Novelisation like this has a distinct writing style that you either like or you find it formulaic.
This time round, I did the reverse of Star Trek Into Darkness, reading the book first before watching the movie. This turned out to be a good thing because the book contains more details than what you can gleaned from the movie. And that helps you to develop a better understanding of why certain characters did what during key moments of the story.
For instance, you will learn why Nero, the Romulan aggressor from the future, is so hellbent on destroying Vulcan. In the book, it is also explained that Nero’s actual Romulan name is Ŏ’ŗên, which is apparently difficult for the human larynx to pronounce. He tells Captain Pike reversing the name and softening the sounds yields a name the human can pronounce, “Nero”.
For those who would like to catch up on the backstory of Spock and Kirk, this will be an interesting read, although writing based on a movie script has its constraints.
“As always, Spock, whoever you choose to be, whatever course you decide to take through life, your journey will always be accompanied by a proud mother.”
~ Amanda Grayson to Spock
