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mal8181's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
colinmcev's review against another edition
3.0
Having been going through the old Star Wars Legends books in chronological order in recent months, I’ve read some good ones and bad ones. But I’m always pleased when I see that the next one in line is by the late Aaron Allston. I wouldn’t call him my favorite Star Wars author; he’s certainly not in the same league as Timothy Zahn, in my estimation. But Allston has a delightful sense of humor and flair for whimsy and idiosyncrasy that distinguishes him from all other authors in this universe, so that even if it’s not the most memorable of Star Wars stories – and Starfighters of Adumar certainly is not – it’s still sure to be at least an enjoyable read.
Starfighters of Adumar isn’t as strong as the three Wraith Squadron X-Wing novels Allston previously penned, which in my view were the three strongest books in the series, thanks in large part to its quirky characters and Allston’s distinctive spin on the traditional Star Wars starfighter squadron storyline. But, as is often the case with Allston, Starfighters of Adumar at least boasts an interesting enough storyline, centered around an unusual diplomatic mission amid a most unusual world and peculiar subculture with a sense of honor far different from the one shared by the novel’s protagonist, Wedge Antilles.
With almost all of the action confined to this world of Adumar, Starfighters of Adumar lacks the feeling that the stakes are particularly high, especially compared to other novels like Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire trilogy and Kevin J. Anderson’s Jedi Academy trilogy where the ramifications of the events have a galaxy-wide impact. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and most of the characters from the Star Wars films with the exception of Wedge and a few other minor pilots are absent from Adumar, but that’s case with all the X-Wing novels, and regular Star Wars readers won’t be bothered by this at all.
Despite the smaller scope of this story compared to other Star Wars novels, I found Adumar was an enjoyable setting, and the competition between the New Republic and the Empire to win the allegiances of the planet raised some interesting narrative questions. With their misguided emphasis on honor from combat and blatant disregard for human life, was it worthwhile for the New Republic to win over this planet? Would it be acceptable to do so was to engage in their practice of fatal dueling and resort to tactics similar to those that the Empire would engage? If Wedge were ordered to do so against his will, could he do it, and should he? Or should he resign, or face a possible court martial?
But for my money, Allston’s sense of humor that distinguishes Starfighters of Adumar more than the themes above do. At times, he maybe gets a little too far with the humor – at one point, Wedge and his fellow pilots literally dress in drag – but there are lots of fun touches in this novel that reflect the kind of thinking-outside-the-box eccentricities Allston so excels at. One of my favorites was the documentarian who, when first introduces, wears a 3PO head on her shoulders for use as a recording device during interviews, giving her the impression of a most unusual two-headed creature, because studies suggest her interviewees find 3PO units “nonthreatening.”
Wedge Antilles, the recurring hero of the X-Wing novels and comics in particular, is always a fun protagonist because he is a direct tie-in to the original trilogy films – he appears in all three, and is the only character to survive the battles against both Death Stars – but his role in the movies is so small that there is a very wide canvas for the novelists to expand upon his story. (Geeky side note: The culmination of the romance between Wedge and Iella Wessiri, the New Republic intelligence official who had appeared in a half-dozen novels and several comics before this one, was far more rewarding than the arbitrary romance Wedge got tossed into with Death Star designer Qwi Xux in the Jedi Academy trilogy. That subplot seemed like nothing but an excuse to find something to do with Wedge and Qwi, unlike all the groundwork that had been previously set between Wedge and Qwi, and I’m glad that Allston wasted no time to dumping Qwi in literally the first chapter of this book.)
But it’s really Wes Janson who steals the show in Starfighters of Adumar. An extremely minor character in The Empire Strikes Back who rides with Wedge during the snowspeeder assault on the AT-ATs over Hoth (“Good shot, Janson!”), Wes has evolved into a comic relief character of sorts in the Star Wars Legends universe, with a wise-cracking and mischievous personality that serves as a perfect stand-in for Allston’s own sense of humor. Allston really puts him to good use in this novel, both in multiple comedic moments, and in scenes that demonstrate the military competence that tends to get overlooked due to Janson’s regard as a joker (like a particularly enjoyable scene where Janson challenges an arrogant assailant to a duel).
As with most of the X-Wing novels, the dialogue sometimes falls a bit flat in Starfighters of Adumar, and my attention wavered a bit during a second brief starbattle at the end of this book immediately following a much interesting one in the novel’s climax. But overall, it was a Starfighters of Adumar quick and enjoyable enough read, and as I continue reading through the Legends books, I’m looking forward whenever I reach Aaron Allston’s next one.
Starfighters of Adumar isn’t as strong as the three Wraith Squadron X-Wing novels Allston previously penned, which in my view were the three strongest books in the series, thanks in large part to its quirky characters and Allston’s distinctive spin on the traditional Star Wars starfighter squadron storyline. But, as is often the case with Allston, Starfighters of Adumar at least boasts an interesting enough storyline, centered around an unusual diplomatic mission amid a most unusual world and peculiar subculture with a sense of honor far different from the one shared by the novel’s protagonist, Wedge Antilles.
With almost all of the action confined to this world of Adumar, Starfighters of Adumar lacks the feeling that the stakes are particularly high, especially compared to other novels like Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire trilogy and Kevin J. Anderson’s Jedi Academy trilogy where the ramifications of the events have a galaxy-wide impact. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and most of the characters from the Star Wars films with the exception of Wedge and a few other minor pilots are absent from Adumar, but that’s case with all the X-Wing novels, and regular Star Wars readers won’t be bothered by this at all.
Despite the smaller scope of this story compared to other Star Wars novels, I found Adumar was an enjoyable setting, and the competition between the New Republic and the Empire to win the allegiances of the planet raised some interesting narrative questions. With their misguided emphasis on honor from combat and blatant disregard for human life, was it worthwhile for the New Republic to win over this planet? Would it be acceptable to do so was to engage in their practice of fatal dueling and resort to tactics similar to those that the Empire would engage? If Wedge were ordered to do so against his will, could he do it, and should he? Or should he resign, or face a possible court martial?
But for my money, Allston’s sense of humor that distinguishes Starfighters of Adumar more than the themes above do. At times, he maybe gets a little too far with the humor – at one point, Wedge and his fellow pilots literally dress in drag – but there are lots of fun touches in this novel that reflect the kind of thinking-outside-the-box eccentricities Allston so excels at. One of my favorites was the documentarian who, when first introduces, wears a 3PO head on her shoulders for use as a recording device during interviews, giving her the impression of a most unusual two-headed creature, because studies suggest her interviewees find 3PO units “nonthreatening.”
Wedge Antilles, the recurring hero of the X-Wing novels and comics in particular, is always a fun protagonist because he is a direct tie-in to the original trilogy films – he appears in all three, and is the only character to survive the battles against both Death Stars – but his role in the movies is so small that there is a very wide canvas for the novelists to expand upon his story. (Geeky side note: The culmination of the romance between Wedge and Iella Wessiri, the New Republic intelligence official who had appeared in a half-dozen novels and several comics before this one, was far more rewarding than the arbitrary romance Wedge got tossed into with Death Star designer Qwi Xux in the Jedi Academy trilogy. That subplot seemed like nothing but an excuse to find something to do with Wedge and Qwi, unlike all the groundwork that had been previously set between Wedge and Qwi, and I’m glad that Allston wasted no time to dumping Qwi in literally the first chapter of this book.)
But it’s really Wes Janson who steals the show in Starfighters of Adumar. An extremely minor character in The Empire Strikes Back who rides with Wedge during the snowspeeder assault on the AT-ATs over Hoth (“Good shot, Janson!”), Wes has evolved into a comic relief character of sorts in the Star Wars Legends universe, with a wise-cracking and mischievous personality that serves as a perfect stand-in for Allston’s own sense of humor. Allston really puts him to good use in this novel, both in multiple comedic moments, and in scenes that demonstrate the military competence that tends to get overlooked due to Janson’s regard as a joker (like a particularly enjoyable scene where Janson challenges an arrogant assailant to a duel).
As with most of the X-Wing novels, the dialogue sometimes falls a bit flat in Starfighters of Adumar, and my attention wavered a bit during a second brief starbattle at the end of this book immediately following a much interesting one in the novel’s climax. But overall, it was a Starfighters of Adumar quick and enjoyable enough read, and as I continue reading through the Legends books, I’m looking forward whenever I reach Aaron Allston’s next one.
rogue_leader's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a great representation of the whole series thus far. Wedge, Tycho, Janson, and Hobbie are a great team and very funny. My only issue was the lack on non-human characters but a great story nonetheless.
wyrmbergmalcolm's review against another edition
5.0
This is not the first Star Wars or even X-Wing story that has the Republic compete against the Empire to curry favour with a third party. However, this time round there is far more going on besides the straight up 'competition'. The 'big reveal' is kind of spoiled in the blurb at the back of the book, which is a shame. Being the ninth X-Wing book, the blurb really didn't need too much 'intrigue' to get fans of the series to read it.
This had a nice progression of Wedge's character, particularly as he works things out in his personal life (specifically by having a personal life and being more than just a pilot).
I also enjoyed the focus of the story which dealt with vastly differing cultures clashing leaving the New Republic representatives having to make a choice between adhering to their own sensibilities or revoking them to gain more favour than the Empire's representatives.
I was greatly impressed that the nine books in and the series hasn't gotten stale. The action is exciting, the characters are well-developed and the story isn't always that predictable.
This had a nice progression of Wedge's character, particularly as he works things out in his personal life (specifically by having a personal life and being more than just a pilot).
I also enjoyed the focus of the story which dealt with vastly differing cultures clashing leaving the New Republic representatives having to make a choice between adhering to their own sensibilities or revoking them to gain more favour than the Empire's representatives.
I was greatly impressed that the nine books in and the series hasn't gotten stale. The action is exciting, the characters are well-developed and the story isn't always that predictable.
sonofthunder's review against another edition
4.0
The "final" book in the X-Wing series (I don't count the most recent one...as I really didn't enjoy that one and so will not be rereading!), this one is a fitting conclusion to the X-Wing saga, wrapping everything up nicely. It's really all about Wedge, which is interesting because as much as the previous books have had Wedge in them, this book focuses on him far more than everyone else, almost to the exclusion of all other characters! But Wedge is awesome and so I can't really complain. (He's so awesome, that I'm currently rewatching A New Hope and very much enjoying the starfighter sequences, especially the end sequence with Wedge!) This book is a bit different than the previous books in that all the action takes place pretty much on one planet, with almost no space travel at all! Yes, there's a space battle at the end, but it's pretty perfunctory. All of the action takes place on the planet's (Adumar) surface or atmosphere, so it is slightly more claustrophobic of a Star Wars book. And in more ways than one. Adumar is a world that's been cut off from the rest of civilization for a while and has now been rediscovered by both the Empire and the New Republic....and both are vying for its allegiance (mainly because of proton torpedo factories or something? I found that amusing - only for the military industrial complex is the planet worth fighting over...). Wedge and a small team (Wes Janson and Tycho and Hobbie) are sent as diplomats because Adumar is a world that reveres fighter pilots above all. Because this world has been separated from broader galactic civilization, it has a very unique culture and it's quite fun to see Wedge and the boys try to navigate this world as they also try to fulfill their mission...amidst betrayal, hijinks and general madness. A great read, even if the romance stuff feels a bit eye-roll worthy at times. Still, a fun adventure and I am a bit saddened that my X-Wing re-read is over.
mountainsatellite's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alphaalexis's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wynwicket's review against another edition
5.0
Wedge Antilles and the adventures of his Rogue Squadron are some of the best that Star Wars has ever inspired. This book was was an absolute delight.
rhubarb1608's review against another edition
2.25
This week on According to Wedge, Ernest P. Worrell joins the diplomatic corps! Or Everybody Loves Jensen. Or The Fresh Prince of Adumar. I'm trying to say that Allston writes everything like it's the script for a cheesy 90s sitcom guest starring Jim Varney. And I mean, I like cheese. And I don't mind Ernest. I'd say I just don't want him in Star Wars, but that isn't true because I don't even mind Jar Jar Binks. It's just like the penne I had for lunch -- it's just too much cheese. And maybe you think there's no such thing, but believe me, there is when it overwhelms all the other flavors and you've just got a mouthful of chewy goo.
I have to say that anybody who ever gushed about how awesome and funny Aaron Allston is has lost their right to ever complain about Jar Jar again. Goofy overdone accents? Check. Implausible clumsy escapades? Check. Trying way too hard to be funny one-liners? Double check. All of Aaron "Heavy Handed" Allston's trademarks are here -- but really it is his best one, a huge improvement over the first three, and I give it a fair rating.
Stylistically, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the other three. No more machine-gun section breaks. Aaron Allston still solidly belongs to the speechmaking camp of storytelling: "Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em; tell 'em; and then tell 'em what you told 'em." He's a bit better about showing rather than telling . . . now he tells me, sort of shows me, and then tells me twice, rather than just straight up telling me. Also, I've seen episodes of Say Yes to the Dress that obsess about clothes less than this book does.
Enough with style. On to the plot. It's 01151, or 13 ABY, and Allston starts with a break up scene. This scene was to prove nothing but hitting delete on one of my favorite characters whom Allston apparently can't abide. But once he was done trying to play Stackpole and got on his own feet, chapter 2, he did much better. So: Wedge wants to take a vacation, but instead ends up heading up a diplomatic task force toEarth um Adumar. Because it's a planet whose entire culture is built from Top Gun, and they will only listen to fighter pilots, and they have awesome weapons technology the Republic wants. Wedge, not as enslaved to duty as Leia, but still easily extorted into the whims of the Republic, agrees to go and takes those men who have been through the most with him and whom he trusts the most -- Tycho, Wes, and Hobbie.
At first I was cringing in anticipation of Tycho's portrayal by Allston, but fair is fair and he did a good job. In and among the incessant outfit-describing. Dear lord, man, they wear clothes; we know. Let's get to the point. Everybody ontotally not Earth even though it's obviously Earth Adumar is obsessed with dueling and slaughtering one another for honor like it's 18th century Russia with lasers. There's wires everywhere; and "flatscreens" instead of holos; there's a whole bunch of fractured "nations" instead of a one-world government; and I'm surprised there weren't any sly backhanded jabs about pollution. And yet, even though I was annoyed that he was self-inserting our planet and doing so in a completely not-subtle way, this made for a good plot -- and a good plot that he didn't butcher as he did in Iron Fist.
Wedge ends up being in the thick of some geopolitical intrigue; not only does the Empire already have some agents courting the same planet for the same weapons technology -- technology that could still reasonably turn things around for the dying Empire -- but then Wedge inadvertently triggers a planetary coup. There's an assassination attempt, and a New Republic politician more annoying than Borsk Fey'lya, and some atmospheric dogfights that I've seen praised highly (though to me, all battle scenes are boring, and even more pointless in print than they are on screen. In the wise words of my mother, "Nothing ever happens in a car chase." Or any non-lightsaber-duel battle).
In all, Starfighters is a decent contribution to realcanon, if a tad on the repetitive side, and a little overwhelmingly preoccupied with telling me what everyone is wearing every time they walk in the door. In honor of this, allow me to close the review by saying I read this book while wearing blue jeans, super fuzzy polka dot socks, a gray long sleeved t-shirt, and a black Star Wars t-shirt with Boba Fett and the caption Poker Face on it. Now, wasn't that just thrilling and add so much to heighten the drama of the review?
This review via The RebeLibarian.
I have to say that anybody who ever gushed about how awesome and funny Aaron Allston is has lost their right to ever complain about Jar Jar again. Goofy overdone accents? Check. Implausible clumsy escapades? Check. Trying way too hard to be funny one-liners? Double check. All of Aaron "Heavy Handed" Allston's trademarks are here -- but really it is his best one, a huge improvement over the first three, and I give it a fair rating.
Stylistically, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the other three. No more machine-gun section breaks. Aaron Allston still solidly belongs to the speechmaking camp of storytelling: "Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em; tell 'em; and then tell 'em what you told 'em." He's a bit better about showing rather than telling . . . now he tells me, sort of shows me, and then tells me twice, rather than just straight up telling me. Also, I've seen episodes of Say Yes to the Dress that obsess about clothes less than this book does.
Enough with style. On to the plot. It's 01151, or 13 ABY, and Allston starts with a break up scene. This scene was to prove nothing but hitting delete on one of my favorite characters whom Allston apparently can't abide. But once he was done trying to play Stackpole and got on his own feet, chapter 2, he did much better. So: Wedge wants to take a vacation, but instead ends up heading up a diplomatic task force to
At first I was cringing in anticipation of Tycho's portrayal by Allston, but fair is fair and he did a good job. In and among the incessant outfit-describing. Dear lord, man, they wear clothes; we know. Let's get to the point. Everybody on
Wedge ends up being in the thick of some geopolitical intrigue; not only does the Empire already have some agents courting the same planet for the same weapons technology -- technology that could still reasonably turn things around for the dying Empire -- but then Wedge inadvertently triggers a planetary coup. There's an assassination attempt, and a New Republic politician more annoying than Borsk Fey'lya, and some atmospheric dogfights that I've seen praised highly (though to me, all battle scenes are boring, and even more pointless in print than they are on screen. In the wise words of my mother, "Nothing ever happens in a car chase." Or any non-lightsaber-duel battle).
In all, Starfighters is a decent contribution to realcanon, if a tad on the repetitive side, and a little overwhelmingly preoccupied with telling me what everyone is wearing every time they walk in the door. In honor of this, allow me to close the review by saying I read this book while wearing blue jeans, super fuzzy polka dot socks, a gray long sleeved t-shirt, and a black Star Wars t-shirt with Boba Fett and the caption Poker Face on it. Now, wasn't that just thrilling and add so much to heighten the drama of the review?
This review via The RebeLibarian.
ehsjaysaunders's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Possibly now my favorite X-wing book, and firmly placing Allston as one of my all-time EU greats.
5/5 Yeah some minor nitpicks, but this one hit me just right.
5/5 Yeah some minor nitpicks, but this one hit me just right.