Star Wars: Shadow Fall was written by New York Times Best Selling author, Alexander Freed. Shadow Fall is book two in the Alphabet Squadron Series.
SUMMARY: The Imperial remnants are scattered across the galaxy still fighting against the newly formed republic, desperately holding strong to it’s territories. In this novel, the story focuses primarily in the Cerberon system over the planet Troithe. New Republic forces including Alphabet Squadron, fight against the imperials to take hold of the capital. A plan is devised to lure Shadow Wing, the deadly TIE Fighter unit out into the open. Shadow Wing had gone silent since the last major event from book one, the battle at Pandem Nai.
Once the TIE unit shows itself to Alphabet Squadron and the rest of the New Repbulic forces, the war over Troithe intensifies. Will Alphabet Squadron hold strong and put an end to Shadow Wing? Will Shadow Wing once again commit mass genocide on another innocent planet? You’ll have to get the book and read for yourself to know the outcome of this page turner!
CHARACTERS: The cast of characters from Alphabet Squadron continue on in this novel. In my review of book one, I spoke briefly on Yrica Quell & Wyl Lark. Now, I will mention Chass na Chadic and Soran Keize
Chass na Chadic: She was inspired by Jyn Erso, a real hero, not a myth or a legend. Chass is aggressive and sometimes a little moody. She seems lost, like she doesn’t know who she truly is, who she’s meant to be or become. She’s defiant and doesn’t get along with the others too well. She tunes out the others others by cranking up music in her cockpit. Her childhood was rough, but the things she’s learned from that time in her life, help her through a difficult and somewhat odd event in the current battle.
Soran Keize: Major Soran Keize, holds the empire in disdain after Operation Cinder. His eyes were opened to just how dark the Emperor truly was. The Empire wasn’t a just government with it best interests aimed at protecting and serving the people of the galaxy. It was all about power. His love of the Empire died, his loyalty to Shadow Wing remains, and his hunger for revenge against Alphabet Squadron is fierce.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Alexander Freed proves once again that he is an A-list author. Formation of the New Republic isn’t easy at all! I love that we get to see how fierce and powerful the imperial remnants still are, of course they would be, this tale does take place before the Battle of Jakku. The Empire was massive, the battle didn’t end with Endor, like some military troops may have thought. You can feel the desperation of the soldiers and pilots. The war isn’t over but the desire for the fighting to stop is great. The tension is extremely high in this story. Emotions the characters go through bleed from the pages! Many moments will raise your anxiety and keep you glued to the book.
You’ll burn through these pages so fast it’ll likely ignite a fire!
It’s a wonderful, deeper character study for a few of the characters. In the previous novel they had a more mysterious edge, their backgrounds weren’t explored. In this novel, we explore the past of a certain character that helps drive the plot forward. The story progresses by jumping from one character’s perspective to the next. It’s quite simple to follow for a war story that has so much going on. Freed is one of those authors that understands character development and how to make each character unique. The dialogue was great! Tension, guilt, surprise, anger, etc. were written so well.
War at its worst, Diversity at its best. There’s a character everyone can relate to!
I was pleasantly surprised by certain outcomes in the story. My skin prickled with chills multiple times. Rarely do I audibly react to things that happen in a book. This book summoned two audible gasps and wide eyed “wow” reaction. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Alphabet Squadron, the first book in this trilogy… Shadow Fall opened my mind to appreciate the first book a little more. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I can’t recall finishing a book while having chills and an drooping jaw from surprise.
So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Shadow Fall? Yes! I wasn’t a big fan of the first book, but this second installment was outstanding!
RATING: I will give this book an A+
Purchase the Star War: Shadow Fall Novel: https://amzn.to/2zxw4aePurchase TheGeeksAttic Expanded Universe Products: TheGeeksAttic.redbubble.comLet’s be friends:* Twitter* Facebook* Instagram* Facebook Page*PRODUCT – AFFILIATE – LINKS*By clicking these links and buying the products you are helping to support my channel. There are no additional costs to you. I use these products and stand behind them. I appreciate the support!
Star Wars: Outbound Flight was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Timothy Zahn. This novel is the eighteenth novel on the Legends novel timeline. The tale takes place during the the Rise of the Empire Era. It takes place 27 years before A New Hope.
SUMMARY
On the run from an angry Hutt, a smuggling group find themselves outside of known space. A mysterious, unfamiliar ship with an unknown race of people, put an end to the furious chase by the Hutt and bring the smugglers aboard one of their ships. Thrawn, of the Chiss alien race, calls on Car’das, the smuggler navigator, to basically be his assistant of sorts. Through Car’das, Thrawn learns of the Republic, and other cultural details. They were able to speak to each other through a language known by both cultures. The relationship between Thrawn and the foreign strangers, puts a wedge between himself, and other Chiss leaders.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Republic, Jedi Master, Jorus C’baoth has pushed hard politically and against the Jedi council to achieve his goal, Outbound Flight. C’bouth wants to take a number of people along with a select number of Jedi and an extreme amount of living rations and supplies, far into the unknown regions for exploration and colonization. The stubborn Jedi wants to explore the greater galaxy and establish new territory for both the Jedi and the Republic. The mission will place individuals and Jedi as colonists on far off worlds. The Outbound Flight Vessel is made up of six giant dreadnaught ships, attached to a large core, full of supplies.
Darth Sidious interferes once word reaches him that a Jedi he’s rather fond of, is selected to take part in this mission that would send him out among the unknown stars. The duel stories with Thrawn and Jorus C’baouth collide in a crazy standoff that is so tense, you’ll wish this book put to film. Will Outbound Flight establish new colonies for the Republic? Will Thrawn Leave the Chiss people?
CHARACTERS
Jorus C’baoth: He is a no nonsense type Jedi Master. He’s extremely cocky and well, pretty darn rude. He doesn’t care what others think of him, and he’d rather apologize later rather than ask for permission, only… he wouldn’t apologize. He has no problem taking control and manipulating others into doing his bidding. C’bouth is dead set on taking Outbound Flight into the unknown regions of the galaxy and will do whatever he can to make it happen.
Thrawn: He comes from a race of blue folk, known as the Chiss. This race is unknown to the Republic. Thrawn’s formal name, is Mitth’raw’nuruodo. He’s a commander in the Chiss military, he’s very well organized and thorough. He mannerisms are well calculated. Once you’ve thought of something, odds are, Thrown has already thought of it, and many other calculations in his brain, narrowing down the conclusion to almost every detail of the matter at hand.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I loved this book! It was so awesome and a pleasure to read. Honestly, I was suffering a little Star Wars fatigue, but this novel reignited the enjoyment of Star Wars reading.
Timothy Zahn develops an alien race with interesting lore that expands the Star Wars universe outside of the known galaxy we are used to reading. Although this is his first appearance of Thrown in the expanded universe, chronologically speaking, he was introduced to the reading community long ago at the rebirth of sorts, of the Expanded Universe, in the Heir to the Empire “Thrawn Trilogy.
Thrawn is a unique character. Sometimes it’s a little too silly that he’s able to predict so much and be the nearly perfect character. For me, Thrawn was handled pretty good in this novel, but what made the book so wonderful for me, is the duel story lines taking place. Jorus C’bouth was such an interesting character. He’s unlike any other Jedi that I’ve read about. I loved to hate him. One of the moments between C’bouth and Thrawn was so tense, my eyes dried up from lack of blinking as I read.
I love the idea that there is space in the galaxy untouched by the Republic. Unknown alien species and technology exist that we are unfamiliar with. That unknown aspect is pretty cool when looking through the eyes of the new alien species, fearing that these strange people randomly show up in your territory and then find out about the Jedi, who weld some strange sorcery.
Timothy Zahn did a great job with describing all the details, painting an excellent minds eye visual of each scene and character interaction. Zahn built his little “sandbox” as they say, and I love everything he did with this story.
So, do I recommend that you read Outbound Flight? A big yes!
RATING
I will give this book an A+. This book may wear off some of that Star Wars fatigue if you’re suffering from such a thing.
By clicking these links and buying the products you are helping to support my channel. There are no additional costs to you. I use these products and stand behind them. I appreciate the support!
Star Wars: Free Fall is a YA Novel written by Alex Segura & published by Disney Lucasfilm Press. This novel explores the history of Poe Dameron, so it takes place several years before The Force Awakens.
After the credits role in this video I’ll reveal a character that makes a brief cameo in the book that made me smile!
Watch the video!
SUMMARY: After the death of his mother, Poe Dameron has a hard time connecting with his father, who prefers to have Poe stick close by and live off the land on the family farm. However, Poe just can’t do it, he has too much of his mother in him (Shara Bey, former pilot), he’s desperate to get off Yavin IV and have an adventure.
A team of smugglers make a pit stop on Yavin IV. As luck would have it, Poe and the gang run into each other at a local bar. Coincidentally, they need a pilot, and Poe desperatly needs a way off Yavin 4. He’s duped into joining the group, who introduced themselves as smugglers. However, smugglers they are not, they are actually the Spice Runners of Kijimi. Smugglers are scoundrles, Spice Runners are also scoundrles, but also… much more dangerous and theiving.
Poe gets involved with the gang, but he is extremely conflicted by his decision to do so and can’t help but think of who he was, is, and who he will become. It’s a tale of hope, choices, love, & family. We follow Poe Dameron on his youthful adventure as a Spice Runner of Kijimi and how it shapes him into the man he becomes.
CHARACTERS: There’s a cast of many new characters, but I’m going to mention two that are familiar.
Poe Dameron: He’s stubborn and has a hard time staying true to himself. He craves adventure more than anything, and sacrifices much to get what he wants… or is it what he really wants? Poe is the son of veteran Rebel fighters. His mother was A-Wing pilot, Shara Bey. His father, Kes Dameron, had belonged to a ground force unit known as the Pathfinders. Poe is conflicted, he does’nt want to be told what to do or how to live his life. He faces challenges head on and tends to learn the hard way.
Zorii Wynn: That’s right I said Zorii Wynn, she goes by a different name at this point in her youth. She’s a young gun in the Spice Runners of Kijimi. She has a thing for Poe, but a bigger thing for the lifestyle of the Spice Runners. She’s strong willed and knows exactly what she wants. She’s prepared for action and ready to strike, whatever the target may be. Zorii’s portrayl in this tale explains so much more about who she is in The Rise of Skywalker.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: The book starts off with a bang, a pretty intense action sequence! We quickly learn of Poe’s relationship with his father and his hearts desires. The book is action packed, pretty much from start to finish. It does slow down in parts to build on character moments between some of the cast. These moments are necessary and done well. The book is a YA novel, but sometimes it reads like a junior novel. However, there are elements in the book that are too mature for a junior novel.
It’s a tale of hope, choices, love, & family.
I am a little disappointed overall with the book, some things just didn’t make much sense. The way some characters spoke was a little odd, like what they said was supposed to be smart or comical. Same goes for some of the writing in general.
For example, “The trio turned to see a group officers shooting first and asking questions later.” It just doesn’t make sense, “they saw a them asking questions later?” In the present?
Writing elements were repetitive making the structure predictable. Dialogue, action, thoughts, dialogue, action thoughts, repeat. The writing was nondescriptive, so imagining the story in my head was rather difficult. I don’t need everything described and laid out for me, but a little more description would have been beneficial.
It’s succeeds as a fast paced action packed Star Wars tale!
Hyperspace skipping, this book proves that it’s pretty dumb concept. When the group is in trouble, they decide to hyperspace skip, jump from one dangerous location to the next, with hopes of slowing down their pursuers. Why not just go somewhere far away or just correct the issue while in hyperspace? Maybe the book is confirming that hyperspace is pretty much instantaneous and doesn’t take days to weeks to travel somewhere at great distances? I don’t like that one bit. So for this, I don’t know if it’s author to blame the story group. My bet goes to the story group, because we’ve seen this on film.
The Spice Runners of Kijimi are supposed to be so awesome and dangerous, they don’t really come off as such, becuase I can’t recall a single spice running scheme. Yes, there are crazy things the group gets involved in, but seeing what the spice runners actually do isn’t a thing we see.
Zorii’s portrayl in this tale explains so much more about who she is in The Rise of Skywalker.
So, do I recommend that you read Poe Dameron Free Fall? I’m going to say yes, especially if you like Poe Dameron and want more backstory on Zorii Bliss.
If you would like to order this book, I have placed a link to purchase Poe Dameron Free Fall below.
We follow Poe Dameron on his youthful adventure as a Spice Runner of Kijimi and how it shapes him into the man he becomes.
RATING: I will give this YA Novel a C+. It wasn’t bad, it just take issue with some writing choices. Plus, it’s hard to suprise us when we know the outcome of major characters.
By clicking these links and buying the products you are helping to support my channel. There are no additional costs to you. I use these products and stand behind them. I appreciate the support!
Star Wars: Cloak of Deception was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, James Luceno. This novel is the fourteenth event on the Legends novel timeline..It takes place 32 years before A New Hope.
SUMMARY
The Nebula Front, is an organization that takes issue with both the Republic on Coruscant and the Trade Federation. This group launches an attack against the Trade Federation and infiltrates one of their ships to steal a cache of Aurodium Ingots, a precious element.
The Trade Federation has a small security force of armed droids, which are powered by a central control unit on the Federation ships. The rise in attacks by groups such as the Nebula Front, has brought unrest and sparked debates as to the Republics reactionary roll to the terrorism. The senator from Naboo, advises the Chancellor of the Republic, that it may be a good idea to allow the Trade Federation to increase its own security droid force. The catch would be that trade would be subject to Republic trade taxation.
As the motion is introduced to the senate floor by Chancellor Valorem. The governing body has a mixed reaction to the idea of arming the Trade Federation and its taxation. Surely the price of goods would increase! Senator Palpatine calls for a Summit in Eradu, where the politicians can discuss matters further and work out the details. During this political mayhem, an assassination attempt is made on the Chancellor!
In this book, we learn how the Jedi overstep their bounds by getting to closely involved in political matters. This story is an important step into the Star Wars film saga. (The Legends Timeline)
CHARACTERS
In this novel we are introduced to a few familiar characters we see in the films, I’ll mention a few that are well known and one new character.
Finis Valorum: The chancellor of the Republic. His job is a stressful, difficult one. He’s calm and collected, but the burden of current events is heavy on him. He wants peace within the republic and
Cohl: He’s a mercenary, who took a job with the Nebula front. He’s tactical and thorough. The thought of retirement is pulling at him. However, the easy-going farm life may be just too dull for Cohl. Half his heart belongs to Rella, and the other half to action. He keeps getting himself sucked into more work for more credits.
Qui-Gon Jinn: He’s a Jedi master, inquisitive, and wise. He’s always focusing on the living force (the force that binds all living beings together) to guide him. Qui-Gon is stern and unafraid to confront the Jedi Council of his concerns. He’s a good master to his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, keeping him on his toes; everything is a lesson to be learned. Qui-Gon is a great detective, trusting his gut and the force. He seems to be aware of a darker force manipulating events across the galaxy.
Senator Palpatine: He’s a senator from Naboo, serving the Republic on the capital world, Coruscant. He plays as a trusty adviser to Valorum, the Chancellor of the Republic, but insures he must remain loyal to his home world, Naboo. Palpatine’s identity as a Sith, Darth Sidious is his secret. As the cloaked Dark Lord, he has allied with the Nemodian Trade-Federation, using them as a pawn to manipulate the galaxy to his design.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The political aspect was entertaining and easy to follow. I believe this novel borders on the genre of political thriller. It’s hard to talk about this book and not mention Episode I: The Phantom Menace; it’s an excellent build up to the film! Palatine is a master of disguise as he plays his role in the senate as a trusty servant to the Republic. Meanwhile, in the shadows he manipulates the galaxy to his twisted will.
I love how the author gives a character that we’ll read about way down the line in the legends canon, a little cameo. We learn a lot about Qui-Gon Jinn in this novel, it actually helps me understand and appreciate his character and personality. His perspective on the force is unique and defines who he is a Jedi.
The novel is a great prequel to The Phantom Menace as it gives a great introduction to the instability of the galactic republic and how the Trade Federation became so menacing.
So, do I recommend that you read Cloak of Deception? Yes! A wonderful buildup to Episode I: The Phantom Menace
RATING
I will give this book a B+. The politics and action is well balanced!
Star Wars: Resistance Reborn was written by Rebecca Roanhorse. This novel is marked with the Journey to The Rise of Skywalker banner, preparing us for the final Skywalker saga film.
SUMMARY: The Millennium Falcon holds the remanence of the Resistance. After the events of The Last Jedi, all but a handful of the Resistance have perished. The small group is hurtling through space in a desperate attempt to find a safe haven to refuel and rest. Poe Dameron has sought out his Black Squadron, who’d been preoccupied with a mission of their own and informed them of their losses, and confessed his actions. Black Squadron remains loyal to Dameron despite his failure. Soldiers are important, but what Leia also needs, is a leadership team.
Rebecca Roanhorse writes a hopeful tale filled with nostalgia, connectivity, and thrills!
It’s brought to Leia’s attention that a number of allies may have been captured by the First Order. In this novel, the mission of the Resistance, is to find allies to build up their numbers… and survive.
CHARACTERS: This book does something fresh in canon with characters. Of course we have the popular Resistance characters left over from The Last Jedi, but so many other characters are either new, or brought in from other media. I’m not going to go deep into all the characters, but I’ll mention two that we have been introduced to in previous material, and just one other character.
Rey: She’s awkward, very awkward. Although she’s with the Resistance physically, mentally, she’s absent. She has a really hard time expressing herself and doesn’t know how to relate to anyone around her. She only really feels comfortable around Finn. We don’t get a lot of action with Rey in this novel. I’m not sure how to interpret her as a character in this book. I get the feeling that maybe the author wasn’t really given the freedom to fully dive into character details. Rey is very confused, maybe even conflicted.
Roanhorse nails it! This is definitely a book the Star Wars fans have needed!
Shriv Suurgav: He’s a Duros, an alien with a big head, blue skin, and bulbous red eyes. He makes his return to canon material! He was a character in the video game Battlefront II. He’s got a fun sense of humor, the go to character for comic relief. His presence is a welcome one. I hope we get to see more of him in future novels or possibly a cameo in The Rise of Skywalker.
Wedge Antilles: He’s retired from the military lifestyle, living in the outer-rim just living his life. He’d done so much for the Rebel Alliance, fighting in all the major battles and doing what most of his peers did do, survive. He’s an old man now, living with his wife in peace on an outer rim world. However, he’s got his bug-out-bag packed and ready for the day if he’s ever needed. Now, after the First Order decimated the New Republic and nearly wiped out the Resistance… Wedge is hesitant, but willing to jump back into the fray.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: This book was pretty darn good. Rebecca Roanhorse writes a hopeful tale filled with nostalgia, connectivity, and thrills! In my opinion, this book reminded me of how it feels reading the original Star Wars Expanded Universe. By that, I mean that this story is so connected to the overall canon. The return of many characters from across different mediums was so awesome. Roanhorse brings in things from comics, video games, the original film trilogy, and other novels.
While the story is fun and the plot thrilling, the dialogue is mostly fair. Some of the characters were written spot on, some not so much. I believe that may be a result of an upcoming film involving these characters. The humor from Shriv was excellent, it was organic. Many other comic lines from other characters came across a little forced and just too silly, not funny. My only other complaint would be the usage of the social justice quota. The sexual orientation of a side character is unimportant and irrelevant to the overall story or to the character in general. Stop with the forced “millennial emotional equality” checklist and tell the story naturally.
This novel is great, Rebecca Roanhorse nailed it. I’d say this is definitely a book the Star Wars fans have been wanting.
So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Resistance Reborn? Yes, it’s a book that brings in so much from the overall canon story.
By clicking these links and buying the products you are helping to support my channel. There are no additional costs to you. I use these products and stand behind them. I appreciate the support!
Star Wars: Shadow Fall was written by New York Times Best Selling author, Alexander Freed. Shadow Fall is book two in the Alphabet Squadron Series.
