X-Wing: Isard's Revenge

X-Wing: Isard's Revenge is a novel from the Star Wars Legends continuity, penned by Michael A. Stackpole. It represents the eighth installment in the Star Wars: X-Wing novel series, initially hitting shelves in paperback format through Bantam Spectra on April 13, 1999. An abridged audiobook version was also made available to listeners.

Taking place in 9 ABY, the narrative picks up after the events of the preceding X-Wing book, X-Wing: Solo Command, and runs concurrently with the storyline of The Thrawn Trilogy. Aaron Allston later authored a sequel, X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar.

Publisher's summary

The X-wing fighters, renowned for their sleek design, rapid speed, and lethal capabilities, have rightfully earned their status as the Rebel Alliance's premier offensive force—proven through countless battles and serving as the ultimate defensive line. Now, they are faced with a perilous proposition: forging an alliance with the very embodiment of evil—an adversary whose ultimate aim is their complete and utter destruction.

This is the kind of undertaking that only Wedge Antilles and Rogue Squadron would have the audacity to attempt. Defying insurmountable odds, they will execute a daring incursion into the heart of enemy territory—only to find themselves rescued from certain doom by an unexpected benefactor. Ysanne Isard, the notorious Imperial commander, emerges seemingly from the shadows. She presents a most unconventional proposition: offering her assistance in rescuing Wedge's captured comrades from the clutches of Imperial Warlord Admiral Krennel's brutal prison camp. However, her offer comes at a steep price. Wedge must lead Rogue Squadron in Isard's perilous campaign against a foe that mirrors her own malevolence. It's an offer that Wedge would desperately like to decline, knowing that Isard is likely to betray them. But how can they abandon their comrades to Krennel's merciless treatment? The answer is simple: they cannot—even if it means finding themselves caught between Krennel's brutality and Isard's deceit.

Plot summary

Following the demise of Grand Admiral Thrawn during the Battle of Bilbringi, the New Republic launches operations aimed at dismantling the numerous warlords plaguing the galaxy. Admiral Krennel is designated as their primary target. Initially, the mission appears straightforward, but the situation takes a dramatic turn when Ysanne Isard reveals her survival and offers her services, using New Republic prisoners as leverage (these are the same prisoners with whom Corran Horn had previously spent time aboard the Lusankya). Despite initial victories against Krennel, the New Republic suffers significant political setbacks orchestrated by Krennel with Isard's assistance. Concurrently, Iella Wesseri and Mirax Terrik embark on an investigation into a series of peculiar occurrences and clues, ultimately uncovering a plot to ensnare Rogue Squadron.

Regrettably, their warning arrives too late for Rogue Squadron. During a mission, the Rogues are ambushed by a substantial force consisting of an entire wing (6 squadrons, totaling 72 fighters) of various TIE models. A squadron of TIE Defenders unexpectedly comes to their aid, enabling the Rogues to secure a victory, but not without incurring losses, including Janson, Asyr, and their two replacement pilots. It is then revealed that Isard orchestrated their rescue and that the Isard collaborating with Krennel is, in fact, a clone. She proposes a bargain with Wedge: in exchange for assisting the Rogues in defeating Krennel and liberating the Lusankya prisoners, she demands amnesty for all her past transgressions. Wedge is left with no alternative but to accept.

While the majority of the galaxy, including Krennel, believes Rogue Squadron to be deceased, Mirax discovers their continued existence when Whistler and Gate escape from Isard's base. Subsequently, the New Republic receives a communication from Wedge outlining the impending final assault on Krennel. During the battle, Isard betrays Rogue Squadron by withholding commando and fighter support. Corran makes the decision to land his Defender and personally liberate the prisoners, accompanied by Ooryl and Nrin Vakil. Fortunately, Admiral Ackbar, anticipating a trap, deployed covert reinforcements, including a substantial commando unit. Krennel and the Isard clone are killed during the conflict, and the Lusankya prisoners are freed.

Meanwhile, Isard utilizes her remaining forces in an attempt to seize the Lusankya, which had been captured by the New Republic during the Bacta War and had undergone extensive repairs. However, Iella and Mirax foresaw her intentions and successfully foiled Isard's scheme. Isard is killed during this confrontation.

At a celebratory gathering commemorating the successful campaign against Krennel, Janson, who survived Isard's ambush, is reunited with Rogue Squadron. Asyr, who also survived, chooses to keep her survival a secret, with the intention of returning to Bothawui to instigate positive change within Bothan society.

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