Battlefront II

[[deleted user]]

Hey gang,
What did everyone think of Battlefront II: Inferno Squad? I must say, I really enjoyed it, but it did throw me off that it was a prequel to Battlefront: Twilight Company. Not sure what the mind set behind that decision was.

I really enjoy getting into the mind of the Imperials from the stand point of being someone who would absolutely choose Rebellion if given a chance! Seeing the intrinsic prejudice that an Imperial grows up with, the propaganda that they eat up and the stories that are spun has the smack of truth in these uncertain times with Fake News and such.

So from the political standpoint it really hit me. From an action standpoint, I wanted more, but I did connect with the characters. Thought there was going to be more from the connection between Gideon and Iden.

But overall, a decent if not overwhelming entry into the Star Wars Canon.

I'm really excited to dive into Claudia Gray's "Leia" for September.
Hope you are all safe wherever you are and away from fires, floods and hurricanes!! May the Force be with you, book club!!
-Lizzie

[Khurram]

I was not blown away by this book. I though the first chapter was brilliant, and I wish the whole book could have been like that.

I know I am a bit prejudice when it comes to prequels, but it was decent but slow. Like you I wanted much more action. What is the point of naming them Inferno Squad then putting them to work in the shadows.

I also liked the twist in the epilogue. I wish the whole book could have been like the intro and epilogue. Can't wait for Leia, but to my surprise I am really enjoying Phasma right now.

[Chad]

I really really went into this with such high hopes..... but I was let down. I understand that there might have not been too much wiggle room seeing that is a video game tie-in, but sheesh the lack of action was a downer.

The title is misleading if you ask me lol When I heard he title Inferno Squad I just pictured a bunch of ass kicking and rebel killing. WRONG!!!! I did like reading a story from a imperial point of view, but that's really about it.

[[deleted user]]

Khurram wrote: "I was not blown away by this book. I though the first chapter was brilliant, and I wish the whole book could have been like that.

I know I am a bit prejudice when it comes to prequels, but it was ..." Very good point about naming them Inferno Squad and then banishing them to spy work. Doesn't actually make sense at all now that you say that! hahah I didn't even think of that!

[[deleted user]]

Chad wrote: "I really really went into this with such high hopes..... but I was let down. I understand that there might have not been too much wiggle room seeing that is a video game tie-in, but sheesh the lack..."

Also true that tying it into the video game does add perameters, but then you read Drew Karpyshyn's Old Republic stuff, knowing he writes for the game or his Mass Effect stuff and you see how well it can be done. That does add a layer of disappointment for sure!!

[Chad]

Liz wrote: "Chad wrote: "I really really went into this with such high hopes..... but I was let down. I understand that there might have not been too much wiggle room seeing that is a video game tie-in, but sh..."

YES!!! You make a valid point. I think my issue is I went in thinking the book would be darker, just based off the title. I was expecting a lot more blood and guts, kind of like Path of Destruction. But I really did love reading a story from the point of view of the imperials, that's always cool.

[Peter]

After a bit of time and distance the novel has grown on me. But while reading it and my initial reaction upon finishing it, I couldn't get over how predictable, meandering, and inconsequential Inferno Squad's missions were. I just don't feel much resonating impact. Especially when considering this will be our central protagonist in the video game.

It also seemed like a missed opportunity to flesh out two tubes and other partisans who I thought might have made it off Jedha. The Dreamers just never felt like a large enough threat to validate inferno squad as acutely elite soldiers.
The story at large, often felt insular from other events within the galaxy rather than expanding it and tying stories together, even though there are little nuggets dropped in from R1, CW, etc.
With that being said, I did enjoy the characters and I am looking forward to getting more of Inferno Squad, so I must've enjoyed it more than I thought.

Also the opening chapter was damn near perfect.

I'm torn on the effectiveness of another parent/child situation. It is very "Star Warsy" and adds to the overall plot but it also feels so familiar at this point. I'd hate to see Star Wars authors lean too heavily on obvious Star Wars tropes, and have the father/child element turn derivative or redundant. Coming off of the heels of Jyn and Galen Eros, I think I would've liked to have seen a different type of relationship...

[Khurram]

I agree, I mean once they found the base and, alI I think 6 members, how hard would it have been to take them out. I love Drew's work. I can't wait for him to enter the new Disney/Star Wars universe.