Star Wars: Wedge’s Gamble Book Review

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.

Star Wars: Kenobi Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Kenobi Review

Star Wars: Kenobi was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, John Jackson Miller. This novel takes place in the Rise of the Empire era, following the events of Revenge of the Sith, about 19 years before the battle of Yavin.

SUMMARY

After the fall of the Republic and the dismantling of the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan Kenobi has taken Anakin & Padme’s infant son, Luke Skywalker, to Tatooine. On this outer-rim world, the boy may be out of the Empire’s reach. Her, Kenobi must keep out of trouble and try to to bring little to no attention to himself.

Tusken Raiders roam the desert. They view the settlers in the Jundland Wastes as a parasites that needed to be removed. One leader, A’yark, is determined to rid the land of these disgusting creatures. This particular Tusken stands out among the rest, and is known to the settlers, as Plug Eye. The Tusken Raiders would often attack settlements and homes in the desert, looting resources they found useful. The people in the area had created the Settler’s Call, an alert system that would bring the people together to go out and defend the victims of the Tusken Raiders.

In this tale, the Settler’s in the Pika Oasis, must defend their lives and lively hood. Trouble seems to follow a new stranger that strolls into the Oasis. Can this newcomer be trusted? Or is the stranger the root of all the settlers problems?

CHARACTERS

John Jackson Miller created new characters that were truly worth investing in.

Annileen Calwell runs a little shop, Dannar’s Claim, out in the Pika Oasis. Widowed, she’s got two kids to raise on her own, ages 16 and 17. Her husband passed away nearly 8 years prior to this tale. However, she isn’t truly alone. Her deceased husband’s best friend, Orrin, is still around and does a pretty good job of keeping an eye out for the family and many others around the area. Annileen does her best to raise her kids up right and has a pretty good sense of humor. She’s very protective of her kids and her property.

A’yark, the Tusken leader is irritated and saddened by the fact that the tribal people are diminishing. A’yark is cautions and intelligent, able to speak some words in basic. This character’s past is full of tragedy and loss, giving A’yark the wisdom needed to lead other Tusken Raiders.

Kenobi, is adjusting to life outside of the Jedi Order. His new life mission is to stay hidden, and keep watch over the boy he hopes will truly bring balance to the force, the son of Anakin Skywalker. He’s cautious of everything, which is wise. He does have a bit of paranoia, which raises curiosity with those he interacts with. He seems to be at the right place at always the wrong time, drawing way to much attention to himself, but his presence usually saves the day. He’s gets a mixed reputation, wherever Kenobi goes, trouble follows.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I enjoyed this book, a lot. It was interesting to see Kenobi out of his element, surrounded by common folks who see him as some stranger, a drifter, a hermit. Kenobi’s interaction with Annileen was always entertaining. It’s obvious that there was an attraction between the two. However, Ben holds onto the oath of the Jedi Order, which forbids attachment.

This book has some cool surprises throughout, keeping the story interesting and the reader glued to the pages. There are some really high lighthearted moments, and some that actually get pretty dark. I would say it has a pretty good balance when it comes to evoking particular emotions.

Miller touches on familiar story points, such as the Lars family and the event that took place mentioned in Attack of the Clones (more specifically the novelization), when Shmi was taken by Tusken Raiders. I loved that moment, which anchors the story into the previous material. It’s also mentioned that Owen Lars really doesn’t like Ben. I find that very interesting and wish we had more as to the reason why.

There are “Meditation” segments in the story, I really enjoyed those moments. They are actually pretty emotional. Kenobi, alone in the desert, speaking out to his old master Qui-Gon, desperate to commune with him. These moments are what make Kenobi human. The galaxy has become such a different place for him. His loneness in the force, in the desert, remind me of just how much of a burden Kenobi has on his shoulders. He was there at the fall of galactic republic. He tried to protect Republic, but his failure along with the Jedi Order, altered the course of galactic affairs for many years to come.

Overall, the story is fantastic. It’s gritty, it contains some pretty dark moments but has some light humor throughout. Toward the end, I found some elements to be less intriguing and had some heavy Twilight Zone vibes, but it still ends in a high note. Nothing negative to say about this novel.

Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: Kenobi? Yes, I highly recommend this book. It’s full of great character and takes place during an interesting time in the Star Wars timeline.

RATING

I give Kenobi an A+

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Novelization Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Novelization Review

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Novelization was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Terry Brooks. This tale takes place during the the Rise of the Empire Era, taking place 32 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY

The galactic trade federation oversteps its bounds and releases its droid army against Naboo after a trade dispute. The Jedi step in to bring peace to the whole situation, but find themselves unable to do so. The Jedi assist in protecting the Queen of Naboo, leaving her home planet. They find themselves stranded o far away planet Tatooine, where they need to find parts to repair their ship. While there, Jedi Master Qui-Got Jinn comes across a young boy, Anakin, who is force sensitive. Qui-Got feels that this boy will be something great, someone that could potentially be spoken of in Jedi prophecy, the chosen one… the individual to bring balance to the force.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This novelization was fine, a lot of it reflected the film almost beat for beat. We did have a few additions to the story, such as a pod race with Anakin, which was pretty cool. Something that I found goofy was this exchange that Anakin has with the Sand People, or to be politically correct, Tusken People.

We do have mention of Darth Vane but it’s said that he had a male apprentice. Well, I’ve read the Darth Bane trilogy, Zannah… was a female.

I found it interesting that Qui-Got actually sold Anakins Podracer after Anakins victory to Sabulba, Anakins pod racing rival.

There really isn’t all that much to say about the book or the plot, let’s get real, if you’re watching this, you’ve probably seen the film… at least 5 times. Maul speaks a bit more, he has a verbal exchange with the trade federation folks.

The final thing worth mentioning that I found just bizarre is that at Qui-Gons funeral, doves were released… ha what?

So, do I recommend that you read The Phantom Menace novelization? No need to, while it did add some to the story, it’s not enough to go out of your way to read.

RATING

I will give this book a B.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, 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, seven years after the battle of Yavin, in the A New Hope.

SUMMARY: Years after the death of the Emperor & Darth Vader, many worlds remain loyal to the Empire, back when the Senate was dissolved and world powers handed over to Moffs, some Imperial factions stay true to the cause, some fend for themselves, and others join the Rebel Alliance to end the tyranny.

Rogue Squadron has been reformed, commanded by Wedge Antilles. Corran Horn is one of the best pilots in the Squadron, but things don’t come easy for him. The Squadron is not just to possess the best pilots, but have the courage and skill to operate independently and accomplish operations that would typically require a much larger head count. Some within the Squadron have blurred the line between justice & revenge against the Empire.

Rogue Squadron sets its sights on Coruscant, but has other missions it must accomplish on that road to the Empire’s ruling fortress.

Characters: There is a heafty amount of characters to talk about, but I’ll mention two leading characters.

Corran Horn: He’s a great pilot, but he struggles with pride. His journey consists of humbling himself and learning to operate with a team. His past haunts him, and has him marked for death by the Empire. The man seems desperate to be a hero, taking big risks. Sometimes I felt that Corran was a rip off of Solo, some lines from Han from the films were repeated by Horn.

Wedge Antilles: He’s the Squad leader of Rogue Squadron. He’s somewhat of a downer, always downplaying everything, even the victories they have. It’s like he’s stuck in the past.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: During the first briefing of Rouge Squadron, Wedge Antilles tells them that most of them will die within the first five battles. That their job will be dull and boring, with brief sparks of sheer action & terror. This sets a grim tone as well as foreshadowing that we will certainly loose characters … but who?

I was confused at one point, when Corran is revealing some history about his time in CorSec, he was tasked with killing rebel smugglers, his team made up some names and blamed Corran for executing them, then when he escaped the Empire, the deaths of those fake folks marked Corran with a death warrant wasn’t that his job?

I’ve never been a big fan of stories that have several characters on the same team that always nag and compete against each other. I can see a few moments where it may be entertaining but it seems like Corran is always pushing everyone’s buttons, and he has to prove himself… to himself and/or Wedge.

Wedge mentions that the Bothans are too cocky, they celebrate their bravery and “victory” of getting/obtaining the plans to the second Death Star, the Emperor lured them all there as a trap. Those are some pretty harsh words coming from Wedge, the Bothans died as heroes in my heart, had they not had those plans, the trap would have been successful! Yet, the Rebels won that day… thanks to the Bothans.

There are good moments in this story, then there are parts that I just get lost on. There’s so much going on it’s hard to keep focused and remember exactly who’s who and where we are. I’m not a big fan of the book. There’s so many different names and places being tossed around I couldn’t contain all the details. Some characters are written well, but not written in a way that makes me feel invested in the characters. Some deaths occurred and I could care less.

There is a cool thing in the Epilogue with Isard and Kirtan Loor. She let out info where Loor was located, this will lure Corran Horn for revenge, but also this makes Loor nervous, he’s seen Corran in action.

Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: Rogue Squadron? If your’re a Wedge Antilles and or military warfare fan, yes. If you’re more into Jedi wizardry, probably not.

RATING: I give this book a C+ I think it could have been better, especially the character development.

Star Wars: Shatterpoint Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Shatterpoint Book Review

Star Wars: Shatterpoint was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Matthew Stover. Shatterpoint takes place during the Rise of the Empire Era, it is the 27th book on the Expanded Universe timeline . The tale takes place 22 years before the events of A New Hope.

SUMMARY

Mace Windu is irritated with himself, he had the opportunity to rid the galaxy of Count Dooku, but failed to execute the Separatist leader. Windu is living with that failure daily, his living nightmare, as the galaxy is now in a full scale war. Master Yoda and Mace Windu meet with Chancellor Palpatine to discuss some disturbing evidence that was discovered involving Master Windu’s former Padawan, Council Member Depa Billaba.

Depa Billaba is on Haruun Kal (WIndu’s homeworld) to train natives how to fight as a guerrilla resistance force against the Separatists. An audio file was found at a massacre on Haruun Kal with Depa’s voice. It appears, that she has turned potentially turned to the dark side. Mace will take it upon himself to go to Haruun Kal to investigate matters on the planet, to find out if this is true.

The planet is an absolute warzone, Windu is met by violence and betrayl. He’s captured by militiamen, but let go, in order to find the “Jedi problem in the wilderness” Windu has a lot to learn about Haruun Kal, not just about the war taking place between the Republic and the Separatists, but the war that’s taking place between the Haruun Kal people, the Balawaii and Korunnai. This war, is known as the Summertime War.

Will Mace Windu find Depa Billaba? Has his former Padawan, a member on the Jedi Council, turned to the dark side? Well the book has been reprinted and is now available in an unabridged audiobook, I suggest you give it a read or listen to find out!

CHARACTER

Mace Windu, Jedi Master on the High Council, is guided by the force to see shatter points. He’s able to see weaknesses/breaking points of people or events, and how they can effect everything around them. (for example, Dooku is a shatter-point for the civil war. If he could be broken, the war could potentially crumble away.) Windu is lean, intense, intellectual, and very strong willed. It’s why he had become a council member before the age of 30. The Jedi Master had been on the council for more than 20 years before the battle of Geonosis. He’s tempted many times to go against what is right, he’s even got a temper, but he does have excellent self control.

Kar Vaster: He’s the leader of the Upland Liberation Front. The man is a creepy mystery. He’s got an aura about him that’s shrouded in darkness. In his youth, he witnessed the death of his family, which changed him for the worse. As a child, he had to survive on his own in the jungle. He’s now a witch doctor, a fierce warrior, and a manipulator. People fear him. When he walks through the jungle, it’s as though the trees and brush move aside.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I enjoyed this book, mostly. The first half was very strong, Stover was clear in all that was happening. I found the characters interesting and true to how I’ve seen them on screen and how I imaged they would be in another story. I felt that the second half of the story was weighed down heavily with far too much action. Yes, I know – Star WARS, but it was just too much at times. That said, I was still fully engaged in the story, even if some details escaped me.

Mace Windu is basically dropped in the Vietnam War of the Star Wars universe. His birth planet, Haruun Kal is such a brutal place with constant war and lush jungle full of danger. Militiamen, nasty insects, a dark force, a rogue Jedi… it’s not a fun place to be. Mace has a full arc that was satisfying in the end. He had to fight not just the enemies around him, but he had to fight the darkness creeping within.

There are sections in the book labeled, “From the Private Journal of Mace WIndu” I think it’s an interesting way of getting in Mace’s head, to know what he’s thinking. I enjoyed the entries – Mace giving his thoughts and recording facts about what he’s witnessing and experiencing. These journal entries are encrypted immediately, and uploaded to the Jedi archives, so they can’t be altered or deleted. A cool touch.

There is one thing I found a bit too silly, it’s implied that Mace Windu flips up the middle finger to a couple bad dudes. It was humorous, but it wasn’t that funny.

The ending of this book without spoiling anything, is one of my favorite types of endings in a book. I’ll just say, I love a good tragedy. That’s not a spoiler… because you don’t know what I find tragic. The outcome of the characters and the results of what plays out on Haruun Kal, is fantastic.

Do I recommend Star Wars: Shatterpoint? The answer, is yes. I like Mace Windu, and I’m glad we have novel with him as the main character.

RATING

I will give Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover, a B+

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