The Jedi series of video games have been revolutionary in exploring the era just after the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Jedi: Battle Scars is a novel set between the events of the Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor, detailing what the Mantis crew were doing leading up to Survivor.
We haven’t played the games, but we have watched the cutscenes for both, which we love so much. We adore these characters. It was a genius decision to have author and fan of the games, Sam Maggs write a book about what happens to these individuals between stories.
We wanted to love this book because we adore these characters. However, there was so much description that it hindered the plot from moving quickly. This was true for much of the book.
A pet peeve that we share with our late grandmother, who was also an avid reader, is the description getting in the way of the story. We’ve seen multiple people say that the structure of this book is off, and it’s evident because the action doesn’t pick up until like 100-something pages in. The edition we have is 279 pages.
Also, the annoying part of the book is that despite it being a Jedi story, Cal, Greez and Cere are distinguished in the background, unless there is a reason for them to be there.
Final Thoughts Of Jedi: Battle Scars
If Jedi: Battle Scars was written as the final screenplay for any film or television show, it would be instantly discarded. Also, the Jedi story is about Cal Kestis. This book is written primarily about Merrin. We love Merrin as a character, but this whole book is written as a massive fanfic. Conclusively, that is not necessarily bad, as many fanfics are written well. This was not a good fanfic.
Also, the instant romance between Merrin and the new character Fret felt forced. I just did not feel for Fret at all. Her back and forwards with the constant was super grating and I struggled to finish the book. I had to resort to listening to Star Wars Lofi music just to get through it. It was a slog to get through the last 50+ pages.
We’re awarding Jedi: Battle Scars three stars for effort.
