Unsurpassable
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I have read A LOT of "Star Wars" books, from comics to novels to reference works. A couple of them are execrable. Three or four could have been done better. Most are pretty dang decent. A few can be labelled as amazingly good. But Karen Traviss' "Republic Commando" series leaves every other "Star Wars" book in the dust. The series has just about everything anyone could ever want in a work of fiction: high tech gadgets, intense military action, budding romance (but surprisingly realistically, and not in a stomach-chruning, chick-flickish way), camaraderie, intrigue, exposure to fascinating cultures, and lots of things going "BOOM!"
"True Colors" is no exception. Here, the well-established characters you have come to know and love over the previous two books start to question their purposes and callings in life, with almost all of them having to make life-altering decisions. And if you've read the previous two books in the series, you will understand their positions and reasons for making their choices. And you will approve at every step of the way. You will even end up cheering for Walon Vau.
As always, I give this latest "Republic Commando" offering my highest recommendation: I hope that should you choose to buy this volume, you will enjoy it every bit as much as I have. Kandosii!
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A warning for all...
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If you buy this book expecting and wanting a typical Star Wars novel, look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you want a heartbreaking morality tale cleverly disguised as science-fiction, then there is no possible circumstance in which this will be a waste of money. This is the first Star Wars story I've bought since the Legacy of the Force series started that I haven't felt was a waste of time (though Traviss' contributions to that series stand out despite the awful, rehashed Ep. III plot line). The key here, I think, is that for once the Jedi are placed on the sidelines, the focus being purely on the clone army and the Skirata clan. Why George Lucas missed the potential for exploring the moral implications of the clones is a mystery. Without going into depth about the plot, some questions are raised about the long-term treatment plans of severely injured troops and what exactly happens to those who decide the Republic isn't worth fighting for. Perhaps it may just be the context of the times we live in, but this book could easily be a commentary of contemporary society. It's such a wonderful feeling to find sci-fi that reaches the highest level of potential the genre has to offer, and this novel stands with the best.
I salute you Karen Traviss. Vencuyot!
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A cracking series
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I have been really impressed with Karen Traviss' work ever since the first few pages of 'Hard Contact'. I have read many books in the Star Wars saga, from Timothy Zahns brilliant 'Thrawn Trilogy' to the 9 book X-Wing series and have loved every page.
As good as those books and series were, I am equally impressed with Traviss' gritty realism and her ability to make me care as much for the clone troopers as their hard talking and even harder fighting 'Buir' Kal Skirata. Her ability to give identical characters their own individual hopes, dreams & expectations is most impressive and have made for 3 really cracking page turners.
A heartfelt thanks to KT as these books are a very welcome addition to the star wars literary universe and a fantastic read for any fan.
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