Death Troopers (Star Wars Legends) is a 2009 science fiction horror audiobook based on the novelization of the same name, written by Joe Schreiber, narrated by Sean Kenin, and the audio published by Random House.  The story follows a group of survivors on a prison barge after an unknown virus kills a majority of the populace.  Soon after, the survivors discover that those killed by the virus return as bloodthirsty zombies.

Positives:

• Great characters
• High level of tension
• Great action
• Original story
• Violent and graphic
• Great pace
• Well-written
• High production audio
• Great narration

Negatives:

• Ending felt rushed

Plot:  The story takes place on the Imperial prison barge, Purge, which is transporting a lot of criminals.  On their way to a penal planet, the ship experiences engine failure but they break down near a derelict Star Destroyer.  When a search team boards the ship for parts, they expose themselves to an unknown virus that kills off most of the Purge’s inhabitants within hours.  Soon after, the survivors find themselves struggling to survive against those killed from the exposure which have arisen into some pretty scary zombies.

The story is pretty unique for a Star Wars book.  It isn’t about political intrigue, about the force, no war between the Empire and the Rebellion, and no galactic conquest.  Just a good old fashion horror story set in a fantastic universe.  It’s a pretty slow build taking its time to fully establish its characters.  Upon the ship we see the brothers dealing with their rivals, doctor dealing with her decision to leave, while dealing with captain’s murdering of a prisoner.

When the virus begins bringing back the dead, well, the story just takes off.  It feels like battle after battle with the characters’ chances of survival dropping dramatically by the second.  The story does come feel a little rushed but it comes to a satisfying conclusion. (4 out of 5)

Characters:  A lot of great characters who the author provides a good bit of depth.  The main cast consist of brothers Trig and Kale Longo, captain of the guard on the barge Jareth Sartoris, Chief Medical Officer Zahara Cody, and Han Solo and Chewbacca. Trig and Kale are likable characters and I actually felt for them the most.  Unlike everyone else they didn’t deserve or choose to be there.  Really liked Zahara, she’s kind and compassionate.  Really liked Han and Chewbacca and seeing them in this type of situation actually made them seem more badass. I will admit that they do feel random. It could’ve been original characters for the story but of all people in the galaxy Han and Chewbacca had to be on there. Sartoris is one of those characters you hate at first but does do something pretty heroic by the end of the book.  There is a ton of scenarios where we find our characters in some pretty scary spots and unfortunately one of the main cast does die off (he went out like a boss).  There’s also this Delphanian prisoner named Aur Myss who I wished could’ve been more important to the story.  He’s got this rivalry with the Longos and it would’ve been cool to see them have to work together to survive. (4 out of 5)

Audio: Really loved the voice performances and sound design behind the reading.  Random House deserves a thumbs up from the high production value put into this audiobook.  Really enjoyed the narration by Sean Kenin.  Fans of the series will hear familiar music and sound ripped from the franchise. (5 out of 5)

Writing:  I really appreciated the writing and Joe Schreiber really brings something new to the Star Wars mythos.  I thought it was well-written, the description rich with context but not overblown.  The characterization is exceptionally strong.  The overarching theme is horror but it manages to have great action, a crap load of suspense, and some surprisingly moving moments between the characters.

The focus on the zombies themselves isn’t sloppy but actually focused.  The infection and the zombies are responsible for a lot of death (and believe me there is a ton of it) and violence but it’s in a consistent way.  There is a lot of tension when it comes to the zombies and their origins because they’re unique and mysterious and I like how Schreiber keeps readers guessing.  It has this really creepy Deadspace vibe to it that makes it scary. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Death Troopers (Star Wars Legends) is freaking awesome thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.  I really appreciated the audio production and can honestly say that this will appeal to fans of the Star Wars mythos as well as zombie freaks.  Outside of what could’ve been a rushed ending, the story is great, characters great, descriptive quality writing, great audio production, and great narration.  Death Troopers (Star Wars Legends) gets 4 out of 5.