Product Description
The USS Stargazer, a long-range exploration ship commanded by Captain Ruhalter, is assigned to pick up descendents of the survivors of the USS Valiant, a ship that was lost at the far edge of the galaxy in the very first Star Trek Original Series episode. The evacuees claim that a deadly invasion force from outside the galaxy is nearing the United Federation of Planets. When they are ambushed by the invaders, Captain Ruhalter is killed, leaving a young Lieutenant, Jean-Luc Picard, in charge of the ship in the midst of a deadly confrontation. Picard must swiftly learn to be an effective Captain; while dealing both with a crew that has not yet come to trust his judgement and with hostile aliens more powerful than anything the Federation has encountered before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

A strong stand alone...
The Valiant was a fun and enjoyable read. It's storyline answered many questions left behind by Star Trek The Next Generation. Especially how Commander Picard became Captain of the Stargazer. Although the characters are well thought-out some aspects of both the characters and the story are pretty predictable. Not an epic tale but a fun one nontheless.

Not Up to Par with Friedman's other ST novels
I've read other ST novels by Michael Jan Friedman.Unfortunately, this one was the worst.The main section of the novel (which dealt with Picard taking command of the Stargazer) was by far the worst section.Picard didn't ring true, not even as a young Picard.

The first and last sections (which dealt with the original crew of the Valiant) were the most interesting.Unfortunately, these couldn't carry the book.MJF has written other good Trek novels.This one wasn't up to their caliber.

Excellent story, well-told.
This book has two parts to it, each told quite well; one is a fleshing-out of the backstory of "The Valiant", as hinted at in the original series second pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before", the story of the ship that preceded the Enterprise through the galactic barrier and ran into its own problems with its own "Gary Mitchell", a crewman who developed godlike psi powers and a psychotic god-complex. The other is the first "Stargazer" story, the story of how a young Jean-Luc Picard came to be its captain. As I say, both stories were quite well-told, with excellent characterization, pacing, action, and drama. If there is a flaw, it is that there was a bit too much of a tendancy for things to be settled in a shoot-'em-up fashion, which is contrary to the usual style of the "Next Generation" series, but I suppose that between the fact that it's a younger Picard and the fact that sometimes, the opposition just IS implacably hostile and deadly and can only be dealt with bloodily, that can be accepted. The only other comment I have -- and I'm not entirely sure whether it's a complaint or a compliment -- is that there was an obvious plot-complication hanging over the story from almost the beginning, and it was never used. In a way, I'm glad; it was so obvious that it's something of a mark of creativity that it was ignored; on the other hand, I'm a little disappointed, because it would have been interesting to see how it played out. (Sorry; I can't give details without making for an unforgivable spoiler. If you've read the book and can't figure out what I'm referring to, feel free to e-mail me and I'll explain.)

STNG - The Valiant - Another great Stargazer novel!
If a Star Trek novel reader has ever picked up and read a Star Trek novel written by Michael Jan Friedman before and are about to pick up another, they're usually guaranteed one of the better Star Trek novels and STNG The Valiant is no exception to that rule.Given that he is the most prolific of the many Star Trek writers and has written within the many different series, he has a fair amount of knowledge and experience he brings to the page and it clearly shows throughout his stories.Of interest is that when this story was published, it was published under the series name of Star Trek The Next Generation, but since the release of the Stargazer novels, it is now listed as the second in the Stargazer series, right behind "Reunion."

In "The Valiant," MJ Friedman draws from several on screen plots and his past novels to create an exceptional USS Stargazer story, depicting events aboard that small vessel in a timeframe when Captain Picard was Commander Picard and he was the second officer.Combining the crew he created in his previous Stargazer novel "Reunion" and a small amount of the plot line he used in the "My Brother's Keeper" trilogy, he deftly crafts an excellent tale surrounding the events that lead to Jean Luc Picard becoming one of the youngest to ever make Captain in Starfleet.Of note is the great crew he's created to surround Picard on board the Stargazer.Each and every character is well thought out and gets appropriate time within the story without detracting from the main plot events.

The premise:

The Valiant

In the beginning of this exceptional story, we're taken some three hundred years in Starfleet history to when the SS Valiant is thrown beyond the galactic barrier and is trying to make her way back home through the galactic barrier.The SS Valiant is first mentioned in The Original Series episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before."Unfortunately for Captain Tarasco, who captain's the SS Valiant; their failed attempt to cross the barrier results in several casualties and in particular one crewman begins to exhibit "godlike" powers and loses all compassion for human life, thinking of his fellow humans more as bugs than his equals.This leaves Captain Tarasco with few options.

USS Stargazer

The Stargazer, captained by Captain Ruhalter with Commander Jean Luc Picard as second officer is summoned to Starbase 209.Upon arrival, they receive their mission briefing which encompasses two "descendants" of the SS Valiant who claim that they're ancestors, some three hundred years ago, were the crew of the Valiant and they "did" survive to form a colony on the other side of the barrier.These two descendants bring with them warnings of an invasion into Federation territory by a species that lives on the other side of the galactic barrier known and the Nuyyad.

With plenty of skepticism to spare, the Captain and crew of the USS Stargazer head out for the galactic barrier with one of the descendants on board and a Kelvan advisor aboard to determine the truth in this warning and hopefully deal with it accordingly.

What follows is an exceptional story detailing the events surrounding how Commander Jean Luc Picard became Captain Picard, in command of the USS Stargazer.Along with this, one of the better aspects of the novel is the authors setting up the events in "Reunion" with reference to his Chief Medical Officer Carter Greyhorse.

The Audio Tape:

Read by Anthony Stewart Head - While this is no replacement for reading the actual and full story it makes for a good three hour distraction when cruising down the highway.

I highly recommend this Star Trek novel to any and all fans of the series for it is definitely one of the better Trek stories in print.{ssintrepid}

Putting together the pieces.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked finding out how the character of Picard became the person, and the captain, we see today.

It was very enlightening to see the way that he looked for a balance between the command style of his captain and the first officer of the Stargazer in terms of developing his own style. He wasn't as reckless as his captain, but neither was he as "by the book" as the first officer. He saw what and what not to do, which is something many of us, including myself, have learned in our own lives.

One reason I give this four stars is because of something that is true of all "Star Trek" books. The authors of these books count upon the fact that you've watched the show (in this case "Star Trek: The Next Generation") and thus eliminates the need for setting up the characters, since there is already a "history" behind them. We already know who they are and what they've done.

A similar "biography" that I would recommend is "Mosaic," which looks at the history of the character of Janeway. While I was not a huge fan of "Voyager" (the stories were a bit weak), this book was also very enjoyable, giving insight as to how the character developed and why they act and think they way they do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful story with fabulous narration
I bought this book for my knight-obsessed daughter and we both fell in love with it. The stories are powerful for children and adults alike. As an adult, I think of them often. Also, in between and around the knight tales is a story about the children listening to the tales -- these are young boys in training to be knights. This story-around-the-tales is really endearing and wonderful. The storyteller rewards the boys with these tales. The narrator is such a pleasure to listen to. His voice is absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this as a book to read to children, as a CD to listen to with children, or as a CD to play in the car or in a classroom. I have given this book and CD set several times as a gift, too. Outstanding!!

Great find!
This book completely captivated my 5 year old son. We both loved the stories of adventure, bravery, resourcefulness and honor. We found it at the library but plan to add it to our own collection soon. This would also make a great gift.

Enchanting
Fancy a brave adventure filled with knights and chivalry? The Middle Ages might be over, but John Matthew's captivating tales might make you think otherwise. Coupled with actor Anthony Head's magnificent storytelling, and Giovanni Manna's delightful illustrations, these seven stories come alive! Children and adults alike will love to revisit this CD and paperback collection time and time again. ... Read more

Product Description

Even centuries later, the final decades of the twentieth century are still regarded as one of the darkest and most perilous chapters in the history of humanity Now, as an ancient and forbidden technology tempts mankind once more, Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise™ must probe deep into the secrets of the past, to discover the true origins of the dreaded Eugenics Wars -- and of perhaps the greatest foe he has ever faced.

1974 A.D. An international consortium of the world's top scientists have conspired to create the Chrysalis Project, a top-secret experiment in human genetic engineering. The project's goal is the creation of a new super-race to take command of the entire planet.

Gary Seven, an undercover operative for an advanced alien species, is alarmed by the project's objectives; he knows too well the apocalyptic consequences of genetic manipulation. But he may already be too late. One generation of super-humans has already been conceived. Seven watches as the children of Chrysalis-in particular, a brilliant youth named Khan Noonien Singh -- grow to adulthood. Can Khan's dark destiny be averted -- or is Earth doomed to fight Singh a global battle for supremacy?

The Eugenics Wars: Volume One is a fast-paced thriller that explores the rise of the conqueror known as Khan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (67)

Wrong title...
To Reign in Hell: The Exile of Khan Noonien Singh IS A FANTASTIC BOOK!Great story telling, great writing!When I saw "The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh", by the same author, I was thrilled.But, as some people noticed, the ones that were not tricked by the ST knowledge shown, saw that it is a story of Seven and his assistant. On the first book I was hoping that it would end with the death of Seven and Roberta, so Khan would finally be the star.But no, Khan is just one of the villains that THE GREAT SEVEN has to fight for the sake of our planet. SO... So... But really SO DISAPPOINTING !!!
But, please, do not let this deception prevent you from reading "To Reign in Hell".This book IS ABOUT KHAN, how he thinks, how he suffers, the sacrifices he makes...I promise you, you will love him even more, and then you will understand all the hate he has for Kirk, and the parallel story with Kirk is very good.
Once again, I was disappointed that Seven didn't died on the first volume, then as the story went on, on the second volume, they were still alive and stealing the show, so I was fast reading those parts and only reading well about Khan. But, please do read "To Reign in Hell", you will truly enjoy it.
Just to finish with the firs thought: The Eugenic wars books titles should have been "THE ADVENTURES OF GARY SEVEN AND ROBERTA LINCOLN"

Great Trek Writing Meets Great Spy Novel Writing
I love trek, but I am also a great fan of good spy stories as well. when I ordered this book it was because I really enjoyed the Greg CoxQ Trilogy. I had no idea it would involve the Gary Seven character from the original series. Well done. I enjoyed this book very much and have already ordered the second. It reads like a good spy novel and would be well suited for someone that is into that type of story. You don't even need to be a star trek fan to enjoy this book. I recommend it highly.

A little misleading
KHAAAAAAAAANNN!!!!

Greg Cox brings us the story of the Eugenic Wars. This historical event in the original Star Trek series (TOS) was mentioned in the 'Space Seed' episode. This episode brought us the character of Khan Noonien Singh. At first glance I expected a story that gave us the backstory regarding Khan.

The first two - thirds of the book was spent setting up the events that would introduce the readers to Khan. The story involve two other TOS characters Gary Seven and his female side kick. Through a series of events we are introduced to the toddler - Khan. A genetically altered boy who is stronger and smarter than ordinary children.

While the story that brings us to meet Khan is pretty good, the book starts to unravel a bit. I was put off by how Gary Seven starts as an alien who is capable of helping mankind avert a number of events which would harm the human race. Once Seven meets Khan and unfortunately decides to groom him as his sucessor, Seven becomes too human making a number of bad decisions. Khan grows to be too arrogant. So arrogant that his character becomes more of a cartoon than a dictator.

I have not decided if I will read the second part of Khan's story. I was happy with the start of the book, but once we got to Khan I was sadly left hanging.

just a vehicle
This book is little more than a vehicle for Greg Cox to demonstrate his knowledge of political and cultural history of the late 20th century, as well as his knowledge of the Star Trek universe.Khan and Gary Seven (with faithful sidekicks Roberta and Isis) tromp through world history a la Forrest Gump except with an agenda.Allegedly, their agenda is the same, to help humanity survive into the 21st century, although Khan already shows signs of being the anti-hero we know from episode and movie.How he goes from being so idealistic, if ruthless, being exiled on the Botany Bay is a question left to Volume II, which I may find the patience to read one day.

Awesome!
Filled in the gaps that the series left out. It referenced many other episodes as well. ... Read more