Published in 1996, The Return by William Shatner with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens has been out for 14 years now but having just read it I thought I would give my thoughts. The following review contains spoilers. I hope that's safe to do after 14 years!

When The Return was first published my first reaction was that Shatner just couldn't let go of Kirk. So, I had no desire to read it. I'm not sure why I finally read it but I'm glad I did. It is a good read. I don't know how much of the book Shatner actually wrote and, quite frankly, I don't care. For me, it was a very good book.

The story takes place right after Star Trek: Generations. Kirk's body is stollen by the Romulans. Working with the Borg, they bring Kirk back to life in a bizarre plot to kill Picard. It seems that the Borg are worried about Picard having information that would prevent a Borg invasion. Through the story the Romulan-Borg scheme becomes known. Kirk winds up with a much more heroic death this time around.

References to the various series are made (TOS, TNG, DS9) including the movies. Some old friends are reacquainted and some really good surprises are thrown in. Turns out that KIrk, Spock, and Picard have all be touched by the Borg. V'Ger actually wound up on the Borg homeworld and when Spock mind-melded with it, a little bit the Borg remained. That was a twist I thought was very cool.

There were a few spots where the characterization was a bit off but, for the most part, the characters were portrayed accurately. There were some plot holes but what story doesn't have them? What I thought was pretty much a ridiculous scheme by the Romulans almost worked for them!

I was able to read most of the book in a few days while sitting in a chair under a tree, making sure people parked where they were supposed to at the ATP tennis tournament! Bottom line is that I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

I'll second this. I haven't read the book for a long time, but it is most definitely worth a read.

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TheGing