Pocket Books continue their series of novels based on Classic Star Trek with #70: Traitor Winds by L.A. Graf.
This novel is one of the books that span the gap between the end of the original series 5 year mission and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Although the cover lists it as 'The incredible third book...' it is, chronologically, the second in the saga continuing right after the events of 'The Lost Years' by J.M. Dillard and coming way before the 'second' book, 'A Flag Full Of Stars' by Brad Ferguson.
Following on from the first book, the Enterprise crew have drifted apart, each taking temporary jobs on Earth and hoping to rejoin Kirk when the Enterprise finishes its refit. While Kirk continues his job as a trouble-shooter with Lori Ciana, Uhura teaches at the Academy, Sulu is a Starfleet test pilot, Scotty is overseeing the refit and Chekov enrols in Starfleet Security.
Chekov is asked by Mark Piper (from 'Where No Man Has Gone Before') to help in on a new project involving Klingon weaponry. When Piper reveals the real reason why he wanted Chekov on the project a shadowy conspiracy involving classified technology, murder and corruption is revealed.
Chekov is framed for a murder and at the same time Sulu is accused of stealing a new type of shuttle, The Wraith, which uses a cloaking device. With evidence firmly in place to discredit the two officers they both find themselves on the run and trapped on a planet with Starfleet Security closing in.
Uhura and McCoy both try to help but with the conspirators always one step ahead, Kirk tied up in a diplomatic conference and more murders the situation looks grim indeed.
Traitor Winds actually exceeds expectations and is a better read than 'The Lost Years'. The pacing is frenetic in places and you find yourself drawn into the paranoia of both Chekov and Sulu as they struggle to live long enough to find out who is behind the conspiracy.
It's great to see Mark Piper again, even if in print, and there are a couple of other guest appearances from other members of the crew including Chapel, Rand and Kyle - all of which add to the story. Graf also adds several characters of her own which really come to life, Leong in particular, and create a truly Classic Trek feel to the book.
The novels sweeps along without letting up for an instant with assassinations, terrorist bombings, jeopardy and a chase through the partially refitted Enterprise.
This is what Classic Trek is all about and a definite must have for any Trek library. Be sure to pick up both 'A Flag Full Of Stars' and 'Recovery' for the rest of the Lost Years saga.
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 November 2008Format: Mass Market Paperback
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- Kenneth J. HoppinReviewed in Canada on 31 March 2021
Action
Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase - Suzanne BrownReviewed in the United States on 2 March 2020
One of My Very Favorites!
