Book review: 501st: An Imperial Commando Novel SPOILERS!

In 2009, Karen Traviss was given her final contract with Random House/Del Rey to continue her story forward. Sadly, after this novel, the fates of the majority of the characters remain unknown. The exceptions are Bardan and Venku who are alive as of Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice and Legacy of the Force: Revelation both written by Traviss years before the events of this novel were developed. I wouldn't recommend reading the Legacy of the Force novels as it's head writer Troy Denning assassinated every character trait for every main character in order for them to fit his story line, which, in itself, was half-assed (forgive my language). Synopsis: The Clone Wars are over, but for those with reason to run from the new Galactic Empire, the battle to survive has only just begun.... The Jedi have been decimated in the Great Purge, and the Republic has fallen. Now the former Republic Commandos—the galaxy's finest special forces troops, cloned from Jango Fett—find themselves on opposing sides and in very different armor. Some have deserted and fled to Mandalore with the mercenaries, renegade clone troopers, and rogue Jedi who make up Kal Skirata's ragtag resistance to Imperial occupation. Others—including men from Delta and Omega squads—now serve as Imperial Commandos, a black ops unit within Vader's own 501st Legion, tasked to hunt down fugitive Jedi and clone deserters. For Darman, grieving for his Jedi wife and separated from his son, it's an agonizing test of loyalty. But he's not the only one who'll be forced to test the ties of brotherhood. On Mandalore, clone deserters and the planet's own natives, who have no love for the Jedi, will have their most cherished beliefs challenged. In the savage new galactic order, old feuds will have to be set aside to unite against a far bigger threat, and nobody can take old loyalties for granted.

A report from Sector Controller J506, Officer Marigand, H.F., recaps the events of Order 66: A Republic Commando novel. It then transitions to Nyreen Vollen as she smuggles Tallisibeth “Scout” Enwandung-Esterhazy and Kina Ha to Mandalore. Meanwhile, on Imperial Center (Coruscant), Darman and Niner attend a briefing by Darth Vader, who wants them to hunt down the remaining Jedi and even the Antarian Rangers, Force-sensitives who couldn't make it as a Jedi and now act as helpers. Emperor's Hand Sa Cuis assigns Squad 40—Darman, Niner, Bry and Ennen from Galaar Squad—to hunt down Antarian Ranger Jilam Kester. On Mandalore, the Skirata clan tries to move on—Vau's on Kashyyyk searching for Sev—Kal and the former Nulls plan to insert themselves onto Imperial Center to retrieve Darman and Niner. Ny arrives and Kal is shocked by how much Scout looks like Etain. Fenn Shysa appeals to Kal to use Bardan Jusik to breed an army of Mandalorian Force-sensitives. Kal declines to use his adopted son like that. Dr. Ovolot Qail Uthan and Mij Gilamar bond while trying to perfect the cure for the age limit on the clones using Uthan's research on FG36.

Darman and Niner, along with Ennen and Bry find Kester fleeing and end up facing former Jedi General and Master Iri Camas. Bry kills Camas at the cost of his life and Kester flees. Data left behind mentions Plett's Well and children of the Jedi being moved there. After Sa Cuis is killed by Vader (InHis Image and A Two-Edged Sword), Roly Mesular takes over Commando Missions. He doesn't just want to target Jedi, but the Jal Shey and other Force-users. On Mandalore, the Death Watch is on the rise, helping the Imperials set up store. It turns out that Arligan Zey and Maze survived Order 66 and arrive on Coruscant via Ruusaan Skirata and Bardan Jusik. Zey realizes why Etain had become distant when he sees Venku Skirata. Ordo tries to retrieve Darman and Niner but they choose to remain behind because Darman found out about Kal hiding Scout, Kina Ha, and Zey. In turmoil, Skirata goes to a set of coordinates and meets Jedi Master Djinn Altis, Callista Masana, former Republic Intelligence agent Hallena Devis and more of Altis's Jedi sect. They do a deal and Kal finds out that Etain was offered a place in Altis' group and is angered that she died for nothing.

During a mission to kill a second Jedi, Darman, Niner and Ennen are paired up with a Spaarti-cloned clone trooper named Rede. The second Jedi turns out to be a kid with a lightsaber and Ennen can't stand losing Bry and killing a kid and so commits suicide in the barracks. On Mandalore, Gilamar kills the newest leader of the Death Watch, DredPriest. Uthan proves herself and develops a way to block the FG36 virus in response to Palpatine seeding her homeworld via the same virus. She lets it loose on Mandalore to prevent the Mandalorians and everyone on the planet from dying via the same way. Kal meets with Altis once more to negotiate intelligence and passes the anti-virus stuff onto Altis and his gang so they'll be safe. After the third Jedi is dead, Darman asks Mesular if he needs anyone posted on Mandalore and Mesular grants him, Niner and Rede permission to help fortify the Mandalorian homeworld. In the end, and a perfect set up for the ultimate finale that never happened (thanks Del Rey/Random House), Darman vows to get Venku away from Kal and the Jedi no matter what it costs.

A very well done final Star Wars novel from Traviss in the Old Republicera. So many fans were disappointed when Del Rey/Random House cancelled Imperial Commando 2 and fired Traviss from finishing the series. I hope, one day, that someone will pick up where Karen left off and finish the story once and for all. In the mean time, speculations are your own.

Book Review: Order 66: A Republic Commando novel SPOILERS!

In 2008, veteran Star Wars author Karen Traviss returns with an epic finale for the Republic Commando novel series. Hardcover Synopsis: After the fierce combat of Hard Contact, Triple Zero, and True Colors comes the spectacular culmination of New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss's gripping Republic Commando series. As a battle-scarred era nears its end, a shattering power play is about to stun the entire galaxy... and set in motion events that will alter destinies and resound throughout history. Even as the Clone Wars are about to reach an explosive climax, no one knows if victory will favor the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) or the Separatists. But no matter who wins, the stakes are highest for elite Special Ops clones like the Republic Commandos in Omega and Delta Squads―and the notorious renegade Advance Recon Commando clone troopers known as Null ARCs. With Republic forces stretched to the max and casualties mounting, the last thing these beleaguered warriors need to hear is the Chancellor Palpatine is keeping vast armies of secret clone troops in reserve. Sergeant Kal Skirata, a mentor to the clone commandos, has no intention of standing idly by while Palpatine sends them into battle like lambs to the slaughter. Skirata begins to plan the clones' escape from the GAR, but his heroic effort will be in vain unless he can reverse the clones' accelerated aging process. Caught in the treacherous dealings of their leaders, and locked in the battles of their lives, the disillusioned Null ARCs and Commandos nonetheless fight with everything they've got, determined to wrest victory from the Seps and save the galaxy. But even the deadliest weapons may not be powerful enough to defeat the real menace. And nothing will stop the apocalyptic horror unleashed when Palpatine utters the chilling words: The time has come. Execute Order 66. Translation: The Jedi have tried to stage a coup, and all must be shot on sight. With their faith in the Republic and their loyalty to their Jedi allies put to the ultimate test, how will the men of Omega and Delta squads react to the most infamous command in galactic history? All the breath taking action, suspense, and intrigue of Karen Traviss's Republic Commando series comes alive in Star Wars: Order 66.

The 432 page novel opens with a first person POV of Bardan Jusik, now a Mandalorian mercenary, debating ethics with a Jedi over using a slave army. Then it goes back 50 years before Attack of the Clones to show how a kid named Falin Mattran became the Mandalorian mercenary known as Kal Skirata. It then jumps back to 736 days after the Battle of Geonosis where Scorch, Sev, Kal, and Vau remember the fallen soldiers who didn't make it out of Geonosis alive and then those who've died since. It's the second anniversary of the outbreak of the Clone Wars. Scorch mentions rumors of clones being produced on Coruscant because Palpatine doesn't trust Kamino not to get trashed by the Separatists again. On day 737, Besany Wennen is being trailed by an intel agent. Ordo intercepts them and blows the agents ID and finds out just how paranoid Palpatine is about people looking into the clone scandal. Ordo kills the agent and, in the Mandalorian tradition, marries Besany. On Mandalore 937 days after Geonosis, Fi and Parja visit a cantina in Enceri and encounter Fenn Shysa who asks Fi to do his bit for Mandalore. Meanwhile Darman, Atin, Corr, and Niner assassinate a rebel leader on Haurgab and end up needing extraction via the 14th Infantry.

Meanwhile, Mij Gilamar and Kal Skirata have been asking around genetic labs if they can look at the Fett genome to see if the clones' rapid aging can be reversed. Jusik looks at busting Ovolot Qail Uthan out of a Republic Asylum. EtainTur-Mukan arrives at the Kragget to see her son, Venku “Kad”Skirata. Fenn Shysa wants either Fi, Sull, or Spar to be the reigning Mand'alor, leader of the Mandalorians and all three decline. Etain, on Republic Fleet Auxiliary support vessel Redeemer, talks Jedi Knight Commander Callista Masana about Jedi Master Djinn Altis and his sect of Jedi; Callista reveals that Altis' Jedi can get married and have kids, something that appeals to Etain. Tor and Ijaat Skirata call Kal and tell him their sister, Kal's daughter, is missing. Kal's adopted the Nulls as family according to the Mandalorian tradition. On Haurgab, Etain, leading Delta and Omega squads, hunt down a group of rebels still putting up a fight. They find them and Scorch goes ballistic after they try and bomb the Forward Operating Base. Scorch lets none of the rebels live. Jusik helps Fi heal while Zey suspects Kal of thieving from the Republic.

Etain tells Darman about Kad and he gets angry and demands answers from Kal. Zey asks Vau to spy on Kal in case he's working for the enemy and Vau promises to alert him if that is happening. Darman punches out Kal for deceiving him like this. 998 days after Battle of Geonosis, Delta Squad prepares to insert themselves onto Kashyyyk with Etain. General Grievous launches a surprise attack on Coruscant and certain units are recalled from the field. Five days of non-stop fighting on Coruscant results in Kal sending Jusik, Sull, Spar, and Fi to collect his daughter, Ruusaan and extract Dr. Uthan. Kenobi and Skywalker show up and the events of Revenge of the Sith are rushed over the next couple of days. Sev is left behind as Delta pulls out of Kashyyyk as seen in RepublicCommando. As the entire Skirata clan prepares to leave Coruscant, Palpatine sends out the call: Order 66. Jedi are hunted down and killed everywhere. Etain flees Kashyyyk and ends up on Coruscant. She is cut down by other Jedi on Shinarcan Bridge trying to get to Kal. Darman, in shock, stays behind to see that Niner gets medical help while the rest of the Skirata clan take off. Ny Vollen, a commercial pilot, brings Etain's body to Mandalore and Kal insists on giving her a cremation. Darman and Niner adjust to life being in the 501st Legion of ImperialCommandos while Ny asks Skirata if he would take in a couple of other Jedi: Tallisibeth “Scout” Enwandung-Esterhazy and Kina Ha. The novel ends with the Empire beginning to build a garrison on Mandalore. 

 A well crafted finish to the series with the left-over events beginning to wrap up in 501st: An Imperial Commando novel by Karen Traviss. Great prose, wonderful characters, great settings, believable situations make this novel worth reading.

Book Review: A Black Jewels book: Twilight's Dawn SPOILERS!

In March 2011, Anne Bishop returned to her New York Times bestselling and “darkly fascinating”[1] Black Jewels series. In Twilight's Dawn, Bishop returns to the Blood realm with four all-new captivating novellas.

Winsol Gifts synopsis: Daemon, the Black-Jeweled Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, is settling into his first year of married life with his Witch Queen, Jaenelle. But as the thirteen-day celebration of Winsol draws near, Daemon finds himself being pulled in too many directions as he plays host to his formidable family. A few weeks after the events of Tangled Webs, Daemon visits Tersa, his mother, to check if his gift for Lucivar was ready; likewise, after Daemon leaves, Lucivar arrives to do the same. Concerned that this may harm her children—despite the fact that Lucivar isn't biologically hers—Tersa asks Saetan to investigate his sons motives. He does and finds nothing wrong with the gifts. Beale and Jaenelle remind Daemon of a few things that he, as the head of Dhemlan and the SaDiablo family, has to help prepare for Winsol as he and Jaenelle are formally hosting the family. Surreal and Rainer show up, still hurt over the spooky house incident. Rainier is going to Dharo to spend time with his family who can't stand him because he wears Opal which is considered a dark jewel. Rainier still blames himself for what happened a the spooky house. So does Surreal, though she won't admit it. Daemon offers him work should his leg never fully heal. Rainier informs Daemon that he'll be spending a few weeks in Ebon Rih after Winsol. Lucivar wants to build Rainier and Surreal back up to their former strengths. Karla is called in by Jaenelle to take a look at Rainier; it is revealed that Karla adopted Della and KaeAskavi—the child that was the sole survivor in Queen of the Darkness—and Prince Hagen, Karla's Master of the Guard, has become Della's surrogate father. Rainier visits Surreal. Surreal cares for Rainier and wants him to stay and not go to his family. Lucivar wants another child and Daemon tries to talk him out of it. Saetan asks for solidarity for Winsol and Daemon obeys for the moment. Surreal goes to drop off a present to Rainier's place and finds he's still there. Angry, Surreal storms into his apartment and invites him to the SaDiablo family Winsol party. Jaenelle dresses in her black dress that she wore as Witch and dances with Saetan while Daemon and Lucivar visit Tersa; it's a new family tradition for Winsol Eve.

Shades of Honor synopsis: (broken into five parts) Still recovering from the ordeal that left her wounded and angry, Surrreal returns to Ebon Rih on the orders of Warlord Prince Lucivar. And when her former lover Falonar ruthlessly challenges the rule of her family, Surreal may finally succumb to the darkness burning inside her. Several months before the events of The Shadow Queen, the Eyrien Prince Falonar plots to remove Lucivar from his position as the Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih, intending to take control. Meanwhile, Surreal and Rainier settle into The Tavern that Merry and Briggs run. Surreal meets Lucivar at his mothers place and discuss her health. Saetan implants the memory of what Lucivar looked like when he arrived in Kaeleer in Heir to the Shadows into Rainiers mind and discovers that Lucivar's right ankle still gives him trouble. The next day at the communal eyrie, Lucivar admonishes Jillian for skipping school to train with the warriors, Surreal and Rainier. Falonar, who's sleeping with Jillian's sister Nurian, forbids Jillian from training. Surreal starts a verbal fight with Falonar. Lucivar breaks it up telling Surreal and Falonar off before finding out that Jillian fears someone and that's why she wants to train. Lucivar gives her an ultimatum: she goes to school and he'll train her in the afternoon. Jillian agrees and leaves while Falonar puts Rainier through his paces with Hallevar watching. Falonar forces his way into Rainier's mind, looking for something to use against Rainier and breaks the man's leg. 

Lucivar demands to know why Falonar pulled that stunt; Falonar says it's because “a cripple doesn't have any place among Eyrien warriors.” Surreal, in anger, throws herself at Falonar. Lucivar tries to stop her, but she rips through Falonar's Sapphire shields and rips his arm with a sight shielded stiletto. Lucivar tells Surreal to go to the Keep. Surreal points out that Falonar may have harmed a cripple but he wouldn't have survived a demon-dead Eyrien Warlord any better than Rainier. Lucivar's shocked that Surreal is riding the killing edge. Lucivar dismisses Falonar, promising to see him later. Lucivar calls Jaenelle over via Daemon to heal Rainier. Lucivar discusses his worry with Daemon and Jaenelle threatens to strip Falonar's legs muscle by muscle if he gets near Rainier again. Rainier, delusional, tells Daemon what Falonar did. Falonar tells (snarls more like) Lucivar that the Eyriens in Ebon Rih have no honor, no soul. Falonar tries to convince him to give up the title of ruler of Ebon Rih and walk away; Lucivar says no. Saetan tells Lucivar what Andulvar would've done and Lucivar takes the hint. Endar visits Rainier in The Tavern and they talk and play an Eyrien kids card game. After Endar, hallevar and several other Eyriens leave, Lucivar asks Rainier what that was all about. Rainier says hat Endar is looking for other work as he's not cut out to be a warrior. Lucivar notes that Surrreal, while polishing all her knives with a terrifyingly erotic smile, might be slipping into the Twisted Kingdom. Merry and Briggs have come down with sickness and Surreal decides she and Rainier should run The Tavern. Daemon hires Rainier as a secretary. 

Lucivar calls all the Eyriens living in Ebon Rih to a meeting. He tells them that the majority of them have fulfilled their contracts and are free to look elsewhere for work. Some start degrading Lucivar and he orders them out of Ebon Rih. Falonar talks to Nurian and they get into a fight. He slaps her and she orders him out of her house after she finds out that he beat Jillian “for her own good.” Nurian goes to Lucivar and she tells him she wants to stay and help the Riada Healers and Lucivar learns that the women want to keep learning the Eyrien warrior drills because Marion looks graceful with her walk. Endar goes to Rainier and he tells him about Lucivar cutting them loose; Rainier mentions that Lucivar is looking for a teacher and Endar jumps at the chance. Surreal tells an angry Falonar that the Eyriens aren't the ones the people in Kaeleer fear, it's the Dea al Mon who hold that title. She also mentions what she and Titian did to Kartane and Falanor flees. Lucivar has been summoned by Falonar and leaves Surreal to watch Daemonar. Surreal freaks out and, when Daemonar sight-shields himself, she recalls the kids dying in the spooky house and panics, tearing the house upside down before passing out. Falonar tries to use a compulsion spell to force Lucivar to relinquish his hold on Ebon Rih. It doesn't work and Lucivar returns home to find Daemonar and the wolf-pups saying sorry because Daemonar believes he “broke Auntie Srell.” 

Lucivar asks Marion to get Nurian and Saetan. Saetan and Nurian say that Surreal is alive and not in the Twisted Kingdom. Daemon goes to look something up for Surreal and accidently stumbles into Hell. According to Draca, Hell chooses its ruler and from the way Daemon ended up, it seems he'll take over after Saetan has become a whisper in the Darkness. Randahl tells Rainier that the Eyriens in the northern camp are rebelling against Lucivar and following orders from Falonar. Geoffrey shows Daemon the map of Hell. Witch helps Surreal cleanse herself of all the guilt of the children she couldn't save. Witch finishes her healing and Surreal comes back better than she was before. Chaosti has come to Surreals aid as she is family and demonstrates to Falonar when he's foolish enough to challenge him just why the Dea al Mon are the most feared people in Kaeleer. Lucivar spars with Surreal and allows Surreal to strike a blow against him and when she finds out he left himself open on purpose, she gets angry and storms out. Falonar's Eyrien allies trick Lucivar to entering the killing field and he slaughters them all. Falonar took Hallevar, Rothvar, Zaranar, Tamnar, Endar, and Kohlvar for a “security patrol” and arrive to see Lucivar cut down the last Eyrien traitor. Lucivar tells Falonar of the death of Zuulaman. 

Daemon and Lucivar talk and Lucivar mentions that he thought it was strange that the other Eyriens with crossbows were trying to attack his left ankle and Daemon tells him that Rainier lied when Falonar broke Rainiers barriers. Lucivar put Falonar in Queen Perzha's court so he can finish his contract and it'd put Falonar in his place because Perzha doesn't give a damn if someone is aristo or not. Daemon takes Falonar to Hell and leaves him there as punishment for hurting one of his employees and the demon-dead think Daemon is The High Lord of Hell. The novella ends with Surreal going to Dea al Mon.

Family synopsis: When someone lays a vicious trap for Queen Sylvia and her sons, the fallout completely disrupts the lives of the ruling family of Dhemlan. Now they have to uncover the identity of the warlord known only as No Face before he returns to finish what he started. A decade after the events of Shalador's Lady, Sylvia is attacked by a faceless killer and killed. She goes to the Keep and finds Saetan who helps her transition to demon-dead. Jaenelle, Daemon, Surreal, and Rainier arrive at the place where she was staying and rescue Sylvia's son, Beron while the Sceltie Tildee took Mikal to Tersa's. Saetan needs to talk to Daemon about some children who've recently become cildru dyathe. Beron is in a deep sleep and Jaenelle wakes him in a dream when he shows her No Face's face. They set a trap for him by using Daemon as a decoy. When No Face arrives and demands that Tersa hand over the boy, Tersa forgets her role and rips his bones from his body, an act that causes Daemon to vomit. Saetan and Sylvia (finally) get married with her promising to help take care of the cildru dyathe and to let him know the second she can't/doesn't want to continue to live as a demon-dead and he'll return her to the Darkness. Jaenelle has decided to take up the mantle of being a Queen again and rule Halaway, but Rainier will serve as the First Escort since Daemon, as the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, can't be the consort, but he is still her husband.

The High Lord's Daughter synopsis: (broken into five parts) After losing the two most important people in his life, Daemon has assumed his father, Saetan's, role as High Lord of Hell and built a wall around his heart. But when he inadvertently forges a new connection, will it be enough to break him free from his loveless life? One year to the day after Jaenelle's death, Daemon's been in mourning and, as he promised to Jaenelle, now that a year has passed, he has to move on. At breakfast, Daemon becomes angry when Surreal tries to keep her promise to remove Jaenelle's effects—it was Jaenelle's last command for her. Daemon relents. The Weaver of Dreams is looking over a web spun by Witch and notices that the dormant web holds longings and whispers of wishes and are bound to specific dreamers. Lucivar and Marion have had a girl who've they've named Titian and, while walking back to the Keep, Daemon notes that Saetan is preparing to go back to the Darkness. Saetan tells Daemon that he never wanted him to become the next High Lord of Hell and that the reason he didn't tell Daemon was because he hasn't fully taken up his life since Jaenelle died seventeen years ago. Surreal is upset because Daemon ends up sleeping with a woman—Surreal calls her Dorothea because she seems like her—and Surreal tried to keep her away since before Jaenelle passed away. 

Daemon absorbs Saetan's power when the time is right and the former High Lord of Hell becomes a whisper in the Darkness. After Saetan's funeral, Surreal and Daemon end up reminiscing about Saetan and have sex in Daemon's bedroom. Surreal realizes later that Jaenelle had been preparing her for this over the last few years of her life. She and Daemon continue to have sex for the next few hours. Four days later, when Surreal catches the Gray Wind and goes to the family town house in Amdarh, and after using her Birthright Green, she vomits on the rug and the staff and two Healers converge on her and tell her she's pregnant. A couple of days later, she tells Daemon who says he wants marriage. Surreal doesn't want anything from him, but he's insistent and tells her that she won't just be marrying the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan but also the High Lord of Hell. She's slightly nervous about the whole thing but agrees. During the reception (Bishop skips the wedding) Daemon has the Scelties Morghann and Khary guard her—Surreal would say that Daemon sicced the Scelties on her. Hours before the birth, Surreal snaps at Daemon saying this is all his fault. Surreal panics during the childbirth and stabs Daemon with an open metalwork glove with the talons honed to a killing edge (it was a gift from Rainier who is long dead) when the baby girl is removed from her womb. Surreal names her Jaenelle Saetien in honor of two people who meant a great deal to her. Jaenelle Saetien has the pointed ears of the Dea al Mon and her mother. Daemon calls her witch-child. Lucivar notes that Daemon is loosing tons of blood from the wound and orders Nurian to heal him. Marion notes to Lucivar that Jaenelle Saetien has the same birthday as Jaenelle Angelline and wonders if anyone else has noticed. A few years later, Jaenelle Saetien is galloping on a black kindred horse who is an Opal-Jewled Warlord Prince named Nightwind from the Isle of Scelt (Sh-ellt). Daemon notes that Nightwind looks like Dark Dancer. 

Tersa tells Surreal that her Jaenelle is the child of her heart, that of the golden-haired child she knew without the pain and the exact child that Daemon needs in order for his heart to heal. Surreal asks her how she can be sure and Tersa replies that Witch told her. In the Misty Place, Daemon talks to Jaenelle Angelline who tells him that he's taking back his heart slowly and that when he has all of it back, he should start sharing it again. In the morning, Jaenelle Saetien has something to show her father. He tells her to wait outside so he can get dressed and she brushes it off because she's seen boy parts before and that Uncle Lucivar showed her. Daemon, in rage, barges into Lucivar's eyrie and demands an explanation. Lucivar tells him that it happened on a weekend. Lucivar was relaxing in a hot spring pool when Daemonar screamed. Lucivar, without bothering to put on a towel, burst onto the scene and saw Titian and Jaenelle trying to see what it was that Daemonar had between his legs because older girls were talking about it and acting silly. Lucivar calls in a towel and tells her that now she knows and sets some rules. Meanwhile, during this, Marion is taking care of baby Andulvar. Daemon apologizes, saying that the nightmares about Jaenelle Angelline's past and they became foremost in his mind. Lucivar mentions that he still has those nightmares as well and he would've done the same had Titian told Lucivar the same thing. Daemon comes back to the Hall and sees Surreal sitting on a couch reading a book with her corssbow aimed at the door. Surreal tells him to apologize to their daughter. 

He does and learns that Jaenelle's new friends are a half-grown Warlord Prince Arcerian cat named Kaele wearing a Green Birthright Jewel—who tells Daemon that the Weaver of Dreams says it's time—and the other is a unicorn Warlord Prince named Moondancer and can trace his bloodline back to a Warlord Prince named Kaetien. Surreal mentions that Jaenelle Saetien has another friend—special, secret, someone she's known forever and that she meets in dreams. She also notes that Kaele is descended from Kaelas, Moondancer from Kaetien, the Scelties are called Morghann and Khary and wonders if a tiger and a dragon are going to show up next. Daemon wonders what the kindred know that they don't. The Birthright Ceremony has arrived. A dozen aristo families are gathered at a Sanctuary in a central Dhemlan Province including Daemon and Surreal with Lucivar and Marion. It's Jaenelle's day. Surreal is worried about Jaenelle receiving her Birthright Jewels as she can't get a basic sense of what they'll be for her daughter. Tersa takes Jaenelle Saetien—calling her a Sister—to receive the Jewel. Jaenelle Saetien's jewel hasn't arrived yet and Tersa says that Daemon won't have answers until the last is done. 

Surreal takes her daughter and says before the rest of the aristos that she acknowledges Daemon as the father and grants him all paternal rights from this day forward. Jaenelle Saetien walks the distance to Daemon. Tersa declares that “She has come” and Jaenelle Saetien goes to collect her jewel. Daemon goes after her and sees his daughter holding Twilight's Dawn—not the full version Jaenelle Angelline had, but it contains the powers of Rose, Summer-sky, Purple Dusk, Opal and Green—and says she knew about this. Daemon asks her how and she tells him about the Lady in the Misty Place, the one called the Song in the Darkness: Jaenelle Angelline. According to Jaenelle Saetien: “'She said, when you were ready, you would tell me stories about her. About when she lived in the Realms. She said Uncle Lucivar and Mama could tell me stories too.'” Daemon talks to Witch and learns that his daughter is Dreams Made Flesh: his dreams and Surreals dreams and her dreams for the both of them. She also tells him to move on and says that she'll be with him because no one should stand that deep in the abyss. Later that night, as Daemon made love to Surreal, he says her name and to her “it sounded like a promise, like a lovely caress.”

A great finale to the whole series and should this be the final set of stories told, it will hold the title as the best in the series since Queen of the Darkness. Wonderful cast of old and new characters, great prose, and excellent character arcs. I've heard wonderful things about Anne Bishops The Ephemera series and The Tir Alainn trilogy. I think I'll give them a go.

[1] SF Site

Book Review: A Black Jewels Novel: Shalador's Lady SPOILERS!

In 2010, Anne Bishop came out with another Black Jewels novel, Shalador's Lady. It takes place just after the events of The Shadow Queen. Synopsis: For years the Shalador people suffered the cruelties of the corrupt Queens who ruled them, punishing those who dared show defiance and forcing many more into hiding. And even though the refugees have found sanctuary in Dena Nehele, they have never been able to call it home. Now that Dena Nehele has been cleansed of tainted Blood, the Rose-Jeweled Queen, Lady Cassidy, knows that restoring the land will require all her heart and courage as she summons the untested power within her, a power capable to consuming her if she cannot control it. And even if Lady Cassidy survives her trial by fire, other dangers await. For the Black Widows see within their tangled webs visions of something coming that will change the land--and Lady Cassidy--forever.

Every Black Widow has spun a web and looked into it. It's showed them Dena Nehele; some saw death, some saw a new beginning, and Witch saw something that made her cry, but anyone who saw her couldn't tell if her tears were from joy or sorrow. In Terreille, Cassidy's court, despite Theran's protests, prepares to got to Eyota, one of three provinces for the Shaladorans in Dena Nehele. The Shaladoran Queens invited her there to see their lands. Cassidy gives her power to the land, something that is very common in Kaeleer, but with power starving lands like those in Terreille, and the draining nearly kills her. Gray and Ranon break her contact with the land. She wakes a few days later to Karla, the Queen of Glacia in Kaeleer and Lucivar. They heard about this from Vae who has disappeared. Surreal and Rainier are also there. Karla informs Cassidy that her power woke up more than the land. Gray is angry with Cassidy for letting herself get hurt. Cassidy tells him to go talk to someone. He leaves for the Keep and asks to see Saetan. Gray spends his time using his power to reduce logs of wood to mulch for the Keeps gardens. Gray learns from Saetan that the reason Cassidy pushes herself is because her "scars" were formed before she left Dharo in Kaeleer. The Warlord Prince in Gray, the man known as Jared Blaed, demands to know who gave Cassidy her scars but Saetan tells him to let it go because Cassidy made a mistake. As Gray is about to leave with Vae, Saetan tells Gray that he may address him as "Uncle Saetan."

 The one who put the scars on Cassidy is revealed to be Lady Kermilla and she overstays her welcome to the point where Ranon takes Cassidy back to Eyota and the whole court, minus Theran, goes with her. Months of living there report in increased living via refugees fleeing Grayhaven Town to get away from Kermilla's treachery, a loan from Warlord Prince Daemon Sadi, the Shaladorans being allowed to play their music and teach their hisotry, six Scelties, and a group of landen converting a few old buildings outside of town. Every Province south of the Heartsblood River is doing well while everything to the north suffers. Kermilla, in jealousy sends one of her First Cirlce, Laska, to "take" a Sceltie. Laska tries to steal Khollie, Ranon's Sceltie brother and Khollie's brother Darkmist kills him. Khollie briefly retreats into himself only to come back later that night in Ranon and Shira's bed. Cassidy informs Jaenelle who lets Daemon, Lucivar, Saetan, Sabrina, Morghann and Khardeen, Aaron, and Karla about what's been going on. They want to enter Dena Nehele and drag Kermilla back kicking and screaming if necessary but Saetan informs them that he'd kill them all to prevent them from becoming like Dorothea and Heketah. Sabrina plans to take herself and a Province Queen that rules over Kermilla to collect the tithes. Lord Ladvarian, Prince Jaal and Lord Kaelas pay Kermilla and Theran a visit and threaten Kermilla that should she ever touch (read: harm/hunt) another Sceltie/kindred, Kaelas will do something that's never explained, just that it makes Kermilla sick. Ladvarian tells her "You are not a friend" and departs. 

During the autumn harvest, Gray danced the Fire Dance and embraces Jared Blaed. Gray is now a full Warlord Prince with only one Jewel, though. Gray goes back to Grayhaven and takes all the flowers when Kermilla threatens him. He goes to Saetan and learns how to be a First Escort, effectively replacing Theran in the court.The court decides to withhold this information from Cassidy until the time is right. Kermilla--after leaving Dena Nehele and finding out Sabrina and Darlene have gotten rid of all her things to pay off her outrageous debt--forces their hand and Cassidy cuts Theran loose and replaces him with Gray. The Provinces that don't want to be under Kermilla flock to Cassidy one by one, including one ruled by the ferocious Warlord Ferall. Theran realizes he's losing but won't let Kermilla go. After a few weeks, the Warlord Princes from the four remaining Provinces tell Theran to get rid of her or they'll kill her. He sends her back to Kaeleer via the Keep where Saetan removes her looks and forces her to look plain and ordinary, something that Kermilla hates. Witch sends him another Queen and hopes this one will suit his wants and needs better. Theran, hopeful, opens the door and sees a Sceltie named Rhann, the auntie of Vae. Theran and Vae arrive for the reception of Cassidy and Gray's wedding and reveal that once the other Warlord Princes got wind that another Queen from Kaeleer had arrived, they descended on the place ready to kill her and instead blindly followed Rhann as she barked and ordered them about like they were good little sheep.

All in all, a great finish for Anne Bishop in her New York Times bestselling series. Fast paced, great action and character depth and loads of spell-binding magic that draws the reader in and refuses to let go. A must read for every fantasy lover and world-builder.

Book Review: Star Wars: Scourge SPOILERS!

The first Star Wars novel by Jeff Grubb, Scourge takes place in the New Republic era, when Bantam Spectra had reign of the Star Wars Expanded Universe novels. It takes place in 19 ABY. Synopsis: In the heart of crime-ridden Hutt Space, a Jedi Scholar searches for justice. While trying to obtain coordinates of a secret peril-packed but potentially beneficial trade route, a Jedi novice is killed--and the motive for his murder remains shrouded in mystery. Now his former Master, Mander Zuma, wants answers, even as he fights to erase doubts about his own abilities as a Jedi. What Mander gets is immersion into perilous underworld of the Hutts as he struggles to stay one step ahead in a game of smugglers, killers, and crime lords bent on total control.

The novel opens with the death of Jedi Knight Toro Irana on Makem Te. His Master, Mander Zuma, an archivist, has been dispatched by the Jedi Academy on Yavin IV on behalf of the New Republic. Mander is at a loss for his apprentice's death. Mander blames himself for Toro's death. Toro's sister, Reen, blames Mander, but quickly comes to his aid when he identifies that poison was used to kill her brother. The local Swokes Swokes and Rodians are trying to kill them. Koax, an aide to the Spice Lord, receives Toro's lightsaber from Dejarro. Dejarro is a Tempest--a hard spice--runner. Koax kills Dejarro for his failure to stop Mander and Reen. They identify the poison as Tempest. It's a new spice that showed up in 18 ABY and it's suddenly all over the galaxy. Toro's mission was to get coordinates for the Indrexu Spiral. The Hutts hold the answers so Mandar, Reen, and a Bothan named Eddey Be'ray head to meet with the Anjiliac clan's head, Popara Anjiliac Diresto. They talk to his aide Vago Gejalli Thokka and learn that Popara is willing to give the New Jedi Order the coordinates so long as Mander serves the Anjiliac clan. Things go awry, especially when the Bomu Rodian clan and Koax get involved on the plague-ridden planet of Endregaad. The Corporate Sector Authority also gets involved. Mika Anjiliac Chiera helps Mander and his allies by capturing two Tempest addicts during a fight. The CSA locks Mander and his allies, except Mika, up. Mander and his allies take Mika to Nal Hutta. Popara dies and Zonnos Anjiliac Priare accuses Mander, Reen, and Eddey. The trio escapes to Nar Shaddaa with Angela Krin, Lt. Cmdr in the CSA. Zonnos puts a price on their heads. Mika passes them info on the Tempest. They find out that Zonnos killed Popara. Mander kills Zonnos and Mika takes over the Anjiliac clan then demands that Mander and his allies leave Hutt Space. The Spice Lord is unimpressed with Koax's recent dealings. Through a couple of contacts, Mander, Reen, Eddey, and Angela head to Dennogra and confront Koax. Koax dies and the last of the Bomu clan die. The information leads them to Varl and Vago. It was a set up. Mika is the Spice Lord and has been behind the whole thing, including the death of his father. Mander fights Mika which results in Mika's death. The novel ends with an agreement between Vago Gejalli and Mander Zuma about the Anjiliac business model.

A great first Star Wars novel by Jeff Grubb. Considering this is based on the Tempest Feud game product for the Star Wars Roleplaying Game, from Wizards of the Coast which was written by Jeff Grubb and Owen K. C. Stephens. Very well crafted, great characterizations of the main characters from the RPG, and great prose. Grubb has demonstrated that he knows the Star Wars Expanded Universe as well as the World of Warcraft universe which he also writes in.

Book Review: A Black Jewels Novel: The Shadow Queen SPOILERS!

In 2009, Anne Bishop returned to her Black Jewels series with another tale but this time, the setting is in Terreille, in Dena Nehele. Synopsis: Dena Nehele is a decimated land. Once it was ruled by the corrupt Queens, who were wiped out when the land was cleansed of tainted Blood. Now only one hundred Warlord Princes stand...without a leader and without hope. Theran Grayhaven is the last of his line, desperate to restore Dena Nehele. But first he needs to find a Queen who knows Protocol, remembers the Blood's code of honor, and lives by the Old Ways. Languishing in the Shadow Realm, Lady Cassidy is a Queen without a court, a castoff. But when she is chosen to rule Dena Nehele, she must convince bitter men to serve once again. Theran's cousin Gray is a Warlord Prince who was damaged in mind and body by the vicious Queens who once ruled Dena Nehele. Yet something about Cassidy makes him want to serve--and makes him believe he can be made whole again. And only Cassidy can prove to Gray--and to herself--that wounds can heal and even the whisper of a promise can be fulfilled.

Two years ago in Terreille, the Warlord Princes were still fighting, both against the twisted Queens and the landen. Theran Grayhaven, descendant of Jared and Lia, looks over his families former estate before rejoining the fight. He and the rest of the Warlord Princes have been on a non-stop killing spree since Jaenelle's Witch Storm. Two years later, Theran calls all the Warlord Princes left in Dena Nehele, including his rival Ranon, a Shaladoran, and Talon, who has survived all these years as demon dead. He wants to bring back the Old Ways of the Blood and says he's going to Kaeleer to find Daemon Sadi, because he owes his family a debt. After several bouts of stupidity on Theran's part, including insulting Saetan SaDiablo and Jaenelle, he finally meets Daemon and tells him that Dena Nehele needs a Queen. Jaenelle, via Daemon and Saetan, suggests Cassidy. Cassidy hasn't been ruling since a young Queen named Kermilla took (read: stole) her court. One of Jaenelle's former First Circle court member, Aaron--who is a distant cousin of Cassidy's--wants to remove Kermilla for her betrayal. Cassidy wants to put it all behind her. She agrees to Jaenelle's suggestion. When Theran meets her, he takes an instant dislike to her because she's not attractive. The whole SaDiablo family turns cold toward him, and after agreeing to take Cassidy, since she's the only choice, and Vae, a Purple Dusk Sceltie who has yet to make the Offering to receive her higher Jewel.

They go to Dena Nehele. Once there, she finds the eleven men willing to serve, including Ranon and Talon; Theran has no choice because he signed a contract and is the final Warlord Prince. Ranon's lover, Shira, a Black Widow, becomes the court's healer. Cassidy takes a break and goes to visit the damaged gardens where she meets Gray and the link between them is forged because she cares for the land. Because of this, the secrets surrounding the Grayhaven estate become unraveled. The old honey pear tree, long dead, breaks and underneath are several preserved saplings as well as a pot containing a key. Cassidy demands to meet with the other Queens of Dena Nehele that are left and Theran blocks her every move. Talon goes to the Keep and meets Saetan where he finds out that Cassidy was chosen by Witch to serve and berates Theran for not asking questions. When Cassidy's moon time comes, Vae goes to the SaDiablo's for help on Lucivar's instructions. Cassidy takes refuge from the members of her court in Gray's shed in the gardens. Gray begins to wake up from his torture and claims Cassidy for his own. Lucivar arrives and sorts things out and suggests to Daemon and Saetan that they invite Cassidy, Theran, and Gray over so Gray can get first hand experience with interacting with people. Gray takes a liking to the SaDiablo's while Theran just wants to hide. Saetan sets some rules for their courtship and Lucivar decides how fast things will happen.

Back in Dena Nehele, Vae sniffs out where the key belongs. It unlocks a hidden compartment under Lia's old bed and in there are several journals from Lia's life, as well as her death (written by Thera) and another box that, when the bottom breaks, reveals another key. Following Lia's written advice about living [Cassidy's] life, Cassidy puts the key aside and focuses on ruling her court. She demands to go into town, and Theran--like he's been doing since she arrived--blocks her, but Talon and the whole court stands with her. Ranon uses this as an excuse to visit the Shalador Queens and brings back a few flowers that resemble the ones in a journal that Gray received from Cassidy's mother. In secret, Gray builds a garden and restores the area behind the house. Much to Theran's dismay, Cassidy protects a landen family from being assaulted by Blood males. She "draws the line" and her court, including Theran, backs her. The final spell is broken and Cassidy, after a restless night, hunts for the place where the key belongs. In the attic, she finds a trunk and places the key inside it. A bookcase swings open to reveal a room full of treasures and several paintings of Jared and Lia plus Blaed and Thera. She tells the court, who's been worried sick since she vanished, and gives Theran a letter addressed to him from Lia. Things look like they're going to improve for Dena Nehele.

A subplot involves Daemon in a state similar to the rut that Warlord Princes get. His other personality, the Sadist, comes out to play with Jaenelle but she doesn't make the transition to Witch and Daemon wonders if he hurt her. Jaenelle's fine and Daemon begins to relax. On a trip, a woman tries to seduce Daemon and he threatens her. Saetan over hears this and slips into the Twisted Kingdom and sets a trap that kills the woman. Jaenelle warns Daemon and Lucivar about their father being in the Twisted Kingdom and they help him out.

All in all, Anne Bishop has shown a remarkable skill for her series and the way a court is formed around a foreign Queen. The characters are great and the setting is one that is vivid enough to picture the places. Another great read from Anne Bishop.

Book Review: Star Wars: Republic Commando: True Colors SPOILERS!

Karen Traviss, in 2007, authored the next installment in the Republic Commando series: Star Wars: Republic Commando: True Colors. Both Delta and Omega squads return for another fight that even they aren't sure who the real enemy is. As the savage Clone Wars rage unchecked, the Republic's deadliest warriors face the grim truth that the Separatists aren't their only enemy—or even their worst. In the Grand Army's desperate fight to crush the Separatists, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical…or more dangerous. A growing menace threatens Republic victory, and the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their loyalty. As the lines continue to blur between friend and enemy, citizens—from civilians and sergeants to Jedi and generals—find themselves up against a new foe: the doubt in their own hearts and minds. The truth is a fragile, shifting illusion—and only the approaching inferno will reveal both sides in their true colors.

The novel starts out with Walon Vau robbing a bank on Mygeeto with Delta Squad. Omega Squad jetpacks onto Gaftikar on the search for missing ARC Alpha-30. They are joined by Null Sgt A'den. On Qiilura, Etain Tur-Mukan, pregnant, and the 35th Infantry try to convince the human settlers to leave. Meanwhile, Vau orders Delta Squad to leave him behind. Kal Skirata, after buying a ship, heads to Mygeeto and rescues Vau. Skirata, via Mereel, asks Besany Wennen to check on the funds going to Kamino. Arligan Zey assigns Delta to find Ko Sai for Palpatine. Omega finds ARC Alpha-30, also known as Sull. He's deserted the Republic. Zey--on advice taken from Skirata--asks Wad'e Tay'haai and Mij Gilamar to cross-train clones with commando duties. Besany traces the funds to a false company and alerts Mereel. During "negotiations" with the human population of Qiilura, Etain's company hits mines and, because she can sense their deaths through the Force, starts to hemorrhage as the baby is coming. Commander Levet takes over her role. Skirata finds out from Jinart that Etain is giving birth. Ordo rushes to Qiilura and, after Skirata and Vau find and extract Ko Sai, head for Mandalore. Etain gives birth to a baby boy. Skirata doesn't have the heart to go through with his threats but Etain gives him her child as he'd be safer than she would in the war. On Gaftikar, Republic Commando agents try and kill Sull for desertion only to be shot by Darman. Fi is wounded in action and sent back to Coruscant via RAS Leveler captained by Gilad Pellaeon. Since Fi's not a real person and doesn't exist, the Republic wants to terminate him but Besany stages a holdup in the medcenter. Jaller Obrim and Skirata arrange for Fi to be transported to Mandalore. Ko Sai identifies the genomes required to stop the rapid aging after Etain lets her look at her midi-chlorians. Ko Sai commits suicide. Bardan Jusik quits the Jedi Order to become a Mandalorian mercenary while Etain stays. Skirata gives Ko Sai's head to Delta for Palpatine. The novel ends with Delta Squad speculating whether the Nulls and Kal Skirata can be trusted.

An excellent novel by Karen Traviss that accurately paints not only the war, but also what the characters would do in a situation like this. Sure, Skirata is a total bastard but he still cares for the Nulls and Omega which are his boys. He even relents and calls off his threat because his temper had been provoked last time and he didn't have the heart to go through with it.

Book Review: A Black Jewels novel: Tangled Webs SPOILERS!

In 2009, Anne Bishop published the next installment in the Black Jewels series, Tangled Webs. It's a story about Surreal, mostly. About her and how she survived a death trap set for her and the SaDiablo family. Synopsis: The invitation was signed Jaenelle Angelline, she who had been both Witch and Queen. Surreal SaDiablo, former courtesan and assassin, is the first to arrive--only to find herself trapped in a nightmare created by the tangled webs of Black Widow witches. And if she uses Craft to defend herself, she risks being sealed in the house forever. But Jaenelle did not send the invitation. Now Jaenelle and her family must rescue Surreal and the others inside without becoming trapped themselves--and they also must discover who designed such an evil place as a way to kill members of the SaDiablo family. Only one of the Blood could have created the trap...

The novel opens with a prologue from the villain. He's an author who's constantly being made fun of by the Blood for his errors about their kind in his books. He's also recently discovered he is one of the Blood. He hatches a plan to study the Blood, in particular, the SaDiablo family. Jaenelle wants to open a spooky house for the children and landen. Daemon, Lucivar, and Saetan don't want anything to do with it, but help them because Jaenelle promises that one room in the house will show the landen what it truly means to be Blood. She and Marion have picked the place and are designing it. A few weeks later, Surreal gets an invitation written by Jaenelle to tour the spooky house. She goes with her friend Rainier. At the house, they encounter a group of children and all of them enter. As they explore, the children start dying and the "ghosts" and creatures are actually demon dead Black Widow witches and other deadly traps laced around the house. As they enter the basement to try and exit, they find themselves in the same house, but in another replica with even more deadly surprises. Daemon and Jaenelle arrive and study the place.

 A young boy hadn't gone in with Surreal and tells them everything that he knew, even that a half-blood girl had been kidnapped and disappeared. Daemon and Jaenelle suspect the house is spelled once they arrive and it's confirmed by Yuli, the boy. Yuli says a half-sane woman was helping the man who built the place. Daemon suspects his mother and asks her. She says it was a surprise for the boys, an entertainment. Since Tersa walks the Twisted Kingdom, Daemon knows she thought that he was helping Jaenelle. Surreal and Rainier being to suspect the same thing, but must protect the remaining children. Daemon learns from Khary that Jarvis Jenkell found out her was a Blood member when he mimicked going through the Offering. He came away with a Jewel. Khary also tells him that Jenkell built the house that Surreal is trapped in. After Daemon talks to Tersa, Tersa becomes angry at Jarvis for he tried to hurt her boy. Another child dies in the spooky house. Apparently, Jarvis is watching them and finds their hatred for his work to be insulting. Daemon tells Jaenelle that Jarvis is Blood and Witch becomes angry.

Rainier and Surreal are injured and losing blood. Lucivar finds out about the spook house death trap and demands that Daemon and Jaenelle stand aside and let him handle this. He enters and hacks and carves up anything in his path. He meets a young cildru dyathe. The boy, unlike the rest of the dead, is pleasant and tells Lucivar everything. Lucivar threatens Jarvis, promising to "make him pay" for his crimes. Jarvis, watching the whole thing, begins to understand why people fear Lucivar. Tersa heads for Jarvis' spooky house, to make him pay. Jarvis sends everything to kill Surreal and Rainier and the kids. Lucivar arrives and cuts everything up. He uses his Ebon Gray power and blasts a hole in the house and gets the kids and Surreal and Rainier to Daemon and Jaenelle. Lucivar reenters the hole and finds Jarvis and drags him out. Tersa arrives, demanding to kill Jarvis, but Daemon asks her to let him deal with this. Surreal realizes that everything that Daemon is didn't all come from Saetan. Daemon and Jaenelle open the door to the spooky house and toss Jarvis inside, but not before making sure there are only two exits left. Daemon and Jaenelle take Yuli back to SaDiablo Hall and one of the kindred Sceltie claims Yuli is his. Yuli goes back to the orphanage but this time with Lord Socks, the kindred Sceltie, and the owners learn that they'll have regular visits from the rest of the kindred and not all of them canine. Days later, Daemon reenters the spooky house and kills Jenkell, who has been panicking and is now bleeding. Daemon takes the young cildru dyathe to Hell where Saetan welcomes him. Surreal and Rainer, along with several other people visit Jaenelle's spooky house and see everything, including the subtle message she and Daemon leave the landens.

All in all, a very fast-paced novel and a great read on Halloween. Anne Bishop still has it when t comes to magic and fantasy. Recommended for any fan of fantasy and the series.

Book Review: Star Wars: Republic Commando: Triple Zero SPOILERS!

Okay, a lot of you are probably wondering why I keep using the word "spoilers" in my title. The answer is that perhaps none of you have read the novel and, even if you have, there might be dozens more that haven't. In 2006, author Karen Traviss wrote her second Star Wars novel called Republic Commando: Triple Zero, and it continued the story of Omega Squad and Etain Tur-Mukan and introduced Delta Squad into the novels. Synopsis: Following the eruption of the bloody Clone Wars at the battle of Geonosis, both sides remain deadlocked in a stalemate that can be broken only by elite warrior teams like Omega Squad, clone commandos with terrifying combat skills and a lethal arsenal... For Omega Squad, deployed deep behind enemy lines, it's the same old special ops grind: sabotage, espionage, ambush, and assassination. But when Omega Squad is rushed to Coruscant, the war's most dangerous new hotspot, the commandos discover they're not the only ones penetrating the heart of the enemy. A surge in Separatist attacks has been traced to a network of Sep terror cells in the Republic's capital, masterminded by a mole in Command Headquarters. To identify and destroy a Separatist spy and terror network in a city full of civilians will require special talents and skills. Not even the Jedi generals, along with the assistance of Delta Squad and a certain notorious ARC trooper, can even the odds against the Republic Commandos. And while success may not bring victory in the Clone Wars, failure means certain defeat.

the prologue starts with Fi and Omega preparing for an insertion to capture some Sep agents that helped with a bombing on Coruscant. Meanwhile, Jedi Knight and General Etain Tur-Mukan takes the 41st Elite into battle of Dinlo while Ordo, on Coruscant, gets Jedi Knight and General Bardan Jusik to investigate a bomb site with Sgt Kal Skirata, a True Mandalorian. Omega calls for extraction and Delta Squad (fresh from the Prosecutor mission), Etain on RAS Fearless and RAS Majestic respond. Fearless and Majestic hold off Sep forces off while Delta extracts the prisoners and Omega. Back on Coruscant, Skirata wants to borrow Delta and Omega, as well as, Etain and Jusik for an ops hunt for the terrorists. Sgt Walon Vau, another True Mandalorian, also joins. Vau and Etain interrogate the prisoners while Skirata gets the rest situated. Etain gets some intel that leads them to a Jabiimi black market dealer who helped in the Coruscant bombings. After days of tracking the terrorists and teaming up with CSF and a treasury agent, Skirata and gang take them down. Throughout the novel, Etain and Darman fall in love and Etain later tells Skirata that she's pregnant with Darman's child. Skirata threatens her and says that the child will be raised in the True Mandalorian tradition and that Darman mustn't know about his kid lest it distracts him from the fight. SKirata makes plans to ahve Etain sent back to Qiilura to help the human population leave the planet. The novel ends with Skirata finding the last known location of the former scientist Ko Sai, a Kaminoan that fled during the battle of Kamino. Skirata plans to use her to create a cure for the clones' rapid aging process.

All in all, a great read for fans of the Republic Commando game. Not what you'd expect considering the majority of the 393 page novel takes place on Coruscant and spent tracking the Sep terrorists. Action oriented, character development, and good human and military tactics are mixed extremely well with the Star Wars vibe.

Book Review: Black Jewels: Dreams Made Flesh SPOILERS!

Anne Bishop's first anthology for her Black Jewels saga was published in 2006 and features four new tales set in Anne's vivid fantasy world. Synopsis: Jaenelle is the most powerful Witch ever known, centuries of hopes and dreams made flesh at last. She has forged ties with three of the realm's mightiest Blood warriors: Saetan, the High Lord of Hell, who trains Jaenelle in magic and adopts her as his daughter; Lucivar, the winged Eyrien Warlord who becomes her Protector; and the near-immortal Daemon, born to be Witch's lover. Jaenelle has assumed her rightful place as Queen of the Darkness and restored order and peace to the realms... but at a terrible cost. Collected here are the beguiling stories about the origins of the mystical Jewels, the forbidden passion between Lucivar and a simple hearth withc, the clash between Saetan and a Priestess, and the choice Jaenelle must make between her magic and happiness with Daemon...

The first story is called Weaver of Dreams. It's about an Arachnid spider who finds the dying remains of Draca's original dragon body. Draca gave her life to spread her Gift to all of the females in the realms of Terrielle and Kaeleer. The Arachnid earns the Gift and becomes the first Weaver of Dreams.

The second story (more like novella) is called The Prince of Ebon Rih. It's about Lucivar and a hearth witch called Marion. Jaenelle finds Marion about to be raped by twisted Eyrien males and rescues her. Luthivan, Lucivar's mother, demeans Marion and Jaenelle over hears this and gets fed up with her. She takes Marion to Lucivar, who everyone agrees needs a hearth witch to keep the place clean, and over the next few months, Marion and Lucivar start ot fall in love, despite ploys from Luthivan. The ploys remind Saetan of Heketah's scheming to break apart Peyton SaDiablo from his lover and separate him from his father. Saetan threatens Luthivan but she continues anyway. Lucivar teaches Marion how to fight like an Eyrienwarrior. Throughout the novella, an aristo witch named Roxi tries to seduce Lucivar . He threatens to kill her if she breaks into his house one more time. She gets angry when Marion starts to become the focus of Lucivar's life and threatens Marion that, after she and Lucivar get married, she'll have Marion disposed of. Marion asks how he'll do anything for her and Roxi replies that she'll tell the Queen of Ebon Rih that Lucivar tried to rape her and, as punishment, he should serve her for a year. Marion attacks her and, after Lucivar breaks it up and Jaenelle says she'll tear Marion and Roxi up if either one is lying, Lucivar has Roxi exiled. Luthivan, unhappy that Lucivar is paying Marion so much attention, casts a spell on her and tries to break them up. Saetan, furious, descends on Marion but learns about the spell and breaks it. Marion and Lucivar get married while Luthivan storms off.

The third story is called Zuulaman. Saetan and Heketah are expecting another child and the islands of the Zuulaman nation are badgering Saetan for more control in Dhemlan, Terreille. Heketah, who wants the trade to go through, goes to Zuulaman and has the Zuulaman ambassador say that until Saetan signs the papers, they're going to kepp Heketah. Saetan holds his ground, but he walks the Twisted Kingdom when, under Heketah's orders, the Zuulaman kill the newly born child. Saetan, mad and insane, uses his entire power and wipes out the Zuulamn islands, including their art, history, culture, everything. Andulvar Yaslana hears about this and asks Geoffry and Draca how it's possible and they tell him that the former Zuulamans shouldn't have provoked Saetan, as he is the High Lord of Hell. Heketah is scared of Saetan and Andulvar needs some time to consider all of this. (This is of note because Lucivar asks Andulvar about Zuulaman in The Prince of Ebon Rih when Saetan refuses to tell him why Dorothea and Pruul's twisted queen wouldn't kill Luciavar or Daemon and, if Saetan should find out that his children were killed, he'd wipe out Hayll and Askavi in Terreille).

The fourth and final story (again, more like novella) is called Kaeleer's Heart. Daemon struggles to grasp that Jaenelle, for all that she was, chose to give up her ebony power. A scheming aristo witch known as Lektra (who want's Daemon as her lover) tries to kill Jaenelle to free Daemon from her. Lektra is revealed to be working with Roxi, who wants revenge on the SaDiablo family for her exile. Surreal and Lucivar get involved when things take a turn for the worse. After a few weeks of rumors, secretly stared by Lektra, the town of Dhelman talks about it. Daemon is angry, but doesn't care what others think. Lektra is the lone voice, or so she thinks, that these rumors are false and that everyone knows how much he loves Jaenelle. She's doing this in a vain attempt to win his love. Daemon and Jaenelle secretly get married in the unicorn's territory, and spend a day or so at Khary and Morghann's place. When Lektra tries again to attack Jaenelle, Daemon becomes enraged. He and Jaenelle stage their anger at a ballroom dance where the two of them are pretending to be angry at each other in an attempt to draw the would-be killer out. Daemon learns about Lektra being behind the attacks from Lektra's cousin and Daemon kills him. He pays Lektra and Roxi a visit and kills Roxi. He slowly poisons Lektra in an orgasm and then burns her house. Daemon learns that Jaenelle still is Witch and that she herself dreamed of having a normal life and was granted Twilight's Dawn, a Jewel with the powers of all the Jewels. At the end, Daemon and Jaenelle get married before everyone in a big celebration, days after the Dhemlan queens beg Daemon to be the ruling Warlord Prince of Dhelman, a title Saetan had previously had.

All in all, a great collection of stories by Anne Bishop. She's clearly shown how rich and exotic her world is and how much the story can continue for her main cast. Very rich character development and a rich use of dark seductive scenes that make you want to root for the main characters.

Book Review: Star Wars: Republic Commando: Hard Contact SPOILERS!

Star Wars: Republic Commando: Hard Contact was the first Star Wars novel by Karen Traviss. It's about a recently formed squad called Omega and all about the beginnings of the war, especially a Jedi dealing with the Republic having its own army of clones and how she deals with that. Synopsis: As the Clone Wars rage, victory or defeat lies in the hands of elite squads that take on the toughest assignments in the galaxy--stone-cold soldiers who go where no one else would, do what no one else could... On a mission to sabotage a nanovirus research facility on a Separatist-held planet, four clone troopers operate under the very noses of their enemies. The commandos are outnumbered and outgunned, deep behind enemy lines with no backup--and working with strangers instead of trusted teammates. Matters don't improve when Darman, the squad's demolitions expert, gets cut off from the others during planetfall. Even Darman's apparent good luck in meeting a Jedi Padawan vanishes once she admits to her woeful inexperience. For the isolated clone commandos and stranded Jedi, a long, dangerous journey lies ahead, through hostile territory brimming with Trandoshan slavers, Separatists, and suspicious natives. A single misstep could mean discovery...and death. It's a virtual suicide mission for anyone--anyone except Republic Commandos.

The novel opens with a first-person account of the last time Darman hears from his squad in the Battle of Geonosis. After evacuation from the planet, Darman is assigned to a new squad called Omega. He's not the only one: there's Atin from Prudii Squad, Niner from an unknown squad, and Fi from another dead squad. Jedi Master and General Arligan Zey assigns them to the planet Qiilura, where the nanovirus research facility is. Apparently, a Separatist scientist named Ovolot Qail Uthan, is developing a nanovirus that is aimed at clone troopers. She's guarded by a True Mandalorian mercenary. Zey tells Omega that there's a Jedi Master and his Padawan, Etain, are on the planet and haven't reported in since before the Clone Wars kicked off. Etain, meanwhile, is on the run from a Weequay mercenary working for the True Mandalorian, who's name is Ghez Hokan. The local human farmers take Etain in and hide her from Hokan, despite the fact that she's a Jedi and beings on the Outer Rim heavily mistrust Jedi.

Omega heads for Qillura and when they get there, they paratroop down when their transport is blasted out of the sky. Niner, Fi, and Atin land near each other but Darman gets separated and tries to find his squad. Instead, he meets a local shape-shifter called Jinart, who lures him to Etain. It's there, during their initial meeting, that she shows she doesn't have knowledge that the galaxy is in a war and that she was unaware that the Republic had an army of clones. After days of travel, Etain becomes more and more confident in becoming a commander while learning tactics and military strategy from Darman. Ghez Hokan has not only killed Etain's Master but has also removed a Neimoidian for incompetence and gets an army of Battle Droids to help him secure the base. The Weequay gets captured by Niner and the others and within days, the meet up with Etain and Darman.

Using the Force, Etain learns that Hokan has hidden Dr. Uthan in one of two buildings. They devise a strategy to infiltrate both places at once and locate the doctor. Things don't go as planned. Hokan, though expecting an army of clone troopers, beings to sabotage the base except for the research lab. The virus is their last defense against the clones but circumstances force them to flee the base. Hokan is killed by Fi while Darman brings Uthan down. They rendezvous in a field where Master Zey shows up and stays on Qiilura with Etain to train the locals in self-defense. Darman and the rest of Omega leave Qiilura as hey head back into the war.

All in all, a very good first novel for Karen Traviss to explore the Star Wars galaxy. Well crafted, great character arcs, and a strong, believable cast kept my interest. It lagged a bit in the middle where the only action is both groups planning to take each other down and with the members of Omega Squad searching for one another.