by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendency Chaos Rising, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Timothy Zahn.
This tale takes place after the events of Attack of the Clones, however there are memories sections in the story that that reach further back in time to significant moments in our characters lives.
SUMMARY: A ship is discovered on the outskirts of the Chiss Ascendency, its crew, dead. There was also an attack on the Chiss capital, but it was a quick attack that led to nothing but curiosity and confusion. An investigation of the discovered ship leads General Ba’kif, of the Chiss Ascendency to believe the attack on the Chiss world was a distraction from the root cause of the drifting, dead ship. Further investigation, leads to the discovery of the Nikardun. The Nikardun are ruled by Yiv the Benevolent, they travel from world to world in the Chaos, adding new allies to their Nikardun Destiny.
Thrawn is not too impressed by Yiv’s tactics, but is displeased by the conquers treatment and manipulation of other worlds. Thrawn takes it upon himself to expose Yiv for what he is, a coward and a a user. In this story, Yiv the Benevolent is trying to persuade the Vak, citiziens of the world Primea, to join his rule. What the Vak don’t know, is that if they don’t join the Nikardun Destiny, that death will reign down upon them. Thrawn believes the Chiss need to stop the Nikardun, but the Synidcure, or Chiss government, disagrees. Well, Thrawn is no politician, but will take whatever means necessary to fulfill his mission, whether the Chiss Ascendency is with him, or against him.
Will Thrawn defeat The Nikardun? Will he be cast out from the Ascendancy? You’ll need to pick the book and read it to find out!
CHARACTERS: Zahn delivers a great tale with rich characters and edge of your seat action! The story gives us a great full cast of characters. Some are familiar to Star Wars readers, while most, are introduced for the first time.
Admiral Ar’alani: She’s a successful Admiral of the Chiss Ascendency. She’s loyal to her people and protective of Thrawn. She uses her rank to help shield some of Thrawn’s reckless yet brilliant tactics from the Syndicure’s (Chiss government’s) wraith. She will do what’s right for her people, even if it means a slap on the wrist.
Yiv the Benevolent: He’s a pretty mean dude, he is wrathful of those who stand against him or deny him. He craves power and puts on a front of peace to lure new systems into his Nikardun Destiny. Once he has made his treaties, he bends the cultures and systems to his will.
Thrawn: He’s the man with the plan. He always remains calm and level headed. He doesn’t really care what others think of him. While he’s an expert in military warfare tactics, he’s not the best politician. He likes art, a trait we’ve seen remain consistent in other Thrawn stories, by studying a cultures art, he can learn that cultures defense tactics, not quite sure how that’s possible, but, whatever. Thrawn is highly intelligent and can’t seem to just be still, he’s got to be on some mission, authorized or not.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: This novel, while treading on familiar ground with a character that was introduced first in the Star Wars Expanded Universe or Legends canon, then given a trilogy in the current canon, ended up being a breath of fresh air. The social agendas that many of us fans pick up on in many of the new novels is absent in this book, and it’s so refreshing. Finally, a book without some real world political stance. The real Star Wars EU vibe has been restored in this novel.
Zahn brings the Expanded Universe heart back to canon.
I’m going to be honest. When I first started reading I was pretty hyped. Then I was hit with a touch of boredom, I started thinking too much about Star Wars as a whole and how fandom is so divided, and wanted to put the book down. Then, the book hit the gas, and I had to buckle up for one heck of a ride.
The characters names can be a little too difficult to grasp, I don’t like how complicated they are. I can make up a way to say the names in my head, but can’t actually speak them. Yet, the characters were written very well. We get a good sense of what makes these characters tick. We understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Zahn delivers a great tale with rich characters and edge of your seat action!
The memories sections were important to the stories main timeline. However, it would have been cool if instead of having these “memories” chapters in the book, that a short novella had been printed, a short Thrawn prequel novel about his youth. It would have made some things less predictable, as many of the memories foreshadow many actions or events that take place in a following chapter for the current story timeline.
I enjoyed the book overall, the political and familial aspect of the Chiss culture is elaborate and unique, we haven’t fully explored an alien culture in Star Wars to this extent. I love it. Hopefully we dive even deeper into it in the next Thrawn novel.
As this is book one of a new trilogy, the ending leaves it open, as it should. I would have appreciated something a little more nail biting at the end, but I’m pleased with the ending we did get. It gets the mind going with theories, which is also a fun way to end a book.
Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendency Chaos Rising? Yes, I do. Like I said, there’s no social agenda that I picked up on this story, it’s a true Star Wars tale.
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RATING: I give this novel an A.
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by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Shadow Fall was written by New York Times Best Selling author, Alexander Freed. Shadow Fall is book two in the Alphabet Squadron Series.
SUMMARY: The Imperial remnants are scattered across the galaxy still fighting against the newly formed republic, desperately holding strong to it’s territories. In this novel, the story focuses primarily in the Cerberon system over the planet Troithe. New Republic forces including Alphabet Squadron, fight against the imperials to take hold of the capital. A plan is devised to lure Shadow Wing, the deadly TIE Fighter unit out into the open. Shadow Wing had gone silent since the last major event from book one, the battle at Pandem Nai.
Once the TIE unit shows itself to Alphabet Squadron and the rest of the New Repbulic forces, the war over Troithe intensifies. Will Alphabet Squadron hold strong and put an end to Shadow Wing? Will Shadow Wing once again commit mass genocide on another innocent planet? You’ll have to get the book and read for yourself to know the outcome of this page turner!
CHARACTERS: The cast of characters from Alphabet Squadron continue on in this novel. In my review of book one, I spoke briefly on Yrica Quell & Wyl Lark. Now, I will mention Chass na Chadic and Soran Keize
Chass na Chadic: She was inspired by Jyn Erso, a real hero, not a myth or a legend. Chass is aggressive and sometimes a little moody. She seems lost, like she doesn’t know who she truly is, who she’s meant to be or become. She’s defiant and doesn’t get along with the others too well. She tunes out the others others by cranking up music in her cockpit. Her childhood was rough, but the things she’s learned from that time in her life, help her through a difficult and somewhat odd event in the current battle.
Soran Keize: Major Soran Keize, holds the empire in disdain after Operation Cinder. His eyes were opened to just how dark the Emperor truly was. The Empire wasn’t a just government with it best interests aimed at protecting and serving the people of the galaxy. It was all about power. His love of the Empire died, his loyalty to Shadow Wing remains, and his hunger for revenge against Alphabet Squadron is fierce.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Alexander Freed proves once again that he is an A-list author. Formation of the New Republic isn’t easy at all! I love that we get to see how fierce and powerful the imperial remnants still are, of course they would be, this tale does take place before the Battle of Jakku. The Empire was massive, the battle didn’t end with Endor, like some military troops may have thought. You can feel the desperation of the soldiers and pilots. The war isn’t over but the desire for the fighting to stop is great. The tension is extremely high in this story. Emotions the characters go through bleed from the pages! Many moments will raise your anxiety and keep you glued to the book.
You’ll burn through these pages so fast it’ll likely ignite a fire!
It’s a wonderful, deeper character study for a few of the characters. In the previous novel they had a more mysterious edge, their backgrounds weren’t explored. In this novel, we explore the past of a certain character that helps drive the plot forward. The story progresses by jumping from one character’s perspective to the next. It’s quite simple to follow for a war story that has so much going on. Freed is one of those authors that understands character development and how to make each character unique. The dialogue was great! Tension, guilt, surprise, anger, etc. were written so well.
War at its worst, Diversity at its best. There’s a character everyone can relate to!
I was pleasantly surprised by certain outcomes in the story. My skin prickled with chills multiple times. Rarely do I audibly react to things that happen in a book. This book summoned two audible gasps and wide eyed “wow” reaction. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Alphabet Squadron, the first book in this trilogy… Shadow Fall opened my mind to appreciate the first book a little more. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I can’t recall finishing a book while having chills and an drooping jaw from surprise.
So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Shadow Fall? Yes! I wasn’t a big fan of the first book, but this second installment was outstanding!
RATING: I will give this book an A+
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by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Resistance Reborn was written by Rebecca Roanhorse. This novel is marked with the Journey to The Rise of Skywalker banner, preparing us for the final Skywalker saga film.
SUMMARY: The Millennium Falcon holds the remanence of the Resistance. After the events of The Last Jedi, all but a handful of the Resistance have perished. The small group is hurtling through space in a desperate attempt to find a safe haven to refuel and rest. Poe Dameron has sought out his Black Squadron, who’d been preoccupied with a mission of their own and informed them of their losses, and confessed his actions. Black Squadron remains loyal to Dameron despite his failure. Soldiers are important, but what Leia also needs, is a leadership team.
Rebecca Roanhorse writes a hopeful tale filled with nostalgia, connectivity, and thrills!
It’s brought to Leia’s attention that a number of allies may have been captured by the First Order. In this novel, the mission of the Resistance, is to find allies to build up their numbers… and survive.
CHARACTERS: This book does something fresh in canon with characters. Of course we have the popular Resistance characters left over from The Last Jedi, but so many other characters are either new, or brought in from other media. I’m not going to go deep into all the characters, but I’ll mention two that we have been introduced to in previous material, and just one other character.
Rey: She’s awkward, very awkward. Although she’s with the Resistance physically, mentally, she’s absent. She has a really hard time expressing herself and doesn’t know how to relate to anyone around her. She only really feels comfortable around Finn. We don’t get a lot of action with Rey in this novel. I’m not sure how to interpret her as a character in this book. I get the feeling that maybe the author wasn’t really given the freedom to fully dive into character details. Rey is very confused, maybe even conflicted.
Roanhorse nails it! This is definitely a book the Star Wars fans have needed!
Shriv Suurgav: He’s a Duros, an alien with a big head, blue skin, and bulbous red eyes. He makes his return to canon material! He was a character in the video game Battlefront II. He’s got a fun sense of humor, the go to character for comic relief. His presence is a welcome one. I hope we get to see more of him in future novels or possibly a cameo in The Rise of Skywalker.
Wedge Antilles: He’s retired from the military lifestyle, living in the outer-rim just living his life. He’d done so much for the Rebel Alliance, fighting in all the major battles and doing what most of his peers did do, survive. He’s an old man now, living with his wife in peace on an outer rim world. However, he’s got his bug-out-bag packed and ready for the day if he’s ever needed. Now, after the First Order decimated the New Republic and nearly wiped out the Resistance… Wedge is hesitant, but willing to jump back into the fray.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: This book was pretty darn good. Rebecca Roanhorse writes a hopeful tale filled with nostalgia, connectivity, and thrills! In my opinion, this book reminded me of how it feels reading the original Star Wars Expanded Universe. By that, I mean that this story is so connected to the overall canon. The return of many characters from across different mediums was so awesome. Roanhorse brings in things from comics, video games, the original film trilogy, and other novels.
While the story is fun and the plot thrilling, the dialogue is mostly fair. Some of the characters were written spot on, some not so much. I believe that may be a result of an upcoming film involving these characters. The humor from Shriv was excellent, it was organic. Many other comic lines from other characters came across a little forced and just too silly, not funny. My only other complaint would be the usage of the social justice quota. The sexual orientation of a side character is unimportant and irrelevant to the overall story or to the character in general. Stop with the forced “millennial emotional equality” checklist and tell the story naturally.
This novel is great, Rebecca Roanhorse nailed it. I’d say this is definitely a book the Star Wars fans have been wanting.
So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Resistance Reborn? Yes, it’s a book that brings in so much from the overall canon story.
RATING: I give this book an A
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by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Black Spire was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Delilah S. Dawson. She also wrote the novel, Phasma. Galaxy’s Edge – Black Spire is a tie-in novel to Disney’s Star Wars theme park, Galaxy’s Edge. Delilah S Dawson tells a wonderful adventure story that takes hope to the furthest reaches of the galaxy.
SUMMARY: This tale takes place after the events of The Last Jedi. After the resistance suffered a terrible blow when the First Order reduced their numbers in a cat and mouse chase, through hyperspace. The small fleet desperately needs to increase its headcount along with a place to set up camp.
General Leia calls on Resistance spy Vi Moradi, who recently, just barely escaped with her life, along with a dying First Order Captain, from the clutches of the First Order. Moradi is to head to the planet Batuu, on the furthest reaches of known space, to set up a resistance base and recruit Resistance soldiers. She won’t go alone on this mission, her new partner is her former foe… Archex, formally known as Captain Cardinal.
Follow Resistance spy, Vi Moradi, as she goes on a wild escapade to find hope a home in the furthest reaches of the galaxy.
The mission falls flat when Moradi’s ship crashes on Batuu, on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost. While Vi and Archex are unconscious and their droid wrecked to bits, their ship is raided and all their goods, including their long-range communication equipment, is stolen. Now Vi Moradi has to figure out a way to get back their lost supplies, recruit to her cause, and contact General Leia.
Oh… and figure out a way to work with the local gangster and fight against the First Order!
CHARACTER: From a line up of new characters and a few familiar, I’m mentioning two… slightly familiar.
Vi Moradi: Vi is a horrible spy. She wears a jacket with the resistance logo, and has her hair dyed with blue… when you’re a spy, you should blend in to your surroundings, don’t have logos on or near you. She talks too much, telling people she just meets that her mission is to recruit folks to the resistance She’s reckless, careless in fact. However, she’s put into a rough situation and manages to pull through.
Archex: He’s a wounded warrior, on the mend from a life-threatening poison. He’s seen, first hand, how the First Order can be. After the crash landing on Batuu, Archex feels helpless and he can’t stand it. The toll on his battle with Phasma has done serious permanent damage to his body. He can hardly do any physical activity for the resistance, which makes him feel more like a burden than a contributor. He’s loyalty to the Resistance is unclear, making it difficult to trust him.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Delilah S. Dawson delivers a fun, action-packed, high-stakes adventure! In my overall review section, I give my honest opinion. This novel is mostly easy to read, but for me, there are a few parts that I feel drag a little. Yet, the plot is simple, making the adventure feel like an enjoyable classic.
I had a hard time taking Vi Moradi serious. Her sarcasm at odd times and cockiness was a little much. If she’s one of the best in the Resistance, then yeah, the Resistance is in serious trouble. I didn’t like how this spy was so outspoken and flamboyant about who she was and what she was doing on the planet. Most of the other characters in the story were well written. Archex/Captain Cardinal was an interesting choice of character to bring back. I don’t know if bringing him back (pretty much from the dead) was really necessary. However, Archex does have a pretty cool moment in the book that might make you pump your fist in the air.
The dialogue isn’t too bad. Sometimes I think the sprinkled sarcasm from Vi Moradi (as mentioned before) was off putting. The Batuuan cultural greetings are a nice touch, making Batuu feel like a real place.
Dawson’s writing style in this novel was pretty straight forward, telling a linear story without cutting to past events. The book is good advertisement for Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge theme park, and it does fit in nicely with the overall Star Wars story, progressing events forward. Some of the writing was a little choppy, making the final climax come off like an 80’s or 90’s action movie. It was quick wrap up to a story that could have been a little shorter to build up to the final climax. Meaning, two opposing sides somehow knowingly expecting an event at specific time.A few story points felt a little repetitive, some events being too similar to each other multiple times… cut have cut some of that out.
There are a few teases and call backs that raise a few questions and stir excitement. Overall the book was pretty good despite the few dull and overly exaggerated moments.
Do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson? Sure, especially if you have plans to visit Galaxy’s
RATING: I give this book B.
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by Matthew Wilson
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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by Matthew Wilson
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.
