Rating: Summary: Yee-ha! Review: I liked this one a lot. As a long-time Star Wars fan, it's great to see the characters I've loved so long once again fighting against all odds. Prior to Vector Prime, the novels were getting formulaic; Imperial warlord/ex-protege of Vader has a plot to make the Empire great again, which our heroes defeat valiantly, blah, blah, blah. Now, with the new threat of the Yuuzhan Vong, the Star Wars Universe has once again become a place where anything can happen (as exemplified in the events of Vector Prime). Things I liked: 1. The factionalism in the Jedi order. It's refreshing to see that not everyone agrees one hundred percent with Luke on the issue of the Jedi's role in the galaxy. This brings a new level to the order's place in the series, and provides a "hook" to keep readers interested. This is best presented in the ongoing conflict between Corran and Ganner, two Jedi Knights on opposite sides of the spectrum. 2. The Yuuzhan Vong. Finally, a threat worthy of the New Republic! I'm especially intrigued by their technology (the use of semi-symbiotic animals rather than machinery) and the resulting effects on their psychology. Their hard-line warrior attitude also makes them the perfect emeny for the Jedi; the last line left my blood chilled. 3. The kids. I loved what Kevin Anderson and Rebecca Moesta did with Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin in the Young Jedi Knights series, and Stackpole has expanded on that foundation wonderfully as the kids start growing up. I like the paths he's chosen for Jaina and anakin, and I'm anxiously awaiting whatever life-path he (or another author) picks for Jacen. One quibble: I would like to see some updates on other characters from the Young Jedi days, especially Lowbacca, given recent events. What I didn't like: Not too much. I only have two problems: 1. There's a LOT to absorb here. I counted five separate plot threads in about 300 pages, not to mention various subplots (Danni & Jacen's relationship, Mara's illness, and Han's depression being just a few). Any reader who picks this book up solely for the Star Wars name without any knowledge of prior novels will be in over his head. The timeline in the front of the book was a nice touch, though. 2. Han. I'm worried that Chewie's death (screw spoilers; by now, eveybody knows about it) will lead to his departure from the series. I know they wouldn't do that, but his depressed condition has me worried about the character. As a long-time Han fan, I'm hoping he snaps out of it soon. So, all in all, I'm very happy that the Star Wars saga is alive and well, and in the hands of able writers like Mr. Stackpole. I'm anxiously awaiting the nex novelk, as well as all the others.
Rating: Summary: Stop what you're doing and buy the book now! Review: Mr. Stackpole proves again that he is indeed one of the masters of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.He has done a fantastic job with Onslaught and I'm very glad he is following up Vector Prime (which I like as well, BTW). The characterizations are top notch, and I loved the way he portrays Anakin in this one. I know some people complained that Han Solo doesn't appear in this book much, but you have to take into consideration that he does not serve any purpose in this part of the story and does not enhance the plot anyway (except tell us his whereabouts). This is a good call since he would have a more prominent role in Hero's Trial. Overall, it's an excellent book - go read it now!
Rating: Summary: Onslaught's okay Review: Dark Tide:Onslaught is a okay book. I wasn't too happy about Lando and Han,two of my favorite characters,having bit parts in this book.The Y.V. didn't have a big part either.A overall good book,but there could have been inprovements!
Rating: Summary: The best I've read in a long time Review: Salvatore really made a mess of things with that horrid Vector Prime. This is an excellent beginning of cleaning up the filth that Salvatore left behind.
Rating: Summary: Excellent New Era For Star Wars Review: For me, the appeal of Star Wars has always been the Jedi Knights and Stackpole does an excellent job delving into the minds of these creatures called "jeedai." Taking off where Vector Prime left off, the book continues to expand on this new threat to the New Republic-the Yuuzhan Vong. The Vong are true evil personified and are impervious to the Force, thus setting up the toughest challenge yet to Master Skywalker and his new band of Jedi Knights. I disagree with the reviewer who dislikes the focus on the Corran Horn. In my opinion he is one of the best new characters in the Star Wars world. I instantly likied him when I read "I, Jedi." And how could one not...he's a powerful Jedi with interesting abilities. In all fairness, Mike Stackpole does and excellent job with the original characters especially with the Jedi Master himself. All I can say is, (in the modern day vernacular...)LUKE SKYWALKER IS BAD! Read and enjoy.
Rating: Summary: where have they hidden the old Solo kids? Review: I read this book and was completly mesmerized by how well Mr Stackpole writes. It really is a work of art how well he blends action with interesting plot lines. I really wanted to read this book because I loved I,JEDI,whose main character is in this book as well. But I am disappionted with the NJO because the Solo kids are nothing like they are in the YOUNG JEDI KNIGHT books,especially Jacen, who all of a sudden is a philosipher,what's up with that? And another thing,where are all the great supporting characters from the YJK books?Tenel Ka,Zekk,Raynar,not to mention Lowbacca,whom I bet could be a very interesting character in the NJO,after all the yuuzhan Vong are responsible for his uncle's death and a wookiee with a lightsaber looking for revenge would be pretty interesting. But not to get to off subject,In Dark Tide 1:onslaught I thought Kyp should have a larger part as a vetern Hero , he is being portrayed as a brash,inexperianced Jedi,which he is not. How can anybody who came back from the darkside have a cocky approach to the Force,it just dosen't make sense. But overall this book is great,don't let my nit picking stop you from reading it.It's very cool.
Rating: Summary: A Good Star Wars Novel Review: This was altogether a good book. One problem I have with Michael A. Stackpole's style of writing is that it is so "speechy". Also a little too much emphasis was on Corran Horn. He is a good character but the emphasis should be placed on the originals. Han Solo was only in the book for about 3 pages. This book was definately not as dark as vector Prime(I don't understand why everyone hated that book, I enjoyed it)but still had a good story. It was also too fast-paced and short, only 292 pages, but still worth reading.
Rating: Summary: What Happened to the Bad Guys? Review: I think that this book is a lot better than VP, but wasn't as developed as VP. I hope that Ruin will be a little more detailed. The Yuuzhan Vong don't have a side to the story. That disappointed me. And what happened to Nom Anor? I also don't like how our favorite characters turned from the "Heros of the Rebellion" to flat characters without much detail. Stackpole and Salvatore both do pretty good jobs with the Solo children's personalities though. This book has definetly brought some fans back to the Star Wars galaxy after VP destroyed it.
Rating: Summary: Star Wars Books Are Still Worth Reading Review: After reading Vector Prime, I was seriously considering not reading anymore Star Wars novels; then I found out Stackpole was writing the Dark Tide Duology and I fugred that this story-arc deserved one more chance. Stackpole hasn't failed to disappoint me. The major problem I had with Salvatore were all the continuity errors strewn throughout his novel and the lack of explanations as to why characters were doing things they wouldn't be expected to (Mara and Luke acting so cold and aloof towards each other; the character assination committed against Kyp) or getting equipment they shouldn't have (Lando having T/A x1s for instance). You don't even need to read Vector Prime in order to understand what's going on in Onslaught; if you're reading this review and haven't read VP: don't bother. Salvatore doesn't know a thing of what he's writing about in the first place. The part of the plot that strikes me as being most interesting concerns the Jedi. Kyp's always been head strong and tempermental; Luke had best be on his guard. Unfortunatly, Luke has been scared to death of the dark side thanks to Ben and Yoda, and he preaches on and on its dangers to his students. Kyp wants to take these Vong on--good for him! I'm hoping Kyp'll get sick of Luke's whining, sever all ties with Skywalker and take his followers and take care of the Vong themselves (and it looks like that's exactly what will happen in Ruin). Of course, Luke wouldn't be pleased with this develeopment. He'd probably chew Kyp out and then Kyp would get aggitated and leave. Kyp's anger could be focused upon Luke for taking such a whimpy approach to handling the Vong and the New Republic Senate for failing to act forcefully enough. To sum it all up, I believe Kyp's heading down the path to the dark side again. I can't wait to see if I'm right.
Rating: Summary: I did not come away disappointed Review: Though this book was far from my favorite, it was not disappointing. I especially enjoyed the "growing pains" as it were, of the Solo kids (particualarly Jacen), and it was also nice to see Stackpole working more with the "mainstream" characters (aside from a little bit of Luke & Mara in "I,Jedi"). I was disappointed in the length of the book and also totally hated the way Han was not in it at all, for all practical purposes. Finally, I have to disagree with a previous reviewer about the severity of this new threat. I think that the bad guys are very formidable and perhaps the title of the next book, Ruin, foretells more dire circumstances for the good guys...
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