When the Imperial prison barge Purge–temporary home to five hundred of the galaxy’s most ruthless killers, rebels, scoundrels, and thieves–breaks down in a distant, uninhabited part of space, its only hope appears to lie with a Star Destroyer found drifting, derelict, and seemingly abandoned. But when a boarding party from the Purge is sent to scavenge for parts, only half of them come back–bringing with them a horrific disease so lethal that within hours nearly all aboard the Purge die in ways too hideous to imagine.
And death is only the beginning.
The Purge’s half-dozen survivors–two teenage brothers, a sadistic captain of the guards, a couple of rogue smugglers, and the chief medical officer, the lone woman on board–will do whatever it takes to stay alive. But nothing can prepare them for what lies waiting aboard the Star Destroyer amid its vast creaking emptiness that isn’t really empty at all. For the dead are rising: soulless, unstoppable, and unspeakably hungry.
My wife and I own (and have read) every Star Wars novel and comic book collection published to date, so I am well versed in the Extended Universe. I also happen to really enjoy a good scary book every once and awhile, preferably one involving zombies. Understandably, I was quite excited when I heard about this book project last year.
The characterization of Han and Chewie felt more like the Han and Chewie from "The Adventures of Han Solo" and less like the more recently published books (up until Chewie's untimely and unfortunate death). Specifically, unlike many other Star Wars books where the principles drive the action, it seemed that Han and Chewie were just there for the ride. There is certainly nothing wrong with that within this style of book; it was just a little different from the norm if you are a fan.
The action was well played, though the characters were a little predictable. The suspense is well-paced and the story plays out naturally. I did, however, feel that the denouement was a little quick. I would not advise this book for a child--this is best left for a more mature crowd as it is a little violent in places.
The Bottom line: I preordered it. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a superb combination of both genres and an established cast of characters. I really hope Lucas Arts continues to be open to projects within this vein. I love the Extended Universe and I have always thought that it could be a little darker and grittier. Deathtroopers is excellent and a great starting point for future projects like it in the Extended Universe!
Let me just say, I'm a biased Star Wars fan to begin with. Going into this novel, I was unsure but open to whatever Lucasbooks had in store. I wasn't disappointed. The novel gives you that edge of creepiness lacking in all other Star Wars works, the entire story throughout. Read it in three days, but would have done so in less had there been more time in my schedule. It's a great combination of established Star Wars lore and zombie film-like horror (which I love and appreciate). Add to that the fact that the Hardcover sleeve is actually a poster and the soundtrack that Schreiber added to his interpretation and you have a novel well worth it's cost.
I have been looking forward to this book ever since I heard about it...and it was well worth the wait. Deathtroopers paints a perfect picture of an Imperial prison ship and the action gets rolling immediately. I was wondering how this would be different than a normal Star Wars novel and the answer is the blood, guts and an overall air of creepiness that really sells this book as the first Star Wars Horror novel.
And it's not just Dawn of the Dead in space. It ties itself well into the Star Wars mythos and even has some well established characters along for the ride. Now I want to know when the next one is coming out!
And another thing - The actual book itself was surprisingly well made: A great cover and nice thick pages that are actually bound properly make this a great book for the shelf as well.
