Firestorm (Star Trek, Book 68)

Many Star Trek fans decry the third season of the original series for such episodes as "Spock's Brain" and "Plato's Stepchildren", and some include "Elaan of Troyus" in the mix of episodes to avoid. Regardless of your view on the episode, this follow-up by L. A. Graf is a most satisfying Star Trek adventure. In the story, a Federation geology team is observing the largest known supervolcano in the Federation when their observations fall under the harassment of a mining operation run by the Elasians. The encampment also is the temporary home of Israi, the Dohlman of the Elasians. As arrogant as ever, Israi agrees to speak only with the Dholman of the Enterprise, a 'duty' that Captain Kirk places squarely in the lap of Lieutenant Commander Uhura. However, not all is as it seems. Geologists question the claims of the Elasian miners, Kirk questions the date of their planetary claim, and traitors lurk in the midst of the Dohlman as a fleet closes in on the planet, the Enterprise, and the Dohlman. This story flows so wonderfully well that it is a joy to read. The arrogance and self-righteousness of the Elasians from the original episode are perfectly conveyed, while at the same time Graf builds out the Elasian culture into a distinctively evolved one based on fierce devotion to the Dohlman and the bond created by the famous biochemical tears that Elaan used several years earlier to hold sway over Captain Kirk. While Kirk and Spock get their fair share of story-time, the main focus is on Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov as they struggle to overcome a situation that could kill them all. The settings of the tale are vividly described, and the narrative, while brisk, leaves out nothing that is needed to follow the story and vividly envision the dire settings one is taken to by Graf. This is yet another classic novel that I passed over when it was first released as being too 'boring' for my tastes... but which I can now highly recommend to anyone interested in a story with good action, a great plot, and excellent writing.

This book is superbly written, like most of Ms. Graf's Star Trek books, and like many of her books, it focusses not entirely on Kirk and Spock, as so many Trek books do, but on Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov. In this case, the spotlight is particularly on Uhura, as the Enterprise is dealing with a strongly matriarchal culture (the Elasians, as seen in the episode "Elaan of Troius") and so Kirk puts Uhura in charge of the landing party dealing with them, letting them think that they're dealing with a female leader. It makes sense, and the story flows from that point. I would say that this is one of the ten best Star Trek novels I've read, and I've probably read over two hundred, possibly over three hundred.

Great book. Always wanted to know what would happen to Pavel if he was left alone on an active Volcano!

I love this book! It takes so many twists and turns you're not sure what's going to happen next! Excellent storytelling and wonderful character portrayal meld to create a book that is, above and beyond a shadow of a doubt, an awesome read. Uhura shows an aggressive, dominating side, and even if it's just an act, she's still as totally cool as ever. Of course, we can't forget Security Chief Chekov. He's more or less a hero, always willing to sacrifice himself if doing so will save his friends. As in many other L. A. Graf books, Chekov gets pretty beaten up, but he always seems to end up okay. Sulu plays his role too, even if he gets inslaved by the Dohlman of Elas. Any dedicated Trekker should definitely read this book.

If you like Checkov and Uhura, this a book that you must read. Checkov, is depicted as a hero, and he is. Checkov, Sulu and Uhura, brave a volcano to help save a princess who is arrogant. Through their actions they come to a happy ending where, Sulu and Checkov swear loyalty to Uhura.