Alright, so any of you who read my latest blog will remember that I mentioned a possible review of Order 66 when I was in the mood. As lame as it sounds, I've gone through all the stages of "character grief," and I'm now onto "acceptance." In other words, I think I'm now in the proper mood to write a blog! Yay! Here we go . . . .

To give you some background info, I pre-ordered this book from amazon.com. I knew I'd probably be too busy to run down to the bookstore, and since I was going to be forced to buy a hardcover (ain't no WAY I was gonna wait for paperback!!!), I really liked the price. Plus I worked it so I'd get free shipping! I think I got the book on the 18th of September . . . but don't quote me on that. I just remember being surprised at how quickly it came, since usually "free shipping" means your that order gets sent everywhere but the actual destination first! Nevertheless, it was a VERY pleasant surprise! I had to be careful not to get drool on the cover!!

My first goal in reading was to "check in" with everyone - I could hardly put the book down until I had made sure I knew where everyone was and how they were doing! The night I cracked it open, I actually had to pull out True Colors at the same time. It had been five months or so since I'd finished the other three books, so I needed a quick refresher course on where everyone was, what they were doing, and who knew what. After that, life of course had to get in the way and mess with how often I was actually able to get back to the story! But now I'm finally finished! Woo hoo!

And now for my thoughts. I knew somebody was going to bite the dust. I'd known it since True Colors. I was bracing myself for it. I knew it would be someone central, too. My guesses were Kal, Darman, Niner, or . . . yes, Etain. I was a bit concerned for Mereel and Ordo, too, but I was pretty sure the threat was going to be against the previously mentioned four. Yet even the expectation didn't leave me fully prepared for the outcome, as evidenced by my latest blog. Okay, I'm good now.

I've gotta say, I was actually a little angry at Etain for her death. Why'd she have to go all heroic and try to save that clone? Sure, it showed her character, but even Skirata knows he can't save everything and everyone. Priorities, woman!! I was also annoyed that she didn't just go to Mandalore in the first place. I know, I know - she had no idea that Order 66 was going to happen, but going straight to Mandalore would have been safer in any case! And even after she'd gotten to Coruscant and heard the news, she could have taken Enacca's advice and left ASAP! Grrrrr . . . .

Her death was well handled though - I really like how Karen Traviss wrote the successive events. My head was spinning right along with Darman's, and I can see exactly how and why he did what he did. In general, I'm really interested in how guys process tragedies (they're just so different! Lol!), and Skirata and his boys were no exception. From what I know of the characters, Karen was right-on when writing their reactions. I also like how she had the women step up during that time. Skirata had had a major impact on Besany and Laseema, giving them strength and courage, and teaching them a ton, and now they stepped up and took care of him and the boys.

Speaking of which, my good friend CDS wrote her own review of Order 66 (and TFU, too!), and brought up a really great point! She mentioned what a fabulous job Karen did writing such strong female characters without being cliché. So true! And they're all unique within this story, too - each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Etain, Laseema, Besany, and Parja each have diverse pasts that have made them different people, and the first three have each benefited from Kal's influence in different ways. Oh, and Rav and Ny are great too. I just thought that was cool.

Oh yes - Kal. You may remember a blog I wrote early this year about how mad I was at him for the way he treated Etain about her pregnancy. Later on, in my Republic Commando Series review, I think I mentioned how all was forgiven because he admitted he was wrong. Well, now he's so much more than forgiven . . . . His reaction to Etain's death simply blew me away; A+ to Karen there. I just wanted to jump into the book and hug him!!! Poor thing. Ny Vollen will help him out and keep him in line though. Heh heh - Grandma Skirata is SO on the way . . . .

While we're on the subject of Ny, what were your thoughts on the Kaminoan Jedi Kina Ha and the return of Scout? (Tallisibeth Enwandung-Esterhazy - nicknamed Scout, for those of you who don't know. She was in Yoda: Dark Rendezvous. Weirdest Star Wars novel I've ever read, but I fell in love with poor Scout!) Ny's right - she reminds me quite a bit of Etain! So it'll be interesting to see her again! And I'm dying to see Kal's reactions to and interactions with Kina Ha! OH, and I'm soooooooo glad that Levet is safe! I love "Commander Tactful!"

As for Fi, I am SO glad he's back to his old self!!! Corr's antics helped me cope with his condition, but nothing made me happier than hearing (well, reading) Fi's first humorous remarks!!! *sigh* Good ol' Fi.

Oh, and Scorch! I mentioned in my RC series review that Sev was really the only member of Delta who'd grown on me, but Scorch is totally on the list now! I loved reading about the changes going on in his mind and his shifting perception of the world. I just wish he'd had the guts to defy orders and safe Sev. But he's getting there, slowly but surely. And Sev better live, or else.

All in all, Order 66 was a FABULOUS novel, as expected, despite the crummy events that caused my "mourning period." Karen Traviss continues to amaze me, and on a scale of 1 - 10, I'd give both this series and this book a 1,000,000! AND, I'm trying to convince two of my friends to read it! One is the girl I mentioned who'd never seen Star Wars before, and now that she has, she came to me and asked me about reading the books! So I've given her a list and everything! The other is my guy friend (some of you will remember him as MG or "Magna Guard"), who isn't into Star Wars, but I'm trying to convince him that he'd like this series.

And now onto Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter! Another book down, and a zillion to go!

MTFBWY,
Jade