“A Singular Destiny” Retro Review: Where Star Trek meets political thriller

Review: Keith R.A. DeCandido’s Star Trek: A Singular Destiny (2009)

We’ve been following Star Trek novels for a few years, and it feels like there’s an endless frontier of stories to explore. We love knowing there’s always a new adventure waiting in the vast literary universe of this franchise we know and cherish. The most recent book to come to our attention is one that serves as a sequel to the landmark Star Trek: Destiny trilogy. Star Trek: A Singular Destiny, published in 2009 and authored by Keith R.A. DeCandido, is kind of like The West Wing for Star Trek, in that it proves to be an enjoyable read for fans eager to delve deeper into galactic politics instead of thrilling action scenes.

It’s a tumultuous time following the devastating Borg invasion seen in the Star Trek: Destiny trilogy. A Singular Destiny, rather than focusing on explosive action, weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue that challenges the reader to understand the intricate power dynamics at play on the galactic stage in the 2380s. 

The narrative picks up with the Federation – and indeed, the whole quadrant – reeling from the recent Borg invasion, which sets the stage for a period of fragile alliances and shifting loyalties. A series of mysterious incidents – from the planet Zalda’s apparent defection from the Federation, to the sabotage of Federation mining operations, to the Kinshaya’s invasion of Klingon space – serve to escalate galactic tension and deepen an ever-growing mystery. 

Leading the broad cast of characters is Sonek Pran, a scholar whose astute observations of these seemingly disparate events connect to a larger plot to disrupt the balance of power in the quadrant. Pran is a compelling protagonist whose intelligence, persuasive eloquence, and profound wisdom make him an ideal guide through the treacherous political landscape. 

As a history professor turned presidential adviser, Pran navigates complex diplomatic situations with remarkable acumen. However, his character is not without its vices; he is portrayed as a flawed individual, grappling with a strained relationship with his son and a pragmatic tendency to conveniently disregard orders when he believes it serves a greater purpose. These imperfections add a layer of relatable humanity to his otherwise formidable intellect.

Another presence, this one pleasantly familiar, in A Singular Destiny is Ezri Dax of Deep Space Nine fame, who reprises her role as a main character, much as she did in the Star Trek: Destiny trilogy. Her continued presence here expands her role as captain of the Aventine in significant ways, showcasing her growth and leadership in the challenging post-Borg landscape. Her insights and actions working with Pran contribute significantly to the unfolding narrative, which solidifies her importance within the broader Star Trek literary universe. We’re quite curious how her centuries-long experience will help her navigate the challenging waters ahead for the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. 

While the sheer number of characters and factions woven into this story might initially present a challenge to the reader, this complexity is entirely in service of a grander vision. The author, Keith R.A. DeCandido, one of the most prolific Star Trek scribes out there, skillfully introduces familiar and new players – the Romulans, Breen, Gorn, Tzenkethi, Kinshaya, and others – each with their own agendas and roles in the unfolding drama. This intricate character web is not gratuitous; instead, it meticulously lays the groundwork for a major expansion of the Star Trek literary universe. The revelation at the end of the book of the Typhon Pact – a new force against the Federation and its few friends – is a formidable new alliance, which marks a significant development that promises exciting future narratives.

A Singular Destiny excels in its portrayal of diplomatic maneuvering and the subtle and not-so-subtle power plays that define interstellar relations at this point in the Star Trek literary universe. It’s a book that rewards careful attention, inviting the reader to piece together clues (an element the book’s cover alludes to) and anticipate the next strategic move of its various characters. For those who appreciate the intellectual depth of Star Trek‘s universe and are eager to see its non-canonical boundaries pushed, this novel is a good choice. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Star Trek‘s political landscape, proving that compelling storytelling doesn’t always require phaser fire but can thrive on the quiet intensity of galactic chess. 

If you enjoy this read, there is an entire series of novels for you to pursue afterwards. You can bet we’ll be checking out the six-series Star Trek: Typhon Pact sometime soon. 

You can buy Star Trek: A Singular Destiny on Amazon or your local bookstore.

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