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501st (Star Wars: Republic Commando #5)

by Karen Traviss

3.92 · rating details · 345 ratings · 44 reviews

The Clone Wars are over, but for those with reason to run from the new galactic Empire, the battle to survive has only just begun. . . .

The Jedi have been decimated in the Great Purge, and the Republic has fallen. Now the former Republic Commandos–the galaxy’s finest special forces troops, cloned from Jango Fett–find themselves on opposing sides and in very different armor...more

Mass Market Paperback, 464 pages

Published June 28th 2011 by LucasBooks

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Aug 10, 2011

Dale rated it

· review of another edition

Of course I only find out after reading this that there's not going to be a conclusion to this series. That's seriously unsatisfying. This novel essentially cliff-hangs. Don't bother reading it - stop with Order 66.

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Jun 23, 2011

Michael R. rated it

The first thing I realized was that, there are an awful lot of Star Wars books already out there! Some starting before Episode I, and some continuing after Episode VI, and many, many more in between. This one is interesting because it takes place right after movie III, where Anakin has just assumed power as Darth Vader, and evil Palpitine has taken over leadership of the Empire.

The story has two main plots. One, some of the rebels escaping to planet Maladore (really boring). Seco...moreThe first thing I realized was that, there are an awful lot of Star Wars books already out there! Some starting before Episode I, and some continuing after Episode VI, and many, many more in between. This one is interesting because it takes place right after movie III, where Anakin has just assumed power as Darth Vader, and evil Palpitine has taken over leadership of the Empire.

The story has two main plots. One, some of the rebels escaping to planet Maladore (really boring). Second, the more interesting plotline follows the path of two clones in the Imperial Army assigned to the 501st Coomando Unit, Niner and Darman. They had been fighting in the Rubpublic Army before the take-over, now it's become the Imperial Army. So now where do their loyalites lie? Do they continue fighting? Or desert? Escape to Maledore with their other family and friends?

What makes the book somewhat difficuly to follow is that the storylines of all the characters continue from a previous book Republic Commandoes: Code 66, in which they recieve the order (Code 66) to elimanate all of the Jedi. It's apparent in that novel that in the insuing conflict Darman's fordidden love and wife who is a Jedi is killed in a final battle. This tradegy consume's all of the players in this story, and not having read 'Code 66' it really seems to drag on too much. Also, there is so much Star Wars jargon and slang, and difficult names for both people and planets, is difficult to read through at times, when she really stacks them up. Coming in new to the arcing storyline, there are also too many characters to keep track of, and their relationships with each other - consfusing enough becuase so many of them are clones. And Traviss doesn't help matters much by sometimes referring to the same character, by first name, sometimes by last name, other times by a nick name.

Overall I enjoyed the story. Seeing the thoughts behind the minds of the 'Drones' and how they define their unique personalities was very interesting, and I thought very well thought out.

This book was the first in a new series, and I liked it enough that I will keep my eyes open for the sequel.(less)

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Jul 23, 2010

Crystal Starr Light rated it

Shelves: star-wars

"That's how tyranny succeeds. When folks think it won't affect them. Until it eventually does."
This book was selected in my Star Wars book of the month club! Plus, a good friend of mine gave me the book, which meant I absolutely had to read it!
The Clone Wars has ended, and the Republic is now the Empire. Darman and Niner are stuck in Vader's 501st, Vader's Fist. Darman struggles with the events of the last book, and both long to be home on Kyrimorout with Kal Skirata, Ati...more

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Feb 26, 2011

Jacob rated it

This book can be viewed from a few different standpoints, most notably as the fifth part of an ongoing story or the first part of a new series that never went any further. Either way you look at it you can't help but come away feeling a little disappointed at all the loose ends left when you reach the final page. There is so much setup here that gets no payoff because the rest of the series was scrapped, which is a shame because a lot of effort has gone into the crafting of the books from the st...more

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Feb 11, 2010

Chad rated it

Shelves: star-wars-novels

Karen Traviss continues to be one of the best things about the Star Wars EU with this, the fourth volume in what is essentially the Clan Skirata series. As the beginning of what is basically a new, second, story arc, it lacks the emotional whallop of "Order 66", but in addition to laying the groundwork for the next series of conflicts and adventures, it also further defines the personalities of the various clones, begins to explore the myriad of relationships among the hodge-podge cas...moreKaren Traviss continues to be one of the best things about the Star Wars EU with this, the fourth volume in what is essentially the Clan Skirata series. As the beginning of what is basically a new, second, story arc, it lacks the emotional whallop of "Order 66", but in addition to laying the groundwork for the next series of conflicts and adventures, it also further defines the personalities of the various clones, begins to explore the myriad of relationships among the hodge-podge cast that inhabits Kyrimorut, peals away new and interesting layers of the Mandolorian culture, and examines the shift in atmosphere as the EU abruptly transforms from a Republic to an Empire. And all this is accomplished with an ease and grace the belies how many moving parts are grinding together to create the overall story.

All of Traviss's strengths are on display here. First and foremost, her deft handling of the clones, who are an unlikely gang of diverse characters. I'm continually amused at the way she gives them all the same basic personality, then tweeks each commando so that they shine in their own peculiar way. And her grasp of their dry humor should be studied by the likes of Troy Denning, whose feeble grasps at humor never fail to yank me out of every story he's written in the last five years. Skirata's Mandos have me laughing out loud every time they slip into their deadpan banter.

The other major quality of Traviss's writing that I can't ever get enough of, is her refusal to turn the Commando novels into action adventure books. Everything about her premise screams out to be written as popcorn action. But unlike a lot of the other current EU writers (I'm looking at you everybody who's writing a 'Fate of the Jedi' novel) she actually seems more concerned with character development and interpersonal relationships! I get rather tired of authors spending the bulk of their page count trying to create huge action set pieces that only serve to load the story with action. Traviss only inserts action when it serves the story, and when it's there, it is terse and cleanly written. One subtle oddity I noticed during "501st" was the fact that she rarely resorts to cliff-hanger chapter endings to manufacture cheap tension. She ends chapters on the down-beats and trusts that your love for the character will spur you into reading further. That's practically unheard of in the recent EU novels, and speaks volumes about her merits as a solid writer.

The only thing that took away from my enjoyment of this novel had nothing to do with the novel itself, but with the recently circulating news that Traviss will not be writing the next book in the series. There is always the slim chance Del Rey will bring on another quality author to take over the chore of exploring the next phase of the Skirata clan's trevails. Unfortunately, we're dealing with the same publisher who entrusted the authorship of its supposedly flagship hardcover series ('Fate of the Jedi') to the likes of Chrisie Golden, who would seem more at home writing the next "Babysitters' Club" paperback. What a bunch of osik.(less)

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Jan 05, 2010

Susan rated it

I normally hate reviewing books. I don't enjoy getting into the technical aspects of a story, because as I read it, thats not what I think about. I read to enjoy, not to critique.
On that note, I will say that the Commando series is one that completely grabbed me by the neck and didn't let go. I felt that Traviss did an exemplary job at developing her characters, and establishing a connection with the reader. I don't think that there were any parts in the Commando series, or this continu...more

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Nov 12, 2009

Erika rated it

I won’t even pretend I remember everything that happened in the last Republic Commando book. Big events (Dar has a baby, Fi was brain dead, Sev’s MIA), points of suspense (clones have accelerated aging)--those are easy to recall, but tiny details that set up larger, looming, and very far off in the future plot lines fall away pretty easily: the significance of Death Watch, Arla Fett, Gilamar, etc… The problem with these books is the amount of intricate information and the large cast crammed in...more

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Nov 15, 2009

Chad rated it

Traviss wisely let a number of her former main characters take a back seat this time, getting her cast back to a (mostly) manageable level. Still, the book would have benefited from a 'who's who' type page, as my brain has let slip exactly who some of the secondary characters are.

It's interesting to see the series transfer from the Republic to Empire eras. My main enjoyment of the Republic/Imperial Commando series comes from the fact that it offers a different perspective. These p...more

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Jan 26, 2012

Prashanth rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: sf

Well, what happens when a science fiction book gets wholly concerned about the human part and not really anything else? This book more or less answers this question. This is my first star wars book, and I really doubt whether I will pick up another star wars book by the same author.

There is no beginning, no stuff to think about the way story progresses and, certainly, there is no end - one boring journey to nowhere.

To summarise:
> Kal Skirata is filthy rich, he wants ...more

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Jul 29, 2011

Mike Smith rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars

This book is the 4th Star Wars book by Karen Traviss in the Republic/Imperial Commando series, featuring a small group of clones and their trainers. The first three books dealt with the commandos and a few Jedi officers during the Clone Wars. This book takes place shortly after the events of the Revenge of the Sith movie, when the clonetroopers have become stormtroopers and the Jedi are now the enemy. Many of the commandos we've come to know in the first three books are now deserters, more inter...more

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Jul 31, 2011

Lilith K rated it

· review of another edition

This was the first of the Imperial Commandos and the last of the Republic Commando stories. I wasn’t sure how it was going to rap since Order 66 ended the way it did, with the Skirata Clan fragmented. It was strange to read the rest of the clan trying to carry on, prepare for more clone deserters and find a cure for their rapid aging, while Dar and Niner are left behind in the new Imperial army. The character change in both Niner and Dar was understandable and well met. After the events of Order...more

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Sep 13, 2011

Tina rated it

Apparently I read this book instead of Order 66, thinking it was Order 66, because I'm an idiot and didn't stop to look at the cover. I guess I don't give Traviss merit as an author since I just assumed she'd just skipped over all the action that apparently occurred in the book I was supposed to read; I didn't stop to think that maybe, GASP, I was wrong. Anyway, my review of this book is likely still valid, but there is the potential that the things I nit-picked about in my original review might...more

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Jun 21, 2010

Lindsey rated it

Shelves: star-wars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A solid addition to the Clone Wars pantheon. Traviss' ability to show the clones in an individual light is surpassed by no one and she strongly shows off that talent again in 501st. There's not much action in this book, some character development, but it's mostly plot line development that is obviously headed toward the next (and last) installment in this series.

The best aspect of this book is how deftly Traviss weaves it into the rest of the Star Wars universe. The connections from ...moreA solid addition to the Clone Wars pantheon. Traviss' ability to show the clones in an individual light is surpassed by no one and she strongly shows off that talent again in 501st. There's not much action in this book, some character development, but it's mostly plot line development that is obviously headed toward the next (and last) installment in this series.

The best aspect of this book is how deftly Traviss weaves it into the rest of the Star Wars universe. The connections from Kal Skirata's group to Plett's Well, the Antarian Rangers, the Spaarti cylinders, the Emperor's Hands, and even Callista are so well done that you'll stop every few pages to smile as you remember where you've seen it all before! Her ability to weave her story into the existing universe puts her at the top of the current group of Star Wars writers (most of whom go about inventing new circumstances with no regard for the existing body of literature).

That being said, there are two downsides to this book. The first is the number of Jedi who live. This is really a problem that all Star Wars authors are having right now, so it's hardly unique to Traviss. The second issue, though, is unique to this series. Traviss vacillates on the issue of Skirata's character. He comes across as an ersatz Lazarus Long; Skirata was a man who taught children to kill mercilessly, but he won't kick his worst enemies out of his home. Traviss constantly references this in the novel, but never wrote any resolution to the cognitive dissonance Skirata lives with. Hopefully, this issue is leading up to a plot point in the last book.

Overall, definitely worth reading for fans of the earlier installments and Star Wars fans in general.

UPDATE: It has been announced that Karen Traviss is finished writing Star Wars due to plotting conflicts with the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television cartoons. Although that leaves this book as a cliffhanger in some respects, it is still worth reading. Here's hoping that the Star Wars people can work out something to bring Traviss back to the universe one more time.(less)

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Oct 10, 2010

Kayla rated it

Shelves: star-wars, favorites, books-i-own, star-wars-books-i-own, star-wars-books-i-ve-read

Even thought this book is an Imperial Commando novel, it is the direct continuation of the 4th Republic Commando, Order 66. This book was extremely good, the only thing I didn't like about it was that it left off at the end. I am mad at George Lucas because recently it was announced that this series will never be completed because it doesn't go along with the Star Wars continuation anymore because of stupid Star Wars the Clone Wars, which makes the Star Wars Holiday Special from Christmas 1978...more

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Jan 31, 2010

Sarah rated it

Shelves: 2010-print

Karen Traviss's contributions to the Star Wars universe have managed to be simultaneously fun & captivating, and morally challenging and thought-provoking. 501st carries our lads through the transition from Republic to Empire, with some stimulating new developments. Unfortunately, because of a radical change the PTB at Lucas have decided to make in the history of the galaxy (specifically with respect to Mandalore), none of Traviss's existing Star Wars books will make sense any longer, and she wi...more

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Apr 03, 2010

Andrew rated it

Shelves: star-wars, sci-fi

I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that Karen Traviss is not going to write another book as fast, focused, original and compelling as Hard Contact. That being said, I went in to this book with reasonable expectations and I enjoyed it for what it was. Though not as focused as the first entry in this series, 501st still delivers some very satisfying material.

Most of my complaints for this book are the same as those I had for Order 66. There are a lot of people in this drama and s...moreI’ve finally come to terms with the fact that Karen Traviss is not going to write another book as fast, focused, original and compelling as Hard Contact. That being said, I went in to this book with reasonable expectations and I enjoyed it for what it was. Though not as focused as the first entry in this series, 501st still delivers some very satisfying material.

Most of my complaints for this book are the same as those I had for Order 66. There are a lot of people in this drama and some of them don’t seem to have much to do. There are a number of characters who’s origins and importance I don’t remember. Luckily Traviss will fill you in if it’s really important and most of the time it’s not a big deal. I also have to quibble about the structure of the story. Like some of the previous books in the series, there’s not really a clear beginning, middle and end to this book. It sort of feels like Travis just sits at her computer and types until she notices she has 400 pages, then hits print and makes that a book. I suppose that’s forgivable given the length of the narrative arc she’s telling, but I do wish there was a bit more build up and climax here.

Now on to the good. The moral ambiguity in the last few books of the series is amped up to the next level (and maybe some other cliché’s as well!) It was edgy to see protagonists defecting from the Jedi order in the previous book, but now Karen has our heroes actually hunting down and killing Jedi. Not sith, not fallen Jedi or some fringe faction, they’re killing righteous guardians of the peace. Obviously this is a big risk. I don’t think I’m alone in saying I like Jedi. It’s pretty clear to me that what the protagonists are doing in this book is wrong. If this wasn’t handled well, I could have easily come to loath the heroes and that would be it for me and this series. Luckily Traviss pulls it off masterfully. Although I don’t agree with their actions, Skirata and his boys have reasonable motivation for doing what they do and it’s easy to empathize with them, even as you cringe at their actions. Travis also doesn’t fall into the pit of deliberately demonizing Jedi to try and gain the readers approval. There are several Jedi in the book and they are all written as reasonable, responsible and righteous, just as they are in the rest of the Star wars universe. There are several times where Traviss acknowledges that Skirata does hold some hypocritical views, that maybe he isn’t doing the right thing, and these moments give plenty of breathing room. It never felt like Traviss was trying to completely endorse the views of her characters or force them down my throat.
The rest is all there too, action, romance and various soap operatic drama in the Skirata compound and imperial barracks. So if you’ve read and enjoyed the previous novels in the series, by all means pick this one up. It will certainly be interesting to see where this series goes in the future.
(less)

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Dec 22, 2009

Erik Hansen rated it

This was not as strong as the previous Commando books, and the series is starting to read like a Mandalorian ethnography. Lighter on action and intrigue, Karen Traviss has shifted the focus to personal drama and family dynamic. To be honest it's starting to feel like a soap opera, As Mandalore Turns or The Cloned and the Restless if you will.

While this book was a little slower than its bretheren, I am looking forward to the next book and seeing how Darman pulls off his daring escape....more

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Feb 13, 2010

Locked Out rated it

Shelves: star-wars

This book deftly handles a ton of elements quite smoothly without bogging down the story. Darman's situation in this one is explored some more, and shows even more emotions that I think help you feel a connection with the book. This connection helps you see the lifes of clones in star wars in a different light, while also showing you the cold reality everyone faces in the series. You wont want to put this book down for long when you read it!

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Nov 09, 2011

Mikel rated it

I don't care about continuity, conspiracy, or whether or not she's ever seen the films, KAREN TRAVISS GETS STAR WARS. Are you hearing me? It took me a long time to read this book, knowing it ends on a cliffhanger, never gets wrapped up, and has been disavowed as canon by Lucasfilm. But these books are more than a cool Star Wars tale. They evoke real emotion and are truly something to which anyone can relate. Even a guy who said he'd never read any sort of military book.

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Apr 04, 2011

Brian Johnson rated it

Another strong entry in Traviss's Commando series. Unfortunately, it's also the last thanks to Star Wars continuity getting changed by the tv show. Would have loved to have seen three or four more books finishing the Mando's stories. Alas, it's not to be. Thankful to have the five she did write, though. Highly recommended Star Wars fiction.

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Dec 21, 2009

Espresso rated it

Shelves: science-fiction

This is the second disappointment of the series.
In Order 66 Etain died stupidly. After proving herself intelligent and noble, she practically commits suicide. I have no problem with a character dying if it is "in character", but it was not.

In this book the main problem is Darman. One must understand he has no basis for dealing with the loss of Etain, but even so he is extremely volatile and irrational, which is not at all like Darman. He decides not to desert bec...more

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Nov 05, 2009

Roberta rated it

Recommends it for: Star Wars fans

Shelves: sciencefiction, starwars

I enjoyed the book, but my favorite character Darman is getting to where I don't like him much. I'm interested in seeing how time plays out with the Skirata Clan from now until the Legacy of the Force era. I'm also curious as to what goes down with Fenn Shysa and Boba Fett. Definitely the best of the novels coming out now in the Expanded U, most likely has Traviss's name on them.

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Sep 05, 2011

Derrick rated it

Shelves: 2010, star-wars

Picks right up from the Republic Commando books.
Two of the clones get stuck in the 501st, the rest go to Mandalore. Lots of angst and Jedi hating and some seriously twisted thinking. Might as well be a soap opera with all the drama.

Update-no more Commando books by Traviss. Or by anyone. Sigh.

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Dec 24, 2009

Sharon Kerr-Bullian rated it

Recommends it for: Star Wars fans, Military Fiction fans

An excellent almost finish to a brilliant series. It is a real shame that Miss Traviss will not be continuing this story arc, as there are loose ends yet to be tied up in this arc. Overall, a very good book, exciting, enthralling, emotionally engaging, extraordinary. Kandosii Kar'buir! Kandosii!

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Jan 11, 2010

Ben Haas rated it

I just read this last night, 01/10/10. i couldn't stop.
i looked at the clock and it was 12:00 on a school night. I didn't care
it was to good. Possibly the best book series i have EVER read. Very good job Mrs. Traviss. I am currently rivited and waiting for more.:D

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Mar 06, 2010

DC rated it

I love Traviss's characters, but this Commando installment is probably the weakest example of her prose. Lots of repetition. Repeating things about what Clones are like. Especially if you've read other books in this series. Stuff gets repeated. Within a few paragraphs. There's often repetition.

But the characters are great. This book is also more character driven (as opposed to action driven) than her other Commando books.

I'm changing my review to 2 stars instead of...more

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Nov 26, 2009

Matt rated it

Shelves: star-wars

This was a strange book for Karen Traviss. There was a great deal of soul searching and self-incrimination with little action. It was still well done though and there was a superb surprise in the mix so I still rated it a three.

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Nov 05, 2009

Heather rated it

Shelves: star-wars

This one gives you a little look at the begining of the Imp Command and how the clones all adjust to a "normal" life with other "misfits" as mates and Mando adoptives. Some characters take a turn you won't expect and so doest he story. Can't wait for the next edition.

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Feb 27, 2011

Curt rated it

Shelves: sciencefiction

I really enjoy Karen Traviss's portrayal of the clones. all of the books in this series are great and Highly recommend them all. This just continues to please and add to a growing number of great books she has authored.

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Feb 01, 2010

John rated it

Shelves: starwars

I have always enjoyed following the exploits of Skirata's band of Commandos, and this "transition" to the Imperial-era did not disappoint.

A modern Commando-style military story set in the Star Wars Universe. I like!

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About Karen Traviss

Karen Traviss is a science fiction author and full-time novelist from Wiltshire, England. Originally from the Portsmouth area, Traviss worked as both a journalist and defence correspondent before turning her attention to writing fiction. She also served in both the Territorial Army and the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service. Traviss is a graduate of the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy workshop.

More about Karen Traviss...

Books by Karen Traviss

Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #5)

Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #2)

Hard Contact (Star Wars: Republic Commando, #1)

Revelation (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #8)

Triple Zero (Star Wars: Republic Commando, #2)

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501st (Star Wars: Republic Commando #5)

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