Empire's End

Goodreads Synopsis:

EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING.

As the final showdown between the New Republic and the Empire draws near, all eyes turn to a once-isolated planet: Jakku.

The Battle of Endor shattered the Empire, scattering its remaining forces across the galaxy. But the months following the Rebellion’s victory have not been easy. The fledgling New Republic has suffered a devastating attack from the Imperial remnant, forcing the new democracy to escalate its hunt for the hidden enemy.

For her role in the deadly ambush, Grand Admiral Rae Sloane is the most wanted Imperial war criminal—and one-time rebel pilot Norra Wexley, back in service at Leia’s urgent request, is leading the hunt. But more than just loyalty to the New Republic drives Norra forward: Her husband was turned into a murderous pawn in Sloane’s assassination plot, and now she wants vengeance as much as justice.

Sloane, too, is on a furious quest: pursuing the treacherous Gallius Rax to the barren planet Jakku. As the true mastermind behind the Empire’s devastating attack, Rax has led the Empire to its defining moment. The cunning strategist has gathered the powerful remnants of the Empire’s war machine, preparing to execute the late Emperor Palpatine’s final plan. As the Imperial fleet orbits Jakku, an armada of Republic fighters closes in to finish what began at Endor. Norra and her crew soar into the heart of an apocalyptic clash that will leave land and sky alike scorched. And the future of the galaxy will finally be decided.

My Thoughts:

-    I was really happy with the ending to this trilogy. This series has been really fun.

-    I have more questions! I hope someone continues this story. I need to know what happens with Sloane!

-    I loved learning more about the events leading up to The Force Awakens, especially about Han and Leia.

-    Where is Luke this whole time? I want to know what he is doing.

-    I liked how everything wrapped up for each character. I hope we see more of them in other Star Wars stories. 

-    Overall, I really liked these books, but I still have lots of questions! There is no end to the questions in the Star Wars universe!

Previous Aftermath Books:

 

Life Debt

Goodreads Synopsis:    Set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the never-before-told story that began with Star Wars: Aftermath continues in this thrilling novel, the second book of Chuck Wendig s New York Times bestselling trilogy.

"It is a dark time for the Empire. . . ."

The Emperor is dead, and the remnants of his former Empire are in retreat. As the New Republic fights to restore a lasting peace to the galaxy, some dare to imagine new beginnings and new destinies. For Han Solo, that means settling his last outstanding debt, by helping Chewbacca liberate the Wookiee's homeworld of Kashyyyk.

Meanwhile, Norra Wexley and her band of Imperial hunters pursue Grand Admiral Rae Sloane and the Empire's remaining leadership across the galaxy. Even as more and more officers are brought to justice, Sloane continues to elude the New Republic, and Norra fears Sloane may be searching for a means to save the crumbling Empire from oblivion. But the hunt for Sloane is cut short when Norra receives an urgent request from Princess Leia Organa. The attempt to liberate Kashyyyk has carried Han Solo, Chewbacca, and a band of smugglers into an ambush resulting in Chewie's capture and Han's disappearance.

Breaking away from their official mission and racing toward the Millennium Falcon's last known location, Norra and her crew prepare for any challenge that stands between them and their missing comrades. But they can't anticipate the true depth of the danger that awaits them or the ruthlessness of the enemy drawing them into his crosshairs.

My Thoughts:

-    Ask and ye shall receive! I wanted more Han and Leia, and I got a lot more! Hooray! Now if I could just get some Luke in there. Where is he anyway?

-    I loved seeing Han and Leia's relationship. They understand each other's needs as individuals and as a couple.

-    This story was action packed. There was never a dull moment. 

-    I love seeing how the new republic had to struggle after destroying the second death star. Starting a new government is not easy, especially when there is still a big empire presence. 

-    The ending!! Wow! I can't wait to see what happens on Jakku!

Previous Aftermath Book:

Aftermath

From Goodreads:    As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance—now a fledgling New Republic—presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy’s scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy’s strength is unfolding. Out on a lone reconnaissance mission, pilot Wedge Antilles watches Imperial Star Destroyers gather like birds of prey circling for a kill, but he’s taken captive before he can report back to the New Republic leaders.

Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, former rebel fighter Norra Wexley has returned to her native world—war weary, ready to reunite with her estranged son, and eager to build a new life in some distant place. But when Norra intercepts Wedge Antilles’s urgent distress call, she realizes her time as a freedom fighter is not yet over. What she doesn’t know is just how close the enemy is—or how decisive and dangerous her new mission will be.

Determined to preserve the Empire’s power, the surviving Imperial elite are converging on Akiva for a top-secret emergency summit—to consolidate their forces and rally for a counterstrike. But they haven’t reckoned on Norra and her newfound allies—her technical-genius son, a Zabrak bounty hunter, and a reprobate Imperial defector—who are prepared to do whatever they must to end the Empire’s oppressive reign once and for all.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed learning about what happened in different parts of the galaxy after the emperor was killed. There aren't very many stories that deal with recovering from a huge rebellion.

-    I loved revisiting old characters like Wedge, and the main three. I hope there is more Han, Luke, and Leia in the next book. I really wish that they had been the main focus of the book. There is a lot of story missing between Return of the Jedi and Force Awakens.

-    I like the new characters, but I'm still trying to figure them out. There are so many struggles and issues for different people for different reasons.