Fiction Addict

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror

Publisher: Del Rey

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

The Imperial prison barge Purge is home to the galaxy’s most dangerous criminals and wayward vagabonds. When the ship breaks down their only choice is to board a Star Destroyer in search of help. At first glance it seems the massive ship is completely deserted, but soon the crew from the Purge discovers a nightmare on board that is far more dangerous than the inmates in their charge. Death is coming and it will leave no prisoners.

Joe Schreiber storms onto the Star Wars scene with a welcome breath of fresh air. The idea of a Star Wars horror novel seems incredibly gimmicky upon first consideration, but I was blown away by the story telling prowess of Schreiber. On the sci-fi side of things fans will be more than satisfied with the familiar SW feel, including an awesome cameo that will have die hard fans foaming at the mouth. Not a Star Wars fan? Never fear. This novel can be enjoyed by anyone, even if you’ve never seen the films.

Schreiber is known as a horror writer and he holds nothing back as he effortlessly brings “scary” to the Expanded Universe. The fast paced plot is full of tension, action, suspense, and gory scene after gory scene. With such chapter titles as “Lung Windows” and “Skin Hill”, you know you are in for quite a disturbing, yet thrilling ride.

Horror and gore aside, what really makes this story work are the characters. There was much more “heart” in these characters than I expected and I found myself rooting for them all along the way. Finally…another Star Wars novel that delivers like the Original Trilogy, giving us a reason to love our heroes.

I am now officially a Joe Schreiber fan and I look forward to devouring his previous novels. Schreiber is slated for another Star Wars horror novel next year and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table again. I sure hope the rest of the EU is paying attention because this is Star Wars storytelling at its highest level.