Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements

Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements by John Jackson Miller

Genre: sci-fi

I read it as a(n): paperback

Length: 406 pp

Her Grace’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

John Jackson Miller’s Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements offers readers an escapist journey through the Federation’s seedier underbelly, a slightly different approach than the typical Trek novel. The author’s note indicated that it was written specifically to serve as a much-needed escape from the grip of the COVID pandemic lockdown. I, however, am several years behind in all of my reading, including Trek, so I only just now read it. It was still perfect escapist reading. With a focus on the charismatic Rios, the acquisition of the ship La Sirena, and seamless connections to the TV show Star Trek: Picard, this novel is a delightful addition to the Star Trek universe.

One of the standout elements of Rogue Elements is the exploration of Cristóbal Rios’s character and back story. I am a major sucker for a good back story, as anyone knows who has had the least contact with me and my bookish preferences. In fact, I’m pretty sure even the Awá people are aware of my love of back stories. Miller expertly delves into Rios’s past, unravelling the layers of his personality and providing readers with a deeper understanding of this complex character. Through actiony adventures and poignant moments, we witness Rios’s growth, gaining insight into the experiences that shaped him into the man we see on the TV show. 

The acquisition of La Sirena, a ship that holds its own aura of mystery, brings a new dynamic to the story. Miller paints a vivid picture of this ship, portraying it as a character in its own right. I also really fucking love it when inanimate objects are their own characters. Oh hi, The One Ring! Excalibur! Rocinante! As readers explore the ship alongside Rios and his ragtag, accidental crew, there is a palpable sense of adventure that permeates every page. 

Rogue Elements effortlessly weaves its story into the broader tapestry of Star Trek: Picard. Fans of the TV show will appreciate the integration of familiar faces and storylines, providing a sense of continuity and further expanding the world created on screen. Miller’s attention to detail ensures that the novel feels like a natural extension of the television series, making it a must-read for any true Trekkie.