Leila Anani's Reviews > The Way to the Stars

Discovery is the marmite Star Trek - because 'it isn't proper trek' in as much as it's much darker, with far more grey areas and morally ambiguous characters and doesn't follow the formula of previous shows which are all captain centric and for the large part episodic adventures. Personally I aplaud it for taking risks.

I can't say the same for this novel which is probably the least Star Trek novel I've ever read, and indeed the least Discovery novel I've read - the only connection to the show is a single character and being set in the Trek universe.

It's not a bad novel - It's reasonably written and I like Tilly both in it and in the show. Huge kudos to actress Mary Wiseman for giving real warmth, humanity and likeability to a motormouth genius who could so easily have been super annoying. This gives Tilly's backstory and coming of age as she breaks away from her ghastly forceful diplomat mother. The thing is this disn't need to be a Trek novel - It's a simple girl finding herself story that just happens to have Star Trek trappings. Other than a very awkward frame set on Discovery, in which Tilly, unable to sleep recounts her past to Michael there is no connection to the show. None of Discovery's characters feature other than Tilly and Michael mentioned only in the frame (she could be anyone). There are no recogniseably Trek aliens, nor does this refer to any of the story lines, politics or events of the show WHATSOEVER.

On the plus side its a very good character study of Tilly and super female friendly. Bullied girl finds a voice and manages to finally shine in Star Fleet - Not a bad role model and actively encouraging girls to pursue science and maths. It's also quite readable and we care what happens to our heroine. I also like seeing Star Fleet through a different lens so to speak - we get to see ordinary people which is a breath of fresh air.

It's a terrible Trek novel however in as much as it isn't very Trek, fails to capture the essence of the show in any way and doesn't really widen the universe or have a particularly exciting story to tell. There isn't much adventure here or any real level of danger. I enjoyed it, but feel that it isn't going to meet the expectations of its target audience who are Discovery fans and this really isn't very Discovery.