Customer Reviews

Star Wars: Medstar I: Battle Surgeons

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"Battle Surgeons" is the first book in the Medstar duology. The action takes place two years after "Attack of the Clones." As can be guessed from the title of both the book and the duology, "Battle Surgeons" gives readers the first true look at a side of the Galaxy that has never been seen before. These battle surgeons are the ones who clean up the messes of all the wars and battles and try to save lives in the midst of a war. Think of it as the Star Wars version of M.A.S.H. and you will have a sense of exactly what "Battle Surgeons" is.

This story takes place on, and around, the planet Drongar. There is some backstory presented that there is a rare plant which can be used as something of a miracle drug for a variety of species throughout the galaxy and the Clone Wars have come to Drongar for the control of this plant/drug. This is the background, but it isn't terribly important because the story is really about the M.A.S.H. unit. The heart of "Battle Surgeons" lies in the interaction between the various surgeons: Jos Vondar, Zan Yant, Tolk le Trene, and the Jedi Padawan Barriss Offee sent to investigate the situation on Drongar. There is, of course, the love interest between Jos and Tolk, which is complicated by their cultural restrictions. But, added to the mix is also the protocol droid I-Five. Readers may remember I-Five from "Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter", which was also written by Michael Reaves. I-Five is a droid which has more human emotional characteristics than most droids, more so than some humans would think possible for a droid. He is also a much more interesting character (on the page) than C-3PO (not in this book). For example, we see I-Five gambling with the other surgeons, holding his own in both the game as well as in the give and take of conversation.

There is a main plot thread about smuggling the rare plant from Drongar, but what makes this story shine is the interactions within the M.A.S.H. unit (if I were more familiar with the show I would be able to extend the analogy to the characters). This is a much funnier book than many of the other Star Wars novels, and while they all use humor, the humor in "Battle Surgeons" felt appropriate and fitting for who the characters are and the situation they are dealing with. Then again, I was prepped for this novel by periodically watching M.A.S.H. reruns over the years. "Battle Surgeons" is an entertaining look into an overlooked part of the Star Wars universe, and one which also sets up the continuing story in "Medstar II: Healer". This volume was good enough that I am looking to read the second volume over many of the other Star Wars novels that have been published.

-Joe Sherry

For those expecting an action-adventure piece like the prior works of Michael Reaves (DARTH MAUL: SHADOW HUNTER) and Steve Perry (SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE), you're in for a surprise. I'm not sure how to describe its style; I'd say it's about three-quarters E.R., and one-quarter Aaron Allston's X-WING. There's not much action onscreen; instead, we mostly see characters dealing with its consequences.

However, like both of their earlier books, we're treated to a cast of "normal" citizens of the universe, as opposed to hordes of Jedi. This gives us a perspective rarely seen, and (especially since the Clone Wars novels are supposed to deal more with perspectives and people than overall plot) is a welcome insight into the effects of the war glossed over by other media. More than a mere thousand Jedi and a million clones are involved in this conflict, both directly and not.

The book does suffer from some minor continuity glitches; there were also references to things from the movies that the POV characters shouldn't have been aware of, even though the reader is. But in its favor, there were also some other unexpected nods to the Expanded Universe.

Unlike almost every other multipart story, BATTLE SURGEONS accomplishes something unusual: it feels complete. There's really only one thread introduced during the novel that's left to be resolved in JEDI HEALER, but even that has a partial resolution which would be satisfactory without the forthcoming sequel.

Overall, a highly recommended read for fans of character-based pieces or seeing beyond a certain point of view.

The Clone Wars have given the Star Wars universe new life. The Cestus Deception helped to transform the clones from drones to actual people, while Star Wars: Medstar 1: Battle Surgeons Medstar 1 by MICHAEL REAVES, STEVE PERRY, looks at the consequences of battle. Impressions received from other expanded universe books as well as from the movies hint that all medical treatment is given by droids, but Reaves and Perry prove that that is not the case here. Surgeons are the main characters in this book. Even the Jedi Barriss Offee, last seen in Foster's The Approaching Storm does much more healing than fighting. Life is not just compartmentalized and the idea that clones are real people is also pushed. Things are difficult and patients are lost all the time for the weary doctors drafted into a war about economics. Also interesting was the return of I-Five a droid from Reaves Shadow Hunter whose fate was left up for grabs in the previous book. Overall an interesting if not particularly complex read, Battle Surgeons is a welcome addition to the expanded universe.

Much of the Star Wars Expanded Universe is heavily focused on the main characters as presented in the films. However, there are some definite exceptions to this rule, and what I find particularly interesting is how little of the Clone Wars literature follows that trend. This is the fifth book in chronological order telling the story of the war, and so far one has focused on Obi-Wan, one on Mace Windu, and three have not featured main film characters in any meaningful way. Anakin has had essentially a handful of paragraphs, while Padme has been non-existent.

Medstar I: Battle Surgeons is the tale of a medical unit desperately fighting to keep clone troopers alive on a hostile world. The story could be summarized as M.A.S.H. blended with Star Wars. Like in Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, Michael Reaves (with Steve Perry this time) shows a strong capability for writing likable characters and snappy dialogue. The book flows well and is a quick read. I was excited to see the return of I-Five, the protocol-droid-with-an-attitude from Shadow Hunter. His acerbic attitude fits perfectly with the survival-through-sarcasm approach of the Rimsoo (a medical unit) the book follows.

I-Five also is a tool for exploring the nature of droids and their standing in the order of the universe. Jos Vondar, the lead surgeon in this particular camp, has narrowed his worldview to exclude many possibilities. This keeps him able to make it through the daily horror of his wartime surgery post. However, this attitude prevents him from dating outside his culture, from keeping an open mind to the possibilities inherent in a developed artificial intelligence, and from gaining a deeper understanding of the hundreds of clone troopers passing by his operating table. I-Five's self-exploration, important to him after the climactic events of Shadow Hunter, pushes Jos to begin his own journey within.

Also, the encounters Jos has with a clone trooper, CT-914, stir within him a dawning awareness that these soldiers are not just simple mindless vat-grown automatons; they are fully functioning human beings, only limited by the environment they were raised in and the accelerated aging forced into their genes. This running theme in the EU has totally changed how I view the troops of the Star Wars universe, adding considerably more interest to their progression from servants of the Republic and the Jedi to enforcers of the Empire. In the two Republic Commando books, The Cestus Deception, and Battle Surgeons, this theme has gotten some serious play.

I was struck by the Jedi Master/Padawan pair of Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee the very first time I saw them together in Attack of the Clones publicity photos, and it's cool to get Barriss as a main character for a second time (The Approaching Storm being the first). Keeping a Jedi in the character mix helps to firmly root this book in the Star Wars universe. The rest of the cast is a snappy group as well: Den Dhur the Sullustan reporter adds a non-combatant viewpoint to the war and the shadowy intrigues of several other characters look to be setting up a big payoff in Medstar II: Jedi Healer.

I wasn't hooked yet by the spy segment of this story: Column/Lens is written so vaguely as to be more frustrating than teasing. Generally my favorite stories focus very closely on following what the main characters know, and when knowledge is introduced that we as readers know but the heroes don't, I like to have some explanation. Otherwise I generally prefer to see these elements only come to light when the main characters discover them.

Overall, Medstar I: Battle Surgeons is an engaging and breezy tale, with strong characterization and solid if not completely gripping plotlines. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the duology.

Battle Surgeons is our introduction to a Clone Wars MASH unit on the Planet Drongar, a pestilential quagmire of a world. The Republic medical team of surgeons, nurses, and droids is headed by Dr. Jos Vondar. Their primary function is to keep as many wounded clone troopers alive as possible. Their medical skills are impressive but the team is working under extremely difficult conditions and is having to treat a steady flow of injured troopers brought in by medlift.

Further complicating the situation is the presence of a Separatist spy and a Black Sun operative. Black Sun is particularly interested in a miracle plant called bota that is a cross between a mold and a fungus and has amazing medical uses. Bota grows only on Drongar and is immensely valuable.

As the book unfolds we come to understand the pressures of constantly trying to save lives while operating under huge pressure. We also are introduced again to Jedi Padawan Barriss Offee. We first met her in The Approaching Storm. We also meet once again the droid I-5, one of my favorite characters from Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter. Throw these characters in with the Sullustan reporter Den Dhur and Dr. Vondar's fellow surgeon and friend Zan Yant, and you get a volatile mix. The tale moves along at a good pace and gets the reader to think about the ethics of using clone troopers as cannon fodder. Also, Padawan Offee continues to struggle with the use of the Force and the appropriate ways for a Jedi to function. An entertaining tale that will be followed by Medstar II: Jedi Healer.

Medstar I: Battle Surgeons tells the story of a medical team stationed on the planet of Drongar; one of the many planets where the clone wars rage. Jos Vondar, a conflicted surgeon; Tolk le Trene, a beautiful nurse; Zan Yant, the artistic doctor; and Barris Offee, a Padawan on the verge of her knighthood are just a few of the characters setting the stage for Battle Surgeons.

Michael Reaves (whose novel, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter I enjoyed immensely) and Steve Perry present a very enjoyable addition to the expanded universe with Battle Surgeons. Their revival of two particularly favorite characters of mine was especially delightful: Padawan learner Barriss Offee (first introduced in Alan Dean Foster's The Approaching Storm) and I-five (the wisecracking protocol droid from Reave's Shadow Hunter). Both authors embellished on these two beloved characters as well as blossoming new ones into this clone wars tale with deft imagery.

Reaves and Perry are not only descriptive when it comes to locations and appearances, but matters of the heart as well. It takes skillful writing to cause a reader to feel for a fictional character (Jos Vondar, in particular) and both writers did just that. Well done, gentlemen.

Although I truly did enjoy this story, there were a few aspects that I didn't feel were fleshed out enough. Jos Vondar's relationship with Tolk le Trene, for example. Their growing affection for one another seemed rather rushed, without any real emotion until the end, when the reader is just supposed to assume that they fell in love with one another somewhere along the way. It just could have been done better.

Another matter I feel should be pointed out is that the plotline concerning the villains' schemes and acts of sabotage was a little confusing and is not even resolved at all at the end of the book. However, I'm hoping a few of my questions will be answered when I read the sequel, Medstar II: Jedi Healer.

Overall, Medstar I: Battle Surgeons proved to be one of the better Clone Wars novels I've read.

3/5 stars. Thanks for reading. :)

First, I would like to say that Medstar I: Battle Surgeons was an enjoyable read. I think it's refreshing to get different points of view of the same event, that being the Clone Wars. Medstar is essentially about the surgeons behind the lines of battle that tend to the wounded (clone troopers and local recruits), although a few intriguing side plots are added to the mix. The following are the key elements of the story.

1. The internal struggles of Jos Vondar, head surgeon of the unit. He is torn between the woman he loves and staying within the guidelines of his culture. Having a relationship with an "outsider" is forbidden and he would be ostracized from his family if he did so. Also, it is interesting to see his feelings about the clone troopers evolve from "cannon fodder" to thinking, feeling human beings. The book articulates this transition wonderfully.

2. A crooked Republic admiral trying to make a few bucks on the side.

3. Den Dhur, a Sullustan news reporter, behind the lines attempting to write something newsworthy and paying a personal vendetta while he's at it.

4. An unidentified double agent embedded in the mobile hospital working for the Black Sun criminal organization and the Separatists.

5. The return of I-5, the most human-like droid in the galaxy. Refer to Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter. I couldn't help but smile when he entered the story.

6. And, of course, it wouldn't be Star Wars story if a Jedi weren't involved. Enter Barriss Offee, Padawan learner, sent to the mobile hospital to put her healing talents to good use.

Since this is a duology, a lot of things are left hanging, like the identity of the double agent. By process of elimination, I think I might know who it is, but hopefully Medstar II will answer that question.

The strength of this book definitely lies in the fact that most of the events are true to life and, at some level, we can all relate to. If you're the type that likes an action-packed Star Wars novel, you might want to pass on this one. Barriss only draws her lightsaber once throughout the entire story, which is actually illustrated on the cover of the book. However, if you want a change of pace and looking for a human-interest type of story, definitely pick up Medstar I. You won't be disappointed. May the Force be with you!

I bought this book expecting good solid writing and possibly really the first original Star Wars novel in a year or so, I was wrong, this book is better then that, it has strong characters and writing, a good concept, great background, and having one of the main characters from Star Wars: The Approaching Storm is a nice touch. The Coverart doesnt really suit the book and mislead me at first from the contents which is following a MedStar unit. (think Star Wars meets MASH) This overall is a great book and I can hardly wait until book 2.

Much like co-author Steve Perry's first forray into the Star Wars universe (Shadows of the Empire) this book may be lacking in Jedi/Force action, but is by no means lacking in enjoyment because of this. Introducing a previously unseen MASH type element into this universe, the book centers arround Jedi padawan Barris Offee(yes!!!) and her adventures in a medical unit on the world of Drongar Deep into the setting of the Clone Wars. including a familiar droid from Michael Reeve's first SW book (Darth Maul:Shadow Hunter) we get to see the often unseen side of star wars, everything but the Jedi. This book is very character driven and is quite the page turner. action lover's beware, this is not you're normal Star Wars book but please, I encourage everyone to try it out. You won't be dissapointed. If you enjoy Barris Offee or her Master Luminara Unduli you might enjoy the book "The Approaching Storm" by Alan Dean Foster.

--T.R.

Being a big Star Wars junkie myself, I'm used to the series' books dealing with constant front-line action. This book is very different, and perhaps that's why I'd say it's five of five stars. It offers a new look at Star Wars characters - the people we always assume are there, but never look deeply upon. In this case, surgeons on a backwater planet constantly dealing with the wounded and dying.
If you're looking for massive engagements and constant action, this isn't your book. Looking for familiar characters? Bariss Offee and I-Five (the droid from Shadow Hunter) are about all you'll get.
All in all, I'd say the book is well written though, and deals with ideas and events that are pretty much untouched. If you're open minded about your literature, pick it up!