The Center Network

    Fresh off of the conquest of the Imperial Fortress Blackmoon, the Rebel Alliance and Rogue Squadron plan to use their new base as a jumping off point to stab into the heart of the Empire: Imperial Center aka Coruscant. However, the planetary shields of Coruscant and the threat of attack by autonomous give the Alliance Leaders pause. The decision is made to secretly insert Rogue Squadron to gauge the state of the planet and figure out a way to safely de-activate the planetary shields. Meanwhile, de-facto Imperial leader Ysanne Isard is planning a deadly surprise for the Alliance, one that promises to destroy the fledgling government and re-instate the Empire as the dominant force in the galaxy.

    If X-Wing Book 1 was the introduction to the personalities, equipment, and action of the series, Book 2: Wedge’s Gamble is the introduction to the plot. The struggle to liberate Coruscant takes Rogue Squadron out of the cockpits of their fighters and places them into spy and commando roles. The look into Imperial society and the threat of a traitor in the ranks of Rogue Squadron moves the story of the Rebels along. Their role as spies means there is less starfighter action in this book that the previous outing, but there is still enough shooting between Rebels and Imperials to sate any fans desire for combat. The most interesting elements of the plot come from the Imperial point of view. Isard continues to mold Kirtan Loor into a dangerous Intelligence Agent, all while trying to balance her plans with the knowledge of Rogue Squadron’s espionage, gleaned from a mysterious traitor within the Squadron. One cannot help but wonder how the Rebels will react to her plans, which sets an excellent stage for the third book of the series.

    X-Wing Book 2: Wedge’s Gamble may not be as literally explosive as the first book in the series, but in the grander scheme of things, it is the first few chapters of the series that follows the prologue that was the first book, and fully prepares the reader for the dramatics to come.