Rating: 
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: While the overall story idea was interesting, the execution was terrible. The writing was poor, the characters did not behave in a manner that fits with their personalities as displayed in the original films, and did I mention that the writing was laughable. If you are looking for a well written novel set in the Star Wars universe with an involving story I would suggest either the Thrawn Trilogy or the Hand of Thrawn Duology both by Tim Zahn
Rating: 
Summary: Good book
Review: Shadow of the empire was a good addition to the Star Wars universe. I found this book to have a good plot, with another evil nemise in the name of Prince Xizor. The idea of havig two individuals competing against each other for the emperior's favor was something new and refreshing. I like the character Prince Xizor, as he tries to weave the rebels in to thinking he's trying to help them free Han Solo, while trying to kill Luke Skywalker. Darth Vader knows he has a rival in the prince, and looks to find his treachery. Overall the story moves along very well with the right amount of action and storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read book for any Star Wars fan!
Review: This book is a must for any Star Wars fan. Focusing on the time frame between Empire and Jedi, this book follows our heros, along with a new friend -Dash Rendar-, as they try to save Han Solo from the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Action-packed and suspensful, this book is a superb example of the "expanded" universe of Star Wars.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I liked the book alot. It answered alot of questions I had and it was very funny at times.
Rating: 
Summary: A shallow, corporate effort
Review: While I liked parts of this book (especially the beginning) and felt Xizor to be a decent villain, this book can't compare to the better Star Wars novels published. Many parts of this book were included only because the committee overseeing the entire "Shadows of the Empire" project (the book, video game, comic, toys, etc ...) told Perry to do so. It is obvious that certain chapters were written to justify part of a video game or a new plastic vehicle to sell in the toy stores. This is an intolerable way to tell a story and probably the reason "The Phantom Menace" disappointed so many as well. As for specific elements of the story, I agree that Dash Rendar is a shallow version of Han Solo and his insertion into the Battle of Hoth was anything but seamless. Guri was fairly interesting but the huge disappointment was the ending. The battle scene finale could not have been more unrealistic or poorly written. I'm guessing the great number of positive reviews posted earlier are from children who have read the book after playing the video game. They seemed to have found it entertaining but after having their minds numbed by am simplistic, arcade-style game, I would guess that nearly anything would seem thoughtful by comparison.
Rating:
Summary: Great STAR WARS book
Review: This book has it all . Every thing from blowing the crap of TIE Fighters to Dash Rendar beating the crap out of swoop gangs . Plus it is the only STAR WARS book with empreror Palpatine and Darth Vader because the setting is between "The Empire Strikes Back " and "Return of the Jedi"
Rating:
Summary: It was a really cool book
Review: It was interesting to see Darth Vader have an enemy that is also evil. I was looking forward to seeing how Vader got rid of Xizor.
Rating: 
Summary: Good fill-in between episodes, plus...
Review: I agree with the above reviewer that this is a solid rather than outstanding book. Prince Xizor is basically a solid and interesting character. It was good to share the focus with the independent crime elements in the galaxy, of which there surely must have been some, instead of focusing solely on the Rebellion and Empire. It's nice, of course, to have the time between "Empire" and "Return" filled in. One thing that stood out for me was the insight you get on Vader in this book. You get a much better feel for his place of power in the Empire, his relationship with Luke and the Emporer, and his hopes, desires, and struggles. Got a look inside that mask a bit, so to speak. Other than that, the story and writing were average science fiction of about 3 stars.
Rating:
Summary: This book ruled
Review: I loved this book. It was a lot better than Its counterpart, the other SW:SOTE. But I played the game first and read the book second, so I was dissapointed at some parts, Why couldn't you play Luke in the game. Besides, what Dash Rendar did was a little raw, and dull.
Rating:
Summary: Highly entertaining
Review: It's nice to have the gap between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi filled in. Granted, this is the first and only Star Wars book I've read, but I enjoyed it.
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