Book #127: Star Trek Into Darkness by Alan Dean Foster
J.M. Dillard
Released: May 21st, 2013
My 57th book for 2025 was J.M. Dillard’s "Star Trek: Into Darkness.
I remember when this one first came out. I was impressed by the Star Trek reboot with the 2009 movie, and the sequel was sure to impress. I kept hearing about this "John Harrison" villian, and was eager to know more about him.
In this one, Kirk is in command of the Enterprise. But after failing the Prime Directive in which he and his crew stop a volcano from dooming a primitive civilization, he is demoted to First Officer under Captain Pike. During a meeting at Starfleet to discuss a security breach, Kirk points out that when an event like this happens, all the top Starfleet officials meet up in this office. Suddenly, an attack breaks out, injuring and killing many of Starfleet's top brass. Kirk discovers that the perpetrator has beamed to Qo'Nos, the Klingon homeworld. He is assigned to go there, launch missiles at the killer, and return home before the Klingons respond. Prior to departing, Scotty resigns from Starfleet because he refuses to sign for a shipment that he has not inspected yet. With Chekov as the new Chief of Engineering, the Enterprise sets off for Qo'Nos. Upon arrival, Kirk, Spock, and Uhura beam down. After some trouble, they find Harrison, and he unexpectedly surrenders. Back on the ship, Kirk and Spock attempt to figure out why he gave up so suddenly. A Federation starship warps into the area, and another obstacle is faced when Kirk has to fight 2 enemies at once, and make amends with Scotty. This leads to a all-spectacle ending involving sacrifice, loyalty, and compromise.
I remember after I saw this film, I felt let down. The book reads a lot more fluidly, and the ending is a bit stronger. It felt like in the movie, the film built up to something that never truly paid off. The book manages it a bit better with more character development, a clearer motive for the villain, and more insight as to what was happening.
Fans of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan will rejoice in this one with many callbacks and references to that story. A portion of this story parallels events from that one, and while things play out a little differently this time, it is fascinating to see all the little details that pay homage to not only the original Star Trek movies, but one of the most sinister villains in all of the series.
There is tension between Kirk and Scotty, as well as Spock and Uhura. Kirk makes one of the hardest decisions in his career by accepting Scotty's resignation. Scotty is hurt because he was doing his job and was let go because he refused to break protocol. Spock and Uhura are dating in this one, and experience common relationship growing pains that everyone faces at one point or another.
John Harrison is revealed to be the classic Star Trek nemesis, Khan Noonian-Singh. I'm a spoiler's guy, and I read this before going to see the movie. I was thrilled to no end. I wanted to see how they brought this legendary character into the new Kelvin timeline. Benedict Cumberbatch does an outstanding job portraying the character, and adding a new level of depth to him. The final battle between him, Spock, and Uhura is legendary, as is the way they use him to save Kirk and ultimately the Enterprise.
Here is what I learned:
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- A supervolcano on Nibiru is about to erupt.
- “Sometimes, despite the availability of the most advanced tech, nothing worked better than an out of experienced eyes.”
- Vanity is one of humankind’s least estimable characteristics.
- “You think the rules do not apply to you because you disagree with them.”
- Starfleet gave the Enterprise back to Admiral Pike.
- The Starfleet data archive was in London, England.
- 42 people died when it was bombed.
- Starfleet mandates that in the event of a terrestrial attack, senior command must gather at Starfleet headquarters.
- 2324-5678 is the transporter receive code for the Klingon world of Qo’noS.
- John Harrison is suspected of attacking Starfleet.
- He beamed into the uninhabited Ketha Province.
- London was actually the staging area for a top-secret branch of Starfleet research and development called Section 31.
- Qo’noS had one major moon called Praxis.
- Praxis is a center of energy production.
- Lt Carol Wallace has advanced doctorates in applied physics, astrophysics, materials science, and is a Starfleet specialist in advanced weapons systems.
- "Do you guys fight? How does that work? Do you take a swing at him and he responds with five minutes of logical disquisition on why your primitive physical reaction was irrational and unproductive?”
- “Mr. Sulu, remind me to never piss you off.”
- Spock could outstare a cat.
- In the Kelvin timeline, Admiral Marcus revived Khan.
- “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
- Khan’s super-blood can heal humans.
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Overall, this one read well. I might not have cared so much for the film, but the book reads nicely. I'd say read this one first, and then go see the film.
Recommended. Especially for Wrath of Khan fans.
On to Book #124: Cybershock by David Lambert.
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Need to catch up? See previous blog post: Star Trek (2009).
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Want to read about just this series? See the other posts below:
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
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