The Star Wars Aftermath trilogy finishes strong even as it raises as many questions as it answers.

TheAftermathseries thrives or stagnates on the strength of its characters.

After some missteps inLife Debt,Empires Endstrengthens its characters and brings a classicStar Warsfeeling to the trilogys finale.

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The novel immediately established strong character stories that follow on fromLife Debt.

Jas Emaris family relationship toThe Clone Warsbounty hunter Sugi pays off nicely, if a bit conveniently.

Sinjirs plot in particular combines an emotional arc and an adventure story into a neat conclusion.

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In the end, though, this is really Norra and Sloanes story.

Unfortunately but unsurprisingly, the villains arent as well-drawn as the heroes.

Rax gets some more depth, but its expressed in a tired chess metaphor.

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New villain Niima the Hutt never quite becomes anything more than anIndiana Jones-style cult leader.

At times, I found myself looking at this book from two different perspectives.

A younger reader might find joy in the books classic science fiction mysteries and its take-no-prisoners women.

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As a reviewer steeped inStar Wars, the ending treaded familiar ground.

New mysteries are suggested and some questions are answered.

Wendig does a skillful job of writing around events that might be portrayed in canon later.

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This provides atmosphere at the same time as it keepsAftermathfrom stepping on any canon toes.

Some of the ways in which Wendig juggles scope were impressive, though, especially near the end.

Megan Crouse is a staff writer.

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Rating:

3.5 out of 5