Rating: 
Summary: The Force Is Strong With Young Jedi Stackpole.
Review: I hadn't been reading for a while, but lack of a job, and my immersion into the BattleTech universe via MechWarrior 4 left me in the mood for a good book on the world. So, I picked up a copy of Lethal Heritage the first book in the Blood of Kerensky trilogy. It hooked me. Within a week I had finished reading all 3 books, and that was enough to convince me that Michael A. Stackpole knew what he was doing. Then I began to find the guy's name on everything. I bought a starter pack of Mage Knight figurines, Stackpole had written the story for the comic book inside. Then I was rummaging through a cloest, and I found this book. Written by Stackpole. I swear, he's like the hardest working man in the writing industry. X-Wing: Rogue Squadron is the first book in a series, which is what the cover loudly proclaims. It revolves around twelve X-Wing pilots, known as Rogue Squadron who basically have the job of being the Mission Impossible of the Rebellion. Corran Horn is the protagonist, and hence the guy that gets the lion's share of the ink. But also along, and in no small role is Wedge Antilles, as well as a couple other familiar faces. There are 10 other pilots in the squad, but throughout the course of the first book, you won't get to learn very much about them. In Lethal Heritage, Stackpole introduces you to 10 characters, and gives them about a chapter each, all throughout the book, and that got a bit confusing. A more happy medium needs to be struck. So Stackpole takes you on this journey that is Corran Horn's new life as a member of Rogue Squadron, a squad designed to pull off huge victories, and give a PR boost to the Allied worlds, and convince the worlds that haven't decided which side to join. The fighting is decribed pretty good, but you don't get the same feel of the action like you did in the books he wrote for the Battletech universe. I guess there are only so many ways you can describe wasting a TIE fighter with an X-Wing. You do get a good sense of the overall mission, though, and that's enough to keep you hooked. Stackpole makes good use of Star Wars background in the book, and while he may give Jek Porkins a bit too much credit (the fat pilot who couldn't pull out of his dive, and ate it on the Death Star run.) he uses Wedge very well, and even at one point has Wedge tell Corran, "Pull out Corran, you're no good back there." Star Wars fans should get more than enough excitement out of the book, and a far higher level of quality than they've been getting from Mr. Lucas. Pick this book up if you feel like devoting a good amount of time to reading it, but you're going to have to hunt down the rest of the books after that, this one's a blasted cliffhanger.
Rating: 
Summary: C'mon, who needs Luke and Chewie? Give me Wedge Antilles!
Review: I must be honest: I did not start reading the series until the beginning of 2001. I have been a fan of the "timeline" series of Star Wars since Heir to the Empire, and had always felt that the X-wing books only involved space action with no story. Well, after reading the New Jedi Order series so far, many X-wing characters showed up and I had no idea what their stories were because I only read the timeline books, such as Gavin Darklighter and Corran Horn. But now I have a better grasp of the Dark Tide series(also written by Stackpole, one of the reasons I started reading Rogue Squadron in the first place) and appreciate Stackpole's talent. He is great writer, and there is no need for the "main characters". Wedge Antilles helms the elite Rogue Squadron, first formed by Luke Skywalker. After reforming the squadron, 12 men and woman and aliens from different backrounds become 1 ultimate fighting force, squaring off against Yanne Isard, a tyrant destined to rule the shattered Empire. The writing is so good that you have no trouble following the complicated space dogfights, and the author fleshes out the new characters with such realism that has not been done since Mara Jade in Timothy Zahn's novels. The character depth is excellent, and I recommend this book to any Star Wars fan who has not had the fortune to read this yet. You won't be dissapointed! For example: in 6 weeks I have read 8 of the 9 books in this series. All of them good.
Rating:
Summary: High adventure in space... what Star Wars is all about!
Review: I have to say that Stackpole's contribution to the Star Wars universe, mainly the 'Rogue Squadron' books and comics, are some of the best material since Timothy Zahn's trilogy of books. While other authors have seriously taken the SW universe off track, 'Rogue Squadron' has kept religiously to the source material of Lucas's films. Star Wars was never meant to be hard science-fiction or a political thriller as some of the more recent books have tried to be ('Black Fleet Crisis', the 'Coruscant' trilogy') it was meant to be a fun adventure set in space, and that's what Stackpole has created. 'Rogue Squadron' also manages to do something most other SW books haven't come close to - stay clear from the main characters and focus on the lesser known (outside of hardcore SW fans) ones, and create some great new ones as well. Stackpole manages to keep the action fastpaced and the story constantly moving. A great start to an awesome series. If you're a SW fan already, you'll know what I mean. If you are an haven't read these yet, grab 'Rogue Squadron', the first in the 'X-Wing' series, and remember what it was like to love Star Wars.
Rating:
Summary: A great start for a great series!
Review: This is a book that I have read, then re-read, and then re-read again. Never before have I seen such a great book without the main characters from the movies. Two and a half years after Return of The Jedi, Wedge Antilles rebuilds the legendary Rogue Squadron, selecting only the very best. Introducing into the story Corran Horn, a former Correlian Securirity officer, now a hotshot X-wing pilot. He turns out to be the best pilot in Rogue Squadron, other than Wedge. Next is introduced Ysanne Isard, the head of Imperial Intelligence, and Kirtan Loor, one of the many pepole she has control over. Both of then seek to destroy Rogue Squadron, along with the rebillion.
Rating:
Summary: In a class of its own.
Review: I have read and re-read most all of Michael A. Stackpole's books, and have to say that this one is one of the best. Even though it doesn't have any of the classic characters in it, the new ones are just as, if not more likeable than them. First up, there is Wedge Antilles, famed X-Wing pilot (he was briefly in all three of the classic trilogy) barely second only to Luke Skywalker as a pilot, has been assigned to rebuild the legendary Rogue Squadron. (The squadron that destroyed the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi and led the defense while escaping Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back.) Anyway, he has his work cut out for him while trying to turn a bunch of hotshot pilots into a fighting force that holds up the squadrons name. It will be difficult, because all of the pilots are the best possible candidates, but the problem is that they know they are the best... ...which brings me to Corran Horn. A Corellian cop turned New Republic fighter, is probably the most egotistical character in the entire book. Even though he has this huge ego, he is actually very likeable and kind of funny, and his attitude toward himself is countered by his R2 unit Whistler. Yet, unlike most characters that have a great bit of pride in themselves, Corran is actually the best pilot in the squadron, save Wedge himself. But, every now and then, you see another side of him that thinks of everyone else's safety and is willing to give his life for them and the New Rpublic's cause. Besides those two characters, there are many others that make the book great, but their page time is not very detailed in description, but they still are very enjoyable. Also, the main enemy, Ysanne Isard, isn't in very much, but her menacing personality hints at very dangerous things to come. In this book, you see through the eyes mainly of Corran Horn. The combat scenes are absolutely fantastic. They are so vivid and realistic, you feel as if you are in the cockpit shooting TIE Fighters. From the simulators where they train, to the actual battles in space to just the parts where there is conversation, this book is excellent. Even though the traditional characters aren't in it, and there isn't an evil Jedi or some massive superweapon to contend with, this book really stands out and promises many great things to come with these characters and storylines. So, as I said, this book is entirely in a class of its own. P.S. Also check out Mike Stackpole's great website at stormwolf.com.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Beginning To The Rogue Squadron Saga!
Review: This book was excellent! It has explosive battles, interesting strategy maneuvers, and a good plot. The story is essentially this: Wedge Antilles, a Rebel pilot, has decided to reforge Rogue Squadron, the group of pilots who destroyed the Death Star and fought at Endor. The new batch of pilots include Corran Horn, a Corellian, his wingmate Ooryl Qrygg, a Gand, Lujayne Forge, a woman from Kessel, and Bror Jace, a cocky pilot whose arch rival is Corran. The book focuses mainly on Corran, who mainly finds himself wrapped up in battles against the Empire's not-so-hot pilots. However, the plot really twists when he is rescued after being disabled. His rescuer is a woman named Mirax who has a very unusual connection to Corran... The tension mounts when Rogue Squadron is asked to lead the assault against the Imperial stronghold of Blackmoon. To find out how the book ends, you'll just have to read it yourself. But remember, this is only the start of the saga, so the adventure is just beginning!
Rating:
Summary: Review
Review: Rogue Squadron is a fairly interesting book on Wedge Antilles forming an elite x- wing squadron. This squadron will help take over a secret planet that is heavily defended. It is basically a suicide mission. During this whole time the squadron must deal with having a traitor among them. Could it be Tycho Celchu, who escaped from Imperial captivity, or is it someone else...
Rating:
Summary: A book that manages to be good without the "main" characters
Review: I confess I put off reading this particular Star Wars book for a while now because it did not feature any of the main characters from the original trilogy. However, I'm quite glad I finally read it, because I was pleasantly surprised. The only movie character feature in a prominent role is Wedge Antilles, the fighter pilot from the trilogy. His background is described in detail here. The main character of the novel is Corran Horn, a young man from Corellia who is on the Empire's death list. Two and a half years after the events of Return of the Jedi, Wedge decides to reestablish Rogue Squadron, accepting only the best of the best. The only real problem I had with this book was that some of the stuff in the space battle scenes was just a bit TOO detailed. Other than that, it was an enjoyable, quick read. I'll definitley be reading the rest of the series.
Rating:
Summary: Sad I didn't read it sooner
Review: I loved this book. I read it pretty quickly. I am really dissapointed I did not read it sooner. I guess I should read the others. I was warned off of the other rogue squadron that aren't by Stackpole. Great book. The only Star Wars book that can match it is Shadows of the Empire. But the cool thing about Rogue Squadron is that it is awesome without the need of Luke, Han, Leia and the others being around all the time. Yes, with books like this there is another trilogy possible without the mains.
Rating:
Summary: I Have Come Home
Review: I new ever since I read 'I, Jedi' that I would eventually read the Rogue Squadron series after I got over my prejudice that they were simply military SF on the same level as David Drake's vaunted Hammer Slammer books, happily I was wrong. Like most of Stackpole's works, I slipped into this like a comfortable pair of shoes. The first book of the series is simply entitled 'X-Wing Rogue Squadron' and takes place about three years after the fall of the Empire at the Battle of Endor. However, the Rebel Alliance is not out of the woods yet as there are still hundreds of systems, especially the Core Worlds, still under direct Imperial control, which usually means Star Destroyers and TIE fighters. Recognizing this threat, Admiral Ackbar decides that it would time for a little propaganda in the form of what has become the most famous starfighter in the galaxy: the Incom T-65b X-Wing, and be piloted by the squadron formed by Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles after the battle of Yavin, Rogue Squadron. Wedge now leads the squadron and has spent the past while assembling the best of the best to be in the new Rogue Squadron. Enter Corran Horn, a young Corellian Security agent who left his homeworld to join the Rebellion. Next is Captain Tycho Celchu, a former Imperial pilot who defected after his homeworld of Alderaan was destroyed by the first Death Star. Alliance command doesn't like Celchu, forcing him to be escorted everywhere by armed guards and fly craft without weapons and armed with destruct mechanisms. Also added to the squadron are Ooryl Qrygg, a insectoid Gand; Nawara Ven, a male Twi'lek and former lawyer; Rhysati Ynr from Bespin; Bror Jace of the bacta cartel on Thyferra; Erisi Dlarit, who is from a competing family on Thyferra; Peshk Vri'Syk, a Bothan; Gavin Darklighter, cousin of Biggs and youngest member of the squadron at sixteen; Riv Shiel, a Shistavaenen wolfman with an Imperial death mark on his head; Lujayne Forge, a beautiful woman from Kessel; and finally Andoorni Hui, a Rodian. Rogue Squadron is filled with terrific action that Stackpole has become famous for, basing a lot of the combat on the popular X-wing & TIE fighter games by LucasArts, and giving the reader a wonderful feel for starfighter combat. Stackpole conveys through his characters great emotion, especially through his alter ego and my personal favorite character, Corran Horn, who is the star of the series. Corran is also beginning to notice that he is privy to a much greater universe, and his relation to the Force may be greater than he ever knew. Wedge meanwhile must come to terms with ghosts from his past, while keeping the new Rogue Squadron from ending up like Jek Porkins or Biggs Darklighter who died at the Battle of Yavin. Wedge's attempt to distance himself from the rest of squadron fails, even after they start dying. I'm sorry I never read these sooner, for they are excellent light reading and great fun! Rogue Squadron is peppered with great action, and some genuinely interesting and likeable characters. And, Star Wars finally gets some sex appeal as Corran Horn might be the first character to notice girls. Plus the book introduces the honestly creepy and decidedly evil Yssane Isard, who reminds me of a more vicious Emma Frost, and just as cold. She is a woman of beautiful countenance, but who can freeze a man's soul with a glance, earning her the name of Iceheart by allies and enemies alike. The Force will be with you, always.
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