Science Fiction Annotation: Star Wars The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance

Author: Sean Williams

Title: Star Wars The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance

Genre: Science Fiction

Publication Date: May 24, 2011

Number of Pages: 512

Geographic Setting: Space, Fictional Planets

Time Period: The Old Republic Era (Star Wars Universe)

Series: N/A

Plot Summary:
     Taking place in the Star Wars Universe, this book has many familiar concepts and conflicts: the Jedi are fighting the evil Sith, and the characters travel to several different planets in the galaxy throughout the story. However, this story takes place thousands of years before the Star Wars film series, meaning there are no familiar faces, and the galaxy is ruled by a different government. This offers a refreshing look into this fictional universe, and the author has free reign over what happens in the story (unlike a book that takes place closer to the film series). This tale involves a secret item of tremendous value, that has the attention of the Jedi, the Sith, pirates, and various other factions. Each faction is willing to go to great lengths to secure this item, but the knowledge of the item's true power is such a closely kept secret, that none of our characters know what it truly is. The story follows several characters, offering differing views on the events of the plot. A Jedi-in-training named Shigar Konshi, a former-soldier named Larin Moxla, the space pirate Captain Jet Nebula, Sith-in-training Eldon Ax, and many more. As the characters hunt down the prize and fight each other on multiple planets, they eventually come to know the truth about this "treasure". These enemies are forced to work together to save the galaxy from annihilation, though they must always be on guard against betrayal.

Appeal: Fatal Alliance gives the reader everything a Star Wars fan would want from that universe, while bringing in a fresh cast of characters, environments, and situations. Avid fans will likely enjoy the new take on the franchise. The story is a good entry point for people who are new to Star Wars novels, as it requires no prerequisite reading, though an understanding of the films and the fictional universe would be helpful.

3 Terms that best describe this book: Character-driven, Adventurous, and Grandiose

Similar Authors and Works:

Star Wars The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp
This is the second novel in The Old Republic series, though it is worth mentioning that this series is more of an anthology, and this novel does not continue the story of Fatal Alliance. It does take place in the same time period, offering more adventures into the world of Fatal Alliance.

With the Lightnings by David Drake
Another science fiction tale involving plenty of deceit, warring factions, and space traveling. The two main characters are also from different sides of the conflict, and like Fatal Alliance, they must tem up for the greater good. This is unrelated to Star Wars, but it is the first book of Drake's RCN series.

Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
This novel is another space-faring adventure with plenty of character interaction and a fast-paced plot. The main character is the captain of her own starship who discovers new conflicts from unexpected sources. This is the first novel of Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga.