Star Trek: Discovery: Fear Itself

By: James Swallow

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

An original novel based upon the explosive new Star Trek TV series on CBS All Access.

Lieutenant Saru is a Kelpien, a member of a prey species born on a world overrun by monstrous predators...and a being who very intimately understands the nature of fear. Challenged on all sides, he is determined to surpass his origins and succeed as a Starfleet officer aboard the U.S.S. Shenzhou. But when Saru breaks protocol in order to prove himself to his crewmates, what begins as a vital rescue mission to save a vessel in distress soon escalates out of control. Forced into a command role he may not be ready for, Saru is caught between his duty and the conflicting agendas of two antagonistic alien races. To survive, he will need to seek a path of peace against all odds, and risk compromising the very ideals he has sworn to uphold....

©2018 James Swallow (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

WOW!

An epic adventure! would love to see it on the big screen. Reminded me of the political conflict of our nation at the moment.

one of the best star trek books I have read

I really loved this book. read like an episode or multi episode arch. gave a lot of in sight to saru and really enjoyed it. I hope it us canon to the show.

Suru's first command

The story was fascinating it did not give more insight into the Suru's past but it did give more understanding about the lengths he will go to overcome his own failings. As well as hints into Burnhams true feelings about him and made the Shinjo come to life as we got to spend time with the original Executive officer. All in all the story was a solid mix of action as well as exploration both physical and metaphysical.

Great New Addition

Fear Itself is a great new addition to the Star Trek: Discovery book series. I enjoyed learning more about Saru and his background. It was also good to see our friends from the Shenzhou again. I also have to say that I'm really enjoying all of the new unabridged Star Trek books from all of the series that have come out recently. Please keep it up!

Good, but nothing special

Although I liked this book, it feel it's pretty standard Trek stuff, with few new reveals about DCS or Saru and few insights overall. Still a good book which I enjoyed. 4/5

killer set of books

I love this series it gives you so much insight into the character and also the series it's almost as if they've used fanfiction and created stories around them fantastic

Saru overcomes fear

For us inveterate Trekkies, a really enjoyable experience...well written and presented...how many voices can one presenter create?

Best character gives us the best book

Like with the previous books, I felt like there was another story I would rather read about. I want to read about the Kelpien home world more. We did get a good bit about information about Saru's life previous to Starfleet, which was more satisfying than the previous books.

This was the best of the books I've read in the Discovery line. If you like the show, then grab this book.

A very good expansion on Saru

Initially I wasn't sure I wanted a story about Saru. Afterall, one of the most famous quotes of Star Trek is "Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous" and Saru as Kelpien is known for his fear. But I was intrigued by the idea of seeing how he balanced his fear with his Starfleet duties. And I'm glad I took a chance on this. It basically is an intriguing study in what it means to be brave, when is fear a helpful thing and when is it a hindrance, and what does it mean to be true to oneself. This story is about Saru learning to stop asking "What would Captain Georgiou do?" or "What would Lt Burnham do?" and finally say "Here are my strengths. Here are my weakness. Here is how I use them to live up to the Starfleet standard." Very good character study that definitely helps you understand the Commander we meet in season 1.

James Swallow does a very good job of creating a story that feels well-integrated into the canon we know and love. He incorporates some TOS aliens with some new ones and creates a tense and exciting First Contact scenario. Robert Petkoff does a good job of narrating overall, although a few of his voice characterization choices were a little grating and pulled me out of the story.

Love the book!

Love the theme of facing the fear and overcome it! Suru is the main character not Philippa or Michael which made me a little skeptical before I started listening. But once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Love the book which is much better than drastic measures! Robert is the best narrator, ever!