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Star Wars: The Voice of the Empire

by

SPOILER FREE

The Voice of the Empire: A Star Wars short story, was written by Mur Lafferty. Art was created by Jason Chan.

Summary: In this tale we take a look into the mainstream media of the Star Wars galaxy, the Holonet News, or HNN. Much like the real world, media is bias and for the most part, controlled by some unseen puppet master… maybe? In this story the Empire takes control of HNN, giving them complete control. Now the Empire can make itself as “transparent” as it wants to be, by restricting all the grusome facts. Eridan Wesye is the new head of HNN, giving Mandora Catabe (former head) a forced early retirement. The favored reporter and main character, Calliope Drouth, is promoted and given a small gift from former boss, Mandora… a small recorder droid, an X-OX model, pronounced as ZOX.  She will become the voice of the Empire, a face the galaxy will trust. Calliopes first assignment under new management, is to attend the Imperial Ball and rub shoulders with the dignitaries and report on the fashion trends.

Calliope is at the ball, speaking to senators and Imperial officers until her attention turns with the crowds gaze to a new arrival. Commander Krennic, the man behind the Emperors secret projects. Calliope develops a plan to interview the man in white, and when she does, a malfunction occurs that could potentially spell out doom.

Characters: Calliope Drouth is really the only character worth mentioning in this story. She’s the lead, most of our time is spent with her. I don’t like her, though I don’t hate her. She’s just a dedicated reporter doing her job. She’s got a scar on her face that she’s refused to have removed. It’s somewhat of a trophy… a symbol of how serious she takes her job as an investigative journalist. She really wasn’t anything special and I don’t care to learn more about her in the future.

Overall Review:  I did not like this story. With the lack of any action, dialogue and a climax that failed to deliver, there was nothing special about the short story. It simply doesn’t stand out. Just a day to day routine of the Empire and how it functioned. Wasn’t it assumed that the Empire had taken over the media pretty soon after it was formed? The character names were difficult to read and pronounce. In my video review I stumble of the names often.

Rating: I give this book a 1 out of 5

Star Wars: Turning Point

by

SPOILER FREE

Turning Point: A Star Wars short story, is written by Jason M. Hough. Art was created by Carsten Bradley

Summary:  In this tale we follow a simple man from the land of Tavuu, the capital city of Radii; a new location in canon. This man, Gorlan, is sought out by an Imperial officer and his stormtroopers. He is to guide them through the dangerous Zoess forest, so they may find what they seek. Will the native be a hinderance to the Empire or will he fulfill his task?

Characters:  Our two main characters are Lieutenant Vrake and the native Gorlan Seba. For such a short story, I felt that we really got a great in-depth look at some new characters. Lieutenant Vrake is loyal to the empire. He is strict yet somewhat sensitive. He takes his job seriously and listened to the advice of the native rather than act on impulse and pride.

Gorman is a simple man, he could care less about the Empire and just as well, any sort of rebellion. Gorlan is experienced in his task of trekking through the dangerous and deadly Zoess forest. He is smart, stern, and honest.

Overall Review:  I loved this short story! It’s actually the first I’ve read in the new canon. This story alone is worth the Star Wars Insider magazine. I truly wanted this story to keep going! I want so much more of Gorlan and Vrake; can we get a novel with these two? The environment was creative and fresh, fitting in just right with the galaxy. I would have liked maybe just a little bit more details of the environment. The story was was written in first person, which I normally can’t stand, but Jason Hough wrote it well. The story leads into the novel, Aftermath Life Debt written by Chuck Wendig. The ending of the story was a delight but really made me want more!

Rating: I give this short story a 5 out of 5