Readable stand-alone?

[Rick]

Just joined group ... would it be a terrible thing, just to leap into Empires End without reading the first two?

[Khurram]

I would not recommend it. For me one and two were the stronger books of the series. Book one introduced the new characters. Book two guest stared more of the original characters, and had a lot of set up for book 3. Book 3 started very well then got very slow for about 300 pages the took off again for me.

[N.E.C.C.]

I agree with Khurram, but i didn't like the first Aftermath, it was kinda boring and it took me more time to read it than i wanted to. #2 and #3 are much more better books. Ended up being a great series.
To answer your question, yes, you have to read the first Aftermath, even though you might not like it at all, if you start reading Life Debt or Empire's End, you won't understand a lot of things that were explain and set up in the previous books.
If you really are into Star Wars give it a chance, it pays off at the end.

[Aaron, Jedi Master]

I agree with the others. I think the first two books are essential to understand the character's motivations.

Also the interludes build on each other as the books progress.

[Rick]

Great. Thanks for the feedback. I think I will invest in the audiobooks (homework pre the convention!)

[Eric]

You know, it's occurred to me a few times in the last month that this trilogy reminds me of my thoughts of the prequel trilogy - I was initially disappointed in the first movie/book, but then I felt the second redeemed it and, while far from perfect, the third brought it all home and concluded in a satisfactory manner.

Much like the prequels, small annoyances don't take away from the overarching story and important plot points that are so crucial for understanding the entire timeline of events.