Literary Treks: A Star Trek Books and Comics Podcast

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Literary Treks is a Trek.fm podcast dedicated entirely to Star Trek in written form. Each episode hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettit explore Star Trek books and comics and chat with authors.

  1. Jul 9

    Literary Treks 399: Unhinged

    Dayton Ward: To Defy Fate. Wesley Crusher has always been a polarizing figure in Trek fandom — TNG's boy genius, adored by some and a source of groaning for others. But his arc from teenage prodigy to full-fledged Traveler is one of the franchise's more underappreciated journeys, and Picard season 3's finale left a perfect opening: what exactly was Wesley up to in the weeks following the Borg crisis? Dayton Ward answers that question with To Defy Fate, a novel that puts the former wunderkind squarely at the center of a sprawling story touching timelines, civilizations, and the nature of fate itself. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan sit down with Dayton Ward, author of Star Trek: Picard: To Defy Fate. We discuss the choice to lead with Wesley, the novel's driving antagonist and what makes her such a compelling character, mysterious figures like Kovich and what their presence means for Trek's larger tapestry, the complex web of timelines the book navigates, and what it ultimately means — and costs — to defy fate. Check out cover artist Callum Seymour on Instragram - @seymourdraws News Cover Reveal (2:55) Feature: Dayton Ward Dayton 400 (5:42) Why Wesley? (6:36) Journey's End Prologue (11:39) Kovich (12:59) Writing a Hardcover (16:38) Bookend with The Last Best Hope (19:02) Likara's Convictions (22:22) The Metron Kid (28:26) Timelines (31:36) Quintessential DS9 Theme (36:13) The Picard-Crusher Guy (39:56) Last Things First (45:27) The Narada Incursion (47:00) Defying Fate (49:01) Margaret's Fingerprints (51:23) Cover Art (54:38) Dayton's Future (56:16) Closing (58:13) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Guest Dayton Ward Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    Literary Treks 399: Unhinged

  2. Jun 19

    Are You Only Asking Me Because I'm Scottish?

    Invasion!: First Strike. Back in the heyday of Star Trek publishing, writers had four golden-era series to write in. Generally, the books stood apart from each other as stand-alones within their own series. But in 1996, Pocket Books published something unprecedented: a four-book crossover featuring each of the televised series to date. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan dive into the first Invasion! book, First Strike - an Original Series entry, written by prolific Trek author Diane Carey. Casey and Jonathan discuss the propulsiveness of the story, zealots and agnostics, and the newest threat in this part of the galaxy - the Furies! Feature: First Strike The First True Crossover Series (3:23) Naval Tradition (5:24) Propulsiveness (8:30) Movie References (12:12) Kellen the Klingon (14:32) Kirk's Tactic (19:26) Spock Incapacitated (22:54) The Federation Way (27:18) The Gnostic and the Zealot (28:26) Who are the Furies? (30:33) Empathizing with Zennor (32:51) Kellen the Zealot (38:13) Their Souls (40:06) Playing Favorites (41:33) Holding Positions (44:32) Scotty (46:39) Perfectly Balanced (48:15) Final Thoughts (52:28) Closing (59:22) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    Are You Only Asking Me Because I'm Scottish?

  3. May 7

    I'm Pretty Sure That Was a Tholian

    Another Comics Catch-up. IDW has been pumping out new comics faster than you can name any of the red shirts that died. And dang! Many red shirts were harmed in the making of these comics. And we have been remiss in showing our respects. Today, we're here to remedy that oversight. Again. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss several IDW releases from recent months including Lower Decks, Red Shirts, Strange New Worlds, Voyager, and the new series, The Last Starship. In the news segment, we get excited for the new coffee table book from John and Maria Jose Tenuto, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home: The Making of the Classic Film. News Making of Star Trek IV (3:08) Feature: Comics Catch-up Lower Decks (6:34) Red Shirts (12:57) SNW: The Seeds of Salvation (16:52) VOY: Homecoming (18:31) The Last Starship (29:33) Next Time on Literary Treks (39:52) Closing (42:28) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    I'm Pretty Sure That Was a Tholian

  4. Apr 6

    I'm a Skier at Heart

    Pathways. Every now and then a Star Trek book comes along that gives readers a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the characters we've grown to love on screen. Done well, these kinds of books can give you a great appreciation for characters you once thought were underdeveloped. Done poorly, these kinds of books can be extremely frustrating. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss Pathways, the Star Trek: Voyager novel by none other than series co-creator, Jeri Taylor. They discuss each of the characters' stories and whether the book stands up. In the news section, there's a lot of new comics coming out from IDW. And we've got a new book announcement! News New comics (3:56) New novel (8:10) Feature: Pathways Our Excitement Was Premature (14:28) Macro Level Thoughts (17:32) Chakotay (28:27) Harry (32:32) B'Elanna (34:39) Tom (38:33) Neelix (40:29) Kes (44:16) Tuvok (45:26) Cast Photo (47:39) Overall Thoughts (50:43) Closing (56:08) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Editor and Associate Producer)

    I'm a Skier at Heart

  5. Feb 16

    I Get Paid for This?

    Scott Pearson. It takes more than just an author to produce a book. In fact, there's a whole team of people that bring any given book to fruition. It's no different in tie-in fiction like Star Trek. We don't often branch out to talk to anyone but the authors of the new books, and that's an oversight we intend to remedy. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk with editor Scott Pearson, who recently took on a more hands-on role after the passing of beloved editor, Margaret Clarke. They discuss Scott's work as both an author and an editor, what the editing process looks like, the enjoyable challenge of producing a Star Trek book while a show is still running and much, much more! In the news segment, we talk about Robb Pearlman's new book of fairy tales from the final frontier. Find out more about Scott at scott-pearson.com News New Book from Robb Pearlman (4:01) Feature: Scott Pearson Lifelong Rabid Star Trek Fan (7:02) Never Wanted to Be an Editor (10:01) An Author and an Editor (12:47) A Hands-On Position (13:59) There the Entire Time (15:29) A High Bar (19:56) Publishing is a Crazy Business (22:13) I Would Like More Books (25:46) New Authors (27:00) I Don't Want to Get in Trouble (28:39) An Enjoyable Challenge (29:28) Required Reading (33:26) Editing Different Genres (41:01) Character Motivation (44:02) Check the Quote (47:31) I Have Ideas (51:50) Scott, the Writer (55:20) Closing (1:00:58) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Guest Scott Pearson Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    I Get Paid for This?

  6. 12/21/2025

    The Chekov Book

    Greg Cox: Identity Theft. Pavel Chekov is a reminder that some Star Trek characters do their most interesting growing just outside the spotlight. Known for his youthful enthusiasm, sharp wit, and loyalty to the Enterprise, much of Chekov’s development is implied rather than shown on screen. That makes tie-in novels an ideal space to explore characters like him in greater depth, filling in the moments between episodes and missions. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan are joined once again by author Greg Cox to discuss his new Original Series novel, Identity Theft. Mostly taking place in the movie-era, we finally get Chekov in the spotlight. We discuss Chekov's identity crisis, getting off the bridge, how this is absolutely not a sequel, and much more! In the news segment we discuss a new book announcement as well as some Lower Decks comics from IDW. NEWSNew Book Announcement (03:28) Lower Decks Comics (09:45) FEATURE: GREG COXGreg's Star Trek (18:49) About the Cover (23:20) Strange Unfamiliar Aliens (26:09) Pretending to Be Chekov (31:00) Chekov's Love Interest (34:02) Writing Chekov Played by a Different Character (36:49) Getting Off the Bridge (39:33) Breezier and Funnier (42:18) The Exiles (49:14) The Audiobook (56:21) Sulu (59:25) Not a Sequel (1:02:47) Remembering Margaret (1:09:57) What's Next for Greg? (1:13:25) Closing (1:19:01) HOSTSCasey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan GUESTGreg Cox PRODUCTIONMatthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    The Chekov Book

  7. 11/17/2025

    Go with the Flow

    David Mack: Ring of Fire. With fewer Star Trek series currently on TV, it’s the novels that keep us boldly going. These stories bridge the gaps between episodes and explore what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling — deepening our connection to the characters and giving us new adventures to imagine. It’s an exciting time to see how writers expand the universe we know and love. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan chat with author David Mack about his Strange New Worlds novel, Ring of Fire. They dive into the book's ensemble of characters, high-action set pieces, Spock delivering a memorable beatdown, and Pike's continued growth as a captain. In the news segment, the hosts judge a book by its cover and share their thoughts on two new-ish comics. NEWSJudge a Book by its Cover (03:15) Omega Comic (10:19) Section 31 Comic (12:52) FEATURE: DAVID MACKRemembering Margaret (18:30) Within the Confines (28:06) Project Azorian (31:13) An Ensemble Story (36:10) Crafting the Mystery (42:35) Pike's Lesson (48:50) Set Pieces (53:51) Spock Gives a Beatdown (1:01:26) Pelia and Scotty (1:04:26) Ortegas as Number One (1:10:05) Wrapping Up with David (1:14:55) Closing (1:19:12) HOSTSCasey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan GUESTDavid Mack PRODUCTIONMatthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    Go with the Flow

  8. 10/29/2025

    The Dog Belonged to Lower-Case Q

    Gateways: What Lay Beyond. Back in late 2001, Pocket Books published the most epic crossover event to date: Gateways. With six novels spanning the eras from The Original Series to Voyager, the series brought together multiple authors to tell stories utilizing the gateways created by the mysterious Iconians. And the hook for the series was that each story was to end with a cliffhanger, culminating in one giant hardcover with six short stories to conclude the series. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss the final book, What Lay Beyond. They discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, and talk about their vision for the series were it to be written today. Also covered is The Lore War comics, the concluding crossover between the Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant comics from IDW. NEWSThe Lore War Comics (03:24) FEATURE: WHAT LAY BEYONDA TOS Story (19:03) Casey Rambles About Challenger (25:45) Jonathan is Angry About DS9... (29:43) ...but a Happy Camper with Voyager (37:14) Jonathan Blows Casey's Mind (42:25) New Frontier Character Work (43:31) TNG Tying Everything Up (49:28) Can We Cut Gateways Some Slack? (56:17) A Little Too Much Freedom (01:00:11) Star Trek Timeline (01:04:57) Goofy Corps of Engineers Story (01:06:20) Final Thoughts (01:09:27) Wrap Up (01:13:54) HOSTSJonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt PRODUCTIONMatthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

    The Dog Belonged to Lower-Case Q
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4.9
out of 5
92 Ratings

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Literary Treks is a Trek.fm podcast dedicated entirely to Star Trek in written form. Each episode hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettit explore Star Trek books and comics and chat with authors.

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