Just finished reading “Star Wars: Republic Commando - Triple Zero this morning during my usual water break in Mos Eisley. Holy shit, is this a great book!!
Karen Traviss Brings two things to Star Wars novels that have always been sorely absent. The Military, and a real look at Troopers. Grant it, these are Clones she writes about, but a lot of the manerisms, behavior and operations are the same today in the Empire. If you’ve never read the Republic Commando series, then you need to get on that ASAP.
at 7:22 pm
So how close to reality is it 13?
at 7:55 pm
Well, considering it written by a woman who spent her fair share of time serving in the UK military, I’d say she has it down pat. Very, very good stuff. Seriously.
at 3:30 am
Thanks, Trooper! Glad you enjoyed it.
Point of clarification: I’m a journalist by trade, or I was before I became a full time author 18 months ago. The military connection (apart from my family and my home town, which has the UK’s main naval base for centuries) is that I was a defence correspondent and I also served as a reservist for a few years. (Links on my web site.) If anyone wants to know how authentic the material is, ask the guys in the 501st who are serving or who are vets- I passed their inspection.
I’ve had to Starwars-ize a lot, obviously, but the human side and the tactics ring true for anyone serving in any branch of the armed forces, if the mail I get daily is any guide. (All my books are military and/ or political fiction seen from the sharp end - same in my own wess’har series.)
I’m really enjoying your MP3 archives, by the way…!
at 10:00 am
*Swoons and nearly faints*
YOU, ma’am, are my hero!
And being one of those 501st who served, yes…You’ve passed inspection, ma’am! In spades!
And I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Expect more to keep popping up as time goes by, as well as a regluar podcast.
at 1:17 am
I’d never say this to Boba, of course, because I value having unbroken kneecaps, but the point about the Fetts did get me thinking …
at 8:39 am
Is this book available in Canada? I’ve looked through 6 different bookstores and have come up short.
at 10:14 am
Yes, it’s available everywhere - even the UK.
Ask the store to order it if it’s not on the shelves: B&N, Borders and others have had whole displays of it. It’s a mass-market paperback that’s been in the bestsellers lists - it’s not like it’s from an obscure small press or anything. It’s published by Del Rey.
at 3:44 pm
Hey Thirteen! Looks like you’ve had a visit from a special guest!
I have to agree that the REPUBLIC COMMANDO series are among the best books I’ve read. It forces people to see with new eyes and that can be painful if your used to a narrow, dogmatic view of the Universe. Then again, the average, thankless, Imperial citizen could use a little more pain in their lives!
It’s about time that the true Hero’s of the Old Republic receive their due!
Vode An!
TK-2035 aka “Lancer”
at 4:28 pm
Just picked it up and so far loving it.
I think I found out about this and the first one that Karen wrote through this website.
at 5:50 pm
Good deal! See? You folks need to trust me! When have I *ever* lied to you, eh? The Empire is all about TRUTH.
at 12:08 am
You lie? *whistles innocently and then goes back about her business*
at 4:21 pm
Never EVER.
Except on my back… For the right gal… which is whichever one I can get…
..as often as I can.
at 10:20 pm
….*waits for more*
at 10:17 pm
Excellent! Me likes military sci-fi do I.