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Imzadi is a non-canon Star Trek novel by Peter David, primarily exploring William Riker's assignment to Betazed and his early relationship with Deanna Troi.[1]

Key Information

Imzadi has a complex structure, involving time travel through the Guardian of Forever, but a straightforward plot of love and rescue. Troi's history with Riker had been introduced in the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Encounter at Farpoint"; this also included the word imzadi, a Betazoid term of endearment usually translated as "beloved". The novel expands on the meaning of imzadi when Troi explains that its literal meaning is "the first," not necessarily referring to the first sexual partner but, as Troi puts it to Riker, "the first to ever touch your soul."[1]

Setting

[edit]
  • Chapters 1 to 6, an unnumbered epilogue chapter (between chapters 10 and 11), chapters 34 to 36, and chapter 44 take place in 2408.
  • Chapters 7 to 10, 33, and 37 to 43 take place in 2368.
  • Chapters 11 to 31 take place in 2359.
  • Chapter 32 takes place in 2364.

Plot

[edit]

Seventy-three-year-old Admiral William Riker is a bitter, lonely man in a slow downward spiral following the death forty years earlier of Deanna Troi, who died of undetermined causes during a peacekeeping conference with an enemy race, the Sindareen. Riker, now the commander of an unimportant starbase, is summoned to Betazed as Deanna's mother, Lwaxana Troi, lies dying. While going through Lwaxana's possessions after her death, Riker is reminded of how he and Deanna originally met and began their relationship on Betazed.

In a lengthy flashback, it is revealed that Will and Deanna met when Will was stationed on Betazed between assignments, and while there attended a wedding at which Deanna was maid of honor. Will was instantly attracted to her and began to pursue her, though she initially rebuffed his advances, feeling that he was only interested in her physical attributes, and that he preferred quick, thrilling encounters over meaningful emotional intimacy. Over a series of meetings, however, they began to grow closer, as Will encouraged Deanna to embrace impulsive feelings and Deanna encouraged Will to explore his more spiritual side.

While visiting her favorite museum, Deanna was kidnapped by a Sindareen raiding party, and Riker's Starfleet security force shot down their small craft in the jungle. Riker tracked them down and killed the only surviving captor, leaving Deanna and him alone together. In the jungle, they consummated their relationship, and Deanna told Will for the first time that they are "Imzadi." However, after their return from the jungle, Lwaxana's violent objections to their relationship and Deanna's seeming compliance led Riker to drunkenly fall into bed with another woman. Deanna discovered them together when she appeared at his living quarters, having planned to tell him she had decided to defy her mother's wishes. Deanna and Will decided not to pursue a relationship and Riker left the planet shortly thereafter, not to meet Deanna again until they were both assigned to the Enterprise-D.

In the future timeline, Commodore Data, now in command of the Enterprise-F, tells Riker that scientists studying the Guardian of Forever have discovered that Deanna's death was a focal point in time, causing the creation of a parallel timeline; his intention is to comfort Riker with the idea that Deanna lives on in another universe. Struck with a new suspicion, Admiral Riker has an autopsy performed on Deanna's corpse and discovers that she had been murdered via a poison that did not exist at the time she died. Deducing that someone had gone back in time to murder her and deliberately alter the timeline, Admiral Riker travels to the Guardian of Forever and goes back to the time of the Sindareen peace conference on the Enterprise-D, a short while before Deanna's death. He gives Commander Riker the antidote to the poison, and Riker administers it to Deanna. Her death is thus prevented, but Admiral Riker does not immediately return to his timeline, indicating that the danger to her has not yet passed.

Commodore Data has also pursued Admiral Riker through the Guardian, feeling it is his duty to preserve the timeline by any means. He disables Commander Data and impersonates him, taking Deanna away from the peace conference with the intention of killing her. Admiral Riker realizes Data may try this, so he locates Commander Data and with him confronts Commodore Data, and they fight. As the peace conference attendees look on, Deanna finally becomes familiar enough with the representatives from the Sindareen (a race difficult to read empathically without sufficient exposure) to determine that they are deceiving everyone, and have no real peaceful intentions; the peace conference is only an attempt to stall for time so that their race can become more powerful. One of the Sindareen delegates is actually from the future and had decided to go back in time and kill Deanna to prevent this discovery. When Deanna announces that the Sindareen are behaving duplicitously, the Sindareen makes a last-ditch effort to kill Deanna, which is thwarted by Admiral Riker.

Once Deanna is safe, everyone from the future return to their proper timeline, where the Guardian of Forever intones that "All is as it was." Data is chagrined that he never thought to ask whether Admiral Riker was correct about the timeline being altered. Now that it has been restored, Admiral Riker and the others have no way of knowing what awaits them. Riker hears his Imzadi's voice inside his mind, welcoming him home.

Sequel

[edit]

Imzadi II: Triangle

[edit]

The 1998 sequel Imzadi II: Triangle addresses Worf's romantic interest in Troi, William Riker's renewed interest and Thomas Riker's resentment at his lost opportunity with Troi.[2] Imzadi II: Triangle brings in additional characters and multiple plot lines.

Other versions

[edit]

Both Imzadi novels were re-released in 2003 as the omnibus collection Imzadi Forever.

Abridged versions of the novels were also released as audiobooks.[3] Imzadi was read by Jonathan Frakes (the actor who played Riker), and Imzadi II by Robert O'Reilly (whose recurring onscreen role was the Klingon Gowron).

Extracts from both books were included in Star Trek: Adventures in Time and Space, which was described by the editor as featuring clips from the best of twenty years of Pocket Books official Star Trek line.[4]

Reception

[edit]

Imzadi is rated 4 out of 5 on Google books.[5]

A TrekMovie.com reviewer writing in 2010 about Peter David's later works mentioned that Imzadi remained his favorite Star Trek book of all time.[6] In 2015, "Imzadi" was noted as one of better Star Trek novels, noting an audio book narrated by Jonathan Frakes himself (who played Commander Riker on the TV show).[7]

In 2015, John Bardinelli of Barnesandnoble.com highlighted this as among of the best Star Trek novels.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Imzadi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Imzadi is a 1992 science fiction novel by Peter David, part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation expanded universe. Published in hardcover by Pocket Books on August 1, 1992, it has 352 pages (ISBN 978-0-671-86729-4). The book is non-canon and explores the early romantic relationship between Commander William Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi on Betazed, as well as a future crisis in 2408 where an Admiral Riker uses time travel via the Guardian of Forever to prevent Troi's murder during diplomatic negotiations with the Sindareen. The title derives from the Betazoid term "imzadi," meaning "beloved" or literally "the first"—referring to the first person to touch one's soul profoundly. The novel expands on their backstory alluded to in the TV series, blending romance, action, and elements.

Background

Author and development

Peter David was a prolific author renowned for his extensive contributions to the franchise across , novels, and other media. Beginning his career in the with stories for DC Comics under editor Bob Greenberger, David established himself as a key expander of the universe's lore through serialized adventures that delved into character backstories and speculative scenarios. David's transition to Star Trek novels stemmed directly from his comics success, with Pocket Books editor Dave Stern, an admirer of his graphic novel work, commissioning him to write prose fiction. Imzadi marked David's debut Star Trek novel, conceived as a romance-centric tale centered on the longstanding fan fascination with the Will Riker-Deanna Troi dynamic introduced in The Next Generation's pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." His pitch incorporated Betazoid cultural elements and time-travel mechanics to deepen the exploration of their "imzadi" bond, blending high-stakes adventure with intimate emotional layers while adhering to established canon. During the writing process in the early 1990s, drew inspiration from key TNG episodes such as "Manhunt," which highlighted Troi's Betazoid heritage and family dynamics, to infuse authenticity into the characters' pre-Enterprise history. He emphasized balancing speculative elements with heartfelt character development, noting in later reflections that the story's emotional resonance arose from treating the romance as a profound, non-soap-opera connection rather than superficial drama. Paramount's guidelines strictly enforced canon compliance. died on May 25, 2024.

Publication history

Imzadi was first published in hardcover on August 1, 1992, by Pocket Books, marking it as the second hardcover novel in the Star Trek: The Next Generation line following the success of earlier Star Trek hardcovers like Spock's World. The edition carried ISBN 978-0-671-79197-1 and consisted of 342 pages, with the hardcover format selected to capitalize on the commercial viability of the medium for Star Trek tie-in novels. This release positioned Imzadi as the first TNG novel to achieve national bestseller status, peaking at number 7 on the New York Times Best Seller list and remaining on the chart for multiple weeks. A mass-market paperback edition followed on July 1, 1993, also from , with ISBN 978-0-671-86729-4 and the same page count, broadening accessibility after the hardcover's strong performance. The paperback similarly reached the Best Seller list, underscoring the book's sustained popularity. International releases expanded the novel's reach shortly thereafter, including a German translation published in 1997 by Heyne, a French edition in 1996 by Fleuve Noir, Portuguese in 1994 by Editora , and Italian in 1996 by Fanucci. Commercially, Imzadi contributed significantly to ' expansion of the TNG novel line amid the television series' rising popularity in the early 1990s and establishing Peter David as a key author in the franchise. No major revisions were made to the text in subsequent reprints, preserving the original narrative across formats.

Setting and context

Star Trek universe integration

Imzadi seamlessly integrates into the Star Trek: The Next Generation canon by fleshing out the romantic backstory between William Riker and Deanna Troi, elements first introduced in the series pilot "Encounter at Farpoint," where their prior relationship is alluded to during the Enterprise-D's shakedown cruise. The novel draws directly from canonical references to Riker's early posting on Betazed, as mentioned in season 1's "Haven," where Troi first calls him "Imzadi" on screen, highlighting their shared history. This episode establishes the emotional foundation that Imzadi expands upon, portraying their initial courtship amid Betazoid cultural norms without contradicting established events. While remaining non-canon overall, the adheres to prime timeline continuity, with its past arc set in 2359 during Riker's lieutenant posting on Betazed—consistent with his career trajectory post-Starfleet in 2357—and main events in 2368 during early Enterprise-D service, with a arc in 2408 where Admiral Riker intervenes via . Paramount licensed the work through to ensure alignment with televised lore, allowing to delve into uncharted aspects of Betazoid society while preserving core facts like the planet's membership and telepathic heritage. The story contributes to Betazoid lore by defining "Imzadi" explicitly as a term meaning "beloved," denoting a profound, lifelong emotional link that echoes its usage in The Next Generation episodes but adds cultural depth not explored on television. It further examines Betazoid as a double-edged trait influencing interpersonal dynamics and introduces expansions on arranged marriages within noble families, building on brief mentions in "Haven" without altering the episode's depiction of Troi's betrothal. These non-canon details, including intricate royal politics involving assassination plots against Troi's lineage, enable a richer portrayal of Betazoid governance and social customs, influencing subsequent media where the term "Imzadi" reinforces the characters' enduring connection.

Timeline and key locations

The novel Imzadi features a multi-timeline structure that alternates between the past romance in 2359, a 2368 storyline on the Enterprise-D following Troi's death during Sindareen peace negotiations, and a 2408 future arc where Riker travels back in time to alter events. This approach weaves personal history with high-stakes future consequences, providing chronological depth to the characters' enduring bond. In the past arc, the timeline focuses on 2359 during Riker's posting on Betazed, capturing key moments in their relationship amid cultural and professional transitions following his 2357 Academy graduation. The 2368 arc aligns with early TNG events, including Troi's poisoning by a Chameloid assassin during talks on Sindar. The future arc unfolds in 2408, long after the series, where altered circumstances demand intervention across time via the Guardian of Forever. Primary settings anchor these timelines geographically. On Betazed, the royal palace serves as a central hub for intimate encounters and traditional ceremonies that highlight the planet's telepathic heritage. The USS Enterprise-D appears prominently in the 2368 events, bridging the narratives through familiar environs. The planet Sindar hosts the pivotal peace conference leading to Troi's death, while the Guardian of Forever's world enables traversal between eras, grounding the story's temporal shifts in ancient alien technology rather than conventional mechanisms seen in the television series.

Plot summary

Book One: Past romance

In 2359, Lieutenant arrives on Betazed as the Liaison to the Embassy, shortly after his promotion to first officer aboard the USS Hood. Assigned there during repairs to his ship, Riker attends a traditional Betazoid wedding hosted by his superior, Chandra Xerx, where cultural norms require among guests, leaving the human officer initially embarrassed yet compliant. It is at this event that he first encounters , the empathic daughter of Lwaxana Troi and maid of honor, whose telepathic abilities immediately allow her to sense his intrigued thoughts amid the ceremony. Riker's pursuit of Troi unfolds against a backdrop of cultural clashes between stoicism and Betazoid emotional openness, as he navigates her homeworld's philosophical and artistic traditions, including a physical challenge where Troi demonstrates superior mind-body separation. Despite initial resistance from Troi and outright opposition from Lwaxana—who views Riker as an unsuitable distraction from Deanna's arranged betrothal to a Betazoid noble named Wyatt —the pair begins dating after Riker approaches her at the University of Betazed. Their connection deepens through shared experiences, such as a lakeside outing that fosters telepathic intimacy, highlighting the unique bond forming between the brash Starfleet officer and the introspective counselor-in-training. The relationship intensifies during a when anti-human Sindareen extremists raid a Betazoid , taking hostages including Troi. Riker, decisively, pursues the kidnappers into the perilous Jalara Jungle, where he confronts and defeats the captor in combat, rescuing Troi after days of survival ordeal together. In the aftermath of this adventure, as they recover from the ordeal, Troi declares Riker her imzadi—the Betazoid word signifying a profound, lifelong beloved—and they consummate their affair, marking the pinnacle of their passion. These events underscore Riker's early command instincts and protective nature, echoed in later flashbacks to his career decisions that shaped his path in . Tensions escalate as Lwaxana intervenes post-rescue, demanding Riker depart Betazed to preserve Troi's societal obligations and . Torn between her emerging feelings and familial duties, Troi reluctantly concurs that their liaison was impulsive. The romance fractures irreparably when Troi discovers Riker in a compromising moment with colleague Wendy Roper, fueling betrayal and finality. As the Hood's repairs conclude, Riker leaves the planet, ending their youthful affair and leaving an indelible emotional imprint on both.

Book Two: Future crisis and resolution

In 2408, Admiral is summoned to Betazed by the dying Lwaxana Troi, who blames him for Deanna's death forty years earlier during peace talks with the Sindareen aboard the USS Enterprise-D. As Riker processes his loss, he has Troi's body exhumed for further examination and discovers through an that she was murdered with a from the future, indicating a timeline alteration caused by an assassin aiming to prevent the peace negotiations. Determined to avert the tragedy, Riker travels to the Guardian of Forever, propelling him back to key moments in his past to intervene. Throughout his journey, he encounters versions of his younger self and Troi, navigating complex confrontations that force him to relive pivotal decisions while grappling with ethical quandaries about altering the timeline and violating Starfleet's . These encounters highlight the tension between personal destiny and , as Riker weighs the potential ripple effects of his actions on the broader universe. The narrative culminates in Riker's successful prevention of the assassination attempt on Troi during the negotiations, though not without profound introspection on the nature of choice and fate. Returning to a revised present, he finds their connection fortified, having transcended mere romance to embody a timeless partnership.

Characters

Primary characters

William Riker In Imzadi, is depicted as a young, ambitious assigned to Betazed after serving as first officer on the USS Hood, where his charm and determination lead him to pursue a deep romantic connection with , marking the beginning of their lifelong bond. As their relationship intensifies, Riker grapples with profound internal conflicts between his unwavering commitment to duty and the pull of personal love, culminating in his heart-wrenching decision to reject a life on Betazed to advance his career, a choice that haunts him throughout the narrative. This evolution continues into a future timeline where Riker, now an admiral, becomes a regretful figure isolated by his ambitions, desperately seeking to alter events to reclaim his lost love with Troi after her . Deanna Troi Deanna Troi emerges in Imzadi as a Betazoid princess navigating the tensions between her royal heritage and her burgeoning passion for the human officer , whose arrival on Betazed disrupts her structured life and awakens intense emotions she must reconcile with cultural expectations. The novel delves into her empathic abilities, showcasing how her telepathic sensitivity not only deepens her romantic intimacy with Riker but also plays a critical role in political negotiations and personal crises on her homeworld, highlighting her growth from a sheltered noble to a resilient counselor. Troi's family dynamics are expanded through cameos by her mother, Lwaxana Troi, who influences Deanna's decisions amid the societal pressures of Betazoid traditions, adding layers to her internal struggle between duty to her lineage and individual desire.

Supporting characters

The supporting characters in Imzadi enrich the narrative by providing cultural, political, and interpersonal conflicts that challenge the central relationship between and . Among the Betazoid royals, Lwaxana Troi, Deanna's mother and a prominent figure in Betazoid society, exerts significant influence over her daughter's romantic choices, embodying the weight of familial expectations and Betazoid traditions. Lwaxana's role highlights the tension between personal desires and societal duties, as she initially opposes Riker. Antagonists drive much of the external conflict, including the Sindareen raiders, an aggressive alien faction that attacks Betazed and disrupts the budding romance between Riker and Troi, underscoring themes of interstellar conflict. In the future timeline, antagonists include a Chameloid shapeshifter named Dann Lendann who poisons Troi during peace talks, and a Betazoid scientist Eza/Mar Loc who manipulates the timeline to eliminate her, adding layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity to the story's resolution. Starfleet allies provide crucial support, drawing from Riker's professional history and the Enterprise crew. In the future, Captain of the USS Hood transports Riker to Betazed. On the Enterprise, appearances by crew members such as Captain , Lieutenant Commander , and Dr. offer tactical and emotional backing, reinforcing Riker's connections within while navigating the crisis. A unique addition to the cast is the , an enigmatic guardian of an ancient artifact tied to Betazoid mysticism—the Guardian of Forever—who oversees access to temporal pathways and imparts wisdom on destiny and bonds. This character's introduction expands Betazoid lore by integrating mystical elements, such as telepathic rituals and otherworldly custodians, into the otherwise sci-fi framework.

Themes and analysis

Romantic and cultural dynamics

The concept of Imzadi in Peter David's represents a profound Betazoid term denoting a lifelong soul connection between and , transcending temporal boundaries and emphasizing an enduring emotional and telepathic bond that persists despite separations. This bond contrasts the human emphasis on individual independence and , as embodied by Riker, with the Betazoid cultural reliance on communal empathy and shared psychic experiences, where personal relationships are deeply intertwined with collective familial and societal expectations. Cultural clashes in the novel highlight tensions between Betazoid traditions of arranged marriages, often to preserve telepathic compatibility and lineage, and the human value of romantic choice driven by personal agency. These conflicts are exacerbated by personal and cultural biases, such as Lwaxana Troi's disapproval of non-Betazoid partners like Riker. David employs romance as a narrative device to humanize alien characters, particularly through empathy scenes that depict telepathic intimacy between Riker and Troi—such as shared emotional depths and psychic linkages—not fully explored in the televised Star Trek: The Next Generation series, thereby adding layers of vulnerability and authenticity to Betazoid portrayals.

Time travel and destiny motifs

In Peter David's Imzadi, time travel serves as a central narrative device, facilitated by the Guardian of Forever, an ancient portal that allows selective access to past events and alternate timelines. This mechanism enables targeted jumps into the personal history of protagonists William Riker and Deanna Troi, specifically to pivotal moments in their relationship on Betazed and during their Starfleet service. The Guardian operates under implicit rules of paradox avoidance, where interventions restore the original timeline by correcting historical aberrations rather than creating branching realities, allowing travelers to observe and influence events without unraveling the continuum. The story's exploration of destiny motifs delves into the philosophical tension between and , as Admiral Riker, from a future where Troi has died, embarks on a desperate quest to rewrite her fate. This journey forces Riker to confront whether altering a loved one's would fundamentally rewrite his own identity and the bonds that define him, emphasizing personal agency against the inexorable pull of cosmic order. The psionic Imzadi link between Riker and Troi acts as an emotional conduit, amplifying the observer effect not on physical reality but on their intertwined souls, where mere presence can subtly shift outcomes without direct interference. Unlike the historical stakes in The Next Generation "Time's Arrow," which involve preserving key figures like and Guinan amid temporal anomalies, Imzadi prioritizes emotional imperatives over broader chronological stability. Riker's mission underscores the ethical dilemma of self-serving time manipulation, questioning if love justifies upending destiny, with the narrative resolving that such changes reveal aberrations in fate rather than defy it outright. This focus on intimate, relational consequences elevates the motif beyond technical mechanics, highlighting how predestined loss tests the resilience of human (and Betazoid) connections.

Imzadi II: Triangle

Imzadi II: Triangle is a 1998 novel by , serving as the direct to his 1992 Star Trek: The Next Generation story Imzadi. Published by on October 1, 1998, it bears the 978-0671025328 and spans 375 pages in its hardcover edition. The book shifts the narrative to the post-Enterprise era following the events of , incorporating crossovers with through Worf's transition to that series. The plot centers on the romantic triangle between Counselor , Commander , and , exploring Troi's unexpected courtship with Worf amid Riker's lingering jealousy and their shared Betazoid "imzadi" bond, meaning "beloved." Their relationship develops through shared caregiving for Worf's son , highlighting cultural fusions between warrior traditions and Betazoid empathy. However, a conspiracy led by the operative Sela threatens this dynamic, involving the kidnapping and poisoning of Troi and Alexander, which forces Worf and Riker into a dilemma centered on an assassination plot against Chancellor to incite interstellar conflict. Key expansions in the novel introduce heightened threats to Betazoid figures through Sela's manipulations, while delving into Worf's internal conflicts blending his Klingon heritage with Betazoid influences via his romance with Troi. The story resolves longstanding "imzadi" tensions by ending Troi and Worf's relationship—prompted by Worf's realization of his deeper connection to the late Jadzia Dax—leaving Troi emotionally available for Riker, though he initially hesitates due to her vulnerability. This narrative arc provides closure to the interpersonal dynamics established in the original Imzadi, emphasizing themes of destiny and cultural reconciliation in a post-Enterprise context.

Omnibus editions and expansions

In 2003, Pocket Books released Imzadi Forever as a trade paperback omnibus edition collecting the original Imzadi (1992) and its sequel Triangle: Imzadi II (1998), both written by Peter David. This Signature Edition features a reproduction of the author's signature on the cover as a distinctive artistic element. The volume includes a new introduction by David, reflecting on the novels' enduring popularity and the characters' relationship. Published with ISBN 978-0-7434-8510-4, it spans 432 pages and was priced at $25.99 upon release. Beyond this omnibus, no official sequels to the Imzadi series have been published following Triangle: Imzadi II. Digital editions of the novels appeared in the 2010s, including Kindle versions made available through Simon & Schuster, facilitating broader accessibility without substantive updates to the text. In the 2020s, renewed interest in William Riker and Deanna Troi—fueled by their prominent roles in Star Trek: Picard—has sustained availability of these digital formats, though no new content or expansions have been added.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its release in , Imzadi garnered strong commercial reception, debuting at number seven on the New York Times Best Seller list in its first week and maintaining a presence on the list for six weeks thereafter.) The novel received acclaim for its innovative expansion of the romantic backstory between and , as well as its detailed portrayal of Betazoid society and cultural dynamics. In a , TrekCore praised the work for its mature handling of interpersonal relationships and character depth, recommending it as essential reading for fans seeking greater insight into the duo's enduring bond. Some critiques have pointed to the plot's use of elements as relying on familiar genre conventions, though these are often overshadowed by the strengths in emotional and world-building aspects. As of 2025, Imzadi holds an average rating of 3.94 out of 5 on , based on over 6,400 user reviews, reflecting its sustained popularity among readers.

Cultural impact and fan reception

Imzadi has significantly influenced fandom by deepening the lore around the Betazoid term "imzadi," which denotes a profound, enduring bond, and embedding it within fan culture through its exploration of and Deanna Troi's romance. The novel's narrative has inspired extensive fanfiction centered on the Riker-Troi pairing, often referred to as "Imzadi" shippers, who continue to celebrate their relationship in creative works. This fan enthusiasm is evident in online communities, where the term is invoked as an affectionate reference to lasting partnerships. The work's legacy is evident in its callbacks within later Star Trek productions, particularly Star Trek: Picard, where Riker and Troi's marriage and family life echo the novel's themes of destiny and reconciliation. A 2019 retrospective review highlighted Imzadi as a key prelude to the characters' arcs in Picard, underscoring its prescient insight into their long-term dynamic. Author Peter David himself affirmed the story's enduring appeal in a 2003 post announcing the "Imzadi Forever" omnibus edition, which reprinted the original and sequel with new introductory material to reach new generations of readers. This edition's release emphasized the narrative's timeless status within the franchise.

Other media adaptations

Audiobook versions

The abridged audiobook adaptation of Imzadi was released in 1992 by Audio on two cassette tapes, narrated by , with a runtime of 2 hours and 47 minutes. This version condensed the novel's narrative while preserving key elements of the Riker-Troi relationship and time-travel elements. The cassette edition was later digitized and made available on platforms such as Audible in the early , maintaining the abridged format and Frakes' narration. For the sequel, an abridged audiobook of Triangle: Imzadi II followed in 1998, also from Audio, narrated by and running 3 hours and 13 minutes. This adaptation was released digitally in the and remains accessible on services like Audible as of 2025. No official unabridged audiobook editions of Imzadi or its sequel have been produced, reflecting the era's standard practice of abridging Star Trek novels for audio release to fit cassette and early digital constraints.

Reprints and collected editions

Imzadi was initially published in hardcover by Pocket Books in August 1992. A mass-market paperback edition followed in July 1993, with an ISBN of 0-671-86729-6 and an embossed cover design. The novel appeared in collected works as part of the 2003 trade paperback omnibus Imzadi Forever, a Signature Edition that combines Imzadi with its sequel Triangle: Imzadi II. This edition, published by with 978-0-7434-8510-4, features a reproduction of the author's signature and updated artwork emphasizing the central characters. In 2012, Imzadi was released as an e-book alongside other Star Trek novels, as part of Simon & Schuster's broader digitization of the franchise's backlist titles. The covers of later reprints evolved from the original 1992 minimalist design to include prominent character portraits in the 2000s, reflecting the iconic visuals from the Star Trek: The Next Generation films. As of 2025, no comic book or graphic novel adaptations of Imzadi have been produced.

References

  1. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Imzadi/Peter-David/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation/9780671867294
  2. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Imzadi_(novel)
  3. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Imzadi
  4. https://www.startrek.com/news/peter-david-takes-fans-down-blind-mans-bluff
  5. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation-Triangle-Imzadi-II/Peter-David/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation/9780743420716
  6. https://www.amazon.com/Imzadi-Star-Trek-Next-Generation/dp/0671791974
  7. https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Imzadi_%28novel%29
  8. https://www.abebooks.com/9780671791971/Imzadi-Star-Trek-Next-Generation-0671791974/plp
  9. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Imzadi_%28novel%29
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/23/books/best-sellers-august-23-1992.html
  11. https://www.amazon.com/Imzadi-Star-Trek-Next-Generation/dp/0671867296
  12. https://www.abebooks.com/9780671867294/Imzadi-Star-Trek-Next-Generation-0671867296/plp
  13. https://www.biblio.com/book/imzadi-star-trek-next-generation-david/d/1686244321
  14. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Haven_(episode)
  15. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/William_Riker
  16. https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Imzadi_(novel)
  17. https://www.startrek.com/news/ten-for-ward-5-undefined-10-trek-novels-the-canon-passed-over
  18. https://blog.trekcore.com/2019/11/prelude-to-star-trek-picard-retro-review-imzadi/
  19. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Imzadi-Forever/Peter-David/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation/9780743485104
  20. https://reactormag.com/boy-meets-girl-trek-peter-davids-imzadis/
  21. https://screenrant.com/star-trek-imzadi-meaning-explained-riker-troi/
  22. https://them0vieblog.com/2014/02/27/star-trek-the-next-generation-imzadi-by-peter-david-review/
  23. https://deepspacespines.com/2019/09/20/098-imzadi/
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  26. http://www.peterdavid.net/archives/000845.html
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  30. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/26/books/best-sellers-july-26-1992.html
  31. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217890.Imzadi
  32. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2608927/1/Come-Back-to-Me
  33. https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/173ya46/is_star_trek_something_you_enjoy_with_your/
  34. https://www.audible.com/pd/Imzadi-Audiobook/B002UZMQUA
  35. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-Imzadi/Peter-David/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation/9780743546270
  36. https://www.amazon.com/Imzadi-Peter-David-audiobook/dp/B0000547GG
  37. https://www.audible.com/pd/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation-Triangle-Imzadi-II-Adapted-Audiobook/B002V8MSPE
  38. https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Star_Trek_The_Next_Generation_Triangle_Imzadi_II_T?id=AQAAAIASHiCeIM
  39. https://www.trekbbs.com/threads/star-trek-audio-lit-abridged-vs-unabridged.307024/
  40. https://www.ebay.com/itm/156714405436
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