Star Trek: The Original Series: Living Memory by Christopher L. Bennett
Synopsis:
While attempting to settle in as commandant of Starfleet Academy, Admiral James T. Kirk must suddenly contend with the controversial, turbulent integration of an alien warrior caste into the student body—and quickly becomes embroiled in conflict when the Academy controversy escalates to murder. Meanwhile, Captain Spock of the USS Enterprise and Commander Pavel Chekov of the USS Reliant are investigating a series of powerful cosmic storms seemingly targeting Federation worlds—unstoppable outbursts emitting from the very fabric of space. Endeavoring to predict where the lethal storms will strike next, Spock and Chekov make the shocking discovery that the answer lies in Commander Nyota Uhura’s past—one that she no longer remembers….
Review:
Two separate storylines keep the former crew of the Enterprise busy in this new, original novel. Spock, Chekov, and Uhura investigate cosmic storms that seem to be correspond to places Uhura has been. And Kirk is in the middle of trying to integrate a group of genetically-modified aliens, bred for war into Starfleet Academy – despite objections from within Starfleet and the aliens themselves. It’s a great pairing, as one is a mystery with plenty of danger and excitement. And the other is a thought-provoking dilemma that turns into a murder mystery. I enjoyed the pacing and well-developed characters. Trading off storyline chapter-by-chapter, this is a captivating read with plenty of drama and adventure.