Rating: Summary: SW Books Don't Get Any Better Review: I've read all of the books in the Star Wars expanded universe so far and I can safely say that the Han Solo Trilogy, by A.C. Crispin, is the crown jewel.In book one, THE PARADISE SNARE, we are introduced to a young Han, living life on the edge as a lackey to a Corellian criminal, Garris Shrike. Solo escapes, thanks to the sacrifice of his lone friend, a Wookie named Dewlanna, and is able to get a job piloting for a religious organization on the planet Ylesia. This job sets the stage for the rest of the Solo story: his first love (Bria), his connection to the Hutts, his Academy days, the Chewbacca and Lando entrances, etc. Crispin's writing style is engrossing--she writes action well and has the touch with characters and relationships. Han's back-story is filled in completely; once you've read these stories you will understand his character, his motivation, and any/all references to his past that have ever been made. You'll want to pick up the entire trilogy, since once you read book one you'll have to continue the story. Some Star Wars novels don't work because they are too obscure. Some are not well written. Some are written be people who don't seem to understand the Star Wars universe or its characters (ie. THE CRYSTAL STAR). Crispin deftly avoids all of these pitfalls. It is difficult to write a trilogy where the whole world already knows the ending (since we know Han meets Luke and falls in love with Leia), but Crispin was able to grab and hold my interest as well as my emotion the entire time. The Han Solo Trilogy will appeal to hard core Star Wars novel fans as well as fans who up till now have only seen the movies. They are the best that Lucas Books has to offer. FIVE STARS.
Rating: Summary: A wonderus begening to a epic tryligy Review: The first book of the series that explains han solo's adventures and daring past. How did han get the legendary millenium falcon? How did he meet the mighty chewbacca? Why is jabba trying to capture han? All explained and much more, starting with han's childhood and ending with han's dream.
Rating: Summary: Beginning of the Best Star Wars Series Review: The Paradise Snare is the first book of the Han Solo Trilogy. I am a huge Star Wars fan, and have read over 40 Star Wars novels. Of these, this trilogy is my favorite, tied with Zahn's Hand of Thrawn Duology. This trilogy clears up the background of the Han Solo you see in the movies. The Paradise Snare tells of how Solo became involved with the Hutts, and of his first love, Bria. I would recommend this book to Star Wars fans and readers of science fiction alike. Then read the other two.
Rating: Summary: Great Introduction to Han Solo Review: This is a tremendous introduction to the life of the great Han Solo. This is the second time I have read this book, and it was better the second time I read it. Solo is my favorite character from Star Wars, because he is so witty and arrogant. Crispin does an excellent job introducing the wit and the arrogance of Solo through this masterful introduction. Here is a brief summary: His interaction the wookie, Dewlanna helped to shape his future life with Chewie, because, she saved his life with Garris Shrike. It was because of this that he was able to escape to Ylesia, and be their pilot. The whole Ylesian affair gave the book a very interesting twist. This is what helped shape Hans' excellent piloting skills and where he met Bria Tharen. But, the sham that the Tlanda Til were putting on with the 'Exultation' is ultimately what sent Bria away from Han. This was a sad take in the book, but an excellent move for character development and the overall plot of the story line of Star Wars. His short love affair with Bria helped to shape his arrogance and individuality. This finally leads Han to apply and be accepted into to be an Imperial pilot. This is a great introduction to a wonderful man in a wonderful story.
Rating: Summary: Good book, but not great Review: The Paradise Snare is great if you are interested in finding out the background of Han Solo. Outside of that, it's pretty average science fiction. The story moves along well, and keeps you interested, but it doesn't really stand out from a lot of other science fiction. If you want to find out how Han got his start, I'd recommend this, otherwise, there are some better science fiction novels out there.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Origin Trilogy for an Enduring Character! Review: The rogue with the heart of gold is epitomized in Star Wars' Han Solo. Supposedly in it for the money, he helps save the day and joins the Rebellion. Now here is his story. Crispin writes a terrific adventure yarn, fleshing out a young Han Solo and making him believable as a character and giving him perhaps the best and most complete origin story in the Star Wars universe. This story begins with a teenage Han Solo escaping from his home/prison on a wandering ship run by a bad-hearted version of Fagan from Oliver Twist. Solo is more like the Artful Dodger and less like Oliver. He escapes makes his own way in the world, meets a woman who might become the love of his life and at the end of the story joins the Imperial Academy. The evolution of the character is readily apparant, as he is loyal to his friends, an excellent pilot and at times a hero though usually on the wring side of the law. Anway this first book in Crispins series is by far the best of the 3 and truly brings Han Solo to life.
Rating: Summary: The Paradise Snare..... Review: First of all, let me say that this book did not capture the essence of Han Solo. I know that sounds like a stupid New Age thing to say, but it's true.In the Star Wars movies he was tough...calloused. A great character. In this book he was kind of squishy and soft.Like he was only TRYING to be tough.I always imagined that a book about him would be written in Peter Gethers style.This isn't the real Han Solo! Then there's Bria. She's an okay character, I guess, but she wasn't very memorable.Not much of a personality.However, I do have to give the author credit for not making her Mary Sue. While we're at that, do you really think someone like Han would act so mushy over a girl? Especially a girl who cried at the drop of a hat?That's why he liked Leia- she was challenging. Let's not forget Muuurgh. (Don't you think one 'u' would have been enough?) He was an interesting character, but his almost obsessive love for Mrrov was a little annoying.Mrrov herself was the best character in the whole book, I think. She wouldn't let anybody walk all over her! All things considered, this book would be best for thirteen-year-old girls. Maybe not even them. This isn't the real Han Solo!
Rating: Summary: Solo beginnings Review: If you have ever wondered just how Han Solo got his start, this is the book for you. Crispin has captured the flavor of the Star Wars and the characters of Han, Chewie, and Lando perfectly. The story is rich and exciting and full of great action. However, it is more than the typical action we are used to from Star Wars. It is rich in plot, locations, and characters. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole.
Rating: Summary: A great introduction to the young HAN SOLO. Review: This is arguably my favorite Star Wars series of books. Paradise Snare takes you from Han's "Charles Dickens" beginning and why he understands Wookie speak to introduce his first love. This trilogy is also the logic beginning of the "classic" SW - Luke skywalker era, as oposed to the "prequel" era and the NJO era. If you have already read some NJO and Prequel stuff, start your journey through the "classic period here! For those who are disappointed with the "prequel" stories and the NJO books, the Classic star Wars starts here and ends with vision of the future.
Rating: Summary: Han Solo Review: For anyone who has ever wondered why Han Solo is the way he is, this is the series for you. It really helps fill in the gaps in his story.
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