by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Empire & Rebellion: Razor’s Edge was written by Martha Wells. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Rebellion era, 2 ABY (2 years after the Battle of Yavin).
SUMMARY
The Gamble, an alliance ship is thrown into a tough situation right off the bat. The ship, which contains a small crew including Leia and Han, drop out of hyperspace and are immediately attacked. The crew were on a mission to acquire materials for Echo-Base. The attack raises the big question… how did the Empire know where The Gamble was dropping out of hyperspace? It appears that there is a deep cover Imperial Agent within the rebel group.
The Gamble is now in need of repair after successfully fleeing the Imperial attack. Contact is made with a pirate ship which turns out to be full of former Alderaanians!
The story is all about building trust, relationships, and a fight of survival.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This book was fine. It starts off really strong and exciting, throwing Leia, Han, and a few others into a dangerous situation. I found this story to be okay overall. It has filler vibes, just a blip on the timeline, but written well. I wasn’t bored with the story, but not excited either.
I think the greatest thing about this book is the characterization of our leads, Han and Leia. In the films we get to see the friction between the two, this book dives deeper into the frustration these characters feel toward each other. Han really does come across as a difficult man to work with, hard headed and prefers to go rogue instead of following orders. I like that we get into Leia’s mind and her thoughts toward Han. She understands his distrust for others. I do think that Leia comes across a bit too harsh at times with a lot of attitude.
The banter between Leia and Han was great. However, the characters use air quotes with fingers to be sarcastic, which I thought was a dumb thing to put in the book
The story takes a route that made me think of a YA storyline. When Leia meets with the other Alderaanians they get hooked into meeting up with some other Pirates. It turns into a fight for survival game, it made me think of Hunger Games or Ender’s Game… that sort of thing. I am thankful though that the game they play wasn’t through the entire book. For me though, it went on a bit too long.
I’d say this book will be forgettable, the only takeaway is the stuff between Leia and Han; maybe the interaction with the Alderaanian pirates.
Do I recommend you read this story? Eh… sure. It wasn’t bad.
RATING
I will give Star Wars: Razor’s Edge, a B-.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire was written by bestselling author, Steve Perry. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Rebellion Era, 3 ABY (3 years after the battle of Yavin).
SUMMARY
Lando, Chewy, and Leia are on the search for Han Solo, who was taken by Boba Fett aboard his ship, Slave 1, after being frozen in carbonite! Lando calls on his old buddy, Dash Rendar to assist in the investigation.
Prince Xixor, leader of Black Sun, the largest criminal organization in the galaxy; wants the be the right hand man of Emperor Palpatine. However he faces one challenge, Darth Vader. Vader is responsible for the death of Xixor’s family; now, Xixor will do what he can to get his revenge.
The pieces of Emperor Palpatine’s puzzle are falling into place, the events taking place are aligned with his vision of things to come.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I did it, I made it through this book a second time, and I’ve got to say, I enjoyed it a little more than I did the first time. The elements of the story that I still don’t like are the pervy little things the author had thrown into the book. Such as the foreshadowing of Lando telling Leia not to get in bed with Black Sun. To have Xixor, a Falleen species that uses pheromones to manipulate others. It was gross reading Xixor’s attempt at seducing Leia… they even kiss!
I did enjoy that book, this multimedia project brought in new characters, ships, and other cool ties to the films. The author does a fine job showing us Luke constructing a new lightsaber while in Kenobi’s old hut on Tatooine. It was cool getting a story between two fantastic Star Wars films.
Perry did well establishing a solid motive for our new villain. The main reason Xixor hates Vader, is because years ago, Vader had a planet sterilized after a failed biological weapon incident. In order to protect the planet, the city around the lab was destroyed, killing Xixor’s family. Xixor was off planet when it happened. He managed to delete any record of his families death, to appear as though he had no emotional ties. It’s mentioned taht 200k Falleen had been killed.
Overall the story was decent, I still prefer the Nintendo 64 video game over the book, we see things from a different perspective in the game. The soundtrack to Shadows of the Empire is also pretty decent, hints of it can be heard in newer Star Wars material. At least, I hear some similarities, especially in the Rogue One soundtrack.
RATING
I will give Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire a B-.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Republic Commando – True Colors, book three in a series of Republic Commando novels, written by Karen Traviss. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Clone Wars in the Rise of the Empire era. Twenty-one years before the Battle of Yavin (BBY).
SUMMARY
There is quite a lot happening in this story, making it a little difficult to summarize. Heroes aren’t immune from harm, as this tale puts the cast of Commandos and Jedi into deadly situations.
Weapons aren’t the only object of war, but secrets that lie behind a vale of darkness. Doubt, insecurity and moral conduct of the Republic is in question. The secrecy of the financial support of the galactic war and it’s tools of conquest, arouse suspicion in some.
A quest to alter the lifespan of the clones is underway. The lifespan, so short, creates an issue of where loyalty should lie.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This book starts off so much better than the previous. I think Karen Traviss did well in setting a tone. There are moments in this book I found extremely interesting and some, very boring. I’ve got to say, Traviss has done well in this series keeping the characters consistent. I still believe the first book is the better tale of the Republic Commandos.
The one thing I really enjoy is getting into the thoughts and doubts some of the troops and jedi have about the war. While the clones can’t help being – clones, there is a gross vibe that comes from the whole ordeal. It’s immoral, technology replicating life, speeding up the growth rate, just to send these men to fight and die… not really expected to live off the battlefield.
A Jusik, a jedi, leaves the order. It made me wonder just how many Jedi overall had abandoned the order during this time period, their position in galactic affairs were a heavy burden, one that many but not all would have been able to handle.
I love that one of the characters is digging into the financial side of the the war. She finds the lack of financial reporting questionable. The budget doesn’t really exist.. not just a lack in payments for the Clone Army, but the equipment; weapons, ships, vehicles, armor, med-kits – everything… so much money would be needed to fund this war!
Do I recommend you read this book? I say yes, even though didn’t recommend book two, Triple Zero.
RATING
I will give Star Wars: Republic Commando – True Colors, a C+.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Tyrant’s Test, was written by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. Book three 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
The conclusion of the Black Fleet Crisis! Lando, Lobot, and the droids are STILL in the Vagabond ship! Luke continues the search for his mother, and Leia is standing up against her political foes as well as the Yevethan threat.
Chewbacca, who had been back on Kyshykk to spend time with his family, receives word of Han’s capture. Once again, Chewy leaves his family behind, but does allow his son who was in the midst of his warrior testing, to come along.
Nil Spaar announces to the New Republic that they have allied with the Empire, leading Leia to declare war on the enemy of the New Republic.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
The Black Fleet Crisis trilogy had a strong start. However, the story arch as a whole was weak, especially in the entertainment department. McDowell did fine with descriptive details and squeezing in some action in a rather boring tale. Though the story was boring, we did get to experiance some cool things that we haven’t before, such as Chewbacca with his son, Lumpawaroo.
The trilogy did have character arch’s for our heroes, the only one I’ll mention is Luke’s. The pointless goose chase that he had been on, searching for his biological mother, was a disappointment not only for the reader, but for the character. He was manipulated and somewhat humiliated by the Fallanassi woman that came to him. Through his disappointment however, Luke came to realize that the family he’d been searching for was with him all along, Leia and the kids.
Nil Spaar met his end and thankfully, I reached the end of this trilogy. It isn’t as bad as I’m making it out to be, as the story overall did have some good points and fun moments, but the way in which the story had dragged on, it wasn’t exciting.
Rating
I will give Star Wars: Tyrant’s Test a C+.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Shield of Lies, was written by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. Book two 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
The Adventure continues! Lando, Lobot, R2 & 3PO are trapped in the Vagabond as it blasts into hyperspace! Luke is getting frustrated as his search for his mother drags on. Leia faces the challenge set before her with Nil Spaar and the growing threat of the Yevethan.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
While I found the first book to be somewhat entertaining, I found this one to be more of a let down. There really isn’t anything negative I have to say about the writing style or the dialogue.
The Lando and Vagabond plot was is dull and just drags on and on. What I do appreciate though, is that the author really utilizes a character we never really think about or spent much time with in any other books, Lobot.
The New Republic really is run by a bunch of morons, and I hate to say it but Leia fits in that category as far as this story is concerned. It’s no wonder they still struggle so much with galactic affairs. Genocide is taking place and the council believes no action should take place because the event took place a few days, maybe weeks ago? However, Leia pushes forward and attempts to do something about the Yevethan problem, which may lead to a possible career ending action.
Luke continues his adventure searching for his mother, but is getting frustrated on the journey, he’s starting to believe that the search is a deceptive game by Akanah.
RATING
I will give Star Wars: Shield of Lies a C+.
by Matthew Wilson
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).
