Reviews

Fear Itself by James Swallow

michael_gallipo's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ogreart's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked learning more about Saru. He's an interesting character. They way this book was able to go more in-depth on his back story was satisfying to me.

1outside's review

4.0

A well written deep dive into Saru's psyche.
Though some details on Saru's background have been developed on the show (or, rather, in one of the Short Treks) since the book's release, and therefore they couldn't be present in this novel (which is not canon anyway), it still presents a pretty good study of Saru, who is arguably already one of the stand-out ST characters in general.
The book is both a good adventure story and a not too shabby rumination on the pros and cons of fear.
Saru may look look alien, but his struggle with ambition and constant...anxiety, if you will, is definitely hella relatable.

kimberlylv's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

judenoseinabook's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Saru is the main character in this story and the story follows his struggle to cope with his always alert to danger, ready to flee predators conditioning as a Kelpian prey species.  He decided to take a risk and follows his instincts in persuing answers to questions about a group of refugees being transported across the Tholian Sector. Some interesting points in light of current world events.

gingerreader99's review against another edition

5.0

At first I was unsure if I would give it 5 stars because it didn't grasp me straight away. However about a third of the way in I felt compelled to press onwards as the author has a fantastic understanding and way of portraying Saru. It felt perfectly in line with his pre-season 2 character and I was pleasantly surprised with the excitement packed into the climax of this novel.

atlantic_reader_wannabe's review

5.0

I loved reading this book! I got a great story and some background on one of my favourite characters from Discovery! I really want to get my hands on the other two books that have been released now so I can delve deeper into this world!

lx2's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A great tie-in adventure. Saru is one of my favourite characters in the entire franchise, so I was glad to see him get his moment to shine. The story also set up a few pay offs for season one of Discovery, which I really enjoyed. If you like Discovery, you will like this book. 🖖🏻

kbrsuperstar's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

rcollins1701's review against another edition

3.0

We get to see just how far Saru has come since he made his decision to leave Kaminar. Again, as with all Trek novels, the stakes are always mitigated by the fact we know the characters aren't in any real peril. So when someone calls out a containment breach, the question is not will they make it out, but how will they make it out. Still, though, a good read with lots of sci-fi elements and interstellar politics of a particular Trek flavor.