As with the Doctor Who novels that I occasionally review, this book requires a preamble, and obvious admission. I am a Trekkie, born and bred, and yes I use the term Trekkie, mostly because I like the sound of the word better. I have seen every episode of Star Trek ever produced at least once, can tell what season of TNG an episode is based on the uniforms, Riker’s beard, and Worf’s forehead, and have a number of opinions that run against typical fan consensus, but that’s not strictly relevant.
What is relevant is that since Enterprise ended, my consumption of Star Trek media has waned. I am aware of the Star Trek novel series efforts to construct an interconnected web of stories tying the continuing adventures of TNG, Voyager, and DS9 together. From a story telling perspective, I am even excited by the idea. I have not read any of them, however. Oddly enough one of the few Star Trek books I have read in the past few years was also a Department of Temporal Investigations novel. I have a weakness for time travel, and they require less knowledge of the current state of the affairs.
The Department of Temporal Investigations books have managed to create a little pocket of the Star Trek universe out of Time Agents Lucsly and Dulmur, who had less than fifteen minutes of screen time in a single episode of DS9. Christopher L. Bennett has extrapolated not only an agency and an attitude towards time travel, but also two endearingly stolid, bureaucratic heroes.
The Collectors involves diverging time lines and creatures from the distant future on a mission to preserve extinct life forms, using time travel. Bennett has developed his characters and world in two previous novels, allowing The Collectors to get on with telling a fast paced romp. It is a quick fun read with temporal shenanigans and a glimpse at the far future, but there is nothing particularly deep about the novella. An enjoyable, light read.
Star Trek: Department of Temporal Investigations – The Collectors can be found here on Amazon.
Received a Copy From NetGalley For Review
Antonio Urias 
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