Starfall
Young Jean-Luc Picard faces his most difficult test…

Starfall is a Star Trek: The Next Generation - Starfleet Academy young adult novel – the eighth novel in the series – written by Brad and Barbara Strickland. Published by Pocket Books, it was first released in .

Summary 
From the book jacket
Jean-Luc Picard has failed his entrance exam to Starfleet Academy. Now all his plans for the future are gone, and he must make the best of his life in his parents' vineyard. Pressure from his father to become more involved in the family business and the constant fighting with his older brother, Robert, make this life difficult. Jean-Luc's best friend, Louis, tries to cheer him up with an exciting trip, but the future captain's dream of the stars still haunts him.

A chance to re-apply to the Academy arises and Jean-Luc must use all his skills to pass the challenging tests. But the greatest risk he faces is the wrath of his father.

Background information 
 The concept of exploring Picard's initial failed attempt to enter the Academy came from the Pocket editors; when the Stricklands developed it in into a full outline, it was felt that there was enough material for two books – leading to the development of Nova Command. ()
 Brad Strickland noted that the novel "was an attempt to see Jean-Luc as much more vulnerable and uncertain than he always appeared on the show. We know he must once have been an adolescent, with all the angst that implies, and the book gave us a chance to see that up close." ()
 The cover depicts the Romulan ship design developed by Greg Jein for the .
 The cover art features the likeness of David Tristan Birkin as a young Cadet Picard. Birkin played the 12-year-old Picard in .

Characters 
Louis Blanchard
Kimberly Bloom
Melissa Bloom
Jean-Luc Picard
Robert Picard
Maurice Picard
Yvette Picard
Henri Blanchard
Andrew Chen
Jan Helmer
Ariadne Korzeniowski
Cyntia Luttrell
Molvantar
J. R. Newell
Sharak
Trevalion

References 
2150; 2159; 2175; 2315; 2316; Africa; African Confederation; aircar; Starfleet Academy

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Novels