Fiction Addict

Genre: Sci-Fi

Publisher: Del Rey

Publication Date: August 2010

Reviewed by Jake Chism

3,650 years before A New Hope, the Star Wars universe finds itself in a state of unbalance. A Hutt crime lord is holding a mysterious auction that is drawing attention from all over the galaxy. The Republic and the Empire, along with outside forces, are quick to send their delegates to see what all of the fuss is about.  Before long, an unlikely alliance will be made to save the galaxy from a horrible fate.

What happens when a Jedi Padawan, a Sith apprentice, an Imperial spy, a Republic Black Star Trooper, and a Mandalorian crash a Hutt party? All the mayhem, action, and plot twists you could ask for.  Make no mistake about it; Fatal Alliance is a busy story. There are lots of characters to follow, and the story dances around between several arcs. Fortunately, Sean Williams’ skilled hand makes this a lot of fun for the reader.

Fatal Alliance serves as background for the upcoming, highly anticipated Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG from BioWare and LucasArts. No doubt the characters introduced here represent the different types of characters you will be able to choose to play the game. Throughout, Williams does a great job of fleshing out the characters. I actually became so wrapped up in their stories that I completely forgot about the video game connection.

There is plenty of action to go around here and the battles are full throttle and in your face. Hardcore fans will also enjoy another dose of Mandalore lore, which has been a controversial topic of late in the Star Wars EU.

This is a solid effort on Williams’ part, not only giving us a great story, but a fun peek into the background of the upcoming game. With more The Old Republic novels planned, I do hope we get to see these characters again.

Review copy provided by Del Rey.