Rating: 
Summary: Now that's a Star Wars novel...
Review: Up until now, the 'New Jedi Order' era of the expanded universe of Star Wars has largely been centered on the Solos. This is to be expected as about half of the major characters in the expanded universe are Solos. The early novels were dominated by Han, then Anakin became the focus. Jaina took over in Elaine Cunningham's 'Dark Journey'. Aron Allston's 'Rebel Dream', the first novel in the 'Enemy Lines' duology, starts off focusing on the older and somewhat heroes of Wedge Antilles and Luke Skywalker.Acting to seize a victory and a staging ground against the Yuuzhan Vong after the fall of Coruscant, Wedge quickly moves his forces on Borleias, a nearby planet held by the Vong. Luke's Twin Suns squadron is one of many in Wedge's forces. Using superior tactics, the planet quickly falls. Not long after, the focus of the novel shifts...back to the Solos. Han and Leia arrive in the Falcon and Jaina shows up after the events in the Hape Cluster, as described in 'Dark Journey'. Much of the novel revolves around resolving some of the lingering issues surrounding Jaina that are left over from 'Dark Journey'. Tagging along with Jaina are the rogue Jedi Kyp Durron and Chiss Forces Commander Jag Fel. Fortunately, Allston finds away to blend the action sequences with the moments of introspection, preventing 'Rebel Dream' from lagging as much as 'Dark Journey' did at times. In addition, where many of the past 'New Jedi Order' novels tended to focus action around Force techniques, Allston manages to focus the action in starship and 'snub fighter' battles. This is one of the strengths of the novel, and a welcome change from many of the past novels that were overly concerned with Jedi and Force philosophy. In addition to tying up loose ends to past novels, 'Rebel Dreams' starts some new plot lines moving. Notably are the emerging relationships that have been hinted at in past novels between Jaina and Jag, and Jaina and Kyp. I won't give away details so as to not spoil the story. I will say it was refreshing to see some of these issues actually brought up with more substantive details. I wanted to give this novel five stars. However, I felt the action at the end of the novel wasn't as strong as the action at the beginning, so I took away a half star. I rounded down instead of up because I prefer to reserve five stars for novels that I am really excited about once I am done. I'd recommend this to anyone that has been enjoying the 'New Jedi Order' series, but would not recommend it as a starting point. I feel that 'Vector Prime', the first novel in the series, is the best starting point, even if it was eleven novels ago.
Rating: 
Summary: Fast, Fun and Engrossing
Review: This is easily the best NJO book to date. Why is it that the paperbacks tend to be so much more interesting than the hardcovers? Allston proves himself capable of handling a diverse cast with very reliable characterization. Thankfully, we get so much less exposition than readers had to suffer through in Denning's Star By Star (the most poorly written installment thus far, in my not-so-humble opinion). Where other NJO titles have fumbled in pacing and exposition, Allston excels. The engrossing , multi-layered plot keeps the readers guessing. The notion of Jaina as Trickster Goddess and the concept of a NEW Rebel alliance will win readers over. These plotlines are ripe with possibilities. Most importantly, Han, Leia, Jaina and Wedge are so well characterized that the relationships truly take a step forward. Highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: Great balance and edge-of-the-seat action
Review: I LOVED this book! Most of the other NJO books had a very bleak storyline, but this book kept it all in balance. There were only two things I was a bit ify about in this novel. One:I, like many other people, think Mara's character was a bit off the mark. She seemed to be a little bit too overprotective, no offense to Mr.Allston's writing ability.Two:It needed to be longer!! All of the characters were well written, with the exception of Mara, and I liked that they put Han Solo back on track. Some folks may object to this, but I really didn't like it when they killed Chewie and made Han go ballistic about it. Luke wasn't acting like some kind of Force-trained monk in this book.(Which you have to admit is admirable!)The Jaina and Jag gig was interesting, and I expected no more or less of that kind of stuff. Overall, this was a fast-paced, fact-filled, heartwarming action story.Thumbs up, Aaron Allston!(Personally, I can't wait for Rebel Stand!!)
Rating:
Summary: I believe Han Solo said it best with "YAHOO!"
Review: At last! after 10 volumes of the Jedi and their allies getting kicked around by the disgusting Yuuzhan Vong, they get to give back some of what they've been given! Plus, the little controvesy about Jaina Solo's relationships with Kyp Durron and Jag Fel are cleared up. (Whew!) Those who were mostly disappointed (such as myself) by the earlier books of the New Jedi Order series will be greatly uplifted by this. Read this and you'll wanna pick up a lightsaber and blaster and kick some Yuuzhan Vong posterior along with the heroes!
Rating:
Summary: A long time coming.
Review: Aaron Allston became one of my favorite authors when he began writing the Wraith Squadron series. Allston clearly excels at writing small fighter combat. I have anxiously awaited an author worthy of the New Jedi Order series. And now I we all have one. His combat sequences will keep you turning pae after page. For me, the outcome of this book has been a long time coming.
Rating:
Summary: this book rocks
Review: I loved this book. there was one problem in this book though- How in the world can Jaina like JAG. i mean i dispise him.(you guys will hate me for saying this but anyways)I think Jaina would do much better with Kyp. I don't see why some people don't like him. i mean i didn't like him THE HEIR TO THE EMPIRE triolgy but the rest of the time i thought he was cool.
Rating: 
Summary: It's hard to give a damn...but I read 'em anyway
Review: "Rebel Dream" is probably the best book in the New Jedi Order series. Our heroes clearly become and embrace being the underdogs again. But is it enough to redeem the series? Until Rebel Dreams I found it hard to give a damn about the events of the series, but read them out of love of Star Wars. Allston offers up a glimmer of hope in the idea of bringing back the Rebellion from the ashes of the fallen New Republic...but then fails to deliver those tactics anywhere in the book. Wedge and Tycho even admit in the heat of battle that they are going to use an Imperial tactic. Granted the way they say it was GREAT, but it wasn't what was suggested they do earlier in the book. The New Jedi Order has never really seemed to capture the feel of Star Wars for me. To their credit, the authors of the series have made some drastic changes, killed key characters, and taken chances. I applaud them for it! But at the same time the series seems to rely on these types of stunts to bring people back not a consistent, well written overall story with on going subplots. The series is all over the place. No one really seems to know what to do with the Jedi or what their role is. Where the Jedi Order of the Old Republic had constraints and rules that limit the power of its members, the New Jedi Order has factions and political struggles that just seem...confused. The Vong are an interesting enemy, but the series is starting to get that soap opera, circular, never ending directionless story. While I have no doubt that post Episode III the market will be full of amazing Star Wars books taking place in many different eras, I am left with the immediate question which is: can the New Jedi Order series last until 2005 or will the fans lose interest? To be honest I am waning. I can only hope Rebel Stand will help continue the ground work laid in Dreams and help the series find its place.
Rating:
Summary: Finnally!!!
Review: Alright, I love these books, that is plain and simple. Yet they've been quite droppy lately. The first light of hope came through Troy Denning's Star By Star.
Yet this book brakes the ice. I say a good book lets you fall in love with the chracters, even if they are bad. Throughout all the books you HATE Kip Durron. Hes such a dispicable chracter. Yet in this book you really like him. He is REALLY trying to turn around. You find him thinking about how much he ows Han Solo. Hes a good guy in this book.
And the way the auther writes and formats his chapters is excelent!You look with surprise as you start the second chapter, the first showing them to occuppy Borealis, it says onthe top: Borealis Occupation, Day 1.
There are only two flaws this book has. 1:The goddes thing. They accually treat Jania like a goddess! It gets really anouying! 2:Jania's relationship with Jagged Fel. At the end of Dark Jouney Jania addmits she likes Jag. Yet at the biggining of this book, she treats him like dirt again!!! At the endish of the book, you cant help saying, "Finnaly!!!"
Yet, overal this is probably the best book in the series so far. I highly recomend it!
Rating:
Summary: A turning point in the war
Review: At 304 pages, Rebel Dream is one of the more action packed novels in the series and actually begins to develop multiple story threads that finally seem to push the overall New Jedi Order series forward. The author takes a different approach in presentation: Rebel Dream reads more like a day by day journal of events, as each chapter and important paragraph begins by identifying the day and location during the Borleias occupation. Borleias is the system in which General Wedge Antilles retakes from the Vong after the fall of Coruscant and establishes a very prominent last stand base for the New Republic forces. His goal is twofold: 1) Bring moral back to the New Republic, and 2) Taunt the Vong and have the war come to him. Seeing that the author has previous experience in the SW universe especially with his novels revolving around Rouge Squadron, characters such as Antilles, Tycho, and others is second nature and well done. Jaina Solo, Jedi Kyp Durron and pilot Jag Fel form a formidable trio as Jaina further assumes the role of the Vong trickster goddess and wreaks havoc on the various Yuuzhan forces sent to capture her. And finally, after be teased about for so long, an actual love triangle begins to develop among Jag and Jaina and how Kyp plays into this. Lando is back as is his new droid sidekick, YVH1-1A lead a mission back to fallen Coruscant delivering a covert Jedi strike team consisting of Luke, Mara, Tahiri and others. Leia and Han's relationship seems back on track and they perform missions back to Maw installation, with young Tarc (the Anakin look alike) in tow. Meanwhile Wedge's creation of an inner circle of trusted military advisors soon becomes the focus and they begin to hint to the Vong of a new super weapon and finally the Emperor's Hammer. However, they need to be careful, it seems a traitor is in the ranks, and the Vong may have an inside line. Lastly we see the seeds sown of distrust for Tsavong Lah (the Vong warmaster) and soon he begins to suspect that he has his own conspirators to deal with. I would have liked to have seen a bit more Yuuzhan Vong dealings, especially the growing discord of warmaster Lah and his minions...hopefully this will flesh out in the next installments. In the end, Rebel Dream has finally put some action back into the New Jedi Order series that seemed a bit lacking in the last few attempts.
Rating:
Summary: There is light at the end of the tunnel........
Review: The first 10 books in the NJO were increasing dark and depressing. This book sets the stage for what will hopefully be a full reversal of fortune for the New Republic. In many ways this book reminded me of the Empire Strikes Back, the Vong are still on the rampage but....the New Republic is not done yet. The writer covers a lot of ground in this one including increased roles for Wedge and Lando. Its a fast read and it left me wanting more. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
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