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Star Trek: The Original Series #4
The Covenant of the Crown
An Enterprise shuttle is forced to crash-land in a violent storm on the barren planet Sigma 1212. Spock, McCoy and Kailyn, the beautiful heir to the Shaddan throne, survive in the near disaster.
Pursued by primitive hunters and a band of Klingon scouts, they must reach the mountain where the fabulous dynastic crown is hidden. With the help of Spock and McCoy, and her own fantastic mental powers, Kailyn must prove that she alone is the true heir to the throne.
Should they fail, they will open the door for Klingon takeover of the whole quadrant.
Pursued by primitive hunters and a band of Klingon scouts, they must reach the mountain where the fabulous dynastic crown is hidden. With the help of Spock and McCoy, and her own fantastic mental powers, Kailyn must prove that she alone is the true heir to the throne.
Should they fail, they will open the door for Klingon takeover of the whole quadrant.
191 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 3, 2018
I wouldn’t consider this a necessary TOS read, it’s fairly monotonous but I always enjoy Bones getting more of a lead role in these books.
February 10, 2012
*3 Stars (I'm being nice)* (Rethought: 2.5)
*The "Gush"*
This will be short. I never got into this story. I tried. Certain story plots had potential; I love truly good kings and when they have to make choices like this one did, I'm usually way more invested then I ended up being. Perhaps it was the daughter. I love coming of age stories, but I just found her...annoying. She has a life threatening illness...and did not even work at taking care of it on her own. I HATE needles. I can't stand to even look at them. Believe me, I understand. But if my life depended on a needle-I'd learn how to stab myself. I might throw up every time after doing it and have to work myself up to it, but I'd learn how.
Sorry. I'm suppose to be saying what's good.
Spock is very in character in all the best ways. His emotions are suppressed, but he does not come off as a robot. He is very engaged in the mission, intrigued by the local society's scrolls he finds, does an excellent job in counseling both McCoy (which is very hard for Spock) and the young princess. The insight into his youth is very compelling as is his backhanded admission that Vulcans do not always act logically. Kirk's growth from first meeting the king to the present day is done very well, touched on but never wallowed in. The local leader on the ice planet (I can't even recall their names-says a lot about this book) is wonderful, particularly when compared with the King.
...Aaannnnddd, that's it. I got nothing.
*The Negative*
Ahh, where to start. First let me say, I knew going in this was not Dickens or Austen. I'm not expecting miracles from a tie-in novel. I do expect a decent story with known characters that are recognizable. McCoy is not. I get the whole 'getting old, trying to grasp at younger days' thing. Maybe it's because it's been done with Kirk so well and McCoy played the breath of common sense too well for this to appear anything but out of character. The fact that he allows a girl going through what the young princess is to crush on him as long as is does is nothing but offensive to the caring, knowing doctor from the series. Yes, McCoy makes mistakes, he IS human, but this is... simply unbelievable and nothing the book does makes it less so. The plot is...weak, that's the nicest thing I can say. It's all over the place with tangents going nowhere, focus on things that don't matter...I feel like it's a short story that got stretched so much the threads are unraveling. We focus forever on the spy...and little comes of that. We focus on the three on the planet getting captured and they could be slaves...and nothing comes of it. We have Klingons chasing them...suspense growing...and nothing. More plot twists are thrown away in this book then I've seen in years. So many places it could have gone, could have gone better, and we get this-weak, disjointed crap. Even the princess' maturity, something that is all but shouted from the first words of the book is treated with a passing glance. That's what we've built up to?! Why did I read this again? Oh, right, STAR TREK was printed on it. Really starting to rethink that.
*Summary*
If you are dead set (as I am) on reading the Star Trek novels in order (which I think might make you certifiable), read it. Otherwise, seriously, you can give this one a miss. Save yourself the time it takes to read this for something much more worthwhile. (Like the Entropy Effect-seriously, read it!) If it takes me this long to read a barely 100 page book...there is something seriously wrong with it.
*The "Gush"*
This will be short. I never got into this story. I tried. Certain story plots had potential; I love truly good kings and when they have to make choices like this one did, I'm usually way more invested then I ended up being. Perhaps it was the daughter. I love coming of age stories, but I just found her...annoying. She has a life threatening illness...and did not even work at taking care of it on her own. I HATE needles. I can't stand to even look at them. Believe me, I understand. But if my life depended on a needle-I'd learn how to stab myself. I might throw up every time after doing it and have to work myself up to it, but I'd learn how.
Sorry. I'm suppose to be saying what's good.
Spock is very in character in all the best ways. His emotions are suppressed, but he does not come off as a robot. He is very engaged in the mission, intrigued by the local society's scrolls he finds, does an excellent job in counseling both McCoy (which is very hard for Spock) and the young princess. The insight into his youth is very compelling as is his backhanded admission that Vulcans do not always act logically. Kirk's growth from first meeting the king to the present day is done very well, touched on but never wallowed in. The local leader on the ice planet (I can't even recall their names-says a lot about this book) is wonderful, particularly when compared with the King.
...Aaannnnddd, that's it. I got nothing.
*The Negative*
Ahh, where to start. First let me say, I knew going in this was not Dickens or Austen. I'm not expecting miracles from a tie-in novel. I do expect a decent story with known characters that are recognizable. McCoy is not. I get the whole 'getting old, trying to grasp at younger days' thing. Maybe it's because it's been done with Kirk so well and McCoy played the breath of common sense too well for this to appear anything but out of character. The fact that he allows a girl going through what the young princess is to crush on him as long as is does is nothing but offensive to the caring, knowing doctor from the series. Yes, McCoy makes mistakes, he IS human, but this is... simply unbelievable and nothing the book does makes it less so. The plot is...weak, that's the nicest thing I can say. It's all over the place with tangents going nowhere, focus on things that don't matter...I feel like it's a short story that got stretched so much the threads are unraveling. We focus forever on the spy...and little comes of that. We focus on the three on the planet getting captured and they could be slaves...and nothing comes of it. We have Klingons chasing them...suspense growing...and nothing. More plot twists are thrown away in this book then I've seen in years. So many places it could have gone, could have gone better, and we get this-weak, disjointed crap. Even the princess' maturity, something that is all but shouted from the first words of the book is treated with a passing glance. That's what we've built up to?! Why did I read this again? Oh, right, STAR TREK was printed on it. Really starting to rethink that.
*Summary*
If you are dead set (as I am) on reading the Star Trek novels in order (which I think might make you certifiable), read it. Otherwise, seriously, you can give this one a miss. Save yourself the time it takes to read this for something much more worthwhile. (Like the Entropy Effect-seriously, read it!) If it takes me this long to read a barely 100 page book...there is something seriously wrong with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2018
Howard Weinstein is a prolific author of Star Trek franchise novels, and if his first one is any guide it's easy to see why. In it he provides an efficient tale of a planet whose Klingon-sparked civil war is winding down and who needs their exiled king to return to cement the peace. Due to his personal connection with the king James Kirk is ordered to transport him to his homeworld, only to arrive to find the monarch near death. To salvage the mission, Kirk must retrieve the all-important crown and convince the king's reluctant daughter that she has the strength necessary to assume the throne — all while dealing with a Klingon battlecruiser and Klingon intelligence operatives who are determined to do everything within their power to stop the Enterprise crew form fulfilling their mission.
The plot of Weinstein's book is not that different from that of an episode of the original series, which often had the Enterprise crew intervening in the planetary politics of strategically important worlds. What Weinstein does is put Leonard McCoy at the center of events and expand the scale beyond what was ever possible in the series by making it a truly interstellar tale, with journeys to multiple planets, spaceship pursuits, and struggles with alien fauna. While Weinstein does not draw any great moral from the tale, he does nonetheless provide readers with an engaging adventure, one that is fresher for its scope and its concentration on a previously under-utilized character.
The plot of Weinstein's book is not that different from that of an episode of the original series, which often had the Enterprise crew intervening in the planetary politics of strategically important worlds. What Weinstein does is put Leonard McCoy at the center of events and expand the scale beyond what was ever possible in the series by making it a truly interstellar tale, with journeys to multiple planets, spaceship pursuits, and struggles with alien fauna. While Weinstein does not draw any great moral from the tale, he does nonetheless provide readers with an engaging adventure, one that is fresher for its scope and its concentration on a previously under-utilized character.
August 11, 2016
I think I have begun a project to re-read some, if not most, of my collection of Star Trek paperbacks. I haven't read these in 20 years or so, so re-reading them can't hurt. If they were any good, the plots would probably stick enough for me to remember them. As it is, I have a 10-year old son, who loves to talk about his imaginary starships and heroes, so I'll be checking for ones that he could read.
This one almost fit that bill. The plot was good, not contrived, and the characterizations were fair. There was some danger, of course, and even a romance that had to be shut off in the name of duty.
What killed it for recommending to a 10-year old? Overt ogling and thinking about sex between two Klingons. Certainly within their culture as I understand it, but it shoves this one back to the "until he's at least 15" pile.
This one almost fit that bill. The plot was good, not contrived, and the characterizations were fair. There was some danger, of course, and even a romance that had to be shut off in the name of duty.
What killed it for recommending to a 10-year old? Overt ogling and thinking about sex between two Klingons. Certainly within their culture as I understand it, but it shoves this one back to the "until he's at least 15" pile.
July 27, 2010
Good. I enjoyed it. Thought it got the characters pretty well right.
May 9, 2019
I liked this book a lot. It seems I am happiest when these Star Trek books approximate an episode of the TV show I love and this one seems to fit the bill. All the players stayed in character. The plot was subtly political while being both adventurous and campy. All the things that made the TV show what it was. Not that I think this was a fantastically written book, but the author did what was required to capture the essence of what he was trying for. The previous two books in this numbered Star Trek series tried too hard to go too deep into what the characters thought and wanted, and failed miserably. They also added a bit too much of everything to the original crew that just didn't ring true to the original story lines. This one could have been a good episode of the show and that seems to me to be the goal these books should strive for. (At least the numbered books.... I am thinking the goals may be different in some of the limited series or offshoots that come later).
December 30, 2011
Standard fare. Shuttle crash, survival tale, heavy on the Spock & McCoy, who are well characterized.
Bones and the crush of the blossoming young aspiring girl queen is a trifle icky. Thankfully he turns her down, but I'd rather read of McCoy in an adult romance.
Find the magic crown, reclaim the throne, is more fantasy than I prefer in my SF but I feel hypocritical when I say that. I LOVE fantasy. THIS... is just o.k.
Bones and the crush of the blossoming young aspiring girl queen is a trifle icky. Thankfully he turns her down, but I'd rather read of McCoy in an adult romance.
Find the magic crown, reclaim the throne, is more fantasy than I prefer in my SF but I feel hypocritical when I say that. I LOVE fantasy. THIS... is just o.k.
September 13, 2023
Review 9/12/23
Eighteen years ago, a young Lieutenant James T. Kirk helped King Stevvin and the royal family of Shad escape safely into exile when a dangerous rebellion broke out on the planet. Taking the powerful Crown of Shad with him, the King has waited a long time for the right time to return and unite his people. The time is now--but the area of space where Shad is located is disputed space and the Klingons would love to get hold of the crown and bring Shad under their power.
The Enterprise is assigned to transport the King and his entourage back to Shad because Stevvin will accept no one but Kirk. However, when the starship arrives they find the King near death and an inexperienced Princess Kailyn in line for the throne. If she is to take her place as Shad's next Queen, they will need to retrieve the crown from its hiding place on another planet and she will need to prove herself worthy to wear it. According to Shaddan legend, only those with the control to clear the crystals of the crown to a brilliant blue are the true leaders of Shad. With a Klingon warship dogging their path, Kirk sends Spock and Dr. McCoy with Kailyn by shuttlecraft to find the crown while the Enterprise acts as decoy. But there is a spy in the King's retinue and the Klingons know more about the plan than is good for the mission. Can Spock and McCoy keep Kailyn safe on a planet with dangerous weather patterns, primitive hunters, and a Klingon espionage team on their heels? And, if they survive and find the crown will does Kailyn have the power to control the crown?
Meanwhile, Starfleet wasn't aware of the need for the the crown's retrieval and they're none too pleased to have found out only by monitoring Klingon communications. They insist that Kirk discover who the spy is among Stevvin's staff before he returns to Sigma 1212 for the shuttlecraft team. The longer it takes to find the traitor the longer Kailyn will be in danger...
I absolutely did not plan this--but I pretty much read this for the Star Trek Anniversary. Fifty-seven years of Trek in one form or another. This book was part of a boxed set advertised at Walden Books in Christmas '80s. Having been born the year the original series went off the air, I grew up with it in syndication. It provided the background of my early years--coming on at about 5/5:30 on week nights, it was on when we were having supper. I enjoyed the show, but my interest in Trek didn't take off until I spotted that boxed set with a bow on it in a Christmas display. And being a reader, I promptly put it on my Christmas wish list. Santa delivered and I'm quite sure I blazed through all five of those books by the end of January.
This was one of my favorites of the set which also included The Abode of Life, The Klingon Gambit, The Entropy Effect, and The Prometheus Design and it still is. My previous reference to the novel said that I didn't much care for the fantasy elements--since that's not one of my preferred genres. But that aspect really didn't bother me much this time. I absolutely love that McCoy takes center stage as well as the fact that his relationship with Spock is featured. It is also appealing that I could see this as an expanded episode for the original series. Most of these early novels try to be faithful to the series and the characters--sometimes adding to their backstories, but the feel of the characters and the adventures are right. It was fun to watch Spock try to give advice to McCoy about the crush Kailyn has developed on our favorite doctor and interesting to hear the different versions of what makes a good leader from Spock, McCoy, and Shirn O'tay, the leader of the mountain settlement whom Stevvin had entrusted with the task of hiding the crown.
Lots of good adventure, a tangle with Klingons, and a good amount of humor (which was integral to some of the best episodes of the series). Chekov's efforts to lose the ten pounds he'd mysteriously gained since his last physical added just the right amount of levity to the tense situation on board the Enterprise. Still one of my favorite Trek novels.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Short review based on memory of the book in 2011:
I love this because it focuses on Dr. McCoy. What I like least about it is the whole Fantasy Fiction feel. It was my absolute favorite when I first started reading Trek novels in the 80s.
Eighteen years ago, a young Lieutenant James T. Kirk helped King Stevvin and the royal family of Shad escape safely into exile when a dangerous rebellion broke out on the planet. Taking the powerful Crown of Shad with him, the King has waited a long time for the right time to return and unite his people. The time is now--but the area of space where Shad is located is disputed space and the Klingons would love to get hold of the crown and bring Shad under their power.
The Enterprise is assigned to transport the King and his entourage back to Shad because Stevvin will accept no one but Kirk. However, when the starship arrives they find the King near death and an inexperienced Princess Kailyn in line for the throne. If she is to take her place as Shad's next Queen, they will need to retrieve the crown from its hiding place on another planet and she will need to prove herself worthy to wear it. According to Shaddan legend, only those with the control to clear the crystals of the crown to a brilliant blue are the true leaders of Shad. With a Klingon warship dogging their path, Kirk sends Spock and Dr. McCoy with Kailyn by shuttlecraft to find the crown while the Enterprise acts as decoy. But there is a spy in the King's retinue and the Klingons know more about the plan than is good for the mission. Can Spock and McCoy keep Kailyn safe on a planet with dangerous weather patterns, primitive hunters, and a Klingon espionage team on their heels? And, if they survive and find the crown will does Kailyn have the power to control the crown?
Meanwhile, Starfleet wasn't aware of the need for the the crown's retrieval and they're none too pleased to have found out only by monitoring Klingon communications. They insist that Kirk discover who the spy is among Stevvin's staff before he returns to Sigma 1212 for the shuttlecraft team. The longer it takes to find the traitor the longer Kailyn will be in danger...
I absolutely did not plan this--but I pretty much read this for the Star Trek Anniversary. Fifty-seven years of Trek in one form or another. This book was part of a boxed set advertised at Walden Books in Christmas '80s. Having been born the year the original series went off the air, I grew up with it in syndication. It provided the background of my early years--coming on at about 5/5:30 on week nights, it was on when we were having supper. I enjoyed the show, but my interest in Trek didn't take off until I spotted that boxed set with a bow on it in a Christmas display. And being a reader, I promptly put it on my Christmas wish list. Santa delivered and I'm quite sure I blazed through all five of those books by the end of January.
This was one of my favorites of the set which also included The Abode of Life, The Klingon Gambit, The Entropy Effect, and The Prometheus Design and it still is. My previous reference to the novel said that I didn't much care for the fantasy elements--since that's not one of my preferred genres. But that aspect really didn't bother me much this time. I absolutely love that McCoy takes center stage as well as the fact that his relationship with Spock is featured. It is also appealing that I could see this as an expanded episode for the original series. Most of these early novels try to be faithful to the series and the characters--sometimes adding to their backstories, but the feel of the characters and the adventures are right. It was fun to watch Spock try to give advice to McCoy about the crush Kailyn has developed on our favorite doctor and interesting to hear the different versions of what makes a good leader from Spock, McCoy, and Shirn O'tay, the leader of the mountain settlement whom Stevvin had entrusted with the task of hiding the crown.
Lots of good adventure, a tangle with Klingons, and a good amount of humor (which was integral to some of the best episodes of the series). Chekov's efforts to lose the ten pounds he'd mysteriously gained since his last physical added just the right amount of levity to the tense situation on board the Enterprise. Still one of my favorite Trek novels.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Short review based on memory of the book in 2011:
I love this because it focuses on Dr. McCoy. What I like least about it is the whole Fantasy Fiction feel. It was my absolute favorite when I first started reading Trek novels in the 80s.
May 9, 2020
It was an engaging page-turner but at times it felt like only half a novel, especially at the end. Some of these novels have an A plot and a B plot, as did this one, however; the B plot (McCoy, Spock, and Princess Kailyn go look for the crown on an alien world), becomes the A plot and the original A plot (Kirk and the Enterprise on a mission to save an ally of the Federation) just dissipates. Well, it gets resolved in the final chapter with little buildup. I did appreciate the story regarding Spock and McCoy. It's always good to see those two on an adventure without Kirk. Aspects of this novel, accordingly, reminded me of Star Trek Beyond; i.e. they crash on this planet and have to brave the elements together, though I have no evidence that the writer of Beyond was in any way influenced by this novel, published in 1981.
It's also nice to see McCoy struggling with some of the same elements as he did in Star Trek the Motion Picture, namely, aging, and questioning whether he needs to even be in Starfleet, or even be a doctor. The novel makes no references to The Motion Picture, by the way, but the reader would do well to watch that 1979 film before reading this book. An important episode is from TAS, "The Pirates of Orion," which is referenced several times and the writer of which also wrote this novel.
It's also nice to see McCoy struggling with some of the same elements as he did in Star Trek the Motion Picture, namely, aging, and questioning whether he needs to even be in Starfleet, or even be a doctor. The novel makes no references to The Motion Picture, by the way, but the reader would do well to watch that 1979 film before reading this book. An important episode is from TAS, "The Pirates of Orion," which is referenced several times and the writer of which also wrote this novel.
August 4, 2016
As the first book to take place between The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan, Covenant of the Crown occupies a strange place in Star Trek lore. This is a hotly contested area of the canon as it is unclear when these two films took place and what happened between them. Conventional wisdom is that the Enterprise crew went on a second 5 year mission after the V'Ger incident so presumably Covenant takes place during that mission. The tone of this book is much more in line with the original series than the movies so it's difficult to imagine the older version of the crew engaging in this type of adventure. I can very easily picture this being an episode of the original series and I think that's the fundamental problem. I like to read Trek books featuring stories that would be too expensive for the original series. As it is, Covenant of the Crown is a competent Star Trek story but not one that I would come back to again like some of my favorite episodes, movies and books in the series.
December 21, 2018
Pretty average, but I docked a star for the carelessness with which McCoy encourages the crush the young princess (his daughter's age, and hopelessly naiive) has on him. Although I give it credit for putting Kirk firmly on the side of sensible and upstanding behavior, it was frustrating to watch the doctor deny the existence of a problem with the situation until it had gone way too far. When James Kirk has to tell you you'd better keep some boundaries, you know you're being clueless.
Maybe it's made squicky by the infantile demeanor of the princess. She's supposed to be over twenty, but emotionally she seems between 12 and 16. She's supposed to govern an entire civilization? Her growth as a character would have been much better served without the romance.
Maybe it's made squicky by the infantile demeanor of the princess. She's supposed to be over twenty, but emotionally she seems between 12 and 16. She's supposed to govern an entire civilization? Her growth as a character would have been much better served without the romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2015
This is fairly representative of most episodes of the TV show: a scattered plot that borders on ridiculous, but containing some rich characterization. The portrayals of the Klingons, while perhaps working at the time written, seems really off given the greater depth that the later movies and The Next Generation gave to them. What made this novel readable though is the excellent portrayals of Spock, McCoy, and their relationship.
October 1, 2018
After eighteen years, it is time for the exiled Ruler of Shad to return home and restore peace to their people.
The Klingons would prefer that the Shaddan people remain leaderless, as a splinter faction aligns itself with the Empire against the interests of the Federation.
'The Covenant of the Crown' is a coming of age story as the new ruler comes to terms with balancing the needs of her people with her own desire for a simpler life.
The Klingons would prefer that the Shaddan people remain leaderless, as a splinter faction aligns itself with the Empire against the interests of the Federation.
'The Covenant of the Crown' is a coming of age story as the new ruler comes to terms with balancing the needs of her people with her own desire for a simpler life.
September 16, 2017
I thought one major part of the book, McCoy's relationship with Kailyn, was unnecessary. It was just weird. I was much more interested in the race for the crown. That part of the plot is worth reading the book for, but I won't read it again because the McCoy midlife crisis part was so poorly written.
May 27, 2014
This is a fun one! The characterizations of Kirk, Spock and McCoy are excellent. The plot is simple and there is no weird pseudo-science or magic to pull the reader out. For a Star Trek novel, this is excellent.
November 15, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, it would have made for a really good episode. McCoy is one of my favourite characters and it was good to read a novel focusing so much on him. One of the best of the Original Series books so far.
November 13, 2020
I don't know how long I've owned this book, but found it among my collection while searching for reading material.
It could have stayed on the shelves.
The plot was reminiscent of two episodes during TOS where McCoy was a central character, "For the World is Hollow" and "City on the Edge of Forever". In both of those episodes McCoy is strongly involved with a strong, fully adult woman who is attractive but her intelligence is what pulls McCoy.
In this episode, there are only a few female characters with any real interaction with the cast. One is a Federation intelligence agent on the Enterprise (searching for spies), one is a Klingon intelligence agent on the ground (chasing McCoy and Spock) and the other is a Princess, the to-be Queen of Shad (chasing a crown). All are seen as sex objects by the men, which is unnerving, because one of the main draws to the original series was that for the most part, the females on the ship were seen as just another shipmate.
The most unlikable part was where the young (23 year old) Princess Kailyn attracts the attention of an older man, McCoy. They spent a lot of time together, and she was drawn to him, probably because he was mature. However, I cannot see McCoy succumbing to the attraction for all the reasons he laid out to her that it was wrong. The kiss scene was badly written for all those same reasons, and should have been non-physical.
Also, the death of the King was almost dismissed. The Princess should have cried, she should have been at some point inconsolable, because her father was her world. But she cried a little, then gave a metaphysical shrug, and to quote a cartoon "Well he ain't getting any deader" went on about her day. [note - the quote -possibly misquoted - is from "The Emperor's New Groove".]
Kailyn then fixates on McCoy to be her new anchor, which is understandable, but what isn't is that she didn't appear to notice any of the young men on the Enterprise, such as Chekov, who would have been a good foil, or any of the multitude of other males.
I did like that the Klingon's were somewhat in line with TOS, but they too seemed fixated on the sexual possibilities, to the detriment of the book.
Yes, the book was published in 1981, and ogling of the opposite sex in uniform was very much happening (says someone who was in uniform at the time) but the draw to older men was rare (although it did happen). I'll stop there or I might go into bashing the writers.
The story itself seemed too fixed on the overall personal angles, where the quest to retrieve the crown was almost secondary, and yes, people died, but oh well they deserved it, or it happens, seemed the overriding theme. Because of this dismissive tone in regards to the losses, it just didn't seem to fit the original. As said in TOS, even one loss, either ours or theirs, is one loss too many.
I struggled to finish the story, and don't plan to reread although I may keep it as part of the collection.
It could have stayed on the shelves.
The plot was reminiscent of two episodes during TOS where McCoy was a central character, "For the World is Hollow" and "City on the Edge of Forever". In both of those episodes McCoy is strongly involved with a strong, fully adult woman who is attractive but her intelligence is what pulls McCoy.
In this episode, there are only a few female characters with any real interaction with the cast. One is a Federation intelligence agent on the Enterprise (searching for spies), one is a Klingon intelligence agent on the ground (chasing McCoy and Spock) and the other is a Princess, the to-be Queen of Shad (chasing a crown). All are seen as sex objects by the men, which is unnerving, because one of the main draws to the original series was that for the most part, the females on the ship were seen as just another shipmate.
The most unlikable part was where the young (23 year old) Princess Kailyn attracts the attention of an older man, McCoy. They spent a lot of time together, and she was drawn to him, probably because he was mature. However, I cannot see McCoy succumbing to the attraction for all the reasons he laid out to her that it was wrong. The kiss scene was badly written for all those same reasons, and should have been non-physical.
Also, the death of the King was almost dismissed. The Princess should have cried, she should have been at some point inconsolable, because her father was her world. But she cried a little, then gave a metaphysical shrug, and to quote a cartoon "Well he ain't getting any deader" went on about her day. [note - the quote -possibly misquoted - is from "The Emperor's New Groove".]
Kailyn then fixates on McCoy to be her new anchor, which is understandable, but what isn't is that she didn't appear to notice any of the young men on the Enterprise, such as Chekov, who would have been a good foil, or any of the multitude of other males.
I did like that the Klingon's were somewhat in line with TOS, but they too seemed fixated on the sexual possibilities, to the detriment of the book.
Yes, the book was published in 1981, and ogling of the opposite sex in uniform was very much happening (says someone who was in uniform at the time) but the draw to older men was rare (although it did happen). I'll stop there or I might go into bashing the writers.
The story itself seemed too fixed on the overall personal angles, where the quest to retrieve the crown was almost secondary, and yes, people died, but oh well they deserved it, or it happens, seemed the overriding theme. Because of this dismissive tone in regards to the losses, it just didn't seem to fit the original. As said in TOS, even one loss, either ours or theirs, is one loss too many.
I struggled to finish the story, and don't plan to reread although I may keep it as part of the collection.
September 14, 2023
A quick read but still somehow a slog to get through- and full disclosure I really wanted to like this book.
If it hadn’t been a “Spock and McCoy” book, the preview on the back cover would have absolutely turned me away from picking this one up at all. Past me should have known better and trusted my gut.
Now the first couple of pages surprised me in a good way- with well written interactions between canon characters that in the beginning felt pretty close to the what I remember from TOS.
Sadly this too was short lived as these moments are the only decent parts of this book.
Otherwise the plot is barely even half baked. It feels like the first quarter of story- like reading about people getting ready to go to a party, where you see the journey of them getting there but then the end credits roll as soon as they walk in the door. All lead up and no pay off.
The girl kaylen? Kayla? I literally completed this book from start to finish not even 5 mins ago and can’t even remember how her name was spelled. She leaves no impression on the reader and the whole crush on McCoy is gross and unnecessary. Her whole ‘arc’ of her growing into a leader gets resolved in like 5 pages? By talking to people. Yes that’s right. Like the rest of her story, even the climax was boring.
Speaking of which, most of the time it’s clear that the writer had no idea what to do with her. She spends good portions of the book unconscious or just kind of there for McCoy to be conflicted over. I started skimming over her parts because they were so boring. Also, why couldn’t they leave it as her seeing him as a father figure? Why did they have to make it so painfully awkward? Also why is this so common in Trek books to begin with??
Either way, this one goes back into the donation pile. Not recommended.
If it hadn’t been a “Spock and McCoy” book, the preview on the back cover would have absolutely turned me away from picking this one up at all. Past me should have known better and trusted my gut.
Now the first couple of pages surprised me in a good way- with well written interactions between canon characters that in the beginning felt pretty close to the what I remember from TOS.
Sadly this too was short lived as these moments are the only decent parts of this book.
Otherwise the plot is barely even half baked. It feels like the first quarter of story- like reading about people getting ready to go to a party, where you see the journey of them getting there but then the end credits roll as soon as they walk in the door. All lead up and no pay off.
The girl kaylen? Kayla? I literally completed this book from start to finish not even 5 mins ago and can’t even remember how her name was spelled. She leaves no impression on the reader and the whole crush on McCoy is gross and unnecessary. Her whole ‘arc’ of her growing into a leader gets resolved in like 5 pages? By talking to people. Yes that’s right. Like the rest of her story, even the climax was boring.
Speaking of which, most of the time it’s clear that the writer had no idea what to do with her. She spends good portions of the book unconscious or just kind of there for McCoy to be conflicted over. I started skimming over her parts because they were so boring. Also, why couldn’t they leave it as her seeing him as a father figure? Why did they have to make it so painfully awkward? Also why is this so common in Trek books to begin with??
Either way, this one goes back into the donation pile. Not recommended.
September 20, 2023
In "The Covenant of the Crown" by Howard Weinstein, we find ourselves once again aboard the starship Enterprise, embarking on another adventure with the iconic crew of the original series. As the fourth installment in the series, this novel promises classic Star Trek camp and a fresh escapade that revolves around two of our beloved characters, Bones and Spock.
Weinstein skillfully weaves this narrative, maintaining a well-paced plot that propels the reader from one planetary adventure to the next. While there is some initial setup that might feel a bit slow, it's a necessary foundation for the unfolding drama.
"The Covenant of the Crown" embraces the ethos of the original Star Trek series, staying true to the 1960s ethics that characterized the show. This means readers can expect mild language, violence that remains within acceptable bounds, and a subtle hint of sexuality—elements that harken back to the era in which the series first graced our screens.
Overall, "The Covenant of the Crown" is a solid addition to the Star Trek literary universe. It may not reach the heights of being "Very Good" or "Great," but it undoubtedly offers an engaging adventure for fans of the franchise. If you're a Trekkie looking for more classic Star Trek escapades, this book is worth adding to your reading list. However, its appeal may be limited primarily to Star Trek enthusiasts, as it remains firmly within the realm of the genre and its dedicated fan base.
Weinstein skillfully weaves this narrative, maintaining a well-paced plot that propels the reader from one planetary adventure to the next. While there is some initial setup that might feel a bit slow, it's a necessary foundation for the unfolding drama.
"The Covenant of the Crown" embraces the ethos of the original Star Trek series, staying true to the 1960s ethics that characterized the show. This means readers can expect mild language, violence that remains within acceptable bounds, and a subtle hint of sexuality—elements that harken back to the era in which the series first graced our screens.
Overall, "The Covenant of the Crown" is a solid addition to the Star Trek literary universe. It may not reach the heights of being "Very Good" or "Great," but it undoubtedly offers an engaging adventure for fans of the franchise. If you're a Trekkie looking for more classic Star Trek escapades, this book is worth adding to your reading list. However, its appeal may be limited primarily to Star Trek enthusiasts, as it remains firmly within the realm of the genre and its dedicated fan base.
July 31, 2022
This is not exactly a Star Trek novel, this is Jewish science fiction featuring Star Trek characters. the author's name is Howard Weinstein. Okay, we get it, fella; do you really have to whack the reader over the head with your Jew stick? I am not prejudiced or anti-Semitic but I do want my Star Trek to be Star Trek, not fables of the Old testament with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.
Every single chapter features some annoyingly obvious reference to Jewish customs and scriptures. it's even more than the LDS propaganda you find all through Orson Card's novels.
The obvious use of Jewish customs and scriptures with a slight twist to make them apply to an alien world really irritates the hell out of me.
So, taking this strictly as a novel, the writing is quite good, worthy of four stars, but the characters --although following their basic patterns of behavior --are too agreeable to the author's whims rather than their own personalities. Weinstein lays it on too thick.
So what about this deserves two stars? I was ready to give it three because it's a four-star novel with annoyances. But the gushing self praise in the introduction just added to my annoyance with this author. His lack of self-awareness is obnoxious.
an editor should have said, "Hey, Howie? can you cut back a little bit on the thick Jewish molasses? because these pancakes are good enough on their own."
Every single chapter features some annoyingly obvious reference to Jewish customs and scriptures. it's even more than the LDS propaganda you find all through Orson Card's novels.
The obvious use of Jewish customs and scriptures with a slight twist to make them apply to an alien world really irritates the hell out of me.
So, taking this strictly as a novel, the writing is quite good, worthy of four stars, but the characters --although following their basic patterns of behavior --are too agreeable to the author's whims rather than their own personalities. Weinstein lays it on too thick.
So what about this deserves two stars? I was ready to give it three because it's a four-star novel with annoyances. But the gushing self praise in the introduction just added to my annoyance with this author. His lack of self-awareness is obnoxious.
an editor should have said, "Hey, Howie? can you cut back a little bit on the thick Jewish molasses? because these pancakes are good enough on their own."
June 13, 2023
After Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released in theaters, Simon & Schuster began to publish Star Trek Novels. The Covenant of the Crown was the fourth in the new series and is probably most notable for attempting to add some characterization to Kirk and McCoy. Kirk has been ordered to escort a king he met as a young officer back to his planet in a bid to restore peace. McCoy is feeling old and wondering about how useful he can continue to be. Both plots add a little sparkle to an otherwise typical story in which Klingons cause some trouble while the Enterprise crew fights to save the day.
McCoy’s problem is the more interesting of the two as the young princess in the story who has lived an incredibly sheltered life becomes infatuated with him. Since he’s having a midlife crisis, this would have seemed like the opportunity for McCoy to recapture his youth, but he proves (as expected) to have stronger ethics than that. In helping the young woman to understand the difference between friendship and love, he figures out for himself what he still has to offer the Federation. For Kirk, restoring the royal family to their throne gives him the opportunity to close the door on a piece of unfinished business from the start of his service in Star Fleet.
Overall, it’s a fine quick read.
McCoy’s problem is the more interesting of the two as the young princess in the story who has lived an incredibly sheltered life becomes infatuated with him. Since he’s having a midlife crisis, this would have seemed like the opportunity for McCoy to recapture his youth, but he proves (as expected) to have stronger ethics than that. In helping the young woman to understand the difference between friendship and love, he figures out for himself what he still has to offer the Federation. For Kirk, restoring the royal family to their throne gives him the opportunity to close the door on a piece of unfinished business from the start of his service in Star Fleet.
Overall, it’s a fine quick read.
September 22, 2017
The Covenant of the Crown plays exactly like an episode of the television series with one notable exception: James Kirk is a supporting player and the focus is on Spock and McCoy. This is actually a good thing, considering the story of a young queen-to-be trying to find out how to be a ruler who falls in love with McCoy. Kirk is an old family friend and that would have been, well, icky. (McCoy and a 14-year-old is better, especially since all the issues the audience would have with that potential coupling are vocalized in the story.)
This is a fast, engaging read, with chapters running by quickly since the story keeps progressing without significant detour. Kirk, the Enterprise and the crew on the ship take a backseat of the Spock and McCoy, a duo who always worked on the TV show. This is the first novel, chronologically, to take advantage of them. The lack of Kirk, Scott, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov is also the problem, however. If anything, the novel is stuck in the "Main Character" rut and didn't break out to do something different.
The depiction of the Klingons is superficial at best, though it jives with their representation through the series so I can't really argue it.
This is a fast, engaging read, with chapters running by quickly since the story keeps progressing without significant detour. Kirk, the Enterprise and the crew on the ship take a backseat of the Spock and McCoy, a duo who always worked on the TV show. This is the first novel, chronologically, to take advantage of them. The lack of Kirk, Scott, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov is also the problem, however. If anything, the novel is stuck in the "Main Character" rut and didn't break out to do something different.
The depiction of the Klingons is superficial at best, though it jives with their representation through the series so I can't really argue it.
July 26, 2020
This is book #4 in the Star Trek series. It is about a young lady who is the heir apparent on the planet Shad, and how she is unsure about whether she can become the next queen and save her planet from civil war. Her father and her have been in exile for 18 years during the civil war, and now she must attempt to find the hidden crown of her father and see if she can wield its power and become the true queen. McCoy and Spock take her on a mission to find the crown and aid her in her attempt to find it and test her abilities.
This was an o.k. book. The writer seems to have understood the general characters of Star Trek, but at times they lacked the depth one would expect of characters who had worked together for years. This part was a bit weak. McCoy seemed emotional and Spock logical almost to a T as in the original series. While this is o.k., it is not good. He seemed to be unaware of what had come before in the books and did not add much if anything to the Star Trek storyline. It was mildly entertaining.
This was an o.k. book. The writer seems to have understood the general characters of Star Trek, but at times they lacked the depth one would expect of characters who had worked together for years. This part was a bit weak. McCoy seemed emotional and Spock logical almost to a T as in the original series. While this is o.k., it is not good. He seemed to be unaware of what had come before in the books and did not add much if anything to the Star Trek storyline. It was mildly entertaining.
September 20, 2024
Weinstein, who wrote the Pirates of Orion - The 1st episode of the 2nd season of Star Trek: The Animated Series, is back with a novel this time! Weinstein writes an engaging and interesting tale that centers of the characters of Spock, McCoy and Kailyn who is a young girl that is destined to become the Queen of Shaddan. The three of them are on a journey to retrieve the crown that has been hidden away by Kailyn's father on a remote planet after evacuating from the war stricken Shaddan, 18 years prior. The novel is well paced, engaging and includes the amusing dynamic between Spock and McCoy that the Original Series was known for. McCoy, in touch with his human emotions, and Spock, who is constantly trying to back away from an emotional response and focus on the logical approach. The novel contains a number of engaging interactions between the two characters and the story is an interesting one to follow as well. Overall, the novel was well done and offered a pleasant story that was within the conditions that make the Original Series so well loved. 3.5 stars.
July 21, 2022
Stardate 7815.3, this is my fourth Star Trek novel and the fourth novel in the Simon and Schuster series which reminds me somewhat of the TV episode “The Galileo Seven” from the original series. Spock and McCoy are on a mission to take a young women (Kailyn) via a shuttle craft “The Galileo” to a somewhat barren and inhospitable plant to recover a crown. For her to wear the crown she must be entitled to it. If she fails, she will be unable to unite two warring factions from escalating a conflict on her home world to an all out civil war. Along the way, she falls in love with McCoy who must reject her due to their age disparity.
On the planet, they encounter savage humanoids and wolf like animals. The must also deal with Klingons who would like to stop Kailyn so that they can claim this territory in space.
Meanwhile, Kirk and the Enterprise are off on a related mission.
This novel is a short page turner for fans of the franchise.
On the planet, they encounter savage humanoids and wolf like animals. The must also deal with Klingons who would like to stop Kailyn so that they can claim this territory in space.
Meanwhile, Kirk and the Enterprise are off on a related mission.
This novel is a short page turner for fans of the franchise.
September 28, 2020
This was a solid read, it felt very much like it could have been an episode. I think technically this was supposed to take place after the first film, but this feels much more like it belonged as part of the original TV series. I enjoyed the focus on McCoy, and to a lesser extent Spock. I love the triad, but any time you can get Spock and Bones by themselves it brings me happiness. The romance was handled well I thought, the young princess obviously had a crush on McCoy, and he was tempted, but realized it wouldn't be best for either of them. My only complaint is how easily the Klingons were dealt with, that felt a little too convenient for my taste, like the author set up the threat of the Klingons, but was really unsure how to resolve it well. Overall, if you liked the original series, and if McCoy was one of your faves, then I would give this one a try.
April 25, 2018
Much better than the last Star Trek tie-in I read, so that's something! It's very focused on McCoy, who's feeling middle-aged, and the arrival of a young princess in need of help just makes him feel more so, because lovely as she is, she's too young for him and he knows it. There's a few mythic undertones here, as the princess goes on a journey to retrieve a crown that proves her fitness to rule, and the book's very concerned with leadership, and what makes a good leader and a useful one. I tend to like mythic undertones, and so I liked this, but also enjoyable here is the double act of Spock and McCoy, who are paired for the bulk of the book, and whose bickering is underlined by a genuine sense of friendship and reliance.
December 6, 2019
Simply put, if your a fan of the classic tv show.
Your going to like this one.
A good mix of Action, danger and Trek regulars.
A possible, insight into pre Enterprise Kirk career.
While not having him the main focus.
Which falls more on McCoy and Spock. Interacting together.
As they struggle to complete a risky away mission.
While the Enterprise tries to act as bait. Luring the enemy away.
Feel this one nice mix of story elements.
Could picture it easy, as an episode of the show.
Think this one well done and enjoyable.
If your not a fan of the show. It still could be an enjoyable read.
Your going to like this one.
A good mix of Action, danger and Trek regulars.
A possible, insight into pre Enterprise Kirk career.
While not having him the main focus.
Which falls more on McCoy and Spock. Interacting together.
As they struggle to complete a risky away mission.
While the Enterprise tries to act as bait. Luring the enemy away.
Feel this one nice mix of story elements.
Could picture it easy, as an episode of the show.
Think this one well done and enjoyable.
If your not a fan of the show. It still could be an enjoyable read.
October 17, 2020
This short book took me over two weeks to read... because it is not good.
Out of character, creepy old man McCoy, a teenage girl character who is basically a blank sheet, and multiple halfcocked tangents that never go anywhere or make any difference to the story.
The kingdom we're supposed to be saving is barely sketched and boring. The various characters we meet don't have time to be interesting before they're tossed away—even though several of them could have been more interesting than the rest of the book, given the chance to blossom.
Spock is mostly in character, so that's a plus, and there were several plot points introduced that had real potential, if it had only been explored.
Overall, disappointing and unengaging. I'd give it a miss.
Out of character, creepy old man McCoy, a teenage girl character who is basically a blank sheet, and multiple halfcocked tangents that never go anywhere or make any difference to the story.
The kingdom we're supposed to be saving is barely sketched and boring. The various characters we meet don't have time to be interesting before they're tossed away—even though several of them could have been more interesting than the rest of the book, given the chance to blossom.
Spock is mostly in character, so that's a plus, and there were several plot points introduced that had real potential, if it had only been explored.
Overall, disappointing and unengaging. I'd give it a miss.
April 30, 2019
Not my favorite star trek story but I did read the whole thing, although I will admit finishing was a bit of a chore. The story started out promising but then devolved into a bit of a young adult tale with the story focusing on the struggle of a young princess who is not sure she is ready to lead her people. It sounds better than it was.
I did really like the interactions between Spock and McCoy. Those felt very in line with classic Trek and made the whole thing worthwhile even though this is not the best of the old novels.
I did really like the interactions between Spock and McCoy. Those felt very in line with classic Trek and made the whole thing worthwhile even though this is not the best of the old novels.
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