As a long-time Trekkie, I find myself scratching my head over an unusual marketing move: why release a Star Trek novel in December 2025 for the franchise’s 60th Anniversary when Star Trek: The Original Series doesn’t reach that milestone until September 8, 2026? It seems like a misstep for a niche franchise that thrives on its legacy. If Star Trek: Identity Theft [*], the twentieth entry by Greg Cox, had launched just a month later, it would have felt far more aligned with the commemorative spirit. In a way, it feels like a missed opportunity, a decision that might alienate the very fans who are supposed to celebrate.
The novel invites us back to the familiar world of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise-A, eschewing the modern iterations of Star Trek. I find myself among those who view the newer series as a separate entity, like a bubble universe apart from the rich tapestry of the classic shows and films that are, indeed, better. My hope is that this particular phase of storytelling is winding down, making room for a return to the essence of what Star Trek once was.
The narrative kicks off in 2269, during the original five-year mission of the USS Enterprise. Kirk and his crew are drawn into the fray on a planet named Voyzr, tasked with resolving an ancient conflict. The second chapter thrusts us into 2289, a time nestled intriguingly between Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Here, we follow Security Chief Pavel Chekov, who reflects on his youthful experiences as a rookie ensign during that fateful visit to Voyzr. The Enterprise-A is slated to return for a celebration marking two decades of peace, but Chekov’s instincts tell him something is off; the negotiations had been suspiciously easy, suggesting that old wounds still fester beneath the surface.
Things take a dark turn when Chekov finds himself embroiled in a nefarious plot while visiting an old friend during a medical crisis on the way to Voyzr. There’s a palpable tension as Chekov wakes up not in his familiar surroundings but in a strange body on an alien planet, while a Voyzer takes his place aboard the Enterprise-A, intent on sabotaging the peace celebration. It’s a classic Star Trek setup—high stakes, tense situations, and a race against time.
I was initially put off by the dual timelines. I’ve read too many books that fail to balance shifting narratives, and I much prefer when a story sticks to one timeline. Thankfully, after the first chapter, I found comfort in the focus on 2289. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that a prologue could have served as a more seamless introduction, instead of taking a space as the first chapter. If I were the editor, a simple switch would have clarified the setup and ramped up the intrigue right from the start.
The strengths of Identity Theft lie in its premise of revisiting a once-governed planet and its intriguing protagonist in Chekov. I enjoyed moments of nostalgia and the excitement of seeing familiar characters once again. However, the execution falters at times; there are moments that feel awkward, plot distractions that detract from the flow, and dialogue that…well, let’s just say it occasionally falls flat. Conversations between Chekov and Sulu often come off as juvenile, which is hard to believe coming from seasoned officers. They should embody the wisdom of experience, yet their exchanges sometimes feel more suited to fresh-faced ensigns.
Star Trek: Identity Theft [*] ultimately presents an entertaining escapade, but it isn’t without its flaws. I expected more from Cox, whose grasp of Star Trek lore is evident. This installment is a decent read, but I found myself wishing for deeper character development and tighter pacing. Perhaps it’s just me, but for a franchise with such a rich legacy, I couldn’t help but feel it could have soared higher. ╌★★★✰✰
〜B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess