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A review by brassaf
Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand by Aaron Allston
5.0
Masterpiece! As I read this expertly executed adventure in space, on planet and underground, I couldn't help but ponder the author, no longer alive to appreciate my excitement of his novel, the six literary Star Wars journeys he's given me so far, and the many more sitting on my shelf waiting their turn in my queue of the Star Wars expanded, now "Legends," universe. Certainly Allston's legacy will only grow more legendary with each installation I will read in turn, but it is hard to imagine how he's going to beat this one.
As the New Republic turns into rebels again to slow, if not thwart, the methodical dismantling of law, ecology and stability of the galaxy by the extra-galactic invaders, we find most of our main heroes of two generations have converged on a planet hosting the staging ground for the evacuation of the Republic's capital, Coruscant, as well as its impossible stand against the overwhelming enemy forces. Luke, Mara, Leia, Han, Wedge, R2, Threepio, Tycho, some of the Wraiths from Allston's Wraith Squadron run of the X-Wing series, new faces Allston spends precious moments with--some their first and/or last, some only their introduction, making them just as endearing as the tried and true heroes--and members of the next generation, particularly Jedis Jaina, Kyp and Tahiri, but also newcomer Jag Fel, are split apart for most of the book. Some are underground literally and figuratively, on the capital world, or other Republic worlds, planting resistance cells and fleeing native and alien threats, or facing off against echoes from the past (wow--connections to [book:Children of the Jedi|555313] & [book:Planet of Twilight|758692], brilliant!). Some are neck deep in the defense, strategy and subterfuge of Borleias--the Rebel Stand of the book's name. Not only does Allston craft a story of unexpected twists and clever turns, fooling both the antagonists and reader alike, but he sprinkles in some elements of the prequel movie era, which was a welcome addition to the literary lore, as the books started being written with prequel material available for use.
I continue to enjoy The New Jedi Order series, and look forward to the rest of the novels in the run. But I also eagerly await future, surely masterful, story installments crafted by Allston for the Star Wars fan to gobble and enjoy!
As the New Republic turns into rebels again to slow, if not thwart, the methodical dismantling of law, ecology and stability of the galaxy by the extra-galactic invaders, we find most of our main heroes of two generations have converged on a planet hosting the staging ground for the evacuation of the Republic's capital, Coruscant, as well as its impossible stand against the overwhelming enemy forces. Luke, Mara, Leia, Han, Wedge, R2, Threepio, Tycho, some of the Wraiths from Allston's Wraith Squadron run of the X-Wing series, new faces Allston spends precious moments with--some their first and/or last, some only their introduction, making them just as endearing as the tried and true heroes--and members of the next generation, particularly Jedis Jaina, Kyp and Tahiri, but also newcomer Jag Fel, are split apart for most of the book. Some are underground literally and figuratively, on the capital world, or other Republic worlds, planting resistance cells and fleeing native and alien threats, or facing off against echoes from the past (wow--connections to [book:Children of the Jedi|555313] & [book:Planet of Twilight|758692], brilliant!). Some are neck deep in the defense, strategy and subterfuge of Borleias--the Rebel Stand of the book's name. Not only does Allston craft a story of unexpected twists and clever turns, fooling both the antagonists and reader alike, but he sprinkles in some elements of the prequel movie era, which was a welcome addition to the literary lore, as the books started being written with prequel material available for use.
I continue to enjoy The New Jedi Order series, and look forward to the rest of the novels in the run. But I also eagerly await future, surely masterful, story installments crafted by Allston for the Star Wars fan to gobble and enjoy!