Victor Hugo Kebbe
No Prisoners was a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon this year. It was also the first Clone Wars novel I decided to pick up, following my resolution to dive more consistently into the Star Wars literary universe.
The book is short and to the point, devoid of convoluted plots or subplots. This brevity is reflected in both the page count and the number of chapters. For those accustomed to the typical Star Wars novel, this often signals a "book that could have been great, but wasn't." I vehemently disagree. From the start, I viewed it as a story perfectly aligned with the episodic format of the Clone Wars series.
Karen Traviss succeeded brilliantly in raising profound questions about war and the Force (specifically, the Jedi monopoly over it). It’s impressive how, within such a limited scope, the author provokes the reader with serious inquiries into the purpose and meaning of conflict.
We also see what might be Pellaeon’s first appearance, right at the start of his military career. He is still immature here, and it’s clear how the events of the following decades shaped such an iconic character. While some argue he feels nothing like the Pellaeon from the Thrawn Trilogy, I found his portrayal fitting. He should be radically different here—he’s much younger and still susceptible to mundane mistakes.
The introduction of Master Altis’s disciples—a group that left the Jedi Order due to its growing militarism and dogmas like celibacy—creates a brilliant dynamic when they clash with Ahsoka and members of the 501st. The questions raised here spark perhaps the most significant intellectual and spiritual growth for Ahsoka, helping the reader understand why she changed so much as an adult.
There is also a brief interaction between Altis and Anakin. It is arguably the most revealing exchange in the book—one that might have altered the entire Star Wars universe had Anakin truly understood the renegade Master’s words.
No Prisoners is a fast-paced, concise read. I suggest readers set aside any preconceptions and give Traviss’s narrative a chance. Without giving away spoilers, the title itself is powerful, but its full weight only lands once you've finished the journey.
No Prisoners was a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon this year. It was also the first Clone Wars novel I decided to pick up, following my resolution to dive more consistently into the Star Wars literary universe.
The book is short and to the point, devoid of convoluted plots or subplots. This brevity is reflected in both the page count and the number of chapters. For those accustomed to the typical Star Wars novel, this often signals a "book that could have been great, but wasn't." I vehemently disagree. From the start, I viewed it as a story perfectly aligned with the episodic format of the Clone Wars series.
Karen Traviss succeeded brilliantly in raising profound questions about war and the Force (specifically, the Jedi monopoly over it). It’s impressive how, within such a limited scope, the author provokes the reader with serious inquiries into the purpose and meaning of conflict.
We also see what might be Pellaeon’s first appearance, right at the start of his military career. He is still immature here, and it’s clear how the events of the following decades shaped such an iconic character. While some argue he feels nothing like the Pellaeon from the Thrawn Trilogy, I found his portrayal fitting. He should be radically different here—he’s much younger and still susceptible to mundane mistakes.
The introduction of Master Altis’s disciples—a group that left the Jedi Order due to its growing militarism and dogmas like celibacy—creates a brilliant dynamic when they clash with Ahsoka and members of the 501st. The questions raised here spark perhaps the most significant intellectual and spiritual growth for Ahsoka, helping the reader understand why she changed so much as an adult.
There is also a brief interaction between Altis and Anakin. It is arguably the most revealing exchange in the book—one that might have altered the entire Star Wars universe had Anakin truly understood the renegade Master’s words.
No Prisoners is a fast-paced, concise read. I suggest readers set aside any preconceptions and give Traviss’s narrative a chance. Without giving away spoilers, the title itself is powerful, but its full weight only lands once you've finished the journey.
No Prisoners was a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon this year. It was also the first Clone Wars novel I decided to pick up, following my resolution to dive more consistently into the Star Wars literary universe.
The book is short and to the point, devoid of convoluted plots or subplots. This brevity is reflected in both the page count and the number of chapters. For those accustomed to the typical Star Wars novel, this often signals a "book that could have been great, but wasn't." I vehemently disagree. From the start, I viewed it as a story perfectly aligned with the episodic format of the Clone Wars series.
Karen Traviss succeeded brilliantly in raising profound questions about war and the Force (specifically, the Jedi monopoly over it). It’s impressive how, within such a limited scope, the author provokes the reader with serious inquiries into the purpose and meaning of conflict.
We also see what might be Pellaeon’s first appearance, right at the start of his military career. He is still immature here, and it’s clear how the events of the following decades shaped such an iconic character. While some argue he feels nothing like the Pellaeon from the Thrawn Trilogy, I found his portrayal fitting. He should be radically different here—he’s much younger and still susceptible to mundane mistakes.
The introduction of Master Altis’s disciples—a group that left the Jedi Order due to its growing militarism and dogmas like celibacy—creates a brilliant dynamic when they clash with Ahsoka and members of the 501st. The questions raised here spark perhaps the most significant intellectual and spiritual growth for Ahsoka, helping the reader understand why she changed so much as an adult.
There is also a brief interaction between Altis and Anakin. It is arguably the most revealing exchange in the book—one that might have altered the entire Star Wars universe had Anakin truly understood the renegade Master’s words.
No Prisoners is a fast-paced, concise read. I suggest readers set aside any preconceptions and give Traviss’s narrative a chance. Without giving away spoilers, the title itself is powerful, but its full weight only lands once you've finished the journey.
No Prisoners was a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon this year. It was also the first Clone Wars novel I decided to pick up, following my resolution to dive more consistently into the Star Wars literary universe.
The book is short and to the point, devoid of convoluted plots or subplots. This brevity is reflected in both the page count and the number of chapters. For those accustomed to the typical Star Wars novel, this often signals a "book that could have been great, but wasn't." I vehemently disagree. From the start, I viewed it as a story perfectly aligned with the episodic format of the Clone Wars series.
Karen Traviss succeeded brilliantly in raising profound questions about war and the Force (specifically, the Jedi monopoly over it). It’s impressive how, within such a limited scope, the author provokes the reader with serious inquiries into the purpose and meaning of conflict.
We also see what might be Pellaeon’s first appearance, right at the start of his military career. He is still immature here, and it’s clear how the events of the following decades shaped such an iconic character. While some argue he feels nothing like the Pellaeon from the Thrawn Trilogy, I found his portrayal fitting. He should be radically different here—he’s much younger and still susceptible to mundane mistakes.
The introduction of Master Altis’s disciples—a group that left the Jedi Order due to its growing militarism and dogmas like celibacy—creates a brilliant dynamic when they clash with Ahsoka and members of the 501st. The questions raised here spark perhaps the most significant intellectual and spiritual growth for Ahsoka, helping the reader understand why she changed so much as an adult.
There is also a brief interaction between Altis and Anakin. It is arguably the most revealing exchange in the book—one that might have altered the entire Star Wars universe had Anakin truly understood the renegade Master’s words.
No Prisoners is a fast-paced, concise read. I suggest readers set aside any preconceptions and give Traviss’s narrative a chance. Without giving away spoilers, the title itself is powerful, but its full weight only lands once you've finished the journey.
I really loved this second volume. The cliffhanger left by the previous issue was resolved very satisfyingly, and the adventure remains intense. Once again, Jason Aaron perfectly captures the rhythm and spirit of the Classic Trilogy, much like Zahn did back in the old Expanded Universe.
I have to comment on the artwork. Simone Bianchi’s work is excellent, and her interpretation of Obi-Wan is fantastic. However, I was blown away by the work of Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger, which is stunning. The panels are incredibly dynamic, and the coloring is spectacular.
I really loved this second volume. The cliffhanger left by the previous issue was resolved very satisfyingly, and the adventure remains intense. Once again, Jason Aaron perfectly captures the rhythm and spirit of the Classic Trilogy, much like Zahn did back in the old Expanded Universe.
I have to comment on the artwork. Simone Bianchi’s work is excellent, and her interpretation of Obi-Wan is fantastic. However, I was blown away by the work of Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger, which is stunning. The panels are incredibly dynamic, and the coloring is spectacular.
I’d been putting off reading this title for years. Honestly, I haven’t been a huge fan of Disney’s take on Star Wars—except for Andor and Rogue One. Because of that, I’ve spent most of my time exploring the Expanded Universe instead.
So when I finally picked up this debut title, I was in for a real treat! From the very first chapters, I felt that familiar thrill of the Classic Trilogy. The author managed to capture the pacing and energy of those original films in a way that reminded me of Timothy Zahn’s work. Even better, the story treats the canon with respect and delivers one exciting moment after another.
If I had to point out one downside, it would be the cliffhanger. It just didn’t land for me—but I won’t spoil the details. That said, I still think this book is more than worth your time if you love the classic Star Wars films. Discovering it felt like reconnecting with the magic that made me fall in love with the galaxy far, far away in the first place.
I’d been putting off reading this title for years. Honestly, I haven’t been a huge fan of Disney’s take on Star Wars—except for Andor and Rogue One. Because of that, I’ve spent most of my time exploring the Expanded Universe instead.
So when I finally picked up this debut title, I was in for a real treat! From the very first chapters, I felt that familiar thrill of the Classic Trilogy. The author managed to capture the pacing and energy of those original films in a way that reminded me of Timothy Zahn’s work. Even better, the story treats the canon with respect and delivers one exciting moment after another.
If I had to point out one downside, it would be the cliffhanger. It just didn’t land for me—but I won’t spoil the details. That said, I still think this book is more than worth your time if you love the classic Star Wars films. Discovering it felt like reconnecting with the magic that made me fall in love with the galaxy far, far away in the first place.
Spoilers ahead!
Definitely one of the finest Star Wars books... but I believe I like the continuation most. I like Zahn's new characters, such as Talon Karrde, Mara Jade and Garm Bel Iblis and I believe he's did a great job with Fey'lya.
Nonetheless, I think that Zahn could have killed someone or put the Empire in advantage at the end of this book, just like the Empire Strikes Back, to motivate the reader to continue the reading... You know what happens with the Katana Fleet, C'Baoth is gaining power and Thrawn loses an Imperial Star Destroyer... and what else? Where to go? I'm not suggesting a rehash, but I think it lacks that nice cliffhanger at the end...
Spoilers ahead!
Definitely one of the finest Star Wars books... but I believe I like the continuation most. I like Zahn's new characters, such as Talon Karrde, Mara Jade and Garm Bel Iblis and I believe he's did a great job with Fey'lya.
Nonetheless, I think that Zahn could have killed someone or put the Empire in advantage at the end of this book, just like the Empire Strikes Back, to motivate the reader to continue the reading... You know what happens with the Katana Fleet, C'Baoth is gaining power and Thrawn loses an Imperial Star Destroyer... and what else? Where to go? I'm not suggesting a rehash, but I think it lacks that nice cliffhanger at the end...
I’m still seriously thinking about this book. It was clearly a long journey, brightened with several very impressive ideas. Perhaps this is the great merit of Revelation Space, that of bringing an almost infinite succession of impressive ideas in stunning and richly detailed and imaginative scenarios. If I keep thinking about the book, even after it’s finished, I think it’s a quality to be noticed.
However, the book is also marked by the author’s truncated writing. For me it was clear that Reynolds likes to “show and not tell”, which seems like an interesting idea (and very overvalued these days). However, Speculative Fiction books (such as Fantasy and Science Fiction) still depend a little on a more traditional approach, just when the book brings so many innovative ideas. For many and over again I saw myself rereading some excerpts and wondering if I had lost something in the middle of the way.
Some readers complained on-line that the author is long-winded and that the book could be smaller in relation to the number of pages. I don’t consider this a problem, because it was a very slow build up (and that’s ok). However, the author could have been a little clearer and more direct in presenting some of his ideas, but I understand that it is a matter of style.
Update (November, 2025): I read this book a few months ago, and I’m still thinking about it—the main plot, the characters... I got the recommendation from an internet article mentioning books that are similar to the Mass Effect video game series and, in that sense, I wasn’t disappointed at all. It has everything: space archaeology (which is such a cool idea), the feeling that we’re alone-but-not-alone in the universe, the grand scope of things, and the sense that we, as mankind, are nothing compared to the great scheme of the universe, with a huge menace lurking in the galaxy, etc.
In that regard, although I wasn't disappointed with the book, the central revelation wasn't a big surprise to me. I had read John McDevitt’s Engine of Gods earlier, and the plots are quite related. But if there's one idea that truly impressed me, it was the way the Ultras and their technology challenge our contemporary perception of time.
That completely changes everything: the way we think about humankind, how we view ourselves as a society and a civilization, and, crucially, how it transforms and challenges our own consciousness as individuals, deeply affecting our idea of identity. That’s really awesome, and it's still eating away at my mind.
I’m still seriously thinking about this book. It was clearly a long journey, brightened with several very impressive ideas. Perhaps this is the great merit of Revelation Space, that of bringing an almost infinite succession of impressive ideas in stunning and richly detailed and imaginative scenarios. If I keep thinking about the book, even after it’s finished, I think it’s a quality to be noticed.
However, the book is also marked by the author’s truncated writing. For me it was clear that Reynolds likes to “show and not tell”, which seems like an interesting idea (and very overvalued these days). However, Speculative Fiction books (such as Fantasy and Science Fiction) still depend a little on a more traditional approach, just when the book brings so many innovative ideas. For many and over again I saw myself rereading some excerpts and wondering if I had lost something in the middle of the way.
Some readers complained on-line that the author is long-winded and that the book could be smaller in relation to the number of pages. I don’t consider this a problem, because it was a very slow build up (and that’s ok). However, the author could have been a little clearer and more direct in presenting some of his ideas, but I understand that it is a matter of style.
Update (November, 2025): I read this book a few months ago, and I’m still thinking about it—the main plot, the characters... I got the recommendation from an internet article mentioning books that are similar to the Mass Effect video game series and, in that sense, I wasn’t disappointed at all. It has everything: space archaeology (which is such a cool idea), the feeling that we’re alone-but-not-alone in the universe, the grand scope of things, and the sense that we, as mankind, are nothing compared to the great scheme of the universe, with a huge menace lurking in the galaxy, etc.
In that regard, although I wasn't disappointed with the book, the central revelation wasn't a big surprise to me. I had read John McDevitt’s Engine of Gods earlier, and the plots are quite related. But if there's one idea that truly impressed me, it was the way the Ultras and their technology challenge our contemporary perception of time.
That completely changes everything: the way we think about humankind, how we view ourselves as a society and a civilization, and, crucially, how it transforms and challenges our own consciousness as individuals, deeply affecting our idea of identity. That’s really awesome, and it's still eating away at my mind.