3.5
Death in Winter
By Michael Jan FriedmanPublisher Description
Destinies are shattered, the Romulan Empire is shaken to its core, and Jean Luc-Picard’s life is changed forever in this Star Trek: The Next Generation novel.
Long before Captain Jean-Luc Picard took command of the legendary Starship Enterprise™, he fell deeply and hopelessly in love with Doctor Beverly Crusher. Though, for one reason or another, Picard never acted on his feelings, he found a measure of contentment as Beverly’s close friend, colleague, and daily breakfast partner.
But when Doctor Crusher leaves her position on the Enterprise to become the chief medical officer of Starfleet, the brightest light in Picard’s life is taken from him. And he has hardly resigned himself to his loss when he learns that Beverly has been declared missing in action on a distant planet—and presumed dead.
Kevratas is a bleak, frozen world on the far side of the Romulan Neutral Zone where the Federation has become the plague-ravaged natives’ only real hope of survival and freedom. Starfleet has no recourse but to send in another team to try to save the Kevrata—and Picard is the natural choice. Critical to the success of his mission are two colleagues who served under him when he commanded the Starship Stargazer—Pug Joseph, a man with a past to live down, and Doctor Carter Greyhorse, who has served time for attempted murder—as well as a Romulan who left his people years earlier and never expected to return. Together, they follow the trail of Beverly Crusher to Kevratas, determined to succeed where the doctor failed.
On the Romulan homeworld, meanwhile, the political vacuum created by the demise of Praetor Shinzon has been filled by his staunchest supporter, Senator Tal’aura. But there are those who oppose her, including Commander Donatra and the warbird fleets under her command, because of the way Tal’aura has mishandled rebellions on the Empire's subject worlds.
And one rebellion in particular; the movement for self-determination on frigid Kevratas. So begins a desperate struggle—not only for the freedom of the long-oppressed Kevrata but also for the soul of the Romulan Empire. Before it’s over, destinies will be forged and shattered, the Empire will be shaken to its ancient foundations, and Jean-Luc Picard's life will be changed...forever.
Long before Captain Jean-Luc Picard took command of the legendary Starship Enterprise™, he fell deeply and hopelessly in love with Doctor Beverly Crusher. Though, for one reason or another, Picard never acted on his feelings, he found a measure of contentment as Beverly’s close friend, colleague, and daily breakfast partner.
But when Doctor Crusher leaves her position on the Enterprise to become the chief medical officer of Starfleet, the brightest light in Picard’s life is taken from him. And he has hardly resigned himself to his loss when he learns that Beverly has been declared missing in action on a distant planet—and presumed dead.
Kevratas is a bleak, frozen world on the far side of the Romulan Neutral Zone where the Federation has become the plague-ravaged natives’ only real hope of survival and freedom. Starfleet has no recourse but to send in another team to try to save the Kevrata—and Picard is the natural choice. Critical to the success of his mission are two colleagues who served under him when he commanded the Starship Stargazer—Pug Joseph, a man with a past to live down, and Doctor Carter Greyhorse, who has served time for attempted murder—as well as a Romulan who left his people years earlier and never expected to return. Together, they follow the trail of Beverly Crusher to Kevratas, determined to succeed where the doctor failed.
On the Romulan homeworld, meanwhile, the political vacuum created by the demise of Praetor Shinzon has been filled by his staunchest supporter, Senator Tal’aura. But there are those who oppose her, including Commander Donatra and the warbird fleets under her command, because of the way Tal’aura has mishandled rebellions on the Empire's subject worlds.
And one rebellion in particular; the movement for self-determination on frigid Kevratas. So begins a desperate struggle—not only for the freedom of the long-oppressed Kevrata but also for the soul of the Romulan Empire. Before it’s over, destinies will be forged and shattered, the Empire will be shaken to its ancient foundations, and Jean-Luc Picard's life will be changed...forever.
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3.5
Graff Fuller
Created 4 months agoShare
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“Death in Winter by Michael Jan Friedman - First book in the Trek-Lit Reading Flowchart (TNG portion) AKA - Star Trek: TNG - Second Decade series
Adventurous, challenging, emotional,
hopeful, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
This was/is my first Star Trek: TNG book. I've always read TOS and before, but never in this era...so it was fitting that it was this one...that starts the HUGE series of books I've got planned to read (over 75 books, when totaled). I am reading the Trek-Lit Reading Flow Chart, put together by The Trek Collective.
I am starting in the TNG portion. This was decided on, pretty much...solely on the fact that I had more of these books...so I could read without having to buy FULL price novels...until months/years down the line, and in the mean time...I'm hoping that THOSE that are not in my library NOW, will be in it...when I NEED to read THAT novel(s). I think, at the start of this journey, only have NINE books that I do not have.
Okay, about this story...
I really love being in the head of Captain Jean Luc Picard (in written form). The Next Generation is one of my favourite series/casts. Captain Picard, is my favourite captain. he leads with conviction/dispassion/honesty and integrity. Obviously, these qualities are needed in all captains, but I think HE exudes them...the most naturally.
Also, having watched all three seasons of Picard (TV series on Paramount+), I desired to know some of the adventures that happened after Nemesis...and leading up to Picard.
Obviously, we know about the relationship between him and Doctor Beverly Crusher, and this story expands upon that tension and love.
The setting of this story is with the backdrop of a disease that is effecting a portion of people within the Romulan Star Empire, but near enough to The Federation...that the UFP felt it was their duty to send help, to this suffering and oppressed race of people.
We get time with Sela, too...which is both great and a "pain in the rear". The struggle of seeing Tasha Yar, but NOT Tasha Yar. Ugh.
The Romulan Star Empire's politics is a little TOO convoluted...for my tastes, but what can you do.
I really do wish that we had gotten more of Worf and Geordi, but the story was more focused on Picard and Beverly and the Romulans.
Also, a great cameo was brought in, a certain admiral that we love (and there are SO very few of those, so you may be able to guess).
Overall, I thought the story was GOOD, not great. It meandered a bit...in the weeds TOO much, for my tastes in stories, but the setting and the cast of characters in the book...held my attention...allowing me an adventure that I didn't know i needed.
So, next up in the Trek-Lit Reading Flowchart is Resistance by J.M. Dillard (aka Jeanne Kalgridis). #StarTrek #TNG”
Ashley
Created over 1 year agoShare
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“I wish there had been a little more to the ending, so much build up for so little pay off. Oh well on to the next one.”
JPKube
Created over 1 year agoShare
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“Not great.”
Bookish-Barbarian
Created about 4 years agoShare
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Bevyp
Created over 4 years agoShare
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About Michael Jan Friedman
Michael Jan Friedman is the author of nearly sixty books of fiction and nonfiction, more than half of which bear the name Star Trek or some variation thereof. Ten of his titles have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. He has also written for network and cable television, radio, and comic books, the Star Trek: Voyager® episode “Resistance” prominent among his credits. On those rare occasions when he visits the real world, Friedman lives on Long Island with his wife and two sons.
Other books by Michael Jan Friedman
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