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Star Wars: Republic Commando #3
Star Wars: True Colors
As the savage Clone Wars rage unchecked, the Republic’s deadliest warriors face the grim truth that the Separatists aren’t their only enemy–or even their worst.
In the Grand Army’s desperate fight to crush the Separatists, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical . . . or more dangerous. A growing menace threatens Republic victory, and the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their very loyalty.
As the lines continue to blur between friend and enemy, citizens–from civilians and sergeants to Jedi and generals–find themselves up against a new foe: the doubt in their own hearts and minds. The truth is a fragile, shifting illusion–and only the approaching inferno will reveal both sides in their true colors.
In the Grand Army’s desperate fight to crush the Separatists, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical . . . or more dangerous. A growing menace threatens Republic victory, and the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their very loyalty.
As the lines continue to blur between friend and enemy, citizens–from civilians and sergeants to Jedi and generals–find themselves up against a new foe: the doubt in their own hearts and minds. The truth is a fragile, shifting illusion–and only the approaching inferno will reveal both sides in their true colors.
484 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
340 people are currently reading
4617 people want to read
About the author
Karen Traviss
130 books1,532 followers#1 New York Times best-selling novelist, scriptwriter and comics author Karen Traviss has received critical acclaim for her award-nominated Wess'har series, and her work on Halo, Gears of War, Batman, G.I. Joe, and other major franchises has earned her a broad range of fans. She's best known for military science fiction, but GOING GREY and BLACK RUN, the first books in her new techno-thriller series RINGER, are set in the real world of today. A former defence correspondent and TV and newspaper journalist, she lives in Wiltshire, England. She's currently working on SACRIFICIAL RED, the third book in the Ringer series, and HERE WE STAND, book three in the NOMAD series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
April 18, 2020
After five books, I think it’s definitive – I don’t enjoy Karen Traviss as an author.
Hard Contact was, in my opinion, the best of her Clone War era books. It failed to engage me with any of its characters, but it had an interesting way of throwing up obstacles and problem-solving them without the action becoming too dense and losing clarity. True Colours is just… I realise that I don’t care about any of the characters within or anything that happens.
Kal Skirata has too much of the Mary Sue in him, the perfectly honed Mandalorian warrior who everyone – except bad guys – immediately worships as a father figure and strives to impress; meanwhile among the hard-bitten clone commandos there’s little room for variation so Traviss resorts to stock personality types in order to distinguish them, most notably in Fi, the comedian whose humour is of course a defensive shield.
The portrayal of female characters in this book in particular is disappointing, especially because much is made of gender equality among the Mandalorians and how valued strength and endurance is among their women. Yet the female protagonists, Etain and Besany, seem to be defined in this book by their roles as girlfriend and baby mama to the clone commandos. And part of Fi’s bitterness is because he hasn’t yet found a girlfriend of his own – his comrades have, so he feels entitled to one too. It implies that the only good women can best serve as support for their spouse, never as protagonist in their own right, and that men putting their lives on the line are owed romantic happiness as a reward. There was one description in the book that had me scoffing out loud with laughter – it lingers on Besany’s leggy blondeness before telling us that she is too beautiful that it’s a curse really because people are intimidated and she’s thus an outcast and reject.
It does get very soap opera-y as well at times, which is rather unexpected from a series that started out as military fiction. So much baby drama! And what is this nonsense with Etain being able to accelerate the pregnancy and yet doesn’t look any different? I know Jedi have extraordinary powers, but in writing one should never have one’s cake and eat it too. If she is able to accelerate things, there has to be a cost for that – she should look at the stage of development she’s at, and the rapid changes to her appearance should be noticeable and place her in danger because of it. Easy magic is a terrible writing crutch.
Finally, I’ve had enough of the anti-Jedi sentiment. I agree that the clones are a good opportunity for an ethical discussion, but Traviss’ execution leaves a lot to be desired. It’s like she’s writing in a different universe. In her world, only two Jedi are smart enough and moral enough to question the ethics of the clone army. No one else even thinks about it. I just don’t believe this. The Order is ten thousand or so strong, founded on principles of doing what’s right and spending a good deal of time contemplating that. No, I don’t believe that the Jedi or a Jedi is infallible, but I do find it extremely hard to believe that no one else at all would be thinking about these questions, that every other Jedi apart of Traviss’ chosen two have their heads blindly in the sand. In Traviss’ world, the notion of the Jedi Order discussing these issues within themselves and having a debate about it doesn’t seem to exist, which boggles my mind because I think it would be a hot topic. I wonder what Traviss makes of Anakin and Ahsoka’s relationships with clones in the animated series, where their dedication to their clones is stressed frequently? Traviss also seems to lay no blame whatsoever at the feet of Palpatine or the Separatists for starting the war in the first place, nor Jango Fett for his willingness to be the clone source knowing the life in store for them.
1 out of 10
Hard Contact was, in my opinion, the best of her Clone War era books. It failed to engage me with any of its characters, but it had an interesting way of throwing up obstacles and problem-solving them without the action becoming too dense and losing clarity. True Colours is just… I realise that I don’t care about any of the characters within or anything that happens.
Kal Skirata has too much of the Mary Sue in him, the perfectly honed Mandalorian warrior who everyone – except bad guys – immediately worships as a father figure and strives to impress; meanwhile among the hard-bitten clone commandos there’s little room for variation so Traviss resorts to stock personality types in order to distinguish them, most notably in Fi, the comedian whose humour is of course a defensive shield.
The portrayal of female characters in this book in particular is disappointing, especially because much is made of gender equality among the Mandalorians and how valued strength and endurance is among their women. Yet the female protagonists, Etain and Besany, seem to be defined in this book by their roles as girlfriend and baby mama to the clone commandos. And part of Fi’s bitterness is because he hasn’t yet found a girlfriend of his own – his comrades have, so he feels entitled to one too. It implies that the only good women can best serve as support for their spouse, never as protagonist in their own right, and that men putting their lives on the line are owed romantic happiness as a reward. There was one description in the book that had me scoffing out loud with laughter – it lingers on Besany’s leggy blondeness before telling us that she is too beautiful that it’s a curse really because people are intimidated and she’s thus an outcast and reject.
It does get very soap opera-y as well at times, which is rather unexpected from a series that started out as military fiction. So much baby drama! And what is this nonsense with Etain being able to accelerate the pregnancy and yet doesn’t look any different? I know Jedi have extraordinary powers, but in writing one should never have one’s cake and eat it too. If she is able to accelerate things, there has to be a cost for that – she should look at the stage of development she’s at, and the rapid changes to her appearance should be noticeable and place her in danger because of it. Easy magic is a terrible writing crutch.
Finally, I’ve had enough of the anti-Jedi sentiment. I agree that the clones are a good opportunity for an ethical discussion, but Traviss’ execution leaves a lot to be desired. It’s like she’s writing in a different universe. In her world, only two Jedi are smart enough and moral enough to question the ethics of the clone army. No one else even thinks about it. I just don’t believe this. The Order is ten thousand or so strong, founded on principles of doing what’s right and spending a good deal of time contemplating that. No, I don’t believe that the Jedi or a Jedi is infallible, but I do find it extremely hard to believe that no one else at all would be thinking about these questions, that every other Jedi apart of Traviss’ chosen two have their heads blindly in the sand. In Traviss’ world, the notion of the Jedi Order discussing these issues within themselves and having a debate about it doesn’t seem to exist, which boggles my mind because I think it would be a hot topic. I wonder what Traviss makes of Anakin and Ahsoka’s relationships with clones in the animated series, where their dedication to their clones is stressed frequently? Traviss also seems to lay no blame whatsoever at the feet of Palpatine or the Separatists for starting the war in the first place, nor Jango Fett for his willingness to be the clone source knowing the life in store for them.
1 out of 10
April 15, 2020
The Cloned and the Restless
I loved Hard Contact, the first real Clone Wars novel (in my opinion), but was disappointed with the slogging pace, political and ethical diatribes, and the hefty, largely unexplored cast of Triple Zero. But I wasn't so disappointed that I didn't pick up "True Colors" when it came out last year.
Plot:
The Clone War continues, and Skirata has vamped up his search for Ko Sai, a Kaminoan who may hold the keys to reversing the age acceleration in his rag-tag band of clones. But, Palpatine has ordered Delta squad to hunt after her too, along with a separate team from Kamino. The race is on, and the question hovers inside each clone (and those who love them): will the clones ever be able to live a normal life? And what will be their future after the war ends?
Good:
What made "Triple Zero" so much of a disappointment (compared to "Hard Contact") was the fact that much of the action and great characters present in HC was missing in TZ. But the same can't quite be said of "True Colors". At about the sixth chapter, TC picks up with an intense scene with Etain forcing the colonists of Qiilura to leave and pretty much maintains that speed throughout the book as Skirata and the Nulls search for Ko Sai (before Delta Squad), and Omega Squad infiltrates another battlefront on Graftikar.
Furthermore, characters introduced in TZ get more exploration, and more opportunities exist to dig into the dirty subjects. Etain, Skirata and Darman get the limelight, of course, but so do Ordo, Mereel, Sev, Besany, and my new personal favorite, Walon Vau, who is very interesting in TC as a cold killer with a methodical, almost unemotional outlook on life. Fi's character gets stretched in an interesting manner. And I think Traviss will go down in Star wars history as being the first to write using a Kaminoan character (very nicely, may I add--Good job, Karen). These characters discuss meaty topics such as desertion, humanity, and life after the Clones Wars--all in a logical, insightful manner that will exercise your mind. And Delta Squad can always be depended upon for cracking a joke that will have you in stitches (look out for when Fixer and Sev go diving!).
Lastly, I was never so happy to see that Traviss got the memo about the annoying "double definitions" that she did in TZ. I like her exploration of Mando culture but hated how she would have her characters say something in Mando, translate it in English and then have it appear in the glossary at the end. In TC, Traviss remedies this problem. THANK YOU TRAVISS!
Bad:
While in some aspects TC is better than TZ, in others, it is much worse:
1. For the first five chapters, the book reads like a soap opera. Etain misses Darman. Darman misses Etain. Besany brags about boyfriend, Ordo (when did this happen?!?!). Ordo is clueless about Besany. Fi feels left out in the romance department. Skirata wants the girlfriends for all of "his boys" and is instantly concerned about Etain's pregnancy and health. I was so close to giving up on it. And in the last two chapters, the soap opera resumes with the birth of Etain's baby, Darman's reaction, etc. (oh, please!).
2. Certain things are repeated twelve too many times. For example, count how many times each that Traviss has some character bring up: a) how Skirata saved the Nulls from the Kaminoans' knife, b) how the ARCs almost killed the clone kids to save them from the Separatists, c) how much *fill-in-the-blank* misses *so-and-so*, and d) how badly the clones are being treated/how invisible they are/how they are being used (etc.). Repetition isn't necessarily bad (helps remind the reader) but is excessive when done more than once a chapter (Traviss does it as frequently as twice a page).
3. There are way too many characters. Frequent characters include two Mandalorians, three Jedi, eight commandos, one treasury agent, one clone commander, an ARCs, and three Nulls. This does not include all the other people mentioned in the Dramatis Personae who have bit parts, such as Corr, Jaing, Maze, Rav Bralor (a terrible female Mandalorian whose character could be summed up as Kick-A** GirlTM), and Jaller Obrim. It gets to the point where I thought that Traviss had included everyone in the book--including the Twi'lek Pilot! Traviss, remember HC? There were 6 characters: 4 commandos, Etain, and the bad guy. Too many characters = less characterization.
4. The pacing was off. The first 16 chapters cover about one week while the last four cover about a month. It was as if Traviss wanted to hurry up and have Etain give birth. She could have easily extended some of the action to cover a longer time or had Etain be closer to term in the beginning to compensate for the uneven pacing.
5. And then, there were some scenes/actions/comments that really drove me nuts.
a. My personal favorite: Besany (the absolutely gorgeous woman rejected because of her beauty *eyes roll*) pulls out a 25 cm (~10" cake) that she just *happens* to keep for guests she never has *eyes roll* and gives it to Mereel to give to Ordo. Who keeps a cake this size for guests that never come? How old is this thing? And how did this cake come to Ordo without looking like crap?
b. Etain looks three months pregnant but has, in her spare time (during a war?), accelerated her pregnancy so she is actually six months pregnant. Any woman will tell you, if she is six months pregnant, she will look six months pregnant. And how is it she can accelerate a pregnancy in the few hours she has off by a whole 3 months?!?! And more importantly, how does a Jedi, who's not supposed to have these relationships, know how to do this?
c. Skirata has his good points but is hard to relate to as he is perfect in any way. He knows when to be harsh, when to coddle women, when to jump to concern when a baby kicks (a completely normal phenomenon, Kal...didn't this guy have three kids? Why doesn't he know this?), is smarter than the entire Jedi Order, and is always right. Gary Stu, anyone?
d. Why are all Jedi that aren't Jusik and Etain bad guys? I mean, if the Jedi isn't a Mandalorian wannabe (Jusik) or pregnant with a clone's baby (Etain), they are out to kill all the clones and imprison them in slavery or are stupid, oblivious idiots (Zey, Mace Windu). It appears that Traviss loves her Mandalorians and hates the Jedi.
e. I don't understand how Fi could have been seriously damaged while Darman, only a few feet away comes away practically unscathed. If someone would please explain that to me, I would be greatly appreciative.
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
There is cursing, but it is in Mandalorian.
Etain is pregnant with Darman's child. It is insinuated that Besany would like to sleep with Ordo.
Etain is hurt, and her pregnancy is threatened. A war between civilians, and clones breaks out. Several clones are harmed: explosions, fire-fights, and hand-to-hand combat. A man is bit by another man. The Nulls want to kill Ko Sai. Pretty much what you would expect from a Star Wars novel.
Overall:
Somewhat better than TZ, somewhat worse, TC has come back in some ways to what made HC a hit. TC has more of the intense action, intrigue, gut-splitting humor, and open discussions on what being a human is, who is eligible for gift of humanity, if clones can defect (really interesting), what rights clones deserve, and what will happen to the soldiers if greatly injured (or at the end of the war). Still, melodrama, a huge largely stereotyped cast, and repetitiveness really make it hard to appreciate the good points.
NOTE: The novel comes with a short story called "Odds". About the best thing I can say about this short story is "Odd". It seems more of a prelude or Chapter 1 than a full-blown short story. Not to say it wasn't interesting, just a poor short story.
I loved Hard Contact, the first real Clone Wars novel (in my opinion), but was disappointed with the slogging pace, political and ethical diatribes, and the hefty, largely unexplored cast of Triple Zero. But I wasn't so disappointed that I didn't pick up "True Colors" when it came out last year.
Plot:
The Clone War continues, and Skirata has vamped up his search for Ko Sai, a Kaminoan who may hold the keys to reversing the age acceleration in his rag-tag band of clones. But, Palpatine has ordered Delta squad to hunt after her too, along with a separate team from Kamino. The race is on, and the question hovers inside each clone (and those who love them): will the clones ever be able to live a normal life? And what will be their future after the war ends?
Good:
What made "Triple Zero" so much of a disappointment (compared to "Hard Contact") was the fact that much of the action and great characters present in HC was missing in TZ. But the same can't quite be said of "True Colors". At about the sixth chapter, TC picks up with an intense scene with Etain forcing the colonists of Qiilura to leave and pretty much maintains that speed throughout the book as Skirata and the Nulls search for Ko Sai (before Delta Squad), and Omega Squad infiltrates another battlefront on Graftikar.
Furthermore, characters introduced in TZ get more exploration, and more opportunities exist to dig into the dirty subjects. Etain, Skirata and Darman get the limelight, of course, but so do Ordo, Mereel, Sev, Besany, and my new personal favorite, Walon Vau, who is very interesting in TC as a cold killer with a methodical, almost unemotional outlook on life. Fi's character gets stretched in an interesting manner. And I think Traviss will go down in Star wars history as being the first to write using a Kaminoan character (very nicely, may I add--Good job, Karen). These characters discuss meaty topics such as desertion, humanity, and life after the Clones Wars--all in a logical, insightful manner that will exercise your mind. And Delta Squad can always be depended upon for cracking a joke that will have you in stitches (look out for when Fixer and Sev go diving!).
Lastly, I was never so happy to see that Traviss got the memo about the annoying "double definitions" that she did in TZ. I like her exploration of Mando culture but hated how she would have her characters say something in Mando, translate it in English and then have it appear in the glossary at the end. In TC, Traviss remedies this problem. THANK YOU TRAVISS!
Bad:
While in some aspects TC is better than TZ, in others, it is much worse:
1. For the first five chapters, the book reads like a soap opera. Etain misses Darman. Darman misses Etain. Besany brags about boyfriend, Ordo (when did this happen?!?!). Ordo is clueless about Besany. Fi feels left out in the romance department. Skirata wants the girlfriends for all of "his boys" and is instantly concerned about Etain's pregnancy and health. I was so close to giving up on it. And in the last two chapters, the soap opera resumes with the birth of Etain's baby, Darman's reaction, etc. (oh, please!).
2. Certain things are repeated twelve too many times. For example, count how many times each that Traviss has some character bring up: a) how Skirata saved the Nulls from the Kaminoans' knife, b) how the ARCs almost killed the clone kids to save them from the Separatists, c) how much *fill-in-the-blank* misses *so-and-so*, and d) how badly the clones are being treated/how invisible they are/how they are being used (etc.). Repetition isn't necessarily bad (helps remind the reader) but is excessive when done more than once a chapter (Traviss does it as frequently as twice a page).
3. There are way too many characters. Frequent characters include two Mandalorians, three Jedi, eight commandos, one treasury agent, one clone commander, an ARCs, and three Nulls. This does not include all the other people mentioned in the Dramatis Personae who have bit parts, such as Corr, Jaing, Maze, Rav Bralor (a terrible female Mandalorian whose character could be summed up as Kick-A** GirlTM), and Jaller Obrim. It gets to the point where I thought that Traviss had included everyone in the book--including the Twi'lek Pilot! Traviss, remember HC? There were 6 characters: 4 commandos, Etain, and the bad guy. Too many characters = less characterization.
4. The pacing was off. The first 16 chapters cover about one week while the last four cover about a month. It was as if Traviss wanted to hurry up and have Etain give birth. She could have easily extended some of the action to cover a longer time or had Etain be closer to term in the beginning to compensate for the uneven pacing.
5. And then, there were some scenes/actions/comments that really drove me nuts.
a. My personal favorite: Besany (the absolutely gorgeous woman rejected because of her beauty *eyes roll*) pulls out a 25 cm (~10" cake) that she just *happens* to keep for guests she never has *eyes roll* and gives it to Mereel to give to Ordo. Who keeps a cake this size for guests that never come? How old is this thing? And how did this cake come to Ordo without looking like crap?
b. Etain looks three months pregnant but has, in her spare time (during a war?), accelerated her pregnancy so she is actually six months pregnant. Any woman will tell you, if she is six months pregnant, she will look six months pregnant. And how is it she can accelerate a pregnancy in the few hours she has off by a whole 3 months?!?! And more importantly, how does a Jedi, who's not supposed to have these relationships, know how to do this?
c. Skirata has his good points but is hard to relate to as he is perfect in any way. He knows when to be harsh, when to coddle women, when to jump to concern when a baby kicks (a completely normal phenomenon, Kal...didn't this guy have three kids? Why doesn't he know this?), is smarter than the entire Jedi Order, and is always right. Gary Stu, anyone?
d. Why are all Jedi that aren't Jusik and Etain bad guys? I mean, if the Jedi isn't a Mandalorian wannabe (Jusik) or pregnant with a clone's baby (Etain), they are out to kill all the clones and imprison them in slavery or are stupid, oblivious idiots (Zey, Mace Windu). It appears that Traviss loves her Mandalorians and hates the Jedi.
e. I don't understand how Fi could have been seriously damaged while Darman, only a few feet away comes away practically unscathed. If someone would please explain that to me, I would be greatly appreciative.
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
There is cursing, but it is in Mandalorian.
Etain is pregnant with Darman's child. It is insinuated that Besany would like to sleep with Ordo.
Etain is hurt, and her pregnancy is threatened. A war between civilians, and clones breaks out. Several clones are harmed: explosions, fire-fights, and hand-to-hand combat. A man is bit by another man. The Nulls want to kill Ko Sai. Pretty much what you would expect from a Star Wars novel.
Overall:
Somewhat better than TZ, somewhat worse, TC has come back in some ways to what made HC a hit. TC has more of the intense action, intrigue, gut-splitting humor, and open discussions on what being a human is, who is eligible for gift of humanity, if clones can defect (really interesting), what rights clones deserve, and what will happen to the soldiers if greatly injured (or at the end of the war). Still, melodrama, a huge largely stereotyped cast, and repetitiveness really make it hard to appreciate the good points.
NOTE: The novel comes with a short story called "Odds". About the best thing I can say about this short story is "Odd". It seems more of a prelude or Chapter 1 than a full-blown short story. Not to say it wasn't interesting, just a poor short story.
September 22, 2024
It has been 5 years since I read the previous book in the series, and I was nervious that I would not enjoy this one or that I would be lost. Thankfully, Karen Traviss does an excellent job picking up from Hard Contact and Triple Zero and continuing the story of the Republic Commando teams.
I really loved Etain's storyline here. I think that Karen Traviss absolutely nails the difficulties of pregnancy and the difficulties that ensue when it is under less than ideal circumstances, and I appreciated that Etain always intended to keep the baby and I loved the way the other Republic Commandos reacted to her decision.
I also really enjoyed Skirata's journey in this book. His dealing with the myriad of issues at stake, as well as his hatred of Ko Sai was fascinating. He has such a depth that is surprising in a character with his role in the series.
I also liked the storyline with Besany, who has a fairly minor role in the book, but the ideas that she was looking into with the government spending and uncovering government secrets were fascinating. I'm hoping she gets more to do in books 4 and 5.
Interestingly, the actual Republic Commando storyline featuring Dorman was my least favorite part of the book. It never really captured me, and I never felt the action was as exciting as the action scenes in the other storylines.
Of the Republic Commandos, the ones near Etain and Skirata were memorable, like Fi and Mereel and Ordo (Ordo had the best RC story in the book probably), but they never felt as good as the non-Clone stories in the book. Ironic considering the time and energy spent trying to humanize the clones in the book.
There is a series of twists that happens in one of the storylines that is absolutely bonkers and brilliant. I was shocked by so much of it, and in Chapter 16 I literally said out loud "That's Genius" regarding one of the twists.
I really appreciated the effort Traviss made to amking the Clones human and real, and her attempt to make comments about how Veterans are treated after a war is over was touching. She really understands the military and its difficulties well.
Overall, I was very impressed by the book. Its not a favorite Star Wars book overall, but it is my favorite of series thus far, and I'm actually really excited for books 4 and 5. But the Republic Commando focused part of the story just didn't work for e. I'll give this book a 7.5 out of 10. Well done Karen Traviss.
I really loved Etain's storyline here. I think that Karen Traviss absolutely nails the difficulties of pregnancy and the difficulties that ensue when it is under less than ideal circumstances, and I appreciated that Etain always intended to keep the baby and I loved the way the other Republic Commandos reacted to her decision.
I also really enjoyed Skirata's journey in this book. His dealing with the myriad of issues at stake, as well as his hatred of Ko Sai was fascinating. He has such a depth that is surprising in a character with his role in the series.
I also liked the storyline with Besany, who has a fairly minor role in the book, but the ideas that she was looking into with the government spending and uncovering government secrets were fascinating. I'm hoping she gets more to do in books 4 and 5.
Interestingly, the actual Republic Commando storyline featuring Dorman was my least favorite part of the book. It never really captured me, and I never felt the action was as exciting as the action scenes in the other storylines.
Of the Republic Commandos, the ones near Etain and Skirata were memorable, like Fi and Mereel and Ordo (Ordo had the best RC story in the book probably), but they never felt as good as the non-Clone stories in the book. Ironic considering the time and energy spent trying to humanize the clones in the book.
There is a series of twists that happens in one of the storylines that is absolutely bonkers and brilliant. I was shocked by so much of it, and in Chapter 16 I literally said out loud "That's Genius" regarding one of the twists.
I really appreciated the effort Traviss made to amking the Clones human and real, and her attempt to make comments about how Veterans are treated after a war is over was touching. She really understands the military and its difficulties well.
Overall, I was very impressed by the book. Its not a favorite Star Wars book overall, but it is my favorite of series thus far, and I'm actually really excited for books 4 and 5. But the Republic Commando focused part of the story just didn't work for e. I'll give this book a 7.5 out of 10. Well done Karen Traviss.
September 29, 2008
Much better. Karen Traviss redeemed herself—and the Republic Commando series—with True Colors.
Characterization and plot were realistic and engaging. More threats; more consequences. Not surprisingly, Traviss captured the women's point of view, but she also seemed to grasp battlefield bonding. She took us into the minds of many characters: seeing themselves as outsiders and everyone else as "in", seeing their doubts, experiencing their angst.
Her weaknesses are "on the nose" writing and repetition. Traviss spells out what the reader should already have picked up, then she tells us what we're to think of each development, then—often—she repeats herself. For example, on the last two pages of the book, she tells us four times how thoroughly Mandalorian Omega team is compared to Delta. Three times too many.
People shouldn't treat other people (especially clones) as things. We got it. She didn't have to beat us over the head with it. Without the repetition the book could have been ten to twenty per cent shorter and that much better.
Characterization and plot were realistic and engaging. More threats; more consequences. Not surprisingly, Traviss captured the women's point of view, but she also seemed to grasp battlefield bonding. She took us into the minds of many characters: seeing themselves as outsiders and everyone else as "in", seeing their doubts, experiencing their angst.
Her weaknesses are "on the nose" writing and repetition. Traviss spells out what the reader should already have picked up, then she tells us what we're to think of each development, then—often—she repeats herself. For example, on the last two pages of the book, she tells us four times how thoroughly Mandalorian Omega team is compared to Delta. Three times too many.
People shouldn't treat other people (especially clones) as things. We got it. She didn't have to beat us over the head with it. Without the repetition the book could have been ten to twenty per cent shorter and that much better.
April 23, 2023
4.1 — Mmkay, I need to get a review up now otherwise it will never get done so y’all are getting my scattered notes that I copy-pasted from Google Docs with little to no explanation as to what I’m talking about :)
You actually get a Vau POV (not often but occasionally) and I greatly appreciated that because he’s kind of a complex person and it really helps the reader understand why he did/does everything even if the reader can’t agree. He very obviously cares about the clones in his own way (which I had kind of figured after Atin tried to kill him and Vau all but let him but it’s good to know for sure).
I think it’s the cutest thing that Ordo picked red for his Mando armor “because he liked the color” but then red armor is also a sign that your honoring your parent (aka Skirata).
That little snippet scene with Jaing has me incredibly curious to see his character so hopefully the all six Nulls will be part of the cast in the next book. But how he agreed to take care of Mird after Vau dies and Vau trusts him enough to 🥺
It was weird how at the end it started skipping days or weeks between or even within chapters when the rest of the book and the two before it would have almost a play-by-play type style with up to several chapters covering one day.
I have to say that what little I got to see if Rav Bralor I LOVED. I can’t wait to see what happens with her in the next one.
It’s not exactly an accidental pregnancy trope but then it kind of is so that was blegh :/
The Sev POV I enjoyed even if seeing Delta’s mission seemed kind of pointless at times but I’m hoping it leads up to something in the next book.
I love Besany, she’s one of the female characters that is badass without having to punch walls and all that other junk. I also very much appreciate how she’s tall, same height as Ordo so probably at least 6 foot, and yet it’s rarely mentioned as a big deal and she’s still feminine. She’s incredibly smart too (and blonde, so another stereotype blown away :)
The plot seemed scattered but it all connected and seemed at least relevant to the story so it’s easy to overlook but I do think there was a little too much, like if you took out a few things or events, maybe a POV too then it would be better.
I found both Etain and Darman rather annoying a lot of the time (with the exception of when Darman was worried about Fi). I just feel like they’re relationship went too fast and now it doesn’t feel right. That last scene with Venku was painful to read though, like I was visibly grimacing at how completely off Darman was and how he was saying all the wrong things.
I adore Jusik and I just have to say that him and Ahsoka would have gotten along so well and he is now on my list of Jedi who are better embodiments of a true Jedi than the whole council combined (Obi-Wan excluded of course) and he did the right thing to leave them to wallow in the self righteous osik.
Oh my God but Skirata with Venku and Kal’s general reaction was the cutest freaking thing!! Like THIS is what I want, this is a thousand times better then Grogu and Din!! Just seeing a mercenary who kills and steals for a living or just for his own profit, a man who can be very cold blooded, just completely melt when presented with a baby, his grandson 🥺
I think if I ever get another golden retriever I’m going to name it Mird 🤍
And that’s it. I am probably not ready to read Order 66 yet but I’m still going to so if y’all see updates about sobbing and/or dying then I’m fine, you get used to Order 66 POVs eventually thanks to recent SW content 🥲
You actually get a Vau POV (not often but occasionally) and I greatly appreciated that because he’s kind of a complex person and it really helps the reader understand why he did/does everything even if the reader can’t agree. He very obviously cares about the clones in his own way (which I had kind of figured after Atin tried to kill him and Vau all but let him but it’s good to know for sure).
I think it’s the cutest thing that Ordo picked red for his Mando armor “because he liked the color” but then red armor is also a sign that your honoring your parent (aka Skirata).
That little snippet scene with Jaing has me incredibly curious to see his character so hopefully the all six Nulls will be part of the cast in the next book. But how he agreed to take care of Mird after Vau dies and Vau trusts him enough to 🥺
It was weird how at the end it started skipping days or weeks between or even within chapters when the rest of the book and the two before it would have almost a play-by-play type style with up to several chapters covering one day.
I have to say that what little I got to see if Rav Bralor I LOVED. I can’t wait to see what happens with her in the next one.
It’s not exactly an accidental pregnancy trope but then it kind of is so that was blegh :/
The Sev POV I enjoyed even if seeing Delta’s mission seemed kind of pointless at times but I’m hoping it leads up to something in the next book.
I love Besany, she’s one of the female characters that is badass without having to punch walls and all that other junk. I also very much appreciate how she’s tall, same height as Ordo so probably at least 6 foot, and yet it’s rarely mentioned as a big deal and she’s still feminine. She’s incredibly smart too (and blonde, so another stereotype blown away :)
The plot seemed scattered but it all connected and seemed at least relevant to the story so it’s easy to overlook but I do think there was a little too much, like if you took out a few things or events, maybe a POV too then it would be better.
I found both Etain and Darman rather annoying a lot of the time (with the exception of when Darman was worried about Fi). I just feel like they’re relationship went too fast and now it doesn’t feel right. That last scene with Venku was painful to read though, like I was visibly grimacing at how completely off Darman was and how he was saying all the wrong things.
I adore Jusik and I just have to say that him and Ahsoka would have gotten along so well and he is now on my list of Jedi who are better embodiments of a true Jedi than the whole council combined (Obi-Wan excluded of course) and he did the right thing to leave them to wallow in the self righteous osik.
Oh my God but Skirata with Venku and Kal’s general reaction was the cutest freaking thing!! Like THIS is what I want, this is a thousand times better then Grogu and Din!! Just seeing a mercenary who kills and steals for a living or just for his own profit, a man who can be very cold blooded, just completely melt when presented with a baby, his grandson 🥺
I think if I ever get another golden retriever I’m going to name it Mird 🤍
And that’s it. I am probably not ready to read Order 66 yet but I’m still going to so if y’all see updates about sobbing and/or dying then I’m fine, you get used to Order 66 POVs eventually thanks to recent SW content 🥲
September 9, 2011
I really want to say 3.5 stars because I liked this one better than the last two, though it wasn't an amazing novel by any means. I'm just glad that all the characters I like were focused on (Fi, Sev, and Besany) and not so much focus was given to Skirata. Etain didn't degrade further into some baby-obsessed mother, which I was glad about, and Darman regained his personality from the first novel.
Given that I thought this one was better than the last one, I don't have too much to say about it aside from generic things like "the writing was engaging through repetitive at times." I can definitely attest that the plot was better, especially since everyone was moving around quite a bit. This book took all the annoying things from Triple Zero and minimized them, I found, so I was more engrossed in the novel, instead of becoming aggravated at minor details. I can't help but ask though, doesn't it take longer than a few hours to get from Mandalore to Coruscant?
Anyways, my opinion that Etain is an idiot was proven by Darman's reaction to Venku. All I could think was: "Ha! Told you so!" Seriously, Etain, what were you thinking?
It's unfortunate that you can't really read this novel before reading the other two, or I would suggest to people that they just read this one. Onward to Order 66, I guess.
WAIT, I must add...
STILL no passion in the romance, sad to say. And not even a KISS yet! Seriously, Traviss, do you want me to BEG?
Given that I thought this one was better than the last one, I don't have too much to say about it aside from generic things like "the writing was engaging through repetitive at times." I can definitely attest that the plot was better, especially since everyone was moving around quite a bit. This book took all the annoying things from Triple Zero and minimized them, I found, so I was more engrossed in the novel, instead of becoming aggravated at minor details. I can't help but ask though, doesn't it take longer than a few hours to get from Mandalore to Coruscant?
Anyways, my opinion that Etain is an idiot was proven by Darman's reaction to Venku. All I could think was: "Ha! Told you so!" Seriously, Etain, what were you thinking?
It's unfortunate that you can't really read this novel before reading the other two, or I would suggest to people that they just read this one. Onward to Order 66, I guess.
WAIT, I must add...
STILL no passion in the romance, sad to say. And not even a KISS yet! Seriously, Traviss, do you want me to BEG?
July 15, 2024
Set in 21BBY
A nice and emotional read set in the midst of the Clone Wars. The story follows Omega Squad as they train local rebels on a Separatist-held planet and embark on a mission to capture a rogue geneticist. Meanwhile, there's a tense rescue operation to save a trapped comrade under the ice, adding to the intense action. Better than the previous one. I'd say maybe even better than the first one. A solid war plot with well-written dialogue.
The story delves into the personal struggles of the clones, and that I think is making it a must-read for military sci-fi fans (and duh, Star Wars fans too).
A nice and emotional read set in the midst of the Clone Wars. The story follows Omega Squad as they train local rebels on a Separatist-held planet and embark on a mission to capture a rogue geneticist. Meanwhile, there's a tense rescue operation to save a trapped comrade under the ice, adding to the intense action. Better than the previous one. I'd say maybe even better than the first one. A solid war plot with well-written dialogue.
The story delves into the personal struggles of the clones, and that I think is making it a must-read for military sci-fi fans (and duh, Star Wars fans too).
October 2, 2025
Traviss deserves the criticism; the book overindulges in melodrama. She seems to be trying to pull a coup on established Star Wars canon at times. Still, if you’re invested in the characters, the book is lively and full of adventure.
April 17, 2025
unfortunately, I have to say this is more of a 4.5 than a true 5/5. it really is a shame because the beginning and the end were fantastic. the suspense and characters were both built brilliantly throughout. my main problem is just how separated some of this feels from the rest of the universe. I think it would have been a lot better to show most of the viewpoints as just that. viewpoints from these characters perspectives. instead they were passed on as fact, the worst part being Etain frequently mentioning that her training failed her. For as great as an author as Traviss is, did she not think that through? that's literally impossible for a jedi. oh well. I'm still very excited to start the next book in the series, despite Traviss maybe overdoing it with the cliffhangers
April 9, 2020
Well. This was an exercise in reluctant apathy. While objectively better than the last book, I had significant difficulty mustering a sense of caring for the cast of True Colors. While certain plot points haven't gone away, they're no longer center stage, and the various clones are out doing special-ops things again. Unfortunately, while Traviss has tried to recapture the setting from Hard Contact, she doesn't quite succeed.
For starters: there are just way too many characters, and way too much going on. Not only is the entire cast from Triple Zero in play, but no less than four more major named characters are introduced. With so much competition for narrative space, I start to lose track of who's in which arc. And the arcs themselves... Is this a war story? An action story? An attempt at a love story? There's elements of all in each group's arc, but none of them come to a satisfying conclusion.
Additionally, pacing issues mean the first half of the book has detailed explorations of each plot point for a couple weeks of page-time, and then the second half of the book skips through several months of time like a rock over a still pond. The end result is snippets of life in a galaxy gone mad, and while that has its own charm... it means there's no real support to shore up Traviss' writing.
On the writing: I waved it off in Hard Contact, and was peeved by it in Triple Zero, but at this point, I am thoroughly tired of being told what's going on, what to think about what's going on, and why a given character's perspective is obviously the only correct one through the inner thoughts of whoever their closest ally in the room might be. I'm also sick of hearing about women who are "too beautiful for people to feel comfortable about them," and how their company is the only thing that can soothe the souls of these traumatized men. *gagging noises*
It's definitely not quarantine-brain; Traviss' writing grates on my nerves.
And yet there are bits and pieces that I like in concept. I like the idea of the Mando culture Traviss has codified. I like the idea of tackling the clone wars from a boots-on-ground perspective. I like the idea of exploring the powerlessness of any given individual in the fight, and the corruption that's going on behind the scenes. This could be a really interesting story. BUT. As far as my reading experience is concerned, so far this whole series has been an exercise in "great idea; crummy execution."
Rounding up generously to 3* because it's better than the trash fire that was Triple Zero. Don't know if I'll read the last two or not.
For starters: there are just way too many characters, and way too much going on. Not only is the entire cast from Triple Zero in play, but no less than four more major named characters are introduced. With so much competition for narrative space, I start to lose track of who's in which arc. And the arcs themselves... Is this a war story? An action story? An attempt at a love story? There's elements of all in each group's arc, but none of them come to a satisfying conclusion.
Additionally, pacing issues mean the first half of the book has detailed explorations of each plot point for a couple weeks of page-time, and then the second half of the book skips through several months of time like a rock over a still pond. The end result is snippets of life in a galaxy gone mad, and while that has its own charm... it means there's no real support to shore up Traviss' writing.
On the writing: I waved it off in Hard Contact, and was peeved by it in Triple Zero, but at this point, I am thoroughly tired of being told what's going on, what to think about what's going on, and why a given character's perspective is obviously the only correct one through the inner thoughts of whoever their closest ally in the room might be. I'm also sick of hearing about women who are "too beautiful for people to feel comfortable about them," and how their company is the only thing that can soothe the souls of these traumatized men. *gagging noises*
It's definitely not quarantine-brain; Traviss' writing grates on my nerves.
And yet there are bits and pieces that I like in concept. I like the idea of the Mando culture Traviss has codified. I like the idea of tackling the clone wars from a boots-on-ground perspective. I like the idea of exploring the powerlessness of any given individual in the fight, and the corruption that's going on behind the scenes. This could be a really interesting story. BUT. As far as my reading experience is concerned, so far this whole series has been an exercise in "great idea; crummy execution."
Rounding up generously to 3* because it's better than the trash fire that was Triple Zero. Don't know if I'll read the last two or not.
July 30, 2014
My rating is 3.5 stars.
This novel is the third book in the series and the first two should be read to understand this story. This continues the story of clones during the clone wars. This book explores how the galaxy deals with the clones who are fighting their war.
I am enjoying this series in the expanded universe. This is not your typical EU story with lightsaber duels and space craft battles. This series explores the emotional side of something new introduced. It also explores issues that are brought about because of war and how to deal with these issues. I believe the author has carved out an interesting niche and even if you are not a fan of Star Wars this is a very good series.
The reason I did not give this a higher rating was the author repeated herself too many times. Over and over again she would repeat how a clone is worried about his place in the galaxy. There were other character's interactions that was repeated that she ended up beating the reader over the head with them. This book in the series also felt a little too much like a soap opera and thus lowered my rating.
Even with the negative aspects of this novel this series is a welcome read. It has a message and should be read by all fans of this universe.
This novel is the third book in the series and the first two should be read to understand this story. This continues the story of clones during the clone wars. This book explores how the galaxy deals with the clones who are fighting their war.
I am enjoying this series in the expanded universe. This is not your typical EU story with lightsaber duels and space craft battles. This series explores the emotional side of something new introduced. It also explores issues that are brought about because of war and how to deal with these issues. I believe the author has carved out an interesting niche and even if you are not a fan of Star Wars this is a very good series.
The reason I did not give this a higher rating was the author repeated herself too many times. Over and over again she would repeat how a clone is worried about his place in the galaxy. There were other character's interactions that was repeated that she ended up beating the reader over the head with them. This book in the series also felt a little too much like a soap opera and thus lowered my rating.
Even with the negative aspects of this novel this series is a welcome read. It has a message and should be read by all fans of this universe.
July 3, 2017
Star Wars Legends Project #121
Background: True Colors was written by Karen Traviss and published in October 2007. This is the 3rd book in Traviss's Republic Commando series. Her other Star Wars books include 3 of the Legacy of the Force novels. She also wrote several Halo and Gears of War novels, and some of her own original science fiction as well.
True Colors takes place 16+ months after the Battle of Geonosis, 21 years before the Battle of Yavin, and 3 months after the previous book, Triple Zero (my review). The main characters are the same group, Omega Squad and Delta Squad, their sergeants Kal Skirata and Walon Vau, Skirata's adopted Null ARC sons (particularly Ordo and Mereel), Jedi Knights Etain Tur-Mukan and Bardan Jusik, etc. The action takes place all over the galaxy, but most significantly on Coruscant, Dorumaa, and Mandalore.
Summary: After their successful operation on Coruscant, Clan Skirata and their various allies are once again scattered across the galaxy in the thick of wartime special ops. Etain has returned to Qiilura to oversee the removal of the human colonists, and stay far from the eyes of her fellow Jedi as she carries her and Darman's child to term. Meanwhile, Skirata has managed to amass the fund he needs to pursue a target never far from his mind: Ko Sai, Kamino's chief geneticist who has mysteriously disappeared and taken her research with her. Skirata is determined to find her and force her to reverse the rapid-aging process that denies the Republic's clone army a full lifespan. But Skirata isn't the only interested party; the Separatists want her, too, along with rival Arkanian cloners, and even Chancellor Palpatine himself. And when Palpatine dispatches Delta Squad to pursue the hunt, Skirata and Vau find themselves up against the men they trained in a race with the highest possible stakes.
Review: I didn't know quite what to expect from a series called "Republic Commando," but probably something a lot like what I got in Hard Contact, the first book in the series. I certainly didn't expect what the series has become in the last two books, but I can't say it isn't an interesting direction to go. The series isn't concerned with the war at all at this point, except insofar as its continuation jeopardizes the lives of everyone in the Republic's slave army (but especially our main characters). Increasingly, the characters actually on the front lines find themselves embroiled in morally compromising situations where it's barely apparent at all what makes the Republic the "right" side. That much, at least, is a consistent throughline from the first book.
Meanwhile, most of my biggest criticisms from the second novel, if not gone entirely, feel like less of a problem here. To the extent that there is a primary antagonist, they get at least some character development. Where Triple Zero felt like it was dragging 100 pages of plot out over 400 pages, this story moves at a reasonable clip. It helps that there are multiple subplots spread out over characters in different locations, rather than a single group of characters and one plot. That also helps dilute the exposure to my major annoyance with the overwhelming dose of Skirata fever from the last book. His presence is a bit more muted in this book, and although many of my problems with him are still there, he was significantly more bearable. We're nowhere near back to the excellence of the first novel, mind you, though the world-building, in particular, is much improved here.
But a major problem I had with the second novel is, if anything, even worse in this one: Traviss can't seem to help to reiterate information literally dozens upon dozens of times. And once you notice it, it's not only incredibly grating, it erodes the illusion of other things that she seems to be doing well. True Colors juggles over a dozen major characters, and more than half of them are clones, so she has to be really intentional about distinguishing them from each other. And it seems at first glance like she does a pretty decent job of this, but because she tells us the same things about these characters over and over and over again every single time they're referenced, it's hard not to notice that she's really just given most of them a couple of distinguishing traits rather than an actual personality.
Obviously one of the most annoying characters in this regard is Skirata, since most of the other characters talk about him or think about him constantly, even when he isn't present, and they always relay the same information about him: How much he cares about his adopted clone sons, how he'd do literally anything for them, and how much they all want to make him proud. Skirata himself either thinks or says out loud that he'd do anything for the clones and that he loves them more than anything probably once every 5-10 pages throughout the entire novel, and that's far from the only bit of information that is repeated dozens of times.
Take the clone character Fi, for example, one of the most prominent of the clone characters. Here's what we know about Fi: He's a wisecracking motormouth who uses a stream of light-hearted patter to drown out the deep bitterness he feels about not having a girlfriend. We know this because we get specifically told about 20 times. But also Darman is constantly thinking to himself how he'd like to mention Etain, but shouldn't because it'll upset Fi that Darman has a girl and Fi doesn't. And other characters who aren't even around Fi will jokingly threaten their grumpy comrades with time around Fi's constant ribbing.
Another thing we know about Fi is that he once threw himself on a grenade to save a group of Coruscant police officers, and they all worship him for it. This was referred to a couple dozen times in the last book, and it comes up again several times in this one, whether it's a Coruscant officer referencing it (which they do literally anytime one of them walks through a scene) or it's just another clone noting how sturdy their armor is as demonstrated by that time Fi jumped on a grenade (by the way, did you know Fi once jumped on a grenade?). At one point, Jaller Obrim (head of Coruscant's anti-terrorism police unit), mentions the story in passing to Ordo's treasury agent girlfriend, Besany Wennen, which prompts her to observe that she "had heard that story so many times now from so many CSF officers," and she contemplates that Fi is truly a hero, but notes "as Ordo mentioned every time she used the phrase, Mandalorians had no word for 'hero.'" When even the characters in your novel are pointing out how often you repeat the same information over and over, that's a serious issue.
One other thing that has become increasingly grating is the status of the female characters in this series. I wouldn't expect a series dedicated to clone commandos to have a lot of female characters, or expect them to take center-stage, but I'd also expect any author, and particularly a woman author, to know better than have every major female character end up as a clone character's girlfriend within a few chapters and then be primarily defined by that role. Basically all we know about Besany is that she instantly saw Skirata as a replacement father figure for her own dead father (despite being a full-grown, independent woman who is extremely good at what she does), and she cares nothing for her own safety or her career if it means she can do something to help Ordo (and the other clones, but mostly Ordo).
Etain, who started the series as a fascinating, multi-layered character, a barely-competent, morally-conflicted Jedi padawan trying to figure it all out, has morphed through every subordinate female stereotype based on her relationship with Skirata as surrogate father/father-in-law, with Darman as a romantic interest, and as a mother to her son. And then there are howlers like this: "Skirata tried to imagine her like a normal young girl of her age, doing mindless fluffy things like worrying about fashion." But, you say, that's just Skirata thinking that, not the author herself. I don't buy it. First of all, Skirata is the moral center of this series' universe, and whatever he says or thinks carries that weight on its back. Second, as we are reminded a thousand or so times in the series thus far, Skirata is Mandalorian, and his society doesn't draw those kinds of gendered distinctions. Mandalorian women are expected to be just as tough and warlike as the men. There's no good excuse for Skirata to be thinking this about any woman, let alone a Jedi general who has proved herself again and again on the front lines of war for the better part of a year and a half by this point. And that's just the most explicit expression of an attitude that pervades the entire novel.
Overall, this was a decent read, particularly by comparison to the 2nd book, but it was a very long way from the heights promised by the 1st. I'm interested to know what happens with these characters across the rest of the series, but I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting to pick up book 4.
B-
Background: True Colors was written by Karen Traviss and published in October 2007. This is the 3rd book in Traviss's Republic Commando series. Her other Star Wars books include 3 of the Legacy of the Force novels. She also wrote several Halo and Gears of War novels, and some of her own original science fiction as well.
True Colors takes place 16+ months after the Battle of Geonosis, 21 years before the Battle of Yavin, and 3 months after the previous book, Triple Zero (my review). The main characters are the same group, Omega Squad and Delta Squad, their sergeants Kal Skirata and Walon Vau, Skirata's adopted Null ARC sons (particularly Ordo and Mereel), Jedi Knights Etain Tur-Mukan and Bardan Jusik, etc. The action takes place all over the galaxy, but most significantly on Coruscant, Dorumaa, and Mandalore.
Summary: After their successful operation on Coruscant, Clan Skirata and their various allies are once again scattered across the galaxy in the thick of wartime special ops. Etain has returned to Qiilura to oversee the removal of the human colonists, and stay far from the eyes of her fellow Jedi as she carries her and Darman's child to term. Meanwhile, Skirata has managed to amass the fund he needs to pursue a target never far from his mind: Ko Sai, Kamino's chief geneticist who has mysteriously disappeared and taken her research with her. Skirata is determined to find her and force her to reverse the rapid-aging process that denies the Republic's clone army a full lifespan. But Skirata isn't the only interested party; the Separatists want her, too, along with rival Arkanian cloners, and even Chancellor Palpatine himself. And when Palpatine dispatches Delta Squad to pursue the hunt, Skirata and Vau find themselves up against the men they trained in a race with the highest possible stakes.
Review: I didn't know quite what to expect from a series called "Republic Commando," but probably something a lot like what I got in Hard Contact, the first book in the series. I certainly didn't expect what the series has become in the last two books, but I can't say it isn't an interesting direction to go. The series isn't concerned with the war at all at this point, except insofar as its continuation jeopardizes the lives of everyone in the Republic's slave army (but especially our main characters). Increasingly, the characters actually on the front lines find themselves embroiled in morally compromising situations where it's barely apparent at all what makes the Republic the "right" side. That much, at least, is a consistent throughline from the first book.
Meanwhile, most of my biggest criticisms from the second novel, if not gone entirely, feel like less of a problem here. To the extent that there is a primary antagonist, they get at least some character development. Where Triple Zero felt like it was dragging 100 pages of plot out over 400 pages, this story moves at a reasonable clip. It helps that there are multiple subplots spread out over characters in different locations, rather than a single group of characters and one plot. That also helps dilute the exposure to my major annoyance with the overwhelming dose of Skirata fever from the last book. His presence is a bit more muted in this book, and although many of my problems with him are still there, he was significantly more bearable. We're nowhere near back to the excellence of the first novel, mind you, though the world-building, in particular, is much improved here.
But a major problem I had with the second novel is, if anything, even worse in this one: Traviss can't seem to help to reiterate information literally dozens upon dozens of times. And once you notice it, it's not only incredibly grating, it erodes the illusion of other things that she seems to be doing well. True Colors juggles over a dozen major characters, and more than half of them are clones, so she has to be really intentional about distinguishing them from each other. And it seems at first glance like she does a pretty decent job of this, but because she tells us the same things about these characters over and over and over again every single time they're referenced, it's hard not to notice that she's really just given most of them a couple of distinguishing traits rather than an actual personality.
Obviously one of the most annoying characters in this regard is Skirata, since most of the other characters talk about him or think about him constantly, even when he isn't present, and they always relay the same information about him: How much he cares about his adopted clone sons, how he'd do literally anything for them, and how much they all want to make him proud. Skirata himself either thinks or says out loud that he'd do anything for the clones and that he loves them more than anything probably once every 5-10 pages throughout the entire novel, and that's far from the only bit of information that is repeated dozens of times.
Take the clone character Fi, for example, one of the most prominent of the clone characters. Here's what we know about Fi: He's a wisecracking motormouth who uses a stream of light-hearted patter to drown out the deep bitterness he feels about not having a girlfriend. We know this because we get specifically told about 20 times. But also Darman is constantly thinking to himself how he'd like to mention Etain, but shouldn't because it'll upset Fi that Darman has a girl and Fi doesn't. And other characters who aren't even around Fi will jokingly threaten their grumpy comrades with time around Fi's constant ribbing.
Another thing we know about Fi is that he once threw himself on a grenade to save a group of Coruscant police officers, and they all worship him for it. This was referred to a couple dozen times in the last book, and it comes up again several times in this one, whether it's a Coruscant officer referencing it (which they do literally anytime one of them walks through a scene) or it's just another clone noting how sturdy their armor is as demonstrated by that time Fi jumped on a grenade (by the way, did you know Fi once jumped on a grenade?). At one point, Jaller Obrim (head of Coruscant's anti-terrorism police unit), mentions the story in passing to Ordo's treasury agent girlfriend, Besany Wennen, which prompts her to observe that she "had heard that story so many times now from so many CSF officers," and she contemplates that Fi is truly a hero, but notes "as Ordo mentioned every time she used the phrase, Mandalorians had no word for 'hero.'" When even the characters in your novel are pointing out how often you repeat the same information over and over, that's a serious issue.
One other thing that has become increasingly grating is the status of the female characters in this series. I wouldn't expect a series dedicated to clone commandos to have a lot of female characters, or expect them to take center-stage, but I'd also expect any author, and particularly a woman author, to know better than have every major female character end up as a clone character's girlfriend within a few chapters and then be primarily defined by that role. Basically all we know about Besany is that she instantly saw Skirata as a replacement father figure for her own dead father (despite being a full-grown, independent woman who is extremely good at what she does), and she cares nothing for her own safety or her career if it means she can do something to help Ordo (and the other clones, but mostly Ordo).
Etain, who started the series as a fascinating, multi-layered character, a barely-competent, morally-conflicted Jedi padawan trying to figure it all out, has morphed through every subordinate female stereotype based on her relationship with Skirata as surrogate father/father-in-law, with Darman as a romantic interest, and as a mother to her son. And then there are howlers like this: "Skirata tried to imagine her like a normal young girl of her age, doing mindless fluffy things like worrying about fashion." But, you say, that's just Skirata thinking that, not the author herself. I don't buy it. First of all, Skirata is the moral center of this series' universe, and whatever he says or thinks carries that weight on its back. Second, as we are reminded a thousand or so times in the series thus far, Skirata is Mandalorian, and his society doesn't draw those kinds of gendered distinctions. Mandalorian women are expected to be just as tough and warlike as the men. There's no good excuse for Skirata to be thinking this about any woman, let alone a Jedi general who has proved herself again and again on the front lines of war for the better part of a year and a half by this point. And that's just the most explicit expression of an attitude that pervades the entire novel.
Overall, this was a decent read, particularly by comparison to the 2nd book, but it was a very long way from the heights promised by the 1st. I'm interested to know what happens with these characters across the rest of the series, but I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting to pick up book 4.
B-
May 5, 2025
This book felt much easier to read the previous two. There were a lot of plot points and storylines going on throughout and that made it a bit difficult to follow, but I really enjoyed the story and the characters/motives introduced here. But the only reason this had a 4 star was due to the ending of the book being overall underwhelming. I felt there wasn’t really an action sequence for the climax rather than pivotal character moments. It all just wrapped up in 70 pages tbh.
November 18, 2020
Karen Traviss hurt my feelings and I thank her for it. I am not usually one for slow emotional reads but I really invested my heart in this series and I was ready to get hurt for it. Definitely worth the read.
May 11, 2024
2.5 stars
For 2024, I decided to pick up where I left off after 2022 and reread books published between 2004 and 2011—a hodgepodge of Clone Wars, inter-trilogy, and Original Trilogy stories, plus a smattering of Old Republic Sith. This shakes out to twenty-one novels and four short stories, mainly consisting of the Republic Commando series, the Darth Bane trilogy, the Coruscant Nights trilogy, five Clone Wars books written by the Karens, and four standalone novels.
This week’s focus: the third book in the Republic Commando series, True Colors by Karen Traviss.
SOME HISTORY:
Greg Knight made the cover art for all the Republic Commando books, but Knight is not traditionally a cover artist; instead he worked for LucasArts from 1998 to 2008 as a concept artist, and his artwork for the Republic Commando covers are based on concept art he created for the video game. Knight has had an interesting career, doing a number of different things, and is now working for Lucasfilm again. I'll put a link to his sketchbook Instagram and ArtStation at the end because he has some cool artwork!
MY RECOLLECTION OF THE BOOK:
I was fairly certain that I read the previous two books, but I’m not so sure about True Colors--it didn’t have the same air of familiarity that Hard Contact and Triple Zero had.
A BRIEF SUMMARY:
Nearly two years into the Clone Wars, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical—or more dangerous. During the assault on Gaftikar, the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their loyalty. Meanwhile, Kal Skirata’s personal vendetta against the Kaminoan scientist Ko Sai comes into conflict with Delta Squad’s newest mission direct from Chancellor Palpatine himself…
THE PLOT:
As the story opens, Delta Squad and Walon Vau are on Mygeeto, robbing the Vau family bank vault. During their getaway, Delta Squad escapes but Vau falls into an ice tunnel—so Kal Skirata and Ordo take a break from their investigation into Ko Sai’s whereabouts to get Vau out. Once Vau’s rescued, he joins their team, searching for this renegade Kaminoan scientist who’s the best hope for fixing the clones’ advanced aging. Meanwhile, Jedi Etain Tur-Mukan is helping clone troops evacuate the human settlers from Qiilura, and she’s also hiding her quickly developing pregnancy from the rest of the Jedi Order.
Omega Squad is dispatched to the world of Gaftikar where they help the Republic-allied lizards (Marits?) to fight against the Separatist-allied humans, but they also discover what happens to clone deserters…and then a very traumatic accident occurs. Back on Coruscant, Delta Squad is tasked by the Chancellor’s office to find Ko Sai, and they’re told not to tell Kal Skirata or the Nulls about their assignment. Finally, Besany Wessen starts digging into the finances figures and budgets to try and figure out what's really happening behind the scenes in the Clone Wars.
VIEWPOINTS:
Triple Zero got into the heads of Etain, Kal Skirata, Fi, and the Null trooper Ordo. True Colors has even more viewpoint characters: Walon Vau, Kal Skirata, Jedi Etain, Darman of Omega Squad, Sev of Delta Squad, Ordo the Null ARC trooper, and Besany Wessen the Republic Treasury auditor. If I’m not missing any, that’s seven viewpoint characters! (And interestingly enough, we don’t get any enemy POVs in this book either.)
CHARACTERS:
Let’s start with Omega Squad. After bouncing around to different squad members in different stories, we’re back in Darman’s head in True Colors. Darman has no idea that Etain is pregnant, and despite speaking with her regularly he’s out of the loop of her activities on Qiilura. Instead, Darman and Omega Squad’s plotline is more about realizing how the Republic treats troopers when they encounter a deserter ARC trooper named Sull. Niner comes down on the law & justice side, but the other three want to try to help Sull, and with the aid of A’den the Null they get Sull to safety. While cleaning out Sull’s apartment, though, Darman is attacked by two men who turn out to be covert ops troopers. Omega Squad realizes that you can’t desert, and this shakes their confidence in this mission and in the Republic. Their confidence is even further shaken when Fi is grievously wounded during the final assault on Gaftikar, and his clone status threatens any possible treatment of his brain injury.
Fi is ultimately healed by the Jedi Bardan Jusik, but he won’t be the man he once was and the Republic thinks he’s dead. Omega Squad needs four troopers, though, so his place is taken by Corr from Triple Zero. It’s a very sad development for Fi; I liked Fi’s sense of humor, his increasing recognition of what he was missing out on as a clone was poignant. I didn’t want any of the Omega guys to get hurt, but especially Fi. (Also, Darman was also at the door but he’s fine?)
We finally get a Delta Squad viewpoint in this book with Sev, the unit’s sniper. Delta Squad are still not my favorites, and despite being told that Sev is the creepy sociopathic one he doesn’t sound any different from any of the other clone guys. He’s afraid of failure, and he thinks death is inevitable, so he didn’t stand out to me compared to others. The more I read about the clones, the more I feel sorry for these guys.
Ordo’s here again, acting superior and condescending about others but also really awkward around Besany Wessen. I don’t know why, but he’s not my favorite. I’m glad that Kal Skirata verbally adopted him because it made him very happy, and I’m glad he’s found a girlfriend in Besany even if their relationship is confusing. Two other Nulls, Mereel and A’den, are here as well, but they’re honestly not any different from Ordo.
The more I read about Besany, the more I feel bad for her. I think that Skirata and the Nulls have put Besany in this impossible situation, where they use her skills and insider knowledge but leave her very vulnerable on Coruscant. A blaster is not enough protection, especially when she doesn’t know how to use it! She puts herself to a lot of risk here, and I get the sense that Besany is an immensely lonely person. We don’t know her background, but she seems to have no family or friends around. It feels like the people who get swept up in Kal Skirata’s orbit (Besany, Bardan Jusik, etc) are people seeking a sense of family and belonging. I’m glad that these guys fill that need for community for Besany, but she’s putting herself in danger for very little in return. Besany pulls a blaster on hospital staff, and doesn’t get arrested only because the cops know Skirata! Yikes yikes yikes!
Jumping over to Etain…she uses the Force to speed up her pregnancy, so that in three months she has a six-month fetus, but that almost leads to a miscarriage so she has to take it at normal speed for the next three months. I know that Tenel Ka used the Force to slow down her pregnancy in the Dark Nest trilogy, but the opposite sounds like a bad idea—and I don’t understand how she can speed up her baby’s development and have a bigger baby for the time elapsed, yet not look visibly pregnant? Taller/bigger people sometimes don’t have a super visible bump due to their physique, but Etain is small and thin! I also have to completely side-eye her continuing decision to hide this from Darman, culminating in Darman meeting their son and making a stupid comment about not being ready to be a dad because HE DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT ANY OF THIS! Etain, you only have yourself to blame here! Etain gives birth to her son, hands the newborn over to Kal Skirata, and then goes back to being a Jedi.
This development is juxtaposed with Bardan Jusik, who leaves the Jedi Order at the end of the book. I’ve been worried about Jusik since the previous book, because he seems so enthralled by the Mandalorians and their culture and I’m not sure that’s the right approach for a Jedi to take? Jusik has Mandalorian armor and hangs off Skirata’s every word, and after healing Fi and seeing how the Republic treats their clone troopers he decides that he’d rather not stay a Jedi. (He tries to get downgraded to non-combatant medic, but then just leaves with his lightsaber.) Jusik’s another one of the lonely souls like Besany sucked into Skirata’s orbit, and I couldn’t help feeling like we’re meant to like Jusik’s decision and tsk tsk at Etain’s—another example of “good Jedi, bad Jedi.”
Sergeant Vau seems to be going through a softening phase, as he steals all these valuables from his family vault and then donates them to Skirata’s clone fund. He isn’t as demonstrative in his feelings as Skirata, but he still wants the best for the guys he trained. What I found interesting about Vau in book 2 was how he seemed to be a cold methodical person with a totally different training method; by book 3, he’s loosening up and repeating a lot of the same sentiments as the other characters.
Kal Skirata is dading it up all over the place; he adopts Ordo, then Fi, then Darman, and he probably adopts some others as well. He’s on a mission to save his boys! As with the previous book, I like what Skirata is doing in giving the clones a sense of family and community, but he’s a bit much at times. It also worries me about what will happen to everyone he’s drawn into his cult of personality—I’m sure he had plans in place for getting his guys out when the war ends (and those plans also include more tangential people like A’tin’s Twi’lek girlfriend), but will he try to save more than just Omega Squad and the Nulls? Is Mandalore big enough to hold them all?
(Side note: I still don’t understand how Kal Skirata has all this power. He’s basically running his own unsanctioned operation in this one, and he can order the Nulls around at will. How does this work? I don’t understand! This man is a force, and no one can stop him!)
As with Triple Zero, we don’t have any enemy viewpoints in this one. In fact, there’s not really an enemy per say other than the Republic’s general neglect and Ko Sai. She’s a cold fish, apparently similar to other Kaminoans: convinced of the superiority of her species and the inferiority of everyone else, and only intrigued in the clone aging issue from a theoretical standpoint. She likes science for science’s sake, and isn’t concerned about the personal human aspect at all. She makes a little progress on the genetic front, is interested in Etain’s son, but kills herself out of despair. If Skirata wants to make any more progress, he’ll need another scientist…
ISSUES:
At 450 pages, True Colors is 50 pages longer than Triple Zero, but it only has 20 chapters like Hard Contact as opposed to the previous book’s 25 chapters. (This has a point, a swear!) The page for the first 130 pages—the Prologue through Chapter 5—was pretty darn slow, and I found it a struggle to keep reading because not much was happening beyond Vau falling in a hole. I forced myself to keep reading, and once I hit Chapter 6 the pace definitely picked up and I didn’t mind these longer chapter lengths. But then I noticed a separate problem: the biggest climactic events (Kal Skirata and Mereel finally confronting Ko Sai, and Fi being wounded during the assault on Gaftikar) happened in Chapter 11, but I still had nine chapters left to go. A lot of things happened in those remaining chapters, from Fi’s frustrating treatment to negotiating with Ko Sai to Etain’s baby, but it felt like denouement stuff rather than continuing action. I could help feeling like the climax was oddly placed, considering there were 150 more pages to slog through afterwards.
Part of that was due to my second issue: too many viewpoint characters! This has been a continuing problem since Triple Zero, as the first book was tightly focused on Omega Squad, Etain, and Ghez Hokan, but the second book opened up Traviss’s world to a bunch of new characters. What with adding in Delta Squad and the Nulls and the two sergeants and civilians like Besany, it’s getting a little crowded here in the Republic Commando series. Did we need seven viewpoint characters here, especially when Ordo and Skirata and Vau are all on the same mission? I think the increasing number of viewpoint characters only adds to that page count bloat, and I’m not sure all their POVs were necessary here.
Oh boy was there a lot of melodrama in this book. Some of it worked for me (Fi) and some did not (Etain’s secret pregnancy). I do not understand why Etain will not tell Darman about the baby, even after Venku’s birth, and I would not have included this plotline. It’s way too much drama! But even Fi’s plotline tipped over into the realm of melodrama. When Besany has an armed standoff at the hospital over their decision to euthanize Fi, how did she get out of that scenario with absolutely no repercussions? I like Fi and I didn’t want him to die, but I’m not sure how Besany can hold a blaster on medical staff and not suffer any personal or professional consequences for it. The Republic Commando books are strong enough that they don’t need to dip into all this soap opera stuff.
But my final issue with True Colors was that despite sympathizing with the plight of the clones here, I feel like Karen Traviss pushes her authorial opinions way too much. This novel is the opposite of subtle, and statements are repeated over and over again until I get frustrated and annoyed. I agree with Traviss that the clones are mistreated, but I don’t need to be told 50 bazillion times that the clones aren’t citizens and the clones are treated as property and the clones are not considered human by the Republic at large. Once or twice is enough, I don’t need it hammered into me multiple times and for characters to constantly harp on this injustice in their internal monologues. This repetition is another culprit of that page bloat, and it’s just not necessary.
IN CONCLUSION:
True Colors picks up a few months after Triple Zero, and after a slow start rockets off on two dueling plotlines: the search for Ko Sai and Omega Squad’s mission on Gaftikar. Unfortunately, I felt like the climax built a little too early here, and the book slowed back down after Chapter 11. I like Omega Squad and I feel so bad about Fi, but Traviss’s non-subtleness rubs me the wrong way—and I still don’t like anything about Etain’s secret pregnancy! I never read Order 66, so I’ll be interested to see where the fourth book picks up and whether Kal will be able to save all his boys once we hit the events of Revenge of the Sith.
Next up: a novel about the Empire’s greatest weapon (up to A New Hope, at least): Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry.
YouTube review: https://youtu.be/eVqJBg46pf8
Greg Knight's ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/gregknightart
Greg Knight's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knight.sketch/
For 2024, I decided to pick up where I left off after 2022 and reread books published between 2004 and 2011—a hodgepodge of Clone Wars, inter-trilogy, and Original Trilogy stories, plus a smattering of Old Republic Sith. This shakes out to twenty-one novels and four short stories, mainly consisting of the Republic Commando series, the Darth Bane trilogy, the Coruscant Nights trilogy, five Clone Wars books written by the Karens, and four standalone novels.
This week’s focus: the third book in the Republic Commando series, True Colors by Karen Traviss.
SOME HISTORY:
Greg Knight made the cover art for all the Republic Commando books, but Knight is not traditionally a cover artist; instead he worked for LucasArts from 1998 to 2008 as a concept artist, and his artwork for the Republic Commando covers are based on concept art he created for the video game. Knight has had an interesting career, doing a number of different things, and is now working for Lucasfilm again. I'll put a link to his sketchbook Instagram and ArtStation at the end because he has some cool artwork!
MY RECOLLECTION OF THE BOOK:
I was fairly certain that I read the previous two books, but I’m not so sure about True Colors--it didn’t have the same air of familiarity that Hard Contact and Triple Zero had.
A BRIEF SUMMARY:
Nearly two years into the Clone Wars, the secret special ops missions of its elite clone warriors have never been more critical—or more dangerous. During the assault on Gaftikar, the members of Omega Squad make a shocking discovery that shakes their loyalty. Meanwhile, Kal Skirata’s personal vendetta against the Kaminoan scientist Ko Sai comes into conflict with Delta Squad’s newest mission direct from Chancellor Palpatine himself…
THE PLOT:
As the story opens, Delta Squad and Walon Vau are on Mygeeto, robbing the Vau family bank vault. During their getaway, Delta Squad escapes but Vau falls into an ice tunnel—so Kal Skirata and Ordo take a break from their investigation into Ko Sai’s whereabouts to get Vau out. Once Vau’s rescued, he joins their team, searching for this renegade Kaminoan scientist who’s the best hope for fixing the clones’ advanced aging. Meanwhile, Jedi Etain Tur-Mukan is helping clone troops evacuate the human settlers from Qiilura, and she’s also hiding her quickly developing pregnancy from the rest of the Jedi Order.
Omega Squad is dispatched to the world of Gaftikar where they help the Republic-allied lizards (Marits?) to fight against the Separatist-allied humans, but they also discover what happens to clone deserters…and then a very traumatic accident occurs. Back on Coruscant, Delta Squad is tasked by the Chancellor’s office to find Ko Sai, and they’re told not to tell Kal Skirata or the Nulls about their assignment. Finally, Besany Wessen starts digging into the finances figures and budgets to try and figure out what's really happening behind the scenes in the Clone Wars.
VIEWPOINTS:
Triple Zero got into the heads of Etain, Kal Skirata, Fi, and the Null trooper Ordo. True Colors has even more viewpoint characters: Walon Vau, Kal Skirata, Jedi Etain, Darman of Omega Squad, Sev of Delta Squad, Ordo the Null ARC trooper, and Besany Wessen the Republic Treasury auditor. If I’m not missing any, that’s seven viewpoint characters! (And interestingly enough, we don’t get any enemy POVs in this book either.)
CHARACTERS:
Let’s start with Omega Squad. After bouncing around to different squad members in different stories, we’re back in Darman’s head in True Colors. Darman has no idea that Etain is pregnant, and despite speaking with her regularly he’s out of the loop of her activities on Qiilura. Instead, Darman and Omega Squad’s plotline is more about realizing how the Republic treats troopers when they encounter a deserter ARC trooper named Sull. Niner comes down on the law & justice side, but the other three want to try to help Sull, and with the aid of A’den the Null they get Sull to safety. While cleaning out Sull’s apartment, though, Darman is attacked by two men who turn out to be covert ops troopers. Omega Squad realizes that you can’t desert, and this shakes their confidence in this mission and in the Republic. Their confidence is even further shaken when Fi is grievously wounded during the final assault on Gaftikar, and his clone status threatens any possible treatment of his brain injury.
Fi is ultimately healed by the Jedi Bardan Jusik, but he won’t be the man he once was and the Republic thinks he’s dead. Omega Squad needs four troopers, though, so his place is taken by Corr from Triple Zero. It’s a very sad development for Fi; I liked Fi’s sense of humor, his increasing recognition of what he was missing out on as a clone was poignant. I didn’t want any of the Omega guys to get hurt, but especially Fi. (Also, Darman was also at the door but he’s fine?)
We finally get a Delta Squad viewpoint in this book with Sev, the unit’s sniper. Delta Squad are still not my favorites, and despite being told that Sev is the creepy sociopathic one he doesn’t sound any different from any of the other clone guys. He’s afraid of failure, and he thinks death is inevitable, so he didn’t stand out to me compared to others. The more I read about the clones, the more I feel sorry for these guys.
Ordo’s here again, acting superior and condescending about others but also really awkward around Besany Wessen. I don’t know why, but he’s not my favorite. I’m glad that Kal Skirata verbally adopted him because it made him very happy, and I’m glad he’s found a girlfriend in Besany even if their relationship is confusing. Two other Nulls, Mereel and A’den, are here as well, but they’re honestly not any different from Ordo.
The more I read about Besany, the more I feel bad for her. I think that Skirata and the Nulls have put Besany in this impossible situation, where they use her skills and insider knowledge but leave her very vulnerable on Coruscant. A blaster is not enough protection, especially when she doesn’t know how to use it! She puts herself to a lot of risk here, and I get the sense that Besany is an immensely lonely person. We don’t know her background, but she seems to have no family or friends around. It feels like the people who get swept up in Kal Skirata’s orbit (Besany, Bardan Jusik, etc) are people seeking a sense of family and belonging. I’m glad that these guys fill that need for community for Besany, but she’s putting herself in danger for very little in return. Besany pulls a blaster on hospital staff, and doesn’t get arrested only because the cops know Skirata! Yikes yikes yikes!
Jumping over to Etain…she uses the Force to speed up her pregnancy, so that in three months she has a six-month fetus, but that almost leads to a miscarriage so she has to take it at normal speed for the next three months. I know that Tenel Ka used the Force to slow down her pregnancy in the Dark Nest trilogy, but the opposite sounds like a bad idea—and I don’t understand how she can speed up her baby’s development and have a bigger baby for the time elapsed, yet not look visibly pregnant? Taller/bigger people sometimes don’t have a super visible bump due to their physique, but Etain is small and thin! I also have to completely side-eye her continuing decision to hide this from Darman, culminating in Darman meeting their son and making a stupid comment about not being ready to be a dad because HE DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT ANY OF THIS! Etain, you only have yourself to blame here! Etain gives birth to her son, hands the newborn over to Kal Skirata, and then goes back to being a Jedi.
This development is juxtaposed with Bardan Jusik, who leaves the Jedi Order at the end of the book. I’ve been worried about Jusik since the previous book, because he seems so enthralled by the Mandalorians and their culture and I’m not sure that’s the right approach for a Jedi to take? Jusik has Mandalorian armor and hangs off Skirata’s every word, and after healing Fi and seeing how the Republic treats their clone troopers he decides that he’d rather not stay a Jedi. (He tries to get downgraded to non-combatant medic, but then just leaves with his lightsaber.) Jusik’s another one of the lonely souls like Besany sucked into Skirata’s orbit, and I couldn’t help feeling like we’re meant to like Jusik’s decision and tsk tsk at Etain’s—another example of “good Jedi, bad Jedi.”
Sergeant Vau seems to be going through a softening phase, as he steals all these valuables from his family vault and then donates them to Skirata’s clone fund. He isn’t as demonstrative in his feelings as Skirata, but he still wants the best for the guys he trained. What I found interesting about Vau in book 2 was how he seemed to be a cold methodical person with a totally different training method; by book 3, he’s loosening up and repeating a lot of the same sentiments as the other characters.
Kal Skirata is dading it up all over the place; he adopts Ordo, then Fi, then Darman, and he probably adopts some others as well. He’s on a mission to save his boys! As with the previous book, I like what Skirata is doing in giving the clones a sense of family and community, but he’s a bit much at times. It also worries me about what will happen to everyone he’s drawn into his cult of personality—I’m sure he had plans in place for getting his guys out when the war ends (and those plans also include more tangential people like A’tin’s Twi’lek girlfriend), but will he try to save more than just Omega Squad and the Nulls? Is Mandalore big enough to hold them all?
(Side note: I still don’t understand how Kal Skirata has all this power. He’s basically running his own unsanctioned operation in this one, and he can order the Nulls around at will. How does this work? I don’t understand! This man is a force, and no one can stop him!)
As with Triple Zero, we don’t have any enemy viewpoints in this one. In fact, there’s not really an enemy per say other than the Republic’s general neglect and Ko Sai. She’s a cold fish, apparently similar to other Kaminoans: convinced of the superiority of her species and the inferiority of everyone else, and only intrigued in the clone aging issue from a theoretical standpoint. She likes science for science’s sake, and isn’t concerned about the personal human aspect at all. She makes a little progress on the genetic front, is interested in Etain’s son, but kills herself out of despair. If Skirata wants to make any more progress, he’ll need another scientist…
ISSUES:
At 450 pages, True Colors is 50 pages longer than Triple Zero, but it only has 20 chapters like Hard Contact as opposed to the previous book’s 25 chapters. (This has a point, a swear!) The page for the first 130 pages—the Prologue through Chapter 5—was pretty darn slow, and I found it a struggle to keep reading because not much was happening beyond Vau falling in a hole. I forced myself to keep reading, and once I hit Chapter 6 the pace definitely picked up and I didn’t mind these longer chapter lengths. But then I noticed a separate problem: the biggest climactic events (Kal Skirata and Mereel finally confronting Ko Sai, and Fi being wounded during the assault on Gaftikar) happened in Chapter 11, but I still had nine chapters left to go. A lot of things happened in those remaining chapters, from Fi’s frustrating treatment to negotiating with Ko Sai to Etain’s baby, but it felt like denouement stuff rather than continuing action. I could help feeling like the climax was oddly placed, considering there were 150 more pages to slog through afterwards.
Part of that was due to my second issue: too many viewpoint characters! This has been a continuing problem since Triple Zero, as the first book was tightly focused on Omega Squad, Etain, and Ghez Hokan, but the second book opened up Traviss’s world to a bunch of new characters. What with adding in Delta Squad and the Nulls and the two sergeants and civilians like Besany, it’s getting a little crowded here in the Republic Commando series. Did we need seven viewpoint characters here, especially when Ordo and Skirata and Vau are all on the same mission? I think the increasing number of viewpoint characters only adds to that page count bloat, and I’m not sure all their POVs were necessary here.
Oh boy was there a lot of melodrama in this book. Some of it worked for me (Fi) and some did not (Etain’s secret pregnancy). I do not understand why Etain will not tell Darman about the baby, even after Venku’s birth, and I would not have included this plotline. It’s way too much drama! But even Fi’s plotline tipped over into the realm of melodrama. When Besany has an armed standoff at the hospital over their decision to euthanize Fi, how did she get out of that scenario with absolutely no repercussions? I like Fi and I didn’t want him to die, but I’m not sure how Besany can hold a blaster on medical staff and not suffer any personal or professional consequences for it. The Republic Commando books are strong enough that they don’t need to dip into all this soap opera stuff.
But my final issue with True Colors was that despite sympathizing with the plight of the clones here, I feel like Karen Traviss pushes her authorial opinions way too much. This novel is the opposite of subtle, and statements are repeated over and over again until I get frustrated and annoyed. I agree with Traviss that the clones are mistreated, but I don’t need to be told 50 bazillion times that the clones aren’t citizens and the clones are treated as property and the clones are not considered human by the Republic at large. Once or twice is enough, I don’t need it hammered into me multiple times and for characters to constantly harp on this injustice in their internal monologues. This repetition is another culprit of that page bloat, and it’s just not necessary.
IN CONCLUSION:
True Colors picks up a few months after Triple Zero, and after a slow start rockets off on two dueling plotlines: the search for Ko Sai and Omega Squad’s mission on Gaftikar. Unfortunately, I felt like the climax built a little too early here, and the book slowed back down after Chapter 11. I like Omega Squad and I feel so bad about Fi, but Traviss’s non-subtleness rubs me the wrong way—and I still don’t like anything about Etain’s secret pregnancy! I never read Order 66, so I’ll be interested to see where the fourth book picks up and whether Kal will be able to save all his boys once we hit the events of Revenge of the Sith.
Next up: a novel about the Empire’s greatest weapon (up to A New Hope, at least): Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry.
YouTube review: https://youtu.be/eVqJBg46pf8
Greg Knight's ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/gregknightart
Greg Knight's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knight.sketch/
September 18, 2021
This book! Omg! They need to tell Darman!!! AAAAAAAAGHDHDHDUJENEJSJDBSJBSJS. And I need Fi to be okay and and I need Besany and Ordo to be okay and AGH I love these characters!
June 10, 2020
I'm reviewing these together because I sort of went from True Colors to Order 66 without a breath, and now I don't actually remember which specific events were in which book. LOL! Traviss keeps up her standard of GREAT tension and awesome combat/fight scene writing.
I'm most hung up on the ending of Order 66 of course. I mean, we ALL know what happened there, but the movies and cartoon made it seem compulsory. This book was not like that, and I liked it better. It made it so Palpatine issued the order, and the clones CHOSE to follow it. The could CHOOSE not to as well without the mental fight I saw in the cartoon with... Was it Rex or Cody? --I forget, but either way, I liked this.
I saw Etain's death coming MILES away. I really do mean MILES away. I'm pretty sure I decided, at latest, about half way through True Colors that she was definitely gonna die. This didn't bother me because I just didn't really feel an attachment to her. I think the author did a GREAT job writing a PERSON, and I don't think Etain is a bad one at all. It's just out of ALL our characters we've been introduced to, she's the one who's death I saw coming WAY in advance, and who was my least favorite. I guess I'm glad it was her and not someone else. I'd have been heartbroken to lose Ordo or Mereel or Kal'buir, or even Besany.
That said. FUCKING KUDOS to Traviss for making me mourn for the characters left behind by Etain's death. I was FINE with her dying, and had that just been accepted or glossed over, or... I don't know, not given the weight it was by her SHOWING all these others brokenhearted by her loss, I wouldn't probably have given it a second thought. But no, we've got Kal SOBBING in a pantry over Etain's death. We've got her Force sensitive infant aware and giving her his favorite toy on her pyre. Her death TOUCHES these characters, and I mourned FOR THEM if nothing else. Goddman brilliant writing, madame, thank you!
Ahhhh! Gais... just... go buy yourselves these books, they're so worth it.
I'm most hung up on the ending of Order 66 of course. I mean, we ALL know what happened there, but the movies and cartoon made it seem compulsory. This book was not like that, and I liked it better. It made it so Palpatine issued the order, and the clones CHOSE to follow it. The could CHOOSE not to as well without the mental fight I saw in the cartoon with... Was it Rex or Cody? --I forget, but either way, I liked this.
I saw Etain's death coming MILES away. I really do mean MILES away. I'm pretty sure I decided, at latest, about half way through True Colors that she was definitely gonna die. This didn't bother me because I just didn't really feel an attachment to her. I think the author did a GREAT job writing a PERSON, and I don't think Etain is a bad one at all. It's just out of ALL our characters we've been introduced to, she's the one who's death I saw coming WAY in advance, and who was my least favorite. I guess I'm glad it was her and not someone else. I'd have been heartbroken to lose Ordo or Mereel or Kal'buir, or even Besany.
That said. FUCKING KUDOS to Traviss for making me mourn for the characters left behind by Etain's death. I was FINE with her dying, and had that just been accepted or glossed over, or... I don't know, not given the weight it was by her SHOWING all these others brokenhearted by her loss, I wouldn't probably have given it a second thought. But no, we've got Kal SOBBING in a pantry over Etain's death. We've got her Force sensitive infant aware and giving her his favorite toy on her pyre. Her death TOUCHES these characters, and I mourned FOR THEM if nothing else. Goddman brilliant writing, madame, thank you!
Ahhhh! Gais... just... go buy yourselves these books, they're so worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2009
Another beautifully contrived novel in which all of the characters have a substantial arch and become more understandable if not more lovable.
The relationships between the clones and their training officers are clarified as are the interpersonal relationships between the clones.
Darman is still not told about his son which was disappointing to say the least, even if I understood the reason behind this.
The relationships between the clones and their training officers are clarified as are the interpersonal relationships between the clones.
Darman is still not told about his son which was disappointing to say the least, even if I understood the reason behind this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series, and i love my wonderful wife so much for getting it for me.
No spoilers:
The series started out very simple, straight forward missions, the kind you'd expect in any war story, but as the series continues, things get very challenging, simple missions suddenly become more complex and moral stances the characters never had to make are suddenly becoming troubling for the characters. Can't wait to read the last book.
No spoilers:
The series started out very simple, straight forward missions, the kind you'd expect in any war story, but as the series continues, things get very challenging, simple missions suddenly become more complex and moral stances the characters never had to make are suddenly becoming troubling for the characters. Can't wait to read the last book.
November 19, 2020
This book was pretty good for the majority while being pretty tedious at times. This series is more beneficial to the EU than most others set during the Clones wars. The series is far from a masterpiece, but I'll probably read it again later in life.
The majority of the plot was pretty good in this.
The Gurlanin are way too amazing. They can literally change into anything, appear out of thin air, appear like a drift of snow. There is virtually nothing they can't do. Insanely overpowered.
Traviss continues to do a really good job giving clones individual personalities and making you care about them.
Traviss goes too far with her Jedi hatred and laying it on way too thick about the mistreatment of the clones. It has been nice (but quickly getting old) up to this book having these perspectives that are so different from the rest of the stories told in the EU. This book it was finally too much. Outside of the Jedi who are primary characters (Etain and Jusik), the Jedi are pretty stupid, weak, and idiotic. Worse, they are portrayed as completely sacrificing their morals without much care. I liked them struggling with using more or less a slave army, but now they don't apparently care much about it and . This portrayal of Jedi is totally incongruous from the rest of Star Wars and is a bridge too far.
Vau became quite a bit more interesting in this book while Skirata is just too perfect now. He is far too altruistic and always knows the right thing to do.
I really liked that these books illustrate the confusion of members of the Republic regarding the strategy of the GAR. I always felt the movies and most of the books did a very poor job showing how the war and most of the events benefitted Palpatine. I get that the war in general was his avenue to absolute power, but there are so many things that happen that you watch/read and wonder, how the heck does this help Palpatine? A great many events are barely saved from disaster by the Jedi that, had they failed, would've been disastrous for the Republic. How would the Republic losing the war help him? This series doesn't resolve all these issues, but it does show that many members of the army wonder why the strategy of the GAR is clearly meant not to win.
The majority of the plot was pretty good in this.
The Gurlanin are way too amazing. They can literally change into anything, appear out of thin air, appear like a drift of snow. There is virtually nothing they can't do. Insanely overpowered.
Traviss continues to do a really good job giving clones individual personalities and making you care about them.
Traviss goes too far with her Jedi hatred and laying it on way too thick about the mistreatment of the clones. It has been nice (but quickly getting old) up to this book having these perspectives that are so different from the rest of the stories told in the EU. This book it was finally too much. Outside of the Jedi who are primary characters (Etain and Jusik), the Jedi are pretty stupid, weak, and idiotic. Worse, they are portrayed as completely sacrificing their morals without much care. I liked them struggling with using more or less a slave army, but now they don't apparently care much about it and . This portrayal of Jedi is totally incongruous from the rest of Star Wars and is a bridge too far.
Vau became quite a bit more interesting in this book while Skirata is just too perfect now. He is far too altruistic and always knows the right thing to do.
I really liked that these books illustrate the confusion of members of the Republic regarding the strategy of the GAR. I always felt the movies and most of the books did a very poor job showing how the war and most of the events benefitted Palpatine. I get that the war in general was his avenue to absolute power, but there are so many things that happen that you watch/read and wonder, how the heck does this help Palpatine? A great many events are barely saved from disaster by the Jedi that, had they failed, would've been disastrous for the Republic. How would the Republic losing the war help him? This series doesn't resolve all these issues, but it does show that many members of the army wonder why the strategy of the GAR is clearly meant not to win.
January 17, 2025
Disclaimer: I do not like these books but I’m doing a chronological legends read-through and I refuse to skip anything. I do not expect to like this better than the others. Okay. Let’s start reading.
I still hate Etain. I wish she wasn’t in this book. The story is a little more interesting than the last two but I’m not that hopeful it’ll stay good. Well it just gets worse. So much nothing happening in this book. I’m so tired of this. I can barely get through half a chapter at a time. This is a stupid complaint but the chapters are unnecessarily long. The ultimate question posed by the book of what happens to the clones when the war ends and how they are treated is a valid one and incredibly interesting, however, this isn’t actually addressed. I hate everyone in this book. Oh the ending is so sad. I guess better than some of the others. 2.3 mostly for the ending. Beginning was terrible.
I still hate Etain. I wish she wasn’t in this book. The story is a little more interesting than the last two but I’m not that hopeful it’ll stay good. Well it just gets worse. So much nothing happening in this book. I’m so tired of this. I can barely get through half a chapter at a time. This is a stupid complaint but the chapters are unnecessarily long. The ultimate question posed by the book of what happens to the clones when the war ends and how they are treated is a valid one and incredibly interesting, however, this isn’t actually addressed. I hate everyone in this book. Oh the ending is so sad. I guess better than some of the others. 2.3 mostly for the ending. Beginning was terrible.
October 10, 2025
This is simultaneously a five-star read and a three-star read. I love the story. I was totally emotionally invested and immersed in the world! I love the characters and the action...
But the writing itself tanked in this book. It's very redundant with the emotional pleas for justice for the CTs which just isn't necessary in the third book of a trilogy that's been hammering that all along.
But what really bothered me was the whole pregnancy and birth of the baby. With all the research into war and troopers, I'm not sure that Karen has ever seen a baby? Or a new mom? The birth scene and all the action and decisions regarding the baby through the end of the book were less human than Ko Sai. AIN'T NO WAY that's how it would have gone, and it deserved more pages dedicated to the conflict either way.
But the writing itself tanked in this book. It's very redundant with the emotional pleas for justice for the CTs which just isn't necessary in the third book of a trilogy that's been hammering that all along.
But what really bothered me was the whole pregnancy and birth of the baby. With all the research into war and troopers, I'm not sure that Karen has ever seen a baby? Or a new mom? The birth scene and all the action and decisions regarding the baby through the end of the book were less human than Ko Sai. AIN'T NO WAY that's how it would have gone, and it deserved more pages dedicated to the conflict either way.
May 6, 2020
I'm going to be generous and award this 3 stars...when I'd really like to award it 2.5 stars. It has far too many of the problems of the first book: over-written, with too much focus on the combat and trooper tactics...and less on the emotional beats that are the best part of this series. Luckily, there is just enough of this...especially in the final quarter of the novel...to keep me engaged. After reading three of these novels, I find this to be an extremely frustrating series.
August 16, 2021
4.75 stars
Probably my favorite one so far. She did a great job with the characters and story. I really enjoy these types of books that have a little bit of action to keep things fast paced, but that it's mainly story. It was an interesting read and I think it adds a lot to Star Wars, even if it's no longer canon.
Not sure if I'm ready to experience Order 66 again, but here we go.
Probably my favorite one so far. She did a great job with the characters and story. I really enjoy these types of books that have a little bit of action to keep things fast paced, but that it's mainly story. It was an interesting read and I think it adds a lot to Star Wars, even if it's no longer canon.
Not sure if I'm ready to experience Order 66 again, but here we go.
July 22, 2024
Great mix between drama, tragedy, action, romance and science put into a sci-fi book.
February 24, 2025
So much happens I love starwars they always keep you in suspense
June 24, 2025
Great "behind the scenes" on the Palpatine playing both sides of the war as usual from this series. Overall enjoyable.
July 23, 2024
I’d probably give this 2.5 stars. It was so hard to get into. Not enough action for a clone trooper book. Felt like the whole story was just going over the same emotions over and over again and got tired of that fast. She threw in multiple stories at once but frankly wasn’t that interested in any of them so just slowly grinded through hoping it would get more interesting.
April 4, 2023
"True Colors" was an excellent addition to the "Republic Commando" series that really questions the ethics behind the Republic's use of clone soldiers who have no citizenship, no rights, no pay, etc. Oh, and they were also genetically engineered to be obedient. Some of the hard questions include what do you do with severely injured soldiers, what do you do if they lose their desire to be obedient, and how could the Jedi Council balance the use of these clones considering how they value life?
Traviss does a good job of showing the human side of the clone troopers and really opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered being a surface-level Star Wars fan from just watching the movies. On to "Order 66"!
Traviss does a good job of showing the human side of the clone troopers and really opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered being a surface-level Star Wars fan from just watching the movies. On to "Order 66"!
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