The first of the Star Trek prequels to unite Kirk, Spock and McCoy, when their shuttle craft is hijacked for their passenger, Professor Richard Daystrom. The adventure is fairly standard, but the beginnings of the attachment and respect between the three is well-handled by the grande olde dame of Star trek letters. ( )

James T. Kirk was a "by-the-book" Starfleet Academy&reg cadet. Until he had to throw the book away! It was a simple shuttle trip -- just a quick hop to a nearby planet where renowned computer genius Richard Daystrom will give a lecture. But then a tractor beam forces the shuttle to land at a remote Federation outpost. Medical Intern McCoy, Ensign Spock and Cadet Kirk have been kidnapped by space pirates! They're outnumbered and outgunned. McCoy and Spock simply want to escape and alert the authorities. But Professor Daystrom is the real target, and his shuttle will be entering this region of space soon. For Daystrom's sake, The fiery young Kirk is determined to destroy the pirates' outpost -- even if he has to do it alone.

This book i how to be really thrilling. There's excitement and you get to see how Kirk adapts to his situation. It was well written and I am going to read more of the series because they are very interesting. ( )