Star Wars: Before the Storm, was written by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. Book one of the Black Fleet Crisis trilogy. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the New Republic era, 16 ABY (16 years after the Battle of Yavin).
SUMMARY
Luke wants to step away from his responsibilities as the head of the Jedi Academy. He passes authority over to Streen, who understands Luke’s desire to leave and accepts his new role. Luke leaves the planet, seeking solitude.
Lando, bored with life goes on a mission to track down a legendary ship that skips across the galaxy, it’s origins unknown.
Residents of the New Republic grow leery of the Leia’s leadership. She deploys the new Fifth Fleet. Some consider this an act of aggression or suppression of the people, when it’s simply sent to patrol a sector struggling with pirates. The New Republic has been growing lately. Leia, speaks with Nil Spar, a representative of the Yevethan people. Leia struggles in her role as president of the Republic, not fully trusting in her advisors. Her poor decision making and trusting others outside of her leadership circle, brings certain doom to Coruscant and worlds across the galaxy.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’m a fan of what McDowell did with this book/series. He took the characters we enjoy and puts them in uncomfortable, unpredictable situations. While we all know are we aren’t going to see the death of any major characters, putting the characters in high stakes situations that could alter the outcome of the New Republic or the people is a great way to make the story have weight.
The book has multiple storylines happening between Leia, Luke, and Lando. The author did a fine job being heavily descriptive. I believe he gave a good voice to each character and provided great dialogue that wasn’t dull. I’m happy to report that Luke Skywalker doesn’t come across as super annoying like he has in previous books, though there are some things he’s still working out with himself.
The book gets political, which I find far more entertaining than blasters and explosions. The political chess pieces being strategically placed on the board before chaos consumes the New Republic is more entertaining to me, than an author attempting to make it seem as though a main character is a bout to be killed off.
This book has a lot of entertaining moments sprinkled throughout. While there are many times the story drags, I’d say the exciting moments made this story worth the read.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Before the Storm, a B (plus).