Medstar I: Battle Surgeons (Star Wars: Clone Wars Novel)

First, I would like to say that Medstar I: Battle Surgeons was an enjoyable read. I think it's refreshing to get different points of view of the same event, that being the Clone Wars. Medstar is essentially about the surgeons behind the lines of battle that tend to the wounded (clone troopers and local recruits), although a few intriguing side plots are added to the mix. The following are the key elements of the story. 1. The internal struggles of Jos Vondar, head surgeon of the unit. He is torn between the woman he loves and staying within the guidelines of his culture. Having a relationship with an "outsider" is forbidden and he would be ostracized from his family if he did so. Also, it is interesting to see his feelings about the clone troopers evolve from "cannon fodder" to thinking, feeling human beings. The book articulates this transition wonderfully. 2. A crooked Republic admiral trying to make a few bucks on the side. 3. Den Dhur, a Sullustan news reporter, behind the lines attempting to write something newsworthy and paying a personal vendetta while he's at it. 4. An unidentified double agent embedded in the mobile hospital working for the Black Sun criminal organization and the Separatists. 5. The return of I-5, the most human-like droid in the galaxy. Refer to Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter. I couldn't help but smile when he entered the story. 6. And, of course, it wouldn't be Star Wars story if a Jedi weren't involved. Enter Barriss Offee, Padawan learner, sent to the mobile hospital to put her healing talents to good use. Since this is a duology, a lot of things are left hanging, like the identity of the double agent. By process of elimination, I think I might know who it is, but hopefully Medstar II will answer that question. The strength of this book definitely lies in the fact that most of the events are true to life and, at some level, we can all relate to. If you're the type that likes an action-packed Star Wars novel, you might want to pass on this one. Barriss only draws her lightsaber once throughout the entire story, which is actually illustrated on the cover of the book. However, if you want a change of pace and looking for a human-interest type of story, definitely pick up Medstar I. You won't be disappointed. May the Force be with you!

"Battle Surgeons" is the first book in the Medstar duology. The action takes place two years after "Attack of the Clones." As can be guessed from the title of both the book and the duology, "Battle Surgeons" gives readers the first true look at a side of the Galaxy that has never been seen before. These battle surgeons are the ones who clean up the messes of all the wars and battles and try to save lives in the midst of a war. Think of it as the Star Wars version of M.A.S.H. and you will have a sense of exactly what "Battle Surgeons" is. This story takes place on, and around, the planet Drongar. There is some backstory presented that there is a rare plant which can be used as something of a miracle drug for a variety of species throughout the galaxy and the Clone Wars have come to Drongar for the control of this plant/drug. This is the background, but it isn't terribly important because the story is really about the M.A.S.H. unit. The heart of "Battle Surgeons" lies in the interaction between the various surgeons: Jos Vondar, Zan Yant, Tolk le Trene, and the Jedi Padawan Barriss Offee sent to investigate the situation on Drongar. There is, of course, the love interest between Jos and Tolk, which is complicated by their cultural restrictions. But, added to the mix is also the protocol droid I-Five. Readers may remember I-Five from "Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter", which was also written by Michael Reaves. I-Five is a droid which has more human emotional characteristics than most droids, more so than some humans would think possible for a droid. He is also a much more interesting character (on the page) than C-3PO (not in this book). For example, we see I-Five gambling with the other surgeons, holding his own in both the game as well as in the give and take of conversation. There is a main plot thread about smuggling the rare plant from Drongar, but what makes this story shine is the interactions within the M.A.S.H. unit (if I were more familiar with the show I would be able to extend the analogy to the characters). This is a much funnier book than many of the other Star Wars novels, and while they all use humor, the humor in "Battle Surgeons" felt appropriate and fitting for who the characters are and the situation they are dealing with. Then again, I was prepped for this novel by periodically watching M.A.S.H. reruns over the years. "Battle Surgeons" is an entertaining look into an overlooked part of the Star Wars universe, and one which also sets up the continuing story in "Medstar II: Healer". This volume was good enough that I am looking to read the second volume over many of the other Star Wars novels that have been published. -Joe Sherry

Being a big Star Wars junkie myself, I'm used to the series' books dealing with constant front-line action. This book is very different, and perhaps that's why I'd say it's five of five stars. It offers a new look at Star Wars characters - the people we always assume are there, but never look deeply upon. In this case, surgeons on a backwater planet constantly dealing with the wounded and dying. If you're looking for massive engagements and constant action, this isn't your book. Looking for familiar characters? Bariss Offee and I-Five (the droid from Shadow Hunter) are about all you'll get. All in all, I'd say the book is well written though, and deals with ideas and events that are pretty much untouched. If you're open minded about your literature, pick it up!

I bought this book expecting good solid writing and possibly really the first original Star Wars novel in a year or so, I was wrong, this book is better then that, it has strong characters and writing, a good concept, great background, and having one of the main characters from Star Wars: The Approaching Storm is a nice touch. The Coverart doesnt really suit the book and mislead me at first from the contents which is following a MedStar unit. (think Star Wars meets MASH) This overall is a great book and I can hardly wait until book 2.

For those expecting an action-adventure piece like the prior works of Michael Reaves (DARTH MAUL: SHADOW HUNTER) and Steve Perry (SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE), you're in for a surprise. I'm not sure how to describe its style; I'd say it's about three-quarters E.R., and one-quarter Aaron Allston's X-WING. There's not much action onscreen; instead, we mostly see characters dealing with its consequences.However, like both of their earlier books, we're treated to a cast of "normal" citizens of the universe, as opposed to hordes of Jedi. This gives us a perspective rarely seen, and (especially since the Clone Wars novels are supposed to deal more with perspectives and people than overall plot) is a welcome insight into the effects of the war glossed over by other media. More than a mere thousand Jedi and a million clones are involved in this conflict, both directly and not.The book does suffer from some minor continuity glitches; there were also references to things from the movies that the POV characters shouldn't have been aware of, even though the reader is. But in its favor, there were also some other unexpected nods to the Expanded Universe.Unlike almost every other multipart story, BATTLE SURGEONS accomplishes something unusual: it feels complete. There's really only one thread introduced during the novel that's left to be resolved in JEDI HEALER, but even that has a partial resolution which would be satisfactory without the forthcoming sequel.Overall, a highly recommended read for fans of character-based pieces or seeing beyond a certain point of view.