In the world of Star Wars Charles Soule is a writer that's delivered some truly amazing characterization, both in Darth Vader and the main Star Wars book, and come up with some fantastic plots...but though not as decompressed as Gillen, Soule does have a habit of creating stories that are stretched out beyond their necessary confines, often turning plots that could have worked much better as three issue stories into eight part monstrosities for no other reason than to fill an entire trade. I had hoped that when broken free from the constraints of the medium of monthly comic books his over all writing would come to match the highs he's exhibited before...however even when given an entire novel to tell a story his pacing is terrible.

This novel is written to launch an entire new era of Star Wars fiction, and it feels like it. There's a lot of world building here...that's almost interesting. There are new characters introduced...but then shelved. And new worlds to explore...which are the strongest element as they really do give you a real sense of exploration that is fun and exciting. That opening makes it sound worse than it is I suppose, and don't get me wrong I was disappointed but when the book gets out of its own way, there are truly poignant moments and characters. Soule sets up a tragedy that instantly recalls to me the feelings I felt during 9/11...only set in the Star Wars landscape. The initial deaths in the earliest chapters land perfectly, and the way you see the story from multiple levels from Jedi and political leaders to humble Republic officers and farmers makes it all feel very real...but then the plot moves on to something else leaving you cold.

Ultimately, this book was not ready yet, and it’s saddening to see. For every scene of high-speed action or a grounded moment of humanity in a galaxy slipping out of control, there’s a new problem that breaks you out of the flow of reading. It’s such a shame as, if you trimmed all the excessive details, retooled some wording, chose one of the two plots to focus on, and honed in on the truly touching parts of the story, there would be a worthwhile read here.