Rating: 
Summary: The Best of ALL Licensed Fiction
Review: I have to admit: I read a lot of licensed fiction. I've got a BA in English so I "should" be reading "real" novels. Most of the time I just read licensed fiction because I love the shows or movies so much I want to immerse myself in the various universes. I don't expect much from these novels, just a tight, exciting plot and consistent chracterization. The New Jedi Order series has met these expectation. However, "Traitor" far exceeded any expectations I've EVER had for this type of novel. It challenged me in so many ways: emotionally, spiritually, mentally. I know this is a strange comparison, but this novel challenged me in the same ways as The Autobiography of Malcolm X did when I first read it in my freshman year of high school. It was that GOOD. This novel belongs on the same shelf as my copies of The Godfather, Dune, Lord of the Rings, Autobiography of Malcolm X, The Collected Stories of EA Poe, 2001, The Left Hand of Darkness, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Odyssey, etc. I would not be in the least bit ashamed to lend this book to a friend and tell him/her "to prepare for a great read."
Rating: 
Summary: Jacen's return
Review: "Traitor" continues the pattern of the 'New Jedi Order' novel series taking unique directions with stories. It's a pattern that has set it apart from the 45 pre-NJO Star Wars novels that came before. Death of major characters and destruction of critical planets and cities have already made their mark in these novels and made their impact on the reader. "Traitor" keeps the dark story elements in place with the return of Jacen Solo to the forefront of the story arc for the first time since the horrific battle in "Star by Star". It involves deep personal soul-searching on Jacen's part, horrific torture inflicted by the Yuuzhan Vong, and a unique deconstruction of all previous notions of the 'Force'
As most readers remember, Jacen was captured by the Yuuzhan Vong at the end of "Star by Star" with an assist by the enigmatic creature Vergere. "Traitor" deals with his imprisonment and very graphic torture at the hands of the Vong. Vong Warmaster Tsavong Lah wants Jacen used to help capture his twin Jaina, so that Lah can perform the ultimate sacrifice to the gods to ensure victory in their war with the New Republic. Scheming executor Nom Anor suggested and was made responsible for converting Jacen to the Vong way of thinking. Jacen endures some horrific torture, but with Vergere's 'help', is able to focus on pain as merely an annoyance and embrace it rather than fight it. Vergere, a enigmatic and unknown Jedi seemingly in the employ of the Yuuzhan Vong, oversees Jacen's 'education'. One moments she seems as though she is thoroughly committed to assisting the Vong in their aims, while the next moment she seems to be trying to help Jacen overcome to the torture and become strong again. Her loyalties are very much in doubt and "Traitor" plays this angle perfectly so that the reader can't ever really predict what happens next.
To avoid spoiling some of the great plot developments, no great detail will be revealed here. It's safe to say, however, that the reader will be quite intrigued with the direction this story takes and the potential for where the future of NJO series will lead. There is even greater exposition of the inner workings of Yuuzhan Vong society and technology with the introduction of a creature called a 'world brain'. There are also many haunting scenes that take place on the ruined world of what was once the seat of New Republic, Coruscant. The imagery created in "Traitor" and thought-provoking story elements make this book a necessary addition the Star Wars library.
Rating:
Summary: One day, one of The Great Books
Review: One hundred years from now, if there is one Star Wars book still read, it will be this one. Truly gripping, profound, and deeply meaningful work. The protagonist undergoes a journey within, confronting several jarring microcosms, which are as fascinating, excrutiating, and enlighting as anything similar in all of literature. The reader is taken along this emotional, compelling journey of discovery -- and ultimately finds deep truths of a personal and societal nature. Specifically, the (anti-?)hero confronts the problems of pain -- physical, emotional, and the pain of others -- and reaches surprising, and rewarding conclusions, right up to the last page. A true classic in every sense. A must read, not only for fans of Star Wars, but for any who love deep, enriching, and exciting reading. Including all the books which lead to a M.A. in Literature/Humanities, this is perhaps the best, most enlightening book of fiction that I have ever read. I have re-read it several times now, and -- I'm as serious as a heart attack here -- this book is absolutely gripping and profound. As one who has searched many years for answers to my own pain, as well as that of others, this is my personal favorite of all fiction... Excellent in every way.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Star Wars novels ever written
Review: Being a very loyal fan of the Star Wars universe, I, of course, purchased Traitor ' the thirteenth book in the New Jedi Order series ' the very first day, and digested the book promptly thereafter. The first thought that entered my mind after setting the book down for the final time, was simply 'This is one of the best Science Fiction novels I have every read!' That opinion has not changed since.
Traitor is unlike any Star Wars novel ever written. Instead of making the book into the usual Sci-Fi Action story, Mathew Stover did something different. Instead of making his novel a science fiction story, he made his novel science fiction literature. Stover trades blaster battles, and star fighter scrimmages, for the deeper and more meaningful moral riddles and emotional nuances that make a book great.
The novel centers on Jacen Solo, teenage son of the middle-aged Han Solo and Leia Organa, whom had been missing for the last three NJO novels. And through the book we journey with Jacen through his explorations of philosophy. Where, in previous novels, Jacen's philological questions came off as annoying, in Traitor Stover masterfully transforms that adolescent whining into sophisticated reflection.
One oddity I feel I should mention is the surprisingly small cast of characters in this book. Whereas most Star Wars novels have 15-20 characters, Traitor has barely four. This does not damage the story conversely...it probably improves it. Instead of having to follow the multiple adventures of the normal Star Wars crew, in Traitor you only have to pay attention to one: Jacen's. This factor greatly enhances the reader's understanding of Jacen. It's 300 pages of one man, and his struggle to free himself from the clutches of the Yuuzhan Vong.
Rating:
Summary: STAR WARS with Depth
Review: This is one of the best installments in the NJO series. I'm glad TRAITOR has thus far rated 4.5 stars, because it deserves it. Ordinarily I'd want to see a larger backdrop and more characters, and this installment is unique in that there are only a handful of characters and the locations are just a couple. When I read the 'dramatis personae' I was initially disappointed but now I know TRAITOR is refreshing for its uniqueness. It brings out the best elements of the NJO series--dark drama and philosophical thought. I don't necessarily agree with the moral viewpoints of all the authors (I happen to be a Christian), but it's fantastic to see them grappling with the ramifications of George Lucas's Force concept. The NJO series is the "serious" storytelling that Lucas himself apparently could not produce. I would rather read one of the NJO books than watch a Star Wars movie (especially the new trilogy), if I was forced to make a choice. There isn't as much action in TRAITOR as in other installments of NJO, but that isn't its purpose. Its purpose is to explore the Force philosophy and engage in more extensive development of one particular character. TRAITOR accomplishes those goals easily. It both moved me and made me think. On the other hand, the action scenes that are here are handled deftly by Stover; they are gripping and they serve a highly dramatic purpose rather than appearing just because the author thought, "Well, I need an action scene now." In other words, the action scenes arose naturally from Jacen's personal development; his changing character *caused* the action. I really found myself enjoying Stover's narrative style as well as his command of dialogue, and he transitions easily between action and talking scenes.
Rating:
Summary: A Solo Found, A Jedi Lost
Review: At long last the mystery of what happened to Jacen Solo is answered. Having disappeared with the mysterious Vergere in 'Star by Star,' and virtually ignored ever since, the fate of Jacen is the central element of 'Traitor.' Vergere has decided to teach Jacen a thing or two about the force. Midway through the book, I began to ask myself, why did she have to kidnap him and take him to the Yuuzhan Vong to do this? However, by the end of the novel, I was satisfied that this is what had to happen to Jacen. Jacen undergos some incredible growth in this novel. First off, he is no longer the whining, unsure son of Han and Leia. He is still introspective, but he begins to find answers. Usually, this comes after an unforgettable lesson or riddle from Vergere. One of the more clever elements of this novel, which puts in the realm of good literature, is the treatment of the word 'Traitor.' Stover does an incredible job of making the reader re-evaluate where the title of this novel comes from. Its not as black and white as it would seem in various parts of the novel. In fact, having finished the novel, I'm still kind of wondering. Almost every Solo has had a novel featuring them in the series so far. The only one left out is Leia. Of all the stories, Anakin's was the best in 'Edge of Victory I: Conquest.' What frustrated me about 'Traitor' was there was no real sense of adventure. Star Wars has been about action and adventure. That is not to say that I don't enjoy the turn to the more cerebral, but this book read more like a general science fiction novel than a Star Wars novel. All that being said, I did enjoy this novel, and I'm glad I read it. I would recommend it to anyone that has been following the New Jedi Order series. For those that haven't started on the series yet, I would recommend going back and reading a few of the prior novels before this one.
Rating:
Summary: TRAITOR
Review: This is an incredible book. i can't say enough good things about it. Jacen is finally done some justice. They have been portraying him as a weak idiot, and finally he is developed into a great character. the inclusion of ganner, a favorite character of mine, really made the book. Vergere was an awesome character, and has become the new yoda. the way she spoke in riddles, and tought jacen was harsh but effective. the book really tied up a lot of loose ends as well. i recommend thid book to all
Rating:
Summary: A thought provoker
Review: This story has had me thinking about what the Force is really about. Stover really gets you to think if the Force is really what everyone says it is, or if there is more to it then what is taught. Well the only one that can answer that one is Mr. Lucus himself, but that is another story. I almost finished with this one, and as like the other ones, this has me reading it for hours, or for as long as I have free time. It really grabs you.
Rating:
Summary: absolutely amazing
Review: Its got everything that you want in great literature. It has struggle, hope, despair, and mystery. Vergere is mysterious but amazing nonetheless. Jacen's internal conflicts made the book, but the action sequences were written beautifully. Thank Mr. Stover for this literature and above all a work of art.,
Rating:
Summary: One for the Ganner
Review: This book has a much more pensive air than the others of this series. That doesn't mean that the novel is without action, but in general the pace is more relaxed. Except relaxed isn't really the appropriate word. The beginning of the book consists largely of Jacen being tortured and, during his brief respites, conversing with the enigmatic Vergere, whose allegiance is finally revealed in the end of the novel. These conversations are largely theological and based on the nature of the Force. It's heady stuff, and the highbrow narrative style doesn't help matters. I, however, really liked the new ideas of the Force put forth by Vergere. Both characters seem to switch sides multiple times, with first Vergere, then Jacen, then Vergere again seeming to fall in with the Vong. And then there's Ganner Rhysode. Ganner is where the action comes in. I never liked the man; he was arrogant and vain, and I just hated him. But after this novel, he's one of my favorite Expanded Universe characters. And Vergere's "vision" at the end...wow. I'm not entirely certain I like who Jacen has become (he's like a cross between Neo and Simon Bolivar), but I think I can adjust to his new persona. One thing is certain: he's not a child anymore.
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