Rating: 
Summary: Good-almost great
Review: I'll admit this one was a bit weak in places, but even so, I enjoyed it thoroughly. The only real complaint I have is that once again way to much book space was wasted on the Solo kids and their peers. Don't get me wrong here; Jacen, Jaina and Anakin are some of my favorite characters, I just don't want to see everyone cool from the previous generation fade into oblivion too quick. Besides the twins got their own series a while back, as did Anakin. Anyway, the war against the Yuuzhan Vong continues in this installment, and is, to say the least, not going well for the New Republic. Even the Jedi struggle within their own ranks as to what form of action to take against the Vong, who by this time have advanced beyond the rim and are aiming for Ithor next. If Ithor is taken, the Vong will have a clear shot at the rest of the galaxy, and gone will be the chance to drive them away quickly. The situation is so dire in fact, that the New Republic has alied itself with it's old nemesis, the Emperial Remnant. Anyway, nearly everyone is featured prominently in this one, except Han of course, since he is still drinking himself to death over Chewie. While I wish Luke and especially Mara were in this more, all in all it was a good book. As of the Solo kids, I find I can identify with all them. Anakin, because he is exactly my age, and because the first Star Wars books I ever read were Junior Jedi Knights, so I will always harbor a bit of loyalty to him. Jaina, because I really like how she's turning out. She may have seemed a bit weak and almost teeny bopperish in Young Jedi Knights, but believe me this is one gal you would not want to mess with. Jacen, well, I've heard some of you describe him as "annoying" but that is only because you 'grownups' have forgotten what it's like to be that age. While I don't neccecarily agree with his philosophy, I sympathize with him totally and perhaps identify with him best of all. Anyway, if you read this series, start with Vector Prime no matter what kinds of things you've heard about it. Once again I'd mostly recommend this series to teenagers and adults, since they're quite a bit harsher than most of the other Star Wars books.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: This was another impressive entry into The New Jedi Order / Yuuzahn Vong saga. As someone who has read 20+ Star Wars novels that lead up to this series, this seems to be the strongest storyline since the Zahn novels. Returning to this series is Stackpole's own Corran Horn character, who he defined perfectly in "I , Jedi". The character becomes even more beloved in this new novel, as Stackpole gives him that Corellian attitude that makes Han Solo such a lovable character (that is, without making him the same character as Han).
While the novel that lead up to this, "Onslaught", became slow and very talky, as the characters dwell on the meaning of The Force, "Ruin" avoids this and is much more exciting. Yes, the ending is a bit disappoiting, but also leaves it's mark.
Rating:
Summary: Another Threat Abates
Review: Ruin is the second book in the Dark Tide couplet. Picking up from where Onslaught leaves off, Stackpole continues the battles as more Yuuzhan Vong forces congregate and threaten to punch through the meager defences of the New Republic. The plot twists slightly as the Imperial Remnant forces are asked to succor, giving some much-needed firepower to the defenders. The final part of the book revolves around the decisive showdown between the Vong and the allies, and to join the mix are the explosive battles between the Jedi and the superhuman Vong warriors.The story still focuses on a handful of characters, and Han Solo is still missing from the action, instead favoring booze over battle. The Solo kids once again get prime time, each having to deal with his or her own set of problems and emotions. Several Jedis are examined closely, with Corran Horn being the central figure. This book heavily affects the fate of Horn. The ending casts some portentous shadows of doubt onto his future, at the same time seems to set him up for some further development in later novels. Several characters not seen in Onslaught also make their appearances, including Admiral Palleaon and Senator A'Kla. The senator himself plays an integral role in the story. Through him Stackpole illustrates the Yuuzhan Vong philosophy and religious ideology, some ideas of which are drastically different than the galactic norm and others are downright unfathomable and disturbingly dangerous. This provides the Vong invaders with more substance in their characters and serves to differentiate them from one-dimensional savages. Ruin packs more action than the first of the pair, and provides a temporary conclusion to the endless hordes of the Yuuzhan Vong. -Xiao Zhu
Rating:
Summary: Stackpole's Last Hurrah
Review: This is Michael Stackpole's parting work as he leaves the world of Star Wars writing for an indefinite period of time. I've always been a big Stackpole fan and such, so here we go on one last journey.
I'll start out by saying he ended on a sad note. I'll not say too much, but neither side really wins in 'Ruin', (a very apt title, by the way) another important character dies, (one of Stackpole's creation) and a fan favorite leaves the war a broken man.
On to the writing and such. A good job on Stackpole's part, as I tend to think he liked writing Empire-era stories more. Whatever the case, he's made probably the best vong character yet. Whereas a lot of previous Vong were somewhat two-dimensional, Shedao Shai is a creature with a sense of honor (however twisted) and a somewhat rogue perspective regarding the Infidels. Overall, its pretty consistent, although bits and pieces seem a bit dulled or left out.
The new face of the Imperials is a welcome and logical change, and the addition of the Chiss and Soontir Fel's son is a nice touch. It also gives fans a bit of information they've been waiting for regarding Fel and Wynsee Starflare and their fate together.
In the end, its a good read, on the sad, ESB-type side. While its not the kind of book that will make you feel exhurberant after reading it, I do reccomend it, as it really does show the changing face of the galaxy.
That was always what Stackpole did best. I still hope he'll be remembered for better works, (superb XWRS comics like 'In the Empire's Service' come to mind) but this is a pretty good way to end it. I'd hoped it to be on brighter terms, but I still thank Stackpole for the ride. New authors are coming in to write for a different Star Wars galaxy, and I guess it only makes sense for the new to write for the new.
Rating: 
Summary: better then the first dark tide!!
Review: unlike everyone else I have not read the X-wing series and was very exited to, in the dark tide duology, find out how michael a. stackpole wrote. I became however quite disappointed when I read onslaught. somehow I weren't interested in how the book would end. so when I picked up ruin I thought it would be the same, how wrong of me! I totally loved it, I never wanted it to end! Corran Horn and Jacen Solo travel to a planet called Garqi and reveal most useful secrets about the Yuuzhan Vong. Luke Skywalker and Anakin Solo are at the same time trying to stop a confused Twi'lek Jedi from digging up new superweapons. Jaina Solo has joined the Rouge Squadron and the Caamasi Elegos A'Kla go see the Yuuzhan Vong commander Shedao Shai to talk some sense into him, a part which I especially liked. in the final battle at Ithor, New Republic and Imperial Remnant forces fight side by side against their mutual enemy and the Jedi are handling the fighting on the ground. I have come to, in the new jedi order series, love Corran Horns character almost as much as Luke Skywalkers or Mara Jades and so I didn't appriciate the ending. read it and you'll know why!
Rating:
Summary: As good as its predecessor, if not better
Review: The excellent New Jedi Order series continues with the second of Michael Stackpole's Dark Tide books. The Yuuzhan Vong have begun overrunning New Republic worlds on the edge of the galaxy, although the bureaucrats who run the Republic have finally acknowledged the threat. An infiltration mission led by the Jedi Corran Horn uncovers a possible weakness (fortunately not some stupid all-powerful deus ex machina) of the invaders, which leads to a massive battle over the planet Ithor. Meanwhile, Leia Organa Solo negociates with the remnants of the old Empire to bring them into the war on the Republic's side and a rogue Jedi seeks an alternative, forbidden method of striking back. I was most impressed with many aspects of the book. Stackpole continues to brilliantly portray both space and ground combat, while at the same time not sacrificing character interest. Special tribute should definitely be paid to Elegos A'Kla, the alien senator who goes to try to negociate peace with the Yuuzhan Vong, even though he knows it may well mean his death. The characterisation of the Solo kids remains excellent as well, particularly Jaina (mainly because she seems more self-assured than her brothers and therefore is less annoying). Admiral Pellaeon of Timothy Zahn fame makes a welcome return, as pragmatic as ever. Of the new characters that appear in Ruin, I thought Jagged Fel (son of Stackpole's Baron Soontir Fel) was a good addition to the cast - I particularly liked his standing up to the New Republic politicians. Too bad he seems to have vanished in more recent books. The subplot with Daeshara'cor may seem superfluous, but it does actually have a point - how far should the New Republic go to protect itself? Would the Empire, less fettered by bureaucracy and grey-area ethics, do better against the Yuuzhan Vong? The ending (as mentioned by another reviewer) was indeed downbeat, but it fit well with the generally gritty and realistic tone of the New Jedi Order series, reminding the reader that in real life, sometimes all the Boy's Own heroics in the world (or galaxy, in this case) can't save the day.
Rating:
Summary: Michael Stackpoles Best
Review: This is MS's last star wars book, and by far his best Star Wars book. It begins where Onslaught lest off, and with the Yuuzhan Vong's point of view. Leia goes to the Empire to obtain help, and Elegos A'kla goes to the YV to try to make peace. The Empire agrees to help, but Elegos is killed. Corran Horn and Ganner Rysode go to Garqi where they find that the Yuuzhan Vong's armor is allergic to Baffor Tree pollen. The YV go to Ithor to destory this pollen, and meet up with the New Republic and the Imperial forces. They have a long battle and by the end, well, you'll have to read it to find out.
Rating:
Summary: A minor misstep for Stackpole
Review: While I firmly believe that Stackpole could not write a BAD novel, Dark Tide II is not as strong as his first entry into the New Jedi Order. Stackpole was originally slated to write 3 books in the Dark Tide series, but the middle one was scrapped and parts of this one were redone to fill in the gaps. Hence the feeling we are being rushed through some areas. But really, overall, this is still a solid read. We have some great Jedi action, more wonderful flight scenes, and further development of the Vong. This is an essential book to the Jedi Order series, one that dispite the rushed feel, makes for a great diversion in the land of GeorgeLucas-ville.
Rating:
Summary: Ruin...still waiting for more...
Review: I liked...no loved a couple things about this book. 1) Jaina gets a love interest, Wedge's nephew, Jagged Fel. I know he didn't get a lot of page-time, but I'm still interested to see if he has any page-time with Jaina in the near-future. 2) the fight between Corran and Deign Ling (sorry if I miss-spelled). You could actually picture the entire duel, though it was only 2-3 pages. 3) Speaking of Corran, it just isn't fair he has to leave so soon. I like him and Jacen. I could honestly picture them as Master and Apprentice. 4) When reading Vector Prime, Luke was thinking about reestablishing the Jedi Council. Is that ever gonna happen, or did Salvatore set us up for dissappointment? And finally 5) Jacen and Danni Quee. Is it ever going to happen in the future? I mean, if Anakin Skywalker was 9 and Amidala was 14 in the prequals and got married later, why can't it happen for Jacen and Danni? Anyway, what the writer/s decide goes, but we, as readers, always have say. And I certainly hope for future relationships for the twins and Corran returning to help out and the possible formation of the Jedi Council. ~~~The Force is with this ONE~~
Rating:
Summary: Brought a Tear to My Eye
Review: The first thing I have to say is: It's Not Fair. They killed off one of my favorite characters, and pretty much exiled another one forever. But other then that, it's a darn good book, and I reccomend it wholeheartedly. You probably should read the rest of the series first, though. It's still fun to hate certain people though, Wurth, Borsk, Shedao, and that buttmunch Deign Lian.
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