Review: “Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars” — A Moving Tale of Growth of Galactic Proportions

Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars — A Moving Tale of Growth of Galactic Proportions

Introduction

The written word is something of awe. With the stroke of a pen (or key), authors can transport their audiences to different worlds replete with unique characters, settings and moments. While the thought of full books, collections of written tales that started with handheld writing instruments, based on stories from video games, coded projects made possible with computers, may seem almost oxymoronic given the two mediums in question, these works can — and when written properly, do — accentuate their source material. The novel Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars by Sam Maggs is an exemplar of such writing in both the eponymous franchise and science fiction in general.

**A Brief History of the Star Wars Expanded Universe**

Before exploring the title in question, it is important to understand it in relation to the greater Star Wars timeline. Since the publication of the first Star Wars book, the novelization of the original 1977 film, each release has been placed in a specific spot on a timeline of chronological events. Using the Battle of Yavin of 0 BBY as the base reference for all associated works, each one is listed as having occurred before, during or after this pivotal event.

After Disney acquired the rights to Lucasfilm Ltd. in 2012, however, the timeline was altered. In fact, Disney deemed all previous entries non-canon, rebranding them under the banner of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU). As such, each successive novel, designed meticulously to avoid contrasting with any extant lore, is considered official. Although opinions about this decision, as is the case with many Star Wars aspects, vary considerably, Disney does give preferential treatment to all post-EU books.

That being said, Battle Scars, with its 2023 release,is considered an authoritative addition to the Star Wars canon whose events happened approximately 11 BBY.

Story Overview: Struggles of the the Body, Mind and Soul

Published March 2023, Battle Scars serves as an interquel set between EA Games’ 2019 Jedi: Fallen Order and 2023 Jedi: Survivor. Set after the events of the first game as well between Episodes III and IV on the larger timeline, this novel focuses on the loveable cast of outcasts and ragamuffins known endearingly as the Stinger Mantis crew. This group includes: Cal Kestis, a Jedi Knight who has witnessed terrible loss for most of his life and leader; Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight who severed her Force connection but later returned to assist Cal with both his training and quest to fight the Empire; Merrin, a Dathomiran Nightsister and magick user who joined Cal’s crew after experiencing similar loss during the Clone Wars; Greez Dritus, four-armed Mantis pilot and consistent clown; BD-1, a small droid adept at gathering intelligence who accompanies Cal during all his adventures; and the unnamed bogling stowaway who appears rarely but receives sufficient lip service — and a special surprise. All these personable characters comprise the main cast, and through various vignettes readers learn how their dynamic personalities align — and sometimes clash — with one another to drive the story forward.

Opening with a glimpse into a typical day of life for the Mantis crew, all seems reasonably normal for our beloved heroes. After all, the day requires simply defeating some bounty hunters on Hosnian Prime, which is no problem for this team. The plot thickens, however, when an Imperial camp is discovered, and stormtrooper Chellwinark “Fret” Frethylrin is found. Fret, for several reasons, ends up boarding the Mantis. It is from this moment onward that essentially everything is thrown into question and chaos — and when some of the character’s personalities truly shine. Merrin’s connection to Fret takes the front seat for most of the story, but does not overshadow Cal and the others unnecessarily, and their interactions are among the most tender, moving parts of this book. In typical Star Wars fashion, danger is thrown to the characters regularly, and when Inquisitorius involvement is discovered, it is up to the Mantis crew to channel all their abilities and personalities into stopping this threat. Along the way, they just may learn more about themselves as well as what being a family, even in times of dire difficulty, truly means.

Strengths: Captivating Characterization, Genuine Emotions and Pensive Themes

This novel is an excellent entry in the canon. Arguably, its primary strength is the depth of the author’s characterization. In particular, each Mantis crew member is developed extensively to the point their personalities, motivations, idiosyncrasies and allegiances are crystal-clear. Merrin, Cal and Cere’s experiences are especially significant to their growth as well as upcoming aspects of Jedi: Survivor. One of the most touching parts is when Cal and Cere discuss how, if at all, the fact the Mantis crew has become essentially a family full of interconnected relationships is a weakness the Empire will exploit. That this family is rather unconventional — a collection of otherwise disparate beings of different species and from various planets who would otherwise have no reason to even interact with one another — only adds to the intrigue. As the recurring theme of family transcending typical norms and boundaries evidences repeatedly throughout this tale, each group member would give everything for the others, hence Cere’s answer to Cal’s question being one of uncertainty making readers wonder what will happen after this sweet exchange.

Indeed, these three characters are the stand-outs, with Merrin being the most intriguing — a key detail given that this entire ensemble cast is stellar. Having grown up witnessing death and loss, much like Cal, she seeks revenge on the Empire. In attempting to temper these feelings of desired vengeance, she finds in Fret something that helps refine her path of self-discovery. Their conversations form a collectively robust backbone to this story, taking precedence over even Cal’s at times This emphasis on Merrin is beautiful in that it gives readers an inside look at an incredible character with an amiable personality, solid development arc and backstory and abilities befitting of such a role. By the end, readers will likely both experience a slew of emotions along the way and wonder what will become of Merrin and the Mantis crew in the future.

Weakness: A Somewhat Overused Plot Device

There is not much to dislike about this book. One particular detail, however, does stand out when compared to all the strengths: minor lack of mission originality. Specifically, the mission on which Fret and the Mantis crew find themselves at a certain point follows largely a hackneyed approach: learn about the item needed, understand how to obtain it, infiltrate the base and acquire said object and (hopefully) return to defeat the enemy as well as save the galaxy. There is nothing wrong with this setup technically, but it would have been potentially more interesting for readers to see these characters complete their mission differently. With the entire Jedi and Star Wars universe at her disposal, the author could have both provided more original scenes and employed less contrived plot devices. This approach does not taint the reading experience in any way, though, particularly when compared to all the strengths, so this one quibble is palatable.

Conclusion and Score

Overall, Battle Scars is an outstanding addition to Star Wars at large. Through deep characterization, emotive storytelling and appropriate respect for the titular game series, Maggs delivers a stupendous work of galactic proportions that takes readers on a wild ride of different emotions, action and space-sized supremacy. Despite the minor shortcoming of a cliché mission given at one point, this novel is a blast to read. It is a worthy addition to the Star Wars universe. As Master Yoda would agree surely, “Go read it, you must!”

Pros:

Deep characterization
Gripping emotions and energy throughout the plot
Topical, thoughtful themes
Honors, respects and enhances the source material

Con:

Ventures briefly into trite territory via a retrieval mission (not unique to this or other video game-inspired works, though)

Score: 8.5/10

Book Information

Title: Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars
Author: Sam Maggs
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Release Date: 7 March 2023
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780593598603
Timeline: 12-11 BBY
Series: Star Wars: Jedi (video game)

References/Further Reading

To learn more about this and other Star Wars releases, please visit the following links:

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.