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Greg Cox: Identity Theft.     Pavel Chekov is a reminder that some Star Trek characters do their most interesting growing just outside the spotlight. Known for his youthful enthusiasm, sharp wit, and loyalty to the Enterprise, much of Chekov's development is implied rather than shown on screen. That makes tie-in novels an ideal space to explore characters like him in greater depth, filling in the moments between episodes and missions. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan are joined once again by author Greg Cox to discuss his new Original Series novel, Identity Theft. Mostly taking place in the movie-era, we finally get Chekov in the spotlight. We discuss Chekov's identity crisis, getting off the bridge, how this is absolutely not a sequel, and much more!  In the news segment we discuss a new book announcement as well as some Lower Decks comics from IDW.   News New Book Announcement (03:28) Lower Decks Comics (09:45)                 Feature: Greg Cox Greg's Star Trek (18:49) About the Cover (23:20) Strange Unfamiliar Aliens (26:09) Pretending to Be Chekov (31:00) Chekov's Love Interest (34:02) Writing Chekov Played by a Different Character (36:49) Getting Off the Bridge (39:33) Breezier and Funnier (42:18) The Exiles (49:14) The Audiobook (56:21) Sulu (59:25) Not a Sequel (1:02:47) Remembering Margaret (1:09:57) What's Next for Greg? (1:13:25) Closing (1:19:01)         Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest Greg Cox Production Matthew Rushing (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Editor and Associate Producer)

David Mack: Ring of Fire.     With fewer Star Trek series currently on TV, it's the novels that keep us boldly going. These stories bridge the gaps between episodes and explore what happens when the cameras aren't rolling — deepening our connection to the characters and giving us new adventures to imagine. It's an exciting time to see how writers expand the universe we know and love. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan chat with author David Mack about his Strange New Worlds novel, Ring of Fire. They dive into the book's ensemble of characters, high-action set pieces, Spock delivering a memorable beatdown, and Pike's continued growth as a captain.  In the news segment, the hosts judge a book by its cover and share their thoughts on two new-ish comics.   News Judge a Book by its Cover (03:15) Omega Comic (10:19) Section 31 Comic (12:52)                  Feature: David Mack Remembering Margaret (18:30) Within the Confines (28:06) Project Azorian (31:13) An Ensemble Story (36:10) Crafting the Mystery (42:35) Pike's Lesson (48:50) Set Pieces (53:51) Spock Gives a Beatdown (1:01:26) Pelia and Scotty (1:04:26) Ortegas as Number One (1:10:05) Wrapping Up with David (1:14:55) Closing (1:19:12)          Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: What Lay Beyond.      Back in late 2001, Pocket Books published the most epic crossover event to date: Gateways. With six novels spanning the eras from The Original Series to Voyager, the series brought together multiple authors to tell stories utilizing the gateways created by the mysterious Iconians. And the hook for the series was that each story was to end with a cliffhanger, culminating in one giant hardcover with six short stories to conclude the series. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss the final book, What Lay Beyond. They discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, and talk about their vision for the series were it to be written today. Also covered is The Lore War comics, the concluding crossover between the Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant comics from IDW.           News The Lore War Comics (03:24) Feature: What Lay Beyond A TOS Story (19:03) Casey Rambles About Challenger (25:45) Jonathan is Angry About DS9... (29:43) ...but a Happy Camper with Voyager (37:14) Jonathan Blows Casey's Mind (42:25) New Frontier Character Work (43:31) TNG Tying Everything Up (49:28) Can We Cut Gateways Some Slack? (56:17) A Little Too Much Freedom (01:00:11) Star Trek Timeline (01:04:57) Goofy Corps of Engineers Story (01:06:20) Final Thoughts (01:09:27) Wrap Up (01:13:54)        Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Interview with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack.     Legacy isn't reserved for heroes. Some characters leave a mark not through their nobility, but through the incredible shadow they cast. Few exemplify this better than Khan Noonien Singh. Decades after his first appearance, Khan continues to shape the Star Trek universe - his presence echoing through generations of stories, creators, and fans alike. His legacy raises a fascinating question: what happens when a villain becomes just as iconic, just as influential, as the heroes they oppose? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt speak with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. They talk about the writing process, casting and recording, making it sound like Star Trek, allegory, the mind of a villain, and much more!                Feature: Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Genesis of Khan Podcast (02:58) Writing for Audio (05:29) Collaboration (06:47) Nick's Vision (07:41) Late Night Episode Breaks (09:50) Podcast vs Audiobook (12:00) Production Involvement (14:40) Nick's Vision (again) and Canon (15:56) Sounds Like Star Trek, Sounds Like Khan (17:00) Recording and Casting Marla (19:46) Allegory and Villains (21:23) Just Trying to Tell a Good Story (28:30) A Contained Narrative (33:09) Give Us More Stories! (33:58) Wrap-up (36:11) Closing (38:59)          Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt  Guest  Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer) Stream below or subscribe to listen at: Website - http://www.trek.fm/literary-treks/3374 Choose your podcast app: https://trekfm.link/lt-efm

In 1997, Pocket Books began releasing novels in a new series - one not based on a Star Trek television series. The brainchild of then-editor John J. Ordover and author Peter David, Star Trek: New Frontier was a way to have a series of novels with its own continuity, independent of the shows still on the air. Spanning over 20 novels, numerous short stories, and even some graphic novels, the series lasted until 2015. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss 2001's Cold Wars, the sixth book in the Gateways saga. We discuss the New Frontier series and characters, the overall plot, growing up too fast, a clean ending, and more! In the news, we talk about a new coffee table book and discuss the Star Trek: Defiant comic arc, No Old Warriors.    News New Books (00:02:41) Comic review (00:05:17)                  Feature: Cold Wars New Frontier (00:11:24) Post-Coital Opening (00:14:43) The Characters (00:15:16) The Plot (00:19:39) The Mystery of "Smyt" (00:24:27) A Holo Ruse (00:26:36) She Had to Grow Up Very Fast (00:29:53) A Little Too Clean (00:34:15) The Gateways (00:38:44) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:11)          Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: No Man's Land.     At one time, Christie Golden was the preeminent author in the Star Trek: Voyager novel line with 13 of her 16 Star Trek stories being with the crew of Voyager. In fact, even Kirsten Beyer hasn't surpassed Golden's contributions to the series.  In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss No Man's Land. Topics include characterizations, Janeway-Chakotay shipping, Seven instigating a slave uprising, not one but two murder mysteries, and, oh yeah, the gateways. Plus, we ask a very important question: What happens to Fluffy? In our comics discussion, we talk about IDW's Star Trek issues 25-30, When the Walls Fell (not to be confused with the Tamarian legend of Shaka).   News Star Trek 25-30 (00:04:12)                  Feature: No Man's Land Classic Voyager (00:16:55) Gateway Issues (00:21:43) Continuity (00:24:30) Something Fun (00:27:59) Meat of the Story (00:31:33) The Weirdest Part (00:35:46) What Holds it Back (00:37:05) Seven's Story (00:40:41) Arkathi (00:44:20) Ratings (00:51:14) Final Thoughts (00:53:54)          Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Demons of Air and Darkness.     Star Trek literature's mission was to expand the universe of the series beyond what was seen on screen, so in doing that the books continued series that had ended as well as created characters to follow; the Gateway series brought all of those together in one massive crossover. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about Demons of Air and Darkness. We discuss title questions, the opening, the treat of the book, Kira's leadership, the "threat", Shar and Nog, Quark, Ro, the reveal, the same scene, our ratings and final thoughts.  For the news we discuss the upcoming novel in the Picard line!   News New Picard Novel Coming (00:02:58)                  Feature: Demons of Air and Darkness Title Questions (00:05:52) The Opening Chapter (00:10:28) The Threat of the Book (00:12:55) Kira's Leadership (00:17:32) "Threat" (00:19:35) Shar and Nog (00:23:55) New Recurring Characters (00:29:33) Quark (00:32:47) Ro (00:34:36) Finally Revealed (00:38:12) The Same Scene (00:40:15) Ratings (00:43:24) Final Thoughts (00:46:13)         Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: Toward the Night.     One of the beauties of tie-in fiction is to do exactly what the name implies, to tie in to the show or universe and add details that the films or shows just don't have time to do. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan welcome author James Swallow to talk about his Star Trek: Strange New Worlds novel, Toward the Night. We discuss the genesis of the book, the focus, introductions, dynamics, La'An, the Klingons, the planet, in the future, coming soon and our final thoughts.  In the news we have an in memoriam for some losses in the Star Trek literary world.    News Sad News (00:02:53)                  Feature: James Swallow The Genesis of the Book (00:06:44) The Focus (00:13:25) Introductions (00:16:52) Dynamics (00:23:04) La'An (00:26:58) The Klingons (00:30:09) The Planet (00:35:37) In the Future (00:41:30) Coming Soon (00:44:19) Final Thoughts (00:47:20)           Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan   Guest  James Swallow   Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Doors Into Chaos.     The early aughts were an intriguing period for Star Trek books, as shows like DS9 concluded, Voyager continued to air, and TNG continued to produce films. The literary landscape truly embraced experimentation and explored new avenues. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan continue the Gateways series with Doors Into Chaos. We discuss this feeling like a beginning, getting lucky, crew movement, used well, Riker, connections, Picard, the conference, building excitement, our ratings and final thoughts.  In the news we talk about the Ring of Fire blurb, comic news, Lower Deck comic reviews and some sad news.    News Ring of Fire Blurb (00:02:33) Comic News (00:07:06) Lower Decks Comic Reviews (00:11:59) Sad News (00:22:24)                Feature: Doors Into Chaos Feels Like the Beginning (00:27:16) Getting Lucky (00:37:18) Crew Movement (00:38:18) Used Well (00:41:12) Riker (00:43:37) Connections (00:47:05) Picard (00:51:57) The Conference (00:55:15) Building Excitement (01:01:39) Ratings (01:06:39) Final Thoughts (01:08:54)      Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Chainmail.     Books set in the Star Trek universe that aren't based on any of the television series can be a mixed bag when it comes to fan reception. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about the second book in the Gateways series, Chainmail. We discuss the Challenger, it being out there, character work, worldview differences, drawbacks, Riutta and her people, use of the gateway, timey-whimy, thematic link, by the end, a page from Kirk, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we talk about the Lower Decks comic, Warp Your Own Way.    News Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way (00:02:53)                  Feature: Chainmail  Star Trek: Challenger (00:05:46) It's Out There (00:11:49) Character Work (00:15:49) Worldview Difference (00:23:41) Drawbacks (00:26:03) Riutta and Her People (00:26:50) Use of the Gateway (00:30:57) Timey-Whimy (00:34:12) Thematic Link (00:37:29) By the End (00:39:46) A Page From Kirk's Book (00:42:44) Ratings (00:45:12) Final Thoughts (00:48:10)       Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Star Trek: Gateways: One Small Step.     In 2001, the Star Trek literary universe was at the hight of it's popularity especially as it continuing series like Deep Space Nine and The Next Generation, which lead to a massive crossover between all the ongoing series that Pocket books were publishing at the time. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about One Small Step. We discuss the new series, watching an episode, the virus, impersonating Kalandans, the Klingons, the gateways, restructuring, something that works well, our ratings and final thoughts.  In the news there is a new book announcement as well as comic reviews on Star Trek 500 and Star Trek Defiant issues 17-21.   News New Book Announcement (00:03:00) Star Trek 500 (00:06:47) Star Trek Defiant 17-21 (00:11:16)                 Feature: One Small Step  A New Series (00:23:57) Watching an Episode (00:28:58) The Virus (00:30:57) Impersonating Kalandans (00:32:22) The Klingons (00:37:25) The Gateways (00:43:36) Restructuring (00:44:29) Something That Works Well (00:53:39) Ratings (00:59:33) Final Thoughts (01:01:30)         Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Pandora Principle.     Star Trek books are some of the longest running tie-in fiction series out there which means that you never know when an entry will be a diamond in the rough or just rough. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about the TOS novel, The Pandora Principle. We discuss, development hell, get him out of the way, the first chapter, Saavik, a positive or negative, mystery boxes, what?, disjointed, our ratings and final thoughts.  In the news we look at the upcoming new releases for books as well as review some comics with Star Trek issues 19-24 and Defiant issues 12-16.   News New Books Coming (00:03:21) Star Trek 19-24 (00:11:30) Star Trek Defiant 12-16 (00:17:21)                  Feature: The Pandora Principle   Development Hell (00:27:28) Get Him Out of the Way (00:32:30) The First Chapter (00:37:08) Saavik (00:39:12) A Positive or Negative (00:44:05) Mystery Boxes (00:50:11) Wait, What? (00:52:41) Disjointed (00:55:49) Ratings (01:00:26) Final Thoughts (01:02:18)         Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Una McCormack: Asylum.     One of the joys of tie-in fiction is the way that it can delve into the backgrounds of characters to make the viewing experience feel richer because the fan has a greater understanding of what motivates the characters.  In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt are proud to welcome author Una McCormack to talk about her Strange New Worlds novel, Asylum. We discuss starting the book, timelines, the Academy storyline, lectures, and interesting friendship, the mystery, themes, writing the SNW crew, references, using talents, heartbreak, a fun note, where to find Una and our final thoughts.                 Feature: Una McCormack Starting the Book (00:03:50) Timeframes (00:06:24) The Academy Storyline (00:09:49) Lectures (00:13:05) An Interesting Friendship (00:16:09) The Mystery (00:18:02) Themes and Questions (00:22:42) Writing the SNW Crew (00:27:12) References (00:29:19) Using Talents (00:34:41) A Fun Note (00:44:56) Where to Find Una and What is Coming (00:48:23) Final Thoughts (00:50:30)       Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Guest  Una McCormack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Nanotech War.     Star Trek Voyager is a polarizing series to say the least and yet in the realm of literature, it has made for some of the best stories in Treklit. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Nanotech War. We discuss the book not being numbered, first impression, first contact, B'Elanna and Seven's arcs, putting everything back in the box, wrapping up with our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we return to the comics and discuss the Sons of Star Trek series, the Star Trek 2024 Annual as well as the Star Trek Celebrations one shot.   News Sons of Star Trek (00:04:21) Star Trek 2024 Annual (00:11:53) Star Trek Celebrations (00:16:03)                 Feature: The Nanotech War     No Number (00:20:26) First Impressions (00:21:54) First Contact (00:27:30) B'Elanna's Arc (00:34:47) 7 of 9 (00:41:27) Put Everything Back in the  Box (00:48:48) Ratings (00:51:32) Final Thoughts (00:56:21)       Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Catalyst of Shadows.     The almost ninety year period between The Original Series and The Next Generation was perfect fodder for the novels to mine, connecting the dots between the eras as well as characters we would meet in the 24th century to those we knew from the 23rd century.  In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Lost Era book, Catalyst of Shadows. We discuss an Uhura story, Crusher vs Pulaski, the rest of the cast, other characters, the mystery, trauma, flashbacks and timelines, plus our ratings and final thoughts.  In the news we talk about a newish book, a comic milestone and an upcoming novel release.   News A Newish Book (00:03:52) Star Trek 500 (00:05:46) Strange New Worlds: Asylum (00:08:01)                  Feature: Catalyst of Shadows  An Uhura Story (00:10:17) Crusher vs Pulaski (00:17:42) The Rest of the Cast (00:18:56) Other Characters (00:24:08) The Mystery (00:31:25) Trauma (00:42:55) Flashbacks and Timelines (00:47:16) Ratings (01:01:19) Final Thoughts (01:05:59)            Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)