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Star Trek: The Captain's Table #5
Once Burned
There's a bar called "The Captain's Table," where those who have commanded mighty vessels of every shape and era can meet, relax, and share a friendly drink or two with others of their calling. Sometimes a brawl may break out but it's all in the family, more or less. Just remember, the first round of drinks is always paid for with a story...even in Thallonian space. Six years ago, long before he took command of the Starship Excalibur, a young Starfleet officer named Mackenzie Calhoun served as first officer aboard the U.S.S. Grissom. Then disaster struck, and Calhoun took the blame. A court-martial led to his own angry resignation from Starfleet...or so it appeared. At long last Captain Calhoun reveals the true story behind the greatest tragedy of his life.
263 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
12 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,613 books1,369 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 48 reviews
February 10, 2016
This is one of the best Star Trek novels that I ever read!
GREAT STORIES NOT ALWAYS HAVE A NICE ENDING
This book is positioned in a solid 5th place, in my very personal top list of Star Trek novels that I have read, and I still can't imagine something able to make it to lose its high position.
Sadly, it's very likely that a lot of Trekkers and sci-fi fans haven't read it.
Since it's part of the event The Captain's Table (a book event where Star Trek Captains go to a certain kinda-mystical bar and the price for the drink is to tell a story), I think that some people didn't read it or they prefer to read the adventures of the most known captains (the ones from the TV series (since Calhoun is a captain only appearing in prose novels (and in some comic books)) and due those other stories weren't that good (at least in my opinion), when readers would reached this book, they have lost the interest, will and/or confidence to keep reading more novels of this event.
I can understand that, since I was quite dissapointed myself with the book event (in an overall sense).
BUT...
...I had already bought the novel, so I told myself: "What the heck, let's read it".
One of the best decisions in books that I ever done.
This novel is easily the best one, more ambitious and far superior than the rest of the ones included in the book event of Captain's Table (at least the ones that I have read, since later they published another one and a further anthology (that I want to give them a try in the future)).
It's a strong Star Trek book, with a priceless non-traditional ending, but also I think that it's a gripping novel in the general literary sense.
THE UNTOLD TALE OF MACKENZIE CALHOUN
Mackenzie Calhoun suffered a downfall, early in his Starfleet career...
Now it's the moment to know what happened...
While it would be advisable to have have read first at least the first 4 books of the book series of Star Trek: New Frontier, since in there, you will know who is who in the series, where Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is introduced along with his crew.
Due the narrative, in this novel, is a tale from Mackenzie Calhoun's past, set several years ago, I believe that any reader, they will be able to enjoy the story quite the same, founding there all the elements and comments that they need to understand the development of this particular story.
You will find there, the harsh consequences of "real life" as real as you would be able to get in a futuristic sci-fi book where not always you have a happy ending, a book so different that, you will find that things aren't as you usually expected in your typical Star Trek novel.
Also, as a bonus moment, when Calhoun gets at first, into the mystical and mysterious bar, he will meet a captain of the past, one with another sad story quite well known.
If you are looking for a dark story with strong and believable characters, this is your novel.
This is a stand-alone novel, so you can easily skip the previous novels of this book event, since they aren't particularly good (and besides they are stand-alone stories too), and "jump" ahead to give a chance to this book.
In my humble opinion and honest hope, I believe that you won't regret to read this novel.
GREAT STORIES NOT ALWAYS HAVE A NICE ENDING
This book is positioned in a solid 5th place, in my very personal top list of Star Trek novels that I have read, and I still can't imagine something able to make it to lose its high position.
Sadly, it's very likely that a lot of Trekkers and sci-fi fans haven't read it.
Since it's part of the event The Captain's Table (a book event where Star Trek Captains go to a certain kinda-mystical bar and the price for the drink is to tell a story), I think that some people didn't read it or they prefer to read the adventures of the most known captains (the ones from the TV series (since Calhoun is a captain only appearing in prose novels (and in some comic books)) and due those other stories weren't that good (at least in my opinion), when readers would reached this book, they have lost the interest, will and/or confidence to keep reading more novels of this event.
I can understand that, since I was quite dissapointed myself with the book event (in an overall sense).
BUT...
...I had already bought the novel, so I told myself: "What the heck, let's read it".
One of the best decisions in books that I ever done.
This novel is easily the best one, more ambitious and far superior than the rest of the ones included in the book event of Captain's Table (at least the ones that I have read, since later they published another one and a further anthology (that I want to give them a try in the future)).
It's a strong Star Trek book, with a priceless non-traditional ending, but also I think that it's a gripping novel in the general literary sense.
THE UNTOLD TALE OF MACKENZIE CALHOUN
Mackenzie Calhoun suffered a downfall, early in his Starfleet career...
Now it's the moment to know what happened...
While it would be advisable to have have read first at least the first 4 books of the book series of Star Trek: New Frontier, since in there, you will know who is who in the series, where Captain Mackenzie Calhoun is introduced along with his crew.
Due the narrative, in this novel, is a tale from Mackenzie Calhoun's past, set several years ago, I believe that any reader, they will be able to enjoy the story quite the same, founding there all the elements and comments that they need to understand the development of this particular story.
You will find there, the harsh consequences of "real life" as real as you would be able to get in a futuristic sci-fi book where not always you have a happy ending, a book so different that, you will find that things aren't as you usually expected in your typical Star Trek novel.
Also, as a bonus moment, when Calhoun gets at first, into the mystical and mysterious bar, he will meet a captain of the past, one with another sad story quite well known.
If you are looking for a dark story with strong and believable characters, this is your novel.
This is a stand-alone novel, so you can easily skip the previous novels of this book event, since they aren't particularly good (and besides they are stand-alone stories too), and "jump" ahead to give a chance to this book.
In my humble opinion and honest hope, I believe that you won't regret to read this novel.
November 24, 2018
One of the best of the New Frontier stories so far, and a great Star Trek story over all. Fills in the details of Calhoun’s backstory that they’ve been hinting at in the other books. Parts are similar to TOS “The Doomsday Machine” which is an all-time great episode.
A heads up - the kindle version of this is terribly edited. You may want to try and find the paperback instead.
Minor spoiler:
I think I’ve decided that my favorite Star Trek stories are the ones about time loops and mutinies and this one has the latter.
A heads up - the kindle version of this is terribly edited. You may want to try and find the paperback instead.
Minor spoiler:
I think I’ve decided that my favorite Star Trek stories are the ones about time loops and mutinies and this one has the latter.
October 11, 2021
ONCE BURNED is the best Star Trek novel I have ever read. It's interesting because I never picked this up despite STAR TREK: NEW FRONTIER being my all-time favorite book series alongside the Dresden Files and Mercy Thompson. I think it's because it was not part of the main series that I never really felt the need to read outside of it. I now am kicking myself because it is a story that is dark, brooding, fascinating, and really integral to understanding the character of Captain Mackenzie Calhoun.
This is a genuine tragedy and that's something that Starfleet rarely deals with. The vast majority of occassions result in our heroes rising to the occassion or pulling off a miracle. The few occassions that they don't do so are rare but potent. They are also some of the most memorable in the series. Stories where the protagonists don't necessarily accomplish anything of note like "City on the Edge of Forever", "A Private Little War", "The Defector", "Half a Life", and the underrated "Hippocratic Oath."
The premise is Mackenzie Calhoun as the first officer of the U.S.S Grissom where his commanding officer is hosting his brother and daughter on a peace negotiation. Things go disastrously, terribly wrong and it is strung out over a very long period. I think Peter David's best writing here is that Captain Kenyon makes reasonable points for 90% of his actions and I actually agree with most of them.
There's a vicious, "evil", group of hostile aliens called the Dufaux who have murdered peace envoys. They're dangerous and hostile to a neighboring power, the Carvanga, that wants to join the Federation. Arming the latter for a defensive war and also perhaps even suggesting a mutual defense treaty (or expediting their admission to the Federation) seems reasonable.
This isn't a Prime Directive issue because it's not internal politics. It's a matter of a hostile power invading another that needs help. Plenty of people would argue it's not the Federation's fight but my formative years were with the first Iraq War that ended up liberating Kuwait. Inaction is also its own choice after all. Of course, it's never that simple after all and even defensive actions are likely to have dramatic repercussions. It also seems more "reasonable" than the Federation is known to be in these situations.
Like a avalanche gaining steam, we get to see how things gradually explode and end tragically. No one acts out of character and I found all of the actions extremely believable. I also salute Peter David for the fact that he doesn't attempt to make Kradius, the Dufaux dictator, sympathetic. No, he's a monstrous narcissist right to the very end. I also appreciated the relationship between Kat Mueller and Mac that was refreshingly un-romantic and, ironically, far more mature as well as believable because of it.
This is one of those stories that I say is not just a good Star Trek novel but a good novel period. It doesn't require anything egregious techno-babble wise or weird cosmic events but just people acting out to believable human emotions. It could only take place in the Trekverse because no one else would think the captain was rationale after having such a personal loss and good to go or trust the Federation is acting unusually pragmatic (maybe in the Vanguard novels). But it is excellent military science fiction because of its applicability. Up there with my favorite of the Trek movies: The Undiscovered Country.
If I do have any complaints about this novel, it's the fact that I don't think the Captain's Table conceit is really necessary. While I don't think a equivalent of Callahan's Crosstime Saloon is a particularly weird concept by Trek standards to insert in the universe, this could have easily been part of the main series and arguably should have been. Certainly, it makes a lot of Mac's history make more sense even if I think Jellico is grossly overreacting.
Ooo, the gut punches of this one.
This is a genuine tragedy and that's something that Starfleet rarely deals with. The vast majority of occassions result in our heroes rising to the occassion or pulling off a miracle. The few occassions that they don't do so are rare but potent. They are also some of the most memorable in the series. Stories where the protagonists don't necessarily accomplish anything of note like "City on the Edge of Forever", "A Private Little War", "The Defector", "Half a Life", and the underrated "Hippocratic Oath."
The premise is Mackenzie Calhoun as the first officer of the U.S.S Grissom where his commanding officer is hosting his brother and daughter on a peace negotiation. Things go disastrously, terribly wrong and it is strung out over a very long period. I think Peter David's best writing here is that Captain Kenyon makes reasonable points for 90% of his actions and I actually agree with most of them.
There's a vicious, "evil", group of hostile aliens called the Dufaux who have murdered peace envoys. They're dangerous and hostile to a neighboring power, the Carvanga, that wants to join the Federation. Arming the latter for a defensive war and also perhaps even suggesting a mutual defense treaty (or expediting their admission to the Federation) seems reasonable.
This isn't a Prime Directive issue because it's not internal politics. It's a matter of a hostile power invading another that needs help. Plenty of people would argue it's not the Federation's fight but my formative years were with the first Iraq War that ended up liberating Kuwait. Inaction is also its own choice after all. Of course, it's never that simple after all and even defensive actions are likely to have dramatic repercussions. It also seems more "reasonable" than the Federation is known to be in these situations.
Like a avalanche gaining steam, we get to see how things gradually explode and end tragically. No one acts out of character and I found all of the actions extremely believable. I also salute Peter David for the fact that he doesn't attempt to make Kradius, the Dufaux dictator, sympathetic. No, he's a monstrous narcissist right to the very end. I also appreciated the relationship between Kat Mueller and Mac that was refreshingly un-romantic and, ironically, far more mature as well as believable because of it.
This is one of those stories that I say is not just a good Star Trek novel but a good novel period. It doesn't require anything egregious techno-babble wise or weird cosmic events but just people acting out to believable human emotions. It could only take place in the Trekverse because no one else would think the captain was rationale after having such a personal loss and good to go or trust the Federation is acting unusually pragmatic (maybe in the Vanguard novels). But it is excellent military science fiction because of its applicability. Up there with my favorite of the Trek movies: The Undiscovered Country.
If I do have any complaints about this novel, it's the fact that I don't think the Captain's Table conceit is really necessary. While I don't think a equivalent of Callahan's Crosstime Saloon is a particularly weird concept by Trek standards to insert in the universe, this could have easily been part of the main series and arguably should have been. Certainly, it makes a lot of Mac's history make more sense even if I think Jellico is grossly overreacting.
Ooo, the gut punches of this one.
July 14, 2011
This book has a much darker tone than the preceding ones in the New Frontier series. Rather than a flavor of quirky humor and enthralling action, this book is instead infused with anguish and foreboding. Captain Calhoun here tells the story of what he perceives as his biggest failure, a time when he was caught up in a heartbreaking series of events. His wounds and regrets are still raw years later. But David handles this more brutal tone fearlessly, and presents an honest look at a complex unspooling of actions and motivations.
The author's customary depth of character continues here, in the first crossover of the New Frontier series. His compelling explorations of the themes of strength, power and authority continue to unfold here. And his character Mackenzie Calhoun continues to be very compelling to me, as he reveals much more of his inner life here than he has before.
I am reading the series as close to chronologically as I can, and I am thoroughly enjoying every part of it I can get my hands on.
The author's customary depth of character continues here, in the first crossover of the New Frontier series. His compelling explorations of the themes of strength, power and authority continue to unfold here. And his character Mackenzie Calhoun continues to be very compelling to me, as he reveals much more of his inner life here than he has before.
I am reading the series as close to chronologically as I can, and I am thoroughly enjoying every part of it I can get my hands on.
September 25, 2016
While it's no surprise I enjoyed this--Peter David just gets better and better with each New Frontier novel--I am surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. I don't generally enjoy the fantastical sort of stories that sometimes happen in Star Trek books or series, especially any that occur on a holodeck, and the Captain's Table concept fits with those. However, Mackenzie's re-telling of the story of his first time killing and his time on the Grissom was the focus of this, so the setting wasn't front and center.
July 27, 2011
I'll be damned, if this just wasn't one of the best Star Trek books I've ever read. Loved the dark tone of it, and just loved how these books (and later series) keep shattering that over-optimistic utopia, that Gene Roddenberry envisioned. Make no mistake, I consider Roddenberry genius, and love TOS, but let's be honest. UFP and it's people would never be perfect. There would be grief and suffering. Just like in this book.
Best of New Frontier so far. And then, unto the next one.
Best of New Frontier so far. And then, unto the next one.
August 12, 2010
How unobservant am I? I realized 72 pages into the fifth book in the Captain’s Table series that each cover has a picture of the author of that book. Does that look like I imagine Captain Calhoun? No, but that is a pretty good rendering of Peter David in the background. I double checked this hypothesis with Dujonian's Hoard and that’s Michael Jan Friedman hovering in the back. I don’t know what the other authors look like, but you can pick out people in the other covers who look like they might be the authors. Well done!
If only I could say the same for the words between the covers.
Since I was unfamiliar with Calhoun I took a break from this series and read the first six New Frontier books. I found them mostly enjoyable, but not for Captain Calhoun as much as his supporting cast. Having already given up on the 4th book in this series (a Voyager book – Fire Ship) I plowed ahead. Then I couldn’t give up because he was going to tell the story of the Grissom, a ship Calhoun was First Officer on that is mentioned in shrouded mystery in five of the first six books. Since I plan to go back to the New Frontier series at some point I really wanted to know what the Grissom story was.
Unlike the other Captain’s Table books, this entire book is told in the first person as if Captain Calhoun were telling someone about the Captain’s Table bar and his various visits. It was an interesting choice and it might have worked with Kirk or Sisko, maybe even Picard. Calhoun is a man of action and few words so to turn around and have him say 68,000 is a bit much. David manages to retroactively fix the problem, but it doesn’t stop the style from being at odds with the character and by fixing the problem he makes it more obvious and the solution gimmicky.
I’m underwhelmed by the Grissom story and have to say it wasn’t worth the trip to get it. Maybe I’ve read to many of Peter David’s books, but this was very predictable. Die hard Calhoun fans will probably enjoy it, but if this is someone’s first exposure to MacKenzie Calhoun I would expect it to be their last.
If only I could say the same for the words between the covers.
Since I was unfamiliar with Calhoun I took a break from this series and read the first six New Frontier books. I found them mostly enjoyable, but not for Captain Calhoun as much as his supporting cast. Having already given up on the 4th book in this series (a Voyager book – Fire Ship) I plowed ahead. Then I couldn’t give up because he was going to tell the story of the Grissom, a ship Calhoun was First Officer on that is mentioned in shrouded mystery in five of the first six books. Since I plan to go back to the New Frontier series at some point I really wanted to know what the Grissom story was.
Unlike the other Captain’s Table books, this entire book is told in the first person as if Captain Calhoun were telling someone about the Captain’s Table bar and his various visits. It was an interesting choice and it might have worked with Kirk or Sisko, maybe even Picard. Calhoun is a man of action and few words so to turn around and have him say 68,000 is a bit much. David manages to retroactively fix the problem, but it doesn’t stop the style from being at odds with the character and by fixing the problem he makes it more obvious and the solution gimmicky.
I’m underwhelmed by the Grissom story and have to say it wasn’t worth the trip to get it. Maybe I’ve read to many of Peter David’s books, but this was very predictable. Die hard Calhoun fans will probably enjoy it, but if this is someone’s first exposure to MacKenzie Calhoun I would expect it to be their last.
March 17, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I usually enjoy Peter David's books. Anyone who is a fan of New Frontier (and why wouldn't you be?) would like this book. After 6 books of hints and broad statements, we finally learn about Calhoun's past, and the tragedy that happened on the Grissom.
I think the best part of this book is how Peter David handles that tragedy. It's very subtle, and he really builds up the suspense. You know something is going to happen, you just don't know when. It's made even more enjoyable by the fact that Calhoun is trying to warn everyone. Of course you know he's going to be right, so the fun is in the other character's reactions. And Peter David is a fun read.
The only issue I had with this book was the character of Lieutenant Cray. This character covers for Captain Kenyon, even though what the captain is doing is clearly wrong. While you can understand, and even sympathize with Kenyon for doing what he's doing, no reason is given for why Cray does what he does. He viciously attacks Calhoun, and in the end tries to kill him, but why? I would say he's just following the captain's orders, but it's written as if he has personal stake in what happens when no reason is given why he should.
Also, and this is a really small gripe, why is there a first officer and a night watch XO? This might be how the real military does it, but it's something we've never seen before in Trek. Also, the end of this book brings the fact that 3 or 4 of the officers on the Grissom have supposedly been with Calhoun on the Excalibur the whole time, despite the fact we've never heard of them.
All things aside though, this is a fantastic book and is highly recommended. Just ignore the whole Captain's Table aspect. It doesn't make much sense.
I think the best part of this book is how Peter David handles that tragedy. It's very subtle, and he really builds up the suspense. You know something is going to happen, you just don't know when. It's made even more enjoyable by the fact that Calhoun is trying to warn everyone. Of course you know he's going to be right, so the fun is in the other character's reactions. And Peter David is a fun read.
The only issue I had with this book was the character of Lieutenant Cray. This character covers for Captain Kenyon, even though what the captain is doing is clearly wrong. While you can understand, and even sympathize with Kenyon for doing what he's doing, no reason is given for why Cray does what he does. He viciously attacks Calhoun, and in the end tries to kill him, but why? I would say he's just following the captain's orders, but it's written as if he has personal stake in what happens when no reason is given why he should.
Also, and this is a really small gripe, why is there a first officer and a night watch XO? This might be how the real military does it, but it's something we've never seen before in Trek. Also, the end of this book brings the fact that 3 or 4 of the officers on the Grissom have supposedly been with Calhoun on the Excalibur the whole time, despite the fact we've never heard of them.
All things aside though, this is a fantastic book and is highly recommended. Just ignore the whole Captain's Table aspect. It doesn't make much sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
This is how you use the Captain's Table to its best potential. It's a rarely interrupted narrative, unless Calhoun went off on a rabbit trail which he sometimes did, and a good story to boot told from the Captain's perspective and stuck to his end, and his interpretation, of the events. It helps that Calhoun is a creation of the author but this didn't fall into the usual pit that the New Frontier series often did which was getting mixed up in the stupidity of the nonsense on board the Excalibur and allowed the larger story to unfold. Here the focus remains squarely on Calhoun before he is given his command and where he learns a valuable lesson. I enjoyed the story and only was annoyed here and there by 20th Century style of situations/humour. Other than that I was quite happy with it!
December 5, 2009
I really liked this book. Yes, the constant hinting about the horrible thing that happened on the Grissom in M'k'n'z's secret past was somewhat intriguing/annoying, but this is just about the best answer that question could get.
Because yeah, sometimes bad things happen. Everyone has a breaking point. Knowing that and not being horribly disillusioned by it are two different things. I like Mackenzie Calhoun a lot, and this is a great piece of backstory that really fleshes out his character.
Because yeah, sometimes bad things happen. Everyone has a breaking point. Knowing that and not being horribly disillusioned by it are two different things. I like Mackenzie Calhoun a lot, and this is a great piece of backstory that really fleshes out his character.
October 6, 2025
An impression of Captain Mackenzie Calhoun visting the "Captain's Table" on the cover.
In the book, the author actually descrives two visits, one as a youngster and the other after a life full of (gruesome) experiences.
This is essentially a psychological thriller -and a longwinding story to get there.
After a brief recap of where Mackenzie comes from (as an experienced spaceship captain) Peter David focues on one event that will have a long-lasting impact on his life and career.
As second in command he mixes pleasure and duty with a focus on duty and basically a lack of feelings (or very well oppressing them). When his captain gets personnally involved in a diplomatic mission in which his brother and daughter are brutally beaten to death, he looses his control and goes for all-out revenge. Calhoun makes a judgement error and has personal conflicting issues. All that results in a starship of the federation leading an armada in a war which will destroy a planet and the people on it. The book contains quite some action but the focus is always on the psychological aspect. The main characters, and especially Mackenzie Calhoun, take a number of wrong decisions. As a result the will inevitably evolve towards a life-and-death duel between captain and his number one.
Probably very well thought out but if you are a reader that is looking for action, humour and excitement, or just boldly going where noone went before, this book is mostly boring.
For the series that started with a book that had a lot of potential but did not quite make it, it is the 5 disappointment. Luckily only 1 more to go.
In the book, the author actually descrives two visits, one as a youngster and the other after a life full of (gruesome) experiences.
This is essentially a psychological thriller -and a longwinding story to get there.
After a brief recap of where Mackenzie comes from (as an experienced spaceship captain) Peter David focues on one event that will have a long-lasting impact on his life and career.
As second in command he mixes pleasure and duty with a focus on duty and basically a lack of feelings (or very well oppressing them). When his captain gets personnally involved in a diplomatic mission in which his brother and daughter are brutally beaten to death, he looses his control and goes for all-out revenge. Calhoun makes a judgement error and has personal conflicting issues. All that results in a starship of the federation leading an armada in a war which will destroy a planet and the people on it. The book contains quite some action but the focus is always on the psychological aspect. The main characters, and especially Mackenzie Calhoun, take a number of wrong decisions. As a result the will inevitably evolve towards a life-and-death duel between captain and his number one.
Probably very well thought out but if you are a reader that is looking for action, humour and excitement, or just boldly going where noone went before, this book is mostly boring.
For the series that started with a book that had a lot of potential but did not quite make it, it is the 5 disappointment. Luckily only 1 more to go.
September 1, 2022
Gosh, these are awful books.
I love them.
I love them.
March 27, 2015
Perhaps the best of the "Captain's Table" that I've read so far, this one didn't play around too much between the tale told by the captain vs a separate tale centered around the bar and the telling of the first. Also it helps that this captain doesn't exist as an actor on TV or film, so when you have his POV you don't have an established interpretation and seasons worth of material playing in your head looking for consistency. Finally, Peter David simply can write well for this kind of no frills adventure novel.
August 25, 2013
I'm not familiar with McKenzie Calhoun but I enjoyed his story. Kind of brutal in places (that's not the reason I liked it:-). I've been sucked in to all the Star Trek penned by Peter David, so far.
Calhoun quoted Kirk a lot and seemed to try to emulate him but in a no conscience sort of way. He was a rogue, but not a likeable one, in my humble opinion. I'll have to read more about him. Maybe I'll change my opinion of him.
Calhoun quoted Kirk a lot and seemed to try to emulate him but in a no conscience sort of way. He was a rogue, but not a likeable one, in my humble opinion. I'll have to read more about him. Maybe I'll change my opinion of him.
January 6, 2026
Star Trek: The Captain's Table 05 Once Burned by Peter David
4.0 Stars
challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I love what this series is doing. It is giving time to the authors that have written these complex character, the "time" to flesh them out, and give a bit more nuance. And Peter David did that in spade...in this entry in The Captain's Table series.
I've read about six books that has Makenzie Calhoon has its main character (before this book).
I like him, 'cause he's not the spit and polished Academy graduate that found his way to becoming a starship captain. His path to this lofty position...has not been conventional (to say the least).
We also get some backstory about Katerina Mueller, who is currently his XO on the USS Excaliber...and they've got a past (which was fun to read about in this story).
The character of note for this story, was his captain...while he was serving on the USS Grissom...and the events that transpired...to lead Commander Calhoon to leave Starfleet.
It's a pretty good story, and this type of venue (The Captain's Table series) is the perfect place to expand on the lore of the now, Captain MacKenzie...as he leads the USS Excaliber.
Love all the "characters" that pop in and out of The Captain's Table bar...that appears/disappear at whim, but upon the need of a captain, appears at the perfect time to expell demons and recount heroic sequences. This time, is more the former, though some see the latter.
Really fun read.
Now, back to the regularly scheduled Star Trek: TNG: Double Helix series 05 Double or Nothing by Peter David.
4.0 Stars
challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I love what this series is doing. It is giving time to the authors that have written these complex character, the "time" to flesh them out, and give a bit more nuance. And Peter David did that in spade...in this entry in The Captain's Table series.
I've read about six books that has Makenzie Calhoon has its main character (before this book).
I like him, 'cause he's not the spit and polished Academy graduate that found his way to becoming a starship captain. His path to this lofty position...has not been conventional (to say the least).
We also get some backstory about Katerina Mueller, who is currently his XO on the USS Excaliber...and they've got a past (which was fun to read about in this story).
The character of note for this story, was his captain...while he was serving on the USS Grissom...and the events that transpired...to lead Commander Calhoon to leave Starfleet.
It's a pretty good story, and this type of venue (The Captain's Table series) is the perfect place to expand on the lore of the now, Captain MacKenzie...as he leads the USS Excaliber.
Love all the "characters" that pop in and out of The Captain's Table bar...that appears/disappear at whim, but upon the need of a captain, appears at the perfect time to expell demons and recount heroic sequences. This time, is more the former, though some see the latter.
Really fun read.
Now, back to the regularly scheduled Star Trek: TNG: Double Helix series 05 Double or Nothing by Peter David.
May 20, 2020
This was a fascinating read. It's basically a flashback to when Captain Mackenzie Calhoun was a Commander under the beloved Captain Kenyon of the USS Grissom, though it has an interesting frame story of a magical bar that only captains can get into (hence the series name of The Captain's Table). I'm only reading this for its Star Trek: New Frontier connection, so I didn't bother with the earlier Captain's Table books (which feature Kirk, Picard, Sisko, and Janeway, naturally).
Structurally, we get a nice intro to Mac's history that we've already explored for anyone new to him, with what's basically a prologue, and then we get into the real story we're here for: What happened with Captain Kenyon and what caused Calhoun to quit Starfleet?
What I found so interesting about this volume was just how tragic and grim it felt for a Star Trek novel, as Calhoun is recounting something that he bitterly regrets his part in. He knows he did wrong, so we end up feeling his pain, but wow, it was a train wreck that just got worse and worse for the characters. I can see better now why he's so grim about this aspect of responsibility and duty, so it was something really good for Peter David to explore.
I also see a flaw that we get here with how Mackenzie is written, though--he's an alien captain! Why is he making so many Earth references? It just seemed really weird for several of his jokes, when I was hoping he'd be a bit more alien instead of a vaguely Scottish barbarian. That's '90s Trek for you, I guess.
The only thing that did annoy me was that Mac's story ended like 10 pages sooner than I was expecting because the rest is just setup for the next Captain's Table book with Captain Pike, which I wasn't going to bother with.
Structurally, we get a nice intro to Mac's history that we've already explored for anyone new to him, with what's basically a prologue, and then we get into the real story we're here for: What happened with Captain Kenyon and what caused Calhoun to quit Starfleet?
What I found so interesting about this volume was just how tragic and grim it felt for a Star Trek novel, as Calhoun is recounting something that he bitterly regrets his part in. He knows he did wrong, so we end up feeling his pain, but wow, it was a train wreck that just got worse and worse for the characters. I can see better now why he's so grim about this aspect of responsibility and duty, so it was something really good for Peter David to explore.
I also see a flaw that we get here with how Mackenzie is written, though--he's an alien captain! Why is he making so many Earth references? It just seemed really weird for several of his jokes, when I was hoping he'd be a bit more alien instead of a vaguely Scottish barbarian. That's '90s Trek for you, I guess.
The only thing that did annoy me was that Mac's story ended like 10 pages sooner than I was expecting because the rest is just setup for the next Captain's Table book with Captain Pike, which I wasn't going to bother with.
May 6, 2023
Captain’s Table #5: New Frontier: Once Burned
Now, this is a good book. Having finished #5 earlier this week, it left a bad taste in my mouth but I still wanted to read more NF as it had started off promising. In my list of Trek books to read, I included this one after as a change of pace in between #5 and #6 and man did I make a good choice here.
This book serves as a nice prequel of sorts to NF and is part of the larger Captain’s Table miniseries. The stories aren’t connected in anyway, but they’re all about solo stories focused on the seven main captains (Kirk, Sulu, Janeway, Picard, Sisko, Calhoun and Pike) as seen in books and tv. I haven’t read any of the other ones, but I wanted to read this the one most because Peter David wrote it and I’m on a NF binge. This book was a good palette cleanser and the story of Keyoun and the actions he takes as a result of the death of his daughter and brother is very tragic. It also underscores how tragic of a character Calhoun really is. It also showed us how he became the man he is as seen in NF. Also, happy the sexual content was toned down and it was taken more seriously and David thrives on that, good character work and good plot decisions.
Also the mirroring of this book and to a Private Little War was a nice touch
7.5/10
Now, this is a good book. Having finished #5 earlier this week, it left a bad taste in my mouth but I still wanted to read more NF as it had started off promising. In my list of Trek books to read, I included this one after as a change of pace in between #5 and #6 and man did I make a good choice here.
This book serves as a nice prequel of sorts to NF and is part of the larger Captain’s Table miniseries. The stories aren’t connected in anyway, but they’re all about solo stories focused on the seven main captains (Kirk, Sulu, Janeway, Picard, Sisko, Calhoun and Pike) as seen in books and tv. I haven’t read any of the other ones, but I wanted to read this the one most because Peter David wrote it and I’m on a NF binge. This book was a good palette cleanser and the story of Keyoun and the actions he takes as a result of the death of his daughter and brother is very tragic. It also underscores how tragic of a character Calhoun really is. It also showed us how he became the man he is as seen in NF. Also, happy the sexual content was toned down and it was taken more seriously and David thrives on that, good character work and good plot decisions.
Also the mirroring of this book and to a Private Little War was a nice touch
7.5/10
September 13, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. I loved getting to see Calhoun's previous posting on the Grissom and the things that lead him to where he was at the beginning of the New Frontier books. I especially loved reading the scenes with his captain, he was written very well, long scenes of him and everyone else wrestling with their emotions towards the mission, and this book, more than the other ones, is the one I'd most want to see on screen. Also, I thought the framing device of the captain's table was pretty cool, and makes me want to check out some more captain's table stories. I know some people think the idea of it goes too far, but I was left wanting more. If I was to say one thing against the book, it would be that only 4 of the Grissom cast really do much, and the rest were just kind of there, I was they were more involved with the main plot. But overall I had a great time reading this one, I could barely put it down, and it gives me a greater appreciation for the character.
May 3, 2025
Who would have thought it? A New Frontier novel which is actually good. I'd say I don't know how it happened, but I do know. For one, it's told in first person, so the slavering depiction of Mackenzie Calhoun which so drags down the other books is necessarily absent. It has to be, else he'd come across as so up himself he'd be intolerable. Secondly, he's on a different ship with a different crew and they come across as people, all of them, instead of a walking collection of quirks that's turned the New Frontier bunch into caricatures. And finally, this story is a tragedy and it's treated as a tragedy, which means the tone is far more believable than it is in the other books, which often undermine the seriousness of events with a very uneven voice in that regard.
Why David's written six volumes of that dreck when he can produce work of this calibre is beyond me. This is light years ahead of the rest of the New Frontier series.
Why David's written six volumes of that dreck when he can produce work of this calibre is beyond me. This is light years ahead of the rest of the New Frontier series.
October 1, 2019
Star Trek kenne ich nur vom Namen her und vom Reboot, dessen erster Film ich gesehen habe. Der war so "naja". Aber schon ewig steht das Franchise auf meiner "Kümmer dich mal drum!"-Liste.
Als ich also auf der Suche nach einem passenden Challenge-Buch war (Getränk auf dem Cover), musste es einfach das sein. Somit habe ich mich in dieses Universum gestürzt, ohne es zu kennen. Oder Reihe, dessen fünfter Band dieses Buch ist.
War aber alles absolut kein Problem. Vielleicht, weil sich bei mir ein wenig das Star Wars-Gefühl einstellte, obwohl es sich um unterschiedliche Welten handelt. Aber irgendwie fühlte es sich gut und richtig an. Ich fand mich problemlos in dieser Geschichte zurecht und hatte Spass am Lesen.
Am Schluss war ich sogar richtig emotional involviert; das hätte ich gar nicht erwartet. Star Trek - gerne mehr davon!
Als ich also auf der Suche nach einem passenden Challenge-Buch war (Getränk auf dem Cover), musste es einfach das sein. Somit habe ich mich in dieses Universum gestürzt, ohne es zu kennen. Oder Reihe, dessen fünfter Band dieses Buch ist.
War aber alles absolut kein Problem. Vielleicht, weil sich bei mir ein wenig das Star Wars-Gefühl einstellte, obwohl es sich um unterschiedliche Welten handelt. Aber irgendwie fühlte es sich gut und richtig an. Ich fand mich problemlos in dieser Geschichte zurecht und hatte Spass am Lesen.
Am Schluss war ich sogar richtig emotional involviert; das hätte ich gar nicht erwartet. Star Trek - gerne mehr davon!
October 24, 2025
I've seen a few say it in the reviews, and they're right..This IS one of the best Star trek novels written.
Compelling and thought provoking.
Trek always works best when the fantasy is used and but the subject is grounded in human conditions.
The captain's table First person narrative works perfectly for this story, and the tale would never have worked in any of the other prime Trek series with their Captains.
Peter David was always a solid author and undoubtedly my favourite Trek story teller. He'd written many fantastic works. so it's hard to say it's THE, but it certainly is one of the greatest Trek books out there.
Compelling and thought provoking.
Trek always works best when the fantasy is used and but the subject is grounded in human conditions.
The captain's table First person narrative works perfectly for this story, and the tale would never have worked in any of the other prime Trek series with their Captains.
Peter David was always a solid author and undoubtedly my favourite Trek story teller. He'd written many fantastic works. so it's hard to say it's THE, but it certainly is one of the greatest Trek books out there.
September 26, 2019
As I've found with David's writing previously (context: I am reading my way through the Star Trek litverse chronologically, and as yet have only read his material from the 90s) there is a lot of clever storytelling and good character development here tempered with unfortunate bits of unchallenged casual misogyny etc from the supposed protagonist. I can only hope this is a habit he eventually grows out of. Those brief bits aside, this book is an entertaining ride and tells a story that had only yet bit hinted at in the previous books in the New Frontier series.
June 5, 2019
Think this is my favorite, so far, of Peter David's New Frontier series. This one features MacKenzie Calhoune's Starfleet career before the USS Excalibur. It's quite a bit different than the regular New Frontier series and it's written as a very page-turning thriller. Don't be put off that it's a part of The Captain's Table series. It is indeed a stand-alone. The Captain's Table series of books are linked only thematically.
January 28, 2019
Oh, yes. This was super. Peter David’s always treated the Trek universe with his trademark irreverence, and Calhoun positively blazed here. The voice is naturally as authentic as it comes, and the whole story just works so well, it’s hard to stop for breath. Without doubt, the best entry of this saga.
May 29, 2023
At a bar called The Captain’s Table, Mac Calhoun gets to tell the story seldom commented on in previous volumes of the New Frontier series I’m currently working my way through. He tells one of the patrons of his last voyage aboard the USS Grissom and his decision to leave Starfleet. Definitely makes for a quick read. Definitely recommended
December 17, 2023
Above the average Star Trek book. A standalone entry into the New Frontier series that gives us a background story about the main character of the series. Well written and entertaining, bounces between fun and tragic . 3.5 stars rounding up to 4.
May 9, 2025
The best New Frontier book I've read thus far and the most likable Calhoun's been thus far as well. The stakes are small and personal. It's one of those excellent moral dilemma stories that Star Trek does so well.
February 18, 2018
Excellent Trek book by Peter David.
June 25, 2019
Excellent. Just excellent.
December 11, 2020
Entertaining story, lots of action, sword fights and phasers. Pretty good for what it is.
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