Rating: Summary: The Return of Stackpole and Corran Horn Review: This just might be the best Star Wars novel I have read. With the return of Stackpole to the Star Wars Saga we again see Corran Horn in all his glory. An amazing character, who is left alone by everyone but Stackpole, it is fun to see Corran as a major character in the story, once again. This book finishes off Stackpole's awesome duology in the NJO. And he finishes with a bang. We see amazing battles and some great twists to the NJO plot line.
Rating: Summary: Fianally a good book Review: I've never really liked the NJO series until I read this book. Stackpole has written enough star wars books to know what is going on with the charaters relationships that this one was really worth reading.
Rating: Summary: Even better than Onslaught Review: The same strong writing and characterization found in Onslaught characterizes Ruin, but Ruin winds up being an even stronger book. First, the changes that begin in characters in Onslaught come to fruition in Ruin, so that Stackpole's talent to construct an obnoxious and even upsetting character only to transform him into a truly good person shines through. It is wonderfully reaffirming to see these sorts of transformations, especially because they are often denyed in franchise fiction. In this respect, Ganner Rhysode is the most impressive character in the series. But at the same time as he is redeemed, Stackpole evenhandedly shows one of his (if not our) old favorites fall from grace, almost without realizing it. Finally, Jacen Solo remains the analytical lens that forces the reader to think about everything in the book, but his thoughtful personality is thankfully not static, either. In this book, he makes important decisions that indicate a progression in his thought process and, hence, a dynamic character.The second reason why Ruin is an even stronger book than Onslaught is that its conclusion has powerful fallout. Immensely important things happen that will have an impact on the topography of the galaxy, the future of the characters, the role of the Jedi, and the politicians' understanding of the war. Crucially, it is not a happy ending--in some ways, even less so than the ending of Vector Prime--and this reinforces the differences between NJO and previous Star Wars books. After Ruin, readers will be in for the long haul, not simply picking up random books in the series to read at their leisure.
Rating: Summary: Star Wars, New Jedi Order Review: This is an interesting story. It continues the New Jedi Order series. Almost all of the old favorites are back. Han is dealing with the loss of Chewie. Luke is trying to keep the Jedi together. And then there is Mara's illness.
Rating: Summary: Dark Tide: Ruin Review: Well first I wanted to say that I was not a fan of Onslaught. I thought it was boring and I just pushed myself through it. I am however somehow one of the few people who really liked Vector Prime. Third is that I really liked this book and I thought it had alot of variety. I loved the duel between Corran and Shai and I thought the author played off relationships between certain characters in the books really well. I was slightly irritated by the ever missing Han and the few pages that Leia had. I also wish that he had done more on Jag because I really like the character so far. The banquet chapter was one of my favorites. So if your wondering about this book I just wanted to say that you should read it and that it is my favorite of the three Star Wars books I've read in this series so far.
Rating: Summary: Duology improves in the conclusion Review: I had mixed feelings about Dark Tide 1: Onslaught, but found the second half of the duology improved the story greatly. The inclusion of the Imperial Remnant intensifies the plot and those who enjoyed earlier books regarding Pellaeon will be glad to see him again. The story focuses on Corran Horn to a great extent, culminating in a unexpected conclusion that changes the future of our wise-cracking Jedi/CorSec/Rogue Squadron buddy. The main fault of the book is the absence of Original Trilogy characters: Leia disappears after shining early, Han is reduced to a scene or two, and Luke is merely the kindly Jedi Master. But when all is said and done, it's a fast paced story with plenty of action that doesn't ignore character development.
Rating: Summary: Best of the Dark Tide books. Superior NJO book Review: This is the better of Stackpole's 2 NJO books. Like all his books it is well written, with suspense-filled battle sequences and strong well-written characters. The ending is a shock that I didn't see coming. The involvement of the Imperial Remnant was a master stroke as was the inclusion of the Chiss. The plot was strong, stronger than the previous Dark Tide book, Onslaught. The involvement of more people than just the usual 6 galaxy saviors was a refreshing change. The battle for Ithor was intense, and with almost all the Jedi fighting, it was reminiscent of the huge Jedi battle scene in Attack of the Clones. Overall a much better Stackpole book (although still not as good as Stackpole's X-Wing books or I, Jedi), and among the top 5 in the NJO series.
Rating: Summary: Now I hate Stackpole! Review: There really isn't much positive to say about this book. Stackpole should create his own universe and stop ridicule this one. I'm SICK of reading about Corran Horn. I don't want a character beeing forced upon me. I like to decide on my own whom I admire or like. This is not an X-Wing book, it's about the main characters again and Corran is not important there! So the author should not leave behind characters like Han, Leia or Lando just to let Corran be the hero. I only feel pity for Michael Stackpole because he is not able to write a book without his alter ego and Luke-wannabe. He tries so hard to be the biggest author in SW, giving everything and everyone stupid nicknames (I mean, "Sticks", please, how ridiculous is that?!). But he will never be able to top Timothy Zahn, who practically started the Expanded Universe. Please do not let Corran Stackpole write any other SW books. I'm not enjoying his self-glorification.
Rating: Summary: Dark Tide 2: Ruin Review: Off the heels of Dark Tide I: Onslaught comes Dark Tide II: Ruin. I just finished reading this book a few days ago, and it really was a great book. The Yuuzhan Vong are spreading throughout the galaxy at an alarming rate. Day by day planets are being invaded and used as shipyards for their skippers. Luke, Leia, Corran Horn, Jacen, Jaina and Anakin Solo and the rest are thrown into battle to defend another planet in the galaxy: Ithor. What it all comes down to in the end is a showdown of good vs. evil with a planet hanging in the balance. I recommend this book to any Star Wars fan. It is very easy to understand and follow, and you will not want to put it down. I look forward to reading Agents of Chaos I: Hero's Trial.
Rating: Summary: They have gotten about everyone in the galaxy involved now. Review: Really not a sequel as much as the second half of Onslaught. Another fine SW novel, with the reintroduction of the Empire (now known as the Remnant) and even the Chiss. I think they have gotten about everyone in the galaxy involved now. Perhaps a little disappointing that the good guys do too well, their were many setbacks and a few key deaths.
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