Star Wars: The Clone Wars: No Prisoners Book Review

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: No Prisoners was written by Karen Traviss. This novel is part of the Expanded Universe, aka, Legends timeline. The tale takes place during the Rise of the Empire era, during the Clone Wars, somewhere between 22-19 years before the battle of Yavin.

SUMMARY

Anakin Skywalker needs a break from everything, his padawn, the war, space, just responsibilities in general. He is desperate for some quite alone time with his wife, Padme. So, he sends his padawan, Ahsoka Tano off with Clone Trooper Captain Rex and his team of “new” clones. The squad boards the Republic Assault Ship, Leveler, to join Captain Pallaeon on a routine “shakedown cruise.”

Meanwhile, Republic Secret Agent Hallena gets caught up in a sticky situation, and is forced to send out an SOS. The message is picked up by some Jedi that live by a different set of rules than the Order. These Jedi come across The Leveler and deliver the message to the Republic forces. The urgent news of Hallena’s situation, will take take Captain Pallaeon, his crew of “green” clones, Captain Rex, Ahoska and a few Jedi from outside the order – on a rescue mission.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I found this book to be a strange one. It’s not too bad, but I definitely wouldn’t call it good. Karen Traviss delivers some bizarre takes on the Jedi Order and how they operate. I was really enjoying the first half of the book, but when the author shoved in a few new Jedi characters, everything turned upside down for me.

Before I get into what went wrong, I’d like to cover what I did enjoy about the book. Traviss does well writing dialogue for the characters. The structure was straight forward, making the book a breeze to get through.

I thought it was pretty cool that we get to see some fresh clones getting involved in the war. We focus in on the small group as their pulled into a rescue mission, and it was pretty fun. The slower moments with characters sitting around talking with each other was well done. It’s in the action that the story felt weighed down.

In the Clone Wars show, I always thought Ahsoka’s attire was disturbing… she’s a 14 year-old girl and she revealed more skin than necessary. In this book, Karren Traviss brings attention to the dress-code when Ahsoka boards Pallaeon’s ship; the Captain makes her put on cloths that don’t reveal skin, as the young lady looked unbecoming and undisciplined.

We meet some new Jedi from outside of the Republic’s Jedi Order. The group of three Jedi, are very strange. I thought they were a bit interesting at first, but they ended up being too weird. They viewed the Jedi Order as way too strict, enforcing rules that didn’t matter, rules that bred defiance. The Clone Troopers disturb them quite a bit, they are disgusted by the Republic’s decision to send cloned humans to war as a disposable tool; the lives of these clones, basically meaningless. I feel like these characters were shoved in as a way for the author to rebel against the canon (at the time).

The message in this book, that was driven into the endless reaches of space, the message that beat the dead banhta… “attachment is good – obsession is bad.” It was such an annoying subject to cover. We learn that Ki-Adi-Mundi has several wives (5 of them, and he’s got children. His race has a low birth rate and males are rare). Anakin is highly irritated by this, as it just isn’t fair, it didn’t affect Ki-Adi-Mundi’s abilities, and he’s on the Jedi Council!

Traviss’s character, Master Altis, was created to be wiser than Yoda. He understood so much more about everything than the nearly 900 year old Jedi Master. Altis was a better teacher, able to bring in new students to train as Jedi, that were older than Anakin is at this current time. Altis had a wife at one time, he has students that are in a relationship… I found these characters absurd. It really felt like the author just wanted to put in new Jedi, to express how she viewed the Order – or how the Jedi should have been. It’s strange.

So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: The Clone Wars: No Prisoners? No, I think this is one that could be left out of your reading stack.

RATING

I give No Prisoners a D, or 2 out 5 stars.

Star Wars: Brotherhood Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Brotherhood was written by Mike Chen. The book was published by Del Rey (thank you for sending out a copy for review). This story takes place shortly after the events of the film, Attack of the Clones.

SUMMARY: A major city on the planet Cato Namodia had been attacked! The neutral home-world of the Namodians falls victim to the most devastating tragedy the planet has ever seen. The Separatists have done an investigation and point their finger to Coruscant, blaming the Galactic Republic for the terror attack.

Kenobi, who is temporarily seated on the Jedi Council, comes up with a strategic plan to prevent the Chancellor from visiting Cato Namodia, believing that a heavy Republic presence could spark unwanted tension. Kenobi takes it upon himself to go to Cato Namodia, to represent the Republic and head up an investigation of his own.

While newly raised Jedi Knight – Anakin Skywalker is tending to duties he never dreamed of doing, passing on Jedi knowledge to a group of younglings. Meanwhile, on Cato Namodia, Kenobi meets with the a representative of the Separatist Party, Assaj Ventress. The investigation takes a turn for the worst, when Kenobi is set up by darker forces, leading the Namodians to believe Kenobi and the Republic are indeed their enemy. Anakin must get to Cato Namodia somehow to rescue Kenobi.

But, let it be made known, again, “that business on Cato Namodia… doesn’t count.”

OVERALL THOUGHTS: This is going be a heavy statement, but this is the best Clone Wars content I’ve experienced. Brotherhood is a perfect extension of Attack of the Clones. The story is highly entertaining with characters we know and love, as well as introducing some new characters that I wish we could get more of. Author Mike Chen did an outstanding job with this book, dropping the perfect amount of humor, action, and politics. (Star Wars politics, not real world garbage.) I had a really great time with this novel.

This book was actually a lot of fun to read! If you’ve been watching my content for a while, you’ll know I’m not a fan of the Clone Wars era, this book did everything right. I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the format of short chapters, jumping to other characters/events, it makes the story unfold neatly and also gave the feeling of moving through the book quickly. I felt like the story read a lot like an Expanded Universe novel more so than other canon books (it’s a feeling that can’t really be explained). There was one thing that I couldn’t stand though, the use of the word “disinformation.” I like that we get a new story with Anakin and Kenobi in their prime, and exploring how their relationship transitioned from master and apprentice to equals (mostly… Kenobi had a seat on the council)

Brotherhood is an absolute fun-fest of a Star Wars story! An Instant classic!

Does the book have some silly tacky moments that could have been withheld, yes, but these moments were fine. For example, I was conflicted with the way Dexter Jettster, the Dex from Dex’s Dinner, is used in this story. This Besalisk is Kenobi’s go to for information trading. It mentions that Obi-Wan and Dexter had a youthful misadventure in the Unknown Regions. Chen reveals that Dex had his old “black-market” days, explaining why Kenobi comes to him for insight on specific intel that wouldn’t typically be available elsewhere.

Chen did a great job writing Anakin. The young Jedi Knight was assigned to a group of younglings, to pass on what wisdom he might have to the next generation. Anakin was so out of his element, being both intimated and frustrated with the young crowd. These moments were both funny and sad (knowing that these younglings would be butchered by Vader in just a few years). This is also the best look at the relationship of Anakin and Padme yet. The author did a really good job bringing the two together, showing us how the couple was able to work the relationship around their “galactic duties” and keep it secret, out of the public eye.

Do I recommend this book? Yes, I’m amazed at just how great this book is, especially being a Clone Wars era novel.

RATING: This book receives an A+ / 5/5 stars!

Star Wars: Brotherhood Review
https://youtu.be/TEWG49A6ytw

Star Wars: Wedge’s Gamble Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Wedge’s Gamble book two of the Rogue Squadron Series, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Michael A Stackpole. This novel is part of the Expanded Universe , aka, Legends timeline. This tale takes place during the New Republic Era, about seven years after the battle of Yavin.

SUMMARY: New Republic forces (still referred to the Empire as rebels) desire to topple the remnants of the Empire that control Imperial Center on Coruscant. Intel proves that taking the planet will be an enormous challenge with their miniscule numbers, as the defenses on Coruscant appear to be impenetrable by outside forces. A plan is devised that seems utterly reckless and risky. However, despite the baffling plan, Rogue Squadron will do as ordered. Rogue Squadron, led by Wedge Antilles, are to extract dangerous members of Black Sun from Kessel and release them on Coruscant to rebuild their organization in hopes to overthrow the imperial cell, controlled by Ysanne Isard. Rogue Squadron makes the bold move of ditching their starfighters to take to the streets of Imperial Center to gather intel on planetary defenses and specific targets.

Meanwhile, the Empire is experimenting with a deadly virus that painfully kills the infected victim, by liquifying their insides.. General Derricote is the one heading the experimentation of the Virus, called Krytos. It’s designed to target specific species that are non-human. The plan is to direct the Rebels attention to the infected, to drain their funds on the cure of this potential galactic crisis.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I wasn’t a big fan of the the first X-Wing book, Rogue Squadron, but that didn’t stop me from being excited to pick Wedge’s Gamble. I really don’t care for this second book the series either. I have some of the same complaints for this story as I did with the prior X-Wing book; it can be a bit confusing at times to follow the action. Space battles and space ships are cool to see on the big screen or to even play in a video-game, but reading the action… can be a challenge.

I enjoyed the elements that didn’t focus on a lot of action. I liked the briefings and strategic meetings. When the characters and politicians gathered to discuss how they would manage their assault on Imperial Center for example, are the most interesting parts of the story for me. I found myself getting lost in some of the action and getting really bored with it. That said, Wedge’s Gamble does make an unexpected shift from space battles to on-the-ground action, which is much easier to follow, but still… a bit too easy to get bored with.

Stackpole introduced a new type of superweapon that is really different for Star Wars. Thankfully, it wasn’t some giant, planet basting laser beam… it’s a bioweapon, a virus called Krytos. Krytos is a highly disturbing and a brilliant, fresh move for Star Wars weaponry. It’s pretty simple, but it sure is sick and twisted.

Corran Horn is character that I’m really not liking. He’s like the Tom Cruise of Star Wars. Gets all the babes, handles all the action, cocky, the best at everything. I don’t like how Stackpole added in sexual stuff in the story. It really did feel out of place. It’s suggested that Corran has been everywhere, done a lot of things with a lot of ladies… a skanky man for sure.

Do I recommend Star Wars: Wedge’s Gamble? If you like liked the first book, you may like this one. If you didn’t like the first book… I say give this one a shot before calling it quits.

Rating: This book receives a 3/5 stars.

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis Book Review

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, James Luceno. This novel marks the first story in the Rise of the Empire Era. It takes place around 67 to 32 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY

Hego Damask, head of Damask Holdings, which is a financial institute closely affiliated with the Muun’s Intergalactic Banking Clan, is secretly the Sith, Darth Plagueis. Plagueis uses his company to produce more wealth, which, in turn brings him exotic resources and political gain. Darth Plagueis is scheming to fulfill the Sith’s grand plan… to conquer the galaxy.

The Sith have remained in the shadows for far too long, the plan to rule is a massive undertaking. One cannot simply take control of the galaxy with pure ferocity and power. However, with strict strategic measures, it could be taken through political means. Darth Plagueis knows he cannot fulfill this task alone. He seeks out his apprentice, specifically one with political potential. When he stumbles upon a young and defiant Palpatine on Naboo, he takes him under his wing to mold the boy to his liking, and fulfill the Sith’s grand plan.

CHARACTERS

Darth Plagueis: In his public life, the Muun is known to others as Magister Hego Damask. He is wealthy, smart, and hungry for power. His wisdom in the dark side of the force tames his patience. He understands that in order for the Sith to conquer the galaxy they must forfeit their physical prowess and be successful in the affairs of politics. The transfer of power from the republic to the Sith is one of his goals, but his obsession with cheating death is his primary objective, but ironically… ultimately, it is his undoing.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Luceno’s word structure, or prose, is incredible. The descriptions are extremely vivid. The visuals he produces really stand out from the pages, making this book one of the most descriptive books I’ve read in the Expanded Universe. The story is so ominous, and it gives incredible insight as to how the Sith have failed in the past and how they succeeded in their quest to rule the galaxy.

With a title like Plagueis, I assumed the book would have been a bio of sorts, on where the Sith had come from… his history. Of course his name is mentioned in Revenge of the Sith so the book could have just been some shallow tale about some old Sith who was killed by his apprentice. I was wrong. The book actually covers a lot of Hego Damask’s life but also, so much of Palpatine’s raising. This book could have been titled “Sidious.” But, this story really shines light on the genius and arrogance of Darth Plagueis.

The book is loaded with tons of Sith lore, it’s so cool. The relationship between Plagueis and Sidious is full of distrust, but, that’s just the way of the Sith, they constantly test each other. The apprentice needs the master, and the master needs an apprentice that desires power, and has the drive to accomplish the grand plan. Sidious learns of Plagueis’s secret experiments of prolonging life long after he’d already been taken on as apprentice after Plagueis suffers a bad injury, which keeps the suspense and tension at a heightened level for the reader. Sidious is surprised by his masters obsession.

Plagueis says to Sidious, “Together, we are the new born stars that complete the Sith constellation.” I absolutely love how the plan to overtake the Republic unfolds, Plagueis and Sidious are master manipulators and warriors. Learning the details of Dooku and Maul adds so much more to their story, giving these shallow characters from the film so much depth. Maul was was trained as a warrior, to be the violent tool in the Sith’s back pocket when they need him. Plaguies and Sidious are on a completely different level in relation to Maul. It’s odd that Sidious would choose him to be his apprentice. It’s not that Maul isn’t intelligent, but he has no political knowledge. He is strictly focused on brute force, craving action immediately, rather than patiently.

Palpatine see’s the obsession that Plagueis has with prolonging his life. The shifting of Republic affairs has become a burden for him alone. This really goes to show how deceptive and powerful Palpatine truly is. This book is a must read for Star Wars fans. If you’ve never read a Star Wars book… if you’ve never read an Expanded Universe book, this novel is the perfect example of how awesome media tie in material can be. Darth Pagueis should be required reading for any Star Wars fan.

So, do I recommend that you read Darth Plagueis? Yes! An excellent introduction of the Sith in a new era.

RATING

I will give this book an A+. It’s a wonderful telling of Palpatine’s introduction to darkness and power and delivers an incredible insight of who Darth Plagueis was.

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas was written by New York Times Best-Selling Author, Christie Golden. The book was published by Del Rey and serves a media tie-in novel to Blizzard’s World of Warcraft game. This story takes place after the novel, Shadow’s Rising.

SUMMARY: Sylvanas Windrunner reflects on her life, from childhood all the way up to current day (in game). We follow her down the light and dark paths she took throughout her life, exposing the devastating details as to how and why she came to be so fierce. Sylvanas meets The Jailor in a place called the Maw. He reveals to Sylvanas that the afterlife is corrupt and unjust; that it needs to be transformed. If Sylvanas allies with The Jailer, together they can rebuild the afterlife to bring fairness and justice to the souls of not just Azeroth, but the universe.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: This book is packed with excellent character development, it has an entertaining plot, it’s loaded with emotion, and it’s tragic. It’s got all the elements needed to be a great World of Warcraft fantasy story.

This book has such an emotional story! Christie Golden managed to bring a tear to my eye a few times with this wonderfully tragic tale. Sylvanas Windrunner suffered great loss throughout her life, but her biggest flaw was her pride. She was forced into a life she did not want, being reborn to a world of chaos and endless pain, once she became the Banshee Queen. It was easy to feel sympathy for Sylvanas; but when she broke through her bondage to walk a new path, her swollen pride and eagerness for revenge, kept her enslaved to darkness.

Christie Golden explored the early life of Sylvanas Windrunner, and she did an outstanding job penning the family dynamic in the Windrunner household. Each character is unique; the love between them felt so authentic! I really enjoyed reading the backstory of the youthful Sylvanas and the times she had with her family; she had such a strong bond with her younger brother. The introduction of a man named Nathanos and how the relationship with Sylvanas came to be, was also written very well.

Christie Golden always does a wonderful job giving excellent descriptions. However, there are some elements in the story that I felt needed more explanation, such as the outcome of certain characters and events. I turned to web, browsing to see if some of these missing elements were found in other stories or videos published by Blizzard, some were.

I no longer play World of Warcraft, so I’m happy Blizzard has a YouTube channel with many videos that are highly entertaining and informative. The channel really is a helpful resource. World of Warcraft also has good sized library of short stories, comics, and books, which are a great substitute to spending hours in front of a screen playing the game.

RATING: This book receives a B+. Had more gaps been filled in to explain what happens to specific characters and event for non-gamers, I would have given the story an A+.

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