Republic Commando: the Game: fantabulous. Republic Commando the novel: great! While it was a great beginning, the middle was lacking but the ending was strong. Karen Travis is a star to describing the lives of troopers and I am glad that her initial success, ( this novel) brought her down the road to her second.

Karen Traviss is a superb writer. Star Wars books can be so hit and miss but this one was AWESOME! That's right. Capital letters. The plot was fast paced and action packed right up until the very end, and had just the right amount of story in the last pages to bring the book to a close but not ruin the effect of the climax.
What I liked the best is that there were no full Jedi in the story. It was based around a mission with only a Padawan and Commandos, two characters that I have found somewhat mysterious up until now. All the Jedi in the movies, and the vast majority of the books, are powerful and fully trained. Etain, the Padawan, was an excellent tool to take a closer look at the clones. To view them properly through another's eyes. The lead clone, Darman, is experiencing another planet and a new environment for the first time. His experiences and thoughts bring all of the clones into a new light for both Etain and the reader. After reading this book, the clones are not longer just a faceless army of super soldiers. There is also the most vague hint of romance which I simply love because it leaves you thinking about so many what-ifs.
Bottom line; Star Wars fans - read this book.

STAR WARS: REPUBLIC COMMANDO: HARD CONTACT is a weak start to a good series.

I personally love the idea of a series that revolves around nothing but clones. This gives you an in depth look into a clones life, although not just your regular trooper, but the tight knit units of the Clone Commandos. The novel takes a Commando unit to the planet of Qiilura, where they meet up with Jedi Padawan Etain Tur-Mukan. They are sent to quash a Seperatist uprising on the planet, however they are met with numerous obstacles that set them back, and could lead to the unit just being struck of the Grand Army of the Republics strength and left behind. Relationships form between the characters, that are good in nature, and ones that could have people removed form there respective group.

This novel is a must read if you do plan to read this series, this one sets up the entire series for you, and although it is weak in comparison to the others you will not be disappointed with the out come.