Star Wars: Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor
Author: Matthew Stover
Released: 30/12/2008

Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader are dead. The Empire has been toppled by the triumphant Rebel Alliance, and the New Republic is ascendant. But the struggle against the dark side and the Sith Order is not over. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and their faithful comrades have had little time to savor victory before being called on to defend the newly liberated galaxy.

Powerful remnants of the vanquished Empire, hungry for retaliation, are still at large, committing acts of piracy, terrorism, and wholesale slaughter against the worlds of the fledgling New Republic. The most deadly of these, a ruthless legion of black-armored Stormtroopers, do the brutal bidding of the newly risen warlord Shadowspawn. Striking from a strategically advantageous base on the planet Mindor, they are waging a campaign of plunder and destruction, demolishing order and security across the galaxy–and breeding fears of an Imperial resurgence. Another reign of darkness beneath the boot-heel of Sith despotism is something General Luke Skywalker cannot, and will not, risk.

Mobilizing the ace fighters of Rogue Squadron–along with the trusty Chewbacca, See-Threepio, and Artoo-Detoo–Luke, Han, and Leia set out to take the battle to the enemy and neutralize the threat before it’s too late. But their imminent attack on Mindor will be playing directly into the hands of their cunning new adversary. Lord Shadowspawn is no freshly anointed Sith Chieftain but in fact a vicious former Imperial Intelligence officer–and Prophet of the Dark Side. The Emperor’s death has paved the way for Shadowspawn’s return from exile in the Outer Rim, and mastery of ancient Sith knowledge and modern technology has given him the capability to mount the ultimate power play for galaxy wide dominion. Dark prophecy has foretold that only one obstacle stands in his way, and he is ready–even eager–for the confrontation.

Rating:

Star Wars: Mllennium Falcon
Author: James Luceno
Released: 21/10/2008

Two years have passed since Jacen Solo, seduced by the dark side and reanointed as the brutal Sith Lord Darth Caedus, died at the hands of his twin sister, Jaina, Sword of the Jedi.

Jacen’s own bright and loving daughter, Allana, offers a ray of hope for the future as she thrives in Han and Leia’s care. And when the eager, inquisitive girl, in whom the Force grows ever stronger, makes a curious discovery aboard her grandfather’s beloved spacecraft—the much-overhauled but ever-dependable Millennium Falcon—the Solo family find themselves at a new turning point, about to set out on an odyssey into uncertain territory, untold adventure, and unexpected rewards.

Rating:

Star Wars: Republic Commando – Order 66
Author: Karen Traviss
Released: 02/10/2008

Following on from Star Wars Republic Commando – True Colours the Clone Wars are about to reach an explosive climax, no one knows if victory will favor the Grand Army of the Republic or the Separatists.

Even the deadliest weapons and the most heroic efforts may not be powerful enough to challenge the apocalyptic horror unleashed when Chancellor Palpatine finally utters the chilling words, “The time has come. Execute Order 66.” Translation: The Jedi have tried to stage a coup, and all must be shot on sight.

How will the men of Omega and Delta squads react when their loyalty and trust are tested? The fates of the Republic and Jedi now rest in their hands.

Rating:

Star Wars: Republic Commando – True Colours
Author: Karen Traviss
Released: 03/10/2007

Following on from Star Wars Republic Commando Triple Zero the savage Clone Wars rage unchecked, the Republic’s deadliest warriors face the grim truth that the Separatists aren’t their only enemy – or even their worst.

In the Grand Army’s desperate fight to crush the Separatists, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical . . . or more dangerous. A growing menace threatens Republic victory, and the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their very loyalty.

As the lines continue to blur between friend and enemy, citizens-from civilians and sergeants to Jedi and generals-find themselves up against a new foe: the doubt in their own hearts and minds. The truth is a fragile, shifting illusion-and only the approaching inferno will reveal both sides in their true colors.

Rating:

Star Wars: Republic Commando – Triple Zero
Author: Karen Traviss
Released: 04/05/2006

The sequel to Star Wars Republic Commando Hard Contact is set a year after the battle of Geonosis, and follows the continuing missions of Omega Squad.

As the Clone Wars casualties mount, the commandos find themselves deployed on increasingly dangerous missions that take them beyond the battlefield and further into sabotage and intelligence operations in the heart of Separatist territory.

Newly-promoted Jedi Generals Etain Tur-Mukan and Bardan Jusik are also catapulted into front line combat roles and find themselves identifying strongly with the clone soldiers under their command, who turn out to be anything but predictable cannon fodder.

Then Omega Squad survives a close brush with disaster to end up in the most potentially dangerous hot spot in the galaxy.

Rating: