Peter David’s “New Frontier” Star Trek book series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the beloved sci-fi franchise. Born out of David’s deep love for Star Trek and his desire to explore uncharted territory within its vast universe, the New Frontier series has captivated fans with its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and imaginative world-building.
The genesis of the Star Trek: New Frontier series can be traced back to 1997 when Pocket Books approached Peter David with the idea of creating a new Star Trek novel series that would break away from the established continuity of the television shows and films. Peter David saw this as an opportunity to craft a narrative that would push the boundaries of what was possible within the Star Trek universe, allowing him to introduce new characters and storylines while still remaining true to the core themes and values of the franchise.
The first installment of the Star Trek: New Frontier series, “House of Cards,” was published in 1997 and introduced readers to Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the USS Excalibur, a starship tasked with exploring the uncharted regions of the galaxy known as the “New Frontier.” With its diverse cast of characters, intricate plots, and Peter David’s signature wit and humor, “House of Cards” quickly became a fan favorite and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved Star Trek book series of all time.
Over the years, the Star Trek: New Frontier series has expanded to include over 20 novels, several short stories, and even a comic book miniseries. Through its sprawling narrative, Peter David has explored themes of identity, morality, and the nature of exploration, while also delving into the personal lives of the crew members of the Excalibur. From the enigmatic Captain Calhoun to the brilliant and resourceful Doctor Selar, each character brings their own unique perspective and struggles to the story, creating a dynamic and engaging ensemble cast.
One of the most notable aspects of the New Frontier series is its ability to seamlessly integrate elements from across the Star Trek canon, incorporating characters and concepts from both the television shows and films into its own mythology. From encounters with familiar faces like Captain Picard and Commander Riker to explorations of iconic locations such as the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Neutral Zone, Peter David has crafted a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar to fans of the franchise.
Throughout its run, the Star Trek: New Frontier series has garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Readers have praised David’s ability to craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and explore new corners of the Star Trek universe with wit and imagination. The series has been lauded for its innovative storytelling, its diverse representation of characters, and its willingness to tackle complex themes and issues.
As the Star Trek: New Frontier series continues to expand and evolve, its legacy within the Star Trek universe remains secure. With its rich cast of characters, bold exploration of new frontiers, and unwavering commitment to the spirit of adventure and discovery, Peter David’s New Frontier stands as a shining example of Star Trek’s enduring power to inspire and captivate audiences across the galaxy.
What do you think of Peter David’s Star Trek: New Frontier? Leave a comment and let us know.
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I didn’t know he wrote all these books. They’re probably very good. I have Q-Squared and love it. I think I even got it signed.
These books are lousy. Snarky fan wank small universe stuff with a Gary Stu main character. Some of his earlier trek works were very good, but New Frontier is just bad. They are leaps and bounds better than modern Star Trek, but so is explosive diarrhea.
Also, Peter David is a virulent leftist scumbag. It warms my heart to see that he is currently going through some major health problems.