Rating: 
Summary: worst NJO book ever!
Review: Throughout the whole NJO series I have been totally captured and delighted with the way things have been moving, up until Edge of Victory I: Conquest. Where Balance Point, Agents of Chaos, and Dark Tide showed totally captivating plotlines and shocking turns of events, Edge of Victory runs flat.This novel attempts to show a character development of Anakin Solo, but does so in a totally predictable, uncaptivating way. The story seems written for a person of low reading ability or a child, and it doesnt help that it draws characters from the Star Wars children books either. The Jedi Master bunny rabbit is back and has invaded the adult books with a vengeance, along with Anakin's childhood friend Tahiri and a hermit TIE pilot named Qorl. For a person who has not read about these characters from the children's books, the story is totally boring to follow. For me, I had very little background of these characters and because of that I had very little interest in the story-line. Further more, if you are looking for any exciting space battles, dont expect any. Keyes attempts to write these battles in a way that would shock Barbara Hambly (Planet of Twilight and Children of the Jedi). He glosses over the finer parts of the battle and writes scenes that are totally nondescriptive, leaving EVERYTHING to your imagination. If the final battle scene had been written descriptively I would have been a lot more captivated. There were some good parts to the novel, but there are very few. The story remains totally focused on Anakin and only in a few places leaves to write something in Luke's point of view. This is fine, but it left the book lacking any immediate threat. The whole galaxy is overrun by the Yuuzhan Vong, but we see very little immediacey in this book. Its as if the Vong are only interested with Yavin 4, and the New Republic is a nonexistent entity. Talon Karrde was at least in character and a schism can now be seen between the Jedi more evidently than in previous books, depicted in a very heated argument with Kyp Durron. Another good point was the development of the Vong as a people. Their culture and religion is examined in this story more fervently than other such novels giving the reader a better insight to this species. Unfortunately the novel ended in a predictable fashion which was a total let-down. Any reader with half a brain can figure out how the story will end. Keyes depicts no shocking ending that other previous authors have shown in order to keep the reader interested (death of chewie, destruction of Ithor, destruction of Hapan fleet) The ending, which I will not write about, remains as flat as the story began. Unfortunately, Edge of Victory is an obstacle you have to overcome in order to get to the rest of the series. I am eagerly awaiting the next hardcover Star by Star. But still the second Edge of Victory remains a hurdle I can do without.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book that has a surprisingly good plot!
Review: Edge of Victory, like its name sake, managed to be on the very edge of victory. I was VERY tempted to give this one a five star rating. It had a remarkably engrossing style that felt both fluent and fluid. At times it was VERY hard to put down. The two or three different plots kept me wanting to find out what had happened to another character. Nonetheless, Edge of Victory had a few flaws that prevented it from being a triumph. Despite a TINY character development section in the early going, the first few chapters were painfully slow. This is kind of a shame since the later chapters managed to be so exciting. The lack of development actually did not cripple the book, as you actually manage to care about most of the characters. I was genuinely affected by Master Ikrit and his small bit of the plot, even though the reasons behind his actions were sometimes a bit muddy. Edge of Victory is an EXCELLENT book that belongs on the shelf of every Star Wars fan. Keyes created what is probably the best of the NJO series with a flamboyance that is difficult to match, and a style that managed to be fast paced and engrossing in the later chapters. A book that is well worth reading, I have no hesitation in recommending this book to everyone with even a passing interest in the NJO.
Rating:
Summary: The story arc is a good one.
Review: I don't understand how other people who've reviewed this book can't understand why Han, Leia and Luke have "smaller roles" in this book. First of all, people, the series is titled "New Jedi Order," meaning this and other books to follow are to showcase the new generation of Jedi coming from the Academy and their adventures. If you want to follow the adventures of Luke, Han and Leia, read "A New Hope" or "Empire Strikes Back." So far, I've enjoyed the way in which the author has shown Anakin Solo. Anakin proves to be worthy young Jedi, and will probably be as powerful, if not more so, than his uncle and grandfather. It's interesting how the author gives us an insight into how Anakin shows tendencies of possibly going into the "dark side" of the Force. I am, however, in agreement with those wondering how Jacen Solo became such a wimp. He is too pacificist, and I believe (should I say, I hope) that the storyline will show him to be a pivotal character in the New Jedi story arc. Overall, good book. Can't wait for Edge of Victory II later this year.
Rating:
Summary: A big step up
Review: I have not been very pleased with the Star Wars books since it switched publishers. The Yuuzhan Vong are a formidable opponent that will take time to vanquish (if the authors ever get around to it). The NJO series has been a disappointment until recently with "Balance Point". "Conquest" was in improvement over "Balance Point". Finally an author comes along that can tell an interesting story while developing a character. The problems I have with the previous NJO books have been what I consider to be poor character development and adherence to highly unlikely scenarios. For example, it is difficult to believe that the senate and New Republic members could not see through or would tolerate the political maneuverings of Borsk Fel'ya... especially for as long as he has been at it. This is compounded by the fact the memory of the empire is still alive and kept fresh in people's minds by the remaining remnants of the empire. With so many New Republic citizens whom are still alive that were directly affected by the tyranny of the Emperor, why would they put up with the self-serving maneuverings of Fel'ya? Luckily, Borsk Fel'ya does not get many pages devoted to him in "Conquest". "Conquest" was refreshing in that it offers more details of the Yuuzhan Vong and why they are invading the galaxy. And, yes, Luke is finally starts to show some political savvy. He also seems to be moving towards actually doing something other than being a patsy. This book is not simply another book where the New Republic is fleeing planet after planet while the Yuuzhan Vong continue advancing. I was not entirely pleased that characters were "introduced" into NJO from the Junior Jedi Knights series of books (Tahiri being one) with references then being made to events from the JJK series. I don't mind the new characters, but now I feel like I need to read the JJK series in order to be better acquainted with the new characters. Who knows? Maybe that was the point. But I would rather not have to go read a children's book series for character development. Now on to Anakin. We finally get to see a Jedi Solo grow and seemingly learn something rather than continually struggling to unsuccessfully find answers. I think Anakin's trek through the jungles of Yavin 4 with his "partner" could have been a bit more developed. I agree with other readers that the newer books seem to focus only on one character. Not everyone can be Zahn, I guess. It would be nice to get back to multiple story lines melting into one overall plot. It might also make the books a little longer. These shorter books do tend to make you feel like you are getting cheated. On a related note, you may want to read "Rogue Planet". It may be connected to the NJO series and this book in particular.
Rating: 
Summary: "Brats in Space"
Review: Years ago, when a Star Wars book was aimed squarely at an early teen-age audience, as "Conquest" surely is, it was clearly marked as a 'Young Adult' book. Examples of these are the 'Junior Jedi Knight' and 'Young Jedi Knights' series. This book is written in the same vein ... but Greg Keyes (he calls himself J. Gregory Keyes when he's writing for adults) writes better than Kevin J. Anderson ever could. I just wish the way the book was printed and bound made it clear that only kids would be interested in the plot and characters. This seems to be a trend in the last couple of years. Tailor all the Star Wars publishing to match the much younger fans that The Phantom Menace was aimed at. The story is about Anakin Solo (not the child from TPM, but his teenage grandson) who goes off on his own to save all his little Jedi play pals (including Tahiri from the Junior Jedi Knights series) from the evil, generic Yuzzhan Vong aliens and their two-dimensional traitor friends that have invaded the Star Wars galaxy. Actually, because this is a New Jedi Order book full of sado-masochistic biotechnology horrors cooked up by the Vong, I wouldn't let a pre-teenager read it. Mutilation and gore abound in this book which is unrecognizable as a Star Wars adventure. If you're an emotionally disturbed young adult or you are merely interested in dumbed-down kid's adventure stories chock full of twisted horror, you might enjoy Conquest. But what about the older and more sensible Sci-Fi/Star Wars fans that have brains they like to use while they're being entertained? It's a shame that the publisher thinks so little of readers' ability to handle more mature, complex and realistic themes that they keep the page count down, use larger type faces and give us only simple plots and stereotypical characters without the more substantive themes found in previous books. The violence, gore and plain weirdness throughout this series simply have no place in Star Wars.
Rating: 
Summary: Best New Jedi Order Yet
Review: Keyes is a fabulous author. I think his handling of the New Jedi Order is the best yet. The story centers on Anakin Solo and on very little else. There are no boring subplots or tangents that get in the way. It is refreshing to read a straightforward adventure again. Anakin's development as an young adult and Jedi is suberb,as is his budding relationship with Tahiri. I agree with other reviewers that said that there finally is hope for the galaxy. It's been a little bleak for quite a few novels now. This is a must read. Keyes belongs in the ranks of Tim Zahn and Mike Stackpole with this offering. I cannot wait to read more of his Star Wars work.
Rating: 
Summary: Great idea - mediocre execution
Review: Edge of Victory I had a lot of potential. Without spoiling the plot for those who havent read it, the Yuuzhan Vong come up with a realy interesting new solution to their problem with the "Jeedai" that could be used again later in the series. Also, I don't think he really captures Luke or Mara that well. (Get Zahn back. Mara is his character after all.) Also, there are some in joke type references to the Jr. Jedi Knights series (I'm guessing that's where Tahiri comes from anyway.) which might not work if you're like me and stick to real novels and skip the kiddie ones. Overall, a great plot with intriguing insights into the force and the Vong religion, but not something I'd say must be read. The only other qualm is that Han and Leia are MIA just when Han is finally starting to deal with Chewie's death like an adult. Just don't expect the best book in the SW universe. Keyes is NOT Zahn.
Rating:
Summary: Edge of Victory [Star Wars New Jedi Order]
Review: I have not been a Star Wars fan for years but I think the books are well put, this one? My favourite. Exaucse me but where's Han and Leia? And I think the next few New Jedi Order books should be more about Mara and Luke because they well soon be perants[sorry if I've spoiled it for people how have not read it, but its true]. I can't wait till Edge of Victory 2; Rebirth comes out in the stores [being an Aussie I may have to wait a little longer]. I think this book is great I cant wait for Rebirth. For all you Solo kids fans,Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker fans this is a BOOK FOR YOU!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Go Anakin
Review: This was a good book, undoubtedly. We see Anakin Solo really come into his own with the Force, and even with a romantic spark for one of his fellow Jedi. I was very pleased with the author on this book. The New Republic wins its first victory, and we get a small glimpse into the mind of the Yuuzhan Vong. I look forward to the first decisive blow that the new Republic will deal to the Vong, and I believe that this novel was the first step to accomplishing that. Great read all around. Keeps you very enthralled.
Rating:
Summary: Fast moving title!
Review: Keyes writes a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I was sorry the book ended, and that I have to wait so long for the next one! A must read for anyone who has been into the New Jedi Order series. Anakin truly evolves to a man in this book, challenging himself and his beliefs. In the end, he has a better understanding of both the Force and the Vong. Pass this one up and you'll be sorry!
| 
