Star Wars Book Reviews
Ok, I'm a Star Wars geek. Dyed-in-the-wool you could say. I've read every post Return of the Jedi book there is. That's quite a few. Anyways, some are pretty good, some are so-so, and some just stink.
After awhile the story repeats itself. Leia and Han get themselves into a pickle and Luke has to come and rescue them and save the galaxy, or a variation of that theme.
But, with the introduction of the Yuuzhan Vong who, almost destroyed the galaxy, Lucas finally started to change the formula somewhat. He actually killed off some important characters. First he killed off Chewbacca, and then he killed off Anakin (son of Han Solo and Princess Leia).
Now, the war with the Yuuzhan Vong is over, and the Galaxy is again facing civil war. Jacen Solo is a master of the Force without having been granted the title.
Jacen also has begun to follow in the footsteps of his doomed Grandfather, Darth Vader. In essence, Jacen has decided to become a Sith Lord. At the urging of another Sith, Jacen is convinced that his father and the Emporer were twisted by their desire for power, and that a true Sith seeks stability in the Galaxy.
Of course, the Sith could easily be twisting him to their own purposes, but Jacen is wary and is ever watchful to make sure that the Sith do not betray him. However, in doing so, he continues down the path to the Dark Side, and his actions alarm his parents and his Uncle Luke.
The story line is covered over 9 books, with the first three already having been released:
Ratings:
* - Poor
** - Good
*** - Very Good
**** - Excellent
***** - Superior
Book #1
Rating: ***
Book #2
(Yes, Boba Fett returns in this book. For those of you who don't follow Star Wars that closely, Boba Fett actually survived the Sarlaac (the animal pit that he fell into in Return of the Jedi), though at great cost to his body to which he received extensive scarring.
Rating: ****
Book #3
Rating: ***
The last Star Wars book I read didn't follow the Jacen Solo story line. Instead, it covers some history of the Sith and the Sith Lord who implemented the Rule of Two (There can only be a Master and an Apprentice): Darth Bane.
Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Darth Bane)
A good novel which covers how Darth Bane becomes a Sith and how he destroys the existing Sith Lords and begins the Rule of Two. A pretty decent book, but I won't go into to much detail in it.
Edit: Drew Karpyshyn co-wrote the story line for the video game Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), so there are references to the game's story line in this book.
Upcoming Reviews:
The follow-up to the first novel. Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Book #1 of the Dresden Files (He's a Wizard)
Book #1 of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter
Books on Order:
Zahn is one of the Best Star Wars Authors. Unfortunately, the reviews for this book are mixed. Some bitching about not enough meat regarding the usual Star Wars characters (Luke, Han, Leia), and those that enjoy a look into characters other than the main characters all the time.
Rating: ***