Star Trek: The Next Generation Books In Order

Publication Order of Star Trek: Invasion Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: Day Of Honor Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Captain's Table Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Q Continuum Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Dominion War Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Double Helix Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Gemworld Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Genesis Wave Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Maximum Warp Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: Section 31 Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: Gateways Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Lost Era Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: A Time To... Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Destiny Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Cold Equations Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation (Numbered) Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation - Starfleet Academy Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation (Original) Books

Publication Order of Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode Novelizations Books

Star Trek: The Next Generation is a series of books written by various authors, based on the likewise named TV series created by Gene Roddenberry, who was also the executive producer of the original 1966 series, Star Trek: The Original Series. It is a sci-fi based adventure series with elements of drama. All the books in the series, which started in 1987, are based on the episodes of the TV series, and thus follow very similar story threads. The Star Trek series has inspired many a modern scientist with it’s depictions of (then) futuristic technology and equipment such as mobile phones and tablet devices. It is considered one of the classic sci-fi creations, and is a must for all fans of the genre. The series is renowned for it’s depth of content, with realistic characters and a vast galaxy populated by political groups and factions akin to the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. Books based on Star Trek: The Next Generation are aimed at readers who are familiar with the original series, and it’s plot has various references to the original throughout the text.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV debut: Sep 28, 1987), often abbreviated as TNG, depicts the adventures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard aboard the starship USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D. It is set in the year 2364, 100 years after the “five-year mission” (from the original series). The basic thread across the entire plot of the series is the exploration of outer space, with the captain and his crew of 1,012 seeking new life and civilization. The NCC-1701-D is unique in the sense that it was designed to accommodate families, rather than just individuals – thus, the crew consists of men, women and children. The plot begins when Picard is tasked by a godlike entity named ‘Q’ to prove that the human race is not made up of mere savages, failing which it would bring extinction to mankind. The first mission is to prove their aptitude for this task by solving a certain mystery, solving which the crew proceed to explore deep space, and encounter various villainous groups. They soldier through space, making difficult choices and facing new foes. The plot is intriguing all the way to the eventual final encounter with the mysterious entity that is ‘Q’, and Picard’s handling of his original task.

Here are a list of the characters which appear at various points across the series:

Captain Jean-Luc Picard is the commanding officer of the USS Enterprise-D. He is the main protagonist of the story, and his character is a mainstay throughout it’s entirety. He is depicted as a master diplomat, with the ability and cunning to solve seemingly unsolvable conundrums. Ever the ideal hero, he often chooses what is just morally right, and willing to live with the consequences and sacrifices forced by such decisions. In the first book, “Encounter at Farpoint”, Picard’s qualities are finely illustrated – as the Enterprise-D takes off on it’s space quest, the ethereal ‘Q’ threatens to extinguish the humans race. It is Picard who convinces Q to allow him to show that humanity still exists, and is a cause worth saving.

William Riker is the first officer of the Enterprise-D. He is depicted as a young officer who becomes experienced and wise with time spent on aboard the ship. Initially portrayed as an arrogant rookie officer, with a disregard for his colleagues and the chain-of-command, Riker’s character gradually matures as the plot moves on. Eventually, he learns the key virtue of patience, and appreciates the company offered to him by the crew of the ship. At certain points in the plot, however, Riker display his original bold streak and acts against his superiors’ wishes.

Geordi La Forge is initially the Helmsman, and later the Chief Engineer of the ship. La Forge’s character is a tribute to a real-life quadriplegic fan of the original Star Trek series. He is visually impaired, but uses a device called the VISOR which allows him to see the world around him. He is depicted as a hard working, dedicated crew member. He impresses Picard by diligently working overnight to repair a minor problem, following which he is granted the post of helmsman of the Enterprise-D. As the plot progresses, he is given more important posts, with the rank of Lieutenant Commander being his highest post.

Natasha “Tasha” Yar is the chief security officer of the USS Enterprise-D. Her character is described as one coming from difficult, and sultry origins, as a result of which she relishes her experiences as a member of the crew. She is described as a bold woman – in the series, and even accompanies Captain Picard in a direct conflict situation. However, her character digresses early on from the main TNG story-line, but reappears at various points in the plot at different timelines. She is present in all the books upto season 1 of the series.

Worf is a non-human character, and the first Klingon main character in the series. Initially appointed as a lieutenant junior grade, he is promoted following the death of key characters in the series. A notable section of the plot deals with the Klingon, depicting Worf’s experiences as he encounters more beings of his race. Worf’s adventures provide for side-stories which further enhances the feeling of depth in the Star Trek world. Beverly Crusher is the chief medical officer aboard the ship. She is briefly replaced by the a character named Katherine Pulasky, when Crusher accepts a position as the head of the Starfleet Medical, but subsequently returns to the main storyline, and stays for the entire duration. Given the very nature of her work, Crusher’s role assumes importance throughout the story. Like all the other main characters, sufficient background information about her is provided at some point in the plot. However, her individual tales are mainly side-stories and do not directly influence the grand scheme of proceedings. She has a son aboard the ship, who goes by the name of Wesley Crusher.

Wesley Crusher is the son of Beverly Crusher. After spending his initial years aboard the ship, he receives a field commission to ensign. He then goes on to attend the Starfleet academy.

Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi is a mixed race character, being half-human and half-Betazoid. She is portrayed as having the ability to sense emotions, and is thus apt for the role of counselor in the ship. Because of her unique mind, her character is often utilized as a bridge between aliens and the crew members. In several turnkey episodes, Troi’s special abilities enable her to play a key role in the events which unfold.

Lieutenant Commander Data is an Android, which is an artificially constructed being with self-awareness, sapience and sentience. Being non-human, his perspectives on the human situation offer valuable self-evaluative passages, akin to Spock in the original Star Trek series. Data assumes the role of Chief Operations Officer aboard the ship. He is depicted as a confused bot, initially unable to understand human emotions. The allows avenues for comic relief, but also forms a key plot element, when he is given an emotion chip. He has exceptional computational capabilities and a fully working anatomy.