I unapologetically loved this book. Taking place after the events of A New Hope, it follows Han and Chewbacca on a rescue mission to find an important rebel ally after he escapes an Imperial ambush. They follow him to Cyrkon, but Imperial Security Bureau commander Alecia Beck is also in pursuit.

Beck might be my favorite thing about this book. I enjoyed getting inside the head of a high-ranking Imperial officer, and Rucka keeps her characterization human, compelling, and not without empathy. She's ruthless, but she doesn't feel like just a villain. I wanted to read more about her. Also, cybernetic eye? Let's be real, that's cool.

Beck's chapters balance nicely with those focusing on Han, whom Rucka writes with impressive skill. He captures Han's voice and Chewbacca's mannerisms well, and writes great interactions between the two.

Although categorized as juvenile fiction, Smuggler's Run reads a bit closer to YA. It's a fun way to revisit iconic characters in a new context and has intriguing secondary characters and settings. I would recommend it to Star Wars fans of all ages.