Most Wanted by Rae Carson

Most Wanted by Rae Carson
     This is a fabulous tale showcasing Han, Qi'ra, and a new Rodian friend named Tsuulo taking on the underworld of Corellia. It is a super easy read as the whole book takes place on one planet and there are only three main characters. No skipping timelines or jumping from plotline to plotline--just a straightforward ride. I enjoy both types of literary journeys but this one benefitted from its format. It's also a junior reader but I feel like in Star Wars print media it's often difficult to tell the difference between adult books and teenage books...except for Last Shot...and this book was no different.
     We get a more inside view of the White Worms gang and learn more about Rebolt (the guy with the Corellian hounds) which was a cool side note. We also get a much deeper look into both Qi'ra and Han. Qi'ra has a very difficult time trusting people and is loathsome to call anyone a friend. She is calculating and always on the look out for a good plan. Han on the other hand loves making connections with people...and droids...and is all about improvisation. The two humans butt heads quite a bit in the beginning and neither really likes the other all that much. Tsuulo is the first to use the friend label to describe the three of them and it strikes Qi'ra oddly when she hears him say the word, but she deep down knows it to be true. It was so beautiful watching Qi'ra evolve into a more trusting and loving person as the novel progressed...even though we know she doesn't completely change, as the person in Solo was truly only out for herself in the end. It was also neat to see that Han really is a good guy underneath all his tough exterior. He truly cares about others and not just himself despite what he might have wanted Luke and Leia to believe in the Original Trilogy. Over the course of the book we get a sense for how the annoyance between Qi'ra and Han led to friendship and then led to the romance we see in the movie. Such a fun thing to watch love bloom.
     As for the plot, Han and Qi'ra have both been tasked with different aspects of the same mission with the promise that if they come out the other end successfully, the victor will receive the title of Head Child of the White Worms. Unfortunately, Lady Proxima doesn't quite know what she's gotten herself into and all hell breaks loose very soon after the mission begins. The Kaldana Syndicate and the Droid Gotra play significant roles in the story as well with one of Han's friends being a member of the latter. Han seems to support the idea of droid rights in this story but toward the end sees how devoid of sentient emotion the droids actually are and as we know comes to fear the Droid Gotra in Last Shot. It was interesting to see his first introduction to the group.
     Trivia: The sun of the Corellian system is Corell.
     This really was a romping good time and getting to know Han and Qi'ra in their younger years was a joy. Tsuulo was an added benefit and I absolutely fell in love with his character. According to Wookieepedia, this novel takes place pretty much right before Solo takes off. We get to see the beginnings of a need to leave the White Worms for both Qi'ra and Han and the beginnings of plans to do so. If you're looking for a simple book that delves deeper into one of our old favorite characters and one of our new favorite characters, then you should definitely check this one out!!

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