I’m not going to lie: I’ve been dreading reaching these books in my reread not because I dislike them as a whole but because of how controversial they are. Actually, I don’t hate everything about these books, just certain parts. In the mean time, observe as I use humor as a red cape to distract all of you for yelling at me for being wrong! Can you tell I’m nervous? I think I’m doing that thing where I write too much. Maybe we should just start with the actual post.
Betrayal
Kids, in spring of 2006, I was ready to give up on the current timeline of Star Wars books. The Dark Nest trilogy had left me mentally scarred and the Prequel Trilogy books just seemed so much nicer and safer even though I knew everyone was going to die. And then Del Rey did something very smart: they Allston-ed me. What is ‘Allston-ed’, you ask?
Allston-ed (verb) 1 The act of bringing in Aaron Allston to write more books in the Star Wars Expanded Universe therefore enticing readers who might have otherwise quit to come back and continue reading.
2 Experiencing a heart-breaking character death that makes you want to sob uncontrollably and from which you shall never recover.
To top it off, we were told that the planet Adumar would be making an appearance and that Wedge would be in the book. You have no idea how disappointed I was that the Adumarians hadn’t put up a statue of Wedge somewhere and written a charming song called ‘Hero of Adumar’ to go with it. SO DISAPPOINTED. (Wedge! The Man They Call Wedge!)
Speaking of Wedge, why can no one just let him retire? Or maybe you should just not kidnap him and hold him prisoner. I’m told that’s a sure way to convince him to fight against you simply because he’s pissed. On the other hand, I find it hilarious when Wedge takes advantage of his pilots’ reflexes and military instincts and yells things like “Rogue Two! Break to port!” at them and makes them look ridiculous. So much about this book reminds me why he and Tycho Celchu are some of my favorite characters especially when you put the two of them together.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There was many a time where I was downright grinning like an idiot as I read through it. It was like I was reading this book for the first time again. I will never be over the Donoslane and Kolot references or Shalla’s brief unnamed cameo. To top it off, we get to see both Doran Tainer and Syal Antilles as characters in this book. Characters who do things and get page time. I have such a strong love for all of the Wraith and Rogue kids that this made me happy beyond belief.
Oh wait. These books are supposed to be about the Skywalkers and Solos, aren’t they? I think that Allston writes a really good Jaina and I love getting to see her as a pilot again. Wedge and Tycho are right: she is indeed a traitor for not sticking with the piloting thing. It’s such a shame since she’s so good at it. As far as Han and Leia go, I just roll my eyes and shake my head at them. I think they’re actually making the GFFA/Corellia situation worse by meddling. Allston also writes a really great Ben. That kid’s sense of humor cracks me up every time especially with his Lando impression.
I’m not a huge fan of Jacen Solo taking stupid pills at the end of the book though nor am I fan of Nelani dying. She had potential to be a really great character but alas. Damnit Jacen. Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to listen to Shire Brie? This will end in so many tears. Many of them will be mine.
With less than two weeks to go, it’s finally out –