No Prisoners: Star Wars Legends (the Clone Wars)

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I was simply clued to my seat as I read this wonderful book. Kevin J Anderson beware, you now have a rival. Excellent job

In 'No Prisoners' we get a sharp look at the concept of 'attachment', not just among the Jedi, but among the troops and the Republic agents that are also involved in the war. A group of breakaway Jedi is introduced, following the teachings of a Jedi Master who is not as certain, as detached, or as hypocritical as Yoda. Master Altis is a Jedi Master who lives the ideal of compassion instead of just paying it lip service, and by letting himself be fully engaged with the people around him, he illustrates the shortcomings of detachment. Instead of talking about the need to be compassionate and merciful, in an isolated temple on the wealthiest world in the galaxy, Altis' Jedi deliver food and medical supplies to refugee camps on politically unimportant worlds. They don't pity the people around them, they help them rebuild. And yet, because they do not follow Yoda's dogma blindly, Ashoka views them with undisguised hostility - in her limited experience and education, one is either Jedi or Sith, with no middle ground. Altis' followers neither hide, nor flaunt their romantic relationship, and it throws a sense of confusion into the young Padawan, regarding her own sense of attachment to the Jedi Order and her Master. We see the beginnings of Anakin's love transforming into obsession here, as well. His desperate longing for a normal relationship with his wife, and yet his fear at losing the respect he has gained as a Jedi, twist Anakin, and we see him go from a healthy if smitten mindset to a decidedly warped longing for every moment. Again, Anakin is given no middle ground: if is he to remain a Jedi and fulfill his duty, he must forsake his love. Even as we, the readers, see Altis' Jedi carrying on their duties quite capably without denying themselves love, Anakin does not and a chance to turn him from his dark path is lost. What? This is supposed to be a light adventure based on a cartoon and glorifying the Jedi? No. No, it is not.

Karen Traviss really impressed me in No Prisoners. Not only is there a nice amount of action, but the moral arguments brought up really make this an interesting read. Also, some characters from previous books, such as Gilad Pelleaon, show up. There is also a group of new characters, bringing new faces into this time period. Of all the Star Wars books I've read so far, no other has been as good as this one. I would be willing to read it over and over again!

Karen Traviss has to be one of the best Star Wars authors out there. She really captures the characters well without all of the overly technical descriptions some authors have. If you have not read her Republic Commando novels do so NOW. She specializes in Mandalorian's and Clone Troopers, and of course Boba Fett as well. This book focuses on Comander Rex, a familiar character from the Clone Wars cartoon, and of course Asoka. Its a quick read that an give you a little more insight into the characters then the cartoon..