Star Wars: Republic Commando – Triple Zero, book two 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-two years before the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
SUMMARY
Eight years before the Battle of Geonosis, friend of Jango Fett and fellow Mandalorian, Kal Skirata, arrives on Kamino. Upon leaning that six clones were scheduled for termination, as they did not meet the Kaminoan standards for the the Clone Troopers. These six defected clones were defiant and unruly. Skirata steps in and claims the six as his own. He raises them as unique ARC troopers, with an understating of their Mandalorian heritage.
Flashing forward a year after the Battle of Geonosis, Skirata is hired along with Omega Squad & Delta Squad and a few Jedi, to track down and terminate a Separatist terrorist/spy cell on Coruscant. The unit is fractured by conflict, the two squads just can’t get along. Etain reunites with Omega Squad to oversee the mission, during this time, her and Darman fall in love. Etain, then becomes pregnant, truly defying the Jedi Orders strict ways.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This is where I loose people. Soon after I started this book I was already over it. My goodness, all that I enjoyed from book one was absent in this one. I was bored out of my mind with this story. I may not be the biggest fan of action, but when I turned page after page after page of mediocre dialogue. I’d have to stare at the cover of the novel to entertain myself.
I thought the character development was fantastic in the first book, Hard Contact. This one was lacking in that department, mostly, Kal Skirata was an interesting character, but he alone couldn’t save this story. Etain bugged me, she was constantly reassuring the troopers that they weren’t expendable – that they were all special, it’s almost as though she was saying it so much to remind herself of that.
We get more about the Mandalorian culture, which is neat,, but also weird at times. We learn that they think its okay to commit adultery when there’s some separation (as long as they raise the child that becomes of it) that’s stupid and random. Mandalorian define themselves by culture and behavior. I’m sorry but when some of the clones were doing a tribal type song and dance, I couldn’t help but chuckle… A war is going on and these outcast troops are breaking out into a musical.
This book is overloaded with acronyms and slang (in the Mando language), making it a little challenging to follow.
What I’m about to mention here contains a spoiler. The love story between Darman and Etain, fine whatever. Interesting choice though to have Etain keep such a massive secret from Darman; she’s pregnant and doesn’t tell Darman that he’s going to be a father! So much for these clones being something special, individually meaningful… if can’t even tell one that he’s going to have an heir!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, my fingers are crossed with hope that I’ll appreciate it much more than this one.
Do I recommend this book? Nah, just look up spoilers and move on.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Republic Commando – Triple Zero, a C-.
Star Wars: Republic Commando – Hard Contact, book one 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-two years before the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
SUMMARY
A special Republic Commando unit is formed, Omega Squad. They are sent to the planet Qiilura, where they are to destroy a Seperatist Research Facility that is actively developing a nano-virus designed to specifically kill the clones! Omega Squad is also instructed to capture the head scientist of the project.
Just as the mission gets started, one of the members of Omega Squad is separated. The communications systems are limited on this mission, as the Neimoidians have control of the planets long range communications. This makes things a bit difficult for the team to regroup.
A Jedi Padawan has trouble adjusting to a war torn galaxy and her role in commanding clones. Omega Squad learns to work together quickly in unfamiliar territory to survive hard contact with attack droids, a rugged Mandalorian, and to accomplish their mission.
OVERALL THOUHTS
I’m not sure how I feel about the writing style. Karren Traviss keeps the story entertaining, yet sometimes the way things are written, the prose, seem amateur-ish, or just too plain and simple. Sometimes though, there would be a poetic flow to the writing. I like how Traviss didn’t try to get to technical in the story telling with military jargon and the like. This battle-focused story did well by focusing on the characters more than the action.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, while they were all the same… from a certain point of view, they were all very different from each other. The elite squad of clones came together under difficult circumstances. Yet they put their duty before their emotions and form a bond that comes across as genuine.
It was nice meeting a new Jedi Padawn who was separated from her master. She was afraid and unsure of herself. The interaction between her and one of the commandos was great, the clone expecting the padawn to take command, but the padawn had no experience or knowledge on how to lead a squad.
In the Star Wars universe there seems to be a cycle of weaponry. Massive super weapons and/or viruses aimed at specific groups. Those ideas can get tedious, which is why the author must put real weight to the characters, their actions and reactions. I believe Karan Traviss did a good job with this story, making the Commando mission feel adventures and dangerous, leading the reader from chapter to chapter, not knowing if each member of the squad will make it out of this one alive.
Do I recommend this novel? Yes, the action was good and the characters were cool.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Republic Commando – Hard Contact, an A.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gambit: Siege, an Expanded Universe novel – the sequal to Clone Wars Gambit: Stealty – was written by Karen Miller. This tale takes place during the Rise of the Empire era, during the clone wars, 21 years before the battle of Yavin.
SUMMARY
The story picks up right where we left off, with Anakin & Kenobi in a spaceship on Lanteeb. Sadly, the duo crash their ship and need to seek shelter immediately, before the droid army discovers their location. Ahsoka is growing anxious to hear back from her master; a bad feeling is filling her gut.
Dooku is losing his patience with General Durd as he’s wanting his plans to come to fruition; Durd just can’t get the work done in a timely manner. Meanwhile, Bail Organa has a scientist breaking down the elements of the developing bioweapon, to create an antidote.
Kenobi and Anakin hide out with in a small community that is mining the very substance (unknowingly), that’s used in the bioweapon that Durd has created. Trouble eventually finds them, and as a result, brings alarm to the community.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
A strange way to split this series into two books, why the Gambit books weren’t combined into just one book is baffling to me.
While I was enjoying the first book in this series, I was bored out of my mind with the second instalment. It was was like a Clone Wars episode that just wouldn’t end. Everyone was irritated with each other. Real life bickering and confrontation is bad enough, don’t care to read about it in an entire Star Wars novel.
A little foreshadowing of Anakin becoming man & machine happens, and it’s pretty dumb. He surrenders himself to become one with a machine. It’s mentioned that he can’t burn, because he’s machine… but you know… eventually he WILL burn and become machine.
“Let your feelings guide you Anakin, and you won’t go far wrong.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kenobi delivers what is most likely the worst advice ever given to Anakin Skywalker.
The author pulls the curtain back on the Jedi Order, revealing that the Jedi are full of secrets. The guardians of peace have little to no control of the events unfolding all across the galaxy, and they truly are afraid.
Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gambit: Siege? No.
RATING
I give The Clone Wars novelization 2.5 out of 5 stars; C-.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth was written by Karen Miller. This novel is part of the Expanded Universe, a.k.a. Legends. This tale takes place during the Rise of the Empire era, during the clone wars, 21 years before the battle of Yavin.
SUMMARY
General Grievous continues his reign of terror across the galaxy. Republic Forces are hit hard by the separatists in the battle of Kothlis. In the battle, the Republic learns that their warships are infected with a virus, which take over their computers and communications. Such a massive disruption had to have been accomplished at the Republic Shipyards.
Chancellor Palpatine urges the Jedi Order and select members of the senate to place a permanent unit of Jedi and Republic troops on Kothlis. Yoda and Bail Organa aren’t thrilled with this suggestion. Especially when Palpatine asks that the best of the best are sent there; removing them from the frontlines of the war!
Bail Organa comes to Obi-Wan with top-secret news regarding the Separatists. He has a gut feeling that they are harvesting resources on the planet Lanteeb. Further research reveals that the Separatists are very likely developing a bioweapon! Only a handful of folks will know of this, and the secret mission that follows to verify such claims.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
One reason you must always take reviews lightly, is because we all have our own opinions, our own likes and dislikes. I heard that this book was one of the worst. So I went in cautiously, expecting disappointment. Yet, I actually enjoyed this story.
Karen Miller does a really good job expressing the inner emotions of our characters. These Clone Wars books really show us the mental/emotional decline of Anakin Skywalker. We see Anakin act reckless and defiant. He truly is controlled by his emotions and has a hard time with self control. Kenobi is frustrated with his old Padawan, but he knows there isn’t much he can really do, Anakin is a Jedi Knight now, and is trekking his own path.
Kenobi is tired, at least that’s what everyone keeps telling him. Kenobi and Bail Organa have a good conversation, a bond clearly was formed between them through the events of Wild Space. I do like that they have formed a friendship, that Bail truly trusts Kenobi.
Ahsoka is so concerned about her relationship with Anakin. She feels like a shadow, but feels like she’s also a protector of him. She wants his approval, wants to keep the chosen one safe.
Palpatine doesn’t hold back in showing some of his cards in screwing over the Republic. wanting to send the best troops to Kothlis, to remain, out of the fight. Such an obvious move to weaken the Republic on the frontlines.
The relationship between Palpatine and Anakin is strong, Palpatine continues to lure the boy in, acting as a father figure. Palpatine reveals that he knows of Anakin & Padme’s relationship, ensuring that he will keep it a secret. One really good thing that these Clone Wars books reveal, is the building relationship between Palpatine and Anakin.
The story brings Anakin and Kenobi together to work undercover on Lanteeb. They hope to find out the secrets of the Separatists. They stumble upon Dr. Bant’ena Fhernan, who is forced to work for the Separatists. Kenobi and Skywalker meet with her, it’s a strange “rescue attempt.” We get a lot going on in her head, she’s grateful but also very rude. If she dies, many could live, but also die… if she lives, many will die. Kenobi contemplates killing her, which is very out of character. We run through a list of ways he thinks of killing her, including bursting her heart in her chest.
Karen Miller takes liberty with changing character traits. This is aggravating and obnoxious. Yoda tells Kenobi to lie to Dr. Fhernan about her families safety. Anakin and Obi-Wan have a big argument about it. Kenobi had a relationship in his youth with another Jedi that went beyond mere friendship. His old love, Taria Damsin, makes an appearance in this novel, and she’s dying from a terminal illness.
I really feel then Anakin has a hatred for Kenobi, the relationship between them really isn’t a brotherhood, but of tolerance. Nobody is disappointed in his old Padawan, and Anakin is constantly frustrated with his old master.
Do I recommend this book? If you’re a fan of the Clone Wars, I’d have to say yes!
Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie novelization was written by New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Traviss. This tale takes place during the Rise of Empire Era, shortly after the events of Attack of the Clones. The story is about 22 years before the battle of Yavin
SUMMARY
Count Dooku, leader of the Separatist Army, made an attempt to lure the Jabba the Huttinto joining the Separatist movement. The end goal was to have Jabba deny outer-rim hyperspace lanes in his territory, to Galactic Republic forces. Dooku has arranged to have Jabba the Hutts infant son, Rotta, kidnapped. Dooku’s apprentice Asajj Ventress and Jabba’s cousin, Zrio the Hutt design a plot that frames the Jedi Order as the culprit of kidnaping Rotta.
Anakin Skywalker is assigned a padawan (a 14 year-old Togruta female named Ahsoka), a real surprise to Kenobi and Anakin. Anakin and Ahsoka are then sent on a mission to recover Rotta the Hutt, to maintain neutrality with Jabba. Access to the hyperspace lanes in the outer-rim are an important asset to the Republic’s Clone Army.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’ve watched The Clone Wars movie a few years ago, I was not a fan. This novelization, which is based on the screenplay, does a fine job of telling the story in the novel format. I really do not like this story. So many elements are too goofy, unbelievable, and outright annoying. However, Karen Travis did a fine job translating the source material into the novelization. If I had the option to re-watch or re-read The Clone Wars, I would have to re-read the novelization.
I enjoyed reading more of the conflict within Anakin. The title of “The Chosen One” really bothers him, but it does boost his ego. The author did a good job of delving into the young man’s struggles. Anakin hasn’t gotten over the loss of mother or the way he handled her death, which was actually sad, yet fascinating to see how he coped with the loss. Anakin’s irritation with authority was authentic.
Anakin and his newly appointed padawn have a bumpy start. I feel that Ahsoka is a character designed to both mimic and one-up Anakin. They display the same traits; they’re cocky, powerful, have problems with authority, and are always trying to take the lead, The nicknames they have for each other is annoying, dare I say, cringy.
Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: The Clone Warsi? I would say, read the book over watching the film.
RATING
I give The Clone Wars novelization 2 out of 5 stars..
Star Wars: Darth Maul – Shadow Hunter was written by Michael Reaves. This story belongs to the Expanded Universe/Legends novel timeline. It takes place 32 years before the events of A New Hope.
SUMMARY
Darth Sidious, the dark lord of the Sith is getting so close to accomplishing his order’s goal – conquering the galaxy. One of the first major steps to throw the galaxy into chaos is at risk! A delegate of the the Trade Federation with knowledge of the planned blockade has gone on the run. Sidious sends out his apprentice, Darth Maul, to hunt down the deserter and traitor. The trail leads Maul to the Republic political world, of Coruscant.
Darsha Assamt, a Jedi Padawan, is sent on her first solo mission; to retrieve a known former member of the Black Sun crime organization. Darsha is to transport him to the Jedi temple unharmed, where he will trade information for safety. This mission takes Darsha to the underbelly of Coruscant, a dark dingy place overrun with crime and degenerates. The mission spirals out of control, and Darsha must tap into all that she’s trained for.
Lorn Pavan, a mildly depressed Information broker, gets himself caught up in a dangerous game when he purchases valuable information from a Namodian – a Holocron! Pavan knows he can earn a pretty penny selling the Holocron to the right buyer. He and his droid business parter, I-Five, would be able to leave Coruscant and start a new life. This “Sith Holocron” actually contains Sidious’s plans of taking out the Jedi Order and conquering the Galaxy. Darth Maul must find the Holocron before it falls into Jedi Hands.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
With so much going on, many paths being crossed with multiple characters, it’s surprisingly a very smooth read. With the first couple chapters I was a bit concerned that the book was going to be derailed or I’d get lost with the multiple stories going on all at once. That concern quickly faded as the stories came together rather seamlessly. So it turned out, that I was delighted with the flow of the story and the setting. The deep dive into the nasty underworld of Coruscant was highly entertaining.
It was interesting to follow a Jedi character that struggled so much. Not that I want to see the Jedi fail, but to see that such a powerful character-type can struggle. Throwing Darsha in the lower levels of Coruscant on her first mission was a fantastic story element. It takes her out of her comfort zone, being so close to home, yet seeming so far away and foreign.
Michael Reeves did a fine job giving us new characters such as Darsha, Lorn Pavan and his droid partner, I-Five. I was slightly irritated that a few characters were so quick to label the Sith. The Sith were thought dead and gone for so long, why would their existence/presence be at the forefront of multiple people’s minds? I think some of the story points could have been altered so that folks would think that a Jedi had gone rogue, and the Jedi are trying to figure out who it would be.
Speaking of the Sith, following Maul on his mission gave us a great look at the character’s inner thoughts, his control and lack there of with his actions. His quest for death and irradiation of the Jedi gets the better of him.
So, do I recommend that you read Darth Maul – Shadow Hunter? Yes! a fun story in a contained environment, easy to follow.
