A review by chickenmanman
501st by Karen Traviss

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

To mark the end of the “Republic Commando” series, I feel as if this volume is rather strange. I do not feel that, unlike the previous installments, that there were many substantial (if any) developments in terms of the overarching narrative. Ever since the events of Order 66, I feel as if there has not been enough movement in terms of narrative events, with the majority of the book following Skirata and his commune. I feel as if more attention could be given to characters outside of the safe haven of their community, such as with Darman and Niner, whose parts are the most compelling.

I just feel as if there was a lack of substantial development and instead, numerous events that felt like they never paid off. To my knowledge, this series was ended prematurely, and it certainly shows with this volume, as many branches of the story are left unfinished.

Decent read overall, but unsatisfying as a narrative end to the series.