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Edge of Victory I: Conquest (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 7)

Edge of Victory I: Conquest (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 7)

List Price: $6.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: VERY GOOD, BUT NEEDED MORE OF THE OTHER CHARACTER'S
Review: I was very impressed with this edition in the saga, however, I was a little upset that everyone else in the stories besides Anakin were practically not there. They are in the story but not as much I think they should have been. But, this was a great adventure and definitely reading again and I cannot wait for Edge of Victory 2. VERY RECOMMEDED......

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Jedi and Vong unite! Anakin Solo adventure reveals much.
Review: Though 'Conquest' by it's moniker looks like it's part one of a two novel series by Mr. Keyes, it is indeed a stand alone self contained novel with events taking place shortly after 'Balance Point'.

Our novel starts with a great prologue which takes the reader bouncing about the galaxy and peering in on the fate of certain Jedi characters we have become familiar with over the last few years in print media...and the outcome is pretty dim. This sets the tone and back story for events that are being discussed within the government of the New Republic, more specifically between Luke Skywalker and the Bothan, Fey'la.

Tensions arise and fissures deepen within the Jedi ranks as Kyp Durron's (and his followers) see events and Jedi responses different from what appears to be a passive Luke. It seems the Vong want Jacen Solo and all Jedi in return for no more aggression. While both sides of the Jedi know this is a hollow promise from the alien invaders, the choice to bring the war to them or to defend the galaxy in a hotly debated subject. But as these events are taking place, the Vong have their sights set on Yavin 4 and the Jedi academy there...and their targets: the unprotected Jedi children.

Here is where the book really begins. Anakin, in secret and against the wishes of Uncle Luke races to Yavin to help evacuate and protect the children. Upon entering Yavin's system, Anakin makes a startling discovery that involves the Peace Brigade and is forced to land. Shortly thereafter the Vong show up, and Anakin and a hand full of children are on the run through the jungles of Yavin 4. Here, Anakin's best friend Tahiri (and Jedi in training) is captured and brought to the 'Shapers' for experimentation. Now Anakin must rescue Tahiri from her captures in a soul searching adventure that helps him discover more about his own Jedi heritage and beliefs. But he is not alone....It seems a fallen from grace Vong warrior with his own agenda must also get into the complex. So human Jedi and alien Vong, must learn to put their differences aside and help each other out. Together, this unlikely pair must battle the opposition, and their selves to get to the end. They have many conversations that are told from totally polar opposite points of view, but soon come to understand each other and their cultures.

This is where the book shines. The majority of the novel is an Ankin adventure, however, the reader benefits by learning so much more about the Vong than any previous novel in the New Jedi Order series. We learn about the Vong caste system, the hierarchy of their people, more background about their gods and beliefs, and that not everything or everybody within the Vong race agree with the invasion. You see, in like any culture their are those that are oppressed, or have a different belief system, and for the first time we see division amongst the Vong. Some might consider them heretics, but it is revealed that all Vong don't share the same mindset.

What is scary is the power of the Shapers. Regarded with reverence amongst their race, the Shapers are the bio-engineers creating horrific new species and weapons through gene manipulation and torture. Unfortunately, Tahiri is their lab rat, and Anakin can feel her pain and transformation into something much darker.

Most of the original Star Wars cast is not here, but there are appearances of Booster Terrik, Corran Horn, Talon Carde and Shada. All in all, this was a great insight to Anakin and a great novel for such a limited focus on the overall picture of the invasion.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Welcome Gregory Keyes!
Review: This book was good, no doubts. The new author brings more intresting vocab than i have seen with the other shorter books. He also tingles our minds with what is to come of the Jedi and the Force. Only one complaint: It lacks the depth of the longer center novels (like Vector Prime). It succeeds in what it tries to do, but it does not follow all the minor struggles, just Anakin. Perhaps that was its purpose, perhaps Lucas gave too little time, perhaps it was to short (2-4 hour read). Despite this one minor flaw, a very good job indeed.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Anakin is weakly written, a childs book
Review: As a reader of all the Star Wars novels, except the juvinile young Jedi series, I must say I am diddapointed. While the Vong are superbly written, and we learn more in this book then in all the others it isn't enough to overcome the books basic flaw; Anikin is a boring character. He has none of the depth and internal strife that Jacen stuffers nor any of the supreme compitence of Jaina. Anakin is writinas a spoiled jedi adept who just gets lucky, we don't see any hard sacrifice or internal struggle that a coming of age story would have. When compared with the work of Micheal Stackpole (whose I, Jedi is the best Star Wars book of all time). IT is made all the worse in that Keyes had a chance to introduce the Corran Horn character and he didn't. There was no supporting cast, although the one chapter with Luke showed the possablities for a new aspect in his character.

I say don't read it unless you've read the others and need continuity.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: No such thing as absolute, pure evil
Review: If there is one thing "The New Jedi Order" series lacked, it's good villains. The novelty of the Yuuzhan Vong and their philosophy wore off after the first couple of books. We were left with pure evil villains, too one-dimensional and abstract to be interesting.

This book is the first to explore the Vong society in more depth and detail. It adds new dimensions to the race (there are - gasp - dissenters and outcasts) and makes them more believable. Maybe it's just me, but the "Jedi Order" universe seems a lot more exciting for it.

After a somewhat slow start, the action picks up and stays fast enough to satisfy all but the utterly addicted through the rest of the book. The relationship (and dialogue) between Anakin and Vua the Vong warrior is a highlight. A satisfying addition to the series.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Was I reading the same book as other reviewers?
Review: I have to wonder if I read the same book as some of the other reviewers. Greg Keyes is a good writer, but I have to admit I was disapointed in this star wars book. I doubt if the authors involved have much leeway in crafting a story which is why I suffer through the lesser of the star wars novels.

First, Out of the blue characters. Who is Tahiri and why isn't she wearing any shoes and why should I care? Second, story lines that are begun and ended with no middle. Okay, Han and Lea are on some sort of secret mission...and this is important how? Jacen and Jaina are sent to find help...the reader is left guessing as to how this happens until they show up at the end...and by the way Corran Horn is with them!! Third, incompetent enemies - for being the latest scourge they sure do get killed off easily. While Anakin has developed into a Vong killer...c'mon, its one against a hundered and he walks out alive? Finally, the endings to these books are starting to get predictable, the hero's win, the enemies loose and any sweety caught by the Vong will have horrible psychological damage reversed with a hug at the end.

If the story was just about Anakin and his treck to save a friend, great, then this was a good book. The fact is that this is a series that is supposed to tie into other facets from other books, and it flirts with not doing that at all. But hey, its Star Wars...and I will read the next one anyway.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Too soon for defeat
Review: Another great novel in the ongoing storyline regarding the Yuuzhan Vong. I can't understand why some fans don't like this plotline; personally I think its one of the best. Conquest was a great book in that it reveals more of the Vong culture and its citizens it also shows that all Vong do not share the warmaster's views or agenda. Two casts are introduced in Conquest, the shamed ones, those who's bodies could not withstand the sacrifices needed by the Gods and the Shapers, those who mould other spiecies into serving the Vong through brainwashing. Its Anakin's show; who is on a mission to rescue Tahiri from the clutches of the Vong shapers before she is completely brainwashed. The story itself is suspenseful enough but this novel also soes the seeds of a way to fight back against the Vong; Anakin learns of some great insights and I'm sure in Rebirth he will use them to good use. Still, I think it was a tad too soon to start turning direction concerning the Vong but I hold out hope that the Vong will strike back with avengenes before they are defeated. Then again, things might not go as the fans predict the series is only in its seventh book and anything can happen. I wish there was one every month instead of every three. Anyway I'm looking forward to Cloak of Deception which goes back in time and stars the other Anakin; excellent series I have all novels to date Amazon can't ship them to me fast enough. highly recommended.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: It's Good, but not the best
Review: This book is definately an Anakin book. He flies off to Yavin to save the Jedi students without any premission. The Yuzzan Vong kidnap his friend Tihiri. They intend to turn her into one of them. Meanwhile Anakin makes an ally of a shamed Vong who seeks revenge on Tihiri's capters.

This being an Anakin book it didn't interest me as much. I prefer Mara and Luke. The story dragged for me, but others would like it. However Luke was written better. He comes of as a secret fighter. He uses calm strategy instead of weak and philosophic.

It's a good book, just not my favorite.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Conquest, it worries me
Review: Hello for the first time! I'm an avid Star Wars reader with over 30 SWs books. I had been waiting for this book to come out since I finished Balance Point. I was definately not surprised by the superior writing of Greg Keyes. This book kept me in suspense the entire time and had me guessing about a different outcome every couple of paragraphs. As the previous books, this one still does not give you a hint of what will happen in the end with the "Vong", I say that, cause as you read the book you'll understand why there was no prefix to "Vong." :) I would recommend this book to any Star Wars fan, but only if you have read the rest of the books in this series. Otherwise you miss out on a lot of good reading, and it all makes sense. :) Have fun fellow Star Wars fans, and May the Force Be With You!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Transitional Book that shows promise for the future of NJO
Review: Well, any series that kills a longtime character (Chewie) will generally have a longer road to true fandom than others. With this installment, the NJO series has finally won me over. The book explores Anakin Solo to a much deeper degree, shows us "anomolies" in the Vong culture which adds a lot more depth, and generally keeps you reading. The Star Wars (novel) world has changed, adn it seems the direction is true. Also, the story flowed very well together and those annoying "filler" chapters were nonexistant. Enjoy your read!


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