Star Wars: The Krytos Trap

Star Wars: The Krytos Trap (X-Wing #3) (Legends, New Republic Era #5)

Continuing the X-Wing series, this builds upon the foreshadowing set up in Wedge's Gamble and sees the Krytos Virus wreaking havoc. The concept of the imperials leaving tricking the New Republic by letting them captured a festering world is very intriguing. Even more interesting though is the trial of Tycho Celchu, which threatens to tear the New Republic apart after it had just been born. While it is a lot of courtroom drama, it makes it no less riveting Star Wars entertainment. This is accompanied by plenty of space action in the quest to find more bacta supplies, something which I found lacking in the previous installment. Of special note, Corran's storyline went down a very interesting route, exploring his hidden heritage and foreshadowing a great component of the franchise's future.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. This could also be exciting for someone who likes courtroom dramas, although I wouldn't advertise it to mystery fans. The author doesn't take the time to put the clues in for readers to discover who the culprit is. The reveal at the end makes sense still,but this just isn't the type of whodunit story for mystery fans.

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: Oct 1996
Page Length: 368
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Wedge's Gamble

Star Wars: Wedge's Gamble (X-Wing #2) (Legends, New Republic Era #4)

This is a decent entry to the Star Wars series. While I personally didn't think it was as good as the first entry in the X-Wing series, I think that's because I prefer more space travel and combat compared to the ground based espionage feel that it had. It is still a good story with plenty of great characters introduced. The approach taken to how the rebellion conquered Coruscant was an interesting take, considering how this is an organization that a few years previously could be nearly wiped out in one battle above Endor. I can appreciate the conquest from within approach compared to an all out battle to take the Imperial capital. The book also has a satisfying climax that's very exciting. I also found that it set up for the sequel novels extremely well, making what should be a great victory for the newly formed New Republic a bittersweet experience.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. (I know someone exactly like this so hence why I'm saying it). This also works as a decent spy thriller, although that isn't my particular genre so maybe a spy thriller fanatic will scoff at me after reading this book.

Rating:
Story: 3.5 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: May 1996
Page Length: 357
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (X-Wing #1) (Legends, New Republic Era #3)

This is a great entry to the Star Wars story and kicks off the X-Wing series in the Legends continuity. It introduces a great new cast of characters, expanding the fan favorite Wedge Antilles and introducing a huge character, Corran Horn. The inclusion of Gavin Darklighter, cousin to Biggs Darklighter, was a nice touch as well. I found it very interesting to see how this squadron is reformed with new members (presumably to start with a clean slate from what was established before in the comic series, which I haven't read). The space combat was also very engaging and combined with the story definitely made me want to read the sequel. It's also interesting to see how the rebellion goes about taking Coruscant and establishing the New Republic (the story of which is established in this series primarily). There are also a great variety of locales along the way.

I'd recommend reading this story both for any Star Wars fan and for anyone who likes sci-fi in general. Fans of military fiction should also enjoy this, assuming they aren't the type that can't stand science fiction and expect things to be too realistic. (I know someone exactly like this so hence why I'm saying it).

Rating:
Story: 4 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Settings: 4 Stars
Literary Quality: 4 Stars
Overall Quality: 4 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: January 1996
Page Length: 386
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None

Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura

Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura (Legends, New Republic Era #1)

Overall, this is an okay Star Wars story. While it isn't great, it isn't as bad as a few entries that appear later in the series. Mainly, this entry explores what happens right after Return of the Jedi and how the rebellion begins to gain new world's support in order to from the New Republic. This particular entry see the main trio of Luke, Han, and Leia going to an imperial controlled planet under invasion by a foreign power known as the Ssi-Ruuk. Basically, space dinosaurs. Yes, you heard me correctly, space dinosaurs. While this makes for an interesting team up between the Rebellion and the Empire, it does feel somewhat out of place in Star Wars as well. Still, the action is pretty decent and the story is acceptable enough stand on its own as a kind of pass-over "episode" in the greater Star Wars Legends "TV Series" if you will.

I'd recommend reading this story if you are a die hard Star Wars fan who wants to get the whole picture or if you are an in general sci-fi fan.

Rating:
Story: 3 Stars
Characters: 3 Stars
Settings: 3 Stars
Literary Quality: 3 Stars
Overall Quality: 3 Salmon

Nerdy Details:
Author: Kathy Tyers
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Published: January 1994
Page Length: 341
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Space Opera
Awards and Nominations:  None