Rating: 
Summary: Mike Stackpole to the rescue!
Review: When the new publisher decided to take the Star Wars story in a new direction I was initially intrigued. That optimistic curiosity dissipated about halfway through the first book, Vector Prime. That novel disappointed me greatly to the point where I decided to put Star Wars books on probation. If Vector Prime was going to set the standard and they didn't get better really soon, I would find something else to spend my 'disposable' income on. I don't promote mediocrity, especially considering some of the excellent Star Wars books that have come before. Well Onslaught, the first installment of the Dark Tide duology, brings back a lot of my old enthusiasm for the Star Wars saga. The characters are portrayed in a manner more befitting their development, the story is interesting and the aliens' bio-tech weapons are presented with much more believable descriptions. The level of technical detail falls somewhere between Stackpole's previous X-Wing novels and the more mainstream Star Wars novels. Long time fans of the "Expanded Universe" will find plenty of references to past stories that make this story feels as though it 'belongs' but new readers won't feel left out. This is how it should be. The one downside to this book is that it is not able to completely make up for Vector Prime's shortcomings but realistically fixes them and fills in as much as possible. Personally, I would like to have seen Mike Stackpole write the first NJO book as he is really familiar with Star Wars but the publisher wanted to use their better-known author as the book would probably sell better with his name on the cover. The resulting story, though it seemed to sell well, was controversial for a number of reasons and has chased a number of fans away. Hopefully, word that Onslaught is really good will bring some of those folks back. I'm really looking forward to the 2nd installment of this series, Ruin, due out in a few months.
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Stackpole Book So Far
Review: Mike Stackpole really knows the SW universe and the SW characters! The continuity from earlier books was seamless, and it was nice to have some reminders of earlier events in the lives of these characters mentioned so naturally throughout the book. The characters were familiar friends, but they've grown. Luke definitely deserves the title of 'Jedi Master' here, both because of his own awesome use of the Force, and because of his very evident wisdom and good judgment. Corran Horn still has a big ego, but he has matured nicely into a talented, competent Jedi. Anakin was the biggest surprise! He learns some valuable lessons in ONSLAUGHT. He no longer seems to be teetering on the edge of darkness, and he's actually likeable in this book. Mara's part was smaller than I would have liked here, but hopefully, she will play a bigger role in the next book. She comes to the conclusion near the end of ONSLAUGHT that she was meant to be a fighter and that she needs to be active. I loved the romantic moments between Luke and Mara! They finally seem like a couple in love. I liked the fact that most of this story took place from the point of view of the good guys. It made this seem like much more of a Star Wars story this way. The Yuuzhan Vong are SO alien, that it seemed as though I was in a different universe in Vector Prime. I was glad that the Jedi used their talents in this book far more than they did in Vector Prime too. That's very important in a SW story, after all! The Jedi are what make SW unique from other Science Fiction and Fantasy universes. This was a GREAT book! You won't want it to end! Go out and get Mike Stackpole's book and read it as soon as possible! If you're a SW fan, you won't be sorry you did. The story is great, the characters are the ones you know and love, and there is continuity from earlier novels.
Rating:
Summary: Best Jedi Order book yet.
Review: I just finished this book and I thought that it is 10 times better than VECTOR PRIME. (No offense to the guy that wrote it) I thougth that it patched it u nicely. Bringing back in starfighter pilots was a good idea. Getting a better look at the Vong was cool. I sure hope that the next book has an all out war. Again. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK YET.
Rating:
Summary: Fab book
Review: This book is great. Stackpole has outdone himself this time. The Jedi are back in force. The characters are greatly portrayed. The plot of the story is fabulous. Luke is troubled as he pulls up the Jedi in defense of the republic. The focus of the story changes from the politicions on Courascant to the Jedi, the defenders of Peace and justice. You can see also something happening between Luke and Mara. The Solo children are coming of age and are beginning to develop different personalities. Jaina is cool headed and mature, Jacen is trying to deal with himself, and Anakin is brash and full of energy. All in all a really fabuolous book. What I want to know is, when's the next one coming out?
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: This book is awesome. Once again Michael A. Stackpole has created a masterpiece. He is my fave SW author. I loved the plot. I can't wait for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: It was fabulous and I would suggest ordering it
Review: Book Review The Yuzen Vong are ruthless and terrible warriors, who are trying to conquer the galaxy. the New Republic ignored Leia's warning about there threat and allowed the alliens to conquer a substantial part of the outer rim. This book also showed all the powers of a jedi master by doing amazing things like pulling a giant armored vehichle into a black hole using the force. My Oppinions I thought this book was terrific. It had a lot of action. I can't believe how powerful the Yuzen Vong are. They were deadly warriors. If you have the book read the epolique because it tells a lot about the book. The proluque is aalso an essential part to read. The final battle was very interesting but showed a horrible bloody picture in your mind. NAyone who has the spare time to should definately order this book. Find Out the details as soon as possible
Rating:
Summary: Oh, not too bad
Review: I am an avid fan of Mr. Stackpole's work, the X-Wing series is one of my favorite, and as soon as I learned that he was writing another Star Wars book I knew I just had to go and pick it up. I don't think that this was some of Stackpole's best work. I felt the book was far, far to short and could have benefitted greatly from more detail. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want him to write a Robert Jordan, but it felt like it was maybe a little too rushed and the events and characters could have been explored with a little more depth. Speaking of the character, I felt that Mr. Stackpole did and excellent job with all of them, carrying on the characterizations from the first book. Jaina was mature, cool headed and filled with energy, Anakin was cocky and young but showing the seeds of maturity, while Jacen was still struggling with his personal philosophy, but a part of the action. I thought that Leia, Mara and Luke were very nicely done as well, Mara and Luke got a little romantic interlude, which finally answered my question of, "they ARE in love aren't they?" and, of course, Leia was brave, intelligent, tough and noble. All was very well done, but again, could have been explored SO much more if the book had just been longer. Now, wait a minute, who am I forgetting? Certainly not Corran, or Gavin, two of my absolute favorite characters of all time, oh no, I'm not exaggerating. I liked what Stackpole did with Gavin's character, taking him from an idealistic kid to "Colonel Gavin Darklighter". It was great see him so grown up. I loved seeing Corran too, but I must say, I'm not sure I like what Stackpole's done with him. Corran as a Jedi master just doesn't seem quite right. But, hey, Corran is Stackpole's character, he's allowed to do whatever he wants with him. I just wish I knew why he left his X-Wing for his lightsaber. Oh, and Mr. Stackpole, don't you EVER do that to me again. You think Mirax would have been ticked off? I guarantee that would have been nothing. Well, a little suspense is ok now and then, but you shouldn't toy with the emotions of a poor devoted fan like that. . .
Rating:
Summary: THE WAY STAR WARS SHOULD BE WRITTEN
Review: THIS BOOK DID NOT DWELL ON LEIA'S DIPLOMATIC ABILITY OR LANDO'S ADVENTURES BUT INSTEAD RETURNED TO THE TRUE THEME OF STAR WARS. THE JEDI. I FOUND IT REFRESHING TO SEE JEDI OTHER THAN LUKE GO AND "USE THE FORCE" TO GREAT LENGTHS. STACKPOLE PAID ATTENTION TO DETAIL FROM OTHER BOOKS AND BROUGHT THE FACINATING NOGRHI BACK TO PROTECT LEIA INSTEAD OF SNIFFERS AND SHOOTERS. IT WAS TREMENDOUSLY FAST PACED AND KEPT INTREST FROM COVER TO COVER. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GREAT IDEA TO WAIT TO THE VERY LAST CHAPTER TO FINALLY MEET THE VONG'S LEADER AND GET A SMALL CLUE OF WHAT THE MOTIVE IS. I CAN'T WAIT TILL THE NEXT BOOK COMES OUT.
Rating:
Summary: May be Stackpole's best
Review: As much as I liked Stackpole's X-wing novels I thought at times they were a little wooden, but the action was always first rate. Now Stackpole has expanded his stories beyond Rogue Squadron or Corran Horn and has written characters like Luke much better than others have in the past, he finally shows how tough he is. The story in Onslaught is fast moving and a lot of fun. Although I read Onslaught before Vector Prime, Stackpole's book made me go out and buy the first book to fill me in on the Yuzzhan Vong. Stackpole seems to run with the Vong without missing a step. And even though Han isn't in the book for more than a paragraph and Lando only for a minute, the others, especially the Solo children, are a nice break from the usual and I think are written well. The only complaint I usually have with Stackpole's writing may be kind of petty but I just feel he tries to end every single chapter or speech with a heartfelt or moving line. A chapter can never just end, it has to end on someone saying something prolific. Sometimes you should just describe the character's reaction or non-action and be able to get as much out of it. It's the old "show don't tell" aspect of storytelling and as good as Stackpole is usually, he doesn't evade that too well at times. I guess his dialogue just doesn't reflect the way people talk to each other but is more formal and awkward. But I still think he's a very good writer and this is a very good book.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Book, Albeit Short
Review: I'm a long standing fan of Michael A. Stackpole's. I've read nearly every book he's published and I'd rate this one in between good and excellent. I felt that the book had a good plot, and although I didn't read VP I feel that it could be nothing but an improvement. I say this only because an original character isn't slaughtered. But in any event, not focusing on VP at all I found this book to be very entertaining. One of my biggest problems with the book was the beginning. I felt that the first 40 pages lacked any excitement, emotional involvement, or power that the situation and speechs could have had. When I was first reading the novel I was quite disappointed and wasn't sure i really wanted to read it or the books that would follow. Around the 40th or 45th page, however, I was caught and I finished the book in less that 24 hours. My largest problems came with certain small problems w/characters. I felt that Mirax Terrik, one of my fav characters, should have been given a larger part. I'm not sure if it was possible but I know that I missed her in the book. Another of the characters I felt was slightly lacking was Leia. While, I didn't think she was that bad, sometimes I thought that she was, not too passive, but...too gentle. Not the dynamic character I expected. I'm not sure if anyone knows what to do with her, and I think that the way she performed in the book might suggest her becoming a Jedi. Han could have had more than 2 pages, but I think his position is going to be dealt with in other books, so that wasn't too much of a problem. Next, the YV's side of the story was nonexistent; not a problem in terms of making the book good, but it would have given it more depth and a good bad guy is always something people relate to, and I love. Stackpole does a good job with the evil characters too. Something he might do in the future as the epilouge suggests. My last problem would have to be with the twins. The twins WERE put in correct positions in the plot and provided the necessary element to the book. Jaina was at times a little too speechy or artificial, though. I think at times she acted a little too young, and not mature enough for the role that she played. Her relationship with her mother I felt was a little off, too. Jacen was artificial. also. I'm not sure what it was about Jacen, perhaps it was the philosophical slant that he had, that made him a weak character. I can't quite put my finger on it. Jacen did come alive, though, when he goes out on his own. From that point on I felt Stackpole did an extremely good job with him. The book certainly had problems as my paragraph above suggests, but I think he did a very good job trying to please a lot of people, and he was only slightly off. It's hard to be right on to everyone's opinion of a character when it's an original or a teenager who's opinions and maturity is so volatile. On the other hand, Stackpole did a lot right with the novel. First of all, he revived Luke and caught more of his spirit in this book than possibly any book in the SW universe. It provided continuity to Zahn's Hand of Thrawn series, which Luke was excellent in too. Mara was also a great character in the book, and I loved the relationship that the newlyweds had. Anakin Skywalker was a great character! I loved how he developed throughout the book and am looking forward to more of him. Corran was excellent... again! He's one of the best newbies to SW, I just wish I knew why he left the Squadron...Gavin was great again as another SW newbie. And as always Stackpole's plot was great. It combined multiple storylines, politics, excitement, and great fighting scenes all in one book. The factions within the Jedi and the way he deals with them, and Ganner's character were created very well. The book also gives the feeling of impending doom, and left me wanting more to read, which a good book should do. IMHO, I highly recommend that you read this book.
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