Cover Artist: Paul Youll

This is the first book in the X-wing series of novels.

The Emperor and Darth Vader are dead and the Empire is dying. The Rebel Alliance now calls itself the New Republic and the task at hand is to free the galaxy from the grip of tyranny that still holds sway. Wedge Antilles, the only man to fly against two Death Stars and survive, is assigned to resurrect Rogue Squadron (once named Red Squadron) to be used as a symbol of the New Republic. Through many dangerous assignments, this squadron will become the head of the spear pointed directly at the heart of the dying Empire, Coruscant itself. Not every pilot will survive, but several may go on to become the new heroes of the Republic.

This book is one of several that became my gateway to the Star Wars expanded universe. I still remember being a starving college student in 1999 and standing in the bookstore with my wife, explaining that I only wanted to buy this one series. I've come a long way since then. I've always enjoyed Michael Stackpole's Star Wars books, and this one introduced me to one of my two favorite characters, Corran Horn. I relate very well to this character because I see a lot of myself in him. For example we both have a strong sense of right and wrong, and we use that to try and make decisions that will be best for everyone. I truly admire the character and in a roundabout way, Corran was even an inspiration for my son's name, but you can read more about that in my commentary for "I, Jedi".