Title: X-Wing: Rogue squadron
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Pages: 388
Time: 6 ABY

Introduction
Next up, the X-Wing series. Now this was something I was looking forward to. Everything I ever heard about these novels was positive and I was also really looking forward to starting the 'New Republic Era'. Finally a period in which the good guys have the upper hand and in which there is no feeling of looming disaster. One thing worried me a bit though. There are a total of nine X-Wing novels. What if I didn't like the story or the characters? That would be a bit of a problem for my continuing quest through the EU. If you read on, you will find out soon enough, that I have nothing to worry about. I think I will be happy to read though nine novels of X-Wing adventures.

Novel quality
This first novel of the series its main purpose is the introduction of the characters and the setting up of the main story arc. As such the story isn't the strongest ever. However it does serve its purpose and it is definitely noy bad. First member of Rogue squadron is Wedge Antilles, the guy we all know from the movies. He doesn't have any major role in them, but he is always there in the thick of things. Wedge is now leader of Rogue Squadron and has to re-populate it for future missions. First of which is taking over the Imperial stronghold of Black Moon on the planet Borleias. The New Republic needs this planet to be able to stage a proper attack on Coruscant, which is still under control of the Empire. Obviously this is a very dangerous mission and obviously there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. The strong point of this novel however is the great diversity of characters. Mr. Stackpole somehow manages to make every single character in his novel an interesting one. I will refrain from describing all of them, as that would make my review very(!) long. In stead I will describe some of my favorites. There are many other interesting characters, but the future storyline will ondoubtedly take me past them.

On the side of the New Republic we have Corran Horn and Tycho Celchu. Corran Horn is a young pilot who is a real hot shot and has the attitude to match it. He is very likeable however since he appears to be quite pure and honest. Tycho Celchu is an ex-Imperial who defected to the Alliance after his home planet of Alderaan was destroyed by the Empire. He is limited in his movement by the New Republic, since they apparently do not completely trust him. To my regret we do not (yet) find out exactly why they distrust him.

On the side of the Empire we are introduced to Ysanne Isard a.k.a. Iceheart. I feel she really is a great addition to the Star Wars galaxy. She is clearly the main obstacle between the New Republic and their quest for true freedom from the Empire. Reading about her appearance and the fear she strikes into her underlings is very interesting and her way of manipulating events to achieve her own goals puts her right up there with the ultimate puppet master Sidious. As Iceheart will be an important enemy during the series, I was happy to see that Mr. Stackpole succeeded in creating a character with as much potential as Ysanne Isard.

All in all I had a great time reading this first novel in the series and I am very much looking forward to the next one. Sure, the story might not have been the strongest ever, but that is to be expected from a novel that starts an entire series. The new characters that are introduced more than make up for any story weaknesses you will find. "Rogue Squadron" is a very good read and it will have you wanting more by the end of it. Lucky for us, there is a lot more to read.
Rating: 80/100

Personal tilt
Considering this is the first novel in a series, the story-line was actually pretty strong. Add to that the immens amount of new and interesting characters and it is save to say that Mr. Stackpole did a very good job writing this novel. I, for one, am looking forward to reading more about Rogue Squadron and the early New Republic. There is still a lot going on in the Star Wars galaxy and we have a great set of characters to learn more about. If Mr. Stackpole and Mr. Allston make good use of the great basis laid within this novel, we'll be in for a great ride.
Rating: 78/100

Overall rating: 79.2/100

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