While this Star Trek trilogy takes place after many of the Mackenzie Calhoun spinoffs in the Star Trek universe, the character’s creator penned this exclusive-to-Kindle novella trilogy and it shows. Because he created the extraterrestrial character with complex shadings who is the star of the New Frontier books in the Next Generation world there is nothing that feels off in the slightest; there are even some nice tie-ins to the original Star Trek series episode City On the Edge of Forever. Even if you only have a passing knowledge of the Star Trek universe, and have never gone near one of the books, which can vary greatly in quality, I think you can pick this up and very quickly get a handle on Captain Calhoun and the other characters, and their ties to each other.

As this one begins — obviously after a cataclysmic event — Calhoun has abandoned his duty as Captain of the Excalibur to seek out any surviving members of the Xenex race of which Calhoun is a member. He feels responsible for the entire race being wiped out by the D’myurj. His wife, Ambassador Shelby — Next Generation viewers will be familiar with Elizabeth Shelby — finds her husband, but cannot prevent him from reaching the Guardian of Forever as he intends to go back and change things. But Mark McHenry appears with a sly manner and powers so vast he isn’t even certain how far they extend, and talks Calhoun out of it. Returning to Star Fleet to try to get authorization for an excursion into Thallonian space, the half-Romulan Soleta is awakened from her coma and remembers things which will help Calhoun. Maybe…

Through some intrigue and a thinly veiled wink from Admiral Jellico, Calhoun soon has the loyal Excalibur crew in Thallonian space, searching for the wormhole to the pocket universe Soleta has recalled. Calhoun intends to exact vengeance on the D’myurj for wiping out his race — though it will not erase his guilt — and also rescue Admiral Nechayev — an imposter the reason Soleta was in the coma. But alas, the best laid plains of mice and men…

A lot happens in this first installment in The Returned and it’s great. There is humor, drama, a good feel for the characters, and enough action and intrigue to satisfy any reader. It starts off easy, and becomes more dense and complex as it goes forward. The deeply entangled history of Calhoun and his crew includes a future heir to the Thallonian world, a betrayal by Calhoun’s wayward and misguided son, a Vulcan mind-meld not strong enough to prevent grief from escaping for a member of Calhoun’s crew, and some exciting action both aboard the Excalibur and off. It is the relationships abroad the ship and off which drive the book as much as the fascinating story-line. Deep friendships, unrequited love, distrust and incredible loyal make this a fabulous read. We really feel like we’re back in the Star Trek universe with this one. And that ending!

If you’re one of those who tried a couple of the books years ago and found them a bit lackluster compared to the show, give this a try. As mentioned, you really don’t have to be familiar with all the new characters to catch up in this fabulous post-Next Generation universe. It’s really a perfect blending of the old and new, and well-written, as are most of the Peter David books. It’s a cliffhanger, but since you can already pick up the next couple — and they aren’t pricey, another selling point — you won’t have to wait around for ages to find out what happens. Great stuff! ( )

Excellent Peter David, as usual! I've already pre-ordered the next installment! ( )