Star Wars: Republic Commando - True Colors. Got this one for Christmas and i find it one of the more realistic and down-to-earth books from the SW Extended Universe. It's actually the thid book in a series which is based of a videogame of the same name, the first (Hard Contact) of which was released several months before Revenge of the Sith came out in theaters followed by Triple Zero just last year.
The novels follow the exploits of Omega Squad, a specialist four-man unit of Republic Commandos, from the opening shots of the Battle of Geonosis to the middle of the Clone Wars. The development of the characters can be seen during the books as they fight battle after arduous battle. Notably loyal and steadfast to the Republic at the start of the books, the troopers start to question their place in an army that is controlled by politicians who view them as little more than replaceable soldiers, thus prompting them to think whether the government they unwittingly serve is really better than the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The first seeds of doubt and mistrust are placed in themen's hearts as they witness acts that further convince them of the corruption of the Republic, such a the abandonment of entire battalions behind enemy lines and the attempted assassination of deserting troopers by Clone Assassins. Even their Jedi officers begin questioning their place in the war as the line between morality, duty and following one's destiny. Loyalties are tested and oaths put to the test as each individual searches for their raison d'etre.
Things don't really get easier when one of the Commandos falls in love with the Jedi General who he serves under. The illicit relationship between Knight and Soldier is one of the more touching parts of the story, as a young man and a young woman risk all by defying every single rule of the organizations they have dedicated their entire lives to. Several other Commandos, as well as one of the Null-ARC Troopers begin developing relationships with some of the civilians and military personnel they come across with.
I guess i'm rambling right here but this one just earned a spot in my top ten SW novels. The RC series comes aound full-circle next year when the fourth and final book, Order 66 is released. Until then, i'll keep the home fires burning.
The novels follow the exploits of Omega Squad, a specialist four-man unit of Republic Commandos, from the opening shots of the Battle of Geonosis to the middle of the Clone Wars. The development of the characters can be seen during the books as they fight battle after arduous battle. Notably loyal and steadfast to the Republic at the start of the books, the troopers start to question their place in an army that is controlled by politicians who view them as little more than replaceable soldiers, thus prompting them to think whether the government they unwittingly serve is really better than the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The first seeds of doubt and mistrust are placed in themen's hearts as they witness acts that further convince them of the corruption of the Republic, such a the abandonment of entire battalions behind enemy lines and the attempted assassination of deserting troopers by Clone Assassins. Even their Jedi officers begin questioning their place in the war as the line between morality, duty and following one's destiny. Loyalties are tested and oaths put to the test as each individual searches for their raison d'etre.
Things don't really get easier when one of the Commandos falls in love with the Jedi General who he serves under. The illicit relationship between Knight and Soldier is one of the more touching parts of the story, as a young man and a young woman risk all by defying every single rule of the organizations they have dedicated their entire lives to. Several other Commandos, as well as one of the Null-ARC Troopers begin developing relationships with some of the civilians and military personnel they come across with.
I guess i'm rambling right here but this one just earned a spot in my top ten SW novels. The RC series comes aound full-circle next year when the fourth and final book, Order 66 is released. Until then, i'll keep the home fires burning.
"May those who accept their fate find happiness. May those who defy their fate find glory."
