Target

Star Wars: Rebel Force #1

by Alex Wheeler

The Rebel Force series begins here! In this adventure that takes place between Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the Death Star has been destroyed, and the Empire is determined to discover the identity of the pilot responsible—Luke Skywalker. But keeping this information confidential is just one of the Alliance’s problems. They are also out of money. So Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, and the droids head for Muunilinst, the financial heart of the galaxy…where the Empire’s top assassin, X-7, will be waiting for them!

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Childrens, Space

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2014

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Wheeler is the author of a six-book series called “Star Wars: Rebel Force”, published in the years 2008 to 2010. It was written for a young reader audience---middle school age, mostly---but it happens to be an excellent series that even die-hard fans will enjoy, regardless of age. Within the Star Wars timeline, it takes place immediately following the events of “Episode IV: A New Hope”.

The first book, “Target”, introduces readers to an Imperial assassin simply named X-7. He is part of a program created by an Imperial Commander named Rezi Soresh to create emotionless killers who will follow orders unquestioningly. X-7 may have had a life and a name prior to becoming X-7, but it has long been tortured out of him. Everything he does is for the Empire and, specifically, for the Commander.

His first assignment, given to him by the Emperor himself, is to infiltrate the Rebel Alliance with the intention of discovering the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star. Once found, he is to kill this pilot.

Meanwhile, our heroes Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, R2-D2, and C3-PO are all celebrating on Yavin 4. It is, however, a short-lived celebration as the Rebel Alliance is completely out of money. Apparently, star wars can be pretty expensive.

They are to go to the galaxy’s financial district---planet Muunilinst---and access the secret accounts where the Alliance’s monetary reserves are held. While Muunilinst is supposedly a “neutral” planet, not all of the bankers on the planet are above reproach. Some have been corrupted and bought by the Empire.

Along the way, our heroes pick up a passenger named Tobin Elad, who has no love for the Empire and wants to join the Rebellion. Little do they know that Elad is secretly X-7!

These are exactly the type of books I would have loved in middle school. They are quick reads, but that doesn’t mean that Wheeler simply took an idea for a regular “Star Wars” novel and watered it or “dumbed it” down to a sixth-grade level. On the contrary, Wheeler’s writing is pretty sophisticated for young adult fiction. His characters---especially X-7---exhibit well-developed emotional layers and back-story that are more involved than some of the other writers I have read in the SWEU.

[elef · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly i wasn't expecting it to be this good. it was such a fun book!!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure why, but I found the idea of adventures taking place between the original Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to be an appealing prospect. While I've enjoyed the New Jedi Order novels I've read, I do have to admit that they lack the feel of Star Wars. (The Yuuzhan Vong seem much more suited to Babylon 5 or one of the latter-day Star Trek series.) This takes us back nearly to the beginning. Luke is still learning about the Force and has a huge crush on the young woman who is, unbeknownst to him, his sister. Han is still pretty anxious to ditch the Rebellion and pay off his debts. Leia is still petulant. (I suppose, of the three, Leia changes the least from the first film to the last, but she was already a pretty well-rounded character to begin with.)

Quick plot recap, our heroes travel to the planet Muunilinst, former home of the Banking Clan, to claim the Rebel Alliance's funds from a secret account. (I found this to be an incredibly interesting plot point. Never once in any of the films of the original trilogy did anyone mention how the Rebels were being funded. Turns out that a lot of their money was Alderaanian, and that planet's destruction was a bit of a setback.) Meanwhile, an Imperial officer sends an elite assassin code-named X-7 to infiltrate the Rebellion in order to discover the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star. X-7 has been cruelly conditioned to feel neither emotion nor pain. However, he is also capable of assuming just about any identity he can use to accomplish his mission. In this case, he disguises himself as a Rebel sympathizer whom Luke, Leia and Han can't help but trust.

The passages of this book that feature X-7 are surprisingly violent. I'm not complaining, mind you. When I was a kid, I always resented the fact that the makers of children's entertainment seemed to feel as though we needed to be shielded from certain harsh realities. (Sorry, G.I. Joe writers, but jet pilots don't always have enough time to eject to safety when their planes are shot down.) Alex Wheeler doesn't agree with this mindset and depicts X-7 as a remorseless killing machine. Also memorable is a scene in which the assassin literally rearranges his face with the help of a mallet to the nose and some other surgical equipment.

The story itself is fairly slight, which I guess is to be expected for tie-in literature for young readers. Perhaps it works better when taken with the other books in the series as a longer narrative. The ending certainly leaves many unresolved plot threads. Along the way, though, there are some really nice moments of character development. We get to see Luke start to figure out how to become one with the Force. (I thought that having him enter a pod race, thus giving him a connection with his father with which he is unaware, was a bit too pat.) My favorite chapter involved Han giving Luke encouragement and admitting that, even though he doesn't necessarily believe in the Force, he does admit that Obi-Wan possessed a great power that Luke could eventually attain.

Overall, I give it positive marks. I will definitely read future entries in the series.

[Carlos Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot
This book starts from when luke skywalker distroys the death star. The Emperor sets out a bounty hunter to the rebelions side to find out who distryoed the death star. The bounty hunter: X-7 says he is from the rebelion and forms a trust with Luke, Leia, and Han Solo. As the gang ventuer in space looking for a datacard. They land on Muunilinst and find out that a guy named Kenuun has the datacard. While trying to find the datacard they kill Kenuun's pod racer. They make a deal, if Luke wins the illegal podrace, they get the datacard. Luke wins the race and gets the datacard. Kenuun clearly stated that luke dose what Kenuun wants for the datacard so luke has to stay. The gang fight their way out, with the datacard and leave Muunilinst.

Setting
This book statred to take place in the Empire. The book then moved on to space where the Gang was flying the Falcon. It then moved to Muunilinst. To me the Empire looks like it is made by pure glass. To me the inside of the falcon looks all small and high tech. to me Muunilinst look like it's all green with plants everywhere and another part looks like there was a bombing there.

Characterization
Luke
.smart
.Brave
.Strong
.Learner
Han solo
.strong
.Leader
Similarities
.Strong

Opinion
This book is real great. This boom has lots of action when you don't expect it. I like that x-7 got trust from the rebelion and he is really from the empire. I also like that luke is still begining being a jedi.

Recomendation
I recomend this book to young star wars fans. This book has some unexpected twist. I don't watch the movies and i feel like i'm an expert because of reading the book. That was my recomedation.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this at the library as I am looking for more chapter books to read to my 5 year old son at bedtime. I pre-read it at his swim lessons (took me about 45 minutes to finish) before starting it with him and I am very glad I did. This novel is set at the end of Episode IV and follows Luke, Leia and Han on their first mission after the Death Star was destroyed.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters felt true to the Star Wars universe and the fallout from the destruction of the Death Star made sense. That being said, I would not read this to my 5 year old because it was too violent. The Emperor's rage at the destruction of his beloved Death Star boils and he kills several people. An assassin is sent out to find the pilot responsible and we get some disturbing torture-eque flashbacks about how this assassin was made and why he is so cold and calculating. When he arrives at the rebel base he kills several rebels before getting enough information to start his plan. Parents be warned that there is a high body count and a lot of violence.

This is a dark time in the Star Wars universe, the evil Empire is reigning and the band of rebels is small and untrained and that reality permeates the book. I believe this book is recommended for 7 - 10 year olds, but I would say 10 - 12.

[Julian P · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/13/12

I am currently reading a great book called "Target" (first book of the rebel force series) by Alex Wheeler. The point I'm up to is an alien named X-7 is hunting down Luke and if X-7 doesn't prevail at disposing of Luke, X-7 will give the imperials details about Luke which will be about just as bad. So far X-7 has infiltrated the rebel base by pretending to be a rebel named S'ree Bonard. X-7 has got information how to find Luke but that's as far as I've gotten. Even though I know that Luke won't die, I know that he's going to be getting into a lot of trouble.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete & delightful surprise. I picked this up hoping for something to re-ignite my Lucasverse love...and it succeeded beyond all my expectations. A post-Episode IV first installment of a larger story, full of great lines, solid characterization, action sequences that don't outstay their welcome, and a nebulous new adversary. The best compliment I can give this little book is that it reads like a superior "Doctor Who" Target novelization -- Terrance Dicks would be proud.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target (Star Wars: Rebel Force #1) by Alex Wheeler.

This is the first book in the six book Rebel Force middle grade series. This story happens immediately after the events of the A New Hope (Star Wars: Episode 4) movie.

The main story line is that the Emperor has put a hit out on whoever destroyed the Death Star. He doesn't yet know that Luke was the pilot that fired the fatal shot.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The pacing was good, along with the familiar fun dialogue between Han and Leia. This was a good first entry into this series.

I gave this one 4 stars.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read 3 or 4 of this series and now I can't find the rest at my libraries to finish it! I remember loving this series!

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for any book set within the original trilogy timespan (Splinter of the Mind's Eye is still a favourite, regardless of its' seeming irrelevance once Return of the Jedi came out). I'm fascinated by the chance to explore my favourite characters' maturation before, during, and after the events of the movies. I still read the books that take place 10 or 12 years later -- when Luke is a leader of the Jedi, and Han and Leia are Married With Children® -- but nothing compares to this time period. This book is a young adult novel, a genre I don't often have patience for, but it manages to be interesting nonetheless.

It introduces an original villain named X7. With the exception of Admirals Thrawn and Daala, I've always found the narratives around original villains a necessary but not entirely enjoyable read. This novel doesn't change that opinion, although I think other readers might enjoy the villain.

I do wish we'd get more original dialogue and character evolution. Writers in the expanded SW universe have a tendency to rehash lines from the original trilogy movies (especially sarcastic ones) which sticks out even more obviously when the book is a short one. Luke's character evolution is the best in this book; it's always hard to resist the 'farmboy trying to become Jedi' backstory. Leia's internal dialogue is my least favorite -- trying to deal with her Alderaan trauma might be handled well, but I have yet to find an author who resists the urge to have her relationship with Han develop in her head with reluctant awareness (George Lucas himself included).

All in all, reading this was a positive experience. I was pleasantly surprised to find I forgot it was a youth novel while reading it (except for the misspelled word). I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series.

[Victor Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. At last a book series that connects the original Star Wars characters to the prequels. I absolutely loved the beginning where we see Palpatine's reaction to the Death Star being destroyed. Very seldom is Palpatine ever really angry, but this was fantastic! The whole Rebel Force collection begins with Palpatine and Vader attempting to find the young Rebel who destroyed the Death Star. So Palpatine recruits a loyal military commander to supply an assassin trained from birth to uncover who the young rebel is.

Human assassin X-7 is a cold man who infiltrates the Rebel Alliance so far up he finds our beloved motley crew of Leia, Luke, Han, Chewie, C-3P0 and R2-D2. He helps them with their mission to recover a datapad full of irreplaceable financial information vital for the Alliance to be funded. Because before Alderran was destroyed it was the Organa wealth that funded the rebellion, but with the planet destroyed it would seem the Rebellion would cease for lack of funds.

The good news however is that not all information was destroyed but entrusted in a very secure account on the planet Muunilist. Muunilist connects with the prequels as being the homeplanet of confederacy group known as the Intergalactic Banking Clan who appeared in Episode II and several spin-offs. Muunilist being one of the few planets to suffer the least discrimination of non-humans mostly because of Palpatine's twisted master being a Muun.

Trouble ensues but there is a wonderful moment where Luke does something that made me so happy in Episode I. All I can say is "Like Father, Like Son." I only wished at the end of that Podrace there would have been more celebrating.

Great start! A-

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice filler book for between episodes IV and V. They kept true to the characters' voices and attitudes in the book. Luke is still naive and at times whiney, Han is still overly sure of himself, Leia has a tendency to boss people around and snaps back at Han with classic Leia zingers. It has a couple of prequel spoilers but they are quite minor and shouldn't stop someone from reading this book to kids who haven't seen the prequels. About the only thing I really didn't like was that the bad guy in it is with the group most of the time but never seems to be much of a threat. I know he is a spy and all but I was expecting him to do something that would have been a problem for our heroes. The basic plot is that the empire wants to find out which pilot blew up the death star. An agent for the empire is dispatched and quickly gains the trust of the main Star Wars characters. So I thought he would do something after he was trusted but he didn't so now you have to read the next book to find out what he will do. Other than that it was an enjoyable but super fast read.

[Bradley Littlejohn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Three impressions from reading this first book:
1) oh my this is gory considering the age group it is intended for and the traditions of Star Wars series for young adults this represents a departure. The death count is high and fairly vivid, and the antagonists inability to feel pain allows him to mutilate himself. I don't know if my own children would be allowed to read this series in third or fourth grade.

2) On that point, why isn't Jude Watson doing this series, and why was the Last of the Jedi series cut short?

3) I realized I have been away from the original trilogy characters long enough to miss them and to miss a Young and inept Luke and a Han Solo who hasn't settled down... and Chewbacca, too.

Overall this doesn't feel quite right, it is possibly inappropriate but I am eager to see the relationship between Luke and ghost Ben develop over the course of these books, because that is where it looks like the narrative is going to go.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a strong debut for a new children's Star Wars series. It is a little more violent than some of the more recent series of its type, however; this is definitely for the 9+ year old group. Specifically, there's a lot more person to person violence, whereas the earlier series had a lot of shooting down droids.

Regardless, the first book takes Star Wars back to its roots: good guys, bad guys, Evil Empire. The best touch by the author so far is Luke's hesitation to use his lightsaber, a weapon with which he is largely unfamiliar and even a bit clumsy in wielding. The kickoff of X-7's story has a good, if familiar, background and is clearly a set up for Luke to discover and save him in the end. After all, it is a kid's book; but you're likely to forget that as you read it. Overall, no continuity errors with the Star Wars EU and a lot of fun for some old-school Star Wars action.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because one of my nieces asked for the series for her birthday, and I was curious as to what they were like. They are a fast read, and definitely aimed at the younger set - don't expect any complicated plot twists or deep psychological examination. And there are a couple of scenes involving the torture of the assassin character that explains how he came to be what he is, which might be a bit much for some young kids. But overall I think kids will find it a fun read, especially if they are Star Wars fans.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it is a kids book (took me 2 days to read) and my wife made fun of me for getting it at the library, but you know what I liked it. It was a simple read, but the author really nailed the characters. He did a great job of it actually. It takes place right after New Hope with the Emperor wanting to track down the person who destroyed the Death Star. I enjoyed it and look forward to the other 5 books.

[Christian Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great book filled with action, fun and adventure. i love the movies and figured this would be be a great read. the characters get into an action-packed adventure to retrive something for the alliance. little do they know what they are truly getting into. if you are a fan of star wars, this is a book for you!

[Amrit Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in grade 7 at a old book sale our school was running I loved it. The book centers around the Rebels trying to receive funds after Death Star destruction. Luke,Leia,Han Solo,and Chewbacca head to the planet Munnililist where the Empire's deadliest assassin is wating. I love the backstory of X-7 and the presentation.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a total guilty pleasure read for me. Set just after the events of A New Hope, it was nice to read a Star Wars book that actually seemed to somewhat plausibly connect to the original trilogy. A geeky part of me also enjoyed the repurposing of images from the trilogy on the cover.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first of all its a total rip off. Its a good book but its a rip off. Its a continued story. So X7 pretends to be a pilot so he could discover who blew up the deathstar and nearly killed himself.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad start to a new YA series set right after ANH.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly enjoyable book. As it's a children's novel it makes for a quick and easy read, the characterisation is spot on and the plot fits in well with established canon.

[Ronny Bereczki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Für Bus und U-Bahn ganz OK.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the writing was great, I could literally hear the characters in my head as I read. I can see this being a great read for any kid who while loves the star wars movies but hates to read....

[Christa Maurice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light read, but it suffers from an enormous plot hole because we know that the reward for rescuing the Leia was enough to pay off Jabba and Han is still worrying about accumulating the money.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a kids' book. It was nice to read about the characters in the classic era.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I read this together for his AR points and it was great fun. We are both looking forward to starting the next one.

[McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series was a wonderful one! I enjoyed it immensely! I love how it ties into "The Last of the Jedi" series.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my 9 year and 12 year old sons loved this book, as they are big fans of the films.