Aftermath: Life Debt

Life Debt by Chuck Wendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In book two of the Star Wars: Aftermath trilogy by Chuck Wendig, the Galaxy is in chaos, and the New Republic is fledgling. Norra Wexley chases Imperial deserters, and Han Solo and Chewbacca plot to free the Wookiees of Kashyyyk from slavery under the Empire. Meanwhile, Imperial remnants under the command of Grand Admiral Rae Sloane plot a counterstrike against the new government. However, Han and Chewie go missing, and Leia Organa hires Norra, Sinjir, Jas, and others to seek the missing smugglers. A prelude three decades before the main action opens the book, featuring characters like Galli.

The main chapters open on Chandrila, with Princess Leia distraught as Han Solo informs her that Chewbacca is missing, with his homeworld of Kashyyyk still under Imperial authority. As with the book’s predecessor, occasional interludes pepper the main chapters, the first focusing on the technical proxy Emperor, Mas Amedda, with the New Republic refusing his surrender. Other interludes focus on a pirate leader referred to with gender-neutral pronouns such as “zhe,” with the survivors of the destruction of the planet Alderaan getting their chapter as well.

Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, the commander of the Imperial Navy and de facto leader of the Galactic Empire, speaks to the Galaxy and is interested in Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax, who forms a Shadow Council. The Imperials intend to keep Kashyyyk and bombard the planet when Wookiees rebel, with Brentin Wexley found, though his loyalties are ambiguous. The action climaxes on Chandrila during Liberation Day when the ex-Imperials execute a terroristic plan, then relocate their operations to the Outer Rim world of Jakku.

The second Aftermath novel ends with an epilogue that follows the youngling Galli again as he’s recruited into the Galactic Empire, proving to be another engaging canon Star Wars novel that continues to fill the gap between Episodes VI and VII. The mix of old and new endearing characters and action will keep fans of the science-fiction franchise hooked from beginning to end, provided they have read the preceding book in the trilogy. While I could visualize most of the characters from the Original Trilogy of films, like Han and Leia, many of those new in the Aftermath books could have used reminders about appearances. Regardless, I enjoyed reading the sequel and look forward to the conclusion.

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