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Fantastic Four: |
X-wing:
Starfighters of Adumar
by Aaron Allston
Publisher: Bantam
European
Visitors
I have been eagerly anticipating this latest work of talented writer Aaron Allston since
finishing Isard's Revenge, perhaps the most disappointing installment in the
generally excellent X-wing series of novels from Bantam Spectra. After Mike Stackpole
wrote a stellar first four novels to the series, Allston came along and bumped Stackpole
from #2 on my favorite SW authors list (behind Zahn, who is the man) with the Wraith
Squadron series, characterized by his combination of exciting combat scenes, a more
interesting cast of characters, and his trademark humor.
Starfighters of Adumar was no exception to this rule. The novel focuses on the
exploits of the "original four" members of Rogue Squadron (not counting ol'
Farmboy), who have aged well. General Wedge Antilles is now in charge of the Super Star
Destroyer Lusankya and is a big shot in Starfighter Command. Colonel Tycho Celchu
and Majors Wes Janson and Derek "Hobbie" Klivian (look for a tongue-in-cheek
remark in-text about the spelling of his last name) are the stalwarts of the current Rogue
Squadron. As four of the best-known pilots in the New Republic, they're nabbed by Alliance
Intelligence chief General Airen Cracken to act as diplomatic emissaries to the world of
Adumar, an out-of-the-way planet which has a plentiful supply of munitions, and -- due to
its warlike nature -- reveres pilots.
Allston does a good job of fleshing out the world of Adumar. Because the focus of the
society is on honor gained through battle, people are killed left and right in aerial
duels, swordfights, etc. -- it's considered the national sport, almost. Naturally the New
Republic representatives are very off-put by this, and it's interesting to see the
different systems of values clash.
Also because only the four pilots are focused on (as opposed to an entire squadron)
there's actually room for character development in the novel. And boy, it's an
entertaining ride! Janson continues his hijinks from the Wraiths, but now his fellow
pilots bite back. Wedge gets to have a little more fun (read: romance) and Hobbie shows up
extensively in a novel for the first time. The interplay between the pilots is hilarious
at times, as Allston has a talent for writing great sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek lines.
There are not too many authors who can make me laugh out loud in what is supposed to be an
action novel.
On to my likes and dislikes. Warning: the rest of this review contains spoilers, so
quickly click on something else if you like to be surprised about a book.
GOOD:
The dialogue is more readable and believable than Stackpole's ... not everyone uses big words and delivers long, complicated jokes flawlessly. The Adumarians even speak with an accent!
It's about time Wedge and Iella got together! Qwi Xux was definitely not the right ... female humanoid being for the guy.
Blastswords. I want one.
Tomer Darpen was entirely believable as an antagonist, because he wasn't the stereotypical villain (Isard). It was interesting to read about his point of view, as an Intelligence man who will do anything to accomplish his goals.
The inclusion of Admiral Rogriss and showing another honorable Imperial was also a nice touch.
The inclusion of General Turr Phennir (Baron Fel's second-in-command of the 181st during Fel's time there, currently leader) is a nice touch, since before we've only seen him in the comics.
GRIPES:
Allston must not think too highly of Tycho's flying skills. In separate instances, he gets "shot down" (using simulated weapons) by Hobbie, is shot down in the Battle of Cartann, and is disabled in the final battle. This doesn't quite jive with the depiction of Tycho's skills in I, Jedi, where he dogfights Corran Horn. I've grown to like the guy.
On a related note, Wedge's skills are far too sharp and honed for someone who's been riding a desk for the past few years. I think it would have added an extra dimension to see him get back up to speed while dueling his teammates. Stackpole has been quoted in an interview as saying that the best pilots in Rogue were, in order, Wedge, Tycho, and Corran, but it doesn't make sense that Wedge outflies everyone when Tycho, Janson and Hobbie are all currently active in Rogue.
The book was too short and ended rather abruptly. Clocking in at 291 pages, it left me wanting more. Some say that that's the goal of any author, but I could have done with a final chapter depicting Wedge and Iella on Coruscant or something, talking about their future. It doesn't quite seem like an ending to the entire series, which it is.
The final space battle wasn't entirely necessary, but I'm not complaining.
BEST QUOTES:
Wedge: "Sithspit! What's that?"
Janson: "That's the sun, Wedge. It's after dawn."
Wedge: "Well, it offends me. Turn it off."
Janson: "It's one-thirty, one-forty million klicks away from here."
Wedge: "Go up in your X-wing and shoot it down."
...
Janson: "Wedge, stop acting like a little kid. You're embarrassing me."
...
Tycho: "I've been reviewing engineering and performance statistics."
Janson laughed. "What, while we've been maneuvering?"
"Yes, restraining myself so that you could keep up with me has left me plenty of time
for intellectual pursuits. I also composed a symphony and drafted a plan to save the
galaxy."