Federation

I read this multiple times back in the 90s, it's too bad this wasn't made into a movie, it would have been on par with First Contact.

When I first became a Trekkie and decided to read a novel, I checked this one out from the library. Only one 'Trek' novel has come close to being as good as 'Federation,' and that is 'Prime Directive,' also by Judith and Gar Reeves-Stevens. They are exemplary story tellers. From the scores of trek books I have read since, one fact stands out: The majority of them are utter drivel. 'Federation' stands out not just as the best trek novel, but also as good science fiction. It's ideas are thought provoking, particularly those dealing with the ethics of "technology unbound." The characters in this book are vivid, especially Zefram Cochran's nemisis. I won't give any plot away in this review, but don't expect some big show get together of the two crews. That would have been too hokey, and the authors know better. I have read this book twice and purchased the hard cover edition to put with my collection of great science fiction; it's that good. It's too bad that the writers of "First Contact" didn't use this book as a source of inspiration for Zefram Cochran. The Cochran in this book is consistent with the Cochran we meet in TOS, and the one we see in FC isn't(but I still love the movie). Bottom line: if you are considering a Trek novel, read 'Federation' first, and then read 'Prime Directive,' 'Sarek,' and 'Shadows on the Sun.' And for the love of anything that is good, stay away from anything with a number on it.

I bought this book based upon the fantastic 'Prime Directive' which, until THIS book was released was THE GREATEST Star Trek novel in print--bar NONE. Judith and Gar have outdone themselves with a truly gripping story that is very difficult to put down. I at first had the impression that the crews of the original series would be 'mixing it up' with the crew of Next Generation a lot in this story, and without spoiling the plot, just DON'T expect that, and, well, it'd be hard NOT to enjoy this book regardless of what you expect. After reading it you can't help but notice the glaring storyline error's in 'First Contact' but don't worry about it, the book isn't about defining problems in the movies--it's about as good a story as you are likely to find in print, and written in superior Trek style. Gene Roddenberry would have LOVED to have these authors on his payroll--unless he DID and I am unaware of it. Gene was a visionary, and this book takes that vision and adds tremendous depth and entertainment value. Every Trek fan will find this a good read, but the true Trek Nerds will find it a GREAT book because of how the past is tied together so well, so seamlessly, so FUN. If you are struggling over which Trek book to read and 'Federation' is one you haven't got ahold of yet, well what are you waiting for? Grand Sci Fi in Grand tradition. As usual, read, enjoy and thank me later. Let me know what you thought of the book: [email protected] Ciao!

This novel was truely one of the best Star Trek books that I have ever read. Its version of Zefram Cochran is far better that that of "First Contact's" and I think that most people would agree with that. I also think that most people would agree that they wish thet the episode and movie writers were as good as Judith Reeves and Garfield Reeves-Stevens. The book was absolutly WONDERFUL, I would recomend it to and Trek fan. I, myself have read it three times and it was equaly as enthrawling every time.

The movie ST: FIRST CONTACT destroyed any reason for a fan of any of the series to ever buy a book based on these series again. This is an absolutely riviting account based on the life of the father of warp drive--a true visionary among fictional characters. However, the film not only destroyed the plausibility of this book; it also contradicted the character of Cochrane in the previous STAR TREK episode, "Metamorphosis". Still it's a great book to read that's written by two of the greats--just ask William Shatner. And finally, down with Rick Berman's playing with the STAR TREK history he had no part of, and doesn't deserve to.