Star Wars: Thrawn Treason Book Review

Star Wars: Thrawn Treason Book Review

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Star Wars: Thrawn Treason was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Timothy Zahn. This is the third and final installment of the canon Trawn trilogy! This tale takes place before the Rebels television series.

SUMMARY: Politics among the Empire’s ranks is ever present in this tale of war and greed. Director Krennic’s Stardust project is hit with delays as an infestation of Grallocs (a cousin of the Mynock), feed on the power of the cargo freighters hauling parts and weapons. These creatures latch onto ships as they fly through space, leading the empire to believe a glitch in the freighters hyperdrive blasts the ships into space, dropping out in the middle nowhere.

Thrawn strikes a deal with Emperor Palpatine, Tarkin and Director Krennic, that if he can solve the Gralloc problem in a certain timeframe, his TIE defender program will receive more funding. Assistant Director Ronan is to accompany Thrawn on the Chimaera (Thrawn’s Star Destroyer) as the mission proceeds. It is on this mission when Grand Admiral Thrawn discovers the Grysks (a terror from the unknown regions), has made their way into imperial space! Also in this discovery, an unexpected reunion takes place, Eli Vanto returns with the Chiss Ascendancy! 

Thrawn meets with Vanto and Admiral Ar’alani of the Chiss Ascendancy, making Assistant Director Ronan skeptical of Thrawn. Does Thrawn’s loyalty lie with the Empire or the Chiss Ascendancy? Are Thrawn’s actions treasonous?  As the plot thickens, relationships are made and severed as the truth pertaining to the missing Stardust cargo is exposed.

CHARACTERS: This book has several great characters. I will mention only two!

Thrawn: The blue Chiss is calm, cool, and collected. He has a brilliant mind with a knack for outwitting his foes. Thrawn is a problem solver and genuine leader, with no hesitation to promote or reprimand his subordinates. His loyalty to the Empire and to the Chiss Ascendancy is nearly equal, and his hatred for the Grysks is great. His actions appear outright crazy and foolish, yet nothing he does is without forethought based on wisdom he’s acquired.

Ar’alani: Admiral Ar’alani is a of the Chiss Ascendancy. She’s admiral of the ship named Steadfast. She’s understanding of Thrawn’s roll to the Empire, but also can’t help but question where his heart is. She’s a hard leader that follows procedure but also willing to follow Thrawn’s instruction. Ar’alani is dead set on wiping out the Grysks.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I’ll start off by saying Star Wars: Thrawn Treason is very clever, highly amusing, and extremely exciting! You need to read this! Timothy Zahn is a great writer and handles character development and story elements equally as good. He tends to lean heavy on a more “hard sci-fi” style of writing, compared to a more fantasy based sci-fi. This novel truly was fun to read and I found it hard to put down.

This story has several elements that link to the Catalyst novel, and I think that is brilliant. Not only do we have Director Krennic and Stardust sprinkled in this tale, but Death Troopers! The Death Troopers aren’t just mentioned, we actually follow a few of them on a mission, and it’s awesome! This book really ties into canon that’s already established, making it a great addition to the overall story.

The twists and turns were fashioned in a few different ways. Some felt organic, while others were a little too dramatic. Thrawn’s brilliance can come off too convenient at times, which can take away some of the tension, making certain outcomes predictable. However, the book is full of surprises and wonderful moments. There are indeed some of the most tense situations in recent Star Wars story telling that grab you by the collar and pull you to the edge of your seat.

Well, do I recommend that you read Thrawn Treason by Timothy Zahn? Yes, I’d say this is the best in the Trawn trilogy.

RATING: I will give this novel an A+

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Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron Book Review

Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron Book Review

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Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Alexander Freed. He also wrote the Rogue One novelization as well as Battlefront: Twilight Company.

SUMMARY: This story takes place after Return of the Jedi and the comic book, Shattered Empire. Emperor Palpatine is dead, yet his Sentinel Droid orders the remnants of the Empire to initiate Operation Cinder. Operation Cinder is the total destruction of planets using special technology to create apocalyptic storms which causes a planet to tear itself apart.

Yrica Quell, was once a special forces TIE pilot in the 204th unit A.K.A Shadow Wing. She has a change of heart and switches sides, joining the New Republic military. She joins a team made up of pilots that fly various ships, creating a new squadron… Alphabet Squadron.

CHARACTERS: This book brings an entirely new cast save for one, which is Herra Syndulla. However, I’m not going to talk about her.

Yrica Quell – Like I mentioned, she was once with the Empire, a pilot in Shadow WIng. She finds Operation Cinder a bit too evil. So she leaves the Empire and finds herself at Traitors Remorse, a kind of holding area for those who have abandoned their service to the Empire. She’s called on to work intelligence, to track down the destructive Shadow Wing unit. Until she finally proves her loyalty to the New Republic, and is granted access to an X-Wing.

Wyl Lark – He’s a human male, and pilots an A-Wing. He’s homesick but his loyalty to the cause is great. Although he’d like to do nothing more but return to his homeland, he pilots his A-Wing into battle to help burn the Empire to ash.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Alexander Freed is a master writer. He’s articulate, descriptive, and intelligent. He creates wonder dialogue and knows how to paint the scenery. The book starts off great! However, it fades off into a boring story.

The story starts off pretty strong, but in part two the story dragged and by part three, I was giving up on the story all together. I am looking forward to the second book, hoping it changes my views of this book.

I like that the book is full of a brand new cast of characters. Having the Sentinal droid show up from the comics was really cool!

So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed?

RATING: I will give this book a C.

Star Wars: Master and Apprentice Book Review

Star Wars: Master and Apprentice Book Review

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Star Wars: Master & Apprentice Book Review

A novel written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray.

Master and Apprentice was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray. Gray has written a few other excellent Star Wars books; Bloodline and two YA novels, Lost Stars and Leia: Princess of Alderaan. The book was published by DelRey. This is the first canon novel to take place before the events of The Phantom Menace

SUMMARY: The Jedi Council extends an invitation to Qui-Gon Jinn to join the council. Before he can find the opportune time to discuss this with his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kenobi hears of the news from someone else. Uncomfortable strife between master and apprentice will have to work together on an unexpectedly dangerous mission. A Jedi Knight named Rael Averross, requests the assistance of Qui-Gon Jinn to the planet Pijal, to help resolve a political dispute. A treaty is to be signed by the Pijali princess and a major mining corporation, Czerka. This treaty will open a new hyperspace corridor, and initiate other fine print controversial laws.

Qui-gon believes the force provided him a horrific vision. He reports the vision to the council and Averross. Well, because of his interest in ancient prophecies, the other Jedi believe his interests are interfering with his sleep and duty.

Will Qui-Gon join the council? Will master and apprentice come to an understanding of each other? Is Qui-Gon losing his mind? If you’d like to know the answer to these wild questions, I suggest you pick this book up and read it!

CHARACTERS: In this book we read about two familiar characters as well as a few new folks. I’ll mention one familiar and one new character.

Qui-Gon Jinn: It’s nice to learn more about Qui-Gon’s history. We get a glimpse of his days training as an apprentice. As we know from The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon is somewhat of a rebellious Jedi. He values archaic, mystical writings over text of the Jedi Order. His favorite interest of study is of the ancient prophecies and language. Diving into the prophecies is frowned upon by most Jedi, as it can potentially lead to the dark side; seeing the future and wanting to possibly manipulate it.

Rael Averross: He’s a Jedi Knight, sent on a long mission to watch over the princess of the planet, Pijal. For eight years he served as the Lord Regent, assisting the princess while development and construction of a new hyperspace corridor was developing. He and Qui-Gon shared the same master in their youth, Dooku. Rael struggles with his past. Like Qui-Gon, he struggles with some aspects of the Jedi Order.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Master and Apprentice explores the relationship not only between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon and Dooku. This novel is well balanced with action, politics, and the force. The book starts off strong and exciting, exposing fascinating little cannon nuggets, such as a historical fact about the galaxy. It was a lot of fun to read a novel that takes place before The Phantom Menace, especially about the relationship of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Toward the middle of the book… it got weird. Hope of Master and Apprentice being a great read began to dwindle. There were a few cringe worthy moments, like when it came to a few droid names and the way the prophecies were written. I think it was supposed to be cool, however, it was a little too corny. As I’ve said in other Star Wars reviews and other content I post, explicit sexual content/references do not belong in the Star Wars books. There is no reason for it whatsoever.

After a mid-story decline, the book picked back up for an enjoyable ride. The Jedi Council causes division and conflict between Kenobi and Qui-Gon. It was interesting to see how they managed to overcome differences as well as work together on a mission that every which way but simple.

Gray did well with the development of each character for the most part. Glimpses of the past that we witness of Dooku are a joyful, exciting, and mysterious highlight in the novel. While a lot has been revealed about the past for some characters, a lot is also made more mysterious. While it’s cool to add bits to a character’s past and tease events throughout the book, it’s not cool to finish the book with those bits left unanswered. As a result, I feel a little cheated and unsatisfied with some aspects of the story.

There was one issue I had with the dialogue. While it was wonderful and very Star Warsy, the use of the word damn was record breaking for a Star Wars book. I can understand its use occasionally but damn… it was used way too much! I don’t want to end on a sour note, the book was a lot of fun. I don’t really know what else I can say about it. Like I said already, it was an enjoyable ride after a bit of turbulence in the middle. Claudia Gray is an outstanding author that delivers a good story with every Star Wars book she writes.

Do I recommend you read Star Wars: Master and Apprentice? Yes, it’s got action, politics, and of course, the force.

RATING: I give this book an B+.

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Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow Book Review

Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow Book Review

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Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow

 Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow is a YA Novel written by E.K. Johnston. It was published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press.

SUMMARY

The time has come for Padme to step down as Queen of Naboo. As she walks away from the throne, she discovers other opportunities in which she can still serve her home planet. Serving as a Republic Senator, Padme can be a representative for Naboo, and attempt to better the galaxy in the political ring.

CHARACTERS

 A lot of us tend to paint Padme as a strong female character… but is she? Or is she just paranoid, relying on those around her to bail her out? The conclusion I’ve come to, is both. We know from The Phantom Menace that during the skirmish of Naboo with the Trade Federation, Queen Amadala has hand maidens, a body double, an altered voice for “Royalty’s sake and body double disguise.” This book pretty much shows us that she has always been paranoid, before the Trade Federation conflict.

When Amadala makes her transition from Queen to Senator, it’s a bit tough for her make the adjustment. Padme uses the name Amadala as a stage name… an alias. When Padme is with her handmaidens behind closed doors, they talk about Amadala like she’s another person. It’s weird.

Even as Senator, Padme has handmaidens, a body double, a security team, and even has someone tapping into the newsfeeds on Coruscant.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

The book leads to a dead end. There is no climax. There is no real resolve. Some issues are tackled with the story… but overall, as a whole… the story leads to nothing. I don’t know if it’s supposed to tie into Clone Wars or if a second book is to be release… but the epilogue suggests that’s not going to happen. As I’m making my way through Clone Wars season one. I can’t recall any names that have been dropped in this book. I finished reading this book unsatisfied, underwhelmed, and a little confused.

RATING: I give this book an F. I expected a powerful YA novel about Padme. I wanted to close this book and feel that she was a truly powerful and in control character. Yet, I close the book feeling that she was just paranoid, relying on others to help her gain success.

I can’t recommend you read this book… But as a Star Wars diehard, it’s best to go ahead and complete your library. And hey, you may like this book, everyone’s taste is different.

 

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Star Wars: Lando’s Luck Book Review

Star Wars: Lando’s Luck Book Review

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Star Wars: Lando’s Luck Review

Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon – Lando’s Luck

Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon – Lando’s Luck is a junior novel, written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Justina Ireland. Illustrations in the book were done by Annie Wu.

SUMMARY

Lando Calrissian is out on the planet Hynestia, playing a game of sabbacc after doing a bit of smuggling business. He smuggled in some special juice which is highly illegal on Hynestia. Well once this game ends a bounty hunter bursts through the cantina doors and arrests Lando’s sabbacc opponent… her name is Zel. She had something stolen something called the Solstice Globe. Lando attempts to make his way out of the cantina when the Queen of Hynestia comes in and basically says, “Hey… you sit down, you smuggled in some illegal juice!” So while Zel is sentenced to time in the dungeon, Lando is given a death sentence. However, Lando’s hide is saved when Prinecss Rinetta steps up and says “How about we let Lando take the Solstice Globe to the Empire, as our payment to them.” So the Queen agrees. However, what the Queen and Lando don’t know, is that Rinetta was actually working with Zel, to get the Soltice Globe off planet to Livno III, where it came from. Long ago, Hynestians had stolen it from Livno III. So… a bunch of shenanigans ensue and that’s basically the story… A crazy adventure to get an artifact from one place to another, with obstacles needing to be overcome.

CHARACTERS

Lando Calrissian: He’s consistant with who he is in the films, especially Solo: A Star Wars Story. He’s obsessed with himself, his looks, and his ship, He wants to get rich, but he’s got to do it the easy way… by cheating.

Princess Rinetta: She’s defiant against her mother. She’s got a strong will and wants to follow her heart and act on what she believes is the right thing.

L3: I don’t like this droid, the book didn’t make “her” any better for me. L3 is just as annoying in this book as she is on screen. However, L3 did provide some humor.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

It’s an okay read, nothing too special. It’s a quick easy read. Character development was pretty good. The familiar characters were consistent with how they appeared in previous material and the new characters were introduced well. The Flight of the Falcon Series will take the Falcon on several new adventures and I’m looking forward to what else we have in store for the series.

Do I recommend that you read Flight of the Falcon – Lando’s Luck? Sure, read this instead of Last Shot!

RATING: I give this book a B-

Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances Book Review

Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances Book Review

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Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances Book Review

Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Timothy Zahn.

This is the second novel in canon staring the legendary character, Thrawn! The novel takes place on the timeline after the first Thrawn book, as well as A New Dawn and during events in the Rebels television series.

SUMMARY:

So the Clone Wars era, Padme answers a call on Batuu, a planet on the edge of the unknown regions. She runs into trouble, causing Anakin to search for her. On this quest, Anakin meets Thrawn. It’s great stuff… but I’ll leave it at that.

During the Galactic Civil War era, Emperor Palpatine senses a disturbance in the Force generated from a great distance, the unknown regions. He calls upon Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader to seek out the source.

The duo isn’t too thrilled to have to work together, but they do so. Vader is appalled by Thrawn’s social/leading tactics, he lets his subordinates speak to him freely. Vader does not trust Thrawn, he’s suspicions of his loyalty to the Empire.

On this mission. They indeed discover a looming threat over the galaxy. Spoiler alert, spoiler alert, I’m going to mention the threat in 3… 2… 1… The Grysk! An alien species on the prowl ton concur the galaxy! They are brutal, and they have been watching the Empire, studying their tactics.

CHARACTERS:

Anakin: He’s the complete opposite of Thrawn and he’s a Jedi! He’s arrogant, likes to shoot first, (or slash with a lightsaber) and ask questions later. Who needs a solid plan when you can wing it? He’s demanding and focused on executing his will.

Vader: Bits of his past still linger, though now, he’s a Dark Lord of the Sith. He’s angry, takes nothing from nobody. He takes charge with force (pun not intended). He doesn’t trust Thrawn or his loyalty to the Empire. Vader uses a familiar Force power in an all new way that I found incredible. (Not spoiling it in this review)

Finally, I didn’t expect to mention Padme… but I will. She’s whiney, and expects others to drop what their doing to assist her in accomplishing her goals. She’s also a horrible liar, but what else can you expect from a politician?

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

The alternating timeline doesn’t bother me in this book, Zahn does a great job switching between the timelines and with writing the characters as they would appear to be during the time in which the story is taking place. However, as interesting as the story is during the Clone Wars era with Anakin, Padme, and Thrawn… I couldn’t help but want to skip over it to get to the Galactic civil war era material.

Bringing some things from the prequel era is important, and when I say that, I’m meaning the films. We have Anakin and Padme together, we have R2D2 and his jet boosters. I wonder if those boosters were always in George’s mind for R2?

I really hope that this book is the introduction to a much larger universe that will continue on in other books, shows, and future films. There is a possible hint at the origins of The Skywalker name as well! The Chiss are an amazing species that I’d love to see more of. The threat in the unknown regions seems legit. I don’t know we’d get anything more with that within the Skywalker saga. However, in other novels, we’ve read that the First Order had to overcome a powerful force. I think it would be great to have this threat explored in a film or streaming show!

Do I recommend you read Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances? Well, if you’ve been waiting for the Star Wars galaxy to Expanded in canon… yes!

RATING: