Teaser

Living up to their name, Rogue Squadron have divorced themselves from the New Republic. The time has come to free Thyferra from Imperial control, no matter the odds, and no matter the cost . . .

Review

The Bacta War is the fourth book in a series of ten, but really it’s the final book in the Rogue Squadron series. After this, the X-Wing series changes hands, with Aaron Allston chronicling the formation of Wraith Squadron. Yes, the original Rogues would reappear later on, but Isard’s Revenge is more of a sequel than a direct continuation. All of the threads set up in the first three books, not to mention the character through lines, they all culminate in this book. It’s also the last of the series to have a rerelease under the ‘Essential Legends’ bracket, a series that now appears to have dropped the idea of audiobooks altogether, which is a great shame. Take this then, not as book four of ten, but as the final act of one of Star Wars’ finest story arcs. And what a final act it is.

There is a lot going on here, make no mistake. A lot of threads that need to be wrapped up. First and foremost is the liberation of Thyferra and the defeat of Director Isard. This is all handled very well. Stackpole really builds the sense that this is an insurgency rather than a traditional military matter. Isolated from the New Republic, the Rogues are forced into messier decisions. Crucially, they attack civilian infrastructure. Now, this is terrorism, and it’s to the book’s credit that Wedge Antilles and his people actually have to reconcile that fact. You can try to minimise casualties, but at some point innocents are going to be killed in attacks like these. It’s a side to Star Wars we don’t see all that often, and it’s good to see the weightier topics dealt with here as carefully as they are. At the same time, there is a satisfying triumph of good over evil, which has always been the appeal of the galaxy far, far away. Traitors are not executed, but sent to trial. Kindness is not only appreciated, it is rewarded.

And then there are the characters. Everyone has an arc here, but some are more important than others. We get to see Tycho Celchu finally achieve some manner of peace over the destruction of Alderaan. Ooryl Qrygg (and yes, I do have to consult written versions of these names after only hearing them on audio for so long) has a quieter arc, but one that is no less impactful as we see his relationship with his people reach a new level. Then, of course, there is Corran Horn. Corran has been as close to a main character as the series has had since the start, and continues to drive much of the action. His relationship with Mirax reaches its logical conclusion, and he gets to meet her father too. The matter of his force sensitivity is left dangling throughout (to be resolved in the novel I, Jedi) but ultimately it’s for the best that some things are left unresolved. Any more would have bogged down the book.

There are a few holes one could pick with this book, and in deed the series as a whole. Multiple characters are ‘killed off’ only to reappear due to some miracle a few chapters, or even books, later. The fight scenes are as repetitive as they are engaging, though this is assuaged by the excellent sound design and narration. Ultimately though, it’s a magnificent send-off for Rogue Squadron, and proof that this series deserves its place in the Star Wars pantheon of great books. Read it for the nostalgic value, or listen for a new experience. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Book Stats

• Narrated by Marc Thompson
• X Wing: Book Four
• First published 1997
• This edition published by Penguin
• 14hrs 3 minutes runtime