Life Debt: Aftermath

As the New Republic makes great strides in solidifying its position, others vie for control of the fractured remains of the Empire. Norra Wexley’s strike team continues to capture key Imperial targets, but they soon take on a new mission for Princess Leia: finding her missing husband. Han Solo has vanished after a brazen attempt to liberate Chewbacca’s homeworld, but in a galaxy steeped in chaos, can Norra’s ragtag team find one man?

Aftermath: Life Debt picks up where Aftermath left off, filling in the crucial years between ROTJ and The Force Awakens, and Wendig masterfully plots a story full of personal moments with galactic consequences. He takes us into the uncertainty of the New Republic, the manipulations of a new Imperial player, and all around the galaxy for moments big and small. It’s an impressive web to weave, and every character beat feels spot-on, whether it’s an iconic figure like Han or Aftermath originals like Sinjir or Jas.

Even in scenes where the reader knows what comes next, Wendig keeps things suspenseful, never losing sight of the emotional core that always infuses the best of Star Wars, taking it above and beyond its fantastical sci-fi trappings. An absolutely outstanding effort.