I was lucky enough to receive and read through this great book which has a whopping FOURTEEN stories in it with everything from a story about Captain Archer’s dog Porthos, the return of noir detective Dixon Hill, a strange tale of the crew of the Enterprise-D forgetting their first officer, William Riker, a dramatic prelude to the classic episode “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” and even a story about young Max Thomssen and his even younger sister Tori aboard the USS Lalo in an awesome story with them navigating the ship during a tussle with the Borg. This incredible collection features illustrated stories starring iconic characters such as Benjamin Sisko and Kate Pulaski, plus fan-favorite alien enemies.

First up I want to say that when It comes to short stories it is right up my street because I have ADHD so the shorter form suits me better; its why I tend to stick to the comics more over the novels but an anthology type book like this is awesome for me. I also haven’t read the last book out of this kind Star Trek Explorer Presents: Star Trek "Q And False" And Other Stories and so will be getting that volume 1 for myself.

The book is essentially short stories collects from Star Trek Explorer magazine. Featuring tales by Una McCormack, Gary Russell, Michael Carroll, John Peel, Chris Dows, Chris Cooper, and Greg Cox it really is great, even though I read Explorer the stories still felt fresh.

As I read the captivating collection of short stories, I found myself hesitating to assign scores or numerical values to the unique tapestry of creativity woven by each author. Rating art feels akin to distilling the essence of diverse emotions and perspectives into a rigid scale. I appreciate the inherent subjectivity in interpreting literature; what resonates with me may not necessarily strike the same chord with others. Instead of quantifying the immeasurable value of these stories, I choose to embrace the inherent beauty of individual expression. 

Among the narratives, two stood out prominently for me – "The Expert" by Gary Russell and "Control" by John Peel. These stories, in particular, resonated with my sensibilities, offering narratives that lingered in my thoughts long after the pages turned. Their distinctive qualities, craftsmanship, and the emotions they elicited made them my personal favorites, showcasing the richness and diversity within the collection.

The stories include:

CONTROL by John Peel, Art by Louie De Martinis

A tale starring Captain Jonathan Archer’s loyal dog, Porthos.

THE GUARDIAN by Gary Russell, Art by Louie De Martinis

A prelude to the classic episode “What are Little Girls Made Of?

THE DISAVOWED by Christopher Cooper

The crew of the Enterprise lose all memory of William Riker!

PAGHABI by Chris Dows, Art by Louie De Martinis

Guinan is invaded by a sinister force.

“PULASKI 2.0” by Greg Cox

Doctor Katharine Pulaski experiences life as an android.

THE EXPERT by Gary Russell, Art by Louie De Martinis

A family is torn apart when the Borg strike.

SCRAMBLE by Greg Cox, Art by Louie De Martinis

A return to the noir world of Dixon Hill.

THE MISSION by James Swallow, Art by Louie De Martinis

Espionage runs rife aboard Deep Space 9.

‘THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER’ by Una McCormack, Art by Louie De Martinis

Kira Nerys and Garak discuss their opposing ideologies.

FRONTIER MEDICINE by Michael Carroll, Art by Louie De Martinis

Doctor Julian Bashir has a career defining adventure.

BY SPECIAL REQUEST... by John Peel, Art by Louie De Martinis 

Miles O’Brien and Julian Bashir enjoy some rest and recreation with a difference.

THE VICTIM by John Peel, Art by Andy Walker

Garak moves in for a kill, but can he pull the trigger?

YOU CAN’T BUY FATE by Keith R.A. DeCandido, Art by Andy Walker

A first contact mission through the wormhole doesn’t quite go according to plan.

SUMMER DAYS CAN LAST FOREVER by Michael Collins, Art by Michael Collins

The dull 1950’s town of Patterson Creek is livened up by some unusual visitors.

This extraordinary compilation of short stories is a showcase of its contributing authors. The sheer diversity of themes, genres, and narrative styles makes each story a captivating journey in its own right.  What sets this collection apart is its ability to transport readers across a spectrum of emotions, from heartwarming tales to spine-tingling adventures. Even for those who may have previously encountered some of these stories within the pages of Explorer magazine, the experience of revisiting them within the cohesive framework of this book is truly rewarding. 

The meticulous curation allows for a seamless flow, enhancing the overall reading experience. Whether you're a seasoned Explorer reader or a newcomer to these tales, the purchase is undeniably worthwhile. Each story, a masterpiece in its own right, contributes to the rich tapestry of this literary collection, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the magic of well-crafted storytelling.

Now go and treat yourself. And if you want more insight into this collection’s stories.by Gary Russell, check out our interview with him.