X-Wing: The Krytos Trap (The Essential Legends Collection)
The Rebels have taken Coruscant, but their problems are far from over.
A killer virus called Krytos is wiping out the indigenous population, and a counter-revolution is exploding.
At the center of the storm is the highly charged treason trial of Rebel hero Tycho Celchu.
While agents provocateurs carry out their acts of terrorism, the fledging state can be defended only by the blood and courage of Rogue Squadron.
As the X-wing fighters scramble to save the Rebellion, Corran Horn, given up for dead in Ysanne Isard’s inescapable prison, discovers he alone holds the key to freeing Coruscant from the Empire!
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Cover Artist: Doaly
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Pages: 400
ISBN:9780593497340
What’s it’s about?
We revisit the New Republic and the pilots of Rogue Squadron as they struggle to deal with the aftermath of liberating Corsucant from the clutches of the Imperial remnants led by Ysanne Isard. Civil unrest is rife as a deadly virus is spreading through the non-human population, one of two parting gifts from Isard with the second being the framing of Tycho Celchu for the murder of Corran Horn and treason against the Republic.
Should I read this book?
Assuming you’ve read the first two books in the Rogue Squadron then this is a no brainer. If you havn’t read them then get on that immediately and meet me back here because this book is absolutely fantastic. Whether it’s the trial of Tycho Celchu, the kidnapping of Corran Horn or Wedge’s struggles with the politics of leadership, it’s never anything less than captivating. Every twist and turn are earned, and Stackpole has deftly been planting seeds since book one that are only taking fruit now. It’s masterful storytelling that is only really rivalled by Zahn’s Thrawn books in its plotting.
What did you like?
The biggest strength is the characters. If Rogue Squadron was the introduction and Wedge’s Gamble was the transitional broadening of the cast and development of the characters, then this is the payoff. It’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Horn’s bullish but earnest ways makes him a strange mix of Han and Luke in the best ways. Wedge’s forced stoicism only makes his vulnerabilities that much more compelling. It’s not just your main players either, the relationship between human Gavin Darklighter and the Bothan Asyr is nothing less than adorable and the thread that follows Iella and her husband Diric is heart-wrenching.
Each plot thread intertwines and builds towards a spectacular finale with some striking imagery. The book also managed to surprise me twice with revelations that I didn’t see coming but absolutely made sense when they did. It’s no mean feat to create suspense and surprise in a series that is so closely monitored and restricted by their respective canons so this should be applauded.
I also particularly enjoyed the teases this book gave into Corran’s future through the reveals of his past. This has been seeded since book one in subtle ways but this is the first real leap into that territory. As the series is primarily about pilots, soldiers and warfare it makes the side-step into Jedi mysticism and classic Star Wars adventure all the more exciting. It gives you a real glimpse into how the average citizens of the Galaxy view figures like Luke and Vader.
What did you not like?
Honestly? Nothing. If you go back and read my review of Rogue Squadron, I had major issues with how female characters were represented and how Corran’s towards them verged on toxic masculinity. I’m happy to report that this was merely the place where Corran had to grow from, and the series no longer has those issues at all. In fact, the strong and varied female characters seem almost progressive for the time it was published and is more in keeping with today’s canon releases. I’m glad my knee-jerk reaction proved incorrect as there’s some truly wonderful characters in this book.
What’s next?
Why, book 4 of the Rogue Squadron series of course! The Bacta War will be released as part of the Essential Legends Collection on 1st November! If you can’t wait that long the original release is available everywhere for mere pennies. In the meantime, though if you haven’t checked out the canon Alphabet Squadron trilogy make sure you do. It’s very similar in style and content and well worth your time.
Anything else to add?
Just two small points. Firstly, can I request that Corran Horn be brought into canon please? Perhaps as part of the upcoming Rogue Squadron movie? Secondly, I want to say that it hurts me to say it, but Legends Wedge is far superior to his canon counterpart. He’s a wonderful space dad, and I will defend him with my life.
- Stackpole, Michael A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 08/02/2022 (Publication Date) - Random House Worlds (Publisher)
