Monday, January 4, 2010

Star Wars Imperial Commando #1: 501st-Karen Traviss

Star Wars Imperial Commando #1: 501st
Karen Traviss
Del Rey, Oct 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780345511133

The Clone Wars may have ended (see Star Wars Republic Commando quartet), but hostilities remain as the new Empire that emerged from the conflict presses the offense against the remnants of the Republic and the elimination of the surviving Jedi. Former allies face each other in combat as Republic Commandos are either in support of or opposed to the Empire. Many fled to Mandalore to join the resistance led by Kal Skirata, but Delta and Omega units converted into the Imperial Commando killing force under Vader’s leadership with the mission to hunt and kill Jedi and Commando clone deserters.

On Mandalore, the Republic Commando clone deserters, mercenaries, and natives distrust the fugitive Jedi who they blame for the catastrophe. Especially angry at the Jedi are the Commandos who know they will soon be fighting their brothers at arms. However, although they loathe the Jedi, they know they must set aside their hatred because the Imperial Empire is coming to eradicate all of them.

To fully grasp what is going on, the reader needs to have read the four book Republic Commando series first; especially the last tale Order 66. The story line is a transition plot that sets up the changes in the galaxy with the Clone wars being over. No one stands out though Darmen the former Republic Commando is perhaps the most representative as he has no time to grieve and must choose which band of brothers he will fight alongside of against his former band of brothers. Fans of the saga will enjoy Karen Traviss’ exciting entry, but newcomers will be lost in that far away galaxy.

Harriet Klausner

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