Rating: 
Summary: What the ? ? ?
Review: By now you probably know, so what's the deal? Was it just me, or did the supporting characters not really react the way they should have to the shock? Why wasn't Han's response focused on more? Because the author didn't have enough time to develop things. Although the book is dramatic, I felt this was a shock for shock's sake. I wasn't outraged, but I agree that one of the strongest characters in the book was just starting to develop and then snuffed out. Denning tried to cram too much, too fast. A plot like this needs to be spread out over many books. It's not the loss; it's the prematurity of the character in contrast to the prematurity of the plot climax and frankly the seeming prematurity of the writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Dark, but a good story
Review: First off, I have to say, that this is probably one of the darker books to come out of the Star Wars series. However, that said, this is probably also one of the better ones to come along. Denning has been given plenty of time to develop characters, and does so quite well. It's also refreshing to see the Jedi finally starting to do something. While some have argued that the death of a major *koff* character ruins the book, it propels things forward in a manner similar to the death of Chewbacca in Salvatore's Vector Prime. Don't let the length or dark tone of the book scare you off, the book is too good to skip.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, but.....
Review: I give Star By Star, perhaps the most pivotal book in the New Jedi Order series thus far, 5 stars because it is extremely well written, and that fact can't be ignored. But there is a part about this book of which I am unsure of. The killing off of a major character was put to work in Vector Prime, and it certainly put a spin on things. I can understand why the author put this tidbit in, but I'm not sure that it will settle too easily with fans. It cure does give all of the characters something new to think about, but it twists the series in a new direction, especially in the case of Jaina Solo's current mindset. Many characters are lost in this book, and it really is somewhat depressing to read, but it's a great book should be read by anyone interested in the New Jedi Order series.
Rating:
Summary: Star By Star (Star Wars: The Jedi New Order, Book 9)
Review: The loss of Anakin was as big and unexpected of a shock as when we lost Chewbacca last year. I had viewed him having a rich, albeit difficult, path to follow. Yet our loss of this child keeps the Star Wars Universe in perspective. No one is immune. The characters will undoubtably change, as they must, and in time I am certain we will learn/discover the more complete story as to why the Yuzhan Vong left their galaxy to find ours. Already we read of the great cracks within their society - the outcasts standing up, worldships dying, and treachery and falsehoods within their upper-ranks.
Yes, I rate this novel as superb! I could not set it aside until every page was read. I look foreward to all of the sequels to come, so I may know what destiny has in store for our galaxy and heroes. Remember, the Empire could not have been defeated and the New Repbulic firmly established without a changing of the guard; regardless how promising a future the individual had. (Hence Han's long depression and seperation from his family immediately after Chewbacca's death. He then realized exactly how unsafe and unforgiving the galaxy can be.) The original heros and their kin are not excluded from the consequences. It is life. It is the way of Star Wars.
Rating:
Summary: Dark Book fits Dark Times
Review: Well I must say that the loss of Anakin Solo was a huge dissapointment. Many authors have spent many hours creating this carachter. Not the least to mention all of the hints that Anakin would succede as a Jedi whereas his granfather (Darth Vader) failed. Many would say Anakin did not fail as a Jedi, the argument is he himself did not fail, the Charachter itself failed. All this great writing gone to waste because what in my opinion was Troy Dennings grab for a little noteriety. Yes garbage happens but to lose faithful NJO readers is even a greater tradgedy.
Rating:
Summary: What happened to Star Wars?
Review: I have read the whole NJO series and feel that this was the best written in style, but as for the plot, quite infuriates me. Loss of a major charactor and my personal favorite, was going too far. I agree with other reviews when I too wonder how George Lucas could let the authors tear this world he created apart piece by piece. The new warriors are designed and developed greatly, but if they were so undefeatable, why was it necessary to leave their own region and invade another. In each of the books so far there has only been death and destruction. No ray of hope. I too will no longer buy the books in this series. The writers have gone too far away from the real Star Wars family. Pretty soon there won't be any of the original Star Wars charactors left.
Rating:
Summary: doubly disappointed
Review: I read the review of "disappointed" and I have to agree. The novel does have your elements of adventure, danger and tragedy, but unless there is going to be a rebirth of Anakin Solo at the end of the series, his death was a complete waste of a character that was just beginning to fill out and showed so much promise. In past books, there were allusions made to his strength in the force, and to how important he was to become. Yet, he was killed off so easily. The author was extremely shortsighted, and at the expense of the development of a truly interesting character, decided to instead make a name for himself. One lasting ingredient of the Star Wars series, however hokey, was the endurance of the Skywalker and Solo families. Yet, in this series alone, both Chewbacca (also killed off in a rather ridiculous manner) and now Anakin Solo have been eliminated. I continue to read the series because I've invested so much time and money. But if the main characters are going to be eliminated for the personal glory of authors who have been lucky enough to be a part of the star wars saga, then I can't see the point in continuing to buy a product that is just going to be ruined over time.
Rating: 
Summary: Depressing at best...
Review: It's been over 3 months since I read this book and I'm still upset. After investing YEARS of time (and money) into these characters through books and movies, it was extremely shocking to lose a character with so much potential---Anakin Solo. Feeling rather like a contemporary of Han and Leia's, their children have grown up with mine; I've mentioned their names to my kids and attempted to explain the universe of Star Wars beyond their only knowledge which is of Episode One. I think I felt betrayed as I bought this book without checking the reviews---I was anxiously waiting for it to hit the stores and couldn't wait to read it. Strangely, up until Anakin's death, I was totally immersed in the action---there were hits and misses with things (a very negative storyline for one), but I was enjoying the growth of the Solo children---thinking, foolishly, that they would be the next "generation" of heroes to read about. Anakin's death felt abrupt and disjointed---I also checked the end to be sure he really was dead. Then I tossed the book on a shelf---where it still sits, not completely read. I can't bring myself to continue reading about losses like these---I want my heroes pure and untainted (also a big problem with this series) and living, if not forever, then at least a good, long while...
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: Star by Star is by far the best novel next to R.A Salvatore's journey in the SW Universe with Vector Prime. SbS is also the longest novel to date that I know of. If you are really into the NJO and want to know what happens next, you must buy this book. I couldn't put it down. It gets you going and the next thing you know, three days have passed. So if you really are looking for a non stop action novel in the SW Universe, buy this novel. It won't let you down.
Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointed
Review: I read this book and have been an advid reader of star wars new jedi order and I must say that I am bit dissapointed with the killing of anakin solo. I am sure that it is important that there be a death to the jdei's elite but the selection wa poor in my opinion. He was dvelopning into such a huge character to have killed off in such a manner by a new author not sharing the vison of his predecessors. The over all plot was good and I hope if you a a reader are interested in seeing an incredible turn of events then the author succeded in its task. At this point yo umust read the book to understand the next series of books but be aware that storyline is flaky.
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