Book review: Life Debt (Star Wars: Aftermath #2) by Chuck Wendig

 

After finishing "Aftermath", I was very hooked with this trilogy and couldn’t wait to continue with "Life Debt". I did, however, take my time to listen to it as I had other books on the go.

Please, beware of spoilers below as it is book two in the trilogy.

Synopsis

The Emperor is dead, and the remnants of his former Empire are in retreat. As the New Republic fights to restore a lasting peace to the galaxy, some dare to imagine new beginnings and new destinies. For Han Solo, that means settling his last outstanding debt, by helping Chewbacca liberate the Wookiee's homeworld of Kashyyyk.

Meanwhile, Norra Wexley and her band of Imperial hunters pursue Grand Admiral Rae Sloane and the Empire's remaining leadership across the galaxy. Even as more and more officers are brought to justice, Sloane continues to elude the New Republic, and Norra fears Sloane may be searching for a means to save the crumbling Empire from oblivion. But the hunt for Sloane is cut short when Norra receives an urgent request from Princess Leia Organa. The attempt to liberate Kashyyyk has carried Han Solo, Chewbacca, and a band of smugglers into an ambush resulting in Chewie's capture and Han's disappearance.

Breaking away from their official mission and racing toward the Millennium Falcon's last known location, Norra and her crew prepare for any challenge that stands between them and their missing comrades. But they can't anticipate the true depth of the danger that awaits them or the ruthlessness of the enemy drawing them into his crosshairs.

Review

If you read my review of "Aftermath", you probably know how much I love Marc Thompson’s narration of this trilogy. He does a superb job of giving each character their voice. Even the secondary characters who appear in the intermissions. So, obviously, "Life Debt" was no exception.

Obviously, Sinjir is still my favourite. I was hoping for a solid love arc for him since Jas got a relationship with Jom (both of whom seem to deny it). Sinjir did get a “boyfriend”, Conder Kyl, but we had maybe one scene with the two of them (and he was never mentioned before that), and then he was mentioned maybe once more - and that was it. Nevertheless, Sinjir is the first gay character in Star Wars franchise, which is both very cool and disappointing (because seriously? No more queer characters? Seriously? None?).

***There was a moment in which Sloan was changing and her assistant Adea was there, and Adea blushed, which made me hope for some feelings between two women, but alas I was disappointed.***

I like Jas. She went through a lot of character development. Which is why I am very sad that I accidentally spoiled myself regarding something that happens in the final book and which would affect her. This is why you do not check Wikipedia for the series you have not finished!

Even Nora got an expected bit of romance. I liked the fact that her relationship with Temmin began to mend, even though I still don’t like Temmin much. He is really both hot-headed and naive. I may not be very fond of Nora, but the things Temmin does and says to her are mean.

Han Solo and Chewbacca’s friendship is the best portrayed in this book. I loved all the action on Kashyyyk - I think that was the strongest part of Life Debt as it both showed Solo’s and Chewie’s characters. And let me tell you - Marc Thompson does a great impersonation of Harrison Ford.

Part of the "Life Debt" plot revolves around Imperial Admiral Rae Sloane, and I found myself liking her more and more. She is strong-willed, focused, and tough, not to mention incredibly smart. I enjoy parts of the story with her, even though I do not understand her loyalty to the Empire.

I enjoyed "Life Debt" audiobook overall, but I still had the same issue with Life Debt as I had with Aftermath: some parts of the plot (like a fake betrayal by Jas) were way too flashy and not thoroughly thought through. We get thrust into a scene right in the middle of the action and have to scramble to understand what is going on and why this is important. And then we are fed information through exposition - telling us what had happened before this scene, instead of showing us. And I did not like that.

There were also two instances of audio editing mistakes. In one part of the book, Sloane was told to be alone in the street, but we could hear the voices in the background. And those noises did not change from when she was in the crowd and when she was alone in the street. Another instance was when there was an opera music play, and we are told specifically that it is the music and there are no words. But in the background, we can hear a singer singing, although the words are not distinguishable.

It may sound as if I am nitpicking, but considering how big Star Wars franchise is and how popular it is, they could have done a better job at editing.

Nevertheless, "Life Debt" was a lot of fun, and even though some of the plot twists were predictable, the narration and the joy of being in the world of Star Wars again made up for it.

Rating: 4 stars

More of my book reviews

Links

• https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27209511-life-debt

Book review: Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig (audiobook)

 

I watched “The Last Jedi” a couple of days after its release and was smitten. After the epicness of everything that happened in it, I needed more of that universe. I was not ready to let go.

In my thirst for more of Star Wars, I went online and was randomly browsing Wikipedia, when it occurred to me that I could read more Star Wars books! I did read “Rogue One: Catalyst” (and reviewed it)  which I think really enhanced the movie for me, so I began my search for suitable adult novels. I didn’t want to read just about Luke Skywalker’s adventures or anything labels Young Adult. I came across the trilogy “Aftermath” by Chuck Wendig and immediately went to my library overdrive and requested the first book in audio.

And, oh boy. What a treat it was!

I think Star Wars books are perfect in audio. They have all the sound effects of space ships, engines and the infamous swish of laser swords. “Aftermath” trilogy is narrated by Marc Thompson and he does an amazing job with his accents and intonations. Especially, his British drawl of a bored ex-Imperial Officer is the best. And there I was, thinking that Jonathan Davis was the best narrator. But Marc did it for me in this book.

By the way, both Jonathan Davis and Marc Thompson were in audiobook adaptation of “Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson, and believe me, you have to listen to that one!

Summary

As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance—now a fledgling New Republic—presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy’s scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy’s strength is unfolding. Out on a lone reconnaissance mission, pilot Wedge Antilles watches Imperial Star Destroyers gather like birds of prey circling for a kill, but he’s taken captive before he can report back to the New Republic leaders.

Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, former rebel fighter Norra Wexley has returned to her native world—war weary, ready to reunite with her estranged son, and eager to build a new life in some distant place. But when Norra intercepts Wedge Antilles’ urgent distress call, she realizes her time as a freedom fighter is not yet over. What she doesn’t know is just how close the enemy is—or how decisive and dangerous her new mission will be.

Determined to preserve the Empire’s power, the surviving Imperial elite are converging on Akiva for a top-secret emergency summit—to consolidate their forces and rally for a counterstrike. But they haven’t reckoned on Norra and her newfound allies—her technical-genius son, a Zabrak bounty hunter, and a reprobate Imperial defector—who are prepared to do whatever they must to end the Empire’s oppressive reign once and for all.

Review

All of my fangirling over voice acting aside, “Aftermath” is a solid first book in the trilogy. There is enough recap and flashbacks of previous events to keep you in the loop of what is going on. The action is a bit filmlike - flipping back and forth between the scenes as if we are watching a movie, often leaving us in the middle of an action scene to show something else. Plus, the obvious use of “deus ex machina” device and making sure nobody important died, because of the Hollywood reasons. Some characters could have used a bit more fleshing out and development, but otherwise baddies are bad, and goodies are good with enough grey edges in-between to keep you sufficiently invested in the story.

Aside all little things that work really well on screen, and not so much in a book, I really enjoyed the action and plot. Perhaps, there weren’t that many “oh my god” moments at the beginning of the book but there were enough plot twists that kept me happy in the end.

I am usually rather wary of books based on movie franchise (I still remember The X-Files books which were not very good, to put it mildly), but this was a great choice and I can’t wait to continue with the series.

My favourite characters are Sinjir, Mr. Bones, and Admiral Sloane. Sinjir is an ex-Imperial Loyalty Officer with an interesting backstory, keen perception skills and a dry sense of humour that I absolutely love (especially when he complains about things). He is also the first gay character in Star Wars universe, which is huge (and I pray to all gods that he does not get killed in a stupid way). Admiral Sloane is an Imperial Admiral, who is incredibly smart and ambitious. But she is not blinded by Galactic Empire's slogans and thinks beyond the commands that she is given. I can’t wait to see how her character develops. And, Mr. Bones is just a crazy droid, which is very funny.

My biggest problem with this audiobook lied in the fact that it took me some time to get used to the names of characters, places and planets. I had not trouble following the plot thanks to the masterful narration by Marc, but I sometimes felt a bit lost, trying to recall if I had ever seen that particular planet or race in the movies. Googling helped, although I still worry that I might spoil myself by accident (happened to me before, sadly).

The plot could have benefitted from more depth at times, and I would probably rate it at 3 stars, however, the narration was so perfect and helped to bring the characters to life, that I am adding a star to it.

Rating: 4 stars

More of my book reviews