Battle Surgeons

For those expecting an action-adventure piece like the prior works of Michael Reaves (Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter) and Steve Perry (Shadows of the Empire), you're in for a surprise. I'm not sure how to describe its style; I'd say it's about three-quarters E.R., and one-quarter Aaron Allston's X-wing novels. There's not much action onscreen; instead, we mostly see characters dealing with its consequences.

However, like both of their earlier books, we're treated to a cast of "normal" citizens of the universe, as opposed to hordes of Jedi. This gives us a perspective rarely seen, and (especially since the Clone Wars novels are supposed to deal more with perspectives and people than overall plot) is a welcome insight into the effects of the show more war glossed over by other media. More than a mere thousand Jedi and a million clones are involved in this conflict, both directly and not.

The book does suffer from some minor continuity glitches; there were also references to things from the movies that the POV characters shouldn't have been aware of, even though the reader is. But in its favor, there were also some other unexpected nods to the Expanded Universe.

Unlike almost every other multipart story, Battle Surgeons accomplishes something unusual: it feels complete. There's really only one thread introduced during the novel that's left to be resolved in Jedi Healer, but even that has a partial resolution which would be satisfactory without the forthcoming sequel.

Overall, a highly recommended read for fans of character-based pieces or seeing beyond a certain point of view. show less

The Republic and Separatists are fighting over Bota on the planet Drongar. The story focuses on a medical unit putting back together clone troopers wounded in battle. There is a Jedi padawan healer improving her craft, a surgeon confused about his feelings, a Hutt trying to steal everything not nailed down, and a reporter out to get the Hutt.

I feel like the authors watched some episodes of MASH and then wrote a futuristic version leaving out the humor.

Barris Offee is the only Jedi" in this book. Much more medically oriented. Also ties the droid from Darth Maul: Shadowhunter in. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Not action oriented, or super Jedi oriented. Very character driven and I could see why many people wouldn't like it. I have to say, I was surprised to like it, given that I have NOT liked Reaves & Perry's previous stuff. Always nice to be surprised."

Decent book. I didn't care much for the characters though I will admit, their dialogue felt very natural and each of them was well rounded. Really, what brought it down for me was the lack of an interesting plot. It felt like not much happened. Still, it was well written. It was just...decent.

This was okay, but not great.

Found it in the public library. I read it back to back with the second in the duology.

See my note from the blog:

[http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2007/01/booknote-star-wars-medstar-duology.html]