correr el riesgo de quedar inconclusa. De este modo nos da un posible punto final a los lectores de toda la vida, pero dejando margen para una nueva etapa con algunas sorpresas que deja entrever en las ultimas paginas.
Esperemos que podamos regresar a la Excalibur próximamente...
Somos muchos los que tenemos cariño a los personajes, pero la verdad es que tras tantos años sin una publicación regular, con una nueva linea temporal desarrollándose en las películas y los inevitables cambios en el mundo editorial es obvio que Peter David esta poniendo todo lo que puede de su parte para poder continuar con estas historias. El que se hayan publicado únicamente en ebook dice mucho de lo difícil que lo tiene la serie para continuar, así que espero que esta novela dividida en tres entregas haya conseguido tener la suficiente repercusión como para atraer a todos esos lectores que se han ido perdiendo por el camino y ganar unos cuantos nuevos. Si es así, quizás logremos seguir disfrutando de las aventuras del Capitán Mackenzie Calhoun...
En cuanto a las novelas en si, Peter David sigue explotando su punto fuerte, que es basarse sobretodo en el desarrollo de los personajes, en ponerles en aprietos y en buscar nuevas maneras de hacerlos evolucionar. Tras tantas novelas son muchos los personajes, y no todos pueden recibir el tratamiento que se merecen, pero en lineas generales consigue reconectarnos con los principales, con la tripulación de la Excalibur, y cerrar una linea argumental que se había estado desarrollando durante los últimos libros, y que por un tiempo parecía correr el riesgo de quedar inconclusa. De este modo nos da un posible punto final a los lectores de toda la vida, pero dejando margen para una nueva etapa con algunas sorpresas que deja entrever en las ultimas paginas.
Esperemos que podamos regresar a la Excalibur próximamente...
April 3, 2016
Peter David has long been one of my favorite writers of professional TrekFic – there’s a line he wrote decades ago about human male chest hair being for traction that has stuck with me for decades – so when I saw the last installment of the ebook trilogy in the New Frontier universe on NetGalley earlier this summer, I had to read it.
Very quickly, I realized that my habit of only reading TNG novels meant I had no idea what was going on, so I bought parts I and II of this trilogy and binge-read all three volumes. I was not disappointed. This series is phenomenal, and Peter David’s storytelling reminded my why I love his take on Trek. Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is a great addition to the Star Trek universe, and both his family and his crew (which includes someone I can only describe as a demigod) are people I wish we could see on television.
So good is his writing – and this trilogy in particular – that I didn’t mind a completely unfamiliar set of characters, although, technically, Robin Lefler (whom we met in Season 5 of TNG) was familiar, though this is a much matured Robin, one whose personal laws have had to be adapted to address things like lost love and motherhood.
Like all good Trek stories, The Returned (all three parts) isn’t just about space battles and meeting new aliens. It’s also about loss – the loss of home, the loss of family, the loss of love – and how we cope with it – do we commit acts of revenge, or do we rebuild ourselves, or do we allow ourselves to die a little every day, as we wallow in apathy? In the case of the characters in this trilogy the answer is “a little of everything,” but it all fits together in a way that resounds with emotional truth.
(Plus, there are cool aliens and space battles, after all.)
Goes well with sparkling Altair water and oskoid salad.
Very quickly, I realized that my habit of only reading TNG novels meant I had no idea what was going on, so I bought parts I and II of this trilogy and binge-read all three volumes. I was not disappointed. This series is phenomenal, and Peter David’s storytelling reminded my why I love his take on Trek. Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is a great addition to the Star Trek universe, and both his family and his crew (which includes someone I can only describe as a demigod) are people I wish we could see on television.
So good is his writing – and this trilogy in particular – that I didn’t mind a completely unfamiliar set of characters, although, technically, Robin Lefler (whom we met in Season 5 of TNG) was familiar, though this is a much matured Robin, one whose personal laws have had to be adapted to address things like lost love and motherhood.
Like all good Trek stories, The Returned (all three parts) isn’t just about space battles and meeting new aliens. It’s also about loss – the loss of home, the loss of family, the loss of love – and how we cope with it – do we commit acts of revenge, or do we rebuild ourselves, or do we allow ourselves to die a little every day, as we wallow in apathy? In the case of the characters in this trilogy the answer is “a little of everything,” but it all fits together in a way that resounds with emotional truth.
(Plus, there are cool aliens and space battles, after all.)
Goes well with sparkling Altair water and oskoid salad.
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