Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Gallery Books
An all-original novel based upon the explosive new series on CBS All Access
Aboard the Starship Shenzhou, Lieutenant Michael Burnham, a human woman raised and educated among Vulcans, is promoted to acting first officer. But if she wants to keep the job, she must prove to Captain Philippa Georgiou that she deserves to have it.
She gets her chance when the Shenzhou must protect a Federation colony that is under attack by an ancient alien vessel that has surfaced from the deepest fathoms of the planet’s dark, uncharted sea.
As the menace from this mysterious vessel grows stronger, Starfleet declares the colony expendable in the name of halting the threat. To save thousands of innocent lives, Burnham must infiltrate the alien ship. But to do so, she needs to face the truth of her troubled past, and seek the aid of a man she has tried to avoid her entire life—until now.
I’ve never read a Star Trek novel before, so I’m not sure how this compares to its predecessors, but I thoroughly enjoyed Desperate Hours.
The reason I rated the novel four stars instead of five is because the writing felt clinical. It read as if Mack was given an outline of the plot and was told to fill in the blanks. I’m not sure if the writing is supposed to reflect the cold, clinical way of the Vulcans, but I’m not a fan.
What I enjoyed most about Desperate Hours was the insight into the key characters from the Star Trek Discovery television show. Burnham’s actions and demeanour are in line with what’s presented on the show. Upon further reflection, her actions at the beginning of the show are predictable given the context of Desperate Hours.
I also enjoyed the added depth to Philippa Georgiou. She’s an interesting character who plays an important role in Burnham’s present and future, so it was exciting seeing her in action.
Desperate Hours is full of intense action, politics, and discovery. I’m starting to understand that Star Trek embodies all of my favourite aspects of science fiction: discovering new worlds, space battles, spaceships, different species, etc.
Overall, Desperate Hours was a fantastic addition to the television show and I cannot wait for season two!
I’m not sure if I’ll read the sequel, Drastic Measures, as it seems to be more imbedded within Star Trek lore than I’m familiar with.
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I’m not watching the show at the moment but if I do so I’ll have to remember about this book as it seems to compliment the series well.
Lynn 😀
Definitely worth the read you enjoy the show if you get around to it! 🙂