The most recommended books for Trekkies

Who picked these books? Meet our 7 experts.

7 authors created a book list connected to Trekkies, and here are their favorite Trekkies books.
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Book cover of Alpha Quadrant and Major Species

Troy Lambert Author Of The Tao of Trek

From my list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by Star Trek since I was a young child and went to my first convention, seeing a gorgeous Uhura walk by trailed by three gentlemen dressed as Mr. Spock. One of my local librarians must have been a Trekkie because I checked out stacks of novels from the likes of James Blish and Vonda McIntyre. Now, as an author myself, I feel privileged to have not only been a Trekkie for many years but to have written a book about Star Trek with one of my best friends. I hope you enjoy these Star Trek books, and the many others that are coming this year and beyond, as much as I have. 

Troy's book list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds

Troy Lambert Why did Troy love this book?

I got a sneak peek at this book at a convention, and it’s absolutely stunning. For the hard-core Trekkie, this is a must-have. It showcases detailed looks at ships from the Alpha and Beta Quadrants as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: The Original Series, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Each ship is profiled in extreme detail, with technical specs, the ship’s history, and some cool renderings created using the original models created for the show. 

While I didn’t get to study every profile, this book contains 40 ships, including the Anaxar cargo vessel, the Breen Warship, the Cardassian Bok'Nor, the Cardassian military freighter, the Ferengi shuttle, the Gorn warship, the Husnok warship, and the Jem’Hadar battlecruiser.

Looking for a birthday or Christmas gift for a Trekkie this year? This may be top on their list. 

By Ben Robinson, Marcus Riley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Alpha Quadrant and Major Species as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Boldly go and explore the ally and enemy ships encountered by the Federation in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants in the newest Star Trek Shipyards book.
 

Hero Collector’s popular Star Trek Shipyards series continues with detailed looks at ships from the Alpha and Beta Quadrants as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: The Original Series, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. First up? Ships of the Breen, Cardassians, and those pesky Ferengi. Each featured ship is profiled with technical details, in-universe operational history, and illustrated with plan-view CG renders, wherever possible utilizing the original VFX models created…


Book cover of The Science of Star Trek: The Scientific Facts Behind the Voyages in Space and Time

Troy Lambert Author Of The Tao of Trek

From my list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by Star Trek since I was a young child and went to my first convention, seeing a gorgeous Uhura walk by trailed by three gentlemen dressed as Mr. Spock. One of my local librarians must have been a Trekkie because I checked out stacks of novels from the likes of James Blish and Vonda McIntyre. Now, as an author myself, I feel privileged to have not only been a Trekkie for many years but to have written a book about Star Trek with one of my best friends. I hope you enjoy these Star Trek books, and the many others that are coming this year and beyond, as much as I have. 

Troy's book list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds

Troy Lambert Why did Troy love this book?

Did I mention that I am a Trekkie and a science nerd? When I was in eighth grade, my science project was on ani-matter. I was thrilled to discover that it was a real thing, not just something Star Trek made up. In fact, Star Trek has inspired many things, from the cell phone to the tablet, and even Bluetooth communication devices.

In this book, Mark Brake explores all those things, from cyborgs and aliens to planet hunting, and even asking when we will boldly go into the galaxy. It’s available for pre-order now and drops on May 26.

By Mark Brake,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Science of Star Trek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Boldly go where no man has gone before and discover the real science behind the cyborgs, starships, aliens, and antimatter of the Star Trek galaxy.

Star Trek is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. It has changed our cultural landscape in so many ways since it first aired in 1966. The franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue, leading to a wide range of spin-off games, novels, toys, and comics. Star Trek is noted for its social science, too, with its progressive civil rights stances and its celebration of future diversity that began with The Original…


Book cover of Star Trek: First Contact: The Making of the Classic Film

Troy Lambert Author Of The Tao of Trek

From my list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by Star Trek since I was a young child and went to my first convention, seeing a gorgeous Uhura walk by trailed by three gentlemen dressed as Mr. Spock. One of my local librarians must have been a Trekkie because I checked out stacks of novels from the likes of James Blish and Vonda McIntyre. Now, as an author myself, I feel privileged to have not only been a Trekkie for many years but to have written a book about Star Trek with one of my best friends. I hope you enjoy these Star Trek books, and the many others that are coming this year and beyond, as much as I have. 

Troy's book list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds

Troy Lambert Why did Troy love this book?

Star Trek: First Contact for me symbolized a return to the big screen for Star Trek, and the introduction of the Borg, one of the constant “villains” in the series from that point forward. But one of the things that has always fascinated me has been how these movies themselves spawned innovation in filmmaking. 

This is certainly no exception, and Joe Fordham expertly explores how this film did just that in a coffee table book filled with never before seen production art, cast interviews, and more. 

By Joe Fordham,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Trek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An in-depth look at the making of Star Trek: First Contact, featuring rare and previously unseen production art and new and exclusive cast and crew interviews.

Twenty-five years ago, Star Trek: First Contact saw Picard, Data, and the Enterprise crew go back in time to stop the Borg before they could prevent Earth's first contact with an alien species and assimilate the entire planet.

Celebrate this landmark anniversary by taking a deep dive into the stories behind this beloved film. This beautiful coffee-table book is full to the brim of archival material, behind-the-scenes photography, concept art, production designs, and much…


Book cover of Star Trek: The Art of Neville Page: Inside the Mind of the Visionary Designer

Troy Lambert Author Of The Tao of Trek

From my list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by Star Trek since I was a young child and went to my first convention, seeing a gorgeous Uhura walk by trailed by three gentlemen dressed as Mr. Spock. One of my local librarians must have been a Trekkie because I checked out stacks of novels from the likes of James Blish and Vonda McIntyre. Now, as an author myself, I feel privileged to have not only been a Trekkie for many years but to have written a book about Star Trek with one of my best friends. I hope you enjoy these Star Trek books, and the many others that are coming this year and beyond, as much as I have. 

Troy's book list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds

Troy Lambert Why did Troy love this book?

This is another work I got a preview of, and just loved it. Like the creating of the films, the creation of the props and costumes that make the aliens, well, so alien is absolutely fascinating. For Trekkies, you’ll recognize everything from Star Trek (2009) forward to Discovery and Picard.

Perhaps the most attractive part of this book? The concept sketches and early ideas for each creature are illustrated. The reader gets a glimpse inside the mind of the artist and sees where the initial ideas came from. It’s another must-have for the shelf of any dedicated Trekkie. 

By Joe Nazzaro,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Trek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Showcasing his entire Star Trek career to date, this visually stunning retrospective celebrates the inventiveness of Neville Page's designs.

During a career spanning over twenty years, visionary creature designer Neville Page has applied his considerable expertise to the creation and development of the aliens of the Star Trek Universe. From the movies Star Trek (2009) through to Star Trek Beyond (2016), as well as the shows Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard, Page's incredibly detailed and intricate work has yielded some of the franchise's most memorable characters.

Featuring captivating concept art and detailed sketches, Star Trek: The Art of…


Book cover of Spock's World

Eressë Belley Author Of Sacred Fate

From my list on realistic and compelling world-building.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lover of fantasy stories, mythology, and folklore for a long time, mostly because fully realized fictional settings beyond our world enthralled me. My first forays into writing dwelt on fantasy with a strong historical slant, even when I dabbled in romance. It was also then that I realized my male characters had more chemistry with each other than with the females I’d paired them with. This is how I wound up in fan fiction, where virtually anything goes. During those years, I honed my writing, deepened my fascination with world-building, and crafted stories that would feed the wellspring of my first historical fantasy novel.

Eressë's book list on realistic and compelling world-building

Eressë Belley Why did Eressë love this book?

Of the novels based on the classic Star Trek TV series, this book is one of a handful that delves extensively into the background of arguably the show’s most iconic character. Diane Duane created a history for Spock and his birth world Vulcan, skillfully merged it with the show’s canon and used that as the backdrop for a political crisis that threatens to affect the United Federation of Planets.

Trekkie that I am, it felt like a pilgrimage of sorts when I read this book. I was fascinated with the past events that shaped the planet due to the extraordinary world-building covering Vulcan’s prehistory all the way to its peoples’ ventures into space exploration and, of course, the development of the famous Vulcan ethic of logic. What’s not to love about a novel that makes the most fascinating world in the Star Trek universe come alive in every aspect?

By Diane Duane,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spock's World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It is the twenty-third century. On the planet Vulcan, a crisis of unprecedented proportion has caused the convocation of the planet's ruling council -- and summoned the U.S.S. Enterprise™ from halfway across the galaxy, to bring Vulcan's most famous son home in its hour of need.
As Commander Spock, his father Sarek, and Captain James T. Kirk struggle to preserve Vulcan's future, the planet's innermost secrets are laid before us, from its beginnings millions of years ago to its savage prehistory, from merciless tribal warfare to medieval court intrigue, from the exploration of space to the the development of o'thia…


Book cover of The World of Star Trek

Jill Sherwin Author Of Quotable Star Trek

From my list on behind the scenes of TV series.

Why am I passionate about this?

In a life that has thus far led from reader and fan to writers’ assistant to author and journalist to television story writer to editor, these are the books that helped define my passions for storytelling worlds as well as the path of my career and informed me along the way. 

Jill's book list on behind the scenes of TV series

Jill Sherwin Why did Jill love this book?

David Gerrold had a lot to say about the experience of writing his first episode of television in The Trouble With Tribbles. But that wasn’t all the insight he had behind the scenes of the Star Trek series. So he wrote another entire book about the show and the fandom that adopted it. Once again filled with wit and wisecracks, this book is another must-have for fans of the Original Series. At the time it came out, it was a book about a show that had only just begun to make its mark on popular culture. So the production and studio “machine” was not yet in control of what could and couldn’t be said about the property. Another raw and fascinating book by someone who was actually in the room where it happened. And one that made my entry into Star Trek fandom more understandable.

By David Gerrold,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The World of Star Trek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In The World of Star Trek, David Gerrold opens up dialogue on the people, places, and events that made Star Trek one of the most popular series ever. Gerrold discusses what was successful and what wasn't, offering personal interviews with the series' legendary stars and dissecting the trends that developed throughout the seasons.

The complete inside story of what happened behind the scenes of the Star Trek universe, from scriptwriters' memos to special effects and more, The World of Star Trek is the companion all Trekkies need for the most all-encompassing breakdown and analysis of Star Trek.


Book cover of The Making of Star Trek

Jill Sherwin Author Of Quotable Star Trek

From my list on behind the scenes of TV series.

Why am I passionate about this?

In a life that has thus far led from reader and fan to writers’ assistant to author and journalist to television story writer to editor, these are the books that helped define my passions for storytelling worlds as well as the path of my career and informed me along the way. 

Jill's book list on behind the scenes of TV series

Jill Sherwin Why did Jill love this book?

I have no idea why this book was made. Star Trek was a cult show that was nearly canceled after its second season until the first fan campaign helped it earn one more run. So whose genius idea was it—in the midst of production—to create this book detailing how the show was made from soup to nuts? My thanks to the writers, editors, and publishers who made it happen. Because the result is an extraordinary contemporaneous look at a television show from the 1960s that changed the world. And my life, too. I found Star Trek as a child and this book as an early teen. Its insights made me determined that I, too, would somehow become a part of Star Trek production. Even if the show had finished filming before I was even born. Bless my Trekkie English teacher who had this book on her “borrowing” shelf. 

By Stephen E. Whitfield, Gene Roddenberry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Making of Star Trek as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee.


Book cover of The Star Trek Book of Friendship: You Have Been, and Always Shall Be, My Friend

Troy Lambert Author Of The Tao of Trek

From my list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by Star Trek since I was a young child and went to my first convention, seeing a gorgeous Uhura walk by trailed by three gentlemen dressed as Mr. Spock. One of my local librarians must have been a Trekkie because I checked out stacks of novels from the likes of James Blish and Vonda McIntyre. Now, as an author myself, I feel privileged to have not only been a Trekkie for many years but to have written a book about Star Trek with one of my best friends. I hope you enjoy these Star Trek books, and the many others that are coming this year and beyond, as much as I have. 

Troy's book list on Star Trek for Trekkies and science nerds

Troy Lambert Why did Troy love this book?

Much of what I learned about real friendship I learned from Star Trek. From the many episodes of the original series I saw in syndication to the heartbreaking ending of Wrath of Kahn, the principle of “I am, and forever will be, your friend,” has influenced many of my friendships over the years. 

This book explores those friendships we have seen on screen, from Kirk and Spock, to Picard and Data, from Janeway and Seven of Nine to Bashir and Garak. Told through the eyes of fans, this is a great gift to yourself or your best friend if you want to make them jealous.

By Robb Pearlman, Jordan Hoffman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Star Trek Book of Friendship as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Star Trek has energized friendships for over 50 years. Whether it's exploring a convention, beaming into a movie theater, or joining in on a landing party watch party, generations have been as united in their love of the franchise's bold storytelling and stunning action as they are in the honest fully realized relationships of their favorite characters.

Created by fans for fans, with a foreword from Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo and Ethan Phillips, this is a first-of- its-kind, fully authorized celebration of Star Trek's most enduring and endearing friendships, including Kirk and Spock, Picard and Data, Janeway and Seven…


Book cover of Bimbos of the Death Sun

Kirsten Weiss Author Of Big Shot

From my list on funny cozy mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been addicted to reading and writing mystery novels since I picked up my first Nancy Drew. But in addition to a good puzzle, I also love a good laugh and grew up watching classic screwball comedies. I’ve written a dozen funny cozy mysteries now with more in the works. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have!

Kirsten's book list on funny cozy mysteries

Kirsten Weiss Why did Kirsten love this book?

Travel back in time, reader, to the dark ages of the 1980s and a sci-fi convention full of eccentric gamers, puffed-up speakers, and fans unleashing their alter egos. And of course… murder. The hero, a professor with a surprise hit sci-fi book on his hands, is a charming fish out of water determined to do the right thing. Though the technology described in the book is dated, the quirky characters can still be found at any con today.

By Sharyn McCrumb,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bimbos of the Death Sun as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A sci-fi convention gets a dose of true crime in this Edgar Award-winning mystery by the New York Times bestselling author of the Ballad novels.

When Virginia Tech professor James Owen Mega wrote a fictional account of his real-life research, he hardly expected it to get published. But when a publisher changed the title of his novel to Bimbos of the Death Sun, James—under the pen name Jay Omega—becomes an overnight sci-fi star. Invited to the annual fan convention Rubicon, James is both a fish out of water and a Guest of Honor among the Trekkies and sword-wielding cosplayers. But…


Book cover of Ice Planet Barbarians

Avalon Griffin Author Of Unbound by Shadows

From my list on romance for empowering escapism.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started reading romance because I wanted to drown myself in stories of women stepping into their power and getting everything they wanted. Romance is a genre often looked down upon because of the happy-ever-afters, but I think that’s part of why it can be so deliciously subversive. Most (but not all) romance novels are centered on women, their voices, their sexuality, their desires, and their victories. In a world that’s often cruel, escaping into a world where dreams and fantasies are possible can be liberating. I started writing romance because I wanted to be a part of these stories and craft a world for others to escape into.

Avalon's book list on romance for empowering escapism

Avalon Griffin Why did Avalon love this book?

No, this isn't the title of a B-movie—it's the fun, sexy, and surprisingly sweet start of a series with wonderful world-building and likable characters.

This book is about how a group of human women abducted by evil aliens crash-land on a planet full of hunky, endearing aliens and the adventures they share.

I loved how the aliens cherished and celebrated the women in this story instead of reviling their humanity, as I've seen in other sci-fi stories. The spicy scenes are hot, and the heroine is a natural leader who doesn't passively wait around to be rescued.

This is a dual-POV story, and the alien hero's confusion over human quirks is quite funny. Escapism at its best!

By Ruby Dixon,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Ice Planet Barbarians as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

You'd think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you'd be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they've left their cargo of human women - including me - on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I've met? He's big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me...