logo Sign In

"Death Troopers" - the EU novel

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Just finished this EU novel.

A very odd duck it is. I figured it would be a SW novel with some horror elements. It’s written like a horror novel first, a SW novel second.

The horror didn’t always work for me, but it sure was visceral. Frankly, any SW book that isn’t primarily about Jedi and long didactic discussions of good/evil is a plus in my book. In fact, it had NO Jedi, which makes it a recent favorite.

All and all, I liked it quite a bit. Wish it had been titled “Han Solo and the Ship of The Living Dead”

Author
Time

You know, I haven't read an EU book since 1998, but this one always sort of interested me for the reasons you state.

Author
Time

I read it and disliked it. It felt rushed, with nagging plot holes, poorly-developed characters, and the unnecessary addition of Han and Chewie.

And frankly, I'm not too fond of the whole "zombie plague" trope; not only has it been done to death, but it doesn't mesh well with Star Wars; I think Lovecraftian horror would suit the SW Universe much better IMHO.

On the plus side, there were almost no PT references; one tiny mention of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and that was it. 

Author
Time

I'm not even remotely interested in zombie stories and never have been.  However, the thought of a non-saga-related Star Wars novel is certainly interesting.  The synopsis' mention of a derelict destroyer floating unmanned and being used to scavenge parts from is a very cool idea. The zombie part wrecks it for me though.

I only have four novels I read  - all of which are non-saga-related.  Splinter Of The Mind's Eye gets a pass because it was written before there was a saga, so it's a much better story.  It's not locked into the tiny Lucas world.  I'll increase my novel selection to what is most likely its final number of seven, when I get the Lando novels by Neil Smith.

My point;  While the zombie angle isn't my thing, it's nice to see a story outside of the tired Empire\Sith Lords\Dark Side\Jedi Knights\Boba Fett universe. The franchise has gone to that well far too often.

Forum Moderator
Author
Time

Anchorhead said:

My point;  While the zombie angle isn't my thing, it's nice to see a story outside of the tired Empire\Sith Lords\Dark Side\Jedi Knights\Boba Fett universe. The franchise has gone to that well far too often.

They don't just GO to the well, it IS the well, and they're swimming in it.

Author
Time

Kenobius Prime said:

I'm guessing these are inspired by this book?

Yes.