Rating: 
Summary: finished the book, and it's still average
Review: Okay, so I'd already felt that this book was barely above mediocre by the midway point and finishing the book only confirms my feeling.There are slow annoying parts, do all Star Wars writers use the same script for character development? It seems that way, Allston has his own style for characters and it still occasionally shows up but half the time Jaina is thinking in the book you could've substituted any lesser Star Wars writer and ended up with the same monologue! Allston does better with his characterization of the Vong, heh, by the end Taslong Lah is paranoid and the intrigue is more entertaining than Nom Anor and Vergere bickering like kids.
The plot is entertaining so I won't spoil it... too much. Some old friends (gee, I wonder who?) return in this novel though their positions as secondary characters mean that they're restricted to comic relief which ... since I liked them. The original Star Wars characters are in and out of the action which is nice, after 25 years they should take a bit of a break. Lando is cool in a way he hasn't been since... well, I really didn't notice him before but Allston actually made me care about him instead of imagining him being frozen in carbonite right after he left a scene. There are still massive problems and I finally realize what they are. Occasionally the characters' dialogue and monologues become generic, there's no sense of originality or verisimilitude, ANY Star Wars writer could write the characters with an equal amount of success. The Wraith Squadron novels didn't feel like this and I think it's because they did not have predefined responses laid out by canon while the people here need to continue through the novel without major alterations that would screw up later writers (I'm still wondering how they managed to kill Anakin) I know canon makes sure we don't have manic-depressives running all over the place but it seems to be preventing Allston from reaching his full potential (he is strong in the Force! i don't deny that!) Allston's humor is still there though it is muted, I guess because a war is going on but it is greatly appreciated, you've gotta respect a book that has this line: For the first time in years, Luke found himself facing an
opponent whose very nature made him waver in courage
and resolve: bureaucracy. Now that showcases one of Allston's greatest talent, making me laugh out loud. This is still a good book but I'm not sure if I'm buying the sequel; "The Stars My Destination" really was a great novel that towers over this when I wanted them to be equals. I hope Allston returns to his old style because that is what attracted me to his books in the first place, well him and Michael A. Stackpole.
Rating: 
Summary: great book
Review: Rebel Dream is a vast improvement over what has been offered recently to Star Wars fans. This book is fast paced, good character development, interesting story line - and no major characters were killed off. Aaron Allston delivered the story with his usual flair for humor, action, emotion. Keep it up!
Rating:
Summary: The tide begins to shift
Review: Aaron Allston's duology will probalby begin to turn the tables on the deadly Vong. With the republic's capital world gone and the galaxy all but conquerred our hereos, mainly Luke, Mara Lando Wedge and other key characters from passed novels establish a rebel base on the planet Borlleas in which they recapture back from the Vong. Here they make a stand and begin to fight back using tactics and specialized weapons which involve the meshing of Vong and republic technologies. While Wedge assumes control of the entire operation, Luke and others mount a daring mission to infiltrate the capital world and see what can be done there. Jaina Kyp and Jag returning from the Hapies cluster also join in the fight. Jaina has dealt with her need for vengence and even Kyp has grown up a bit too. Jag ever the skilled pilot joins these two and together engage the enemy in dog fights with the odds stack well against them. All involved are determined to not let the Vong claim complete victory over the galaxy. It is an exciting book full of great fighting and stratagy. You can tell Allston is in top form. the book does end on a clifhanger of sorts but the second book is not far behind. I found listening to this book thrilling. I am glad to see the Vong begin to start taking losses. the war master especially has begun to suffer with the death of his son in Dark Journey. However where he is concerned a surprise awaits the reader/listener. Even our gal Vickey now walks on a thin line. Great plot development and much suspense...
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best!
Review: First of all, I'll say that few of the New Jedi Order books have managed to convey what this book did even in the first few chapters; emotion, powerful relationships, heart-pounding action sequences, all the while keeping with and expanding on the complex overall plot of the series. The book backtracks slightly, opening about two-thirds of the way through Dark Journey, which was fine with me, since that book focused so singly on Jaina and her personal angst that I tended to lose the big picture in my mind. Rest assured, Allston is a terrific author, perhaps the best yet, and he definitely shows his talants in this one. In this book, while much if the attention is still reserved for Jaina, it also gives a sweeping, overall look at the whole war, which isn't looking good for our heroes at present. Anakin, the best hope for winning the war, is dead at sixteen; Jacen is captured and presumed dead by just about everyone except Leia. Jaina, torn by grief and rage over the death of her brothers is off fighting her own demons; and the Yuuzhan Vong have finally taken the capitol, the crowning jewel of the galaxy, Coruscant. Luke and Mara are becoming increasingly protective of their infant son, which makes them both less useful as leaders to the Jedi. Luke, desperate to do something to make the galaxy safer for his son to grow up in, decides to take on a near suicide mission to Coruscant, both to investigate a strange and frightening infestation of the dark side there, and to confirm whether or not Jacen still lives, and if so to free him, or die trying. The government is in shambles, our heroes are dying, and the Vong now have the majority of the galaxy. Even so, despite the ominous and painful direction the series is taking, Allston still lightens it from time to time with slight inflections of humor. Barely noticable, but there. While I never caught myself laughing out loud like I did over some of his X-Wing books, it lightened this dark tale considerably, and kept it from depressing me out of my mind the way Star by Star did. Even so, some parts of this book really did annoy me, hence my four star rating. First and foremost is the lack of Jacen-action. How long are they going to keep us in limbo like this? Bring him back or kill him permanantly, and soon. If they don't intend to let him be rescued yet, at least let us see what they're doing to him in captivity. The suspence is killing me! Also, what has happened to Mara? Where is the toughness, the dark humor, the inner strenght and vitality that made her so endearing in the first place? Yes, I realize that now that she is a mother she needs to start putting her child first; especially in the middle of a horrible war, but that doesn't have to mean she should suddenly disolve into a complete weakling, I mean, was there a scene in this book when she was not holding Ben? They need to give her something of her own to do, besides wiping her baby's rear. Third, I really disliked the Jaina/Jag developments in this book. Of course, anyone who's read Dark Journey could see this coming a mile away, but it still bothers me. Of course, I'm probably biased on this subject, since, being a long time fan of Young Jedi Knights I always thought Jaina should end up with Zekk. But really, it isn't that I don't like Jag, in fact I've gotten to be quite fond of him, I just think he's all wrong with Jaina. Jag is a rule follower; a by the books, take-your-hat-off-inside, Yes Ma'am kind of guy. Jaina is adventurous, a risk taker, and frankly I think Jag would bore her out of her mind in a week, and her constant heedless recklesness would drive him insane. Much as I hate to say it, even Kyp would be better. :-( Oh, well. For fans of the series, this book won't disapoint you.
Rating:
Summary: One of the better books of the series
Review: I must say that this is certainly one of the better books of the series. It's no Star by Star, but it is certainly one of my top 5 favourites of the series. The space action is very well written [as is expected from Allston], and there is some of Allston's traditional humour, although not the same kind as in his X-Wing novels. I wouldn't say it is necessary to read this duology, but I do not know anything about future NJO books, so it is probably best to read it. [It is probably best to read every one.] Overall it is a fast-paced, exciting novel.
Rating: 
Summary: surprisingly bad
Review: In all honesty, I have not finished reading this book. I will finish it, and I will finish it quickly. I doubt I will have any problems with the story itself, but it is an excruciating read. It is so poorly written that I am constantly distracted. I just want to call Del Rey and ask to speak to the person who edited this book. I suspect no such person exists. It reads like a poor translation into English from some other language. Maybe Allston wrote it in Latin and took it over to his local highschool to have it translated. It makes me angry because the fans deserve better. Because it is so badly written, I have to say it's the worst Star Wars novel I've read to date, and I've read around 40. Don't read it if you don't have to.
Rating:
Summary: Finally - a good NJO book
Review: Thank God for Aaron Allston. Finally. True to form, the X-Wing veteran breaths some life into this series. Can't wait for the Rebel Stand (part II). The fun characters are back, the action scenes are back, without sacrificing the plot or the "bigger issues". This guy is good. I was thrilled that some of the Wraiths made appearances. Will Lara Notsil show up next? Pleeeaaase mr Allston!
Also Wedge and Tycho and Lando and Horn and.. the Lusankya. Yeah baby! we 're fighting back. The "I suggest you destroy another one" scene, between Lando and the War Droid is hilarious. Vintage Allston. After the dumb killing of Anakin (what IS the point of building up the coolest character since Coran Horn to kill him off a couple of books later?!) I almost stopped reading this series. Dark Journey was sad - could have summarised the entire book in less than 100 pages... Read this one people, it's worth it. FINALLY...
Rating:
Summary: Back to what made this fictional universe great...Rebellion
Review: I picked this book up on Tuesday, and finished it Thursday night. It's riveting. Knowing this series isn't afraid to have consequences for the heroes, such as the loss of Chewie, or the events of Star by Star, I'm excited by every new story, because you REALLY DON'T know what's going to happen. Coincidentally, that unpredictability isn't just affecting me. It's affecting all the characters in story, and is the basis of Rebel Dream. The Republic has realized that the Yuuzhan Vong are such effective invaders, because they understand human nature better than humans want to admit. We/they are slaves to beliefs and behaviors born of peace and prosperity. Complacency and compromise rule the Republic. (Sound familiar?) That, plus traitors inside the Senate have given Coruscant, the capital of the galaxy, and humanity...to the enemy!! Also, another major Star Wars character loses their life in the invasion of the planet. Being traditional and predictable is costing us everything. These losses have struck some deep and nearly-forgotten nerves. The pain is too familiar for those old enough to remember Palpatine and his Empire. These heroes of old were once children themselves, who learned that Rebellion, resistance, and fighting hard against overwhelming odds proved being unpredictable and resourceful can win not only battles...but the WAR. Now their children are learning it too. The Rebel Dream of victory takes shape, and gives the Republic new hope. The would-be conquerors suffer sudden and substantial losses. The enemy is thwarted, and pauses to consider that the Republic isn't just a broken bureacracy with leadership-by- committee. This book gives us and the Yuuzhan Vong what has been missing in this Universe for twenty-five years...Rebellion! I read this book in less than 2 days, and I have 3 months to wait for the next one. The excitement is incredible. Get it. Read it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Continuation
Review: This is a fantastic continuation of the NJO series. Character developments are well planned, the story moves forward, and the good guys finally get to hit the Vong back. Wedge Antilles & Co. play major roles in this one, and anyone who liked the X-Wing series will like these (Wraith Squadron shows up). Some defining moments for characters (esp. Jaina, Kyp, Tahiri, and Mara) and critical plot turns keep this book going. Look out for the formation of the Insiders, a growing movement sure to increase in importance and strength. A great read, you'll constantly be flipping forward to see what happens.... can't wait till the next one comes out!
Rating:
Summary: Wow! The NJO At Its Best
Review: I just finished reading it, and I must say wow! It does a good job of picking up where the previous books left off, and continued the story masterfully! I was glad to see Jag, Jaina and Kyp in the swing of things, as well as Wedge and Lando and Iella, and everyone's favorite heroes included! Finally, it's a not so grim, but it's humorous, got action, everything, just what I expected. And it looks like it's gonna get better and better! Allston did a wonderful job~ i can't wait for the next part in the duology! It was awesome! I loved it! It's definitely the best of the series so far!
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