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The Hutt Gambit (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Vol. 2)

The Hutt Gambit (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Vol. 2)

List Price: $6.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Another day, another gambit
Review: A.C. Crispin continues to expand on the life of Han Solo in this excellent, second entry of her trilogy. The story picks up a few years after The Paradise Snare. Han has been kicked out the Imperial Navy for saving Chewbacca, and together the two travel to Nar Shaddaa and sign on to run spice for the Hutts. Along the way they meet Lando, Boba Fett, and Han gains some temporary new love intrests. The book culminates in a battle for the smuggler's moon when an Imperial Moff decides to clamp down on the illegal activity.

There are some major flaws in this book, making it the weak link of the trilogy, but a lot of it stems from the restrictions placed by Lucasfilm. By far the most disappointing part was that, after the hopeful ending of the last book, we don't get to see Han as an Imperial officer. This would have added another dimension to Solo's character, but appearantly Lucasfilm wouldn't allow that portion of the story to be told. As such, when Han goes to track down an old friend who was also kicked out of the service, the character doesn't feel properly fleshed out. The crucial story of Han saving Chewbacca is also told through bits and pieces without a full, satisfying narrative flashback. This is, next to Han obtaining the Falcon, the most important piece of the character's history, and Lucasfilm ruined Crispin's chance to tell it. Han's experiences at the academy could have made for a full novel in itself, or at least an extra hundred pages of The Hutt Gambit. As it stands, the book feels somewhat incomplete.

My only other criticism is that Crispin introduces Lando as a rookie pilot who saves Han so he can teach him how to fly. Again, I'm not sure if this was Lucasfilm's work or not, but this part of his characterization feels off. After all, Lando blew up the second Death Star, so shouldn't he already be a pretty strong pilot?

Other than those points, the book is still great. Crispin's writing style is smooth and absorbing, allowing for a very quick read. The subplots involving the Hutts conspiring against each other sets up Jabba's rise to power in the next book. We see a new side to the relationship between Han and Jabba, as Jabba pays to have the bounty on Han removed. Though we see little of Bria, her character seem to be constantly developing, and has now joined an underground resistance movement, which leads to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. Thankfully, Han's new love interests are welcome additions that don't take away from the main romance subplot between Han and Bria. They also reappear years later in other SW novels, for a cool bit of continuity. There is a cameo by Baron Fel, and another Star Wars fan favourite, though his dialogue feels like a cliched mix of his most famous lines from the movies.

Overall, while the Hutt Gambit is disappointing in the stuff Crispin was forced to leave out or skim over, it's still another great Star Wars book, and builds up suspense for the trilogy's final installment, Rebel Dawn.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Everyone is after the Laser Brian!
Review: Han and his shaggy sidekick now feel it is their job to defend their smuggler friends on the moon of Nar Shadda. They do an astoundingly well, there is even a brief appearance by Darth Vader in this book.

It provides some wonderful background for the "Dark Empire" series of comic books that were put out by Dark House all those years ago. This includes all of Han's smuggler buddies and the Bounty Hunters.

I only have one question, how exactly did Han manage to alienate all of these people? Did they all just get greedy?

Other then my questions it is an excellent book and a fine edition any serious Star Wars fans library.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Hutts, Bounty Hunters and Imperials after Han!
Review: The 2nd book of the trilogy was better than the first as we are introduced to more familiar characters from the original Star Wars universe. This book has plenty of action as well. We find Han kicked out of the Imperial Academy for saving Chewie from being killed. Han hates slavery!

Well, Han and Chewie, find themselves looking for a ship on the Smuggler's Moon Nar Shaddaa, and Han volunteers to work for Jiliac and Jabba, both Hutt's. Meanwhile, the t'Landa til, Teroenza, wants Han's skin for what he did in the first book. The Besadii clan of the Hutt's who Teroenza works for, hire Boba Fett for to capture Han.

Han falls victim to Fett, but another familiar name in the SW Universe saves his hide, Lando. Afterwards, Fett does not have much of a role in this book.

While working for Jabba, the Desilijic clan of the Hutts, Han finds out that the Imperials are wanting to destroy Nar Shaddaa, and the smuggler's ways of life. Jabba does not want this and tries to bribe the local Moff, to no avail, then the Admiral of the ships, which works somewhat. The Imperials launch an attack on Nar Shaddaa, but the Smuggler's have tricks up their sleeves, and put up a good fight.

Finally, another acquaintence shows up toward the end, as Han is hiding on an Imperial vessel in a dark closet, he hears heavy breathing, as someone visits the admiral. Then a thump to the floor.

Welcome to the picture, Lord Vader! Great read.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Review
Review: In the second book of the series Han Solo loses his Imperial military status after saving the slave wookie Chewbacca. Chewie fallows Han around until Han finally excepts him as a partner and friend. The Ylesian priests also have the mighty Boba Fett on Han's trail. To make things worse Han gets a job flying for Jiliac and Jabba the Hutt. Will things turn out okay or will it go down the drain for Han?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Stunning
Review: Crispin does a marvelous job. Cameos abound. Kid D'X'oln, Dravis, Roa, Mako, Durga, Jabba, Chewbacca's worst nightmare, Ana Blue, Zeen, Baron Fel, a certan Skywalker, Vuffi Ra, and more.

This book wins because of two things: Lando and Boba Fett. I think Crispin got the best look into the helmet of Fett of anyone, with the possible exception of Moran. Crispin ties her story in with Smith's twisted and hilarious Lando trilogy. (by twisted I mean plotwise.)

AS for the final battle, WOWOWOWWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! Stunning. I loved it. All the cameos and such meet in a great battle that is extremely well written.

Lest I forget, I loved the Imperials and their planning and sneaking around. Also, I've always kind of wondered why Han apparently never had any friends at the Imperial Academy. Finally, we see one. Very nice book. The best of the trilogy. I loved the "bring the Hutts to their . . . " line. I just wish she hadn't repeated it. It was only funny once.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A good book
Review: very good book! Has all the qualaties for a good star wars book! Very action packed! If you love Han Solo as much as I do, This book is for you!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Interesting and accurate
Review: This book is just great! Following the events in Paradise Snare, this is about Han and Chewie's early relationship, his employment with Jabba the Hutt, and our favorite dashing young gambler, Lando Calrissian. Every character present is interesting and exciting while remaining true to what has been laid down in the films. If you've ever had any questions about Han's early life, read this trilogy.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Star Wars -Han Solo Trilogy, The Hutt Gambit- (Seafire12)
Review: Unlike most trilogy's this one doesn't let up in it's description, dialgoue, and suspense. It is full of action and plot twists. A.C. Crispin has done a wonderful job. After reading all three books I felt like I knew Han personally. I litteratley felt Han's pain over Bria. This is a must read.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Bre's
Review: Firstly, I'd like to say that I really enjoyed this book. A.C. Crispin is a great writer. I felt that Han was really well represented, along with his relationship with Chewbacca. The author has done a marvellous job incorporating every single smuggling buddy Han has ever been recorded to have. The bit with the fortune-teller was a nice touch.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome
Review: This book explains how he meets Lando, Chewie, Boba Fett, Jabba, and when he firts saw the Millennium Falcon! It's a must get for Star Wars fans.


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