Simon & Schuster has released their Summer Gallery of Books catalog for retail book-buyers and it includes preliminary covers and summaries for their four Pocket Books Star Trek movie-tie in novels. See below for full details on all the new timeline fun in the sun planned for this Summer.
The Summer of Star Trek movie tie-in Books
Pocket Books is devoting their entire Summer season of Star Trek books to tie-ins to the 2009 Star Trek movie. All four books take place entirely in the new timeline, set after the events of the film. The novels are all stand-alone and not linked to each other, so you can pick up any one of them without missing part of the story.
All four books are are Mass Market Paperbacks, retailing for $7.99 ($9.99 Canada). All will also be available in eBook format. All are available for pre-order at Amazon (click covers below to order from Amazon).
Summaries and covers
NOTE: the covers below are just preliminary placeholders for the sales catalog. Final covers may look completely different.
Star Trek: Refugees
by Alan Dean Foster
(On sale: May 25, 2010)
In this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Star Trek movie tie-in, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise must decide if a group of refugees are actually a menace—or just misunderstood.
When a strange distress call comes in and Kirk orders the Enterprise to answer it, they encounter a large colony ship of refugees under attack. Unable to convince the Dre’kalk to cease fire, Kirk engages them and drives off their ships. The refugees—the Perenores, a race of furry bisymmetrical people—are starving, battered, and many are injured. Their ship wandered off course and their fuel and food is running out, so Kirk and the crew find a place for these displaced refugees. But just two months later, the Barran are threatening the Federation with war for protecting the Perenore menace. But Kirk and Spock are puzzled, the Perenores are peaceful people, what could have happened?
[available for pre-order at Amazon]
Star Trek: Seek a Newer World
by Christopher L. Bennett|
(On sale: June 29, 2010)
When the Enterprise is outnumbered and under attack, the crew manages to escape and discovers an entire hidden civilization in this exciting new original Star Trek novel.
Stung by Nero’s escape, the Klingons are looking to salvage their pride by besting the ship that took him down: Enterprise. Command has assigned Kirk to observe and watch how the new captain performs his duties. A boring expedition becomes a fight for survival as the Klingons attack, outnumber, and outflank the young captain and his Enterprise crew. But just as the Enterprise escapes, the crew comes across an entire civilization of worlds within worlds hidden in a radiation belt of a large planet. A civilization so powerful that they can create all this? Kirk wonders just what are they hiding from and will do whatever it takes to find out.
[available for pre-order at Amazon]
Star Trek: More Beautiful Than Death
by David Mack
(On sale: July 27, 2010)
An all-new adventure featuring the new Enterprise crew on a mission to broker a Federation trade agreement, from critically acclaimed Star Trek author David Mack.
Captain Kirk leads the crew of the Enterprise on a mission to Akiron, a world known for its rich dilithium deposits and isolationist government. Aboard is Spock’s father, Ambassador Sarek, who is hoping to set up a trade agreement for the Federation with the planet. Pleased that the Federation has entrusted him with this mission, Kirk pledges everyone on Enterprise will grant the ambassador their full cooperation. Spock is happy to see his father and his Vulcan staff putting the destruction of their world behind them. But Sarek, however, has a secondary agenda while on board Enterprise….
[Available for pre-order at Amazon]
Star Trek: The Hazards of Concealing
by Greg Cox
(On sale: June 29, 2010)
An all-new adventure featuring the new Enterprise crew—from New York Times bestselling author Greg Cox.
The events of the recent movie have left one important loose end: the elder Spock from the 24th century. His knowledge of both technology and future events makes him one of the most important strategic assets in the galaxy. Starfleet Command wants Ambassador Spock to rejoin Starfleet and share that information with them, but Spock is reluctant to interfere with the unfolding of the new timeline. Will he be able to escape a sinister plan wrought by the enemies of the Federation, or will their quest to exploit Spock’s wisdom succeed, with disastrous consequences?
[Available for pre-order from Amazon]
2010 Prime Universe Books
Although the Summer is all about the new movie timeline, 2010 has plenty of Star Trek novels set in the original ‘prime’ universe, including a number of stand-alone TOS-era books and the 24th century “Typhon Pact” mini-series. For more details see our 2010 Star Trek Books Preview.
Source: Simon & Schuster
Great! I’ll buy them all!
The Prime Spock book (The Hazards of Concealing) brings up an interesting idea that they could use in a future film.
If it is known the Prime Spock has knowledge of technology future events he could be a liability. It seems logical that they might want to send him to his proper timeline.
Isn’t there a precedent in ST that characters must be returned to their original timeline/universe?
Looks like we are in for some fun reading this summer. “The Hazards of Concealing” looks very interesting and I enjoyed Cox’s Khan Trilogy.
Yes, well, the Hazards of Concealing does contain a trope that we’ve talked about right here at TrekMovie.com.
Separately, I noticed a possible typo in the synopsis for Seek a Newer World — shouldn’t it be Pike who is keeping an eye on the new captain?
I like some of the exploratory and galactipolitical themes I see in these novels.
“Hazards” sounds like an outstanding (and dare I say) logical idea. Perhaps a lot of what Spock Prime knows of the past is moot since the timeline has changed. Still, he’s a valuable commodity be friends and enemies alike. Certainly from a technological standpoint. (Transwarp beaming for example.) And some events from the original timeline probably would remain unchanged by Nero’s incursion into the past. The Doomsday Machine is out the somewhere. The giant amoeba. The infestation of Deneva. Wouldn’t Spock Prime feel compelled to intervene? Quite the moral and ethical dilemma. Sounds riveting!
Has the Supreme Court asked Pocket to stay away from certain topics/episodes/events? Like, say…the Botany Bay perhaps?
Looks like these novels prove that Trek can include stories with PLOTS and CHARACTERS, sted: “Bad guy shows up. Trek-Cliche. CGI-Boom. Trek-Cliche. CGI-Boom. Bad guy dies.”
I hope Bob et al are really challenging themselves to write us a GREAT STORY for the sequel.
I’d like more lens flare on the covers.
Amazing site. I am a fan of Star Trek since my childhood… Meanwhile I collect all information I can find on the net. I will return to your blog to read more of your posts.
Frank
I am curious how these novels will play out. There are only so many things to explore: the Vulcan refugee problem, Spock Prime and corrupting the timeline, Spock/Uhura, the young crew, etc. Once these ideas are exhausted (and these novels are already starting to address these ideas), then what?
It seems to me there will only be new stories, or stories that take existing stories and put a twist on them due to the timeline corruption. The first option is unnecessary – these can be done as novels in the prime timeline. The second option will quickly grow gimmicky.
I know it is tempting to write this series, but I wonder if it is better to leave it to the movies, and perhaps have an occational novel that bridges the new movies. The real problem here is that the new movies are fun because of the new cast, but that is a visual thing and I am not sure that translates well to novels. We’ll see.
One thing: The Perenores better not look like the Ewoks.
I’m in on the Cox/Bennett/Mack novels. I’ll take a pass on the Foster tome – I was extremely (think of that word in bold typeface) by the novelization of Trek 09. It was the weakest by far of any ST movie novelization. It might not be entirely Foster’s fault (I have no idea the restrictions he was under), but it was what it was.
I want to read “The Hazards of Concealing”. That sounds like it’ll be a good book worth reading.
And these are rrunning parallel parallel with novels set int the prime universe?
I gotta say, that Seek a Newer World synopsis sounds like it would be a PERFECT story for the sequel.
It’s got Klingons, Kirk being tested, and a mystery on an alien world.
they sound cool.
And I know the authors are limited in what they can do, but I REALLY hope they can have a little fun with the new versions of these characters, and not focus solely on the plot like usual.
That’s always been my biggest beef with these Trek novels– they’re so freakin plot-heavy, with very little character or humor or sense of fun.
#4
I read the line as “Command has assigned Kirk to observe [,] and watch how the new captain performs his duties”
Has to be said: Star Trek: The Hazards of Concealing is the only one I’m a little interested by.
14)
I agree,
Kirk and crew trapped and outnumbered by Klingons, an all powerful race of beings involved!
Oh wait, just watch Errand of Mercy ;)
RE: prime universe
I have added a note on that. Yes Pocket also has a bunch of books for 2010 all about the prime universe with TOS, TNG, DS9, Titan (TNG spinoff), Aventine (DS9 spinoff) stories. IDW are also doing at least one ST09 tie-in in 2010 (an adaptation of the movie) as well as prime timeline stories from TOS, TNG and DS9.
Of course the upcoming Star Trek Online game is set in the 25th century of the prime timeline (long after Nero and Spock bolted for the new timeline)
So the prime timeline lives on and in parallel with the new timeline, in the extended universe of Star Trek
“Spock is happy to see his father and his Vulcan staff putting the destruction of their world behind them.”
Really? was “happy” the best word choice here?
They all look like fun reads this summer, especially delving into Spock Prime’s knowledge of the future- One thing for sure, he’d better be conjuring up some whales for when the Probe appears. I doubt if Kirk & Co. will find themselves in a convenient stolen Bird of Prey to go back to the Eighties and snatch George & Gracie.
And stop the Doomsday Machine
And the giant space amoeba
And the flying parasites
And Lazarus
… it goes on and on.
4: “Separately, I noticed a possible typo in the synopsis for Seek a Newer World — shouldn’t it be Pike who is keeping an eye on the new captain?”
17: “I read the line as “Command has assigned Kirk to observe [,] and watch how the new captain performs his duties””
Unfortunately, whoever wrote that text for the catalog was trying to rephrase the first-draft blurb, and that particular sentence ended up missing a key word or two. Let’s just say someone’s observing Kirk, and it’s not Pike.
In general, take these preliminary blurbs with many grains of salt. The catalog is meant for booksellers rather than the general public, and its contents are often quite rough and inaccurate. For one thing, Greg’s book is The Hazard of Concealing, not Hazards.
#21 – And don’t forget: Garth of Izar, Elaan of Troyus, dealing with the Orion Syndicate, and the Kelvans! =P
Can novels based on the new universe be written in JJ Abrams’ style? Meaning can they have a lot more action and be “less talky”? Can that even be done in a novel?
Or, are these just new ST stories with pictures of the new cast on the cover?
#21, I assume that many of the events of the prime universe will unfold in the new universe, only with slight differences. This is the same as many of the multi-verse theories I’ve heard about. I accept that most of the original series and movie stories unfold in the new universe, with some differences. Maybe it would be interesting to write a ST novel based on an original story/episode/movie and show how these differences occur….
They look to be very fresh and interesting readings. Am waiting with anticipation!!
i think for seeker for a new world they mean Pike. Cause how can Kirk keep on an eye on Kirk?
17, I dunno. Maybe.
25, my point exactly.
Some of the stories sound interesting, and Greg Cox in particular can be usually counted on to spin an interesting yarn that smartly ties in some Trek lore. But man do those covers ever suck. I guess the days of hand drawn, imaginative art for mass market paperbacks like these must slowly be coming to a close.
@ 20.
I really wonder if publishing ‘prime timeline’ and ‘alternate timeline’ products will confuse the casual fans down the road…..
Down the road, maybe 20-30 years from now….. when there have been more movies / tv shows been done about the alternate timeline and prime timeline…. its going to get extremely convoluted and fans might get confused distinguishing between the histories, etc…
wtv… it was just a thought…
#1, WGW, we may have to! If the sequel follows the same pattern as the first film, I wonder if the novels won’t be required reading in order to fully understand the plot of the sequel. ;-)
btw.. can’t wait for the Alan Dean Foster novel !
am i the only one who thinks that Elder Spock’s ear going into the flare/sun kind resembles the IDIC?
@14: “It’s got Klingons, Kirk being tested, and a mystery on an alien world.”
um…do i dare bring up the plot for ST:V?
ABOUT: “Star Trek: The Hazards of Concealing,” by Greg Cox, and the comment by #2, above, by “VOODOO” —
“The Prime Spock book (“The Hazards of Concealing”) brings up an interesting idea that they could use in a future film…..If it is known the Prime Spock has knowledge of technology future events he could be a liability. It seems logical that they might want to send him to his proper timeline…..Isn’t there a precedent in ST that characters must be returned to their original timeline/universe?”
______________________________
The 2009 Star Trek film didn’t simply alter Trek’s timeline, but rather it created a PARALLEL timeline (according to the story authors). I wonder at the ramifications of this notion: as Capt. Janeway once put it to her crew, thinking about Temporal Physics and how they could go either way in any given situation gives her a headache. I would tend to agree. While Spock [Prime] finds himself taken from Picard’s era through the singularity created by his own Red Matter implosion, future Temporal Agents (31st century’s MR. DANIELS from ST:ENT, and/or 29th century Capt. Braxton in ST:VOY “Future’s End–Part 2”)– IF they are even aware of this parallel time line at all — might just let him “help” this “parallel” Federation avoid those coming hazards: V’Ger, the whale probe, Nomad, the Kelvans, Khan, and all the rest — as Spock sees fit. Heck, they (and Spock) might even find completely logical reasons to do so in this parallel reality.
Then, when the time comes (and if Spock Prime is still alive), he might be returned to his own reality. That’s a mighty big if, and the opportunities for errors and changes in this parallel reality might be so drastic that Spock might elect to remain where he has found himself. The logic of helping restore the Vulcan race in the alternative timeline might prove his best reason for remaining where he is until he passes on.
Wow, so much to consider: an entire UNIVERSE of possibilities. And what about the future of this parallel timeline? Harriman? Garrett? Picard? Riker? The USS Enterprise’s B, C, D, E, and so on? The USS Titan? The Klingon peace treaty Kirk & Co. help bring about with Chancellor Gorkon?
I suppose Greg Cox and the rest of the ST authors (Alex and Roberto included) will have their work cut out for them regarding this HEADACHE of a parallel future! Bayer aspirin, anyone? LOL!
@ 33.
lol ! Yea, i agree, they do have their work cut out for them.
It probably felt like a great/easy way for robert and alex to escape cannon ….. but were only going to see the consequences of these actions down the road…. possibly 5-10 years from now……
Not only will it be a headache to deal with…. but it will confuse a lot of casual fans alike. Just as i posted earlier.
will the books further deal with the fact that this timeline is parallel to the Trek universe we know and love.
I am happy for both universes to co exist side by side, I was asking out of curiosity if you think the writers would address the parallel universe.
I’m looking forward to the new Alt Universe novels. I enjoyed the movie and cannot wait to see further adventures in the timeline.
Interesting- yeah, I’m on board.
Can’t wait for all the books but those are some ugly covers if I may be so bold!
29: “I really wonder if publishing ‘prime timeline’ and ‘alternate timeline’ products will confuse the casual fans down the road…..”
Pocket already publishes fiction set in various different timelines — the main book continuity, the Shatner novels, the Crucible trilogy, the Mirror and Myriad Universes series. (Plus, for a long time, the novels didn’t have any real continuity and contradicted each other all the time.) I see this as just adding one more timeline to the roster. Well, two, actually, since there’s a Star Trek Online novel coming out this year.
30: “If the sequel follows the same pattern as the first film, I wonder if the novels won’t be required reading in order to fully understand the plot of the sequel. ;-)”
The filmmakers are paying no attention to the novels. It’s their franchise; we’re just borrowing their toys and putting them back where we found them.
35: “will the books further deal with the fact that this timeline is parallel to the Trek universe we know and love.”
I’m sure that will come up in The Hazard of Concealing, which focuses on Spock Prime, but mostly these are meant to be standalone adventure tales that are accessible to fans of the new movie, including those who have little prior familiarity with ST. Also, since they’re a new series of books, we want them to establish their own independent identity. So they won’t be getting bogged down in continuity references or comparisons with the Prime timeline.
@28: I couldn’t agree more. I remember the days of old when Pocket Books had those lovely painted covers–some of the artists paid as much attention to the Enterprise as the characters themselves and rendered frame-worthy pieces of art. Now? Photoshop and some tired “effects” (lens flare! cowbell!) and voila–an uninspired and uninviting cover to a book. Yay.
Correction to my above rant: I just saw that note about the covers not being final. Belay my previous rant. ;-)
#11 Just an FYI, Foster’s novelization was done with an earlier draft of the script, he only had a small amount of time to write it, and he really didn’t want to do it in the first place. Unfortunately, that all shows up in the novelization.
MUST. READ. THEM. ALL.
#21: I see your point. This is why I hope Nimoy will participate in the next movie. There’s soooo much that can be done with that character at this point, especially in conjunction with younger Spock.
39
wil Kirk’s sudden rise from Cadet to Captain in this universe be addressed? It was a plot point in the new movie that did not ring true to me.
Just curious if it is going to be addressed.
@45 Ring true?! Kirk saved Earth and the Federation against all odds. I think a captain title is the least he deserved. lol
Spock wanted to join up with the fleet, and Kirk had the instinct to face Nero despite a near certain defeat.
oh.. I think I just thought of a contradiction in the movie.
Near Earth, how come Kirk/Spock beamed over to the Narada? Shields are inactivated because of the drill? If so, how come the shields were up near Vulcan? hmm maybe the drill was not deployed/active yet. I would have to check.
44. Sarah
I’d rather they make a straight-to-Blu-ray movie with Leonard Nimoy and release it to tie in with the sequel, much as there was a straight-to-DVD spin-off from the Get Smart film released within weeks of the main film!
I’ll get them all, but the Spock Prime one sounds AWESOME.
They sound all great!