Soldier for the Empire

What I love about Star Wars books, novellas, and graphic novels is that (when officially authorized) they all link together, adding information and details to build upon the universe that George Lucas created. Soldier for the Empire is no different.

The first entry into the Star Wars Dark Forces trilogy, William C. Dietz’s Soldier for the Empire follows Kyle Katarn from decorated Imperial Military Academy graduate to Rebel Alliance agent. With artistry by Dean Williams, scenes of Katarn’s story are brought out of the reader’s imagination and into full color.

While I very much enjoyed this Dark Horse & Boulevard/Putnam novella, I found myself having a difficult time writing this review, and I’m not exactly sure why. Dietz’s show more writing drew me directly into the story, and Williams’ paintings were magical. Katarn’s dilemma between duty and revenge was classic in the Star Wars universe, and his assignment fills in previously unknown details. show less

This book was enjoyable, a nice little story based on a video game, and apparently part of a trilogy (which I never realized). It was nice that there were mentions of other Star Wars characters from other series (Thrawn when he was merely a captain and Lando before he joined the rebellion), but it at times seemed like they were there only as a reminder that this was a Star Wars story. It felt off to me for some reason. Partially the blind Dark Jedi and Jedi Rahn, who was a friend of Kyle's father. This was off-putting to me because this story takes place just prior to A New Hope and there are other Jedi hanging around? I thought Vader, Yoda, and Obi Wan were "all that's left of that religion." I understand the desire to include Jedi show more into a Star Wars story, but let's not forget what's already been laid out.

I like the character of Kyle Katarn, a soldier having just completing his academy training, ready and willing to work for the Empire, then finding out the hard way what the Empire is truly about and joining the Alliance. Interesting concept, well handled. I'll probably eventually read the next two chapters of the Dark Force trilogy. show less