Rating: 
Summary: Kirk lives!
Review: Who'da'thunkit? The Star Trek novels of Bill Shatner (easily the most parodied of Star Trek actors) have, against my initial expectations, proven to be some of my favorites in the past six years. The cynic in me attributes a lot of that to the co-writing of two of my favorite Trek novelist, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (their "Prime Directive" is my all-time favorite Trek novel, as well as I think one of the best Kirk stories ever), but it's clear Shatner's contribution is a strong one: his passion for the character of James T. Kirk. Despite Kirk's (controversial to fans) death a few years back in the "official" history of Star Trek, it's comforting to see him back from the dead and adventuring in the "modern" Trek continuity of Picard, Janeway, and Sisko.This conclusion to the second Kirk trilogy wraps up a number of loose ends and requires *careful* reading: there's so much going on here, including duplicate characters (twisted versions of our familiar crews from the "mirror universe" including the galactic despot Tiberius Kirk) and much reference to previous novels and episodes of both Classic Trek and Next Gen. In fact, it was this constant introduction of elements from the TV shows that led me to give this four stars instead of five. The never-ending stream of characters and situations that we're familiar with from other stories sometimes seems a bit shoehorned into the plot and reminiscent of fan fiction rather than professional writing (I sense the hands of the Reeves-Stevenses here; Shatner has never seemed that expert on the intricacies of "Star Trek the Next Generation.") Many of these elements seem to be tossed in merely to provide a nudge-nudge wink-wink familiarity to the Trek fans: Look! Here's the duplicate Earth from "Miri!" Here's Balok from "The Corbomite Maneuver!" Here's Zephram Cochrane and Lily from "First Contact!" A subplot featuring a secret "X-Files"-type organization within Starfleet command is intriguing but as frustrating for us to follow as it is for Kirk and Picard to deal with. In short, "Preserver" at its most effective only if you're up on your Trek history *and* have read the other two books in the trilogy relatively recently. Still, the ending is remarkably touching and effective (and sadly mirrors Shatner's recent real life), and you can't help but be glad the novel ends with the words JAMES KIRK WILL RETURN. You bet he will. And I'll be right there beside him.
Rating: 
Summary: Wow! The build up was sure worth it! Trek at it's best!
Review: The end of the second trilogy brings everything full circle and then some for our heroes. Tragedy, triumph, and wonderful character moments are included in a story that reaches far back into Trek's past and brings everything up to the present. I have written reviews of all of Shatner's other books in this series and I will say again: I look forward to these books the way I used to look forward to the movies. Everything is so well written in them and the characters are treated so well that you can see them and hear them. In this last book of the second trilogy, Shatner and the Garfield Reeves Stevens couple present us a story worthy of two Kirks. The mysteries laid down on Dark Victory are given some answers but nothing is ever truly given away; indeed, there are even more mysteries. Think Star Trek meets X-Files meets 2001, and that's what this book is. There are some more surprises in store for Kirk and company, but what amazes me about these books is that even when there is all this activity going on, the time is always taken to treat all the characters with reverence. Everyone gets a moment to shine. Kirk sounds like Kirk, Spock sounds like Spock, Picard sounds like Picard, etc. Original series episodes like City on the Edge of Forever,Miri, The Corbomite Maneuver and The Paradise Syndrome among others all of a sudden have brand new meaning and validity. Even the events of Star Trek First Contact are given tons of meaning and suddenly the events depicted in that movie are given the feeling of importance that Berman and his people have been unable to convey since they took over the franchise. I look at all of these books as corrections on mediocrity. Some old friends from some of the other Shatner books resurface here, and the ending will have your draw dropping and probably a tear in your eye. After reading these books thus far, I just can't believe that Rick Berman turned down the story for The Return (the second book in this series.) That lack of taste and initiative shows to this day in the bland, irrelevant, and boring soap opera that Trek has become. I gurantee that if these books, starting with The Return, had been allowed to be made into movies, the Star Trek franchise would be as popular if not more so then it was when Star Trek IV came out. Instead of going for the quick buck, if you give the fans what they want, you may have to spend more time and money up front, but you reap what you sew, and these kinds of stories would insure that Star Trek would live to see its 100th anniversary. As is, I doubt it will see 40. Mr. Berman, let the big boys make the movies- stick with TV. Let some real writers back in there to freshen things up, too. (Besides the same TV writers.) If you want to see and remember what real Star Trek is and see the continuation of an ongoing saga in an entire universe, get all of these books! You won't believe the difference in quality.
Rating:
Summary: 3.5 stars for the story i heard on Audio CD.
Review: James T. Kirk and friends Vs Emperor Tiberius. This the 6th ST book done by William Shatner and friends (and book 3 of the mirror mirror trilogy) and it is a bit below the standards set by the first 5. I must say though that I haven't read the book, only the abridged audio CD. The chase part of the book was hard to follow. Shatner does a great job on all his audio CD.
If you read the other five, you have to read this one. Shatner and friends are the best story tellers in the ST universe. I hope they plan to keep the books coming, and include characters from all the series. What about a trilogy called: DATA THE RETURN. Kirk and Picard go back to the time of Capt Archer and set out to steal a Borg Devise that could revive Data. ST has little continuity anyway, so what's the harm. This review is more the Abridged Audio CD version.
Rating:
Summary: Shatner/Kirk fans, this one's for you
Review: Having read the entire mirror universe saga, I can honestly say that I am glad it is over. I have read most of Shatners books and I have found most of them to be rather enjoyable. Preserver is another example of Shatners ability to write great star trek stories that keep you reading, with the caveat that you are a fan of both Kirk and Shatner. I really did like the story of the entire saga, kept me reading for hours and hours but in the end I had exhausted myself trying to ignore the Kirk love of the novel in order to appreciate the story. Ok so Shatner wrote the book. I guess I should have expected to see some ego oozing out of the pages, but Kirk is made out to be superhuman. In fact Kirk is made more or less a God amongst peons, so much more than just a former starship captain. Kirk is just superior. The story saved the book once again, and it ended my run of reading Shatner books. I don't think I could read more Kirk-centred books. I like Kirk, even Shatner, but to make Kirk out to be super super super super super, and to add emphasis, super man is just too much. The TNG crew is pretty useless and not needed in this book. In fact, I think that the whole interaction of the original and TNG crews is getting tiresome and the novelty has worn off. All-in-all, This, as well as most of the Shatner books, will appeal mostly to Kirk fans, but everyone else could enjoy the story if they can get past the God status that Kirk is given.
Rating:
Summary: Good, not fantastic
Review: My title for this review pretty much sums up my thoughts on the book, it was good, but not fantastic.
It continues the story from 'Dark Victory' nicely, tying up the story of Tiberius nicely.
It also shows Kirk in yet another battle with a mortal foe, and, again, having personel problems.
Again, the book were technically astute, probably the most technically correct Star Trek books I've ever read.
But the writing in itself poses a problem. After reading the numerous and excellent Judith and Garfield Reeves Stevens novels, I wonder how much of the books Shatner himself actually writes. It's obvious they do a great deal of the more detailed work, more than the book gives them credit for really.
The story, while a great continuation of 'Dark Victory', seemed to go too far in violating the Trek legend. The authors seem to say that the incidents that put our heroes in the places they are today (First Contact, Kirk taking command of the Enterprise, Janeway commanding Voyager) were all influenced by this magical Preserver race, which is actually the First Federation encountered by Kirk in 2264.
I always grew up thinking that the characters in Star Trek had EARNED their positions, and that Starfleet was the sort of organisation that recognised people of their abilities and put them in positions that bested sutied them to utilise those abilities to the full. To no suddenly be told the Preservers did all of it is simply folly, and I cannot believe it.
Again, Starfleet is portrayed as being some sort of bumbling beauracracy, with inept admirals and competent but overworked field officers. I refuse to accept that.
But in total, I began to feel sorry for Kirk. He has been through so much, done so much, and now hast lost it all again. I began to think that I preferred the 'canon' Kirk story, that is, he died on the mountain top on Veridian III, forever among the stars he first saw as a farmboy in Iowa.
The book has some good points and bad, but is so far from Trek 'canon' that it cannot even be considered for 'canon' designation.
But it is still a great story, and if you've read the entire rebirth series so far, you would be well advised to finish it.
Rating:
Summary: Ties lots of Trek Together in an Ingenious Plot
Review: I find two very positive and striking features of this audio cassette: 1) I am left in awe as to how the plot ties together many important pieces of the Trek universe in a neat and ingenious story line. 2) The production is extremely well done. No effort was spared in bringing the best presentation, sound effects, vocal acting, musical accompanyment and smooth transititions. In the condensed audio cassette format, I found myself having to frequently rewind. The story progression came at me so quickly, I had to go back to catch the links that I missed. But that is not an issue because the pace keeps the listening interesting and allows for fitting the most story into this format.
Rating:
Summary: Since when has Shatner actually been COOL?
Review: William Shatner, of course, has been mocked time and time again for his performance (or lack thereof) as Capt. Kirk. He has redeemed himself through his Star Trek novels. I picked up the first "Return of Kirk" book fully expecting to hate it, but just wanting to kill a bit of time. By the end of "Spectre," I was utterly hooked and quite impressed with Shatner's writing ability. And immediately after the climax of "Preserver," well, call me a geek, but I was almost in tears. (Of course, Shatner had help from Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, authors of such masterpieces as "Prime Directive," "Federation," and the DS9 "Millennium" trilogy. That probably had something to do with it.) "Preserver" is, if not the best Trek novel I've read, somewhere in the top 5. But don't start with this one: start with "Spectre" at least, "The Return" if you want to see how they bring Kirk back, and "Ashes of Eden" if you want to know about Chal and Teilani (though he/they does/do a good job on background). In short, quite fine. Looking forward to the next. LS
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review: I have to say that I may be a little biased. I enjoy reading about the original series characters the most. This is an incredible cap to the trilogy. Shatner knows his character and we see more of the man than just the captain. Very well written and a joy to read. Pick this one up, if you love the original series characters you won't be dissapointed.
Rating:
Summary: *Give Us More of This Book!*
Review: If you are thinking about reading or buying this book, you will not be disappointed. This is a terrific work by Shatner and his writing partners. As expected, the book maintains Star Trek continuity and integrity. What surprises and thoroughly entertains the reader are the unexpected directions this novel takes you in. "Preserver" continues the story from the authors' work "Dark Victory" and is the third work in the Mirror Universe trilogy. However, where "Dark Victory" occasionally lapses into egotistical ramblings revolving around Kirk/(Shatner), this story line really moves along strongly and comes to dramatic conclusions. Not wanting to reveal too much, let me just say that the authors have found an intriguing way to weave just about every race from the Star Trek universe into this work. The same applies about so many characters we have come to know and love (or hate) and many interesting pieces of original Federation history. Also, the use of Isaac Asimov's Harry Seldon and the science of psychohistory blew me away. As with so many science fiction devotees, this idea has practically become a reality in my mind already. Shatner uses this idea so wisely, so matter-of-factly, and so effectively, that the book is worth reading simply for this single plot device. The first time I read this book prior to finding and reading the previous two works in the trilogy ("Spectre" and "Dark Victory"). It reads well without that background, but when I read the books in order and re-read "Preserver", the suspense became so exciting that I could hardly put it down even though I read it before. I most accurately rate this novel at 4.75 out of 5.00 stars, rounded up to 5.00 and strongly recommend it (and the entire trilogy) to all fans of the franchise and SF fans in general.
Rating:
Summary: The Ending and Most Exciting
Review: The whole universe is comming apart. Tiberius has a fair amount of his original power back. The book makes this trilogy better than the Star Wars Trilogy (for trekkies of course). Kirk is in so much trouble from his mirror counterpart Tiberious that he has vowed vengnce and death for Tiberious. Aside from the fact that you must know certian things from original series episodes to fully understand the history of the First Federation and the Preserver artifacts you will still be captivated. More bad things happen to Kirk and he is forced to make many hard choices that can put many people in jeopardy. Will he make the right choices?
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