Imzadi
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founder | Peter David (author) |
| Products | Star Trek novel |
Imzadi is a Star Trek novel written by Peter David, considered non-canon. The narrative centers on William Riker's mission to Betazed and the origins of his relationship with Deanna Troi. The plot incorporates time travel via the Guardian of Forever and delves into the Betazoid term imzadi, which translates to "beloved" or "the first one to touch your soul."
Setting
- The timeline for chapters 1–6, an epilogue between chapters 10 and 11, chapters 34–36, and chapter 44 is set in the year 2408.
- Events in chapters 7–10, 33, and 37–43 take place in 2368.
- Chapters 11–31 are situated in 2359.
- Chapter 32 occurs in 2364.
Plot
At seventy-three years old, Admiral William Riker is embittered following Deanna Troi’s death four decades earlier during a peace conference with the Sindareen. Now assigned to command a minor starbase, he is called to Betazed as Deanna's mother, Lwaxana Troi, approaches her final days. While going through Lwaxana’s belongings, Riker reflects on how he initially met Deanna.
In a flashback, Will encounters Deanna on Betazed during a break from his duties. Initially, she rebuffs him, suspecting shallow motives, but over time they develop a deeper connection as Will supports Deanna’s spontaneity and she encourages him to explore his emotions. After Deanna is abducted by Sindareen raiders, Riker rescues her, leading to an intimate moment in the jungle where Deanna reveals they are "Imzadi." However, opposition from Lwaxana causes tension; coupled with Riker’s later unfaithfulness, this results in their separation until they reunite aboard the Enterprise-D.
In the future timeline, Commodore Data commands the Enterprise-F and notifies Riker that Deanna’s death has created an alternate timeline. Suspecting foul play, Riker orders an autopsy that uncovers poisoning by a substance unavailable at the time of her demise. Concluding that history has been tampered with through her murder, Riker travels back using the Guardian of Forever to save her by administering an antidote.
Commodore Data pursues Riker, impersonates Commander Data, and attempts to assassinate Deanna. Admiral Riker joins forces with Commander Data to thwart this threat. Meanwhile, Deanna realizes that the Sindareen peace negotiations are a ruse intended to seize power; a future delegate tried to eliminate her to prevent this revelation. Thanks to Riker’s intervention, the assassination attempt fails.
Once Deanna is secured, everyone returns to their original timeline as the Guardian announces "All is as it was." Data expresses regret for not investigating the altered timeline sooner. With history restored, Riker hears the voice of his Imzadi welcoming him home.
Imzadi II: Triangle
The 1998 follow-up Imzadi II: Triangle examines Worf’s romantic feelings toward Troi, William Riker’s renewed emotions, and Thomas Riker’s bitterness over missed chances with Troi. This sequel introduces new characters and multiple intertwined storylines.
Other versions
Both Imzadi novels were compiled into the omnibus edition Imzadi Forever released in 2003. Additionally, abridged audiobook adaptations were produced: Imzadi narrated by Jonathan Frakes (the actor portraying Riker) and Imzadi II voiced by Robert O'Reilly (known for playing Klingon Gowron).
Selections from these books appeared in Star Trek: Adventures in Time and Space, showcasing highlights from two decades of official Star Trek publications by Pocket Books.
Reception
Imzadi has earned a 4 out of 5 rating on Google Books. According to a 2010 review on TrekMovie.com, it is regarded as Peter David's preferred Star Trek novel. In 2015, John Bardinelli from Barnesandnoble.com highlighted Imzadi as one of the top Star Trek tie-in books and also praised the audiobook version narrated by Jonathan Frakes.