Rating: 
Summary: Episode I & II bridge
Review: With so many authors penning novels and stories in the Star Wars universe over the past few years, the field of thought provoking and enjoyable science fiction novels among the Skywalker line is has become quite muddy. But Greg Bear's novel rises from the murkiness and shine's upon it's own.What Greg Bear has done here is introduce us to classic science fiction story telling. The aliens are quite different than most 'bi-pedal' creatures we are so familiar with. Mr. Bear also goes far in detailing different environments, culture's, and philosophies, making us realize that we have been reading so many over-hashed similar stories that we forget how to use our imagination. Not here, we rediscover strange new worlds! Call it Phantom Menace 1.5, this novel takes place 3 years after Episode I. The focus of this novel is around Anakin and Obi-Wan, and not just in their traditional Master/Padawan role, but as friends and mutual respect for each other. Obi-Wan, more than ever before senses the un-measurable power within young Anakin and takes great pride in molding him in his adolescent life to being a Jedi. He often reflects on the teachings of his former Master Qui-Gon and see much of his former self in young Anakin and thus learns to appreciate the teachings of patience and understanding of all things alien. Obi-Wan, for all intents becomes a father figure. Anakin is a different story. We clearly see how far this boy has progressed over the last few years. It is amazing on what we as the reader can see just below the surface of this boys psyche and can understand on how one day he will become Dark Lord of the Sith. He skills develop daily, as does his aggressiveness. He still has the wonderment of a child, all the questions, but his yearning for adventure and his lack of patience 'will' be his eventual un-doing. A surprise character takes on a semi-major roll here. We are introduced to a young W. Tarkin as we know one day will become the 1st Grand Moff from 'A New Hope'. There is great insight to his character here as we learn about his youth at the Republic Academy, how he has made some 'political changes' as of late and strives for a New Order, one in which Human's will dominate the galaxy. These all lend to the ideas of Chancellor Palpatine here and how this young Officer wants to make an impression on the political regime that is slowly forming. We see all see characters such as Mace Windu, (briefly), but in a more 'human' role, and other events taking place in the galaxy that lend to the development at Star Wars as we know it, and how things are shaping up in the future. (note: look at new weapons, the replacement of the battle droids, other political references and you'll see what I'm talking about). Finally, Greg Bear hints at another force outside of the known galaxy. There is described a powerful race who uses organic technology and organic ships that one of the Jedi had taken upon herself to follow. This is mentioned in sparse sentences throughout the novel and all clues indicate that this force will become known as the Yuuzhan Vong that will menace the New Republic many years after the Empire has fallen.
Rating: 
Summary: A Long Time Ago.......
Review: This is a bad book. The story is slow, the characters are bland and the outcome was totally predictable. It is apparent that George Lucus has no desire to continue this series anywhere beyond what he has stated. Long time SW fans have better get used to books that generally go nowhere, much like this book. I think everyone knows what will happen between The Phantom Menace and Return Of The Jedi. What is the point?
Rating: 
Summary: CHARACTER DEVELOPEMENT AND THEN SOME
Review: THIS WAS EASILY ONE OF THE BEST STAR WARS BOOKS. THEY GAVE A LOT OF BACKGROUND ON THE CHARACTERS, DETAIL ON WHAT THEY WERE THINKING AND MUCH INSIGHT INTO THEIR HOPES AND FEARS OF THE FUTURE. THIS BOOK PROVES THAT PHILOSOPHY AND DEVELOPEMENT CAN HOLD IT'S OWN WITHOUT TONS OF ACTION. HOPEFULLY EPISODE II WILL FIND A WAY TO BRING ACTION AND CHARACTER DEVELOPEMENT TOGETHER PERFECTLY. GET THIS BOOK.
Rating:
Summary: How Could Anybody Like This Book?
Review: This is the worst Star Wars novel I have read yet. The relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan was poorly displayed, as the author made Obi-Wan a meidocre, inexperienced, weak Jedi. The dark side of Anakin is too obvious. Tarkin is not even interesting. The storyline was boring and confusing, with very little action. In all, the book had weak dialogue, poor character development, and a weak plot. Would not recommend this book to anybody to read...hey, I was on a plane from California, and the ride felt longer reading this bad book. For anyone dying to read it, wait for the paperback.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVED IT!
Review: I waited 5 days for htis book to come UPS, and It was well worth the wait. I loved how the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin was almost like father-son! I loved how it started off with Anakin in trouble! Being a HUGE Obi-Wan fan, I found myself wishing that Obi-Wan could be the chosen one instead of Anakin, and I HATED when Anakin bragged! I loved the book and loved Obi-Wan in it (A PERFECT JEDI KNIGHT! ) A must read for ANY Star Wars fan!
Rating:
Summary: Wow - surprisingly good
Review: The Star Wars books are not exactly associated with literary greatness in my mind. The first ones were reasonably good (Kathy Tyres was quite good; Zahn could be rather tiresome occasionally, but was always a good read), but things went downhill rather quickly starting when they allowed Keven J. Anderson to set pen to paper, never a good idea. So anyway, I haven't been back to Star Wars books in quite some time - apparently, I picked a good time to try again. Unlike previous installments, this book is not obsessed with super-weapons and cartoon heros, but gives fair play to actual dialog, characters, and plot. Mr. Bear has done an outstanding job of capturing the characters of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. As an added bonus, this is not just another serial but adds some useful and interesting back-story to the Phantom Menace, and should temporarily sate the appetites of those of us waiting with a certain measure of impatience for Episode II. It's not perfect, and certainly isn't threatening to become literature or anything. The whole plot with the building of Anakin's and Obi-Wan's ship is extended a bit past its useful life, and the writing is somewhat uneven. But these are really quite minor quibbles; almost irrelevant, really, for what the book is trying to be. For the true Star Wars fan who has been disappointed with some of the recent dreck, the faithful characters and well-developed plot should more than enough.
Rating:
Summary: Hard words
Review: If you're a kid that's a star wars fan and you want to read this book, I think a grown up should read it with you if you don't understand. But if you want to know the storyline, don't ask me. I'm only on page 10.
Rating:
Summary: The Force was with him.
Review: I was thrilled to find another SW book to read, and very quicly bought it. I was, however, unsure about whether this was going be a glimmer a hope after the dark pit of screw ups in Episode I. I was delighted to discover that the Force must have been with Mr. Bear when he wrote this. He gives Anakin the depth that we knew had to be there, and the Dark Side shows its blackness a bit in that cute little kid. He give Obi-Wan the self-doubt that could lose a Padawan in the darkness that is the galaxy while the Old Republic begins its slow crumble. If you didn't guess already, I'm a huge SW fan. While this is not the most gripping of the series (I'm blown away by Vector Prime!), it is definitely worth a read. Things start to really come together, and I think that perhaps Greg Bear may have saved the first trilogy with this book. Things just make a lot more sense after reading this. Anakin is much more believable, Obi-Wan is obviously fallable, and the author even bothers to make connections to later in this trilogy and the events taking place after the next trilogy. Mr. Bear is a good writer, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who was worried that the next two movies might not cut it. It was a great way to waste my Saturday.
Rating:
Summary: It All Clears Up
Review: In the story given to you by the Phantom Menace and the knowledge that Anakin Skywalker eventually becomes Darth Vader you're left with a gap. You wonder how in the world a sandy-haired kid from Tatoinne could possibly become him when there is so much good in him. Here we come to a point where we see the anger in Anakin as he and Obi-Wan journey to a strange, but force-strong planet. The planet is almost alive you could say. On this planet ships are sold for enourmous rates that are the fastest in the galaxy, and bound to their owner by the force. On this planet Anakin releases anger in huge quantities, although he tries to control it. Anakin realizes his mistakes, and tries to help himself, but Obi-Wan is not yet a very adept Jedi. He does not see that Anakin is in trouble, as someone like Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan's master, would. This story is adept at filling in the blanks where Anakin becomes Darth Vader. It is a great book, although without much action.
Rating:
Summary: Silly Planet
Review: I will not repeat what has already been said that reflects poorly on this novel. All I do have to say is that if you liked the novelizaions of the movies, including the most recent, THE PHANTOM MENACE, you will NOT like this book. Mr. Bear seems to try too hard to add to the Star Wars universe and fails. The middle third of the book drags horribly and then the end is rushed and, I am sorry to say - silly. I cringe whenever I read a STAR WARS novel that feels "Star Trekie," and this one is the worst. If you go for that type of universe, be my guest. However, I feel ROGUE PLANET was a dissapointing sequel to the prequel. Mr. Bear should take some writing tips from Mr. Brooks!
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