It's been a good three years since I last read Traviss's Republic Commando books, and upon diving back into the world with "True Colors," I realized that was far too long. Traviss is incredibly deft with her treatment of the Star Wars universe - she makes the fantastic very real and accessible while still maintaining a very coherent feel with the rest of the canon. Her dialogue is a particular strength; all of the clones (okay, yes, I'll admit I have a huge soft spot for those guys, but despite my prejudice, this is an amazing, amazing book) seem like unique individuals, but retain their sense of "clone-ness." The supporting characters, too, are well-fleshed out and lift up their own voices in protest of the inhumane treatment the clones are given as a reward for their service. From the brutal battlefields to the quiet moments between couples, Traviss weaves a near-perfect narrative as part of a much, much larger picture that she can see but which her wonderful cast has yet to discover for themselves.