”It’s Ocean’s Eleven meets Star Wars.” That was how Timothy Zahn described his book Scoundrels to me at the 2016 Count-I-Con. In recognition of May the 4th I felt it fitting to review this book. This also marks my first full year as the “official” book reviewer for EvolvingRPG.com. One year ago today I posted my first review on Zahn’s book Thrawn.

I had seen the 2001 movie Ocean’s Eleven and had liked it. It was a witty drama with twists and turns that kept me interested. Which reminds me I should sit down and watch the original 1960 movie one of these days but that’s a story for another day.

Scoundrels is a stand alone Star Wars novel. Looking at the cover I was hooked. You see Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lano Calrissian on the cover in a police line up. The back has four other characters that at first are unfamiliar but you will meet them soon enough.

The plot is fairly simple. Han and Chewbacca, looking to pay off their debt to Jabba the Hutt, take on a job. Thing is that this isn’t any ordinary smuggling job. A man by the name of Eanjer has had his family fortune stolen. Villachor on the surface appears to be a successful businessman and philanthropist but the truth is much darker. But the truth is much darker. Villachor’s real wealth and power comes from his position as a Black Sun sector chief.

Regaining Eanjer’s lost fortune will be no easy task. If you read Steve Perry’s novel Shadows of the Empire you will be very familiar with Black Sun and it’s diabolo leader, the Falleen names Xizor. Black Sun is the largest criminal organization in the galaxy. Stealing from them means courting certain death if they are captured. But Eanjer promises a big payout, so big Han takes on the job.

When it comes to smuggling Han and Chewie are obviously your best bet. But this is a major operation which involves entering a heavily guarded estate and breaking into a vault the is rumored to be unbreakable. They are going to need help.

Scoundrels deviates from the classic Star Wars formula. The entirety of the book is spent on one planet . Air speeders play a bigger role than spacecraft. This may sound like it limits the grand scope of a Star Wars story but Zahn makes it work. This is a fast paced operation. There is a small amount of time to carry out the job. Everyone on the team is selected for a purpose by Han, with consent from Chewie. These were all new characters, to me at least but I don’t beleive they had been featured before with one obvious exception.

The few off planet scenes are primarily Han and Chewie recruiting team members.

Dozer Creed is brought in to acquire the transportation necessary to complete the job.

Sisters Bink and Tavia Kitik are recruited for their theiving and technical skills.

Zerba Cher’dak is a professional pickpocket but a rare item he possesses seems to have more to do with Han selecting him.

Winter, a quiet woman with a photographic memory, is added to assist with intelligence gathering without needing recording equipment or sensors.

Kell Tainer, a young explosives and droid expert, joins to assist with Villachor’s cadre of security droids.

Rachele Ree is signed on to acquire the equipment and base of operations needed to complete the heist.

Han initially is going to have Dozer take the position of “front man.” Chewie protests and a well known Sabacc player and con man will soon join the team. Okay, it’s fairly obvious who is going to ultimately fill that role, but I truly enjoyed how Zahn handled that part of the story.

Of course this is Star Wars so the Empire isn’t sitting idly by. Dayja, an undercover Imperial agent, is also on the planet. With him is the Imperial Star Destroyer Dominator. Even though it is primarily in the background just having it in orbit demonstrates the power and reach of the Empire. Black Sun is a criminal organization and there are reasons why certain Imperials would have an interest in Villachor. Dayja’s presence on the planet is for a reason and his path will cross with Han’s soon.

Scoundrel’s is a unique Star Wars story. We’re not watching planets be destroyed or battling Sith Lords. This is a personal story. Each character has their moment to shine but they don’t exist in a vacuum or without flaws. Everyone has their strengths, weaknesses, and even secrets. Some will come to question their choice to join the heist. There is a lot of pressure, Black Sun doesn’t take losing its property lightly. For Han it’s about the bounty on his head. Eanjer promises a reward so large that Han will be able to clear his debt and live his life without looking over his shoulder all the time. But could this story be too good to be true? Regardless of the risk Han and Chewie are taking the shot at a once in a lifetime score. Assuming they live to see it.

If you are a fan of Timothy Zahn’s writing or just a Star Wars fan I think you will enjoy Scoundrels. I for one had a hard time putting the book down. Don’t be fooled by the length of the book (the hardcover is 443 pages). This is an epic Star Wars tale in a small package.  I won’t spoil it but the twist ending was fun and I for one did not see it coming.

I’d like to know your thoughts on Scoundrels so feel free to comment below.

And May the 4th Be With You!

Oliver Greytome