(Minor spoilers ahead)
Identity Theft is an excellent premise for a Star Trek: The Original Series novel, and Greg Cox executes it with confidence, strong pacing, and a deep understanding of the characters. Set almost entirely in the narrow window between Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the story moves quickly — and it has to — thanks to a metaphorical ticking clock that keeps the tension high throughout.
One thing I want to make very clear: this is not a sequel to “Turnabout Intruder.” Cox has been adamant about that, and I agree with him. Instead, this novel works far better as a follow-on — a clever re-engagement with the technology introduced in that famously divisive (and yes, probably more universally panned than divisive) episode. The concept is rooted firmly in classic sci-fi, but what really makes it work here is the character focus. The story never forgets that Star Trek lives and dies by its people.
At its heart, this is a Chekov story, and that alone makes it something of a treat. Chekov has often been undeserved in TOS-era storytelling, and Identity Theft finally gives him the spotlight. Cox absolutely nails his voice and characterization. Just as impressive is Ryjo, the alien antagonist — though “antagonist” feels insufficient. Ryjo almost functions as a second protagonist, especially in how he impersonates Chekov. We also get a welcome amount of Sulu, which only strengthens the story given their established friendship.
The rest of the Enterprise-A crew is used effectively, and the balance between Chekov’s storyline and the ship-wide stakes feels just right. The action scenes — both on the ground and aboard the Enterprise — are tense and exciting without becoming overblown. The book never drags, and the plotting feels deliberate and economical. By the time the story concludes, the resolution is satisfying and unmistakably Star Trek in spirit.
What ultimately kept this from being a full five stars for me was my desire for a bit more context from the past. The novel opens with peace talks during the five-year mission, and when we jump forward, I didn’t feel like the Exiles or their political situation were quite as fully fleshed out as they could have been. It may be intentional — after all, these Exiles are removed by a generation from the original events, and perhaps they don’t fully understand their own motivations — but an additional chapter or two exploring the planet’s politics and the origins of the conflict would have added extra depth.
That said, this is a strong entry in the TOS novel lineup. Longtime Star Trek fans, especially those who feel Chekov has never quite had his due, will find a lot to love here. While it’s always tricky to judge whether a Trek novel is a good starting point for newcomers, Identity Theft does a solid job conveying the moral core of Starfleet and Kirk’s leadership style. The ending, in particular, delivers some quietly powerful Star Trek moments that reminded me why these characters continue to endure.
In the end, I’m giving Identity Theft 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s fast paced, thoughtful, character-driven, and deeply respectful of TOS continuity — everything I want from modern Trek tie-in fiction.
