Rating: Summary: Definitely worth reading (and buying). Review: Most of the Star Wars novels out there are drivel. This is different. Salvatore does an excellent job--his writing style is good, the reasonable plot moves at a good pace, and best of all, the characters have the maturity you'd expect 20 years after Ep. VI. Zahn's last two novels are the only others on par with this, and "Vector Prime" is a worthwhile addition to the storyline. I am actually looking forward to the next book.As for You Know What--implied spoiler ahead--I think Han's thoughts at the very end sum things up fairly well. But let's face it. There wasn't much creative room left there, and things were getting a bit two-dimensional. Which isn't to say I wasn't "saddened" or "mildly distraught." At any rate, I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Dark, Darker, Darkest Review: This is not the Star Wars we all grew up with. I have read all the books, all the collected comics etc, and this is something very different. The art on the cover gives you an idea of what's inside. Two things that are outstanding; 1. a Map of The Star Wars Galaxy, 2. and a Time Line of the books, that while not going all the way back, covers 99% of what should have been included years ago. THANK YOU! Mr. Salvatore adapted to this saga very well, and without the one-liners that have gotten so annoying from the original 3 movies. He didn't use any crutches, and created amazing new life forms, organic weapons etc. Excellent story, well-paced, never slumps, keeps the tension high, so plan on a late night or two. The "IT" that others refer to bothered me, as I feel it was unecessary. That type of written device usually props up a weak story, and this book is anything but weak. But be prepared, this is a grim New Republic, many of our favorite characters are angry, very angry.Teenagers kill, with justification, but it's one more reminder that this "New" series is very new and very dark. If it were a movie, they would have to work hard and cut alot to not get an R. Still it's outstanding. Don't give up on "IT", a crack in that door was left open, and fans will kick that door in. Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: I should have waited for the paperback... Review: I spent all my money on this book...the hardback...I wish that I had saved myself sometime and just bought the paperback in a year's time. I had no high hopes or anything spectacular concerning this book, besides the fact that I hoped to see a little bit of Luke and Mara together more. I mean, they've been married now for about 5 or 6 years, and R.A. Salvatore couldn't even write a kiss in for them. It was, to me, as if they weren't even married. I didn't get anything out of this book that I expected, and it was a big let- down to me. I loved Vision of the Future, and ALL the books written by Timothy Zahn. But I admit, that I did not like this book. I'm not complaining about the way R.A. Salvatore writes, just the way he writes SW novels. I hope the next duology by Mike Stackpole will be better than these. R.A. Salvatore did write in some interesting chracters, but there was way too much action without a good cause, and my mind was spinning trying to figure out why they were doing what. This book confused me, and I didn't like the way he wrote any of the characters. The plotline (IMHO) needed to be better. I hope that the next ones are better.
Rating: Summary: Not bad but darker than I expected. Review: This was a very good Star Wars novel, much better than the last one I read, which was Planet of Twilight. I liked that this featured Leia and Han's kids more than most of the other books, but it was very dark in nature. One event in it was..... surprising, and sad, to say the least. (You'll have to read the book to know what I am taking about). By the way, I wish the author had explained more about Mara's illness. How did she get it, exactly? Will she be cured? Anyway, this was still one of my favorites of the Star Wars novels, although it was dark and violent and very gory at times.
Rating: Summary: Couldn't be better! Review: After reading this book, I am wondering why I ever wasted my time with the other Star Wars books. This is definitely the best of all of the Star Wars books I have read, and I have read nearly all of them, so my opinion should be greatly valued. You make the decision on if you will pay $ for it or not, but if you don't want to dish out the money now, then without a doubt you have to buy it when it is released in paperback.
Rating: Summary: A worthy beginning to the Star Wars Universe Review: I'd been waiting for this book since I learned of the new direction in the Star Wars Universe. A planned arc of over 30 novels, all carrying the same, planned storyline. Very exciting. This book, the first in that series, was well worth the wait. Salvatore has a fine grasp of the Star Wars universe, expanding upon it without clutching to numerous movie references, as has been the custom of many other writers to take to chronicling Lucas' world. The first chapter introduces a frightening new enemy, the Praetorite Vong, a disfigured, haunted enemy devoid of the force. An expeditionary force makes it's way to a barren world, setting up a base of operations, and beginning a systematic attack of the entire galaxy. Using weapons and vehicles of organic design, they are like nothing ever seen in the galaxy. Which is fitting, as they have come from another galaxy (far, far, away, I'd suspect). Some very good plotting, and a good sense of scale. The Jedi, previously cut down to one, now number around one hundred. The Solo kids are teenagers, as old as their parents were in A New Hope. The danger facing them is immense, and proves, for the most part, more than they can handle. A very nice set-up for the next books. And an appropriate swan-song for a departing character. A great read for fans and non-fans alike.
Rating: Summary: A pretty good addition to the Star Wars Saga Review: I just finished this book, and I must admit that I liked it. The plotting was tight, the characterizations good, the suspence palpable, and of course some cool space battles. But, there was something wrong. I personally feel that the book is a bit too dark. I guess I am too used to the banter and light heartedness of the X-Wing books, and the tone of this novel really caught me off guard. This is not to say that the tone is not justified, it is, for after all these guy's invading the galaxy make the borg (Star Trek) look like wimps who couldnt fight their way our of a paper bag! The aliens (the Praetorate Vong) have some cool biological technology, and in fact regard all machines as an affront to the dignity of those alive. This living technology is very effective. I have a feeling that our hero's are in for some major battles in the upcomming months. These aliens are one kick butt species, and I got the feeling that their will be some major butt kicken by the end of the New Jedi Order series in a couple of years. There is one real reason I gave the book four stars, because of IT. I won't spill the beans about what IT is, but I will admit that I almost cried when IT happened. I know why IT occured, to make us hate those evil extra-galactic critters, but that doesn't make me happy about IT. Oh well enough with the its. On the other hand, this book is totally engrossing, and well gets the reader ready for more. And I must add, I am darn glad the empire is FINALLY gone. No more super admiral whatsisname of the week. Also the map on the inside covers and the timeline on the next inside cover are very helpful with ordering the overall saga. Nuff said, go read it.
Rating: Summary: Salvatore a worthy bearer of the Star Wars saga's standard. Review: R.A. Salvatore has written the next chapter in the ongoing saga of the original trilogy's characters, and it's a dandy start to what promises to be an exciting series. He keeps things moving along at a good pace in this book, and his descriptions, especially of action scenes, are exciting and vivid. The storyline itself is promising, with the introduction of new enemies and more than a few hints at some interesting sub-plots as well. Most importantly, he treats the familiar characters with respect as he moves them toward middle-age. Readers will like how Luke, Han, Leia, and the rest of the characters have matured, and will surely be surprised by some of the developments--on that I'll say nothing else! Congratulations, Mr. Salvatore. Your first foray into this very familiar and public universe known as Star Wars is a hit, and I for one look forward to the rest of your work here!
Rating: Summary: 21 years after Rebel Victory... Review: Unrest within the galaxy rears its head again. And, thus, yet another thrilling space opera adventure at its finest begins, sweeping us all away to "long ago in a galaxy far, far away"! Now, even though I grew up with the Original Series Star Trek and have a particular preference for it, I am also an avid fan of sci-fi in general and it would be an injustice on my part not to mention the many other old and new sci-fi works that led me to Star Trek and Star Wars and which have forever forged my love for all sci-fi works: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Puppet Masters", "Foundation", "2001", "2010", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Ringworld", "Prey", "Halo", as well as books as new to the genre as "Advent of the Corps" and others.
Rating: Summary: i hate it Review: i really hate this book, not because it has a bad plot, not because it had had shallow charachters,and not because there was excessive meandering. i hate it because they killed off Chewie. being a major star wars nerd from birth, i almost cried (not really) when Chewie kicked it, but the way he died had no real meaning and it was stupid for such a cool charachter to die like that. The book really didn't portray the grief, and it was too late to have a real emotional impact. otherwise, the book was a good read.
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