Title: X-Wing: The Krytos Trap
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Pages: 355
Time: 7 ABY

Introduction
After having good fun with the taking of Coruscant in "Wedges Gamble" I was really looking forward to see how the story develops further. I had high expectations for this third episode and I am glad to tell you it lived up to those expectations.

Novel quality
This time, the story is split into two major story lines that both revolve around the main plot-twist. First we have the New Republic who are fighting to stop the Krytos virus and restore the public opinion regarding the Republic. Second we get close and personal with Corran Horn who is trying to escape from Lusankya, the mythical Imperial prison which is in fact quite real. Both stories are linked together by the trial against Tycho Celchu, who is accused of having killed Corran Horn and who is selected to be the fall-guy for the Republic.

Even more so than before, this novel is character-driven. The main plot is still the battle between the Republic and the Empire, but the character development is the main focus of this novel. We especially get a deep insight into Corran Horn, and we learn a lot about his past and probable future. I feel Mr. Stackpole has created an interesting and solid character in Corran Horn. Aside from Corran we also get a bunch of information and revelations from other characters, Nawara Ven, Iella and Loor, to name a few. Let's just say, that Mr. Stackpole once again does a great job at making you care about the characters and making them more 'real' constantly

Is I said above that the novel is character drive, do not misinterpret that and conclude that there is not too much going on in the novel. The story may not include any major steps, like the taking of Coruscant, but it does paint us a nice picture of the political picture at the time. In addition you will be surprised by some of the revelations during the novel. Characters are not what they appear to be, the power balance shows to be extremely delicate and there are some interesting surprises waiting for you in the end.

Does it feel like I am contradicting myself? It very well might. The fact that the story is so character driven seems to imply that there isn't too much going on story-wise and then I go on and tell you that there actually is a whole lot going on in the story. The difference is that, although the story is full of surprises and interesting twists, it does not actually change a whole lot in the galaxy as a whole. It is strong enough however to score a high rating. It appears that Mr. Stackpole succeeded in creating a character driven novel with a strong story, something that is quite a feat. If you ask me, this novel is the best in the series so far. You will have to read the previous novels in order to fully enjoy this one, but that is something I mentioned before and is something that doesn't really matter much. Still, consider it when choosing your novels. My advice? Pick up the series and start reading away, you'll love it.
Rating: 87/100

Personal tilt
As I said above, this is the best X-Wing novel so far. It provides us with a whole bunch of depth about the characters and with a lot of interesting twists and turns as well. There are two indicators to show exactly how much I love it. One, I read through it in a matter of days, which is quite exceptional considering the amount of time I spend on my work. Two, I have picked up playing my X-Wing and Tie-Fighter collectors CD-roms again after reading the novel, the games that introduced me to exactly how much there is still to tell in the Star Wars universe. Considering this, it is safe to say that the novel is worth reading part one and two, just to get to this one. If you haven't done so already, order it now and read it, it's a winning choice.
Rating: 85/100

Overall rating: 86.2/100

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