Star Wars: Sanctuary- A Bad Batch Novel Review
“Star Wars: Sanctuary- A Bad Batch Novel” fits right in with the animated series.
Written by Lamar Giles (who is making his Star Wars debut here), “Star Wars: Sanctuary- A Bad Batch Novel” takes place after the events of season 2 episode 13 (“Pabu”). After Pabu is damaged by a groundquake and sea wave, the island village is in need of expensive repairs. Clone Force 99/Bad Batch members Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, and Omega decide to take on some con jobs with pirate Phee Genoa in order to earn funds for the repairs. that include stealing an artifact from an illegal Hosnian Prime auction, transporting 2 Imperial fugitives (Kuuto and the pregnant Sohi) to Felucia, and dropping off the artifact on Dallow to a client. In typical Bad Batch fashion, these missions do not go as planned and the team find themselves facing off against a rich and vicious loudmouth developer with a God complex (Cellia) who has friends in high places and an IBS agent (Crane) who is searching for Sohi for personal reasons. On the subject of Sohi, she and Kuuto are not who they appear to be which further complicates the missions.
After “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” wrapped its run, many fans were left wanting more adventures from the fugitive defective clone squad. Now, they get their wish with this novel that truly feels like a bonus episode of the animated series.
While it perhaps would have been preferable to see a novel set after the events of the final season as there is so much to explore there, it’s quite possible that timeline was off limits as it could be explored in a future animated series or project. Instead, we get a novel that takes place during the events of the second season. Now, some fans may argue this is a slight story that feels like a one-off adventure and that’s perfectly valid. At the same time, that’s also part of its appeal. It does feel like an additional stand-alone episode featuring the Bad Batch (minus Echo and Crosshair) on a series of planet hopping adventures complete with surprises, deceptions, spies, and danger. Not only does author Lamar Giles perfectly capture the characters, but you can practically hear the voice actors talking in your mind (assuming you are familiar with the animated series).
Where Giles really shines here is with the new material. There’s a plethora of layered new characters who deepen the story overall. ISB agent Crane, the wealthy mad Cellia, and the ultra secretive Sohi and Kuuto are welcome additions to the Bad Batch universe.
Of course, the fan favorite characters all have their moments here. You get Phee and Tech flirting, Hunter having to learn how to become more of a team player instead of being obsessed with leading missions and making all of the decisions, Omega bonding with creatures, and a rather big cameo that will thrill Star Wars fans. You’ll just have to pick up a copy to see who that is.
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